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2012 ends with push for a community vision
In three years time, Minot has seen a typical decade's worth of capital investment and growth. Nearly 50 of the community's top leaders gathered December 17 to begin developing a strong vision for Minot into 2020 and 2030. Ongoing petroleum industry activity and 2011's historic flood provide a special set of opportunities and challenges.
Quality of life was one of the top items that surfaced repeatedly in the meeting. Minot has a high quality of life given its top school and healthcare systems, recreation and shopping opportunities, and family-oriented lifestyle. The meeting's purpose was to help Minot Area Development Corporation align its programming to grow and diversify the local economy for the future. This is also a first step in determining the community's vision for itself.
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Investment in infrastructure to improve quality of life
Nearly $7 million from Minot's local MAGIC Fund demonstrates Minot's commitment to maintain its unsurpassed quality of life and even improve it. First, $3.8 million will go toward a water main extension in east Minot's industrial corridor. Increased water pressure will benefit current residents and businesses in east Minot and help facilitate further development at the Port of North Dakota.
Also, $3 million for parking structures in downtown Minot shows the community is investing in itself to cultivate a thriving city center in which residents and visitors can live, work and play. The $95 million, 36-block "Imagine Minot" project is modeled after similar areas in Portland, Dallas and Minneapolis where residential and commercial mixed space is available at a variety of price points.
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Southwest Minot to benefit from mixed use
The Southgate Crossing development in south Minot near the Dakota Square Mall will make for even more shopping and recreation space in the Minot community. The development represents a $109 million investment by Roers Development of Fargo, North Dakota, and others.
The 50-acre project will include a 363-apartment complex, 2 hotels and retailers including Gordmans, Petco, Shoe Carnival, Cash Wise Foods and others. Minot is the traditional trade center of northwest North Dakota, and its trade area stretches west into Montana and north into Canada.
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National excellence award recognizes energy park
The first park development in Minot tailored specifically to the petroleum industry received a national excellence award from the International Economic Development Council in October. The Great Plains Energy Park initiative paved the way for 57 more petroleum company expansions to Minot where these companies employ over 2,900. Additionally, it advanced pubic infrastructure for future growth needs of the community.
In just three years, a $3.5 million investment for public infrastructure leveraged more than $300 million in capital investment and created more than 600 jobs for this growing community. MAGIC Fund dollars were crucial to getting the project started. Today it is a premiere oil center in the Bakken shale oil formation. Project partners include the City of Minot, Ward County the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the Port of North Dakota and Souris Basin Planning Council and Minot Area Development Corporation.
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North Hill gets housing relief
A $400 million development in north Minot offers a family-oriented community development that is well in line with offering unsurpassed quality of life in Minot. It's the first master-planned community development in Minot, and the new Eric Ramstad Middle School is at its heart.
Developer Genco Bakken broke ground on the 323-acre development in July 2012. The development will provide a mix of attractive home options in a community setting with residential, retail and office developments and a park.
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Marketplace development chooses North Hill
Residents of Minot's North Hill will soon have a shorter drive to purchase groceries and other goods, as Minot's newest and largest grocery store (75,000 sq. ft.) is quickly moving through construction. The $100 million, 22-acre complex also includes a gas station, liquor and dollar stores, residential space and commercial space for 22 tenants.
The stores will support not only existing residents in north Minot but also complement nearby residential developments that are scheduled for completion soon. The Marketplace development is on track for completion in June 2013.
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More Denver to Minot direct flights announced
It's even easier to fly direct between Minot and Denver now with the announcement of Frontier Airlines offering direct, 4-times weekly service starting November 5. Book now on Frontier.com. Service is available mid-afternoon Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Frontier will offer about 1,500 seats per month. Between 11 and 15 daily flights fly direct from Minot to Denver, Minneapolis, Las Vegas and Phoenix-Mesa, depending on the day of the week.
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New terminal planned at Minot International Airport
As traffic keeps increasing at the award-winning Minot International Airport, plans for a new terminal and more parking continue moving forward. The project represents a $75 million investment in Minot's air travel infrastructure directly associated with the terminal.
Anticipated ground breaking is next spring on the two-and-a-half year project. Plans are currently in the design stage and account for four to six gates with room for expansion. July boardings at Minot International Airport set a new monthly record at 19,350 passengers, an impressive 44 percent increase over July last year. Minot International Airport received the 2010 Commercial Airport of the Year award at the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium.
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MADC holds monthly meeting at new Baker Hughes
Minot Area Development Corporation held its monthly board meeting on site at the new Baker Hughes facility July 12 to introduce board members to one of Minot's newest oil companies.
