August 23, 2019
WILLISTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NEWS & UPDATES
Dear Williston Wire Readers,

Williston Economic Development welcomes the North Dakota Downtown Conference to town August 28 and 29. The two-day event features expert keynote speakers (from as far away as Australia), break-out sessions and an awards banquet. Register online today to attend! Anyone interested in community development, small business growth and entrepreneurship is encouraged to attend!

Shawn, Ann, Barb & Brenda
Messer Dental featured in Williston Works Podcast

Williston Works Podcast Season 2 - Messer Dental
Williston Works Podcast Season 2 - Messer Dental

Williston Economic Development has released episode of this year's Williston Works Podcast series. The show features Jeremy Messer, DMD, who is building a new facility for his growing dental practice in Williston. Learn how the STAR Fund, Bank of North Dakota and Small Business Development Center are helping Messer Dental expand!
Carlsbad, New Mexico and Williston experience Similar Population Booms 
Reporters from the Current-Argus interview Shawn Wenko for a feature their newspaper. Williston Economic Development photo
Carlsbad Current Argus - Carlsbad struggled in recent years to meet the demands of an oil and gas boom in the Permian Basin. Unable to meet the current housing needs of a drastic population influx, address aging roads and infrastructure and diversify its economy, the small southeast New Mexican town is working through the largest challenges in its long history. The City of Williston, North Dakota saw many of the same challenges when oil began booming there about a decade ago.  Today, the city boasts triple the population, a diverse economy and a bustling downtown and growing millennial population. The Current-Argus sat down with Shawn Wenko, director of economic development at the City of Williston to discuss what his town did to capitalize on the boom and survive the sudden growth.  Read More
ND CareerBuilders Program unveiled
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News Release - A new program called ND CareerBuilders is aimed at increasing workforce in high need and emerging occupations in the state. The program originates from House Bill 1171, passed by the 2019 legislature, and provides a skilled workforce scholarship and student loan repayment program.    Read More
Affordable Housing Shortage impacts McKenzie County School Enrollment
As of Aug. 15, the school district says that 1,890 students have registered for school, which is up 107 students from the end of school last fall. McKenzie County Farmer photo
McKenzie County Farmer  - While Watford City's school enrollment is once again reaching record numbers, it is coming up just a little short of projections. According to Brad Foss, Watford City Intermediate School principal one of the reasons for this has to do with the ongoing housing issue in the community. "We're seeing some anomalies in growth because of what I would say is our housing issues," says Foss. "We're hearing that people aren't coming to Watford City because the prices are too high or they can't find single-family housing." For the full story, subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer
'Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler Than You Think Campaign' sees Success
 
Arnessa Dowell relocated to Grand Forks and is working as the information services director for the Grand Forks Public Library. Photo by Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald
Grand Forks Herald - The years-long "Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler Than You Think!" initiative to promote the region and attract more skilled workers to the area is still up, running, being shared across various forms of social media and having an impact on recruitment in Grand Forks. The digital campaign was started in July 2017; it's a play on words about the perception of Grand Forks' cold weather, but it paints the city as a place that is - according to the campaign - "Way Cooler Than You Think." Read More
Kent Pelton Nature Park celebrates Grand Opening in Watford City
Jessie Veeder and Daughter Eddie join Lonesome Willy to perform their special rendition of "You Are My Sunshine." Photo submitted by Kathy Taylor
Roundup - Those attending the Watford Market enjoyed a special treat as they celebrated the Grand opening of the Kent Pelton Nature Park. Special Music by Lonesome Willy, art activities by the Long X Arts Foundation, nature activities by the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Fort Union Trading Post National Historical Site and the famous Lions Club Hamburgers were welcomed additions to the Market on a perfect summer evening.  Read More
Upcoming Williston Events
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

09/16 ------ 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.

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 live entertainment by Mentalist Sean Bott and the Judd Hoos Band.   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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