THE ADVANTAGES OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
CYBER SAFETY, WORKFORCE DEMANDS HIGHLIGHTED AT TECH EVENT PAGE 20
ENERGY DEMANDS ARE ONLY GROWING PAGE 22
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ENERGY DEMANDS ONLY GROWING BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT
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EDITOR’SNOTE
CARRIE MCDERMOTT EDITOR
IS ON THE RISE MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
When someone mentions modular or off-site construction, what does it bring to mind? Before digging into this topic, I pictured single-wide mobile trailers acting as extra classroom space like my high school used in the 1980s, or manufactured mobile homes. What I’ve learned is that modular construction is so much more than that and is gaining in popularity for several reasons. Our cover story looks at this project delivery method and hears from professionals in the industry who are designing and manufacturing a wide range of structures this way, including chain hotels and multi-story apartment buildings.
This month, we include coverage of the Midwest Technology Summit held in West Fargo in August. Our coverage focuses on a panel of experts addressing how higher education and community workforce development organizations are working to give people the technology skills that industries are asking for. Initiatives include upskilling those already in the workforce, while some businesses are sponsoring students to prepare them for their careers. The summit also featured tech experts sharing their insights about organizational security and practical solutions to current challenges.
As a companion piece, we have a Q&A with Michael Bruemmer, vice president and head of Experian Global Data Breach Resolution and Consumer Protection, about data breaches and ways to protect yourself as a consumer. He offers excellent advice about identity protection that everyone should read.
Renewable, clean energy resources are an important part of the overall energy sector, but coal remains an integral and reliable energy source for most Americans. North Dakota produces the seventh most coal in the nation and lignite coal is helping meet the high demands for a reliable and affordable source of electricity in the upper Midwest. Our energy coverage includes a column from Jason Bohre, president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council. He writes about challenges in the industry as well as solutions. We also have a feature focusing on North Dakota’s energy industry and some of the work being done at the Energy & Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota.
We continue the Prairie Business 25th anniversary coverage with a look back to a few articles from 2001 that cover ways to expand North Dakota’s economy as well as the work health care systems were doing at the time.
Finally, a reminder that our annual 40 Under 40 nominations are underway. To submit a nomination for your favorite top professionals under the age of 40, visit our website before Oct. 14 to access the submission link. The winners will be profiled in our December edition.
Until next time, enjoy the sweater weather, football and the colorful fall foliage!
I look forward to hearing from you at cmcdermott@prairiebusinessmagazine.com or 701-780-1276.
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Prairie Business magazine is published monthly by the Grand Forks Herald and Forum Communications Company with offices at 3535 31st St. S., Suite 205, Grand Forks, ND 58201. Subscriptions are available free of charge. Back issue quantities are limited and subject to availability ($2/copy prepaid). The opinions of writers featured in Prairie Business are their own. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork are encouraged but will not be returned without a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
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GROWING NORTH DAKOTA’S ECONOMY
CLUSTER CONCEPTS ENCOURAGED THE DEVELOPMENT OF RELATED BUSINESSES, HEALTHCARE SYSTEM PROFILES COVERED IN 2001 EDITIONS OF PRAIRIE BUSINESS
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series looking back through the archives of Prairie Business as part of our 25th anniversary celebration.
The October 2001 edition of Prairie Business featured North Dakota’s recruiting efforts for input on the New Economy Initiative.
The New Economy Initiative was an effort by the Greater North Dakota Association – the state’s Chamber of Commerce – to bridge the gap between public and private interests in growing North Dakota. “Growing North Dakota” became the rallying cry and slogan for the state’s Department of Economic Development & Finance. It “encapsulated the hopes, dreams and ambitions of many state residents who were more than a little concerned about international trends threatening to spin the state out of control into the abyss of an unknown future,” the article states.
It was reported that all of the major communities in the state redoubled their efforts at diversifying the state’s agricultural economy through information technology. One of the country’s least populated states became a role model for other small states, with enough diversity to ride out downturns in any one sector of the economy.
The editor of the Grand Forks Herald at the time, Mike Jacobs, was picked as one of 31 North Dakota NEI committee members representing all facets of the state’s economy. The group’s mission was to organize a process to secure a more prosperous future for North Dakotans, and to make certain a plan was implemented with documentation and a scorecard to check their progress.
“Our task was to imagine bold, new steps to jump-start the North Dakota economy in the 21st century. From what I’ve seen, the 44 initiatives proposed up to this point have real potential if pursued vigorously,” he said at the time.
Information technology was viewed as offering the greatest potential for North Dakota. Not
CARRIE MCDERMOTT
just technology, but applied technology as it relates to the quality of work and place. The state had a history of being custodial in nature and needed to capitalize on the virtues of its people.
Cluster concepts were shared as a way to encourage the development of related support businesses within the state. An example was shared of how the optics industry around Tucson, Arizona, formed the Arizona Optics Industry Association and held a successful trade show, dubbed ‘Optics Alley’ by Business Week magazine. The Raytheon company then moved four its divisions to Tucson. The optics cluster idea was so successful that the city added 19,000 jobs in the year 2000.
For North Dakota’s six industry clusters, the NEI committee decided to leverage the strengths already existing in the state’s flexible food manufacturing sector; tourism; information technology; aerospace; energy and environment; and advance/agile manufacturing. Biotechnology and transportation were expected to emerge as two additional cluster working groups.
Today, those industries continue to thrive in the state, with a biotechnology cluster evolving in Fargo.
Health care has been an important topic in Prairie Business from the beginning. The November 2001 issue had a feature on major health care organizations on the Northern Plains, including the state’s biggest health insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. At the time, an increasing number of patients were going out of state for specialized services not offered in North Dakota. The organization was working to get more specialty providers in place to keep patients local. The need for more workers was apparent even then, and BSBS was working with a rural health grant program to address the situation in an effort to sustain and increase the labor pool.
University of North Dakota’s School of Medicine was looking to access more high school students with EMT experience and an interest in health care. Nearly every year, the grade school and high school students from the Dakotas and Minnesota were ranking at the top of the nation in test scores, making them prime candidates for the rigors of medical school.
The Fargo-based MeritCare Health System had 335 physicians, 71 specialty areas and 34 clinics covering a patient load in about a 250-mile radius that totaled 1.3 million patient visits in 2000. The health system’s president, Dr. Roger Gilbertson, said for “the population density here, the amount of sophisticated medicine we provide is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Grand Forks’ Altru Health System, created in 1997, was also featured in the article. It boasted 170 physicians practicing in 36 speciality areas and had six outlying clinics. The health system’s recruitment efforts were driven by its “latest in abilities and latest in technology,” President Dr. Casey Ryan said at the time. PrimeCare Health Group and MedCenter One in Bismarck were also profiled for the piece, along with South Dakota health systems Avera St. Luke’s and Sioux Valley Health System, which became Sanford Health in 2007.
EARLY EDITIONS OF PRAIRIE BUSINESS MAGAZINE, WHICH IS CELEBRATING ITS 25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY. / CARRIE MCDERMOTT
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CONSTRUCTION
BENEFITS ABOUND WITH MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
COMPONENTS OF A MODULAR HOUSE BY DYNAMIC HOMES OF DETROIT LAKES, MINNESOTA, IS LIFTED OFF A SEMI-TRAILER BY A CRANE. HOMES ARE DELIVERED UP TO 80% COMPLETE FROM THE FACTORY, DEPENDING ON THE DESIGN DETAILS. / COURTESY DYNAMIC HOMES
PROJECT DELIVERY METHOD PROVIDES EXPEDIENCY IN CONSTRUCTION, COST SAVINGS AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT
Over 20 years ago, architect Jeff Morrau began designing for modular construction.
“In outstate Minnesota, there was a push for Head Start facilities and they were having trouble getting labor. We used small one- and two-box sets for these small Head Starts for often rural and tribal locations,” he said.
During the oil boom in Williston, North Dakota, his company constructed the first podium modular building for Williams County in 2008. There was a high demand for housing that “needed to be done yesterday,” as Morrau described it, and it was nearly impossible to find labor and materials in the far northwest corner of the state.
“We used our modular expertise to deliver a four-story mixed-use building in the span of about 13 months. That’s all construction, from excavation and clearing what was a city landfill, to a new county office building with 42 apartments. With traditional construction, it would have been a two-year project,” he said.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
ARTEKTA ARCHITECTS CEO AND FOUNDER JEFF MORRAU ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE WHERE MODULAR HOMES ARE BEING PLACED. APPROXIMATELY 40% OF THE FIRM’S WORK IS FOR OFF-SITE OR MODULAR BUILDING DESIGNS. / COURTESY ARTEKTA ARCHITECTS
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CONSTRUCTION
Morrau is the CEO and founder of Fargo-based Artekta Architects and said about 40% of the firm’s work is for modular or off-site construction.
Although not a new concept, modular construction is gaining traction. Developers are seeing the time-saving and often cost-saving reasons to choose it over traditional on-site construction. It’s more efficient, too, with less waste. Some say it’s also part of the solution to the labor shortage in the trades.
In 2023, the modular industry captured an estimated 6.64% of new construction starts, with a total project value of about $14.6 billion, according to the Modular Building Institute. Data from 49 North American manufacturers showed an average revenue of $23,575,970 per manufacturer, representing 43% of the total value of projects using modular construction.
The construction technique uses an assembly-line production process to shorten construction times, minimize material waste and save on project costs.
“There’s a funny misconception that modular is inherently cheaper – cheap doesn’t mean cheap materials or that the product is less expensive. I wish I could say that was true. The reality is it generally costs the same,” Morrau said.
To see a cost savings, a project needs to be designed for modular, he added.
The range of building types that this project delivery method provides is wide – from small structures like a temporary classroom or emergency housing, up to a multi-story hotel or
apartment building, and everything in between. Modular can also be used in conjunction with traditional construction, if it makes sense for the project.
The big advantage is “speed of build.” The foundation can be set in the field at the same time the building modules are being produced in the factory.
Kris Proulx is a development and real estate services specialist with JLG Architects in Fargo. His team has worked on several projects that utilized modular construction to some extent.
“Sanford Hospital in West Fargo was built using traditional construction methods, but utilized a product called ‘bathpods’ for the bathrooms in each patient room,” he said. “These bathpods are fully completed bathroom modules that are built and finished in a factory before they are transported to the site and installed. The bathpods,
completed in a factory in Ohio while other work was ongoing on-site, were shipped to the site and installed and connected rapidly, significantly reducing the overall project timeline.”
JLG also worked with a client in South Dakota to explore modular options for hotel development, Proulx said. The modules were designed to be self-contained hotel rooms, each fully completed with all the fixtures, finishes and furnishings.
“Recently, there have been a number of advances in the modular construction industry that are making this project delivery method more approachable. This coincides with rising construction costs, which has pushed some owners and developers to more seriously consider modular construction as an alternative project delivery method to traditional construction in pursuit of improving the bottom line,” Proulx said. “At the same time, modular manufacturers and owners alike are learning from some of the challenges and failures of recent prefabricated and modular approaches, and then using these lessons to improve upon and tailor off-site products to the market while mitigating risk as possible.”
The firm has toured a number of off-site and modular construction plants regionally and internationally, he said, and it’s working on developing effective modular solutions.
“We want to build our expertise in this area and help our clients and partners to effectively navigate this growing segment of the construction industry to get the biggest bang for their buck, all while delivering products that meet or exceed their needs and fit within their existing property portfolios,” he said.
KRIS PROULX IS A DEVELOPMENT AND REAL ESTATE SERVICES SPECIALIST WITH JLG ARCHITECTS IN FARGO. / COURTESY JLG ARCHITECTS
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CONSTRUCTION
Dynamic Homes in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, builds modular housing. Homes will be up to 80% complete in the factory, depending on the design details. Most of the company’s homes are sold through its dealer network, and they do a fair amount of business with tribal nations.
“I would compare it to a car manufacturer – we make that truck here and we work with a dealer to distribute and sell it to a retail customer,” said Director of Sales and Marketing Terry VanWatermulen.
VanWatermulen said the return on investment is faster for off-site construction compared to on-site, and the benefits of this delivery method are numerous.
“We promote all day long that the building has not been exposed to any of the outside elements. It flows down the factory line indoors. It’s packaged up, wrapped in plastic and staged outside until the foundation is ready,” he said. “We are the only modular company that does its own delivery of its homes. We hire the crane and all houses are crane set.”
Workforce housing is regularly built with this method. Modular construction was used for workforce housing to support Applied Digital’s expanding data center campus in Ellendale, North Dakota. The homes were manufactured by AVA (Advanced Volumetric Alliance, LLC), in Albertville, Minnesota. Interestingly, AVA’s modular factory itself was designed by Morrau’s company, Artekta.
Brian Nicholson, the CEO of AVA, said the facility was built for considerable scale.
“Generally speaking, we’re about twice as fast and take half as much time,” he said, compared
COMPONENTS OF A MODULAR HOME ARE BUILT INSIDE THE DYNAMIC HOMES MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN DETROIT LAKES, MINNESOTA. / COURTESY DYNAMIC HOMES, LLC
to on-site builds. “For a typical 100-unit apartment building, we can build it in three weeks. The offsite portion in the factory is not the only piece. The on-site piece is still important, the underground utilities, for example. That’s the real benefit – it’s up and running faster and you’re carrying costs for a shorter amount of time.”
Another benefit is quality. Nicholson said modular buildings are better built. They’re constructed in an environmentally controlled space with semi-automation and a higher level of precision. If it rains or snows, the teams aren’t hampered and the modules aren’t affected.
“We do achieve better sound ratings and energy ratings. There are tangible benefits to the construction technique,” he said.
This project delivery method has been helping rebuild communities after emergency situations, too. FEMA began studying the potential for modular buildings in post-disaster situations with an MIT study in 2019.
Now, modular homes are coming to Lahaina, Hawaii, to house displaced residents after 2023’s devastating Maui wildfire killed 102 people and decimated the popular tourist town. The initial request for proposal was to build 2,000 new homes in the areas most affected by the wildfires. The utilization of modular homes in Hawaii marks a substantial shift for FEMA, signifying an understanding that modular houses can serve an immediate purpose and then be relocated for a different, permanent use when needed.
“This is a significant opportunity for our industry to partner with FEMA to support their relief efforts for those impacted by the wildfires in Hawaii,” said Modular Building Institute’s Gov-
ernment Affairs Director, Jon Hannah-Spacagna. “I’m also working with the director of Home Aid Hawaii, who is planning another housing project for victims that will consist of a $120 million commitment by the state to build an additional 456 homes using modular construction.”
Artekta is working with a developer to place 450 of those modular homes in Lahaina, Morrau said.
“They’ve revised their fire codes and there’s also a requirement to be able to ship them. We’re using a manufacturer out of the Texas area, which will put the modules on a freight ship and send them to Maui. That type of extended travel requires a more rigid frame, so we’re utilizing a light-gauge steel system, which makes a highly fire-resistant structure. Being that it’s steel rather than wood, there’s higher tensile strength so it takes that type of shipping better,” Morrau said.
As far as the complexity of modular versus traditional construction methods, designing for modular takes more front-end planning, the experts say.
“You could have a foundation system on site being constructed while the boxes are in construction at the factory. You have to be very mindful of the coordination and interfacing of factory-installed systems,” Morrau said. “There’s a lot tighter tolerance required for offsite construction than most architects and engineers do.”
Although it’s capturing a small piece of the overall construction market, pre-fabricated components will only increase in scale and scope and it’s expected the modular industry will remain stable, according to Harvard Business Review.
cONtINUeD FrOM PAGe 17
BRIAN NICHOLSON, CEO OF ADVANCED VOLUMETRIC ALLIANCE, LLC (AVA) / COURTESY AVA
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cYber SAFetY, WOrKFOrce DeMANDS
HIGHLIGHteD At tecH eVeNt
DIGItAL SecUrItY eXPertS SHAreD tIPS DUrING MIDWeSt
SUMMIt
Just about every industry reports challenges in filling its workforce. The technology sector is no different. With cybersecurity threats against individuals and companies increasing, more trained professionals than ever are needed to combat cybercrime. North Dakota IT Dept. has determined there are four billion cyberattacks in a year just in North Dakota alone.
In mid-August, the 2024 Midwest Technology Summit was held in West Fargo, North Dakota, where digital tech experts gave examples of how malicious entities are hacking into systems and shared advice on the safekeeping of data. Part of the event focused on education and technology. Since artificial intelligence and the digital sciences are emerging across all sectors – including higher education systems – education leaders were on hand to address how various training programs are helping fill critical technology workforce needs.
Education panelist Chad David, IT director and cybersecurity program director at Turtle Mountain Community College (TMCC) in Belcourt, North Dakota, said the school is continuously updating its curriculum to match industry needs. It was designated as the first National Security Agency Center of Excellence in the state.
“Turtle Mountain Community College started its cybersecurity program in 2015. Since then we’ve built a certificate program, a bachelor’s program and we’re working on a master’s program in cyberlaw and policy. Our bachelor’s program is in cyber defense. Our certificate program is in cybersecurity and data privacy,” he said.
“Throughout the years, we’ve been given the CAE-CD (National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense) designation through the NSA. The biggest advantage of this designation is it provides credibility to our program. It also gives our students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workplace. That designa-
bY cArrIe McDerMOtt
TERRY EFFERTZ, TECHND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MODERATES A DISCUSSION PANEL WITH BLAINE BOOHER FROM EMERGING DIGITAL ACEDEMY, JERRY ROSTAD FROM THE ND UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND CHAD DAVIS FROM TURTLE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DURING THE MIDWEST TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT IN THE BUTLER MACHINERY BUILDING AT THE RED RIVER VALLEY FAIRGOUNDS IN WEST FARGO ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024. DAVID SAMSON/THE FORUM
tion is in line with the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) knowledge units. It’s a very rigorous application process.”
Moderator Terry Effertz, executive director of TechND, asked the panel what could be done to make sure higher education is keeping up with the technical skills needs of companies.
Blaine Booher, program director at Emerging Digital Academy (an initiative of Emerging Prairie), said since every company and every technology stack is unique, continued education is needed to ensure that the on-the-job training and reskilling of employees matches what’s in demand.
“There’s so many interesting things happening in technology and each team has their niche. Be-
ing a lifelong learner is the most important thing for everyone in this environment,” Booher said.
Jerry Rostad, vice chancellor for strategy with the North Dakota University System, said in addition to offering traditional degrees, stackable credentials are now available to help companies get their employees up-to-speed on new and emerging technologies.
“We have non-credit training programs through TrainND, where we upskill people in the industry where they work,” he said.
Flexibility is an important request by students – whether courses are given in the classroom, remotely or hybrid. Internships and apprentice-
cONtINUeD ON PAGe 21
ships can also provide students with mentorships within their chosen fields, David said.
Since health care and manufacturing are two growing fields with high rates of technological advancements, the panel was asked what higher ed is doing to promote them as career paths for students.
One program, ND Career Builders, was funded in 2019 by the North Dakota Legislature. It’s a scholarship grant match program focusing on high-demand work needs in the state. Students seeking positions in high-demand career areas can apply for scholarships and the participating business will match it dollar for dollar. Rostad said it’s been a very successful program, graduating more than 500 students in the last few years, and many of them are working in the health care or manufacturing fields.
Career Builders is intended to help businesses recruit and retain talent in high-needs occupations within the state. The partnership provides up to a total of $17,000 per recipient.
“If someone is in the workforce already and has student loans, Career Builders will grant a dollar match for that as well, to try and pay down those loans so students can have the financial ability to buy a house, start a family, those kinds of things,” Rostad said. “We’re responding to some of the workforce needs through Career Builders and I think that’s a good program.”
David said at Turtle Mountain, they’re considering offering a master’s degree in cyberlaw and policy because every institution and organization needs policy.
Public-private partnerships play an important role in ensuring the state’s workforce has the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the technological needs of the region. David said the partnerships at the state and federal level, along with public partnerships, have allowed more student opportunities for internships and mentorships at TMCC.
“A lot of these partnerships provide us with resources such as advisory boards for our programs, giving input and feedback for all of our programs, as well as being there for our students,” David said. “The hands-on experience some of our students are getting from these partnerships is really giving them a leg-up when they’re going out and getting a job.”
“I think back to when we first started our program,” Booher said. “One of the first partners that we were able to work with was the Bank of North Dakota, which is a unique resource here in the state. We’re the only program of our kind in the country that has access to traditional student fi-
We’re responding to some of the workforce needs through Career Builders and I think that’s a good program.
— Jerry Rostad, vice chancellor for strategy with NDUS
nancing through a pilot program through the Bank of North Dakota and the legislature.”
“Reducing the risk of students who want to change careers, or just upskill their skillsets is always a great investment and likewise, reducing the risk of employers who are looking to hire employees, take a chance on hiring students to bet on early career folks,” Booher continued. “Hiring is always risky, especially early career because you’re not always sure – you’re investing in potential versus experience. I think these relationships, these partnerships, help reduce the risk all around and I think it’s crucial to continue to stay focused on the future, on the workforce, and ensuring folks living and working here have the most access to opportunity.”
Rostad said the NDUS has a lot of partnerships in place. At North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton for example, he said diesel tech students will have jobs waiting for them because of the school’s industry partners, such as IH Case or John Deere.
“They play a crucial role. Those jobs are lined up when the students get their degrees. In Bismarck, they have industry partners they bring in to help decide what the next degree programs are that they need to be offering, and how do we make sure we’re turning out students who meet the needs of the state?” he said. “And those are just two examples of several partnerships that go on across the university system.”
Another Emerging Prairie initiative, Grand Farm, was created to capitalize on the region’s potential in the ag and tech industries, and partnerships are crucial. The organization hosts several special events throughout the year, including theSpace Ag Conference, coming to Grand Forks on Thursday, Oct. 24.
“The goal of Grand Farm is to create a neutral platform of innovation for folks to collaborate and create opportunities for experimentation, connections to startups and all that,” Booher said. “Technology plays a huge role there. The thing about any kind of innovative startup, the technology and processes there, it’s typically a very niche and specialized skill set that’s needed. That innovation hap-
pening on Grand Farm, we’re learning a ton about these skill gaps from somebody who’s worked in the industry a long time and they’re solving problems that are very specific to their use case.”
That information can then be generalized across other businesses and projects. Booher said one challenge they face is finding ways to generalize the problem sets across the skill sets and teams, and then creating training programs that ensure people coming out of the training programs have access to those opportunities, such as with GIS and cybersecurity.
NDUS has a program, Dakota Digital Academy (DDA), created to accelerate the capabilities across the university system in the cyberdata space.
“You get beyond the two research institutions of NDSU and UND, and it’s hard to find faculty that can fill a classroom at our smaller institutions,” Rostad said. Part of the mission of the DDA is to coalesce across classrooms and institutions to fill the classrooms and get more students trained.
“The DDA has provided a lot of training to faculty members at the institutions to get training in digital sciences in their particular expertise field whether they’re in accounting or a business field or whatever. We’ve distributed a lot of money back to the institutions to foster that as well. The DDA has done a nice job of helping to accelerate our capabilities in the digital sciences across the university system.”
There are a number of ways that higher education supports historically excluded populations and upskilling opportunities. David said at the tribal college, it’s challenging for the students to gain access to some of the available jobs in the region, and when businesses provide internships it is a way to expose those students to different career paths and opportunities.
The cost of college can be the biggest financial barrier for students to attend. Booher said Emerging Digital Academy offers an internal scholarship program that allows students to gain access to tuition subsidies and cost of living expenses. That program is supported by private donors and those in the organization’s employer network.
“Our program is a little unique because it’s fulltime, it’s 20 weeks, and once that timer gets going it’s off to the races,” Booher said. “For folks applying, it’s a pretty rigorous admission process. As we discover folks who want a career in technology, but maybe they need a bit more work on their prerequisites, we provide them with resources to continue to strengthen that and we really don’t stop supporting them.”
The Midwest Technology Summit is one of four Midwest Summits put on by The Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce.
ENERGY DEMANDS ONLY GROWING
UTILITIES ARE KEEPING THE POWER ON WHILE EXPANDING RENEWABLE RESOURCES
BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT
The demand for energy is increasing as the U.S. population grows, as more data centers are built and more frequent temperature extremes drive up peak demand. Power supply companies aren’t keeping pace as older plants are retired faster than new capacity is added. Electricity providers are facing those challenges in addition to regulation and economics that favor less expensive, less polluting but also less predictable renewables and natural gas.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, a key reliability entity throughout the U.S., Canada and part of Mexico, has described the urgent and complex challenges to the electric system reliability as a “hyper-complex risk environment.” Challenges include fleet change; regulations, policies and investment criteria; fuel assurance; extreme weather events; load additions; incremental load growth; and supply chain and permitting issues.
Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), a nonprofit, member-based organization, is the electric grid operator for the central United States. It ensures power flows reliably and affordably across 15 states –including far eastern South Dakota, parts of eastern North Dakota and all of Minnesota – and the Canadian province of Manitoba. Additionally, MISO facilitates the buying and selling of electricity in its region and partners with its stakeholders to plan the grid of the future.
In a February 2024 message from MISO’s CEO John Bear on the organization’s response to the “Reliability Imperative,” he referenced studies by MISO and other entities that show it’s “possible to reliably operate an electric system that has far fewer conventional power plants and far more zero-carbon resources than we have today. However, the transition that is
underway to get to a decarbonized end state is posing material, adverse challenges to electric reliability.”
A key risk is that many “dispatchable” resources that can be turned on and off and adjusted as needed are replaced with weather-dependent resources such as wind and solar, which have different characteristics and capabilities, he said.
“While wind and solar produce needed clean energy, they lack certain key reliability attributes that are needed to keep the grid reliable every hour of the year. Although several emerging technologies may someday change that calculus, they are not yet proven at grid scale.”
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects that the United States will generate more electricity from renewables and coal in the second half of this year, as electricity demand and natural gas prices increase. In its July ShortTerm Energy Outlook (STEO), EIA predicted that natural gas prices would be about 36% higher in the second half of 2024 than in the first half, which the agency expects will lead to a decrease in electricity generation from natural gas — the largest fuel source for U.S. electricity.
“The increase in electricity demand paired with a decrease in natural gas generation creates a gap between the power we need and the power being produced,” EIA Administrator Joe DeCarolis said in a release. “Utilities will look for a more economical alternative as natural gas prices go up. Since so much renewable capacity has been coming online the last couple of years, we expect renewables — especially solar — to fill most of the gap in the power mix. We expect utilities will also look to coal as a less expensive fuel source the rest of the year.”
North Dakota is on the forefront of energy production, research and development innovation. The state ranks third largest in national oil production and second in lowest electricity costs in the country. Forty percent of electricity generation comes from renewable sources and the state has the second largest known lignite deposit in the world, according to the North Dakota Department of Commerce. In 2021, Gov. Doug Burgum announced the state will strive to become carbon-neutral by 2030.
North Dakota has 33 natural gas processing facilities that have the capacity to process over four billion cubic feet per day. And electric vehicle charging stations are increasing in North
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
The increase in electricity demand paired with a decrease in natural gas generation creates a gap between the power we need and the power being produced.
— EIA Administrator Joe DeCarolis
IN 2022, NORTH DAKOTA SAW PRODUCTION OF MORE THAN 16 MILLION MEGAWATT HOURS OF WIND ENERGY, WHICH IS THE SEVENTH HIGHEST IN THE U.S. / COURTESY KARI SUEDEL FOR EERC
ENERGY
Dakota, thanks to an additional $26 million to be invested through 2026. In 2022, the state saw production of more than 16 million megawatt hours of wind energy, which is the seventh highest in the U.S.
The Department of Energy has granted Montana $700 million to support the Northern Plains Connector – a $3.6 billion, 3,000-megawatt transmission line that would span from Center, North Dakota, to Colstrip, Montana The project would enhance the power grid capacity and reliability in Montana and North Dakota. The North Plains Connector will connect three regional control entities: the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), and Southwest Power Pool (SPP). According to DOE, the project will create up to 3,800 megawatts of new capacity and increase transfer capacity between WECC and the Eastern Interconnection in Montana and North Dakota by 1,400%. Burgumissued a statement about the award in August.
“North Dakota welcomes this investment in transmission infrastructure to ensure a resilient and reliable power grid. Still, in order to meet growing consumer demand for electricity and support economic expansion, we need to add transmission capacity and build upon our existing baseload generation — not try to shut it down,” Burgum said in the release.
The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), on the campus of the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, has roots in coal utilization and emissions control. It was established in the early 1950s by the federal government as a lignite coal research laboratory. Some of the early technologies that were developed there were in coal emissions mercury, sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate controls. The EERC is now expanding into carbon dioxide capture technologies, and researching coal as a potential source of rare-earth elements and critical minerals. The center’s strategic initiatives focus on innovative research and development to ensure energy resources remain accessible, affordable and environmentally responsible.
In April 2024, the EERC, in collaboration with Chord Energy, was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to lead groundbreaking research in energy and environmental stewardship. The initiative is a significant milestone in the mission for more sustainable energy solutions.
At the epicenter of this initiative is the establishment of the Bakken CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and Storage Field Laboratory. The project aims to explore the potential of injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) captured from industrial sources into the Bakken Formation to unlock incremental oil recovery while at the same time sequestering CO2, paving the way for even lower carbon-intensity oil production from the Bakken, according to the EERC. It has been working on CO2 storage since 2003.
In August 2024, EERC received$5 million from the DOE to establish a Williston Basin partnership to assist carbon capture efforts in that region. The EERC and its partners will match an additional $1.25 million. The funding will “support North Dakota’s role as a world leader in the development and implementation of carbon capture, utilization and storage” technologies, according to a release from the office of U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-North Dakota.
“This $5 million award provides continued support for the partnerships we’ve built to advance these efforts,” Hoeven said in the statement. “It will enable EERC to provide its technical expertise as companies develop basin-wide carbon storage facilities, utilizing our unique geology in the Bakken and the legal framework and regulatory certainty we’ve worked to provide at the state and federal level.”
The EERC project is one of nine selected to provide technical assistance intended to reduce project costs and risks associated with carbon transport and storage as well as community engagement.
Commercial carbon capture is growing in the Williston Basin, which sits in the western half of North Dakota, as well as parts of Montana, South Dakota and Manitoba. A number of commercial carbon capture projects have been initiated by private sector entities including several large-scale CO2 storage facilities and regional carbon management hubs made up of multiple carbon sources, storage reservoirs and pipelines, according to the DOE.
LIGNITE ENERGY:
POWERING NORTH DAKOTA’S FUTURE
AMIDST POLICY CHALLENGES
JASON BOHRER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF LIGNITE ENERGY COUNCIL. / COURTESY LIGNITE ENERGY COUNCIL
INDUSTRY POISED TO CONTINUE CRITICAL ROLE IN ENERGY PRODUCTION AND EXPAND INDUSTRY’S VIABILITY AND IMPACT
BY JASON BOHRER
Amid evolving global energy landscapes and shifting policy tides, North Dakota’s lignite coal industry stands as a bastion of stability and innovation. As the president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council, I’ve witnessed firsthand the resilience and adaptability of this industry, which continues to play a crucial role in powering our economy and supporting our communities.
Challenges Facing the Lignite Industry
Like many others, the lignite industry faces significant challenges. Increasing regulatory pressures and a rapid shift towards renewable energy sources have created a complex environment for coal-based energy production. Policy changes ushered in by Presidential administrations’ varying agendas targeting fossil fuel production, particularly the coal industry in North Dakota, have prompted us to adapt and innovate to ensure our continued operation and contribution to the energy grid.
Despite these hurdles, it is essential to recognize that moving away from coal-based energy is not just a meaningless transition in fuel sources but also a shift that could potentially destabilize our entire transmission system. This has become particularly evident during extreme weather conditions, where the robustness and reliability of lignite-powered electricity have proven indis-
pensable. We must consider the potential consequences of such a shift.
The Successes and Benefits of Lignite
Lignite coal is not merely a source of energy but a cornerstone of North Dakota’s economic and social fabric. It provides thousands of good-paying jobs, supports local communities, and contributes significantly to North Dakota’s economy – more than $5.7 billion in economic activity and more than $104 million in tax revenue. The affordable electricity generated by lignite powers homes and businesses and fuels the broader economic activities that define our regional success.
One of the most recent and most exciting developments is the “Lignite Plant of the Future” project. This initiative aims to overcome the barriers to new plant construction by focusing on sustainability and economic feasibility. Through innovative research, we are paving the way for a facility that embodies the future of lignite — efficient, environmentally friendly and economically viable.
Addressing Misconceptions and Advocating for Energy Diversity
There is a growing need to address the misconceptions surrounding the lignite industry. While the narrative often focuses on the environmental impact, it is crucial to present a balanced
view that also highlights the advancements in emission reductions and sustainable practices that have been achieved.
