We are two months into our regional strategic planning process with Fourth Economy from Pittsburg. We worked with Fourth Economy on the Valley Prosperity Partnership Strategic Plan for the Red River Valley which presented it's final report in May.

The study will have a five-point framework to help identify and establish goals and action points for the future.

1. Trends and Conditions

2. Primary-Sector Opportunities

3. Business Development Ecosystem

4. Value Proposition (Marketing and Outreach)

5. Infrastructure Demands

The evaluation process, to date, has included a review of previous plans, data collection and review, coupled with several roundtable discussions and a community survey. Next steps will be the preparation of an initial draft, revisions and then final draft presentation.

We hope to be able to present a final plan to the public early this coming fall! 

Education that Works officially launched recently. The initiative is a unique collaboration among the GFMEDC, the United Way of Cass Clay and the public school systems in Moorhead, Fargo and West Fargo. 

"To continue our economic growth and maintain our quality of life, we need to support and develop a workforce able to do the jobs companies are recruiting for now and in the future. We must support educators in their efforts to develop students who are creative, can communicate, collaborate and think critically in order to solve problems," said Jim Gartin, GFMEDC President.

The goals of the Education that Works Initiative include:

• Provide enhanced professional development for current teachers
• Prepare tomorrow's educators differently
• Communicate the importance of 21st Century skill development focusing on the 4 C's, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity

Check out the website: www.EducationThatWorksNDMN.org 

The initiative also launched a video.

Education that Works for Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo (2014)

Regional and national reporters and others continue to take an interest in the Fargo Moorhead Metro. Take a look at some of the latest.

"In underrated Fargo, N.D., finding great art, design and Scandinavian grit" by Lyn Freehill-May, Washington Post

"Fargo reinvents itself as a magnet for creative types and entrepreneurs" Jennifer Brooks, Star Tribune

"27 Things you need to know about North Dakota before you move there" by Alan Woods, Movoto Blog 

Some are calling it a "renaissance in Fargo". Every week more than 150 (and as many as 200) gather at the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre to listen to a local entrepreneur who presents about his or her company for six minutes followed by Q & A with the audience.

Twitter comments are steady before during and after every Wednesday event. Twitter users praise #1MC referring to the connections, inspiration and energy.

"One Million Cups is a shot of pure oxygen each week. The place is filled with our community's most gifted and innovative problem solvers!! The gathering is an ongoing preview of Tomorrow's Fargo!" Dave Anderson, Sanford Health.

Presenters are given feedback to help them uncover blind spots and provide them ideas to move their ideas further, faster. They also benefit from many additional connections providing them support and information.     

"Being a part of 1 Million Cups has helped Medytex establish a great network. The audience was really receptive, and we were excited to get feedback. The entrepreneurial community has been really supportive and helped guide us in the right direction. I look forward to being part of a growing trend of innovation,"  said Saurabh Tyagi, Medytex, "We want to thank all the supporters and sponsors that help make these events possible. These events are a great tool and investment for putting Fargo on the map."

There are more than 30 cities around the country doing 1 Million Cups events. Started and supported by the Kauffman Foundation, the format is the same in every city.

If you want to attend:

1 Million Cups Fargo

FMCT The Stage

333 4th St. S.

9:15 a.m. (show up at 9:00 to chat before the presentation)

Free Coffee (try to remember to bring your own mug)

@1millioncupsfar

#1MCFAR 

Seven area teachers have become students this summer. Through the internships, teachers make stronger connections between education and industry.

Companies hosting teachers include: Microsoft, Sanford Health, John Deere Electronic Solutions, Doosan-Bobcat Company, Ulteig, Caterpillar and KLJ.  

By working with employees at their respective company, each teacher will gain more in-depth knowledge of teamwork, collaboration, communication and other critical skills needed to be successful in the work environment.

Every teacher will gain the knowledge to develop curriculum materials and lesson plans that create project-based STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) activities in the classroom. The teachers will strengthen their ability to make curriculum content more relevant and applicable.

Each teacher receives a $2,000 stipend as well as continuing education credits. 

The internship program is in its fourth year and has grown each year. The program was started as a pilot project in 2011 by the Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC, NDSU and West Fargo Schools. The teacher was placed at John Deere Electronic Solutions. The internship program is open to K-12 teachers in both Cass and Clay Counties. 

The Southeast Education Cooperative, the GFMEDC and the businesses partner to cover the teacher stipends.

Check out the story by Dave Olson, Forum 

The complete annual meeting is now available to watch.

Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation

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, 2014

Afternoon

Fargo Theatre

Get Tickets 

Health Pitch 2014

15 thought-leaders will share their ideas and concepts concerning three health and wellness perspectives:  behavioral, developing concepts and efficiencies. Each person will take the stage for three minutes to tell the audience why their idea has the best chance for improving lives.

Thursday, August 14

3:30-6:30

FMCT The Stage

Tickets available at: www.eventbrite.com

Health Pitch Video