Innovate28 is driving economic growth, strengthening our workforce and shaping policies that fuel long-term success. By cultivating talent, attracting business and creating measurable impact, we’re positioning Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo as a premier destination for growth.
Building on the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation’s (GFMEDC) and the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber’s (The Chamber) shared histories of fostering a healthy, vibrant economy and supporting business development, Innovate28 provides a strategic opportunity to further amplify these efforts. Innovate28’s goal is to make the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo region one of the most competitive and innovative in the Midwest.
A LETTER FROM THE INNOVATE28 ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR
To our valued investors and partners,
It is a privilege to serve as Chair of the Innovate28 Advisory Board and as President and CEO of Cass County Electric Cooperative. I’m honored to work alongside a group of dedicated leaders who believe deeply in the future of this region.
At Cass County Electric, one of our core values is commitment to community. That’s why Innovate28 resonated with us from the beginning. It’s an initiative rooted in progress. One that is advancing policies and partnerships that support business retention, drive growth, attract talent and ultimately strengthen the economic vitality of our communities.
Cass County Electric is considered a growth cooperative, meaning we are in the top 5% for growth amongst cooperatives nationwide. We attribute this to our region’s strong economic growth, and the leadership that believes in the prosperity of our community.
As we reflect on the first half of the year, I am encouraged by the momentum we are seeing. From workforce and business attraction and development strategies to public policy impact, Innovate28 is already helping to move the needle. These early wins are clear indicators of what’s possible when we invest boldly and collaboratively.
As you read through this report and see the progress we’ve made so far, I hope you’re as inspired as I am by what we’re building together.
Now is the time to stay the course. Continued support from our investors is essential to sustaining and scaling this progress. Together, we can shape a region that is future-focused, resilient and full of opportunity.
Thank you for your commitment. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished already and even more excited for what’s ahead.
Sincerely,
Paul Matthys Chair, Innovate28 Advisory Board President and CEO, Cass County Electric Cooperative
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The first half of 2025 marked a chapter of measurable progress and momentum for Innovate28. From advancing key workforce and economic development initiatives to influencing impactful policy wins, these seven months reinforced the strength of regional collaboration and bold investment.
HIGHLIGHTS THIS QUARTER INCLUDE:
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Continued support for business expansion, including 11 confirmed expansions/relocations and nearly 60 strategic engagements to foster local growth.
PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY: Tracked more than 800 bills and actively engaged on 50+ issues critical to business. Aided in securing major appropriations for infrastructure, education, and innovation in both Minnesota and North Dakota.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Advanced 2025 workforce goals through strategic partnerships, employer engagement and hands-on programming. Highlights include work-based learning efforts reaching over 180 business leaders through a four-part webinar and event series, the launch of an online Work-based Learning (WBL) resource hub and more than 300 participants engaging in Industry Sector Partnership meetings across the high-demand industries of health care, manufacturing, agriculture and cyber/IT. Additionally, 19 newcomers were successfully acclimated through the Community Concierge program, supporting talent retention and regional integration.
WORKFORCE ATTRACTION: Supported more than 25 companies with tools to support talent attraction (like the lightning recruitment program) and engaged 15 companies in the Culture Program. Led a talent attraction campaign that garnered almost eight million impressions, increased traffic to the Live in FM Area site and collected contact information for almost 20,000 individuals.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: Finalized the Center for Civic Engagement’s strategic framework, strategy and key objectives for 2025. In addition, convened meetings with key external partners and stakeholders to raise awareness of the initiative.
MEASURABLE ECONOMIC IMPACT: The region has seen more than $124 million in building permit value issued YTD. Since December 2024, the regional labor force has grown by more than 3,000 new workers.
These outcomes and the partnerships that made them possible prove Innovate28’s capacity to turn strategy into measurable progress. As we enter the second half of 2025, our focus is to deliver datainformed results, deepen strategic alliances and advance long-term economic vitality for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo region.
INNOVATE28 ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
GUIDING OUR VISION. SHAPING OUR FUTURE.
Our advisory board members bring expertise, insight and passion that help drive progress for our metro.