The partisan nature of current energy policies, with stark divides between support for fossil fuels and renewables, poses a challenge. However, North Dakota remains a leader in advocating for an “all of the above” energy policy, which begins with coal-based electricity, which is more crucial than ever. As we have seen in past bipartisan energy bills, cooperation across the aisle can yield substantial advancements in both the fossil and renewable energy sectors.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the lignite industry in North Dakota is poised to not only continue its critical role in energy production but also enhance and expand the industry’s viability and impact through technological innovations and research. Our commitment to reducing environmental impact while enhancing energy reliability will guide us in navigating the complex regulatory and economic landscapes.
North Dakota’s lignite industry represents a dynamic and vital component of the state’s energy and economic strategy. It is imperative for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to engage in meaningful dialogue about the role of baseload lignite energy.
Jason Bohrer is president and CEO of Lignite Energy Council. During his tenure, the Lignite Energy Council has embraced a forward-looking strategy for the lignite coal industry in North Dakota, architecting Research & Development initiatives while preserving its core focus on sustainable lignite electricity production.
TWENTY HOMES ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN ELLENDALE, NORTH DAKOTA, BY HEADWATERS DEVELOPMENT AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE READY BY MID-OCTOBER. THE HOMES ARE BEING BUILT TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR APPLIED DIGITAL’S DATA CENTER EMPLOYEES. / COURTESY HEADWATERS DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP BRINGING WORKFORCE
HOUSING TO ELLENDALE
DATA-CENTER BUILDER AND OPERATOR PARTNERS WITH A MODULAR CONSTRUCTION COMPANY TO EASE HOUSING SHORTAGE
BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT
Don Flaherty, the mayor of Ellendale, North Dakota, is excited about the new housing being built in town.
“It will benefit the community as a whole and it signifies growth. In and of itself, the whole situation with Applied Digital is an overall positive on our community,” he said.
Applied Digital is currently building a third data center campus in Ellendale – a 380,000-square-foot building. It will be the company’s largest HPC data center yet, with up to 400 megawatts under development for artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. Data centers are highly secured and contain powerful computers that store, process and transmit digital information in the form of data. They are used for services from cryptocurrency mining to cloud comput-
ing. This new facility will create dozens of highly technical jobs for the greater North Dakota region, and those workers will need housing.
Like many rural communities, Ellendale has been in need of residential options for some time. Now that a new high-performance computing (HPC) data center campus has been constructed, there’s an urgent need to house its workers.
Recognizing limited housing options in Ellendale (population 1,200), Applied Digital is working with Headwaters Development, an innovative offsite home builder, to develop a new housing community in the city.
Nick Phillips, executive vice president of public affairs for Applied Digital, said when the company first went into Ellendale in 2022, they met with residents and city and county officials and were told about the city’s challenge – not enough people to fill jobs. Employers reported workforce shortages within the small population, which is surrounded by other small towns.
“The other employers in town were also short on staff, John Deere, the school district,” Phillips said. “The hope was to attract folks to Ellendale who would bring along a spouse, a family.”
Phillips said the company has been fortunate to fill positions with residents at the existing facility, called Ellendale 01. Some employees
CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
DON FLAHERTY, MAYOR OF ELLENDALE, NORTH DAKOTA / SUBMITTED
came from farming, others from retail backgrounds, and a couple of them relocated.
“For the new facility, we’re anticipating many more employees – with more technical skills,” he said. “The new site is more technical and has many more mechanical and electrical systems. Our view is that we would like folks to live as close to the site as possible, especially during winters when roads can get icy.”
Company leadership determined the best way to attract workers to the town, located about 145 miles west and south of Fargo, was to build homes for them. This will be the company’s first partnership with a developer, but one that Applied Digital leaders see as necessary as it expands to other rural locations.
“We’ve made an arrangement and will be leasing them,” Phillips said. “Our employees will rent them and we are backstopping that if we don’t get the employees. Our thought is as people are new and coming to work for us in Ellendale, it’s a big ask to expect them to buy a house. I view these as a place to get your foot in the door with the company and community.”
Headwaters Development, based in Albertville, Minnesota, is doing for the housing industry
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
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what Henry Ford did for vehicles, Phillips said. The business is a modular construction company. The costs to build with modular are about the same as on-site construction, but there are time savings and material savings.
Michael Hoagberg, managing director of Headwaters Development, said the project “exemplifies a unique and innovative solution to rural housing challenges through our turnkey, cutting-edge offsite building techniques. We believe this development not only addresses the immediate housing needs of the community but also establishes a new benchmark for future rural housing solutions. It is exciting to be involved in such a forward-thinking initiative that promises to make a lasting positive impact on Ellendale and beyond.”
Twenty homes are under construction and expected to be ready by mid-October. A 35-unit apartment building will also be constructed. Applied Digital will lease the new homes and guarantee their occupancy while also contributing substantial financial resources at the outset.
Flaherty said the city was positioned well for the new housing development.
“The city did a housing study years ago and had purchased land and platted it for housing. That’s the area that will be developed. It sat close to 15 years before anything was sold there, besides where Harvest Inn Hotel, and the commercial lot where Dollar General is,” Flaherty said. “About a year or so ago, a farmer who had retired built a house out there and just completed it this past year. That was the first house built in Ellendale Acres.”
He said Headwaters Development purchased 21 lots which have water and sewer infrastructure in place.
Flaherty is excited to see the economic development in the farming community, and says there are discussions now about building out more amenities such as daycare opportunities.
“I would like to see us attract someone who wants to do another restaurant,” Flaherty said. “There are other things we’re in the process of engaging.”
Flaherty said he appreciates that Applied Digital is a “very stable business. The way their business model is set up, it will be long-lasting into the future.”
Aaron Tschosik, chairman of Ellendale Job Development Authority (JDA), said this is the first
NICK PHILLIPS, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT APPLIED DIGITAL. / SUBMITTED
MIKE HOAGBERG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HEADWATERS DEVELOPMENT.
/ SUBMITTED
Our community’s growth and prosperity are central to this project, and I am eager to witness the positive impact it will have on our residents.
of many community development initiatives in the city.
“This project is the initial step in our broader vision for the community’s growth and well-being. With forthcoming childcare solutions, public safety projects such as the new ambulance building, and potential developments in green spaces, commercial areas, and additional public safety initiatives, we are entering a transformative era for Ellendale. These efforts demonstrate our dedication to improving the quality of life for our residents and creating a vibrant, sustainable future for Dickey County.”
The project aligns with Gov. Doug Burgum’s focus on rural housing development.
“Housing is essential to economic growth and the prosperity of North Dakota’s communities,” Burgum said in a release. The governor recently named a Housing Initiative Advisory Committee that is working with stakeholders on how to improve housing availability, affordability and stability. “This housing project will play a critical role in meeting the needs of workers, while
also showcasing how the private and public sectors can work together to find solutions and help our citizens and communities reach their full potential.”
The project leverages the North Dakota Industrial Commission’s workforce housing pilot program; the city of Ellendale’s work on a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for infrastructure; and the Bank of North Dakota’s R-WISH public-private partnership program. The $1 billion project also signifies Applied Digital’s commitment to Ellendale’s growth.
Applied Digital and its data centers have saved ratepayers around $2 million by clearing expensive congestion on transmission lines through wind energy consumption, which would otherwise lack transmission to connect to the grid.
“Together, we are not merely constructing homes; we are forging a stronger, more vibrant future for Ellendale. Our community’s growth and prosperity are central to this project, and I am eager to witness the positive impact it will have on our residents,” Flaherty said.
— Mayor Don Flaherty, Ellendale, North Dakota
YOU’Ve beeN HAcKeD! NOW WHAt ?
eXPert SHAreS tIPS
ON WAYS tO reSPOND tO DAtA bre AcHeS AND PrOtect YOUr PrIVAte INFOrMAtION bY cArrIe McDerMOtt
Every year, the number of records stolen and costs surrounding data breaches seem to top the previous year, and 2024 is no different. The global annual cost of cybercrime is predicted to reach $9.5 trillion this year and is expected to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025. So what can be done about it? We reached out to global data breach resolution expert Michael Bruemmer at Experian for tips on keeping our private information safe.
Q: In what ways can your personal information be accessed in a data breach?
When a data breach occurs, personal information is illegally accessed and stolen from the breached organization’s records by criminals. The data may belong to customers, clients, employees or anyone who’s information was stored within the organization’s computer records. Depending on the type of data, and how much of it was compromised, criminals can potentially use the stolen personal information to open bank accounts, make unauthorized purchases on credit cards, apply for credit or loans, and more.
Q: What are the warning signs of hackers?
There are a few signs to look out for if your information has been compromised:
• Unrecognized charges to your credit card or bank account can be a sign that criminals have access to your financial information.
• If there have been unexpected credit checks on your credit report, it may mean that someone is trying to obtain a loan or open a credit account in your name.
• Look out for any bills coming in the mail that you do not recognize or expect.
• Your credit score may unexpectedly drop if a criminal is not making payments to a loan or credit card taken out in your name.
Q: What can you do if a company notifies you that your personal information may be compromised?
The most important thing to do is act quickly. As soon as you receive notice that your information may have been involved in a data breach, follow the instructions provided in the notice. Oftentimes, the company will offer free credit or identity protection monitoring. Make sure you take advantage of it. Also, consider freezing your credit reports. This will make it more difficult for criminals to open a credit account in your name.
Q: In trying to protect their personal information, what mistakes can a person avoid?
There are proactive steps you can take to protect your personal information.
• Make sure to password-protect your accounts. Use a password manager to create and store unique passwords for all your accounts so you never re-use passwords and don’t have to remember them all yourself.
• Set up multifactor authentication to help safeguard your accounts.
• Do not carry your social security card with you, and provide your social security number only when absolutely necessary.
• Never click on links in emails and texts that you do not recognize. This could be a ploy to get your personal information.
• Before throwing them away, shred any documents that have your personal information on them.
• Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi. Fraudsters can target you through
unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
• Regularly check your credit reports. Staying updated on what is in your reports will help you spot any suspicious activity, like new accounts you don’t recognize, and help you act quickly to combat any further fraud. You can check your credit report for free at www.Experian.com and get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
Q: How can a person find out if their personal information has been leaked?
If your personal information has been compromised from a company data breach, you will likely receive a notice from the company informing you of the situation and providing guidance on next steps. Additionally, if you are regularly monitoring your credit reports and financial accounts then you may be able to spot suspicious activity if and when it occurs.
Q: How do credit reporting agencies factor into protecting consumers?
Experian is here to help keep you and your personal information safe. Your credit report is a source of identifying if fraudulent credit accounts are being opened in your name. We provide free identity theft protection which monitors your Experian credit report and provides many more benefits like alerts of changes in your Experian credit report and dark web surveillance. We also provide a premium paid membership with more features.
Additionally, Experian has identity theft assistance that can help you with the necessary steps to take after experiencing identity theft and fraud.
Experian’s Ask Experian blog has an abundance of insights and tips to help you understand and navigate identity theft as well.
Michael Bruemmer is vice president and head of Experian Global Data Breach Resolution and Consumer Protection at Experian.
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GENERATIONNEXT
RYAN ENGSTROM
School: South Dakota State University
Major: Civil Engineering
Graduation date: December 2025 (+1 semester)
Career path: Civil engineering, Banner Associates
PROJECT VARIETY ENGAGES ENGSTROM
SDSU CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENT FOLLOWS IN HIS GRANDFATHER’S FOOTSTEPS
A fruitful career as an engineer lies ahead of Ryan Engstrom, a senior at South Dakota State University studying civil engineering.
Speaking over the phone from a worksite, Engstrom splits his time between his studies and an internship at Banner Associates where he hopes to work after he graduates. For him, the unpredictability and variety offered by a career in civil engineering made it irresistible.
“You never know what you’re going to run into,” Engstrom said. “Every new project, it’s not going to be the same as the next.”
Banner Associates is an engineering, land surveying and architectural firm that operates in South Dakota and throughout the Midwest. The firm works with communities to develop infrastructure projects, such as roads and sewers.
The latter – sewers – is part of a subdiscipline called municipal engineering, which is Engstrom’s primary interest. That’s because municipal engineering, like the broader discipline of civil engineering, is an extremely diverse field. The interest was natural for Engstrom, who was drawn to pursue civil engineering in part by the sheer breadth of activities it encompasses.
“It’s the variety,” Engstrom said. “No project will ever be the same.”
He learned this early because his sounding board when he began considering the disci-
LOGAN ANDERSON
pline was his grandfather, who led a long career in civil engineering.
His grandfather’s answers won over the impressionable Engstrom, who was taken by the complexities of the field.
He also learned from his grandfather just how connected civil engineers are with the cities they work in, which also drew him toward the field. The connections are not only plentiful, but they’re necessary to succeed in the field, as his grandfather’s experience attests to.
“[He] retired probably eight years ago, maybe closer to 10,” Engstrom said. “He actually had to work part-time so the new engineer could get in with the city and have the same connections.”
Just as important for Engstrom was that a lot of his work as a civil engineer would be outdoors, as was the case during his summer when he began his current internship at Banner.
Engstrom said he began his internship working alongside one of the company’s engineers to gather his bearings. After that, Banner gave him a level of autonomy with a site of his own, where he was involved in installing a new sewer system in Madison, South Dakota, among other things.
In this position of authority, Engstrom was able to demonstrate everything he knew and learn new things on the job. He fit the role so well that he was able to answer questions he didn’t know he had the answer to.
“The knowledge that I gained was almost unbelievable in parts,” Engstrom said. “I knew what I was talking about. I was confident in everything I said.”
Entering his final year at SDSU – though with an extra semester tacked on to the end – Engstrom is hopeful Banner will have a job waiting for him once he graduates.
Engstrom decided on SDSU for its engineering school, which he said is one of the best in the country, and its affordability. He also liked the feeling he got from Brookings, where the university is located.
“When I toured, Brookings as a whole felt like home, which is also important for any student looking at a college,” he said.
Over the next four years, Engstrom sees himself advancing in a career at Banner. Tireless for more things to do, he said he would like to eventually take on a supervisory role, allowing him to be involved in more than one project at a time.
“I want to see myself in the role,” Engstrom said. “Somebody calls if they have a question or problem.”
Ultimately, he doesn’t see himself straying too far from his current work in municipal engineering, which he’s found fits him well.
“I don’t want to get out of the field,” he said. “I love being here.”
When I toured, Brookings as a whole felt like home, which is also important for any student looking at college. — Ryan Engstrom, civil engineer student at SDSU
Q.INSIGHTS & INTUITION
Each month, Prairie Business Magazine speaks with regional leaders to learn more about a specific topic. This month we asked: What is a business initiative or project you and your team have completed over the past year that you’re most proud of?
Brad Krogstad, PE
Project Manager KLJ
Bismarck,
N.D.
The Sheila Schafer Mini Links project is a wonderful achievement for the Bismarck community, and KLJ Engineering (KLJ) is proud to have played a key role in making it a reality. Partnering with Bismarck Parks and Recreation and the Dakota Junior Golf Association (DJGA), KLJ was entrusted with relocating the mini links to Pebble Creek Golf Course, creating an inclusive and welcoming space for golfers of all ages and abilities. The course, featuring a four-hole loop and a practice green with multiple teeing areas, provides both beginners and experienced players with an ideal environment to learn and practice the game.
The KLJ team developed the mini links design, ensuring that the facility not only met the needs of the community but also fit seamlessly into the existing Pebble Creek Golf Course. The team also provided survey, environmental, bidding, and construction administration and observation services.
The revitalized mini links, which honors Sheila Schafer’s legacy of philanthropy, community leadership, and a deep commitment to supporting the arts, education, and recreational opportunities for all, is now a vibrant hub where people of all ages can enjoy the game of golf. KLJ is proud to have been part of a project that promotes the game, fosters growth, and helps sustain Bismarck’s recreational future
Within the past year, one of the projects we’re most proud of at Brady Martz & Associates is our successful merger with Sioux Falls, SD-based Woltman Group, PLLC, which took effect on October 1, 2023. This merger marks a significant achievement for our firm as it extends our presence into South Dakota, strengthening our capabilities and expanding our reach. By bringing Woltman Group into the Brady Martz family, we have enhanced our ability to deliver exceptional client service and create greater value for our team, clients, and communities across the upper Midwest.
As our clients navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment, the merger of Woltman Group and Brady Martz comes as a beacon of assurance and opportunity. With a shared vision for innovation, collaboration, and client success, the merger of our two firms heralds a new era of possibilities for clients seeking best-in-class financial and business advisory solutions.
Stacy DuToit CEO
Brady Martz & Associates
Bismarck, N.D.
HealthyDakota Mutual Holdings, which is a parent company that supports Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and several other subsidiaries, is committed to advancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve. There have been many amazing accomplishments that our companies have achieved this year, but one project that stands out is HealthyDakota launching VitellaCare into the market.
VitellaCare advanced primary care centers offer a new kind of primary health care experience. From the moment a person starts with VitellaCare, they will experience an enhanced level of care and support. Working alongside their VitellaCare primary care provider, patients will spend more time with a health care team that is assessing their needs and getting upstream of any issues to improve health outcomes and affordability.
These centers are all about collaboration – whether between the VitellaCare provider team and the patient or the entire health-care industry working to address rising costs and provider shortages. In fact, the centers are an outcome of us working with providers to understand and tackle these issues. As a result, VitellaCare will increase access to primary care in North Dakota while helping patients follow up with specialists in existing health systems. The first clinics are planned to be open in Minot and Grand Forks later this year and we invite you to learn more at myvitellacare.com.
Dan Staller SVP Chief Banking Officer Cornerstone Bank Fargo, N.D.
Dan Conrad President
Over the past year Cornerstone Bank has been actively implementing an Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) as outlined in Gino Wickman’s book “Traction.” The system has allowed us to enhance our focus and has re-energized our teams by setting and maintaining a clear alignment throughout the organization. The vision for our company is well communicated and shared by all. We have confidence in our teams and know we have the right people in the right seats. Our processes are clearly defined and followed by all. Our decisions are driven more by data and less by gut feelings. F inally, when issues arise, we identify the core issue, discuss and solve it. As we implemented the changes necessary to fully engage in the principles of the system, we found new ways to live our core values and discovered a clear focus on what is most important for our success. The bank has a clear set of goals and a well-defined roadmap to achieve them. This traction helps us realize our vision of being the experts people turn to when making important decisions about their money. This level of clarity leads to the discipline necessary to pivot away from projects that detract from our goals. Every day we focus on leveraging our unique abilities to be agile and nimble, accessible and empowered, which helps us build strong teams and allows us to fulfill our passion of helping our customers achieve financial success. This process has been more than an initiative for Cornerstone Bank. It has become the way we do business.
YOUR BUSINESS
BYTHENUMBERS
REASONS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT
Among the unemployed, the number of people on temporary layoff declined by 190,000 to 872,000 in August, mostly offsetting an increase in the prior month. The number of people employed part time for economic reasons was little changed at 4.8 million in August. This measure is up from 4.2 million a year earlier. These individuals would have preferred full-time employment but were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs.
CIVILIAN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST
Both the unemployment rate, at 4.2%, and the number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in August. These measures are higher than a year earlier, when the jobless rate was 3.8%, and the number of unemployed people was 6.3 million. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (4.0 %), adult women (3.7%), teenagers (14.1%), Whites (3.8 %), Blacks (6.1%), Asians (4.1%), and Hispanics (5.5%) showed little or no change in August.
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY IN AUGUST, ONE-MONTH NET CHANGE
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 142,000 over the month. Employment growth in August was in line with average job growth in recent months but was below the average monthly gain of 202,000 over the prior 12 months. In August, job gains occurred in construction and health care. Construction employment rose by 34,000 and health care added 31,000 jobs. Employment in social assistance continued its upward trend (+13,000), but employment in manufacturing edged down in August (-24,000), reflecting a decline of 25,000 in durable goods industries. Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; wholesale trade; retail trade; transportation and warehousing; information; financial activities; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; other services; and government.
EMPLOYMENT AND AVERAGE HOURLY EARNINGS BY INDUSTRY
