October 30, 2020
WILLISTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NEWS & UPDATES

Dear Williston Wire Readers,

We are excited to see Vantis become the nation's first statewide unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) network! The network will begin implementation in western North Dakota - in the heart of the oil and gas industry.
Read more about this significant development in the story below.

Shawn, Ann, Barb and Brenda

North Dakota establishes Nation's First Statewide UAS BVLOS Network
News Release - Already a thriving ecosystem of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in public and private use, North Dakota takes the next step in UAS advancement, commercialization and development by introducing Vantis, the nation’s first statewide UAS beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) network. Vantis will be overseen by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), which has served as the state's one-stop UAS research and testing facilitator since 2013, bringing together government resources, industry leaders and public stakeholders, to pioneer BVLOS activity. Read More
North Dakota Lawmakers redirect $16M in Virus Aid to Complete Oil Wells
Bismarck Tribune - Several Democratic legislators put up a fight October 28 against a proposal to repurpose $16 million in federal coronavirus relief aid to subsidize fracking in North Dakota’s oil fields, but they were overruled by a significant majority of lawmakers, including some in their own party. The legislative Budget Section voted 33-5 to approve the proposal, which offers grants to oil companies to reimburse up to $200,000 per well completed by the end of 2020.  Read More
City Commission approves STAR Fund Grants for Four Projects including New Daycare Facility
Williston Herald - Integrity Auto and Diesel: Shawn Wenko, Williston Economic Development Executive Director said the request was for the relocation of the existing business. Arnie's Power Sports & Cycle: Wenko stated the application was for the purchase of the existing business. White Mountain Electric: Wenko said the buydown request is for the purchase of a building for the existing business. Williston State College Childcare Facility: Wenko stated up to $500,000 will go towards the reconstruction of the Crighton building. Read More
Community Enhancement Applications due December 18
Williston Economic Development News Release - The Williston City Commission has announced that the Williston STAR Fund is now accepting applications from qualifying nonprofit groups for the 2021 Community Enhancement (CE) grant program. The commission approved up to $50,000 for requests at its October 27th meeting. Read More
Klug, Wenko featured at Chamber's Virtual Coffee and Conversation
Williston Herald - COVID, the economy and the future of Williston were some of the topics discussed at the Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee and Conversations on Tuesday morning, Oct. 27. “We know 2020 hasn’t been the best year, with what has gone on,” said Williston Economic Development Executive Director Shawn Wenko. “Oil and gas prices took a nose-dive, as well as COVID-19; but I will say that we’re weathering the storm much better than what it could be.” Read More
Williston Square, Genesis, Wild Calf Coffee on KXNet's Business Beat
KXNet.com - Williston is moving forward with Phase 1 of its economic development plan for Williston Square. At a press conference recently, city leaders announced Slim Chickens and Pizza Ranch would begin breaking ground as early as 2021. "You’re going to see a potential convention center out in that area, there will be an area for some housing, there will be an area for what we will call an innovation district... and you’ll see an area for health care as well,” WED Executive Director Shawn Wenko said. Read More
Mugs Coffee opens in Fairview
Williston Herald - Anyone looking for a new spot to get their coffee can look toward Fairview, where Mugs Coffee is now open for business. Jess Serafini opened the shop at 519 South Montana Avenue in Fairview. Her dad, Anthony Serafini, is helping her out. They serve cups of Joe, smoothies and other drinks. Read More
WRED seeks Candidates for Board Positions
News Release - Western Region Economic Development (WRED) is seeking candidates interested in serving on the board of directors. There are two seats that will become available in the month of December. A high priority will be given to candidates from the health care industry to fill one of those seats. WRED is a non-profit organization funded through valued memberships, grants and STAR Fund dollars. Read More
Registration underway for Women in Leadership Expo November 19-20
News Release - The Women in Leadership Expo will be held virtually November 19 and 20. The featured speaker will be Kodee Furst, Programs Manager at The Nice Center at NDSU ,where she supports the organization's mission of entrepreneurship for all. Other presenters include Debbie Richter, Dubi Cummings, Kristin Iverson, and Karissa Kjos. Registration
Upcoming Williston Events
10/31 ------ Trunk or Treat with First Responders
The event will be held from 2-4 p.m. in the parking lot at the Law Enforcement Center. Masks are required.

10/31 ------ Mask or Treat at CHI St. Alexius Health Williston
Participants are asked to drive by Door 1 to receive treats and adult-sized cloth masks from 2-5 p.m. Participants should remain in their vehicles. More information

11/07 ------ Winter Wonderland Party
The CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Hospital Auxiliary will host its annual event at the Senior Center from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Preview Christmas gifts, enjoy coffee and cookies and register for door prizes.

11/03 ------ Williston STAR Fund
The Williston STAR Fund board of directors will meet from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

11/10 ------ City Commission
The virtual meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

11/19-20 ------ Women in Leadership Expo
The virtual event will feature keynote speaker Kodee Furst, Co-Founder of Annie Capital, Program Manager at the Nice Center. Email caitlyn@willistonchamber.com for more information.

11/24 ------ City Commission
The virtual meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

11/26 ------ Thanksgiving
City of Williston offices will be closed.

11/28 ------ Small Business Saturday
Shop small for everyone on your Christmas list!

11/28-12/31 ------ Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive
The 19th annual event will feature lighted holiday displays at Spring Lake Park.

12/10 ------ Holiday Stroll
The Williston Downtowners Association will host the event from 5-8 p.m.

02/12 ------ Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet
More details to be announced soon.
Upcoming Energy Events
12/01 ------ API Monthly Meeting
The meeting will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. at Four Points by Sheraton Williston. More information

12/10 ------ NDPC Christmas Gala
The gala will be held in Bismarck, ND. More information

01/08 ------ Williston Petroleum Banquet
The banquet will be held from 6-9:30 p.m. at The Well on the Williston State College campus. Ticket Information

05/11-13 ------ Williston Basin Petroleum Conference
The conference will be held at the Bismarck Event Center in Bismarck, ND. More information
City of Williston, ND | Economic Development | 701-577-8110 | Email | Website