Representatives from Cornerstone Bank today announced a $100,000 commitment to the Bakken Area Skills Center project. The contribution comes on the heels of many other local organization’s contributions including ONEOK, Stenehjem Holdings, Titan Energy Services, Fort Union Masonic Lodge #128, Northern States Fishing Tools, Chord Energy, ConocoPhillips, Marathon, Carl E Rogan Post 29 American Legion, Grayson Mill Energy, Crestwood, Winn Construction, and Targa Resources.
North Dakota’s spring wheat crop is projected to increase 56% over last year’s drought production according to forecasts from the USDA based on August 1, 2022 conditions. Other crops forecasted to increase include durum wheat up 92%, winter wheat up 164%, barley up 55%, and oats at 168%
Construction on the Bakken Area Skills Center has begun with the ceremonial groundbreaking on July 18, 2022. This center has been in the works for years and will be a place for hands-on technical training for both high school students and those already in the workforce. Construction is hoped to be finished by late 2023. Financial commitments to the project have been coming in from a variety of entities including North Dakota Career and Technical Education, McKenzie County Economic Development, McKenzie County School District #1, ONEOK, Stenehjem Holdings, Titan Energy Services, City of Watford City, Fort Union Masonic Lodge #128, Chord Energy, Northern States Fishing Tools, ConocoPhillips, Marathon, Carl E Rogan Post 29 American Legion, and Grayson Mill Energy. Financial contributions are still being accepted. Visit here for more information.
The North Dakota Petroleum Council will once again be holding its annual meeting in Watford City. Attendees can expect to hear the latest updates on the North Dakota’s petroleum industry from industry and government leaders. The meeting will be held September 20-22, 2022 at the Rough Rider Center.
The July economy at a glance is now available. Some data of note include:
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The Economic Resiliency and Diversification Strategies for McKenzie County technical assistance report is now available. Compiled by a diverse panel from the International Economic Development Council, the report details recommendations for our community to focus on in both the short and medium term. The McKenzie County Job Development Authority has been reviewing the recommendations and are seeking to implement many of them.
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The June economy at a glance is now available. Some data of note:
Two new transmission lines and a substation estimated to cost half a billion dollars have been announced by Basin Electric for western North Dakota. Residential, commercial, industrial and data centers are all contributing to the need for more power in the area. See more in this story from KFYR-TV.
McKenzie County’s 2021 taxable sales and purchases came in at $242.8 million according to the North Dakota State Tax Department. That represents a 6.9% rebound from the 2020 calendar year, but still behind the highs of 2018 and 2019. For more information visit the ND Tax Department data page.
The Greater North Dakota Chamber will be hosting a Business Roundtable in Watford City on June 22 focused on quality of place. Speakers include representatives from ONEOK, DLN Consulting and more. In a world where people choose their communities before selecting their employers, quality of life matters. Citizens expect their communities to provide aspects of health and well-being, which creates the feeling of belong and a sense of home. This is a conscious approach to economic development that goes beyond brick and mortar. Find more information and how to register here.
