THANK YOU!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our investors for making what we do possible! Other than our annual meeting and this newsletter, there are few acknowledgments of their support. Their investment is making a difference in our region.

To better serve our investors (starting in the fourth quarter of this year), we will be hosting a quarterly investor breakfast. We will provide programming and initiative updates and provide time for investor dialogue with staff and our Executive Committee and board members.

Our community is incredible, but it does have challenges that threaten to slow or derail sustainable growth. So during these times of incredible prosperity, it is paramount to address concerns and potential roadblocks and be proactive to ensure long-term growth and stability. 

The GFMEDC's success is based on our ability to provide effective leadership in the areas of primary-sector business development, workforce development and entrepreneurial development and YOU, our investors, make that possible - Thank You!

For us to grow our programming (not our staff), we will have to bring in additional investment. Currently we have just over 100 investors in the most vibrant metropolitan area in our state and region, we need more businesses like you to join in on our mission. 

Thank you for your commitment and trust and from the entire eight person GFMEDC staff, we offer our appreciation and assure you that we are all 110% committed to our mission!  

Fargo Moorhead topped Forbes most recent list as the best small place for business and careers. 

The report ranks the metro at #60 in cost of doing business, #4 in job growth and #15 in education.

The Best Small Places for Business and Careers, Forbes

The GFMEDC is bringing together leaders within the IT industry sector and higher education to discuss ways to continue successful collaborations that align education with industry needs.

The Summit, to be held in September at Microsoft, will include short presentations regarding challenges industry leaders face in recruiting the right skill sets and current programs and initiatives that are aligning education and industry. A moderated roundtable discussion will focus on ways to enhance what's working and to tackle challenges in aligning education and industry.

This is the first of a series of sector summits to address challenges and build upon successes.  

CoCo Fargo is slated to open late August in a 6,000 square foot space at the historic Merchants National Bank, 112 1/2 N. Broadway. 

Are you interested in learning the best practices of successful local exporters? The U.S. Commercial Service recently kicked off its Export Experts video series. In this series, six North Dakota exporters share their best practices and success stories in a series of brief, impactful videos, starting with "Making the Most of International Trade Shows." 
 
Other topics include "Exporting from Rural Areas" and "International Networking" (released August 14).
 
The videos will be available on the U.S. Commercial Service Agribusiness Team website

Shane Waslaski, CEO Intelligent InSites presents at 1 Million Cups Fargo.

"It has been a crazy time since my 1MC speech. Just this single event has been SO MUCH help in our company receiving national press with a key message. To say that we are grateful is an understatement, but the only words that I can think of is THANK YOU."

Jeremy Neuharth

Co-Founder

Sycorr

Presenter at 1 Million Cups Fargo

1 Million Cups 

Every Wednesday 9:15

FMCT The Stage

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

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

Barnesville Business Pitch Contest

Old City Hall

Friday, August 22

6:30 p.m.

www.barnesvillemn.com/businesspitch  

Our workforce team, Tifanie Gelinske and Teri Dobbs, meet with human resources professionals from our primary-sector companies on a regular basis.

Our EDC team focuses on learning more about workforce needs and challenges within the Fargo Moorhead region.  The team asks employers about recruitment and retention to get a clearer overall picture of workforce development in the FM market. 

During the visits, our organization also provides information about state facilitated programs that employers can access such as Operation Intern and ND New Jobs. 

The complete annual meeting is now available to watch.

Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation