MARCH 2, 2018

WILLISTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NEWS & UPDATES

Dear Williston Wire Readers,
 
Save the Date: Williston Economic Development and the Small Business Development Center will host their annual awards banquet on Wednesday, May 9th at the Grand Williston Hotel. This popular event recognizes area entrepreneurs who make our community great! More details coming soon!
 
Shawn, Ann, Barb and Brenda 

ND ranks Number 1 in Quality of Life
North Dakota is ranked #1 in quality of life and #4 overall in the latest US News and World Report state rankings. The Creative Treatment photo
Business Insider - The US is an enormous country and quality of life varies from state to state. Thanks to data published by U.S. News & World Report on Feb. 27, 2018, we can decisively say which state's residents enjoy the highest quality of life in America. The rankings, formed in partnership with McKinsey and Co., considered two metrics for each state: its natural environment, comprising drinking-water quality, air quality, and pollution and industrial toxins; and its social environment, comprising community engagement, social support, and voter participation. Despite its small population, North Dakota topped the list, with two other Midwestern states, Minnesota and Wisconsin, finishing second and third. Read More
Williston prepares Map of Shovel Ready Lots
Mark Schneider has been with the City of Williston as Development Services Director since Feb. 1, 2018.
KEYZ Radio - The City of Williston is producing new maps that list all of the vacant residential and business lots in town. Mark Schneider, Williston's Director of Development Services said, "These maps basically list vacant lots for residential that are 'shovel ready'. They have utilities on them, sewer and water, and they're ready to go. We also have one that will show what is available for commercial development that are also 'shovel ready'." Read More
Roger Brooks: Downtowns are Back, Make Yours Awesome!
A slide from Roger Brooks' PowerPoint presentation explains why he believes there has been a shift from shopping malls to pedestrian friendly downtown retail districts. Williston Economic Development
Williston Economic Development - A lot has been said recently about Governor Burgum's Main Street Initiative. About 20 Williston business and civic leaders attended the Main Street Summit Feb. 13-14 in Bismarck. The summit explored resources that are available for creating healthy and vibrant communities that will attract and retain 21st century workers. Williston has already been working on some of the concepts; but admittedly, there is more work to be down. "We have seen a big change in our downtown the past several years," said Shawn Wenko, Williston Economic Development executive director. "The replacement of infrastructure that promotes a pedestrian friendly atmosphere, the addition of the Renaissance on Main building, and the remodel of several store fronts are some significant accomplishments." Read More  
Williston Chamber's Shop First Sunday
begins March 4
Participating Williston stores will be open from 12-5 p.m. the first Sunday of every month beginning March 4.
MyNDNow.com - KX Everything's pretty much closed on a Sunday," observes Melissa Krause, owner of QuickDraw Art Studio. "It's just been something as a family growing up. We just weren't shopping on Sundays. It was a time to be in church and then be with our family," says Williston resident Karen Guglich. But are times changing? "We've seen a big shift in that trend in recent years," says Williston Chamber of Commerce member relations and communications manager, Rachel Lordemann. Read More
Rugby Homes & RV Center celebrates Grand Opening in New Location
Rugby Homes & RV Center is pleased celebrate the grand opening of its new location in Williston. Williston Chamber photo
Williston Area Chamber of Commerce -  On Feb. 28, the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Rugby Homes & RV Center at its new Williston location at 321 Gate Avenue in southeast Williston. Pictured are owners Gary & Kevin Kirchofner with their staff and representatives from the Chamber.  
City of Williston seeks Communications Strategist
News Release - The City of Williston has announced it is hiring a Communications Strategist to disseminate information about City of Williston activities and programs to the public and media; coordinate outside activities with city departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and to provide information and assistance to City Commissioners, City Administrator and department heads. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2018. Read More    Communications Strategist Brochure 
Williston Fire Fighter receives Honor
Captain Clark will be recognized during opening ceremonies of the 2018 Excellence Conference in Orlando, Florida in March.
News Release - The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) announced that Williston Fire Department Captain Matthew Clark has been awarded the prestigious Worthington Scholarship. Captain Clark, who just returned from overseas active duty with the United States Air Force, will begin his four-year Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy this month.  Read More
NDUS Chancellor visits Williston State College
NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott, right, addressed students, faculty and staff in a morning session at Williston State College. In the afternoon, the discussion was open to the community. At left is WSC president John Miller. Williston Herald
Williston Herald - The chancellor of North Dakota's university system visited Williston on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Mark Hagerott answered written questions from people attending a listening session Tuesday afternoon. David Tuan, Williston city administrator, attended the afternoon session. He said the information was useful. "It's really important that as we look to grow the Williston community, that we're aligned in our priorities. Nice to hear that they have success in some of their programs, but they're looking at ways to improve, do better. Meet the needs of the industry that we have here, and the goal of improving the quality of life," he said. Read More  
Williston Schools to host Public Information Meeting March 7
The public information meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the auditorium at the Bakken Elementary School.
Williston Herald - As the bond referendum approaches for new schools in Williston, the public got a first glimpse of what those schools will look like. The board for Williston Public School District No. 1 met Monday night to approve the release of architectural sketches. The vote was 4-0 with Brion Norby absent. A public information meeting about the proposed projects will be held March 7 at 6:15 p.m. at the Bakken Elementary School auditorium. Read More  KEYZ Radio: Williston Public School District releases Bond Referendum Materials
1 Million Cups to celebrate 1st Anniversary March 7
If you own a business or are thinking about starting one; attend 1 Million Cups March 7 at WSC.
Williston Economic Development - 1 Million Cups Williston will celebrate its 1st Anniversary on Wednesday, March 7 at 8:30 a.m. in the Teton Lounge on the Williston State College campus. The one hour meeting will feature presentations from two business startups: S&B Drilling and Basin Safety Consulting. There will also be complimentary coffee, giveaways and door prizes from previous presenters including Style Uncorked and Destiny Med Spa!
Eighth Annual Bakken Oil Product and Service Show Oct. 3-4 in Williston
News Release - The 8th annual Bakken Oil Product & Service Show (BOPSS) will be held October 3 & 4, 2018 at the Raymond Family Community Center in Williston, North Dakota. The Bakken Oil Product & Service Show is the only oil and gas trade show located in Williston, North Dakota in the heart of the activity.   Read More
New Town to build Indoor Aquatic Center
A New Town organization is seeking to build an indoor aquatic center.
New Town News - The New Town city council heard requests related to new projects around the community. The council held a public hearing to change the zoning on a property on the north side of New Town from agricultural to commercial. North Segment is proposing to build an aquatic center that will have an indoor swimming pool and other amenities between 12th Street and the Highway 23 bypass. There was no opposition to the zoning change and the council will consider final approval for the change at its next meeting in March. Read More
Dickinson embraces Main Street Summit Ideas
Downtown Dickinson seeks to make more improvements. Dickinson Press
Dickinson Press -  Started by Gov. Doug Burgum, the program provides resources and guidelines to help create vibrant downtown areas and represents a unified effort across the state. The initiative looks at three pillars: healthy, vibrant communities; 21st century workforce; and smart, efficient infrastructure. "It's really an initiative that encourages the MSI communities to start to build these vibrant and revitalized downtown areas," Jennifer Strange, Downtown Dickinson Association executive director, said. Read More
Upcoming Williston Events
03/02 ------ 20 Under Forty Banquet
The Williston Herald will present the 2018 Class of 20 Under Forty. The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Armory.

