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Save the Date for Main Street ND Summit 2024
The ND Department of Commerce has announced the rescheduled date for the Main Street ND Summit that was supposed to be held in Watford City in October of 2023. The 2024 Main Street ND Summit will now be held August 27-29, 2024 in Watford City, ND. Save this date and stay tuned for more information.
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Bakken Area Skills Center now open
The Bakken Area Skills Center in Watford City is now open and high school CTE students are excited to grow their knowledge in this state-of-the-art educational facility. Click here to watch the KFYR video of the Bakken Area Skills Center.
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2024 McKenzie County Event Guide
The 2024 Event Guide for Watford City and McKenzie County is now available. Our new guide features event space at the Rough Rider Center, the all-new Ag Expo and a comprehensive list of all the meeting spaces in and around Watford City. This guide is a great tool for you to bring your association or event to Watford City. Instead of travelling across the state, bring your meeting or event here. McKenzie County has a team of experts ready to help you plan your event and connect you with the resources you need. Our team works closely with a number of community organizations and businesses to ensure a memorable visitor experience. Meeting planners know that a successful event demands more than just a great place to meet. Included in the guide are lists of exceptional meeting spaces, beautiful hotels and legendary dining options. We are here to assist you in making our community an event destination.
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January Economy at a Glance
The January Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's November 2023 unemployment rate was 1.0%; North Dakota's was 1.4%.
The city sales tax distribution for Alexander in 2023 was $719,196; in 2022 it was $383,472.
The landfill daily average for McKenzie County in 2023 was 945.8 tons; in 2022 it was 851.8 tons.
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BSC Certified Medical Assistant training
One of the first post-secondary course opportunities offered at the Bakken Area Skills Center will be the Certified Medical Assistant program. The program spans 25 weeks, consists of 144 hours of online theory, 40 hours of lab work at the Bakken Area Skills Center, and a 40-hour clinical practicum at McKenzie Health. Successful completion allows students to register for the NCMA exam, with specific requirements for both current students and graduates. The course costs $3,385, inclusive of online access, books, and lab supplies, with a non-refundable $500 deposit required for seat reservation. Registration for this first cohort closes on January 26, 2024. If there is enough interest, another session will be held in the fall. McKenzie Health is willing to hire individuals and allow them to attend class for this CMA program while working. They will provide the tuition, fees, books, etc. in exchange for a minimum work commitment. Click here for more information on the program and here for the registration form.
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Careers in North Dakota 2024 edition
The Labor Market Information Center has released the 2024 edition of Careers in North Dakota. The publication covers various aspects such as employment projections, wages, core tasks, work activities, context factors, skills, abilities, work styles, knowledge, and education/training requirements for different occupations. It also highlights high-demand, high-wage occupations categorized into five skill clusters sorted by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. Click here to read about the career opportunities in 2024.
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Child Care Assistance Program updates
During the 2023 ND legislative session, there were changes to the income qualified Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and there was a new program established, named the Working Parents Child Care Relief Program. McKenzie Health was the first Watford City employer to enroll in that program. Employers can opt-in at either $150 or $300 per month (per employee) and the state matches the employers contribution, allowing either $300 or $600 monthly in childcare buydown of the employees. If you are a working parent or an employer looking for childcare assistance programs, click here to learn more about the Working Parent Child Care Program.
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2024 ND Reclamation Conference
The 2024 North Dakota Reclamation Conference is scheduled for February 27-28 at the Astoria Hotel in Dickinson, ND. Click here for more information and to register.
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McKenzie Health expanding services to Williston
McKenzie Health has expanded its services to Downtown Williston with the opening of a full-time care and medical facility at the former Fairlight Medical Center. Beginning on February 5, 2024, this extension will focus on orthopedic services, providing comprehensive care for muscles and joints, including evaluations, joint injections, and follow-ups. Additionally, imaging services such as X-rays, CT Scans, MRIs, and 3D Mammograms will be offered. The facility will also feature a walk-in clinic, providing same-day care for various injuries, illnesses, vaccinations, and more, without the need for referrals. This expansion aims to enhance healthcare accessibility in Downtown Williston.
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Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant Program
The Main Street Initiative (MSI) Vibrancy Grant Program, initiated by the Department of Commerce, aims to enhance community vibrancy in North Dakota by providing seed funding for local projects. Focused on improving quality of life, attracting a 21st Century Workforce, and fostering community pride, the program supports initiatives such as public events, public art or cultural celebrations, activation of underutilized spaces, community gathering spaces, promoting active transportation, and mitigating the impact of vacant or deteriorated infrastructure. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit community organizations and local political entities. The grant requires a community match, and funds are reimbursed upon completion of the project. The 2024 timeline includes multiple rounds, with the first round open from January 22 to March 1, and awarded projects expected to be completed by June 30, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to review the Vibrancy Grant Guidelines and submit applications through the web portal. Contact Anya Hondel (701-328-5401) for further inquiries.
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McKenzie County Ag Expo in 2023
The McKenzie County Ag Expo has become a bustling hub for a variety of events since its opening in June 2023. The state-of-the-art facility features a 53,000 square foot livestock indoor arena, three exhibit halls, an outdoor arena with grandstands, RV parking, a kitchen, bar, and concessions. The center's success is evident in its ability to attract diverse events, from rodeos like the NDRA Finals to family-friendly gatherings such as the Pumpkin Pickin' Palooza and Western Wonderland. The Expo's impact extends beyond entertainment, hosting educational events like Ag in the Classroom's Petting Zoo, which engaged over 700 students. Looking ahead to 2024, the center has a packed schedule, including Cowgirls & Conservation, a farm and ranch show, State 4-H Livestock Judging, a gun show, Extreme Bronc Riding, and various recreational vendor shows. The team is also seeking to expand and is hiring a special assistant for maintenance and machinery-related tasks. For those interested in hosting events or joining the team, information can be found on their website.
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Job openings
Many great job opportunities are posted on the Job Service North Dakota website each week. View and post job openings for no charge at jobsnd.com.
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Upcoming Events in McKenzie County
Be sure to check out the Community Events Calendar regularly to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and activities in the area!
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