Mike Arntson, Cardinal IG
Jim Buus, JBC Commercial
Andrew Curley, Midco
David Ebinger, Clay County Commission
Chad Flanagan, Eide Bailly
Tony Grindberg, Cass County Commission
Colin Irvine, Concordia College
Tiffany Lawrence, Sanford Health
Paul Matthys, Cass County Electric Cooperative
Tami Norgard, Vogel Law
Jason Seger, Border States
Taya Spelhaug, Microsoft
Joe Raso, GFMEDC
Shannon Full, FMWF Chamber
INNOVATE28 GOALS
To achieve by January 2029
12,000+ GROW THE REGIONAL LABOR FORCE BY
LOCAL LEGISLATORS ALIGNED ON POLICIES PRIORITIZED BY THE REGIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY
130+ EXPANSIONS OR RELOCATIONS FACILITATED 28/38
The Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo region is on the cusp of transformative change. Our communities are growing, our industries are thriving and our opportunities are expanding. Yet, with great momentum comes an undeniable truth: standing still is not an option.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR (KPI) DASHBOARD
LABOR FORCE GROWTH
• Rank in the top 25% of small metros for job growth in the Milken Institute’s Best Performing Cities list (currently 65%).
• Achieve a top 25% ranking for talent attraction (currently 27%) in Lightcast reports.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC POLICY ALIGNMENT
DETAILED KPIS AND IMPACT –BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
2025 GOALS
To be completed by January 2026
Company Expansions or Relocations: 11/25
Strategic Engagements with Existing Companies to Support Their Growth: 78/150
Assist Companies with Various Business Issues: 60/75
Number of Certified Sites Available for Development through the Calendar Year: 5/7
JUNE – JULY HIGHLIGHTS
EXPANSIONS AND RELOCATIONS
The GFMEDC is dedicated to driving economic growth by helping primary-sector companies, and those considering our region, access the resources, insights and connections they need to succeed. Whether we’re supporting local businesses in expansion or attracting new companies to the market, we know that growth decisions are shaped by many factors. Sometimes, a single introduction or opportunity can be the spark that drives major investment. That’s where Innovate28 comes in—connecting businesses to valuable information, strategic partners and growth opportunities that turn potential into progress. The result? More wealth, more jobs and a stronger regional economy.
11 successful projects toward the 2025 goal of 25, and the long-term goal of 130 by January 2029:
1. Sheyenne Forming Inc.
2. Integrity Steel Supply
3. Immersive Reality USA
4. Lura Concrete Screed
5. SpaceAge Synthetics
6. GoodBulb
7. Bert’s Truck Equipment
8. Long Creek Steel
9. DakotaMB
10. SignBadgers
11. Corvent Medical
Industry Breakdown: 8 advanced manufacturing, 1 value-added ag processing, 1 software/hardware, 1 bioscience/medical device.
YTD AGGREGATE IMPACTS
• $40.5 Million Capital Investment (goal: $83 million)
• 117 new direct jobs created (goal: 500)
• 194,000 sq./ft. utilized space (goal: 300,000)
• $372,000 approved in Growth Initiative Fund loans YTD, leveraging about $900,000 in state buydown grant funds
PIPELINE AND PROSPECTS
• 42 active and homestretch projects in progress, from biotech diagnostics firms to a $3B hyperscale data center
• Potential impacts: 2.7 million sq. ft. space, 932 jobs, $3B capital investment
• 27 active AgTech prospects through partners such as Grand Farm, North Dakota State University, gener8tor, Canadian Consulate, Cultivate Conference, Autonomous Nation, Prairie Capital Summit and the World AgriTech Summit.
NOTABLE ACTIVE AND HOMESTRETCH PROJECTS BY REGION
While some of these projects are rooted in our community, many are attraction projects that bring new businesses, talent and investment to the region. Each success adds momentum, creating more wealth, more jobs and a stronger economic foundation. Together, these efforts contribute to the region’s economic success and growth.
• Local – 8 manufacturer expansions, powder coat expansion, spine surgery medical device, ag equipment manufacturer
• International – Medical devices (Israel, Norway, Singapore), Project Grey Fiber (ammunition compound), lightweight utility vehicle (Canada), spinal surgery tech (Israel)
• Midwest – Sustainable aviation fuel project, software/tech (Minneapolis), ag robotics manufacturing (Kansas), Project Heart (painted residential products), cellular biologics, battery tech (medical), ag equipment manufacturing (Iowa), drone manufacturing
• West – Ag robotics manufacturing (Washington), Agri-Fintech platform (Los Angeles / Georgia)
• East – Ag biologicals manufacturing (New England)
• Southwest – $3B+ hyperscale data center
• Southeast – Antimicrobial medical device (Florida)
COMPANY ASSISTS SUMMARY
The GFMEDC’s support of business is not exclusively limited to supporting workforce needs or business expansion projects. The team provides primary-sector companies with a wide range of support. These smaller assists happen regularly over time, and the support provided to companies paves the way for expansions and job creation down the road. To date, we have supported 60 company assists.
TOP FIVE ASSIST THEMES
1. Primary-Sector Certification Support
2. Media and Promotion (e.g., Fargo INC features, StartupBREW mentions)
PREPPING PROPERTIES – DOCUMENT-READY (CERTIFIED) SITES ACCELERATE SPEED TO MARKET
In the Greater Fargo-Moorhead region, speed to market is a priority. Through a partnership-driven effort, the GFMEDC has established a Document-Ready Sites program to accelerate development by certifying properties that have completed key pre-development work such as utility identification, soil surveys, and environmental assessments. Sites are rated bronze to platinum based on the depth of technical reporting, with certifications reviewed by global site consultant, Phil Schneider, with Global Location Strategies (GLS). This program ensures faster project timelines, and a diverse inventory of sites tailored to a range of industry needs.
The GFMEDC along with a collection of regional stakeholders began evaluating certified (shovel ready) site programs in early 2019. Using Xcel Energy’s Certified Site Program as a model, the regional stakeholders agreed to engage with Phil Schneider, an internationally recognized site selection consultant, to help build a new regional program covering both Cass and Clay Counties.
“Having marketable business and industrial sites has always been important to a company’s site selection process, and to economic development in general. It has become more critical than ever both because so many communities around the country have rapidly upped their game in preparing and marketing ready-to-go sites to companies considering expansion. Also, since the pandemic, companies’ have had to double down on their speed-to-market which in turn has made the availability of document-ready sites an integral part of their location decision process – therefore, now essentially table-stakes for economic development efforts,” said Phil Schneider, GLS.
The Document-Ready Sites program focuses on recruiting industrial projects and businesses to the greater FM region while also providing existing companies a place in which to expand. The sites enrolled in the program have much of the critical technical information readily available including planning, zoning, surveys, title work, environmental studies, wetland delineation, geotechnical studies and more.
The GFMEDC continues to coordinate with many partners to add additional sites to the Document-Ready Site Program.
DETAILED KPIS AND IMPACT – PUBLIC POLICY
2025 GOALS
To be completed by January 2026
Stand up a Center for Civic Engagement – In Progress
– In Progress
– Finalized the Center for Civic Engagement’s strategic framework, mission, vision and focus areas
Engage with 80% of Area Policymakers on a Biannual Basis: 62 of 77 (74%)
Engage with 50 Elected Officials Across North Dakota and Minnesota From Outside of Our Region: 59/50 (118%)
JUNE – JULY HIGHLIGHTS
STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS
• Tracked 800 bills across Minnesota and North Dakota, actively engaging on 50+ key issues
• Hosted 4 Days at the Capitol events in Minnesota, North Dakota and Washington, D.C., attracting 100+ business and community leaders
• Secured media coverage through 20+ stories and interviews
• Led a coalition of 80+ businesses to successfully block legislation eliminating daylight saving time
KEY NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE WINS
• $205 million for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, ensuring long-term regional water security
• $45 million to expand and renovate the Fargo Hector International Airport, boosting capacity and connectivity
• $24.76 million Challenge Grant, incentivizing investment and supporting workforce development
• $16 million for NDSU’s New Horizons Program, developing industry-aligned curriculum and strengthening career pathways
• $10 million for the NDSU Research and Technology Park, advancing automation and robotics to support industry
• $35 million for housing and homelessness grants, expanding access to affordable housing and critical services
• $3 million allocated to Fargo National Cemetery, honoring veterans and serving the community
• $3 million for Operation Intern, expanding workforce industry-focused internship opportunities
• Establishment of a child care tax credit, supporting working families and talent retention
• Defeated legislation to impose Sunday closure laws, eliminate the office of legal immigration and repeal the biosciences tax credit
KEY MINNESOTA LEGISLATIVE WINS:
• $9 million for state-wide flood hazard mitigation, protecting communities and infrastructure
• $1.2 million to support the Clay County Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility, enhancing mental health services
• Expansion of the Research & Development (R&D) tax credit, stimulating innovation and business growth
• Reforms to environmental permitting to improve regulatory efficiency
• Adjustments to the Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law, to ease business mandates
• Reduction of the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) premium from 1.2% to 1.1%, reducing costs for employers and employees
• Extension of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the City of Moorhead, supporting local economic development projects
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY:
• Finalized the strategic framework for the Center for Civic Engagement
– Mission: Inspire, empower and educate current and future community leaders to increase their role and responsibilities in civic engagement.
– Vision: Every individual possesses the knowledge, skills and motivation to participate meaningfully in civic life.
– Purpose: Reverse the nationwide decline in civic engagement by increasing participation among adults, college students, young professionals and K–12 students.
– Partner: Velocity Public Affairs
• Work to Date
– Developed the Center’s comprehensive strategic framework and priorities.
– Formed a candidate cultivation working group to identify and prepare prospective leaders for the 2026 election cycle.
– Issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to engage external expertise for the Center’s formal launch and execution.
– Strengthened partnerships through internal and external meetings to ensure broad community alignment.
– Hosted strategic meetings with key leaders, current and former congressional delegates and statewide officials to align on opportunities and priorities.
– Engaged 20+ business and organizational leaders to shape responsive, community-driven programming.
– Coming Up: Center for Civic Engagement Founding Circle Dinner with keynote speaker Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Thursday, September 25. This exclusive CEO event will convene business leaders to discuss their role in shaping a civically engaged workforce and advancing community participation. Reach out to The Chamber to RSVP.
KEY STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTS:
• Community and State Leaders: Provided high-level perspective on state-wide civic priorities, shared expertise on leadership development and outlined opportunities for collaboration.
• Business and Organizational Leaders (20+): Represented diverse sectors including education, business and nonprofit, ensuring the Center’s work reflects a broad range of community needs.
• Candidate Cultivation Working Group: A focused team to examine current legislative districts and identify individuals interested in pursuing elected or appointed leadership roles.
• Velocity Public Affairs: Strategic partner providing expertise in civic communications, public affairs and engagement strategies.
CENTER
IMPACT IN ACTION
PUBLIC POLICY
BUILDING A STRONGER REGION, TOGETHER
When business and community leaders come together with one voice, powerful things happen. Through Innovate28, that voice is being heard in the halls of our state capitols, in Washington, D.C. and in the offices of policymakers shaping the future of our region.
Thanks to your investment, Innovate28 is helping redefine what effective, business-driven public policy looks like.
AMPLIFYING BUSINESS VOICES INTO POLICY ACTION
“After every legislative session in Minnesota and North Dakota, The Chamber publishes a review of key outcomes. These reviews also include the voting records of our area legislators, and whether or not their voting aligned with The Chamber and our business community. This is extremely valuable information for our business leaders and residents.”
—
Jon Riewer, President and CEO, Eventide Senior Living Communities
Innovate28 is not just tracking policy, it’s influencing it. With tools like legislative reviews, post-session briefings and direct advocacy efforts, we’re ensuring elected leaders are held accountable and that business interests remain front and center.
TURNING INSIGHT INTO IMPACT
Public policy may not always grab headlines, but it’s the engine powering economic opportunity. Through Innovate28, that engine is accelerating.
Chamber Board Past Chair, experienced public policy expert and Vogel Law Firm attorney, Tami Norgard, puts it simply: “Innovate28’s public policy efforts are the real deal.”
From workforce development to infrastructure, business leaders are now shaping the conversations that matter with experiences like:
• Chamber Day at the Capitol
• Washington, D.C. Fly-In
• Candidate Forums and Roundtables
• The East Meets West Tour
These programs are creating access to decision-makers and elevating the voice of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo business community like never before.
“Our unified presence around shared priorities significantly amplifies our impact. Legislators constantly comment on how coordinated and representative our efforts are.”
— Jill Abbott, Chief of Staff, Concordia College
DRIVING A CULTURE OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
“I absolutely would encourage business leaders to attend Chamber Day at the North Dakota Capitol. Meeting face-to-face with legislators is one of the most impactful ways to build trust, understanding and momentum for a stronger North Dakota.”
—
Tiffany Lawrence, President and CEO, Sanford Health
Innovate28 is helping build a culture of civic engagement that benefits every sector. From boardrooms to classrooms, more individuals are becoming informed, involved and inspired to lead.
RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT
Your support of Innovate28 is fueling:
• Greater influence on policy that directly impacts your bottom line
• Stronger relationships between the business community and elected officials
• Trusted leadership on complex, cross-sector challenges
• A more civically engaged, future-ready workforce
And perhaps most importantly, you’re helping lay the groundwork for long-term regional prosperity, creating the conditions for business growth, community well-being and a future that works for everyone.
DETAILED KPIS AND IMPACT – WORKFORCE
2025 GOALS
To be completed by January 2026
Companies Using Recruitment Tools to Support Attraction Efforts: 25/40
Aldevron, American Crystal Sugar Company, Appareo, BCSB, Bobcat, Border States Electric, Cardinal IG, Cass County Electric Cooperative, Comdel, Dakota Supply Group, Elinor Coatings, Fargo Glass and Paint, Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, Gate City Bank, Korber, Marvin, McNeilus Steel, North Dakota State University, Packet Digital, Precision Equipment, Preference Personnel, PRX, RDO, Red River Commodities, Sanford Health, True North Steel
Companies Engaged in Company Culture Program: 15/25
– More info on Company Culture Program https://gfmedc.com/about-us/culture-program/
Engagements with the Community Concierge program: 19/35
– Companies engaging with the Community Concierge program: Aldevron, Bobcat, Border States, First Western Bank, John Deere, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Otter Tail Power and Vance Thompson Vision.
Establish Baseline for Career Awareness and Exploration Opportunities
• In Progress
• The Chamber is actively collecting baseline data to guide future workforce development and retention goals. Key metrics include participant engagement, sector representation, satisfaction (via Net Promoter Scores), and geographic and demographic reach.
• This foundational year includes data from:
– 32 educators and 27 businesses engaged through EDventures
– 3,000+ students participating in the Health, Tech & Trades Career Expo
– 250+ participants in work-based learning webinars and events
– 300+ attendees at five Industry Sector Partnership convenings
• By 2026, we will formalize year-over-year goals to increase participation, expand sector engagement and track impact through consistent evaluation tools.
JANUARY – JULY HIGHLIGHTS
GOOD JOBS CHALLENGE
• Benefited from an EDA program extension through Sept. 2026 to upskill and place over 900 individuals in in-demand sectors.
• Completed upskilling, training and/or education for 89 individuals
• Placed 49 individuals in a new good job or advanced them in their current role.
INDUSTRY WORKFORCE EVENTS
• Held Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) convenings across health care, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and agriculture sectors with 300+ total participants
– Health Care and Caring Professions (March 24, 2025)
› 45 attendees, 31 companies/organizations
– Advanced Manufacturing (April 25, 2025)
› 28 attendees, 19 companies/organizations
– Cybersecurity and IT (June 3, 2025)
› 24 attendees, 20 companies/organizations
– Agriculture (8 meetings Nov – Feb, statewide)
› 228 participants from 44 counties
BELONGING AND INCLUSION
• Hosted training to help employers strengthen inclusive hiring and retention practices, with 89 total participants registered.
• Discuss, Connect, Reflect Series (in collaboration with Drive for Five)
– Supporting Veterans in the Workplace – 53 registered
– Employer Tools for Fair Chance Hiring – 36 registered
– Differing Abilities – scheduled for August 2025
• Coming soon: Half-day Workforce Forum in collaboration with MN DEED’s Drive for Five and the NSF Ag Tech Engine
COMMUNITY CONCIERGE PROGRAM
• Supported newcomer integration through 19 total engagements since January and ongoing collaboration with HR professionals.
• Coming soon: Outcomes from Welcome Day event planned in partnership with the Folkways Red River Market to get in front of newcomers and increase engagement.
EDVENTURES EDUCATOR EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM
• Engaged 32 educators and 27 businesses in June, providing hands-on experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world workforce needs.
• Businesses gave a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 86.6, indicating they value the program’s impact and would recommend it to others.
• Educators gave an NPS of 76, reflecting strong satisfaction and likelihood to share the experience with peers.
WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL) PROGRAMMING
• Partnered with Golden Path Solutions to deliver a three-part webinar series with 124 participants and a dedicated event with 63 attendees, equipping small to midsized businesses to better understand work-based learning and effectively engage students.