Baker Hughes representatives offered the group clear information on anticipated amounts and types of chemicals to be stored in the facility's warehouse. They discussed the safety standards of the facility's advanced fire suppression system and noted that Baker Hughes prides itself on upholding safety standards that are above industry standards. Board members also learned of the technical aspect of Baker Hughes' operations and the need for a highly skilled workforce, which is available from Minot Air Force Base's retiree pool.
Technology center operations out of Minot include repair and calibration of oil field equipment. The facility represents a $25 million capital investment and currently employs about 100.
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Port of North Dakota expansion draws large crowd
The Port of North Dakota expansion in Minot received a lot of attention at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference due to the sheer scope of what is described as the largest distribution hub project between Chicago and Seattle.
The $300 million development encompasses 3,200 acres in Minot and is unique in that it will feature 45 miles of track. The expansion has excellent proximity to the Bakken Shale oil formation and other Williston Basin plays. Rail-served and non-rail-served property is available.
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InfoTech celebrates 5 years in Minot
Congratulations go out to InfoTech-Minot Technology Center for five years of success out if its Minot office that was established in 2007. Manhattan-based InfoTech is a leading software house and system solutions company that serves contracts for the U.S. Department of Defense.
In 2005 the Minot Area Development Corporation developed a strategy to attract knowledge-based businesses by enlisting help from North Dakota's congressional delegation has shown great success. MADC is responsible for diversifying the local economy and encouraging long-term economic growth through specific initiatives in key industries.
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BNSF expands Minot capabilities
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway has invested significantly--to the tune of $35 million--in its Minot facility with two new inspection tracks and an indoor rail car repair facility. Ninety new employees were hired as part of the expansion, among them mechanics.
Governor Jack Dalrymple commended BNSF for its investment and noted the expansion will help BNSF accommodate increased demand from the petroleum industry.
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United Pulse and Minot ag complex are a natural fit
Alliance Grain Trading subsidiary United Pulse now occupies Minot's Value-Added Agricultural Complex. The industry leader will efficiently buy, process and ship North Dakota crops to the world using the state's top pulse production, Port of North Dakota intermodal facility and rail-served land in Minot's ag complex.
United Pulse President Murad Al-Katib said he plans to make Minot a North American processing center much like his 78-acre operation in Turkey. Acquisition and build out of the facility represents a $12 million investment in Minot's Ag Complex. Construction began last week.
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Eid Passport expansion leads to redevelopment plan
Security technologies company Eid Passport's new Minot location is exceeding expectation with revenues 64 percent more than originally projected, at $28 million so far. It's done more hiring as well - 44 full-time positions.
At the ribbon cutting event, Eid Passport Founder and Chairman Steve Larson unveiled a redevelopment plan for downtown Minot that will not only help Minot bounce back from flooding but also to keep downtown the city's cultural core.
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Value-added Agriculture
The Minot Area Development Corporation is working with a California-based company, Crunchfuls, Inc. as they develop a new ready-to-eat nutrition bar made from North Dakota crops including dry beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas.
Crunchfuls recently received a marketing grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce to assist in marketing the product to the military as a recovery snack bar. Crunchfuls currently distributes other products including breakfast cereal and snacks through Whole Foods Market™.
MADC is committed to growing the value-added ag processing business through Minot's Agricultural Park. The proximity to North Dakota pulse crop growers makes Crunchfuls a natural fit for Minot.
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Housing study results released
A new housing study will help city leadership plan for Minot's housing demand for the next 15 years by taking into account changing needs from the petroleum industry and Minot Air Force Base. Many of the needed units are already under construction, about 975 according to the survey.
The study forecasts that by 2026:
• Minot's population will be 56,240.
• Income and wages of Minot residents will increase.
• Poverty rates will decline.
• Minot's importance as a regional trade center will increase.
Available, affordable housing is vital to economic growth and will help Minot's population grow to 50,000, a goal of city leaders and MADC. Contact MADC at 701-852-1075 with further questions.
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Halliburton
Construction of a cement facility is nearing completion on the 37-acre site in the Great Plains Energy Park®. Winter construction also included the extension of water and sewer lines to the property in preparation for Phase II and III-slated for this spring.
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Minot International Airport receives grant
Minot's award-winning international airport recently received $1.2 million from the MAGIC Fund for parking lot and terminal expansions and improvements. The parking lot will receive 285 additional parking spaces, and the terminal upgrade will help accommodate increasing traffic. In 2010 Minot increased airline boarding 36 percent.
Minot International Airport received the 2010 Commercial Airport of the Year award at the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium.
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Allegiant to offer Minot to Phoenix-Mesa service
Allegiant recently announced new, nonstop travel service between Minot and Phoenix-Mesa. Flights will begin March 3rd with twice weekly service Thursday and Sunday. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service to Magic City residents with fares as low as $89.99* one-way.
Allegiant has been offering service between Minot and Las Vegas since October, 2010.
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Eid Passport Begins Construction
Downtown Minot has a new neighbor. Eid PASSPORT recently announced that it has begun construction on the former St. Leo's Church Community Center. The site will serve as a support center for the access management company, based in Portland, OR.
MADC President, Jerry Chavez hopes that the revitalization of the facility will bolster even more downtown improvements in the future. "Downtown is such a vital part of our city and I'm pleased to see Eid leading the way in downtown's revitalization."
For more on Eid, Click here!
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Minot's Strong Economy
Minot's economy continues to grow as evidenced by figures released by the North Dakota State Tax office. An increase of 16.2% or $255.1M in sales and 17.9% or $310M either for sales and purchases were reported by Commissioner Cory Fong.
Additionally the city of Minot set an all-time record for permit valuation of nearly $100M, up from the previous record of $80M in 2008. These indicators point to a healthy and expanding local economy.
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High technology company approved for Magic Funding
Minot is one step closer to having defense contractor Eid Passport as part of its virtual Research & Development Complex with the City's approval of $800,000 in MAGIC Funding. Eid is recognized as the largest commercial provider of vendor credentials for the Department of Defense and leads this market in technology. Eid plans to expand to a location in Minot's downtown district. The company also helps businesses, government facilities, ports, and military installations ensure facility security by providing background and access verification.
Locally Eid will create upwards of 30 jobs, including high-paying careers such as high-level software engineers. The company expects to invest about $10 million into the Minot office over the next three years. Eid is headquartered in Portland, OR., with another office in Alexandria, VA.
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Halliburton in Minot
Minot's expanding Great Plains Energy Park will see significant activity over the next several months.
International energy company Halliburton has agreed to occupy 38 acres and become the first tenant in the Phase 2 portion of the park, which is located on the eastern edge of the city. The announcement was made Tuesday morning at City Hall.
Halliburton spokesman Brent Eslinger said his company intends to invest approximately $15 million for operational and maintenence facilities, parking areas and an administrative building at the Energy Park. Work is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2011. According to Halliburton, the facility will bring 250 jobs to Minot.
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Port of ND begins shipping regional ag commodities to world markets
One of the world's largest shipping and logistics companies, Oriental Overseas Container Line (OOCL), shipped the very first load of containerized ag commodities out of Minot's Port of North Dakota this week. A first for North Dakota considering value added products are headed to Asian markets shipped from intermodal ramp in northcentral North Dakota. Success of the inland hub means greater efficiency and therefore cost-savings for shippers and increased commerce traffic in the region. It is highly anticipated that more companies will begin containerized shipments, for example of value-added agricultural commodities, to the Pacific Coast and directly on to world markets.
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Big Oil Moving Toward Minot
Oil drilling will come to the Minot area in the near future, says Lynn Helms, Director of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources.
"All the established Bakken-Three Forks companies are playing Parshall and west. But the new money coming in is going to have to go into some of the more risky areas, so I'm very bullish on Three Forks production in Ward County and even as far as here," he said, referring to Minot.
The Bakken Formation, home to 4.3 billion barrels of recoverable oil, is hailed as the largest continuous oil formation ever assessed by the USGS. However, the Three Forks - Sanish formation lies directly underneath the Bakken zone and extends beyond it. According the Helms, the Three Forks Formation extends beyond the boundaries of Bakken and can produce oil as much as 75 to 100 miles past where Bakken production is.
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Fly direct
United Airlines announced twice daily service to Denver, Colorado much to the delight of the oil industry that frequently traffics the Rocky Mountain oil hub. Minot has been listening diligently to the needs of petroleum industry, area businesses and companies considering expansions and the additional service is a direct response to these needs. A western destination has been a big target for Minot for the past two years.
Minot will now have a total of nine direct flights to Denver, Salt Lake City and Minneapolis starting in June.
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2012 ends with push for a community vision
Posted on 12/17/2012
Investment in infrastructure to improve quality of life
Posted on 12/6/2012
Southwest Minot to benefit from mixed use
Posted on 10/30/2012
National excellence award recognizes energy park
Posted on 10/3/2012
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