Q. INSIGHTs & INTUITION

When you’re recruiting, what’s your community’s biggest asset -- in other words, the feature that candidates are most impressed by? What tends to be its biggest liability?

Once people visit, they are often pleasantly surprised by both the city of Grand Forks and the health system. It’s rarely what they pictured or expected.

Our biggest assets include our friendly and helpful community, civic safety, top-ranked schools and easy commutes. We also have one of the most beautiful hockey arenas in the country and a state-of-the-art medical school.

The weather is the biggest perceived liability, but we can change this to a positive by showing that regardless of the weather, we do not slow down and are equipped for whatever comes our way.

It’s gratifying when you bring a hesitant candidate to Grand Forks, and after their visit, they rave about the community and all it has to offer.

Northern State University’s greatest asset, in addition to our beautiful campus, is the positive momentum our campus is experiencing. With nearly $75 million (most of which was privately raised) recently invested or being invested into campus infrastructure, we feel ready to take our campus to the next level. People are excited to take part in that momentum.

The greatest liability for candidates coming from out-of-state is the difficulty in traveling to Aberdeen, S.D. While we are incredibly fortunate to have air service in Aberdeen, candidates from around the country usually view the number of flights and departure times as a detriment.

Susan Bostian DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY ABERDEEN, S.D.

Candidates are impressed with Bismarck-Mandan’s friendly people, strong work ethic, cleanliness and safety and exceptionally high-quality health care and schools.

This community is thriving and offers a wealth of dining, shopping and music experiences and public events. An extensive trail system showcases the Missouri River’s wonderful natural beauty and makes it easy to take part in outdoor activities such as water sports, fishing, golf, hiking and biking. And as the state capital, Bismarck is also the hub of governmental and legislative activity.

Bismarck is challenged with higher housing costs than some other North Dakota cities, fewer big-city entertainment options and apprehension about winter weather.

Kris Olson

VICE PRESIDENT OF PHYSICIAN & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ESSENTIA HEALTH FARGO, N.D.

Our biggest asset in Fargo-Moorhead, hands down, is the people in this community. Candidates repeatedly comment on how friendly everyone is, how safe they feel and how much opportunity there is here. This community has a lot to offer in the form of restaurants, cultural events, educational options and entertainment. When they visit, they want to raise their families here. And once they are here, they feel welcomed into the community by our patients.

The downside is the movie “Fargo”! There are still some who see that as a stigma; but overall, if we can get them to come and visit – they will join us!

As a company, we strive to improve the lives of people and communities, and that’s an interest our candidates share. We all want to live in a desirable neighborhood, drive roads that are easy to navigate, spend time playing in the park or watching the hometown baseball team win.

Our candidates get excited about the opportunity to design and enhance their surroundings and to become involved in the community. This can be a challenge for anyone new to the area. We have found that the local Chamber of Commerce is a great asset, with several resources that encourage residents to get involved.

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Minot State University is our community culture. Candidates encounter a highly engaging experience, and they appreciate our keen interest in who they are as individuals.

In addition, new visitors are happily shocked by the beauty of the landscape and all that the city of Minot has to offer.

Yes, the cold weather sparks some questions, but it doesn’t seem to be a big concern to our candidates. The quality of life here in Minot matters more to them than the winter weather. And of course, with so many faculty, staff, students and former Air Force personnel choosing Minot over warmer cities, how bad can it really be?

Annual estimates of resident population

Canadian Border Crossings (Autos), 2013-2017

Estimate of population change, 2015-2016

Median sales prices of existing single-family homes

Quarter 1 and Quarter 2, 2017

Average ACT scores in ACT-required states, 2017 graduating class

DATA ASSEMBLED BY TOM DENNIS, PRAIRIE BUSINESS EDITOR