President's Report - 2013 goals include workforce and entrepreneurial development strategies
As we enter into a new year its time to look forward to 2013 and the exciting opportunities and challenges they present for our region.
As we kick off the new year we have identified two areas as primary goals - workforce and entrepreneurial development. These two key components coupled with our traditional business retention and expansion programs will help establish the Fargo Moorhead area as a technological and entrepreneurial hub. These new sectors will help supplement our existing strengths in agriculture and manufacturing, this new combination will ensure the long term viability/sustainability of our economic base for years to come.
As an additional benefit, the Red River Regional business community (Valley Prosperity Partnership) has initiated a privately led and funded strategic planning process that will review existing strengths and weaknesses and recommend a series of deliverables that the region as a whole can work together on, thus strengthening the entire Red River Valley (on both sides of the river).
Regionalism and collaboration between communities is happening all across the country, and to compete in the new global economy, we have to utilize all of our business, educational and research capabilities, at our disposal, to succeed! |
Biomedical firm, Sekris, moves R&D to Fargo
Sekris, a biomedical firm based in California, is moving its research and development to Fargo.
The company plans to start with six employees potentially growing to 12 over the next two years.
The firm will develop a drug it devised to regulate the body's immune system to reverse type one diabetes. The firm has ties to Aldevron and Sanford Health.
"In collaboration with the existing organizations in Fargo, we are looking forward to adding another dimension to the growing core of companies that are focusing on development of vaccines" said Shahrokh Shabahang, Sekris President, "SEKRIS' DNA immunotherapy will complete the breath of technologies by adding treatment of inflammatory disorders to the existing industry-based organizations that focus on infectious diseases and cancers." |
Fourth quarter steady for business development activity
The GFMEDC engaged nine new business prospects, including hosting three site visits, in fourth quarter 2012. The GFMEDC provides customized information to help sell the region to new business prospects, hosts site visits and coordinates meetings with key contacts.
The companies represented a variety of sectors including biotech, manufacturing and back office. |
Don Berg leaving GFMEDC to accept a position with U.S. Bank
Don Berg has accepted a position with U.S. Bank, as a commercial lending executive. Don's last day at the GFMEDC will be Friday, January 25.
We are grateful for Don's valuable service as interim president and as executive vice president of business development. His commitment has made the GFMEDC a better organization, and we wish Don continued success and look forward to working with him in his new role at US Bank. |
Start-up Weekend, a 54-hour entrepreneur event is coming to Fargo
In March, Fargo will host its first Startup Weekend, an event bringing together entrepreneurs, designers, developers and startup enthusiasts to participate in 54 hours of taking innovative business ideas from concept to launch.
Local CEOs, founders, and startup veterans will be on hand to provide expertise and give talks on their experiences in the fast-paced world of technology startups.
Keynote speaker is Phil Soran, serial entrepreneur in the technology field. He was most recently the president and CEO of Compellent Technologies.
Registration is open for anyone interested in what it takes to be an entrepreneur. If you don't want to participate, join us on Sunday for the pitches and post party. It's going to be a blast!
For more information check out the website at http://fargo.startupweekend.org/ |
GFMEDC participates in a successful Health Tech & Trades Expo
2,500 students from 31 regional schools participated in this year's 10th annual Health Tech & Trades Expo in December.
GFMEDC participates in and is a sponsor of the event designed to promote careers in the health, technical and trades industries to 9th graders in Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and area rural public and private schools.
More than 70 companies participated in the expo.
Since the expo's inception, more than 17,000 area students have had the opportunity to participate in hands-on demonstrations and learned about various career choices. |
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In the news...
Fargo Moorhead #3 on QSR Growth 40- The Growth 40 The third-annual report singles out the top large, medium and small markets in the U.S.
Fargo Moorhead #5 Milken Institute's Best Performing Small Cities Study includes job, wage and technology metrics over a five-year period.
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CareerFM wants your jobs
Your investment includes the opportunity to post your jobs on CareerFM.com. We ask that you limit the jobs to degree-required positions in the Fargo Moorhead Metro.
Your jobs enhance our website and allow us to better market the region to potential residents. We appreciate your help!
Please contact Tifanie Gelinske, Director of Workforce Development with questions tgelinske@gfmedc.com. |
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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! |
