GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks will host the Economic Development Association of North Dakota’s spring conference from April 30 through May 2.
The conference’s theme is "Elevate, Innovate, Celebrate” and will bring together local and state leaders, businesses and other community organizations for discussions about economic development. This is the first time in 10 years that the conference has been held in Grand Forks. EDND Executive Director Laura Lacher said she’s excited to see all the development that has happened in the community.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing all of the new businesses and (unmanned aircraft system) development,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for both industry leaders and as well as small-town economic developers and larger cities to come together.”
EDND’s mission is to promote the development of North Dakota’s economy and ensure the state maintains economic opportunities and vibrant communities. The event includes various panels, ranging from local investment to rural opportunities, and the UAS industry and communities. Visitors will also be able to tour the Grand Sky development and downtown.
“We wanted to celebrate the great work that economic developers are doing across the state and highlight the great work we’ve done in Grand Forks,” said Mark Maliskey, marketing and communications manager for the Grand Forks Economic Development Corporation. “Even since 2020, the landscape of the town has completely changed.”
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Many of the events will occur at the Olive Ann Hotel, with some events occurring at the HIVE. The events begin Tuesday afternoon with tours of the Grand Sky Development followed by a UAS industry and community panel. Wednesday is full of panels on various topics, ranging from workforce development to financing opportunities. Thursday’s panels will focus on marketing, infrastructure and rural development before the conference wraps up in the early afternoon.
Panel participants and keynote speakers are a mix of local and state leaders. They include people like Grand Forks Fire Chief Gary Lorenz discussing how the fire department uses UAS technology and representatives of the Bank of North Dakota to discuss lending and financing. It’s also a chance for people to connect and learn from each other about what’s working in different parts of the state.
“(People can) talk about the project they’re working on,” Lacher said. “It’s a great resource for those small-town economic developers to pick people's brains and see what they can do in their town.”
By bringing it to Grand Forks, the EDC says it can show how far public and private partnerships can go for economic development.
“Across the state, Grand Forks is known for the ‘Team Grand Forks’ approach. … Everyone gets on the same page and advocates for the same things and that makes a really big impact,” Maliskey said. “(The collaboration) is something that we’re hoping to highlight.”
More information about the event can be found on EDND’s website, ednd.org/ednd-2024-spring-conference/.
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