The Chamber - Grand Forks/East Grand Forks

Day two of East returns West. 4 panels this morning workforce, Williston growth update, UAS and 6 legislators participating in roundtable discussions with 17 folks from Grand Forks and Williston Community leaders.

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Good Morning Chamber Member, check out this message from Chamber Members to YOU!😁 Information from Chamber Members to Chamber Members - The official Chamber of Commerce GF/EGF Weekly E-Publication - 701-772-7271 - www.gochamber.org - [email protected] Back the Pack! Food Drive for

Come out and join us for a fantastic Business after Hours hosted by 322 Hospitality Group at Cloud 9 Events! The set up is beautiful and we look forward to seeing you here!

East returns west. 20 business and community leaders traveled to Tioga and Williston today. Kathy Neset, owner of Neset Consulting in Tioga (far right on top photo) talks about the importance of eastern and western ND working together. Certainly mutually beneficial with over $1.3 invested by the of ND in Grand Forks infrastructure.

Chamber President Barry Wilfahrt noted the success in the Baaken is also driving growth and success in Grand Forks.

Next stop is coolest in Tioga and then on to Williston.

Exciting News: Ribbon Cutting! It is my great pleasure to welcome Circle K , 1315 S Washington St., Grand Forks, ND as the newest member of our Chamber of Commerce. We are honored to be a part of their Ribbon Cutting celebration and to formally recognize their commitment to our community.

Circle K exemplifies the values and spirit that make our chamber strong and vibrant. We are excited about the unique contributions they will bring, and we look forward to supporting their growth and success.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome, we are thrilled to have you as part of our chamber family.

East Grand Forks City Council approves $20,000 pledge for Grand Forks’ air service grant
Grand Forks is seeking a $1 million grant award to add a Grand Forks to Denver flight from SkyWest Airlines.

By Matthew Voigt
EAST GRAND FORKS – The East Grand Forks City Council approved a $20,000 pledge during its Tuesday meeting to help support Grand Forks’ initiative to bring additional air service to Grand Forks International Airport.

Grand Forks is in the process of applying for a $1 million small community air development program grant through the United States Department of Transportation. The program seeks to help communities improve issues with limited air service and high airfare prices. Grand Forks’ application has received a letter of support from SkyWest Airlines for service to Denver in partnership with United Airlines, a requirement of the application. The earliest the funds would be expended, if they are needed, would be in 2025.

If successful, the grant would potentially allow Grand Forks to have a direct route to Denver. President and CEO of the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce Barry Wilfahrt told the council that the team of local business leaders leading a fundraising match effort has already raised $130,000 of its $200,000 fundraising goal.

“What this will do is it’ll end up making us more attractive as a regional airport hub, so people don’t have to drive to Fargo and that they can fly out of Grand Forks,” Wilfahrt said. “This will benefit both of our communities from an economic development perspective and from a business development point of view.”

Applications with local funding and support pledges, especially those that have higher match ratios, have been more likely to receive air service grants in the past, according to a the Meehan Aviation Group, the consultants the city are working with on the project. The average grant application has local pledges matching 40% of the total grant award’s funds. The funds for the program go toward the start-up costs of bringing a new flight service to an airport.

The Grand Forks City Council has already approved up to $300,000 in local matching funds from their economic development funds. Wilfahrt said that local pledges from businesses and organizations range from $1,000 to $20,000.

“I think it’s a fair ask, the math works between the two cities,” Wilfahrt said. “(Grand Forks’) air service is our air service, so in the spirit of working with Grand Forks, I would encourage this council to act favorably.”

Whether Grand Forks is successful in its grant award will likely be known by the end of the year. The amount of money available through the program is less than it has been in previous years, but Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski, who is spearheading the effort, said he would try to apply again next year if unsuccessful this year.

In other news, the council:

Approved ballot language for the city’s November sales tax vote. The city is asking residents to approve a 1%, 20-year sales tax to fund renovations and improvements to the Civic Center Arena and VFW Memorial Arena. Two questions will appear on the ballot this November, one for each project.
Approved up to $24,000 for the East Grand Forks Economic Development Authority to use a search firm as it seeks its next director. A search firm may or may not be used, but the EDA wanted the ability to widen the search if the current search is unsuccessful in finding a candidate.

Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce commences another round of East Meets West
Legislators, business leaders from each side of the state come together to talk about opportunities.
Chamber of Commerce East Grand Forks and Grand Forks.
Chamber of Commerce East Grand Forks and Grand Forks is located in downtown Grand Forks. (Herald staff photo)
By Kevin Fee
GRAND FORKS — When the east meets west in high school sports, it usually means a battle on the field, court or arena.