TALENT ATTRACTION
• Generated 7.7 million+ impressions (exposures to advertisements) through targeted recruitment marketing campaigns.
• Attracted 71,000+ active users to LiveinFMArea.com to explore the region as a place to live and work.
• Captured 19,900+ contacts via form submissions for ongoing talent engagement.
REGIONAL DATA AND ANALYTICS WORKFORCE SUMMIT
• The Regional Data & Analytics Summit 2025, hosted by GFMEDC and powered by industry insights from Lightcast (a leading labor market data firm), provided a platform for leaders across government, education and the private sector to converge and strategize on the future of talent development. The summit underscored the urgency of addressing workforce shortages and aligning education with industry needs to ensure sustainable economic growth.
CULTURE PROGRAM
• Developed a program with survey and networking components, based on a joint GFMEDC–Fargo Moorhead Human Resources Association survey, which identified company culture as a top-three ranked priority among regional employers. The survey included 111 respondents, representing nearly 23% of the region’s workforce.
• Engaged 15 companies in the program
HUMAN RESOURCE WORKFORCE EVENTS
• Hosted Workforce Breakfast events to connect human resource professionals to tools they can use to fill open positions, with 100+ total attendees.
• Highlighted regional brand marketing resources, the Community Concierge program, and various regional and state programs that support workforce attraction and retention at the 3 events:
– Workforce Programs: Tools you can use – Feb.12, 2025 – 48 Registered
– Workforce Programs: Tools you can use – May 6, 2025 – 48 Registered
– Workforce Programs: Tools you can use – Aug 5, 2025 – 33 Registered
Navigating the Talent Storm: Insights from the Regional Data & Analytics Workforce Summit 2025
IMPACT IN ACTION
WORKFORCE
LIGHTNING RECRUITMENT PROGRAM
Born out of a dynamic conversation with local recruiters and aligned with the Innovate 28 goal to drive workforce development, Lightning Recruitment is a promising GFMEDC initiative designed to address immediate workforce needs. While long-term branding and recruitment strategies remain essential, HR professionals made it clear companies need talent now.
Lightning Recruitment helps connect businesses with potential candidates who may be open to relocating to the Fargo-Moorhead region, drawn by a favorable wage differential and lower cost of living.
This program puts HR teams in control, equipping them with valuable data insights and direct access to candidate contact information. Combining labor market analysis with a targeted recruitment tool, Lightning Recruitment identifies in-demand occupations and wage trends, empowering companies to proactively reach out to talent ready for a change.
“Bobcat Company has utilized the Lightning Recruitment program pilot for assistance on three different positions over this past summer. This has proven to be a great asset for us to supplement our existing strategies. The analytics provided have been useful to understand what markets to focus our efforts and we have been able to grow our talent pipeline with the potential candidates that this program has provided.”
– Stacey Sellers, Talent Acquisition Manager at Bobcat Company
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: COMMUNITY CONCIERGE
After serving in various roles across the country, including his most recent position as Chief of Staff at Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, California, President Downs brings a wealth of experience to his role as President of Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM). With just over a year at the helm, he reflects on his journey, the transition to the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo (FMWF) region, and the role MSUM plays in advancing the community it serves.
“MSUM is an awesome university and part of an excellent system of higher education,” he says, explaining what initially attracted him to the role. “I was excited to be a part of a university that prioritizes being indispensable to the region we serve.”
Having relocated multiple times throughout his career, President Downs is no stranger to the challenges of moving to a new region. From coast to coast, he’s learned the importance of understanding the unique connections and history of each place. “Every community has a story,” he shares. “Getting a sense of that history is important to being a part of future growth.”
During MSUM’s presidential search, The Chamber’s Community Concierge program played a key role in helping him acclimate to the FMWF region. A personalized community tour made a lasting impression. “The tour was really insightful. The hosts did an excellent job of making me feel welcome and gave me a sense of the growth potential for the region,” he recalls, adding that he was surprised by the presence of so many large corporations in the area.
Despite a snowstorm delaying his interview, he was impressed by the warmth and hospitality he received at every step. “I received such a warm welcome during every part of my interview process, even with the weather challenges,” he says.
