JUNE 2022

Basin Electric to invest $500 million in western ND

Two new transmission lines and a substation estimated to cost half a billion dollars have been announced by Basin Electric for western North Dakota. Residential, commercial, industrial and data centers are all  contributing to the need for more power in the area. See more in this story from KFYR-TV.  

June economy at a glance

The June economy at a glance is now available. Some data of note:  

• Occupancy tax distributions for Watford City year to date are $58,821; compared to the same period last year it was $38,884.

• Watford City sales tax distributions year to date are at $1.63 million; for the same period in 2021 it was $1.35 million.

• Brookledge apartment occupancy rate for June 2022 is 85%; in June 2021 it was 62%.

Economic resiliency for McKenzie County

The Economic Resiliency and Diversification Strategies for McKenzie County technical assistance report is now available. Compiled by a diverse panel from the International Economic Development Council, the report details recommendations for our community to focus on in both the short and medium term. The McKenzie County Job Development Authority has been reviewing the recommendations and are seeking to implement many of them. 

Newspaper business purchased

With roots back to 1908, the McKenzie County Farmer newspaper--the official newspaper of McKenzie County--will be in the hands of new owners come July 1, 2022. 

Flag Family Media who own a variety of radio stations throughout the region will be the new owner. This will be Flag Family Media's first newspaper for their operations. See more in this Fargo Forum article. 

Spotlight on Energy

Produced annually by Bismarck State College the 2021 Spotlight on North Dakota Energy Report provides an update on all things energy for North Dakota. It includes information on projects such as the sixth 45-megawatt generating unit at the Lonesome Creek Station west of Watford City, that was placed in operation in 2021. It also inventories North Dakota's energy sources such as wind, geothermal, solar, petroleum, hydroelectric, biofuels and coal. 

Skills training program 

gener8tor Skills Accelerator, a free skills training program for under/unemployed individuals, in partnership with Microsoft and TrainND, is launching a cohort for residents of North Dakota to improve their skills in Customer Service and Sales. The program is a free 5-week program; no prior experience or degrees are required to apply! Sign up by June 20th.

Once applicants apply and are accepted, students will spend 5-weeks in the program. The core of the curriculum is accessing the free content across Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning to gain a valuable new skill set in Customer Service and Sales. Participants will complete the self-paced training while receiving one-on-one support from a career coach. Upon completing the program, they will access companies ready to hire candidates. For more information, visit here.

Greater North Dakota Chamber Roundtable 

The Greater North Dakota Chamber will be hosting a Business Roundtable in Watford City on June 22 focused on quality of place. Speakers include representatives from ONEOK, DLN Consulting and more. In a world where people choose their communities before selecting their employers, quality of life matters. Citizens expect their communities to provide aspects of health and well-being, which creates the feeling of belonging and a sense of home. This is a conscious approach to economic development that goes beyond brick and mortar. Find more information and how to register here. 

Area businesses encouraged to participate in survey

McKenzie County businesses are encouraged to complete the Resilience and Recovery Planning survey being administered through Visionwest North Dakota and DLN Consulting. Results of the survey will be used to help inform covid recovery efforts. Respondents are eligible for a $10 Amazon gift card, and the survey must be completed by June 30, 2022. 

Combatting human trafficking event

The Second Annual Bakken Human Trafficking Summit will focus on identifying ways communities and agencies can communicate and collaborate, while offering applicable tools, methods and insights to assist those affected by human trafficking.

This summit is targeted to faith groups, medical professionals, law enforcement, human service providers, hospitality workers, business owners, parents/guardians, educators, service groups, government officials and other community groups to help them learn about the issues facing the region and the action steps we can take moving forward. The event will begin on the evening of June 22, with a 5 to 7 pm social and informational session at the Heritage Park. On June 23, the daylong summit will be held at the Rough Rider Center and include keynote speakers, break out sessions and panel discussions. For more information visit here.

Celebrating July 4th

The tradition continues. Arnegard will be hosting its annual 4th of July Celebration with a parade, BBQ, 5K run/walk, fireworks and more. See more here!