Eastern legislators and business leaders are traveling to the western part of the state under a more “We Are Family” tone.

The Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring another East Returns West tour of parts of western North Dakota, part of an ongoing relationship-building effort. This year’s event is Thursday and Friday.

“When the Bakken was really hopping way back in like 2010, we thought 'well we should take a group of our community leaders out and visit people,'” said Barry Wilfahrt, president and CEO of the Grand Forks-EGF Chamber.

“We just talk about what we can do to help them. A lot of our businesses are looking at doing business out there. At the peak in 2012, we had over 100 Grand Forks businesses doing business out in the Bakken. We were just coming off rebuilding after the Flood of 1997 for a decade so our contractors, subcontractors, we kind of knew what it was like to do that fast-build in response to the flood.”

Thirty to thirty-five people from both sides of North Dakota will meet in Tioga on Thursday and Williston on Friday. Information should help two sides of the state find opportunities to help each other.

“Obviously, things have settled down in the Bakken, but we’ve maintained a real close relationship with the western part of the state,” Wilfahrt said. “They’ve been very supportive of Grand Forks and the UND legislative agenda.

“And we’ve been very supportive of their legislative agenda. So we have several of our legislators going with on the trip.”

Kicking off the event is a 2 p.m. Thursday welcome to the Grand Forks delegation in Tioga from Kathy Neset of Neset Consulting.

From 2:30-4 p.m., a Bakken Basics information session will be center stage. Included in the discussion will be Ron Ness of the North Dakota Petroleum Council; Justin Kringstad of the North Dakota Pipeline Authority; and Neset. Kringstad will review oil and natural gas production and transportation, and Neset will cover future drilling, geology and energy.

On Friday in Williston, Shawn Wenko will facilitate a discussion on Williston Square with Mayor Howard Klug; Tommy Kenville of ISight Drone Services and Greta Silewski of Thales will discuss UAS, BVLOS and Train North Dakota Drone Park.

There will also be updates on a west-to-east pipeline and Bakken Grow (Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers), along with a roundtable involving legislators.

“I feel it’s productive,” Wilfahrt said. “It’s good for us to understand what’s going on out West, because a lot of that oil revenue is really benefiting the East.

“We appreciate what they need out in the West. We also educate them on what we’re using some of that oil money for and how it’s benefiting the whole state. We have worked very closely with western North Dakota for mutual benefit.”

This is the fourth in-person western visit since 2010. There also have been video meetings over the years.

“I think anytime we can continue to work together, East and West, it benefits both sides of the state,” Wilfahrt said.

4 Openings for the 2024 Chamber Leadership Program https://conta.cc/3S6qlNI

4 Openings for the 2024 Chamber Leadership Program Applications accepted on first come first serve basis     Leaders for Life A Professional Development Training Program   We have 4 spots available for the 2024 Chamber Leadership Program which begins

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Good Morning Chamber Member, check out this message from Chamber Members to YOU!😁 Information from Chamber Members to Chamber Members - The official Chamber of Commerce GF/EGF Weekly E-Publication - 701-772-7271 - www.gochamber.org - [email protected] Heroes for Hospice Choice Ba

New member:

Welcome to aNew Health – a beacon of well-being rooted in passion and dedicated to your health restoration journey. Our commitment to wellness is evident in our curated selection of supplements and chiropractic services. We believe in addressing stress – whether from Trauma, Toxins, or Thoughts – as the foundation of health restoration. Our story is one of transformation and truth in healing, offering you a path to optimal well-being. Step into aNew Health and experience a new chapter in your wellness journey. Embrace the fundamental approach that defines us, and let us guide you towards a healthier, more vibrant you. Welcome to aNew Health – where your well-being is our story.

aNew Health
Jules Efta
[email protected]

Great opportunity to promote your buiness and connect with our military members at The Chamber Military Affairs Golf Scramble https://conta.cc/4ctglX0

The Chamber Military Affairs Committee Annual Golf Scramble Great opportunity to promote your business and connect with our military members!   Thank you to the following sponsors! Beverage Cart Sponsors: McFarlane, Inc | Lunseth Plumbing & Heating Dinner & Aw

Welcome New Member:

Tri-Valley Head Start, East Grand Forks is a 4 Star Parent Aware rated childcare program. We offer a Head Start program that helps young children between the ages of three and five grow up ready to succeed in school and in life. We also offer an Early Head Start program for families with infants and toddlers ages birth to three.
Both programs work to meet high standards for delivering quality services to children and their families. Children who attend Head Start programs participate in fun activities while developing social skills. Children also receive nutritious meals and the necessary health care in a safe environment.
Parents with children in Head Start participate in all aspects of the program. They help to govern, plan what children learn, and provide advice about needed services. Parents and other community members also volunteer in classrooms and other parts of the programs.

