New Investors

AE2S

Appareo Systems

Thank you to our new and current investors for your support of the GFMEDC and economic development.

Photo Courtesy of Fargo Moorhead CVB

Smart Brief

Fargo Moorhead MSA has an unemployment rate of 2.3% (not seasonally adjusted) compared to the U.S. unemployment rate of 7.0%. To see the GFMEDC's latest economic indicators, please check out the following links.

November Economic Indicators

October Economic Indicators

President's Report: A great economy, plenty of smart partner organizations and a wealth of opportunities to grow our regional economy - the EDC is thankful!

The Holidays are upon us, and we have so much to be thankful for here in the Fargo Moorhead area! An incredible robust economy, a committed and dedicated workforce, an outstanding education system, fantastic arts and entertainment venues and social and non-profit organizations that are second to none!

Every day can be so diverse from working hand in hand with our primary-sector leaders to ensure their continued growth, to sitting down with a start-up entrepreneur and discussing how they can broaden their marketing outreach. We work with education and other non-profit partners to address community needs regarding workforce issues. We also focus on broad community needs like internet/fiber connectivity with government officials and businesses.

The one thing that is always on our agenda, day after day, is new business attraction opportunities to strengthen our existing base. Advanced manufacturing, embedded technology, software development and life sciences are all targeted industry clusters that we believe enhance our growing market and can be supported by our highly-educated and trained workforce.

The Greater Fargo Moorhead community has a great deal to be thankful for, and we at the EDC are thankful to be a part of this dynamic marketplace!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Three local companies make $2 million in local investments

Three local companies are making investments totaling more than two million dollars. JSM Woodworks, Melet Plastics and Coaches Choice were recently approved for Flex PACE loans.

JSM Woodworks (West Fargo) fabricates wood-panel and solid-wood based products for the retail and hospitality industries.

Melet Plastics (Fargo) utilizes a unique one-shot plastic mold process to produce high quality and cost effective natural fiber composite parts. These composite parts are found in many different agricultural construction and aeronautical equipment.

Coaches Choice (Fargo) is a national provider of corporate and athletic business apparel, promotional items and silk screening services. They are a primary provider of athletic apparel for several large upper Midwest retailers along with a number of Division I and II colleges and universities across the United States.

"The GFMEDC is delighted to partner on opportunities to assist companies that reinvest in their business and our community. We are thankful for their contribution to our economy and dedication to our region," said Jim Gartin, GFMEDC President.

The GIF partners with the Bank of North Dakota and a participating local bank allowing primary-sector companies to access low interest financing through the PACE loan program. The Bank of North Dakota's PACE program's goal is to assist North Dakota communities in expanding their economic base. The GIF only provides PACE and Flex PACE loans to primary-sector companies.

Moody's report predicts ND job growth to outperform the United States for the next several years

In its October 2013 Pr�cis U.S. State publication, Moody's Analytics updated its analysis of the North Dakota economy and the outlook remains positive. Moody's notes that although the rates of job growth and personal income growth have slowed in North Dakota, both remain double the national average.

Moody's predicts that North Dakota's economy will continue to outperform the U.S. Nationally, gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by a mere 1.3 percent in 2013, then increase by between 2.9 and 4.1 percent through 2016. In North Dakota, the expected rate of growth in 2013 is 5.7 percent, more than four times the national average. North Dakota's GDP is expected to continue growing at the rate of 3.1 to 5.4 percent per year over the next three years. Employment in the state is expected to grow by 3.5 percent in 2013. Nationally, employment growth is expected to grow by less than half that rate -- only 1.6 percent. The unemployment rate in North Dakota is projected to remain around 3.0 percent through 2016. Nationally, the unemployment rate is expected to average 7.5 percent for 2013 and not dip below 6.0 percent until 2016.

Moody's analysis is summarized as follows: "North Dakota is in an enviable position and will outperform the U.S. for the next several years thanks to its booming energy industry. High prices and new technologies will support oil production, accompanied by growth in auxiliary industries throughout the state."

Pam Sharp, Director

ND Office of Management and Budget

North Dakota November Rev-e-news Newsletter

GFMEDC Partners with MSUM to focus its sector breakfasts on a sixth sector - Education

GFMEDC recently partnered with MSUM to add a sixth sector breakfast focused on teacher preparation.

The sector breakfasts are a series of meetings among sector leaders and leadership at MSUM. The meetings are an open conversation that includes the university deans and the president. University leaders ask what they are doing right and what needs to change relative to student preparation. University leaders listen, take notes and change programs based on the feedback.

"The education sector breakfasts demonstrate a sincere effort to link with and listen to stakeholders, and to translate what is learned into action. I applaud this effort and appreciate being included," said Dr. David Flowers, Superintendent, West Fargo Public Schools.

Women's Startup Weekend aims to empower more women to engage in entrepreneurism

Aimed at encouraging women to think outside their normal 9-5, the Women's Startup Weekend event will provide women the opportunity to learn the basics of creating a startup and launching a successful venture.

All Startup Weekends follow the same basic model. Participants pitch ideas Friday night. Teams form around top ideas, and for 54 hours, those teams create a business model, code, design and do market validation. The weekend culminates with presentations in front of judges.

Women's Startup Weekend will be held at Dakota Medical Foundation, January 24-26.

www.northdakotastartupweekend.org

Limited opportunities are available for sponsors, judges and coaches.

SCORE Reception - learn more about volunteering your expertise to mentor entrepreneurs or how to turn your hobby into a business

SCORE is looking for volunteers to be small business mentors. The organization is hosting a reception to provide more information about their services.

SCORE Informational Reception

December 4, 2013

4:00 - 6:00

Square One Kitchens

1407 1st Ave N.

The event is free. Please reserve your spot by calling (701) 239-5131 x208 or email north.dakota@sba.gov

GFMEDC staff member, Tifanie Gelinske, graduates from Dale Carnegie's leadership class

Congratulations to GFMEDC staff member, Tifanie Gelinske, VP, Workforce Development, who recently graduated from Dale Carnegie leadership training.

Way to go, Tifanie!

The nine-week program focuses on creating a persuasive communicator, problem solver and focused leader.

In the news...

North Dakota ranks #1 Best Run State by 24/7 Wall St.

Full Article

Or find it on USA Today

Full Article

North Dakota tops the list for "Best states for Young Job Hunters" by CNN Money

Full Article

Fargo Moorhead Ranks #2 "Top 10 Cities on the Rise" by Nerd Wallet

Full Article

Do you have job openings? Post them on our new careers page and help us market the Fargo Moorhead Metro as a great place to work and live!

Your jobs enhance our website and allow us to better market the region to potential residents.

Your investment includes the opportunity to post your jobs on our careers page. We ask that you limit the jobs to degree-required positions in the Fargo Moorhead Metro.

We appreciate your help!

Please contact Tifanie Gelinske, VP, Workforce Development with questions tgelinske@gfmedc.com or log on and post them at http://www.gfmedc.com/careers/jobs/

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 Lisa Gulland-Nelson at lgnelson@gfmedc.com. Thank you!

The mission of the GFMEDC is to grow and diversify the economy in Cass County, ND and Clay County, Minn. through the attraction, retention and expansion of primary-sector employers.

A primary-sector company is one that brings new wealth into the community through the sale of its goods and services outside the trade area. This new wealth circulates and supports all other sectors of the local economy, thus making the primary sector the principle driver of economic growth.

Thank you for your continued support of the Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC and economic development. We look forward to your feedback.