>> Business Events Calendar
[May. 20, 2008][Jun. 2, 2008]
[Jun. 3, 2008]
Past Issues
Architecture & Engineering - February 2008
'Shape of things to come' Designers and builders outside the box
Architecture - Engineering - Construction - February 2007
A new sense of teamwork yielding landmark projects
Marketing Support - December 2006
The faces behind the marketing strategies helping to grow business all over the Northern Plains—and beyond—are part of the DNA strand that often traces its genetics back five decades.
Transportation - November 2006
Getting around is no longer what it used to be. Like everything else, the standard modes of moving people and products from one point to another are being impacted by technology and economic forces not easily explained.
Financial Strategies - October 2006
From national bank mergers and financial planners to rural banks with branches in Wisconsin and Arizona, the financial services industry on the Northern Plains is vibrant and healthy, reflecting and encouraging the growth being experienced in the Dakotas and Minnesota.
Electronic Commerce - September 2006
If the global economy depends on communication, then the networks and technology on the Northern Plains has made this region perfectly suited for international cooperation and competition.
Higher Education - August 2006
Cornerstone state campuses anchor higher education offerings in region
Legislation, Laws & Law Enforcement - July 2006
Governors Pawlenty, Hoeven, and Rounds represent the best of the political talent currently serving the Northern Plains states. All Republicans, these three men all appear dedicated to their states, but well positioned for the world stage at some point in their political careers.
Employment Options - June 2006
The Northern Plains business and education community has become quite innovative about building, retaining, and recruiting talent
Tourism - May 2006
Lovers of the grape and those who are content to dawdle along through a rural setting are all being drawn to the many types of tourism being nurtured on the Northern Plains
Healthcare - April 2006
From cradle to grave, innovative healthcare professionals are using technology and a pro-business environment to maintain top-notch research, insurance, mental health, rural health, education, and senior care organizations all across the Northern Plains.
Architecture & Engineering - February 2006
With three engineering schools and one architecture program graduating qualified professionals every few months, it’s no wonder the market is expanding for both veteran and rookie recruits in a surging regional economy.
Energy Boom - January 2006
Recent federal legislation and state enticements have recharged the energy industry across the Northern Plains
Entertainment - December 2005
From the earliest days of isolation on the prairies, a high value has been placed on entertainment . . .
Retail Redux - November 2005
The battle lines are being drawn between big retailers and many other small retail outlets.
Education - August 2005
The process of learning is an intricate one and its importance has grown as the world becomes driven by information and growing competition. That’s why educators from the region are trying to work smarter and keep delivering the world’s brightest young people to the business sector.
Research Connections - July 2005
From college campuses to private boardrooms, research-driven activity is accelerating in the region, bringing more talent to many organizations as the world discovers a prairie research scene that has transcended agriculture.
Real Estate - June 2005
It may seem like there should be lots of cheap land out there, but reality dictates that pressure is mounting from many sides as community growth, farm growth, and sports interests all pursue places of interest.
The Great Outdoors - May 2005
The word 'recreate' is more than just a passing phrase to Northern Plains residents, including the thousands who step outdoors to participate in a variety of sports that rejuvenate the spirit AND the body.
Healthcare - April 2005
Economic development often hinges on access to contemporary healthcare, from small towns to larger communities, and the Northern Plains ranks well in this vital category.
Agriculture - March 2005
Consistently the region’s largest source of income, agriculture is another example of an industry locked in a constant state of change.
Architecture & Engineering - February 2005
Kindred spirits driven by different drummers, architects and engineers represent the careers of the highest calling and some of the toughest professional standards . . . but the results are worth the effort.
Energy Potential - January 2005
Like a sleeping giant, the energy sector is rumbling back to life in the lignite coal fields of North Dakota, but after 30 years of dormancy power developers now have new partners with wind and other renewable fuels.
Historic Trade Corridors - December 2004
Hunters follow animals and create trails that become the beginnings of trade corridors now overlaid by paved highways and railroad tracks and the commerce that defines the Northern Plains’ past and future.
Entrepreneur Support - November 2004
Embraced by development officials as the best path to future growth, entrepreneurial pursuits are becoming the darling of small towns and big towns alike, with increasing support from educators.
Business Transitions - October 2004
Ownership, control, succession, and tax issues are matters for business owners to consider in planning a transition into the future.
Financial Services - September 2004
Banks in larger prairie cities are more often coming from small towns than big chains these days, upping the ante in competition for business.
Higher Education - August 2004
Colleges and universities are learning how to position themselves the smart way—in direct relationship to the local business community.
Electronic Commerce - July 2004
Marketers are still hooked on the Internet, but website developers and others suggest tying your web presence in with other traditional marketing methods for the most impact on the bottom line.
Rural Development - June 2004
Forget the languid, backward image of rural living on the Plains. Developers across the regional landscape are promoting new plans and new attitudes reinforced by some successes despite some noteworthy failures.
Healthcare Improvements - May 2004
Longer lives, healthier lives and increasing options are all part of the continued march of healthcare providers from large systems to small hospitals and nursing facilities
Lewis & Clark- April 2004
A story of adventure and amazing observations, the Bicentennial of the Corps of Discovery is driving a major parade of visitors . . .
Recreation - March 2004
One of the great strengths of the region is its wealth of outdoor recreation potential, from the basic pursuit of a walk in the wilds to the fully equipped angler or hunter.
Agriculture - February 2004
At no time has our earliest vocation been more convulsed by technology, disease, international protectionism, and a healthy dose of creative new applications for what we grow.
Energy - January 2004
Even with a stalled energy bill in Congress, regional business interests are enthusiastic about the long-term prospects for generating more activity in coal, oil, gas, wind, ethanol, and other alternative energy sources.
