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Jim Gartin takes over leadership of the GFMEDC
Jim Gartin took over leadership of the GFMEDC March 5, 2012 and plans to work with regional partners to aggressively support local industry and grow business through expansion, entrepreneurial support and business attraction.
"I am excited to be part of such a great organization and community. During my evaluation of the GFMEDC opportunity, it became clear to me that the business community has had a very distinct commitment to the overall growth and livability of the area. It is through collaborative efforts that we are able to forward our mission to grow and diversify our regional economy," said Gartin.
Over the next several years, Gartin plans to focus on strengthening the greater Fargo Moorhead economy through aggressive business retention/expansion programs, entrepreneurial/technology growth initiatives and targeted attraction opportunities.
The GFMEDC looks forward to your continued support of our efforts and would welcome an opportunity to discuss our vision for the future.
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GFMEDC hires Don Berg as Executive VP of Business Development
Don Berg has accepted a position with the GFMEDC as executive vice president of business development.
Berg has 20 years of senior management experience in service-based businesses, including president and COO positions. He possesses extensive experience in business development, finance, operations and strategy analysis. Don has previous experience in economic development and has spent the past seven years in biotechnology and drug testing industries.
Berg began his career as a United States Air Force officer, specializing in budgeting and financial analysis. Since then, he has run operations and business development divisions of several national and regional businesses and possesses extensive international business experience. Most recently Berg was executive director of Global Safety Network, a national risk mitigation firm headquartered in Grand Forks.
Berg earned a BS degree in accounting from MSUM and an MA from American Military University. He also completed executive education programs at University of Minnesota Carlson School and Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Berg currently serves on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations; he is a North Dakota native and lives in Fargo with his wife, Michele, and two children. |
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GFMEDC Hosts Trip to Bakken
About 20 local leaders representin g industry, cities and counties spent two days touring the Williston area.
The group, hosted by the GFMEDC learned about the fracking process and toured a man camp.
Mark Nisbet, principal manager at Xcel Energy called the trip informative and educational. "I was extremely impressed by the positive attitude of the leaders in Williston. They are facing some large transportation and housing issues, but they prefer to consider these issues opportunities rather than problems. Williston Mayor Ward Koeser would welcome GFMEDC businesses that could help meet these challenges. Business leaders should think about bringing their skills and resources to oil country to participate in what looks like a long term energy play rather than a short term boom," said Nisbet.
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Strategizing for long-term, statewide economic development - North Dakota 2020 and Beyond Initiative
Several state leaders including North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple are collecting input from across the state to gather information to form the 2020 and Beyond Initiative. The initiative is a 20-year development plan that aims to build on the success of the state's current strategic plan and advance North Dakota's opportunities. The initiative will advance the state's emphasis on job creation and building a positive business climate, while focusing on enhancing North Dakota's quality of life and the livability of its communities. The plan's focal point will include three keys to the future: people, places and opportunities.
"This is an important initiative for our state as we build on our progress and capitalize on the opportunities that have emerged as a result of our state's impressive economic growth," Dalrymple said.
For more information on the initiative or to provide your own input, check out their website www.ND2020andBeyond.com.
Twitter hashtag is #ND2020.
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Chief Economist for American Petroleum Institute set to speak at GFMEDC's Annual Meeting for Investors
The chief economist for the American Petroleum Institute, John Felmy, will speak at the GFMEDC's annual meeting for investors.
GFMEDC Annual Meeting
May 10, 2012
11:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m
Hilton Garden Inn & Suites
Fargo, ND |
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In the News...
North Dakota ranked second happiest state, Minnesota ranked third
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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! |
