Economic Development – Page 2

Low and other Minnesota bands fight for rights to their master recordings

by: Josh Wolsky | January 31, 2023

The music business has many tales of bands and artists becoming trapped in contracts and losing control of their careers because of the fine print in industry contracts. And it becomes even more confusing when music ownership rights transfer among huge industry mergers and acquisitions. It’s forcing bands into the courtroom to reclaim what they

Read & Share sourced from: Star Tribune

Saskatchewan nursing union says recruitment plan to address worker shortage moving too slow

by: Josh Wolsky | January 30, 2023

It doesn’t matter where you look, recruitment of workers and staffing are the challenges facing communities. This story from The Regina Leader-Post highlights the Saskatchewan’s provincial need for nurses. Those on the job are burning out at a faster and faster rate, and the impact on health care is becoming evident. What are they doing

Read & Share sourced from: Regina Leader Post

Harvey lays claim to ND’s shortest highway

by: Josh Wolsky | January 29, 2023

Would you pull over and take a picture next to a sign designating North Dakota’s shortest highway? The citizens of Harvey are betting at least a few would, and any little thing that gets people into and through town for a few extra minutes is a good thing. And imagine the T-shirt fun they’ll have.

Read & Share sourced from: Minot Daily News

How oil helped save North Dakota’s largest coal-fired power plant

by: Josh Wolsky | January 28, 2023

It’s not that long ago that the news regarding Coal Creek Station was dire. The plant South of Minot was going to close; the 650 jobs it delivered would go with it. But thanks in part to resources and financing opportunities made possible by ND’s Legacy Fund, the plant was able to secure a new

Read & Share sourced from: Dickinson Press

Bakken Energy’s plans for Beulah hydrogen hub fizzle

by: Josh Wolsky | January 28, 2023

For now, the project between Basin Electric and Bakken Energy to deliver a hydrogen hub near Beulah is shelved; negotiation between the two companies has ended. The State Industrial Commission had been a big supporter of the project, and the situation leaves the state with a likely $4.5 million loss in grant dollars previously awarded.

Read & Share sourced from: Bismarck Tribune

Creighton University’s Mid-America Economy Survey Releases December Results, Economic Confidence Waning

by: Josh Wolsky | January 27, 2023

Creighton University produces a monthly economic report for nine states they have defined as middle America. The survey looks at economic indicators like production, inventories, employment, delivery lead times, prices, etc and puts them all together into a score. In December, that aggregate score dipped below ’50’ indicating we’re looking at some economic contraction. The

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Minnesota businesses get creative amid worker shortage

by: Josh Wolsky | January 27, 2023

From pet insurance to flexible scheduling, business owners in Minnesota are innovating out of need, and the need is to adapt and survive amidst a challenging market for employees. It matters in Minot because our economy and businesses are facing the same pressures, so any ideas we can take from other places is worth a

Read & Share sourced from: MPR

North Dakota partners with O’Leary Ventures on direct investment program

by: MinotVoice | January 27, 2023

Bismarck, ND — The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) selected the nationally acclaimed generalist venture capital investment platform, O’Leary Ventures (OLV) as a partner to manage a $45 million direct investment program aimed at bolstering economic growth throughout the state. “North Dakota takes pride in being

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Dollar Stores Are the ‘Fastest-Growing’ Food Retailers In US, Study Finds

by: Josh Wolsky | January 26, 2023

Food is one of those items we all need. But in communities across the country, access to fresh, local grocery stores is increasingly difficult to find. The trend is measurable, and the food source making up the difference — dollar stores. The problem is, food at dollar stores don’t carry fresh food. The second problem

Read & Share sourced from: Vice

Montana beef processing ramps up, but more butchers are needed (Is there an Opportunity for Minot Here?)

by: Josh Wolsky | January 25, 2023

Since the start of the pandemic, the amount of meat processed in Montana has grown by 75%. The number of cows processed annually is still a drop in the bucket compared to the national numbers, but it’s a small pushback against the large meat-packing consortium. And the demand for butchers is still growing. Get the

Read & Share sourced from: Billings Gazette

ND Main Street Initiative reaches 100th community milestone

by: Josh Wolsky | January 25, 2023

The Main Street Initiative (MSI) officially reached 100 designated MSI communities last week with Sheyenne becoming the newest community. “We are grateful for everyone across the state who has contributed to these ongoing efforts to create healthy, vibrant communities through the Main Street Initiative,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “This milestone underscores the dedication and pride

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Downtown Fargo Developments Expand to Riverfront and Former Parking Lots

by: Josh Wolsky | January 24, 2023

The renaissance of downtown Fargo shows no signs of slowing down. Two projects were recently approved by the City Commission. Kilbourn Group will be delivering a $28 million 114-apartment unit development along the riverfront, the goal is to bring that area to life. And another project will deliver a mixed-use commercial and residential development onto

Read & Share sourced from: InForum

Firm seeks to build solar panel plant in Manitoba

by: Josh Wolsky | January 24, 2023

The first phase of a possible solar industry cluster is in the works in southeast Manitoba. Companies of the same industry often cluster together because they benefit from proximity to each other. Sio Silica makes the first ingredient — pure quartz silica — that goes into the production of a host of other end products

Read & Share sourced from: Brandon Sun

North Dakota rancher creates leatherwork ranging from functional to fashionable for clients across U.S.

by: Josh Wolsky | January 23, 2023

A SW North Dakota rancher has turned a passion for working leather into a successful side business. It’s a story of quality workmanship, the use of new technology to reach an audience wider than the one in Bowman County and embracing product ideas outside the norms. Get the full story on a small business making

Read & Share sourced from: Dickinson Press

North Dakota Development Fund approves $870K for Q4 2022

by: MinotVoice | January 23, 2023

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that two companies were approved for a total of $870,000 in loan funds through the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) during the fourth quarter of 2022. “Businesses across North Dakota continue to thrive due to the state’s favorable business climate, which not only encourages start-ups and expansions

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Relocation Programs Continue to Grow in Numbers in Rural America

by: Josh Wolsky | January 20, 2023

One story down in our home page news feed, you’ll read about Finding the Good Life in North Dakota, it’s our state’s effort at telling the story that will attract people to fill all the open jobs that are holding our economy back. But North Dakota isn’t the only place playing this game. Other states,

Read & Share sourced from: The Daily Yonder