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Good Morning Chamber Member, check out this message from Chamber Members to YOU!😁 Information from Chamber Members to Chamber Members - The official Chamber of Commerce GF/EGF Weekly E-Publication - 701-772-7271 - www.gochamber.org - [email protected] Introducing our brand new qua

Military Affairs Golf Scramble...Great opportunity to promote your business and connect with our military members! https://conta.cc/4cxspqt

The Chamber Military Affairs Committee Annual Golf Scramble Great opportunity to promote your business and connect with our military members!   Thank you to the following sponsors! Beverage Cart Sponsors: McFarlane, Inc | Lunseth Plumbing & Heating Dinner & Aw

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Good Morning Chamber Member, check out this message from Chamber Members to YOU!😁 Information from Chamber Members to Chamber Members - The official Chamber of Commerce GF/EGF Weekly E-Publication - 701-772-7271 - www.gochamber.org - [email protected] Join Us in Honoring Compassio

Exciting News: Ribbon Cutting! Welcome Amber Waves Therapy, PLLC to their new home at 2017 S Washington St, Suite 3, Grand Forks, ND 58201. Amber Waves Therapy exemplifies the values and spirit that make our chamber strong and vibrant. We are excited about the unique contributions they will bring, and we look forward to supporting their growth and success.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to them as they embark on this journey. Amber Waves Therapy offers effective individualized, mental health care completely online. They treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals and couples.

EMDR therapy is one of Amber Waves Services. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a modality of trauma therapy that is evidence-based. It is one of the most effective forms of trauma therapy in the world.

Both Lori and Cassandra are fully trained in EMDR and Kylie is receiving her training in July and August. Lori is also fully trained now as a perinatal mental health counselor. This gives her the ability to treat perinatal and postnatal mental health issues, child and infant loss, and infertility issues. Kylie also has specialized training in DC: 0-5, which gives her the ability to see clients under the age of five years old. Because of this, Amber Waves Therapy, PLLC is one of the only mental health practices in the Grand Forks community who can see ages zero through geriatric. Cassandra is also trained in dialectical behavioral therapy, which is one of the leading therapy modalities for personality disorders, most specifically borderline personality disorder, for which it was originally created.

Amber Waves Therapy, PLLC is looking to expand their practice, and have high hopes to one-day employ a licensed clinical psychologist for different types of clinical testing, and maybe even one day expand our scope into medical practice and include a psychiatric nurse practitioner. This way, we could treat all of our clients in house from every aspect and angle. We have big hopes for the future!

Let's show our support by giving them a warm welcome!

The Chamber is hiring! https://conta.cc/3zkm5ng

The Chamber is Hiring! Apply Now to be the Director of Membership Development & Engagement     Join our team as the Director of Membership Development & Engagement   Are you a friendly, outgoing individual with a knack for

Great opportunity to connect with our military members at The Chamber Military Affairs Committee Golf Scramble. https://conta.cc/4eDIkEK

The Chamber Military Affairs Committee Annual Golf Scramble Great Opportunity to Connect with Our Military Members!   Thank you to the following sponsors! Beverage Cart Sponsors: McFarlane, Inc | Lunseth Plumbing & Heating Dinner & Awards Sponsor: Service Cred

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Good Morning Chamber Member, check out this message from Chamber Members to YOU!😁 Information from Chamber Members to Chamber Members - The official Chamber of Commerce GF/EGF Weekly E-Publication - 701-772-7271 - www.gochamber.org - [email protected] CELEBRATE JULY 4th WITH US!

Welcome to Northdale Oil! We are ready for you at Business After Hours!

Exciting News: Ribbon Cutting! Welcome Pediatric Partners to their new home at 1811 S Washington St, Grand Forks, ND 58201. Pediatric Partners exemplifies the values and spirit that make our chamber strong and vibrant. We are excited about the unique contributions they will bring, and we look forward to supporting their growth and success.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to them as they embark on this journey at their new location. Since 2007, Pediatric Partners, a member of the Sevita family, has provided comprehensive in-home, center-based, and school-based skilled therapy services for infants, children, and young adults. Their teams of compassionate pediatric experts help children with medically complex, developmental, behavioral, educational, or other needs learn the skills they need to thrive. In various locations, they offer Physical, Occupational, and Speech-Language and feeding Therapy, Augmented and Alternative Communication, Mental Health Counseling, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Early Intervention services. At Pediatric Partners, they believe every child deserves the best and are committed to making a difference in every child’s life.

Let's show our support by giving them a warm welcome!

EGF Economic Future is Bright
By Barry Wilfahrt,
President & CEO The Chamber Grand Forks & East Grand Forks

First, in a three-part series: Part one: The EGF Economy has some great strengths; part two, EGF Economic Opportunities and Strategy Identified; Part three: Policy Matters.

Last fall East Grand Forks embarked on an effort to set an Economic Development Strategy for the next 1-5 years. Local elected leaders and business owners participated in a strategic planning process led by Praxis Strategy Group. Most of the participants felt the local economy is staying about the same.

Our population on the east side currently stands at 9,118 which is a 21% increase since 2000, but it has been relatively flat in more recent years. Employment has also not bounced back after COVID as quickly as our larger neighbor to the west.

As we dug a little deeper into the data we uncovered some strengths and opportunities to build on. The sector analysis is particularly interesting. A score of 100 means our community is at the national average in terms of jobs in in that category. 200 and it is double the national average, 50 is half and so on.

Ag Production leads the way at 864% which is no surprise given American Crystal Sugar’s major presence in the community. This means there are 8.64 jobs in manufacturing for each 1 job in an average city. Manufacturing comes in second at 287% with Mayo manufacturing, Northern Valley Machine and Dakota Peat to name a few of the companies that contribute to this positive number. East Grand Forks is also strong in private educational services coming in at 164% thanks to Sacred Heart and Riverside Christian School. Accommodations and Food Service come in at 137% thanks to restaurant row and our three hotels. Construction is the 5th most over saturated sector at 124%. These strengths along with Agriculture throughout our region are the bedrock of the East Grand Forks Economy.

Coming in at about the national average is Health Care at 100% and Transportation and Warehousing 91%. Retail coming in at 91% of the national average in East Grand forks surprised a few people but East Grand Forks has a nice variety of locally owned retail businesses that compliment large anchors like Cabela’s and the many locally owned stores in the Riverwalk Mall.

On the other end of the spectrum we have some under concentrated areas too: Utilities 12%, Real Estate 21%, Administrative Services 32%, Professional and Technical Services 33%, Art/Entertainment/Recreations 47%, and Finance 51%.

Successful communities build on their strengths and work to fill in the gaps on their weaknesses.

EGF is in the process of hiring a new EDA director who will start later this year. This new director will be the quarterback of this effort.

Next week article will talk about opportunities and strategies identified during the economic development strategic planning sessions hosted by the Chamber and East Grand Forks Economic Development Authority.

Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach met with local business and elected leaders at the Spud Jr today. Feedback from the group centered around Minnesota legislative issues more than Federal issues. Inflations and Federal rules, Executive Orders and regulations were the main issues discussed

Pictured are Congresswoman Fischbach flanked by Representative Deb Kiel on her left and Senator Mark Johnson on her right along with City Council President, Mark Olstad.

Summer Interns and internship committee members from Grand Forks visited the Chamber last week as part of an intern immersion program aimed at educating them about the many great opportunities in our communities and the many reasons they should stay in our area after finishing their internship and education.

Chamber president, Barry Wilfahrt talked about the chamber and tested their GF/EGF trivia knowledge with interactive game show style Q and A complete with prizes for correct answers.

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Good Morning Chamber Member, check out this message from Chamber Members to YOU!😁 Information from Chamber Members to Chamber Members - The official Chamber of Commerce GF/EGF Weekly E-Publication - 701-772-7271 - www.gochamber.org - [email protected] Experience the heartbeat of l

Register now for the June 18 Brown Bag Seminar - Leading Authentically https://conta.cc/4e5VN8f

June Brown Bag- Leading Authentically Register now for the June 18 Brown Bag Seminar! Leading Authentically Please note...the date for this seminar is TUESDAY, June 18 Featured Speaker: Meloney Linder Vice President for Marketing and Comm

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Good Morning Chamber Member, check out this message from Chamber Members to YOU!😁 Information from Chamber Members to Chamber Members - The official Chamber of Commerce GF/EGF Weekly E-Publication - 701-772-7271 - www.gochamber.org - [email protected] 4th Annual Golf Scramble - Ri

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Good Morning Chamber Member, check out this message from Chamber Members to YOU!😁 Information from Chamber Members to Chamber Members - The official Chamber of Commerce GF/EGF Weekly E-Publication - 701-772-7271 - www.gochamber.org - [email protected] Exciting News for HR & Manage

Welcome new member-

FirstLightHomeCare
[email protected]
ndcentral.FirstLightHomeCare.com
We are a non-medical home care agency owned and operated by Kristina and Mike Larson with offices in Rugby, Minot and now Grand Forks.