03/07------ 1 Million Cups
Two presentations will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Williston State College. The meeting is open and free to the public.

03/07 ------ Public Input Meeting on Bond Referendum
The meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. with comments followed by Q&A at 7 p.m. at the Bakken Elementary Auditorium.

03/09  ------ Williston Chamber Eggs & Issues
Learn about the Williston Public School District #1 Bond Referendum from Superintendent Michael Campbell and others. The meeting will begin at 7:30 a.m. at TrainND.

03/13 ------ Williston City Commission
The commission meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in the Commission Room at City Hall at 22 East Broadway.

03/19 ------ Williston Planning and Zoning Commission
The commission meets the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Room at City Hall at 22 East Broadway (February meeting date changed due to President's Day).
 
07/10-12 ------ ND Water Resource Districts Association's Summer Meeting
The 2018 North Dakota Water Resource Districts Association's annual summer meeting will be held at the Grand Williston Hotel and Conference Center.

Upcoming Energy Events
03/05-06 ------ Oil States Job Fair
The job fair will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. both days at Oil States Energy Services located at 301 26th St. in Williston.  Job Fair flier 
 
03/13 ------ Williston Basin Chapter API monthly meeting
The meeting will be held  at the Grand Williston Hotel and Conference Center. The social will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The keynote speaker will be North Dakota Tax Commission Ryan Rauschenberger. 
 
03/21 ------ NDPC Denver Social
The meeting will be held at the Denver Petroleum Club in Denver, CO.

05/22-24 ------ Williston Basin Petroleum Conference
The 26th annual event will be held in Bismarck, ND. Early bird general attendee registration is open until April 12, 2018.
 
05/22-23 ------ Energy Exposition
The 2018 Energy Exposition will be celebrating 19 years as the Rocky Mountain's longest running energy trade exhibition. The event will take place at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland, Colorado. Reserve booth space today.  Energy Exposition

The Summer 2018 event will be held at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City. 

09/24-26 ------ NDPC Annual Meeting
The meeting will be held at the Ramada in Fargo, ND.

10/03-04 ------ Bakken Oil Product & Service Show
The 8th annual trade show and seminars will be held at the Raymond Family Community Center. Bakken Oil Show website

City of Williston, ND | Economic Development | 701-577-8110 | Email | Website
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