Burgum, Ag Commissioner Goehring, legislators and ag groups announce support for Next Generation Ag Bill

Gov. Doug Burgum on Thursday, Jan 26^th, joined Velva farmer and state Rep. Paul Thomas, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, House Majority Leader Mike Lefor and other bill sponsors to show support for House Bill 1371.

The bill modernizes the definition of production agriculture in state law and allows farmers and ranchers the same business tools available to entrepreneurs in every other industry so they can access the necessary capital with the risk protections they need to start or expand modern livestock operations.

"We know our farmers and ranchers can compete with anyone, anywhere, anytime, if they’re given a level playing field," Burgum said. "We have the opportunity to level the field with this legislation, and we can do it wisely and with smart environmental stewardship."

The bill would create carve-outs in North Dakota's corporate farming law to allow for cattle backgrounding or finishing feedlot operations, or the production of poultry, poultry products, milk, dairy products, swine or swine products. The carve-outs, similar to those in South Dakota and Minnesota law, would allow parties interested in animal production to form a corporate, protected business structure, providing new opportunities for animal ag operations.

Burgum also testified on the bill Friday before House Agriculture Committee, thanking the committee's chairman, Thomas, for introducing the bill, along with the bill's co-sponsors. The governor's written testimony can be found here.

Burgum unveils 2023 North Dakota Tourism and Marketing campaign, 100th anniversary edition of the state highway map

Gov. Burgum along with North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and North Dakota Department of Transportation Division Director for Planning and Asset Management Director Scott Zainhofsky on Wednesday unveiled the new tourism and marketing campaign, and the 100th anniversary edition of the North Dakota state highway map.

The 2023 campaign was developed from image and advertising effectiveness research that took place in 2022. The campaign, called Hello, builds on feedback showing that North Dakota defies expectations with its vast outdoors, exciting events and cities, friendly people and affordability. The campaign’s messaging conveys a warm welcome to potential visitors and provides a sense of our genuine hospitality, energetic vibe and invitation to take a road trip, explore our great outdoors, visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park and participate in countless activities, from golfing to art museums.

“Tourism marketing is critical to improving the awareness of our state,” Burgum said. “This new campaign highlights our citizens’ friendly nature while showcasing our must-see activities available across the state. Increasing awareness of all North Dakota has to offer not only attracts visitors but also elevates our state as a potential new home for workers, businesses and families.”

The campaign was developed in response to a 2022 national awareness and perception study by Development Counsellors International (DCI). Research showed the state is perceived more favorably as a place to visit and live but overall lacks familiarity.

“We consistently hear about North Dakota’s warm hospitality and welcoming communities,” Otte Coleman said. “This campaign plays off of our ‘North Dakota nice’ reputation and offers visitors inspiration and all the tools they need to plan and book their trips to our remarkable state."

The tourism and marketing strategy will continue to include a media mix of print, out-of-home, digital, social, sponsorships and video. The division will spend $3.1 million advertising the state in 2023. North Dakota will be featured in niche programming, have an increased presence in digital advertising, be featured on an elevated train in downtown Chicago and continue a partnership with the Green Bay Packers.

One fun element of the 2023 campaign connects it with the 1-800-HELLO-ND phone number that has long been a staple of North Dakota travel counseling.

Two new guides have been unveiled. The 2023 Travel Guide features beautiful imagery, refreshed itineraries and easy-to-find information to inspire and motivate visitors to experience North Dakota’s outdoor adventures, history and culture, while promoting attractions, events and places to stay.

Back for 2023 is the Hunting and Fishing Guide which includes guides and outfitter listings, resources for anglers and hunters, areas to hunt and fish, regulation highlights, license information and more.

Tourism and Marketing will distribute 275,000 travel guides and 40,000 hunting and fishing guides by mail, in visitor centers and rest areas, at events and per requests due to marketing efforts.

This is also the 100th anniversary of our North Dakota state highway map. This year’s map features QR codes which direct users to online sources that provide specific travel information for that area.

“We’re excited to partner with Commerce’s tourism team to launch the 100th anniversary edition of the state highway map,” Transportation Director Ron Henke said. “The map features additional roads, areas of interest and QR codes to help the public take full advantage of all North Dakota has to offer.”

To find out more about the 2023 marketing campaign and get the new materials, go to HelloND.com.

HelloND.com

Burgum welcomes energy workers to Energy Progress & Innovation Conference

Gov. Burgum on Wednesday, Jan 25th, kicked off the 44th annual Energy Progress & Innovation Conference at the Bismarck Event Center.

"Thanks to our all-of-the-above energy approach that includes coal, oil and natural gas, wind, biofuels, solar and hydro, we are now the nation’s No. 7 energy producer overall," Burgum said. "We’ve shown that even in a state whose top two industries, agriculture and energy, rely on abundant natural resources, we can excel at both environmental stewardship and responsible energy development."

North Dakota is the third-largest oil producing state, the fifth-largest coal producing state, and a top-10 state in both ethanol production and wind power generation.

Burgum also introduced keynote speaker Alex Epstein, author of the New York Times bestselling book, "The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels."

Main Street Initiative reaches 100th community milestone

The Main Street Initiative (MSI) officially reached 100 designated MSI communities last week with Sheyenne becoming the newest community.

