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JDA Home Builder Construction Loan Participation Program
The McKenzie County Job Development Authority is seeking support for the construction of single-family dwellings in McKenzie County to address the current housing shortage through the creation of a JDA Home Builder Construction Loan Participation Program. Initial funding of $4.5 million is being requested by the Job Development Authority to fund this as a revolving loan program. This program would run until December 31, 2024. At that time, it would be evaluated as to if there is reason for it to continue. The program is seeking launch in June 2023.
The JDA is seeking a fund and program administrator for this program through the Requests for Proposal (RFP) process. Proposals are being accepted until 10 a.m. CT on May 5, 2023. To view the RFP, click here.
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North Dakota Petroleum Council creates Bakken GROW Program
The North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) is responding to the workforce shortages in the oil and natural gas industry by creating a program called Bakken GROW (Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers). The Bakken Grow program will be an innovative way to bring new workers to the Bakken region through immigration, specifically Ukrainian immigrants with the new "Uniting for Ukraine (U4U). U4U is a streamlined immigration process that provides Ukrainian citizens who have fled their country after Russia's invasion an opportunity to come and work in the United States.
The NDPC has hired Brent Sanford, former Lt. Governor of ND, to be the Project Manager of Bakken GROW and assist in bringing Ukrainian immigrants to North Dakota. Sanford and the NDPC plan to welcome 25 new workers to North Dakota by July 2023.
For more information on Bakken GROW, read this FAQ.
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April Economy at a Glance
The April Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's Labor Force for Feb. 2023 was 9,617, over a thousand more than Feb. 2022's total of 8,616.
Alexander's City Sales Tax distributions for March 2023 was $42,737, higher than March 2022's total of $35,164.
McKenzie County's LoadPass Permits for March 2023 was 2,471, higher than March 2022's total of 1,974.
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Innovative Health officially open
On April 17, Innovative Health officially opened their family practice clinic, located in Watford City at 340 North Main St., Suite 311. The clinic will include new and exciting services and medical care that will be offered to Watford City and surrounding area residents.
Innovative Health is now accepting all appointments with their three providers. Call 701-444-2888 or email info@innovativehealth.us for any questions or to schedule an appointment.
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USDA makes $31 million in grants available to help farmers and ranchers
In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced that the USDA is making $31 million in grants available to help farmers and ranchers access new and better markets by adding more value to their products. The USDA is making grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program, which will help agricultural producers generate new products, create marketing opportunities and increase their incomes through value-added activities. Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.
Learn more here.
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2022 Benefits Guide
Job Service North Dakota's Labor Market Information Center recently released the annual update to the Benefits Guide. This report summarizes the results of a benefit survey conducted in 2022 in which North Dakota business establishments are asked to provide information about specific benefit offerings and options such as paid leave, health insurance, and retirement. Survey results are published at statewide and regional levels and by major industry categories covering both full-time and part-time employment. In addition to the report, benefits data are now available in an interactive dashboard. For additional details, visit the Benefits Guide webpage.
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Energizing Entrepreneurs: In Rural for Rural Conference
NDSU Extension's Energizing Entrepreneurs conference is for anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur or support entrepreneurs in rural communities. The event will be held on May 16-17 in Hazen, ND. For more information and to register, click here.
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University of Mary Partnering with Williston State College
On March 27, Williston State College (WSC) President Bernell Hirning announced that WSC will now start offering bachelor's degrees thanks to a partnership with the University of Mary. WSC is known for its two-year programs, but now the college is closer to becoming a four-year institution which will help in attracting and retaining more students.
Students will now have the opportunity to receive a bachelor's degree in nursing, elementary education, business administration, or business management. These programs will complement the University of Mary's workforce trainings that are already occurring in Watford City.
Read more on this exciting partnership here.
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Rural Leadership North Dakota accepting applications
Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) is now accepting applications for class 10. The RLND program is an 18-month dynamic leadership development program offered through NDSU Extension. The program curriculum is designed to be immediately applicable to both active and inexperienced leaders. Each seminar features a mix of personal development, leadership study and location-related subject matter. The RLND Program is designed for those dedicated to strengthening the agriculture community, their community and the state of North Dakota for the future. To learn more visit here.
Financial assistance may be available. Contact Daniel Stenberg for more information.
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Leadership Training Course for Rising Leaders
The North Dakota Petroleum Council and Envision Group are presenting a two-day Management and Leadership Essentials course that will be offered April 25-26 in Williston for individuals who want to build leadership skills and thrive in the today's oil and gas industry. Participants will learn how to use tools and strategies to grow their leadership abilities, gain confidence, and navigate through difficult challenges. Each participant will pay $2,100 for a course training and a 1.5 hour personal coaching session.
Learn more and register here.
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Grant applications for Recreational Trails Program
The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) is seeking trail project applications for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The RTP is an 80/20 matching grant program that provides funding for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. The RTP is administered at the state level through the NDPRD and federally through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Applicants may request grant amounts ranging from $30,000 to $250,000.
Eligible RTP projects include construction of new recreational trails, restoration of existing trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment, land acquisition, and trail accessibility assessment.
For further information on RTP requirements and project eligibility, click here.
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Behavioral Health Summit in Energy Country to be held June 21-22
Vision West ND is hosting its third annual Behavioral Health Summit in Energy Country June 21-22 in Dickinson at the Astoria Hotel & Event Center. The summit topics will include social isolation and mental health, mental healthy stigma reduction, mental wellness and youth, creative art therapies for youth, suicide prevention strategies, and more. Registration is now open at www.visionwestnd.com.
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Long X Arts Foundation to open art gallery
The Long X Arts Foundation announces the first exhibition in its new gallery space. Morgan Wagner is a local working artist who specializes in drawing, painting, illustration and graphic design. She has a nose for adventure and has traveled extensively in the United States on her bike and in her hiking boots. She lives in Watford City with her husband where she enjoys painting in her studio, putting up murals around town, getting plenty of physical exercise, and teaching art and yoga classes.
The new gallery space is located in the lower level of the Long X Visitor Center. The show will run until April 27. It is free and open to the public for viewing from 10 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday. There will also be a Special Grand Opening Event and Open House with treats and the opportunity to paint with Morgan on Saturday, April 22 from 10 am – 5 pm. Learn more here.
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Birds & Birdies
The 2nd Annual Birds & Birdies tournament is a shooting and golf event benefiting the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation. Teams will be scored in three shooting competitions (including trap, rimfire, and archery) followed by a golf scramble. Find more info here.
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"Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago" coming to Watford City
The 2022-2023 Watford City Area Concert Series will wrap up with a special, high energy concert at the Rough Rider Center on May 2 at 7 p.m. "Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago" is a NYC-based seven piece band dedicated to the great music of the band we all know and love.
Find out more and get your tickets here.
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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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