Discourse on Development - December 2003
We hear of a business expansion, a business failure, a business downsizing or the depopulation of rural communities.
Marketing Support - November 2003
In surveys of entrepreneurs and business leaders there are two things that consistently appear as most critical to the success of an organization: finances and marketing.
Cooperatives - October 2003
The most prolific breeding ground for cooperatives is probably right under your feet. Everything from sugar companies to power companies have chosen this tried-and-true business structure to deliver goods and services.
Trends in Education - September 2003
The learning curve for education can get pretty steep, with declining population and declining support from state tax coffers ... but that's a challenge most educators in the Dakotas and Minnesota are willing to meet head on, with little time spent complaining about the circumstance.
Aviation/Aerospace - July 2003
The wild blue yonder has worked its magic on residents from the region, who've taken flights of fancy in support of aviation pursuits that cover a wide gamut.
Talent Retention - June 2003
Despite lots of angst and public hand wringing in the local media - or, perhaps in response to it - the efforts underway for retaining talented people are extensive, broad-based, and inclusive of individuals from cradle to grave across both Dakotas and western Minnesota.
Accountants/Consultants - May 2003
New legislation and regulations following America's corporate scandals has got accountants coming and going in a world turned topsy-turvy.
Rural Strategies - April 2003
It takes more than a wing and a prayer to reverse out-migration; fortunately, there are some solid ideas for growth in rural America.
Quality of Life - March 2003
After being recently humbled by a British author in the Guardian, the author takes a stab at defending the 'frozen tundra' wasteland in a glance at what constitutes 'quality' of living.
Franchising - February 2003
Cloning a brand has never been easier, the rewards never greater, and the risks still apparent for those who copy a formula.
Branded Foods - January 2003
Adding value to agricultural commodities has become a rallying cry for development officials across the Northern Plains
Transportation and Trade - December 2002
The heart of North America would seem like a good place to warehouse goods and services for distribution to outlying communities ...
Alternative Energy - November 2002
Over the years, many of us kept our eyes on the horizon line, looking for those wind generators and following the early experiments of the 70s and 80s.
Distributors - October 2002
The heart of North America would seem like a good place to warehouse goods and services for distribution to outlying communities ... maybe that's why we have so many strong distributors in the region.
Internet Services - August 2002
When the spider told the fly to step into his web, he could never have imagined the webs of today's technical world. The Internet weaves its' own intrigue and can tangle the nerves of people stepping into it.
Beyond the borders - September 2002
Exporting commodities, goods, and services from the Northern Plains is getting more attention lately, and for good reasons for businesses that look beyond our borders for greater sales opportunities.
Manufacturing Muscle - July 2002
An industrious people can't seem to help pursuing industry, despite national trends of fewer manufacturing jobs. On the Northern Plains we keep adding high-paying jobs in a booming manufacturing sector.
The Media - June 2002
It's not easy sorting through the 'popular wisdom' and the reality of corporate media ownership, but it appears the Northern Plains is showing a net gain in news coverage and financial commitment from out-of-state.
Technology Transfer - May 2002
Through a series of well-documented, connected events, the new economy and high-technology careers demands highly educated employees.
Open for Business - April 2002
Vacation plans will be easy to make after reading the cover story on tourism opportunities in our prairie region.
Entrepreneurs and Intellectual Capital - January 2002
You can't just talk the talk when you say you intend to encourage entrepreneurs and new business, you've got provide a framework of assistance for new ideas. That framework is more than adequate on the Northern Plains.
Military Might - December 2001
Recent base closures were a wakeup call for a region that not only depends on its military force for the revenue it represents but also LOVES the personnel who call the Plains their home now (and maybe tomorrow).
New Economy Initiative - October 2001
The state of North Dakota is the beneficiary of a statewide chamber of commerce dedicating major efforts on preparing for the economy of tomorrow.
Workforce Development - August 2001
Seems like everyone realizes all at once that not only is training our workforce crucial to the future growth of the region, it can also be profitable.
Value-added agriculture - July 2001
With all the businesses dedicated to processing commodities into products, it's a miracle our entire table isn't covered with locally-grown foods... maybe some day that will be the case.
Power Brokers - June 2001
Late last fall it became apparent the nation's least populated region could become a major player in the future of this country's business success . .
Tourism Transformation - May 2001
Gone are the days when touring consisted entirely of traveling to a destination just to take a few pictures...the new tourist expects adventure and a learning experience.
Economy of Scales - April 2001
Sport fishing is high on the list for residents and visitors to the northern plains, where this most primeval endeavors is attracting high-tech anglers in pursuit of a wide variety of fish species.
American Indian Development - March 2001
With one of the largest populations of Native Americans in the nation, the Northern Plains could be the scene of a surge in employment on reservations, where many Indians are preparing for prosperity through gainful employment
Electronic Commerce - February 2001
Individuals and organizations from all walks of life are aggressively adjusting to EC with infrastructure, training, policies, and a zeal for adapting to the inevitable.
Rural Development Generating Jobs and Hope - January 2001
Despite many tales of doom and gloom 'out in the country' success stories are mounting with the arrival of high technology, telecommunications, and a mounting sense of optimism.
Regional Innovators - December 2000
Many of the biggest names in business have benefited from regional personalities, starting with Eastman Kodak Company. Join us for the first part in an examination of the men and women who've demostrated a high level of innovation.
Financing as Fuel - November 2000
Deregulation of the financial services sector has resulted in some powerful dynamics in the region as some regional institutions go national, some nationals become more regional. . .
Hunting the Northern Plains - October 2000
Hunting is big business, measured one animal at a time when they're harvested and served up a culinary masterpieces all over the country.