It is an incredibly busy time for the GFMEDC and the FM Region!

In the last thirty days, we have participated in three groundbreaking ceremonies and the announcement of another major expansion, all of which are outlined below.

The EDC has retained Fourth Economy of Pittsburgh, Pa., to help us create a new regional economic development strategic plan.

The current plan was completed in 2008 and quite a bit has happened in our region over the last five years. It is important for us to plan for the future and to have a clear focus in all of our daily activities and initiatives. 

There is no better time to create a revised strategic plan then during prosperous economic times, like we have today. It allows us to clearly look at our strengths which will help us project out for the next five years. 

As this new plan is being initiated another regional plan, the Valley Prosperity Partnership has completed its first phase and will be moving to the implementation phase. The VPP report is outlined below, and the entire report is available to download.

The EDC continues its commitment to education as a key foundation block for our future workforce. We outline several of these initiatives below with our new "Education that Works" initiative and our second Student Manufacturing Tour.

Its a great time to be in the Fargo Moorhead region, and we are excited about our future sustainable growth. 

Xcel Energy recently announced an investment of $25,000 to support the Education that Works initiative making them the lead sponsor.

Education that Works is a partnership among the GFMEDC, the United Way of Cass Clay and the public school systems in Moorhead, Fargo and West Fargo. 

The goals of the Education that Works Initiative include:

• Providing enhanced professional development for current teachers
• Preparing tomorrow's educator differently
• Providing community awareness on the importance of 21st Century skill development focusing on the 4 C's, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity

"Strong communities build strong companies. Our assets are literally embedded in the community. We plan to be here a long time, and we want to have a great workforce to do that," said Ben Fowke, President and CEO, Xcel Energy.  

Discovery Benefits Inc., is planning a $4.65 million expansion project. Discovery Benefits is adding 27,000 square feet to the already existing 47,000 square foot building. They plan to add 85 employees within three years.

Discovery Benefits is a Third Party Administrator for Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Reimbursements Arrangements, Health Savings Accounts, Transit/Parking Plans, COBRA Administration and other billing services. 

The company currently works with 7,500 employer groups throughout the country.  They currently have about 330 employees. 

GIF approved a PACE community buy-down loan of $162,000. 

The VPP released a 62-page report that lays out six action oriented goals focused on sustained economic growth for the entire Red River Valley in both North Dakota and Minnesota.

1. Workforce attraction, development and retention
2. Water security for the Valley
3. Research capacity and relevancy
4. Entrepreneurial activity and output
5. Infrastructure investment
6. Improving outside perceptions of the Valley

The group will focus initially on the first three goals related to workforce, water security and research. Working groups have been formed to move the action items forward.

"Our region needs talented people, great places, sensible public policies, good ideas, and a diverse economic base. The Valley is in a position of prosperity. This action plan isn't a response to an economic downturn; rather, it is one that seeks to build on our strengths." said Tammy Miller, committee co-chair and CEO of Border States Electric.

Check out the Full Report 

From entrepreneurial development and support to K-12 education, the GFMEDC is reaching out facilitating access to programs and processes to help local companies succeed and to grow our economy. It all circles back to local business support.  

Roughly 90 students from Fargo and Moorhead Public Schools along with Park Christian Private School toured local manufacturing facilities.

During the tours, students learned what each company did along with the career opportunities (and salaries) within the manufacturing sector.

Students toured American Crystal Sugar, Cardinal IG, Fargo Automation and Swanson Health Products. 

1 Million Cups 

Every Wednesday 9:15

FMCT The Stage

http://fargo.sites.1millioncups.com/  

TEDxFargo "On Purpose"

Thursday, July 24, 2014

8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Fargo Theatre

TEDxYouth @ Fargo

Friday, July 25

Afternoon

Fargo Theatre

Get Tickets