Miller helps break ground on addition to Woodland Resort on Devils Lake
Woodland Resort, a family-owned business located on the shores of Devils Lake, broke ground on a new events center made possible by a matching grant from the Governor’s Office and the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The Destination Development grant aims to create new attractions, expand existing ones and boost the tourism economy across the state.
“Woodland Resort is a North Dakota landmark with a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike. Outdoor recreation is woven into the cultural fabric of our state, whether it’s hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, skiing or off-roading," North Dakota Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller said. "The incredible demand for the Destination Development grant has sent a message that North Dakota communities are eager to create attractions that differentiate and help attract and retain residents. We all see the value and return-on-investment that tourism brings as it diversifies the economy."
The Shores Events Center, situated at Woodland Resort and overlooking the picturesque Creel Bay, will be a significant addition to North Dakota's thriving tourism industry.
The resort, owned by Kyle and Karin Blanchfield, has been a labor of love for the couple for over three decades. Starting with humble cabins, the resort has grown into a full-service facility, offering cabins, a motel and a hotel. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a full-service marina, guide services and a store on-site.
North Dakota takes significant step toward attracting global talent
North Dakota hosted a groundbreaking summit focused on attracting and retaining global talent to drive economic growth within the state last week.
The Global Talent Summit, attended by key government officials, industry leaders and immigration experts, underscored the critical role of foreign workers in bolstering North Dakota's workforce.
Keynote speakers, including Lt. Gov. Miller and Congressman Kelly Armstrong, emphasized the state's commitment to creating a welcoming environment for international talent. The event featured in-depth discussions on a range of topics, from visa pathways and recruitment strategies to workforce development and integration.
“North Dakota is open for business, and that includes welcoming individuals from around the world who bring unique skills and perspectives,” said Commerce Workforce Development Director Katie Ralston Howe. “This summit marks a significant step forward in our efforts to tap into the global talent pool.”
To learn more about the Office of Legal Immigration and North Dakota’s workforce efforts, go to commerce.nd.gov/workforce.
HHS offers resources in observation of International Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day is observed on Aug. 31. As North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) continues its effort to enhance services and supports it will commemorate this day by remembering those lost due to drug overdoses and recognizes the grief of their family members and friends. HHS is dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of drug overdoses and the available prevention resources that can help save lives in North Dakota.
North Dakota has experienced 575 overdose deaths over the past five years (2019-2023) with 116 overdose deaths in 2023. These figures underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures.
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an effective opioid overdose reversal medication. It is available through many North Dakota public health units, pharmacies, over the counter or from primary care providers. A free two-dose naloxone kit can also be requested from the HHS Behavioral Health Division by visiting hhs.nd.gov/opioids or calling (701) 328-8920, 711 (TTY).
North Dakota’s Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who administer naloxone in good faith and contact 911 during an opioid overdose.
"We are dedicated to collaborating with our partners to tackle the overdose crisis," said Behavioral Health Division Director Pamela Sagness. "Providing North Dakotans with access to naloxone and the necessary training to administer it during an overdose is essential for saving lives across the state."
From Oct. 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, the Behavioral Health Division, in collaboration with local public health units, tribal health units and pharmacies, distributed 20,368 naloxone kits in North Dakota. During this same period, 642 overdose reversals were reported.
For naloxone training or other resources to prevent overdose and overdose deaths, visit hhs.nd.gov/opioids or contact a local public health unit.
Main Street ND Summit is this Tuesday!
The 2024 Main Street ND Summit is taking place this week, Aug. 27-29 in Watford City. Registration is still open for the event.
The Main Street ND Summit provides an opportunity to join forces with local leaders, experts and passionate citizens to share winning strategies, spark fresh ideas and chart a course for regional prosperity.
This year's theme, "Regional Prosperity," is a call to action. Bring a neighbor, colleague or classmate and get ready to return home energized and equipped to build a brighter future for your community.
Beyond the inspiring sessions, the Main Street ND Summit offers a variety of exciting activities to immerse yourself in the heart of Watford City:
- Main Street Kickoff Street Fair (5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27): Enjoy a mechanical bull, wagon rides, live music, food trucks, and local shopping.
- Long X Visitor Center Little Market, Green Mile Block Party, and City Trail Walk (5-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28,): Explore local vendors, stroll through the park, and walk the city's historical trail.
- Arts Reception (5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28): Mingle with artists and staff from the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
- Main Street Bison Sip 'n Paint (7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28): Unleash your creativity in this beginner-friendly painting class (separate registration required).
Don't wait – secure your spot at the Main Street ND Summit and book your hotel room today!
Nominate a member of Team ND for the Governor's Awards for Excellence in Public Service
Every day, members of Team ND are making a difference in the lives of our fellow North Dakotans to Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success. Team members at every level are going above and beyond to put our citizens first by working across teams, agencies and branches to solve problems and rise above challenges.
The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service are an opportunity for each of us to share our gratitude for the many individuals who collectively make Team ND a world-class organization dedicated to its citizens. We encourage all members of Team ND to think about those team members who go above and beyond to serve citizens, to support the team and to create a stronger North Dakota. Then, recognize their efforts with a nomination for a Governor’s Award!
Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 31, and team members can submit several nominations across nine award types:
- Heritage Award for Excellence in Citizen Focus
- Telegraph Award for Excellence in Technology
- Pioneer Award for Excellence in Innovation
- Zezula Award for the One Who Helps
- Landmark Award for Excellence in People Management
- Frontier Award for Excellence in Continuous Learning
- Harvest Award for Excellence in Quality
- Sodbuster Award for Excellence in Growth Mindset
- Roaming Bison Award for Excellence in Work as One Culture (team award)
Recognition is made possible through your active participation. Last year, more than 600 members of Team ND were recognized in nearly 1,000 nominations submitted. This year, we hope to recognize even more exceptional Team ND members.
NDRIO to host Inaugural Investment Seminar
The North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office will host its Inaugural Investment Seminar, “Optimizing Returns for North Dakota’s Future" on Sept. 25, 2024, at the Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy.
This seminar is designed to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of North Dakota's investment strategies and the broader economic landscape. It will also be an excellent opportunity for community leaders, members of the public, and industry professionals to learn about sound investment practices and the future of North Dakota’s financial growth.
2024 Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism Now Open
The North Dakota Governor's Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism is back, inviting residents to capture the beauty and excitement of our state for a chance to win cash prizes and statewide recognition. This year’s contest is a partnership between the Governor's Office, AAA of North Dakota, North Dakota Tourism and the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
“North Dakota is a state of extraordinary beauty and diverse experiences, and this photo contest is a wonderful opportunity for residents to showcase what makes our state special,” Gov. Burgum said. “We encourage everyone to participate, capture the magic of our seasons, and share their unique perspectives with the world. Let’s celebrate North Dakota’s beauty together and inspire others to discover our great state.”
This year's theme highlights North Dakota's diverse seasons, showcasing the unique appeal of our state throughout the year. Photographers can submit entries in eight categories:
- Winter Scenery & Winter Activities
- Fall Scenery & Fall Activities
- Spring Scenery & Spring Activities
- Summer Scenery & Summer Activities
The contest is open to all North Dakota residents. Photographers can submit their entries online through Instagram, the contest website, or Flickr, or by mail. The deadline for entries is Jan. 31, 2025.
Winners will be chosen in each category, with a grand prize winner receiving an additional cash prize and a free AAA membership. Winning photos will also be displayed in the State Capitol and used in promotional materials.
Full details and contest rules can be found at https://www.ndtourism.com/governors-photo-contest-entry.