Burgum highlights progress, energizes Main Street ND Summit with keynote address in Watford City
Gov. Doug Burgum kicked off the 2024 Main Street ND Summit on Wednesday in Watford City, setting an enthusiastic tone for the 2½-day event. In his opening remarks. Burgum welcomed nearly 500 community leaders, business owners, city planners and economic development professionals who gathered to explore the theme of “Regional Prosperity.”
Reflecting on the progress of the Main Street Initiative over the past seven years, Burgum celebrated the successes of the 108 communities currently engaged in the program. He also highlighted the ongoing work of a housing initiative that will bring recommendations to the 2025 Legislature, as well as the need to continue Renaissance Zone investment to address slum and blight, and highlighted recent major investments in workforce and child care, with more recommendations to come from the state’s Workforce Development Council.
“The passion and dedication of our local leaders has driven remarkable achievements across our state in creating healthy, vibrant communities with smart, efficient infrastructure that can attract and retain a skilled workforce and support economic diversification,” Burgum said. “We’re deeply grateful for their commitment to their communities and the key role they have played in the positive impact this initiative has had on North Dakota’s growth and prosperity.”
Participants of the Main Street ND Summit engaged in a variety of activities, including leadership training, workshops on arts and development, and opportunities to connect with local businesses and culture.
The summit also offered a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, workshops and networking opportunities, wrapping up with Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller presenting the 2024 Main Street ND Awards.
For more information on the Main Street ND Summit and Awards visit nd.gov/living-nd/main-street-nd.
2024 Main Street ND Awards Celebrate Innovation and Community Spirit Across North Dakota
Lt. Gov. Miller along with the North Dakota Department of Commerce on Thursday announced the recipients of the 2024 Main Street ND Awards.
“We are grateful for the dedication of communities throughout the state who embrace the Main Street Initiative's principles,” Lt. Gov. Miller said. “Building healthy, vibrant communities with strong infrastructure to attract and retain a modern workforce requires collaboration. These awards exemplify the success achievable when we work together.”
2024 Award Categories:
- 21st Century Workforce Award (Rural) – The Hettinger Mini Chamber, founded by Brooke Schneider, empowers youth to become community leaders. They have completed numerous projects, including fundraising for local initiatives and volunteering for various organizations. Their efforts have significantly impacted Hettinger, inspiring the community to support their endeavors and contribute to positive change.
- 21st Century Workforce Award (Urban) – Minot's WayFinders program tackles workforce challenges by offering a personalized onboarding experience for newcomers. Launched in 2023, it connects newcomers with community champions ("WayFinders") who act as their "first friend" and resource. This program has already attracted five new residents and their families, boosting the local economy and school system. With recent grant funding, Minot is now expanding efforts to attract young families, recent graduates, veterans, and boomerangs nationwide.
- Healthy, Vibrant Community Award (Rural) – Bowman County's collaborative spirit shines through its innovative recreation facilities. The recently opened splash pad, offering inclusive play for all ages, and the EDGE Activity Complex with its diverse activities, exemplify a commitment to community well-being. Since July 2024, these facilities have become popular destinations for residents and visitors alike, fostering engagement and joy.
- Healthy, Vibrant Community Award (Urban) – Broadway Square, a revitalized public space in Downtown Fargo, has transformed the area into a vibrant community hub. The Downtown Community Partnership's effective management and programming have attracted residents, visitors, and businesses, making it a model for urban renewal and community engagement. This activation highlights Broadway Square's significant impact on the downtown landscape.
- Smart, Efficient Infrastructure Award – The Sheyenne GRIT program has revitalized the community through various initiatives, including purchasing and renovating abandoned properties, improving public spaces, and supporting local entrepreneurship. Their efforts have contributed to the economic development and overall well-being of Sheyenne.
- Economic Diversification Award – The Minot Area Chamber EDC successfully brought intermodal service to the region, diversifying the economy and increasing export opportunities for North Dakota producers. The Minot Intermodal Facility has seen significant growth in operations since its launch, providing a strategic transportation hub for the state. This facility adds value to North Dakota's agricultural and manufactured products, strengthening the state's economy and enhancing market access.
- Future Leaders Empowerment Award – The Williston Chamber, under Anna Nelson's leadership, has transformed Lemonade Day into a comprehensive program equipping youth with essential skills for future success. This innovative program goes beyond traditional lemonade stands, offering experiential learning and mentorship opportunities to inspire young entrepreneurs. The Chamber's commitment to fostering youth development and economic growth has made a lasting impact on the Williston community.
- Main Street Excellence Award (Rural) – The Hazen Chamber of Commerce, led by Antoinette Heier, has fostered a strong sense of community through engaging events and initiatives. Their commitment to member engagement and community outreach has contributed to the organization's high retention rate and positive impact on the local economy. The Chamber's efforts have encouraged community involvement, promoted local businesses, and strengthened the overall well-being of Hazen.
- Main Street Excellence Award (Urban) – The City of Grand Forks and Grand Forks Region EDC have taken a holistic approach to economic and community development. They have collaborated to create a welcoming environment for innovative individuals and businesses, focusing on diversifying the local economy. Through partnerships with businesses, arts organizations, and nonprofits, they have developed workforce development programs that highlight the region's positive aspects.
The Main Street ND Awards are a collaborative effort of the Office of the Governor and Commerce. A selection committee made up of the collaborating agencies and partners judge the entries to make final awards.
For more information on the 2024 Main Street ND Award winners, go to msnd.link/MainStreetNDAwards24.
Miller helps celebrate the International Peace Garden conservatory reopening
Lt. Gov. Miller delivered remarks and helped celebrate the reopening of the International Peace Garden conservatory .
The expanded conservatory is being leveraged to develop partnerships with K-12 school districts in North Dakota and Manitoba to offer learning opportunities, lessons on art, culture, conservation, biology and recreation.
The Governor’s Office and North Dakota Legislature have partnered with Manitoba to provide significant support to the International Peace Garden in recent legislative sessions, recognizing the uniqueness and significance of this destination to the strong and lasting friendship between the two nations.
"For 92 years, these grounds have served as a living memorial to the peaceful co-existence of the United States and Canada," Miller said. "Our deepest thanks go to our counterparts in Manitoba for their commitment to strengthening the bond between our two nations."
First Lady visits Providence House treatment facility in Arnegard
On Wednesday, First Lady Kathryn Burgum visited the Providence House near Watford City to hear the story behind the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery center and visit with residents and clients of the program.
The facility was started by Jonathan Layne and offers inpatient and outpatient options from a 12-Step perspective to help adults with drug and alcohol addiction. Their treatment services include residential, day and outpatient treatment as well as social detox.
The personalized care gives clients regular one-on-one time with their counselor, opening the door for them to actively participate in their recovery.
North Dakota receives top financial reporting award for 32nd consecutive year
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the state of North Dakota for its 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
"We're honored to receive the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 32nd year in a row. It's not every day that you get to celebrate more than three decades of top-notch financial reporting,” Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Susan Sisk said. “This award is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our ACFR team that pours hours into ensuring our financial reporting is accurate and timely, year after year."
Sisk noted that the ACFR is required to be completed annually by OMB under N.D.C.C. 54-44-04.14 and is part of the state’s overall commitment to financial transparency for our citizens.
OMB works with fiscal professionals across state government to complete the report. Sisk and the ACFR team extend their gratitude to state agencies for their continued partnerships.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
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.