As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2014, our region's dynamic growth continues. Adding to the good news, every indicator is saying NO major flooding issues for 2014! 

All signs point to an early kickoff to the construction season, and it appears that numbers will continue to exceed the banner years of 2012 and 2013.

Our technology sector has had an excellent first quarter and strong projections are expected for the remaining part of 2014. 

Manufacturing, as a whole, has also had a strong first quarter, and we are seeing major investments being projected for real and capital equipment over the remaining part of 2014.

The agriculture sector has had both very positive and negative news in the first quarter of 2014. The passage of the Farm Bill by Congress was an important step in overcoming the doubt and skepticism coming from Washington, but fluctuations in commodity prices have caused concern locally especially in sugar and row crop prices.

Our entrepreneurial community support has continued to grow in the first quarter with great successes in supporting the ND Start Up Weekend for Women and the second annual Startup Weekend Fargo Moorhead. One Million Cups was also kicked off in the first quarter. We continue to support Emerging Prairie in their quest to start a co-working space in our region and to create a Startup House for entrepreneurs.

Two major initiatives are coming to fruition and should be kicked off in the second quarter. The Valley Prosperity Partnership's final strategic plan results and the ND Economic Development Foundation's Workforce Attraction Initiative.   

The GFMEDC manages a robust Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program to better understand the local business climate. Visits with leaders at regional primary-sector companies allow GFMEDC staff to communicate available programs and learn about each company's activities and potential challenges. Mark Vaux, executive vice president business development, meets with about 15 businesses in Cass and Clay County each month.

"One of the more enjoyable parts about doing these visits is meeting new companies and people.  The diversity is really interesting as we can visit with a software developer one minute and an agricultural manufacturer the next," Vaux said.

Kicking off March, Vaux met with leaders at two companies. The first was with Jeff Davis, manager, Identity Ag in Casselton. Identity Ag cleans, packages and ships non-GMO soybeans and wheat. They are also a certified organic processor for soybeans and wheat with around 95% of all products shipping internationally.

The meeting focused on ways to support the company's growth including hiring new employees and a possible new purchase of equipment. The GFMEDC can assist with both through various programs and staff support. Identity Ag has eight employees and is looking to add about three more.

Vaux also met with Tom Boyle, President of D & M Industries located in Moorhead. D&M specializes in doors, millwork, windows, cabinets, frames and hardware for many types of building projects nationwide. These projects include residential housing, hotel-motel, assisted living and multi-family housing. 

As a Moorhead business, Boyle emphasized the importance of engaging the Moorhead community and Minnesota as a whole. D & M Industries employs 111, and the company is seeking qualified new employees.

The BRE visits have confirmed that workforce continues to be a challenge for many regional companies.  

"Workforce needs continue to be the largest issue we face as a community for sustainable growth, both in terms of recruiting new talent to our region and providing training for the existing workforce," Vaux said.

Through BRE visits, the GFMEDC continues to build relationships with regional companies connecting them with resources and gaining valuable insight into the regional economic landscape.

Call it a crash course in startups. 90 participants broke into twelve teams to design, prototype and create business plans in 53 hours (they lost an hour to daylight savings time). The normally 54-hour event is called Startup Weekend Fargo. With lots of caffeine and little sleep, each team worked hard to validate their idea and turn it into a business. 

The teams ended the weekend on stage at the Fargo Theatre. Each team had three minutes to pitch their business concept to a group of judges followed by rounds of questions and advice from the judges. The judges voted on their top three choices selecting one winner, a startup called HackFargo. The winner received legal and mentoring time, free branded t-shirts, various gift certificates and the opportunity to present at 1 Million Cups.

At least one group has already been approached by a potential investor.

The GFMEDC sponsored and participated in planning the event.

The GFMEDC recently supported and participated in a unique professional learning event for West Fargo educators.

GFMEDC President, Jim Gartin, emceed the event which featured nine dynamic speakers who represented diverse companies and backgrounds such as advanced manufacturing and the arts community. The presenters spoke to 400 educators and stakeholders about the importance of being college or career ready. The discussions focused on student preparation with a stronger emphasis on communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking (the four C's). 

Educators then spent the afternoon at various businesses so they could see the four C's in action. Teachers had a chance to tour the facilities and ask questions.

"We are very grateful for the sponsorship of the panel discussion by the GFMEDC and their commitment to collaborate on a day of professional learning for our staff. This event was unique, insightful, powerful, and fun" said Molly Bestge, Secondary Curriculum Coordinator for West Fargo Schools.

Check out videos of the event.

TRS Industries is celebrating a recent 36,000 square foot expansion. TRS also expanded in 2009 adding 33,000 square feet. The two expansions total 69,000 square feet in the last five years. TRS Industries employs 42 people up from 27 employees in 2009. Company leaders plan to add roughly 10 more employees in the next two years.

TRS Industries manufactures tarp covers for semi-trucks, boats, and trailers.

"This is a big milestone for us," Richard Cossette, owner of TRS Industries, said "from this expansion we have gained productivity, attitudes are better and everything is more efficient."

Midwest Mobile Summit, May 5 & 6 

The two-day event focuses on trends in mobile technology, mobile design and mobile strategy with speakers, panel presentations and demos. http://midwestmobilesummit.com/ 

Cultivate.You, May 9

Join Arthur Ventures Co-founder, Doug Burgum, for a one-day event at the Fargo Theatre that brings together entrepreneurs and key influencers for networking, sharing and learning. More information to come.