May 10 Forum Focuses on North Mandan

Learn about infrastructure and residential developments, the new high school and commercial sites in north Mandan during a free informational forum May 10. The session, running from 2 to 4 p.m., will be held at the Marathon Refinery administration training room, 500 Old Red Trail NE.

Sign up by May 6 online at cityofmandan.com/register or by calling 701-667-3478.

Workforce Impact Grant: Ideas Requested in Early May

The Lewis and Clark Development Group is assisting our region in aggregating possible projects for a Workforce Impact Grant. The 10-county region that includes Morton County is eligible to receive up to $3,020,000 with a 25% match. Options include workforce training, childcare, talent attraction and affordable housing projects. Projects or programs need to be one-time or have other funding thereafter, largely complete by June 2023. Please contact the City of Mandan Business Development Department by May 11 with any projects or ideas you'd like to have considered.

Apply Now for Technical Skills Training Grant

The N.D. Commerce has an allocation of $3 million for Technical Skills Training Grants to offset the cost for program providers and employers in their efforts to develop highly trained skilled workers to meet labor market demands. There are options along two tracks:

• Track A — For new and expanding accelerated, non-degree training programs that prepare trainees for new jobs.
• Track B — For companies wishing to provide internal upskilling opportunities for existing staff to promote movement and advancement throughout the organization, create more comprehensive onboarding and new worker training programs, and/or provide safety training for employees.

Application rounds will occur with the following deadlines, pending availability of funds: July 7, 2022; Sept. 29, 2022; Dec. 15, 2022; and March 9, 2023.

Businesses can utilize this scholarship and student loan repayment program as a tool to recruit and retain employees in high-need and emerging occupations. It provides matching funds of up to $8,500 for each dollar contributed by the private sector for up to $17,000 per recipient. Participating students or employees are required to work in North Dakota for three years.

Heart River Bridge

Start of Highway 1806 S Project

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is planning to begin repair work on the Heart River Bridge, also known as Sitting Bull Bridge, on Highway 1806 S this week. Bridge work is expected to take about four months to complete with both lanes of traffic remaining open during construction.

Minor bridge repairs are part of a larger Highway 1806 S construction project planned for summer. Highway 1806 S from Main Street to Eighth Ave SE will undergo traffic signal replacement, concrete pavement repair, and lane reallocation with striping changes. A portion of the roadway that is four lanes will be reconfigured to three lanes with a dedicated left turn lane. Other improvements include curb ramp and lighting updates.

Economic Indicators

As of mid-April, here are a few stats with some comparisons to last year:

Local tax collections

• Sales tax - up 18%
• Restaurant & lodging tax - up 13%
• Hotel occupancy tax - up 40%

MPO Creates Membership/Business Portal,

Offers eGift Cards

The Mandan Progress Organization has a new online membership portal plus a business directory including logos and a description of products and services.

Merchants in Mandan are also welcomed to participate in the e-gift card program.

Photo Contest Sponsors Welcomed

The Mandan Progress Organization and Mandan Tomorrow - Leadership, Pride and Image Committee are excited to announce the second annual Mandan Photo Contest. We are looking for sponsors for prizes in seven categories. Those contributing so far are NAPA Auto Parts, Quality Home Furniture, and Vision Source.

Business News

• Acuren has leased the building at 1105 32nd Ave SE for its industrial services.
• Big Stick Cigars opened in March at 406 W Main St.
• First Community Credit Union will open April 28 at 4614 Memorial Highway. Signs are in place for a couple tenants: Heritage Insurance Services and Trademark Realty.
• Leingang Chiropractic & Wellness is relocating/expanding to 1311 First St NE.
• V3NU3 is a 75-person event venue that opened at 320 W Main St.

Upcoming Webinars

April 26: Demystifying IP for Small Businesses

June 14: Turn Your Side Hustle or Hobby Into A Small Business

July 12: Offering Quality Products & Making A Profit For Restaurants