In July 2023, data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis found North Dakota was leading the nation in GDP and earnings growth. The state experienced the highest growth in real GDP of all 50 states, surging 12.4% between Q3 2022 and Q3 2023, nearly triple the national growth rate of 4.6%. Personal income also increased at 11%, third in the nation behind Maine and Nebraska. While the state is known for agriculture and energy, it’s also a growing hub for the bioscience and biotech sectors. Several bioscience companies, including Aldevron, Agathos Biologics and CorVent Medical, have started or expanded operations in the Fargo-Moorehead area. Aldevron was sold in 2021 to Danaher for $9.6 billion, the largest acquisition in state history.
Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT): An innovation loan fund that supports technology advancement by providing financing for commercialization of intellectual property within the state. Funds can be used for working capital to conduct applied research, experimentation or operational testing.
North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF): Offers “flexible gap financing” through loans and equity investments not available from most conventional lenders for the purpose of economic development.
Innovate ND: A voucher and grant program available to help turn an innovative idea into a profitable business.
PACE: Administered through the Bank of North Dakota (the nation’s only state-owned bank), helps communities expand their economic base by assisting primary-sector businesses that make an investment or create jobs in the community. Proceeds from the fund may be used to purchase real property, equipment and certain working capital requirements.
North Dakota Commerce
business.nd.gov
Bismarck-Mandan Development Association
bmda.org
Fargo Moorhead Economic Development
gfmedc.com
Williston Economic Development Office
willistondevelopment.com
Innovate North Dakota is a voucher reimbursement program that helps entrepreneurs in the state further their business with customer and market research. It offers advice through expert guidance and the research needed to help turn innovative ideas into profitable businesses. Each participant is eligible for up to $22,500 in reimbursable expenses and has up to six months to complete all requirements of the program.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
