State economic resiliency grant application opens July 31 North Dakota businesses may be eligible to receive funding for costs associated with improvements to their businesses for the purpose of reducing the spread of infection, and instilling consumer confidence in the marketplace. For more information please visit this grant web page from the ND Department of Commerce. Applicants may qualify to receive grant funding of up to $50,000 for investments that will encourage customers to get back into the marketplace. Applications are accepted starting July 31.

July Economy at a Glance The July Economy at a Glance numbers are now in. A few numbers to note: January-June 2020 city sales tax distributions for Watford City, are nearly equal to what they were January-June 2019. Occupancy tax distributions are down considerably--in June 2019 it was $29,539 for June 2020 it was $9,757. May 2020 oil production in McKenzie County was down over 7 million barrels when compared with May 2019 numbers. YTD 2020 permit values for both Watford City and McKenzie County are higher than they were YTD 2019.

Dakotan Restaurant Grand Opening Locals and travelers now have another restaurant option with the recent opening of The Dakotan Restaurant. This American-diner styled restaurant serves an assortment of breakfast and lunch options. They are open 6am-2pm Tuesday-Sunday and are located at 604 2nd Ave SW, Watford City.

First International purchases MineralTracker and Krown Energy Group With a goal of expanding its mineral and land services offerings to its customers, First International Bank and Trust recently purchased MineralTracker and Krown Energy Group. MineralTracker provides an online platform for tracking minerals as well as ways to get answers from experts on mineral right questions. Krown Energy Group provides mineral appraisal and brokerage services. Read more in this release from First International Bank and Trust.

Public fleet advisors to meet in Watford City Area public fleet advisors are invited to participate in the Fleet Training Seminar held at the Rough Rider Center August 3-4 in Watford City. The purpose of the seminar is to share best practices that improve service delivery and simultaneously save money.

Olson receives advisor designation Keith Olson has achieved the designation of Certified Value Growth Advisor. The designation identifies a professional’s high level of excellence, achievement and competence in value growth services, and is recognized by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. Olson is our regional director of the the Small Business Development Center. The center provides free and confidential services for businesses looking to start or expand.

Maah Daah Hey Race Registration for the   Maah Daah Hey 100  mountain bike race is open until August 1 or when the race cap of 300 is met. There are multiple race length options from 13 to 100 miles. The Maah Daah Hey trail, with its trailhead just outside of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit in McKenzie County, is described as one of the most challenging and rewarding stretches of singletrack.

Community Connection Want to learn more about life in McKenzie County? Find out what organizations exist? Seek out opportunities to volunteer and get involved? Ask questions and connect with others? Whether you are new to the community or you have lived here for decades, you're invited to an  open house event  that will be held at the Long X Visitors Center/Pioneer Museum on Tuesday, July 21st from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. A complimentary light lunch will be available. The Pioneer Museum is located at 100 2nd Ave SW, Watford City, ND.

Young Professionals With a mission to advance opportunities for young professionals in Watford City through professional development, social networking, and service, the Young Professionals of Watford City host various events throughout the year. Their next event will be Tuesday, July 21st at the Eagles Club in Watford City. The event begins at 5:30 pm and there will be a guest speaker at 6pm. The guest speaker will be Pat Bertagnolli with the Rough Rider Center and the Community Enhancement Director for Watford City. This event is open to all individuals regardless of membership.

Fun Fest 2020 While many regular summer events have been cancelled due to pandemic concerns, a new event is looking to take place on the main street of Watford City this year. Watford City Fun fest is set to take place on August 14. Activities planned include food vendors, lawn games, corn hole and more.

Return to the West part II In an effort to share information between eastern and western North Dakota, the Chamber from Grand Forks and East Grand Forks is sponsoring a second interactive online conference. The focus on this one will be oil production. Attendees are scheduled to hear from Helen Curry Chief Economist from Conoco Phillips, Lynn Helms with the ND Department of Mineral Resources, Ron Ness with the ND Petroleum Council and others. This event will take place on Tuesday July 28, from 3-4:30pm CT. See the complete schedule here .

Watford Market to start Watford Market  is looking to start the season on July 30. The event features vendors of home-grown produce and home-made products, live music sponsored by the Long X Arts Foundation, $5 burgers by the local Lions Club, other demonstrations and more. The event is held Thursdays from 5:30-7:30pm at the Kent Pelton Nature Park at 501 7th St SE, Watford City.

2020 US Census updates Starting July 30, US Census workers will begin going door to door collecting responses from those who have yet to complete the 2020 Census. Haven't gotten yours completed yet and don't want to have an enumerator stop by your house? It is easy to respond at www.my2020census.gov