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GFMEDC hires James Gartin as president
The GFMEDC is pleased to announce that James Gartin has been hired to lead the GFMEDC. Gartin was most recently the president and CEO of the Lenawee Economic Development Corporation in Adrian, M.I.. Prior to that, Gartin worked at Ann Arbor Spark.
"I am enthusiastic to join the GFMEDC team and participate in the exciting programs which have been initiated, and I look forward to working with other organizations in a collaborative effort to continue to strengthen the Greater Fargo Moorhead region!" said Gartin.
Gartin has spent more than 30 years in economic development and commercial real estate, and his extensive experience will bring unique strengths to the Fargo Moorhead region building upon the success of the GFMEDC. Gartin is set to begin his new role as president of the GFMEDC in early March.
"We are delighted to welcome Jim as our new president. His experience is a great match for our strategic direction, and his collaborative style was welcomed by those who were able to meet him during his visits," said Brad Schlossman, Chair of GFMEDC and President/CEO West Acres Development.
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Hector International finishes 2011 with record-breaking December, starts 2012 with record-breaking January
December 2011 will go in the record books as the busiest December in Hector International Airport's history according to airport officials. The month of December was up roughly 4% compared to December 2010. Overall 2011 proved to be the second busiest year on record. Officials say January 2012 also hits the books as the busiest January on record.
That's good news as airport officials continue to work to recruit additional air service to the market. The Fargo Airport Authority, GFMEDC and Fargo Moorhead CVB partnered to financially support a $750,000 Small Community Air Service Development Grant that was awarded to the Airport Authority by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
"The primary use of the grant is to work with American Airlines to establish service to their hub in Dallas/Fort Worth. Discussions are underway with officials from American Airlines as they review the opportunity. There are ongoing discussions with other airlines that are monitoring the Fargo market opportunity to provide additional air service," said Shawn Dobberstein, Executive Director, Fargo Airport Authority.
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GFMEDC coordinates four teacher internships for summer of 2012
A collaboration among the GFMEDC, NDSU and the South East Education Cooperative will send four junior high or high school teachers into industry for four weeks this summer. The internship called "Teachers in Industry" is designed to provide teachers with a deeper understanding of a process used by engineers called the engineering design process.
Through this practical work experience, the teachers will gain more in-depth knowledge of 21st Century skills including teamwork, collaboration and communication. This experience will strengthen the teacher's ability to make curriculum content more relevant connecting education to industry.
The teachers will receive a $2,000 stipend and are required to incorporate the experience into their curriculum. The 2012 internships were open to teachers in Moorhead, Fargo and West Fargo. The group hopes to expand the program to more districts in the future.
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F-M schools sign MOU for ESTEEM Institute
More hands-on learning and stronger ties to science, technology engineering, entrepreneurship and mathematics (ESTEEM) in schools led Fargo Moorhead educational leaders to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the ESTEEM Institute.
The institute will provide resources to both teachers and students preparing students to be more innovative and to gain a higher level of skills in order to compete in the global economy.
The MOU was signed by Fargo Public Schools, Moorhead Public Schools, West Fargo Public Schools, North Dakota State College of Science, North Dakota State University and the South East Education Cooperative.
The initiative was started by the NDSU Research & Technology Park. The GFMEDC participated in a year-long strategic planning process to form the ESTEEM Institute.
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Congratulations to State Bank & Trust leaders named 2012 Bankers of the Year
Richard Solberg, chairman and CEO and Michael Solberg, president of State Bank & Trust were named 2012 bankers of the year by Northwestern Financial Review.
The magazine features banking leaders who have positively shaped the banking industry during the previous year. This year marks the first time a father and son have shared the honor.
Read Complete News Release
www.statebanks.com
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GFMEDC releases student-focused video to assist universities in marketing to prospective college students
The seven-minute video aims to give potential students and their parents a snapshot of the Fargo-Moorhead region. The video highlights the region's excellent academic environment and high quality, low cost living. The video also touches on things like safety, the region's many fun events and activities and the strong base of companies for internships and careers.
"Fargo Moorhead is a community that really values education, and the GFMEDC video does an excellent job of highlighting our living and learning climate and will leave prospective students excited to start their higher education experience in Fargo Moorhead," said Tim Flakoll, Provost, Tri-College University.
Check out video (YouTube) |
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In the News...
Fargo 8th most romantic city
Fargo ranked #8 on the list of most romantic cities according to Redbox, a movie rental business. Redbox based their rating on the number of romantic comedies rented in 2011.
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Do you have news to share?
If you have news items you would like included in an upcoming newsletter, please send the ideas or articles to lgnelson@gfmedc.com. Thank you! |