“We are grateful for everyone across the state who has contributed to these ongoing efforts to create healthy, vibrant communities through the Main Street Initiative,” Gov. Burgum said. “This milestone underscores the dedication and pride North Dakota residents have in building upon their communities’ strengths and unique attributes to attract and retain a skilled workforce.”

The MSI was introduced in 2016 by Burgum as a strategic initiative aimed at building healthy, vibrant communities with smart, efficient infrastructure to attract a 21st century workforce.

With a strong focus on community involvement, the initiative is structured around four pillars that work cohesively to assist communities of all sizes to reach their highest potential. The pillars: a 21st century workforce; smart efficient infrastructure; healthy, vibrant communities; and economic diversification, have been used throughout the years as inspiration for the initiative’s resources, grants and programs.

“When Sheyenne was awarded grant money to apply to significant community projects, it encourages our volunteers to keep up the good work,” Patti Larson, a Sheyenne community volunteer said. “We really appreciate the support from the MSI staff.”

Communities that join the MSI receive direct assistance for community planning and development, tailored support from participating state agencies, streamlined access to resources and learning opportunities, and enhanced access to select state resources. To date, the MSI network consists of 81 collaborating partners and more than 4,000 community leaders, volunteers and advocates who work together to offer these incentives.

Additionally, designated MSI communities may receive extra benefits on specified state grants. Currently, the MSI has four active grant programs with revolving application windows. More than $1 million in grant funding has been awarded to communities across North Dakota since the initiative began.

“We have seen a tremendous amount of growth and success within our MSI communities throughout the years,” Commerce Community Services Director Maria Effertz said. “Every community has its own unique opportunities to create vibrancy and enhance the quality of life for current and future residents. The Main Street Initiative is the best avenue a community can take to access the resources, programs, network and education to build a better future.”

More information about the MSI can be found at MainStreetND.com.

North Dakota partners with O’Leary Ventures on direct investment program, advancing the state’s goal in achieving the highest GDP per capita in the nation

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced Wednesday that the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) selected the nationally acclaimed generalist venture capital investment platform, O’Leary Ventures (OLV) as a partner to manage a $45 million direct investment program aimed at bolstering economic growth throughout the state.

“North Dakota takes pride in being one of the most business-friendly states in the nation, and we continuously seek new ways to support entrepreneurs, innovators and emerging and expanding businesses,” Gov. Burgum said. “We are excited for this opportunity to partner with O’Leary Ventures to broaden investment opportunities in North Dakota to create jobs, strengthen communities and diversify our economy.”

The program coined as Wonder Fund North Dakota will position the state as a powerhouse for small businesses by providing early-stage investment opportunities for financial and operational growth through the expertise and management at OLV.

“Capital flows through the path of least resistance, and North Dakota offers stable policy and a competitive tax environment for investors and entrepreneurs,” Kevin O’Leary said. “Under Governor Burgum and Commissioner Teigen’s leadership, this U.S. Treasury program provides a powerful springboard for long-term job creation which is the heartbeat of the American economy.”

Funds from the program will be used by OLV to invest in early-stage businesses headquartered in North Dakota with less than 500 employees. Wonder Fund North Dakota will consider companies based outside the state if their product and service have a material impact on North Dakota.

“This direct investment program is the perfect fit to fill the gap in the financing continuum of early-stage venture capital,” Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen said. ”North Dakota is rapidly paving the way to reaching the highest GDP per capita in the nation. Commerce is currently working on more than $45 billion in projects, which brings our state’s capital expenditures among the highest level in the nation. By providing more direct investment opportunities for our businesses, we can expand financial growth across several industries creating an even more robust and diverse economy.”

Kevin O’Leary, the general partner of OLV, will serve as the fund’s Chairman and will direct the vision and strategy of the fund. Paul Palandjian, the co-general partner and CEO of OLV, will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund.

“Kevin O’Leary is a renowned international investor and will bring access to a broad network to this program, which will generate high-quality deal flow and favorable returns back to North Dakota and our businesses,” Teigen said. “It cannot be overstated how Kevin O’Leary’s presence will provide millions of dollars of value to a company’s portfolio and tremendous marketing and branding value to North Dakota and our most innovative entrepreneurs.”

“North Dakota has a strong culture of hard work, innovation and entrepreneurship,” Palandjian said. “We are seeing excellent deal flow across a broad spectrum including technology, agricultural technology, health care, energy and more.”

The NDDF serves as a gap financer and has not historically invested in or led priced equity rounds. Under the management of OLV, Wonder Fund North Dakota has the ability to lead investment rounds by having access to experts who can assist in the due diligence process and ensure companies are set up for success for future raises.

OLV was selected to manage the direct investment program through a competitive request for proposal process in 2022. Funds for Wonder Fund North Dakota were provided through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). An approximate total of $58.6 million of SSBCI funds were allocated to the State of North Dakota for two equity and venture programs, the Angel Match Program and Wonder Fund North Dakota. Both programs are direct investment programs that will provide equity support directly to small businesses and startups by co-investing alongside private investors.

The NDDF was created in 1991 as an economic development tool. It provides flexible funding through debt and equity investments for new or expanding North Dakota primary sector businesses. The fund also manages the Child Care Loan Program created by the North Dakota Legislature in 2009.

More information about Wonder Fund North Dakota and the NDDF can be found at belegendary.link/North-Dakota-Development-Fund.

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