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GFMEDC President accepts position with State of Minnesota
GFMEDC president, Kevin McKinnon, has resigned and will return to his former position with the State of Minnesota. McKinnon cited personal reasons for his decision to leave the GFMEDC. "I am truly grateful to have served a committed board of directors and supportive public- and private-sector partners. I also had the pleasure of working with a talented staff. The GFMEDC is a great organization and a positive regional partnership. Although my time was short, we have made significant progress toward the GFMEDC's strategy and toward building our regional team," said McKinnon.
McKinnon will remain at the GFMEDC through November.
A search committee is working with Jorgenson Consulting, who is conducting a nationwide search.
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Message from the GFMEDC's Chair Ann McConn
Search for New President Begins
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank and recognize Kevin McKinnon for his leadership this past year. Kevin has been an asset to the Fargo Moorhead region and economic development. In his short tenure, we have enjoyed an active and successful year in terms of economic development initiatives. Kevin will truly be missed. However, we look forward to an even stronger relationship with the State of Minnesota with him as a partner.
The Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC is in a very strong position, and the region continues to celebrate many success stories that are the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Recently, Caterpillar Reman Drivetrain, Cargill and Phoenix International, A John Deere Company, announced local investments worth a combined total of $122 million. The GFMEDC has also participated in 11 PACE loans totaling more than $7 million in regional investment. The GFMEDC continues to partner with local universities to align curriculum to support future growth. NDSU's CBRP is a major step toward building the region's infrastructure to support biotechnology. The GFMEDC continues to tackle issues related to workforce, air service and flood mitigation.
A nation-wide search is under way, and the GFMEDC anticipates having a new leader on board in early 2012 who will build on the momentum.
On behalf of the GFMEDC board of directors and staff, thank you for your continued support of the GFMEDC and economic development.
Ann McConn
GFMEDC Chair
President of Alerus Financial
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Phoenix International, a John Deere Company, breaks ground on a $22 million expansion
Phoenix International, a John Deere Company, recently broke ground on a $22 million, 90,000 square-foot facility. The facility will primarily provide needed space for power electronics manufacturing. Phoenix currently employs more than 900 people in the Fargo area.
"This expansion will support the continuing growth of Phoenix International here in the Fargo area," said Tom Budan, Phoenix International President, "Our growth is possible in part because of the region-wide cooperation we've received from the city of Fargo and the state of North Dakota. As we continue to grow and add to our technical workforce and resources, this new building will enable us to bring additional advanced technologies to our global customers."
Construction is expected to be completed by November 2012. |
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NDSU Research Foundation licenses coatings technology to Elinor Specialty Coatings
The NDSU Research Foundation recently announced it has concluded a license agreement with Elinor Specialty Coatings, Fargo, for removable protective coatings for outdoor bronze monuments and statues. The agreement gives Elinor exclusive rights to further develop and market the technology developed at NDSU.
The coating protects bronze monuments from exposure to the elements, translating into huge potential cost savings.
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In the News...
Bloomberg Study Ranks North Dakota No. 1 in the Nation in Economic Growth Economic Evaluation of States Index credits North Dakota with the best economic index in the nation, citing job creation and increased incomes as key indicators.
www.governor.nd.gov
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Your News
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