The Community Concierge services not only helped him feel welcome but also laid the foundation for long-term connections with the region. “The Concierge program was a nice introduction to the community and to The Chamber,” he explains. “It helped me identify ways to get connected to the community, and that’s been invaluable.”
As President of MSUM, he’s committed to ensuring that the university remains a strong partner to the community. “One of our strategic anchors is being ‘indispensable to the social, cultural and economic advancement of Moorhead and our surrounding communities,’” he says. “As a regional university, we are a partner for both workforce and economic development, and investing in our faculty and employees’ connection to the community plays a critical role in that.”
DETAILED KPIS AND IMPACT – ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
QUARTERLY REVENUE GENERATING METRICS
Permits issued in total value, by property class
1,865 (YTD 2025) Estimated value: $409.99M
Added square footage by property class (Q2 2025)
Office: +86K sq ft.
Retail: +91K sq ft.
Industrial: +774K sq ft.
Taxable Sales, total and year-to-date comparison to previous year
1st Quarter 2025: $656,839,726
1st Quarter 2024: $688,957,732
Vacancy rates
Labor force growth - total and year-to-date comparison to previous year December 2024 - 152,175 YTD June 2025 - 157,420
2025 Annual Revenue Generating Metrics
Year-of-Year comparisons (data will be added by January 2026)
• Assessed value of property
• Total value of new permits
• Sales tax revenue and growth
• Added square footage of property
• Population Growth
WHERE DOES YOUR INVESTMENT GO? LET’S BREAK IT DOWN.
CHAMBER USE OF FUNDS FOR 2025
WORKFORCE
• EDventures
• Health, Tech and Trades Career Expo
• Industry Sector Partnership convenings
• Community Concierge Program
• Women Connect
• Young Professionals Network
• Leadership FMWF
PUBLIC POLICY
• Advocacy and lobbying efforts
• Bill tracking software
• Public affairs firm support
• Stakeholder engagement
• Minn. and N.D. Capitol trips
• Washington, D.C., Fly-In
• East Meets West Tour
GFMEDC USE OF FUNDS FOR 2025
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
• Business Attraction Efforts
• Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Program
• Document Ready Site Program
• EImpact
• Business Development
– Targeted Industry Events
• Site Selector Communications & Outreach
WORKFORCE
• Talent Attraction
• HR Workforce Breakfasts
• Culture Program
• Data & Analytics Workforce Summit
• Lightcast Data
Thank you to these leading businesses for investing in the future of our region. Innovate28 powers The Chamber’s Public Policy and Workforce and Talent efforts, as well as the following programs: Leadership FMWF, Professionals of Color, Women Connect and the Young Professionals Network.
PIONEER | $125,000+ ANNUALLY
INNOVATOR | $75,000+ ANNUALLY
LEADER | $25,000+ ANNUALLY
VISIONARY
CHAMPION | $15,000+ ANNUALLY
CONNECTOR | $10,000+ ANNUALLY
SUPPORTER | $5,000 ANNUALLY
A NOTE FROM JOE AND SHANNON
Reflections and gratitude
As we reflect on the first half of the year, one thing is abundantly clear: this initiative is working, because of you.
Your investment in Innovate28 is more than a financial contribution. It’s a vote of confidence in the future of our region and a powerful commitment to collective progress. Together, we are moving beyond vision to measurable outcomes. We are proving that with bold ideas, strong partnerships, and focused execution, real change is possible.
In just two quarters, we’ve seen undeniable traction from business expansions and policy wins to talent attraction and workforce innovations. These results are the product of intentional collaboration and shared leadership across sectors. You’ve helped turn challenges into opportunities, and your continued belief in this work fuels the momentum we’re seeing.
We also recognize that none of this happens without trust. Trust between public and private sectors. Trust between business and education. And trust between institutions and individuals who are invested in building something bigger than any one organization. Innovate28 is, at its core, a testament to what’s possible when we align around a common goal: building a thriving region where people and businesses can grow, belong, and succeed.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Thank you for showing up, speaking up and investing in a better tomorrow. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together so far—and we’re even more energized for what lies ahead.
With gratitude,
Shannon Full President and CEO, FMWF Chamber of Commerce
Joe Raso President and CEO, Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC
NEXT INVESTOR BRIEFING
You’ve invested in bold progress. Now see the results. Our next investor briefing is set for October 21 We’ll share key milestones, data-driven updates and what’s next on the path to regional transformation.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber & Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation
