Transforming a City

BY KAYLA PRASEK

When the oil boom hit North Dakota, it opened a new chapter for the city of Minot. The city has seen incredible growth, which has led to increased development and the completion of much-needed infrastructure projects.

John MacMartin, president of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce, says Minot is a wholesale/retail hub, with energy and value-added agriculture the other two major industries. The Minot Air Force Base has also been an economic driver since the 1960s. Additionally, Trinity Health is the region’s major employer.

Both MacMartin and Stephanie Hoffart, president and CEO of the Minot Area Development Corp., highlight Minot’s many infrastructural projects as the city’s greatest successes over the past couple years. “The public infrastructure we’ve seen go in has really been a success,” MacMartin says. “The crown jewel is the completion of our new airport, and the downtown infrastructure projects are an ongoing process. That project has allowed us to get rid of 100-year-old infrastructure in parts of downtown.” A new terminal, airport parking and apron were recently completed at the Minot International Airport for $85 million.

Among Minot’s investments is $8 million for its distribution hub, the Port of North Dakota, which will strengthen the city’s competitive advantage and enhance the city as a strategic location for businesses, with access to two railroads and three U.S. highways, Hoffart says. AGT

Foods, one of the city’s major employers and the anchor tenant at the Port of North Dakota, completed a $30 million expansion and is just beginning another expansion. Ward County has also seen a $37 million jail expansion and the completion of a $20 million administrative building. The city was also awarded $74.3 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s National Disaster Resilience Competition.

While these projects have helped transform Minot, overall development is down this year, with a small number of commercial projects in construction and zero apartments, according to MacMartin. “Even though we are down compared to last year, there are still exciting large projects in Minot that will greatly influence the future direction of Minot,” Hoffart says.

Energy

Since many of the large infrastructure projects are the result of Minot’s growth spurred by the oil boom, the city is currently feeling the downturn in the industry. “We certainly have seen and can feel the slowdown in the decrease of building permits and decrease in the number of passengers at the airport,” MacMartin says. “At the same time, the number of passenger boardings is still above boardings in 2008 to 2010.”

Hoffart says that while the downturn has affected Minot, it hasn’t had the impact it has had on the western part of North Dakota. “Over the years, Minot’s economy has become more diversified, which has made us stronger during times of downturn. Diversification is something the Minot Area Development Corp. is committed to continuing to help make Minot’s economy more stable and resilient.” Hoffart says Minot serves as a regional hub for western North Dakota and Saskatchewan, which is another key aspect of how Minot’s economy is staying strong during the oil downturn.

MacMartin says the city ended up with “far more oil service companies than actual oil companies,” which has helped Minot avoid seeing a downturn in population as well. “The employees of those service companies have chosen to put down roots here,” which has led to the city recently opening a new elementary school and fire station with a second new fire station under construction, MacMartin says.

Workforce Development

According to Job Service North Dakota of Minot, there were about 1,200 job openings in the area in September 2016. But Hoffart says many efforts are ongoing to help fill those needs. “Minot State University and Minot Public Schools have top-notch programs that introduce superior and diverse professionals into Minot’s workforce each year,” Hoffart says. “As industries evolve, so do the programs at MSU and MPS to better serve Minot professionals.” Additionally, about 500 highly skilled servicemen and women from the Minot Air Force Base transition out of the military each year and join the civilian workforce. The MADC also provides and promotes resources for job seekers and employers, including Job Service ND, the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Find the Good Life in North Dakota program and TeamND.

Agriculture

The downturn in the ag industry has affected Minot’s farmers, but they are maintaining and staying steady, Hoffart says. “Farmers know the ups and downs in the ag industry and even though prices are down, farmers in the Minot area are holding on.” MacMartin says the area’s farmers have had less disposable income for consumer purchases, yet “in talking with implement dealers, many had their best Decembers ever in 2015 during the last five days of the year.” Hoffart says the MADC is “looking to get more businesses like AGT Foods and Minot Milling who purchase from local farmers to help support and grow the ag industry in North Dakota.” PB

Kayla Prasek Staff Writer, Prairie Business 701.780.1187

LEFT: Minot State University experienced an increase in enrollment this year for the first time in six years and the largest overall enrollment since 2013.

BELOW: Minot State University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors, specializing in criminal justice, education, management, nursing, social work, the sciences, energy economics and finance and management information systems.

IMAGES: MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY