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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The June Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

 

McKenzie County’s Unemployment Rate for April 2023 was 1.3%, 0.7% lower than April 2022’s rate of 2%

 

Alexander’s City Sales Tax distributions for May 2023 was $63,038, almost three times higher than May 2022’s total of $23,851

 

The Oil Production in McKenzie County for April 2023 was at 11,392,449 barrels, higher than April 2022’s total of 9,701,079 barrels

 

The 64th Annual McKenzie County Fair is set to take place June 14-17 at the newly constructed McKenzie County Ag Expo. This exciting event will be the Ag Expo’s first event, and promises a range of entertainment for attendees to enjoy. Entertainment highlights of the fair include a demolition derby, rodeo, free BBQ, 4H livestock show, and much more! There will also be the Olaf Leiseth Jr. Memorial Draft Horse Competition on Wednesday, June 14, and a vibrant fair parade on Thursday, June 15. Visitors can look forward to the 4-H animal shows and the carnival running from Thursday-Saturday.

Click here for more details, and get ready for the 64th Annual McKenzie County Fair!

 

The May Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

McKenzie County’s Labor Force for March 2023 was 9,770, over a thousand more than March 2022’s total of 8,769.

Alexander’s City Sales Tax distributions for January-April 2023 was $225,823, almost $100,000 higher than January-April 2022’s total of $129,688.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Unit had 2,934 visits in April 2023, over a thousand more than April 2022’s total visits of 1,854.

Threads on Main, a resale clothing store located on Main Street in Watford City, celebrated its grand opening on May 14. Boasting an extensive collection of high-quality clothing, accessories, and shoes, the store curates its inventory by acquiring top brands and near-mint condition items. Threads on Main offers a diverse selection that caters to various styles and preferences, ensuring that every customer discovers their perfect piece at an affordable price.

To learn more, click here.