July 21, 2017 

Dear Readers -
 
Williston Economic Development has seen a record number of entrepreneurs interested in starting or expanding an existing business during the first six months of 2017. The activity is a positive sign for the community as it continues to grow and develop. For more information about the business incentives available through the STAR Fund visit http://www.willistonnd.com/Opportunities.
 
Shawn, Ann, Barb, Brenda & Micah
Williston Economic Development
Half Year Review: STAR Fund provides $1.275 Million for Business Growth
Williston Economic Development

One of the STAR Fund mini match recipients was Achieve and Believe Nutrition. Pictured is Williston Economic Development summer intern Micah Spanner enjoying a shake at the shop. Williston Economic Development
Williston Economic Development is having a banner year! During the first half of 2017 the Williston STAR Fund has allocated $1.275 million to multiple projects in the Williston trade region. The endeavors have included substantial startups and expansions as well as smaller projects that are creating jobs and improving the quality of life in Williston. 
"It has been a busy year for us. We have been working with the majority of these projects that are pulling the trigger today for multiple months," said Shawn Wenko, Williston Economic Development executive director. "I think the change in economic climate and added STAR Fund assistance gave potential developers that added confidence they needed to move forward." Read More    
Economic Outlook
Chamber Ribbon Cuttings mark Milestones

Williston Economic Development

 

The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors helped three area organizations celebrate ribbon cuttings recently. Pictured top left is the Grand Majestic Lodge; top right is the Williams County Soil Conservation District building on the Williston Research Extension Center campus; and lower center is a grand re-opening of NextHome Fredrickson Real Estate.

Buffalo Ridge Lodge celebrates Grand Opening
News Release

Buffalo Ridge Lodge is located at 13563 Hamilton Lane in Williston, close to local restaurants and retail.
Buffalo Ridge Lodge, a 107-room extended stay facility located in Williston, has opened its doors for business.  The property, which is ideal for both individual and corporate workforce housing solutions, has undergone significant upgrades and renovations while still offering guests and tenants a low-price option for lodging in the Bakken. Read More

Hallmark to close in Downtown Williston; Owner sites declining sales, changes in shopping habits
Williston Herald

A longtime Williston business is closing its doors at the end of the month. Williston Economic Development
The latest casualty of the nation's sea of change in the retail landscape is a Main Street icon that strikes a chord of nostalgia for lifelong Williston residents. Brian Bolinske, who opened the Hallmark Gold Crown store in 1999, said he is hoping to negotiate a deal with a prospective new owner, who would be offering cards and other items at the location, though not Hallmark. "There is a lot different social situation going on now as far as how people communicate socially," he said. "The older folks tend to use the cards, but younger people would just as soon send a quick email or message. So that is changing." Read More

Williams County approves Northern Improvement Bid for Paving at Madison Ridge Subdivision
Williston Herald

A subdivision west of Williston that began in 2008 will be getting pavement for its residential and commercial areas, after the Williams County Commission unanimously awarded a bid to Northern Improvement for a $2.3 million project that will be paid for by a special assessment district. Dan Kalil, Williston Township Chair, told reporters the project will improve the quality of life in the subdivision. Read More

Tioga prepares for Drone Camp for Kids Aug. 5-6
News Release

Tioga Economic Development and Enel Green Energy North America will be hosting the Second Annual "Drone Camp for Kids!" in conjunction with local STEM Tech Camps held across western ND this summer. Tioga's two-day event will instruct 80 students grades 5th-12th on drone use, safety, privacy competitive flight and vocational opportunities by Erin Wood of Lake Region College and Keith Aubin  of Enel Green Energy North America Inc. A drone obstacle course for students will be conducted by Minot Aeroport Hobby Shoppe.  Read More

Leadership Williston applications due Aug. 15
News Release

Pictured is the 2017 Leadership Williston graduating class.
The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce's
Leadership Williston program is now accepting applications for 2017-18. Leadership Williston is a unique and unforgettable experience, designed for long-time residents and newcomers alike. Leadership Williston program is a chance to get more involved and informed about the ins and outs of our community. Read More

Registration open for Williston Economic Summit Aug. 30-31

Williston Economic Development

 

Williston Economic Development is gearing up for its annual Williston Economic Summit Aug. 30-31 at the Grand Williston Hotel. The two-day event will kick-off with a welcome reception at the Cyndy Aafedt residence followed by a day of informative sessions, a social by the hotel pool and the WED  and Small Business Development Center's awards and appreciation dinner Thursday evening. To take a closer look at the agenda or to register please click on the following links. Agenda   Register Online

  

Watford City to host 2018 Bakken Conference
News Release
by David Stenberg

At the Bakken Conference and Expo in Bismarck, ND this week, Watford City was announced as the site for their July 16-18, 2018 meeting. The Rough Rider Center will showcase the city and county to hundreds of attendees expected to come from throughout North Dakota, the nation, and maybe even international locations.

Keene Resident named to Game and Fish Advisory Board
News Release

Governor Doug Burgum has appointed Cody Sand of Forbes and Beau Wisness of Keene to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's advisory board. The governor appoints eight Game and Fish Department advisors, each representing a multi-county section of the state, to serve as a liaison between the department and public. Wisness fills the expiring term of Jason Leiseth, Arnegard, in District 1, which includes Divide, McKenzie and Williams counties.
 
Upcoming Williston Events
08/02                  1 Million Cups Williston
The meeting will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Williston State College!

08/05                  Kasmer & Aafedt Oil Charity Golf Tournament
The annual tournament will be held at the Links of North Dakota. Contact John@kaoil.net to register your team for an area nonprofit. All registration fees and cash prizes will benefit designated nonprofit organizations in Williston!
 
08/30                  Williston Area Builders Association Golf Tournament
The tournament will be held at the Eagle Ridge Golf Course.  WABA website
 
08/30                  Ribbon Cutting for Water Reuse and Recovery Facility
The celebration will begin at 9 a.m. at 7 12th Ave. E. in Williston.

08/30-31             Williston Economic Summit & Trade Show
The WEST event will be held at the Grand Williston Hotel and Conference Center. The show will feature the WED/SBDC awards and appreciation dinner Aug. 31.

Energy Events
07/24                     ND Oil PAC Dugout Night
Join the North Dakota Oil PAC for a night of baseball and networking with Bismarck's newest baseball team, the Larks! Dugout Night

08/04                     Dakota Energy Festival
The third annual Williston event will feature the Lewis & Clark Walleye Classic, Job Fair Workforce Expo and Concert featuring Scott Stapp (Creed). Dakota Energy Festival website

08/16-17               Summer NAPE
The annual Summer NAPE expo in Houston is a networking event that brings together all the players necessary to forge, facilitate and close deals. The event will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

08/23                    ND Oil PAC Golf Tournament
Registration opens July 25th. NDPC

09/26-28              NDPC Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon
The conference will be held in Grand Forks. The event brings together the Bakken's leading experts and decision-makers. NDPC members receive discounted rates for our Annual Meeting. Nomination Form for NDPC Industry Achievement Awards

07/16-18              Bakken Conference and Expo
The Summer 2018 event will be held at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City.
 
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