Bismarck Brings Bakken Conference Back to North Dakota
MADC partnered with the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Minot to exhibit at the 26th annual Williston Basin Petroleum Conference (WBPC). The 2018 WBPC theme was “Bakken Now,” symbolic of the current impact the Bakken oil play is having on the global market. Over 2,500 people from 40 states, 3 countries, and 6 Canadian provinces networked at the May conference in the capitol city’s Bismarck Event Center. The forum typically rotates between Regina, Saskatchewan and Bismarck.
More than 270 exhibitors displayed the latest in oil services and technologies. Among the 77 speakers were U.S. Dept. of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Hess Corp. COO Greg Hill, Continental Resources CEO Harold Hamm, and North Dakota’s own Miss America Cara Mund. Their message was consistent, the Bakken oil industry has a bright future and the Williston Basin’s oil and gas resources play a critical role in the world’s energy future.
MAGIC Sky Lands in Fargo
Aerial acrobatics, drone races, “softballs”, and leaders in state government landed in Fargo last month during the 2018 Drone Focus conference. MADC President and CEO Stephanie Hoffart, Marketing Director Terri Philion, and Board Member Jay Fisher attended the distinct, high-energy symposium. The conference was designed to serve as a platform for professionals in the autonomous vehicles and UAS industry to build their businesses, knowledge and networks; and learn more about current events in our region.
United States Senator John Hoeven detailed the importance of North Dakota’s recent selection as one of ten test sites nationwide to participate in the FAA’s UAS integration pilot program. “This pilot program gives our state the opportunity to further strengthen its leadership in UAS and share our expertise with partners across the country,” said Hoeven. Governor Doug Burgum and Lt. Governor Brent Sanford echoed Senator Hoeven’s remarks in their subsequent general session addresses. Senator Hoeven also discussed drone applications on the railway with BNSF Executive Chairman Matthew Rose while the audience listened.
MADC’s strategic partners under the MAGIC Sky initiative were also in attendance. Delegates from Norwegian-based company eSmart Systems and SkySkopes were invited to speak at the conference. The two UAS companies shared a booth space in the exhibit hall. Robot Aviation, also headquartered in Norway, had representatives onsite to strengthen existing relationships and gain further insight on the future of the industry specific to North Dakota.
RealTruck Founder to Keynote Economic Development Conference
MADC President and CEO Stephanie Hoffart and Marketing Director Terri Philion are registered to attend the 2018 Economic Development Association of North Dakota’s (EDND) Summer Conference in Jamestown, N.D. Economic development professionals from across the state will gather June 19 – 21, 2018 at the Gladstone Inn & Suites for peer-to-peer networking and continuing education. This year’s theme is “Potential: Unlimited.”
Recruiting a 21st century workforce, workforce development, and talent attraction are among the topics that will be explored as part of the event’s professional development component. Scott Bintz is the featured keynote. Bintz is the past CEO and Founder of RealTruck.Com, an online truck and suv accessories store that was created in North Dakota in 1998. RealTruck has grown into a multi-million dollar online e-commerce superstore. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the Spiritwood Energy Park, a 551-acre industrial park located approximately 10 miles east of Jamestown. Dakota Spirit AgEnergy is the anchor tenant at the Spiritwood Energy Park.
Minot's June Primary Election Results
The election results of Minot’s June 12 primary came in late Tuesday night. The voters elected Alderman Shaun Sipma as Minot’s next Mayor. Alderman Mark Jantzer and Alderman Lisa Olson were reelected to the council; Paul Pitner will serve his first term in city government. Minot public school board incumbent Laura Mihalick and former city alderman Miranda Schuler won seats on the school board. Perry Olson, Mark Schmitt, and Charles Emery were elected to the park board. Ashley Beall was the winner of Minot’s municipal judge race.
MADC to Host Fall Economic Development Conference in Minot
MADC has been selected as the host of the 2018 Economic Development Association of North Dakota’s (EDND) Fall Conference. The greater part of the two-day forum will be conducted in the convention space at the Grand Hotel; additional activities will be designed to encourage attendees to explore and experience the Minot community. The theme and agenda for the October convention is to be determined in late June. The conference has not been held in the Magic City in over a decade. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Terri at 852.1075 or tphilion@minotusa.com.