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Business development activity sees steady growth
The GFMEDC engaged 12 new business prospects in second quarter 2011. The GFMEDC provides customized information to help sell the region to new business prospects, hosts site visits and coordinates meetings with key contacts.
The GFMEDC assisted with the following projects. The companies announced locations in the Fargo Moorhead MSA second quarter. Midco Connections is a call center serving clients in the catalog and e-commerce industries. Midco Connections, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Midcontinent Media, is based in Sioux Falls. The company plans to create 100 positions in the first year. SomahLution Inc. is engaged in advancing cutting edge technologies in organ preservation and transplant medicine. The company will initially employ six people in its Fargo office. |
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The GIF approved PACE loans second quarter for the following expansion projects
Norwood Sales is expanding their manufacturing capabilities by adding a state-of-the-art paint booth to a new building located in Horace, ND. The company also plans to add a steel roller to roll water tanks for the oil industry. The company distributes high quality, reliable agricultural products. Total project costs are estimated at $4.1 million. The expansion will create at least 16 new jobs over the next three years.
Office Sign Company plans to purchase an existing building in downtown Fargo to accommodate the growth of their business. The company produces high-quality interior signage for national and international companies. Total project costs are estimated at about $700,000. The expansion will create at least nine new jobs over the next three years.
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Teacher internship connects education and industry, forwards Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) initiatives
The Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC has partnered with Phoenix International to sponsor a four-week teacher internship. The pilot project places a 7th grade math teacher from the West Fargo STEM Center with engineers at Phoenix International. The teacher will observe and participate in several aspects of the design process. "The internship will allow the teacher to experience the design process in a practical work setting. The teacher will be able to bring those experiences into the classroom to enhance learning and strengthen the connection between education and the working world," said Tabatha Joyce, West Fargo STEM Center Principal. The GFMEDC is also working with NDSU on the pilot project and hopes to expand the program in the coming years. |
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GFMEDC staff markets region at biotechnology conference
GFMEDC attended the BIO International Convention, the largest biotechnology conference in the world, held in Washington D.C. Almost 16,000 people attended the conference.
Staff met with eleven biotechnology companies in one-on-one partnering meetings. The meetings provided an opportunity to talk about the region in terms of potential to start or expand a business. The GFMEDC also participated in the convention's exhibition through a presence in both the North Dakota booth and the Minnesota pavilion. Satish Chandran and Satish Menon, NDSU Center for Biopharmaceutical Research & Production (CBRP); Mike Chambers, Aldevron and Mark Wallert, MSUM partnered with GFMEDC to market the region and the CBRP. |
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International travel program can speed up clearance process
The U.S. Customs Global Entry Program speeds up the international travel process. According to their website, the program allows participants to use automated kiosks to expedite the clearance process.
There is no minimum number of trips required to qualify for the program however all applicants go through a rigorous background check and interview before enrollment.
To find out more, go to http://www.globalentry.gov/ |
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In the news...
Washington, Boston set brainpower pace for young adults In a new study, Washington D.C. leads the nation in terms of young people, ages 18-34, who have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Fargo Moorhead MSA ranks 60 on the list. With 68,290 people ages 18-34, 38,797 (24%) have a bachelor's degree or higher.
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