June 1, 2018
WILLISTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NEWS & UPDATES

Dear Williston Wire Readers,
 
Williston Economic Development welcomed city leaders from Midland, TX this week to discuss ways to minimize the challenges created by energy and population booms. The meeting marks the beginning of a new collaboration between the two communities.  

 Shawn, Ann, Barb and Brenda 

North Dakota, Texas Federal, State and Local Leaders discuss Impacts of Energy Development
The City of Williston hosted Sen. Heidi Heikamp as well as city leaders from Williston and Midland, TX Thursday morning. Photo courtesy of Sen, Heitkamp Twitter
KUMV-TV -  Williston has experienced first hand the ebbs and flows of the oil boom. The region is a major player in record U.S. exports of oil and gas. The economic development of the city and western North Dakota has ensured sustainable and long-term benefits for years to come. Midland, Texas also knows the ups and downs that come with a strong energy industry. Read More
Midland City Leaders collaborate with Williston
Midland and Williston city leaders discussed ways to address challenges created by energy and population booms.
MyNDNow.com - More than 1200 miles separate Midland Texas from Williston North Dakota. But the two towns are incredibly similar. "We can always learn from the mistakes and successes of other communities. That's why it was critical for us to come out here and collaborate," says Midland City Councilman J. Ross Lacy.  Facing low unemployment, a strong oil industry, and a growing population, Midland,Texas mirrors Williston in many ways.  Read More
Free Public Workshop on Downtown Development June 7 in Williston
The community is invited to a free workshop with Roger Brooks on Thursday, June 7, 8-10:30 a.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Williston.
Williston Economic Development - The public is invited to a free workshop about energizing downtowns on June 7 in Williston. The City of Williston has hired Roger Brooks, a top-rated speaker, to address downtown development and the benefits of programmed public plazas. Brooks, who was featured at the Main Street Summit in Bismarck and the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference in Fargo earlier this year, will take a look at Williston with fresh eyes. City leaders are seeking new ideas for two particular sites in Downtown Williston; the former Hedderich's space and the Red Rock Ford site. Read More
As Demolition of Hedderich's continues; City seeks New Ideas for Site
The City of Williston is seeking input on redevelopment ideas for the former Hedderich's site on June 7 from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites.
KUMV-TV - It's been close to a year since the historic Hedderich's Building caught on fire and now contracted crews are working to remove what's left. The demolition process began in the past two weeks with crews removing part of the basement floor and stripping parts of the sidewalk. Traffic is being re-directed to ensure drivers safety.  Read More
Fresh Fit Kitchen celebrates Grand Opening in Williston; Business partners with Opportunity Foundation
Blair Sheering is the co-owner of Fresh Fit Kitchen in Williston. The business is celebrating its grand opening today at 105 22nd Street West.
MyNDNow - Greg Galaviz likes many types of food. So it comes as little surprise that he's found a fit with "Fresh Fit Kitchen."  "A lot of people don't know that Greg was pretty mute when he first started with us. I actually didn't know that he even spoke. And now they say that he does speak because he's so happy," says Fresh Fit Kitchen co-owner Blair Sheering.  The Opportunity Foundation partners with local businesses like Fresh Fit Kitchen to give developmentally disabled employees the opportunity to learn new skills.   Read More
Williston Road Construction swings into High Gear
The largest road construction project in Williston this summer is located on East Dakota Parkway. Williston Herald
Williston Herald -  It is often said that North Dakota has two seasons, winter and construction, and right now, the latter is the season underway Williston. A variety of city, county and state road projects are scattered all over Williams County. Williston's 1-cent sales tax for infrastructure, which voters recently decided to continue, has allowed the city to take on an ambitious slate of projects over the years, and 2018 is no different. As far as dollars go, East Dakota Parkway reconstruction is the largest item on the ticket. Read More
NDDOT receives Mixed Reviews on US Highway 85 Expansion
The only portion of the project currently funded is  replacement of the Long X Bridge which is tentative scheduled to begin in 2019. Bismarck Tribune: Long X Bridge available for adoption
Bismarck Tribune/West Fargo Pioneer - A proposal to expand U.S. Highway 85 in western North Dakota continues to get mixed reviews, with some saying it's needed to improve safety and others worried about impacts to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The North Dakota Department of Transportation is holding three public hearings this week on a plan to expand the highway from two to four lanes between Watford City and Interstate 94. It's still not known how the estimated $479 million project would be paid for or when construction would start. Project manager Matt Linneman said the replacement of the Long X Bridge south of Watford City is the only portion of the project with state funding, with work tentatively planned to begin in 2019. Read More
Drones improve Safety in Bakken
West Fargo Pioneer: Drone Conference attracts Young Talent
KUMV-TV - The use of drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is becoming a popular thing for just about everything, and the Bakken is going along with the trend. Employees with the Harris Corporation say they have more unmanned aircraft registered with the Federal Aviation Administration than manned aircrafts. This means use of drones or, UASs, are becoming more of the norm. In any job it's safety first, which can be a challenge in a place like the Bakken. But now, oil and gas industries have a new tool to do their dirty work. Read More
North Dakota's Economy ranks #1
INSCMAGAZINE - A study made over the last ten years reveals which US states are the best when it comes to getting a head start in the world. Play USA looked at a number of different economic metrics to come up with a listing of the top ten places you can hope to make a good living. In fact, some of the results may surprise you. North Dakota surprisingly tops the list of economic bright spots mainly because of the surge in oil revenue that has taken place over the last few years. Read More
Week 3 Yard of the Week announced
The Yard of the Week features ornate tree sculptures. Williston Herald photo
Williston Herald - The Williston Herald - City of Williston Yard of the Week features some ornate tree carvings. The yard is the third winner of the 2018 season. The yard was selected by the Williston Police Department. Williston Herald photo
Williston-Wide Crazy Days coming July 6-7
Williston Downtowners Association -  The Williston Downtowners Association and The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Retail Committee are excited to partner to bring Williston Wide Crazy Days to town July 6 and 7. Together we are supporting small businesses and promoting shopping local. More details coming soon!
Upcoming Williston Events
06/01------Ribbon Cutting at Fresh Fit Kitchen
Celebrate the grand opening of Fresh Fit Kitchen at 12 p.m. at 105 22nd Street West in Williston.

06/03 ------Shop First Sunday
Select Williston stores will be open on Sunday, June 3 from 12-5 p.m.
 
06/06 ------Million Cups Williston
Learn how to help new businesses thrive in Williston by attending the free meeting at Williston State College from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

06/07------Free Community Workshop with Roger Brooks
Learn how to energize downtowns with an expert in downtown development! The free workshop will be held from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites. Call 701-577-8110 for more information.

06/06-09------Miss North Dakota Scholarship Pageant
Twenty contestants from across North Dakota will compete for the Miss North Dakota crown. Contact the Williston CVB for ticket information at 701-774-9041. The pageants will be held at the Bakken Elementary Auditorium.

06/12------June Primary Election
The polls will be open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Williston Area Recreation Center. Bring ID.

06/12------Williston City Commission
The commission meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

06/14------Chamber Business After Hours
Hosted by ACME Tools

06/16------Chamber Lemonade Day

06/26------Chamber Network Before Nine

07/06-07------Crazy Days in Downtown Williston
The Chamber and Downtowners Association are partnering to bring Crazy Days Williston-Wide. Support small businesses and shop local in Williston.
 
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
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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