August 16, 2019
WILLISTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NEWS & UPDATES
Dear Williston Wire Readers,

We are getting super excited about the grand opening of XWA. The new airport is getting a lot of attention ahead of its opening on October 10, 2019. Subscribe to the Williston Wire to stay up-to-date on all of the happenings!

Shawn, Ann, Barb & Brenda
Yellowstone River Beef receives STAR Fund Grant to export Local Beef
Williston Economic Development - A new beef processing plant in Williston is getting a boost from the Williston STAR Fund. The Williston City Commission approved up to $72,000 at its meeting on Tuesday, August 13. The grant will be utilized for the purchase and renovation of a building, 6 East Dakota Parkway, in Williston. Yellowstone River Beef is owned and operated by Trevor Abell, Jamie Aqidius and Brandon Forseth of Oregon.  Read More
Aviation Pros features Williston's New Ground-up Commercial Airport
Aviation Pros - Ground-up new commercial airport projects are relatively rare. Which is why the new Williston Basin International Airport (XWA), opening this Fall in Williston, North Dakota, represents such an intriguing opportunity to explore the obstacles and opportunities that are a part of any aviation project of this size and complexity. From the unique way the project team came together, to challenges ranging from a skilled trades gap to working around North Dakota's extreme weather, XWA provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a ground-up airport project to fruition in today's day and age. Read More
Construction on Track at XWA
XWA will have the only two escalators in Williston. Opening 10-10-2019! Williston Airport photo
KX News - The Williston Basin International Airport is set to open in less than 60 days. Construction crews just finished paving the last lane of the runway last week.  The elevators and the two escalators are up and running. Bids just opened up on the last project-the rental car parking lot. That's the last piece of infrastructure needed for October 10th operations.  Read More
State, County, Schools Districts seek Solutions to Enrollment Growth
Governor Burgum and Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford met with Williams County school officials this week in Williston. Williston Herald photo
Williston Herald - Finding a solution to overcrowding in schools and explosive enrollment growth is important not just to the residents of Williams County, but to the entire state. Monday's meeting brought together the superintendents and school board presidents from all six Williams County school districts to talk about how the state and Williams County could help gather information to come up with a solution. Read More
Wardner: North Dakota on Short List for Petrochemical Plant
"Looking for a petrochemical company to come here is all about the flaring. We need to get that cut down to at least less than 90 percent across the state," said Sen. Rich Wardner. Williston Herald photo
Williston Herald - Sen. Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, was among North Dakota officials touring petrochemical facilities in Alberta last week with Gov. Doug Burgum. The trip was to gain insight into how North Dakota might successfully bring a petrochemical plant to the state. Wardner shared some of his insights after the trip with the Williston Herald. Read More
Legislative Committee studies Rising Electricity Needs in Oil Patch
Senator Brad Bekkedahl is pictured in at a legislative meeting recently. A recent study   estimates demand for electricity in the Williston Basin will grow by 71% over the next 20 years. Bismarck Tribune photo
Bismarck Tribune - Consumption of electricity in western North Dakota is expected to grow significantly over the next two decades, the director of the North Dakota Transmission Authority told a panel of lawmakers Wednesday. A recent study commissioned by the authority, which is an arm of the state's Industrial Commission tasked with helping facilitate transmission infrastructure, estimates demand for electricity in the Williston Basin will grow by 71% over the next 20 years. Read More
Tech Sector growing in North Dakota
Sen. John Hoeven, speaks at the 2019 State of Technology hosted by The Chamber on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at the Avalon Events Center, Fargo. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor
Forum News Service - The state has become much more than a major player in agriculture and the oil and gas industries, emcee and Mind Shift President Josh Teigen said, as political and industry leaders concentrate on "building North Dakota as a technology hub." More than 300 people filled the Avalon Event Center auditorium Wednesday, Aug. 14, taking in presentations from experts in cybersecurity, telecommunications, biotechnology, advanced coatings, health care, heavy equipment manufacturing and autonomous farming. Read More
North Dakota Firefighters gather in Williston
Williston Herald - Williston is hosting some of the state's bravest first responders this week, welcoming them to town for the Professional Fire Fighters of North Dakota 2019 State Conference. Darren Schimke, president of the organization, said the convention is a way for the state's firefighters to gather together for fellowship and camaraderie, as well as a chance for the first responders to get to know their counterparts from all over the state. Read More
McKenzie County considers Building New Fairgrounds
Photo courtesy of McKenzie County Fair Facebook page.
McKenzie County Farmer - It may have been a case of sticker shock for the McKenzie County commissioners as they learned on Aug. 6, that building a new fairgrounds on a site southwest of Watford City would cost upward of $84 million. According to Heidi Brenna of ICON architects, that price would best be described as the dreaming phase. For the full story, subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer
Upcoming Williston Events
08/17 ------ Veteran's Scramble
18-hole team golf scramble at Eagle Ridge Golf Club.  Registration

08/19 ------ Planning and Zoning Commission
The board meets the third Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Room at City Hall.

08/27 ------  Williston City Commission
The commission meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

08/28-29 ------ North Dakota Downtown Conference
Register for the two-day event today! There will be four keynote speakers, breakout sessions, tours and much more!  Registration

09/04 ------ 1 Million Cups
The community is invited to attend the meeting from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at the Teton Lounge. Learn about starting a business from fellow entrepreneurs.

09/11 ------ Northwest North Dakota Job Fair
The job fair will be held fro 2-6 p.m. at the Raymond Family Community Center. Click Here for More Information

09/27 ------ Charity Ball
The CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Foundation Charity Ball will be held at The Well on the Williston State College campus. Enjoy dinner, silent auction, live auction and entertainment by Judd Hoos. Click Here for More Information

10/03-05 ------ XWA Grand Opening Events
Media Day, VIP Day and Community Day are being planned. More details TBA.
Upcoming Energy Events
08-28 ------ Key Energy Job Fair
The hiring event will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Job Service in Williston.  Job Fair Flier

09/07 ------ $1 Million Giving Celebration
Williston Basin Chapter API will celebrate raising $1 Million for charitable organizations and scholarships. The event will be held at Black Harley Magic from Noon to-11 p.m.  1 Million Giving Celebration

09/10 ------ Williston Basin Chapter API Monthly Meeting
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a social followed by dinner at 7 p.m. at the Grand Williston Hotel. September Monthly Meeting

09/17-19 ------ New Technologies for Lower Cost, More Efficient On Shore Well Site Facilities 2019
The conference will be held in Houston, TX.  Registration Information

10/1 ------  Williston Basin Chapter API Monthly Meeting 
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a social followed by dinner at 7 p.m. at the Grand Williston Hotel.  October Monthly Meeting

10/02-03 ------ Bakken Oil Product and Service Show
The two-day event connects industry decision makers, leaders and players at the Raymond Family Community Center.  Registration Information

10/15-16 ------ The Permian Conference & Expo
The two-day show will be held in Midland, TX. The show is sponsored by the North American Shale magazine.  Registration Information

11/15 ------ Williston Basin Petroleum Banquet
The Williston Basin Chapter API will host its annual awards and appreciation banquet.  Williston Basin Petroleum Banquet

12/03 ------  Williston Basin Chapter API Monthly Meeting
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a social followed by dinner at 7 p.m. at the Grand Williston Hotel. December Monthly Meeting
City of Williston, ND | Economic Development | 701-577-8110 | Email | Website
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