North Dakota leads nation in growth of earnings and real GDP

Recent data taken from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows North Dakota’s exceptional performance in terms of earnings and gross domestic product (GDP) growth. According to the BEA estimates, North Dakota achieved the highest growth in real GDP among all 50 states in the first quarter of 2023, experiencing a surge of 12.4% over the past year, which is more than six times higher than the national increase of 2%. North Dakota also led the nation in earnings growth, with an annualized rate of 12.4% in the first quarter of 2023, nearly triple the national growth rate of 4.6%. The state’s substantial increases in personal income and real GDP were attributed to oil and gas extraction, mining and new project investments, leading to a rise in wages and employment opportunities.

Read more on North Dakota’s economic growth here.

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Nationally-known social media influencer in Watford City

Blair Wheeler, a social media influencer from South Carolina, traveled to Watford City in June and highlighted many areas of the town and surrounding areas through his social media. Wheeler is a golfer, marketer, amateur photographer, husband, and adventurer who has been using social media to document his golf experiences all over the country. His 50,000 followers on Instagram has made him a successful influencer and many people love his goofy, family-friendly golf videos. In his Watford City video series, Wheeler showcased Fox Hills Golf Course as he golfed the course, ate at Stonehome, and adventured through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit. He has gained over 60,000 views on these highlighted videos.

To watch his videos and check out his time in Watford City, click here.

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The Bakken Area Skills Center beam rising event

The Bakken Area Skills Center held their beam signing and rising event in late June where CTE students from Watford City High School had the opportunity to sign their names on the beam as a time capsule for future generations! Financial partner logos were also added to the beam for all their contributions in making this skills center possible.

Click here to view more photos of this exciting event!

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Taxable sales and purchases at all time high

Taxable sales and purchases for McKenzie County in 2023 Q1 is the highest it has been for quarter 1 since at least 2017. The amount increased from $56.5 million in 2022 Q1 to $76.7 million in 2023 Q1 – a 36% increase.

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Ribfest 2023

Thousands of attendees, music, ribs, and other food vendors, inflatables, a cornhole tournament, and more will be coming to Watford City’s Main Street on Friday, August 11 for Best of the West Ribfest!

Click here for the schedule.

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Young Professionals of McKenzie County to kickoff in September 2023

Are you a young, ambitious individual looking to take your career and social connections to new heights? Look no further than McKenzie County’s vibrant and dynamic Young Professionals organization! Committed to cultivating a thriving community of talented individuals, this organization is designed to help you unlock your full potential and achieve remarkable success. By joining our ranks, you gain access to a diverse network of driven professionals from various industries, providing unparalleled opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development. Through a combination of enjoyable and educational activities, members are provided valuable opportunities to connect with others and achieve success within your community. Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your career trajectory and forge lifelong connections!

McKenzie County Young Professionals is looking to kickoff in September 2023. Contact John Suter at 701-580-2380 or jsuter@co.mckenzie.nd.us for more information.

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$1.3 million expansion & upgrade to the Good Shepherd Home

Good Shepherd Home in Watford City is set to undergo a $1.3 million expansion and upgrade project, thanks to the contributions of approximately 190 individuals and businesses. The project includes expanding and renovating the chapel, creating an adjacent courtyard, and implementing a greenhouse. The capital campaign started in September 2021 and reached it’s goal in February 2023. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2024.

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Destination Development Grant Program

The Destination Development Grant Program, a funding initiative aimed at supporting tourism development in North Dakota, will be accepting applications starting on July 3, 2023. The program provides grants of up to $5 million for the 2023-2025 biennium to facilitate the creation of new or expanded tourism experiences and attractions. This expansion of tourism will help to promote economic growth, enhance the quality of life for North Dakota residents, and provide unique experiences for workforce recruitment and retention.

To qualify for the grant, projects should demonstrate their ability to attract visitors to North Dakota, contribute to the tourism and recreation industry, align with tourism development plans, and offer unique experiences relevant to the state’s history and culture.

To learn more on the Destination Development Grant Program, click here.

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New housing program approved

The McKenzie County JDA Home Builder Construction Loan Participation Program has been approved with $4.5 million in revolving loan funds provided by the McKenzie County Commission. The purpose of the program is to incentivize builders to build 3-6 houses at a reduced construction loan interest rate. Builders will work with their local lender, and the lender will submit the application to the JDA.

A training will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. CT for lenders to hear from the program administrator, Lewis & Clark Regional Development Council, about the specifics of the program and have the opportunity to ask questions. For training meeting details, please contact Daniel Stenberg at dstenberg@co.mckenzie.nd.us. For more information on the program, click here.

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2023 Main Street ND Summit coming to Watford City

The Main Street ND Summit 2023 is set to take place on October 24-25 in Watford City. The Main Street Summit is a highly anticipated event that aims to bring together individuals and organizations to foster connections, inspire creativity, and gain valuable insights for community building and growth.

With North Dakota’s economy evolving, the summit recognizes the critical importance of attracting a skilled workforce. To achieve this, the collaboration between the private and public sectors is crucial in effectively conveying the story and showcasing why North Dakota should be the place employees choose to call home. This year’s summit will revolve around the theme of innovative workforce solutions, which is why Watford City was the perfect choice. Attendees will hear from Governor Burgum and nationally renowned keynote speakers, participate in interactive workshops, and tour Watford City.

Click here to register for the 2023 Main Street Summit.

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Get in Touch

Daniel Stenberg
McKenzie County Economic Development
100 2nd Ave SW, Suite A
Watford City, ND 58854
701-444-8856
dstenberg@co.mckenzie.nd.us

Stay in Touch

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