Note From Chair

Ryan Ackerman

It is an honor to be serving as the 2025 Minot Area Chamber EDC Board Chair. As we dive into a new year, I am eager to build upon the growing momentum that we have all created together and to continue encouraging economic growth, innovation, and prosperity throughout our region.

Throughout 2024, my predecessor Cassidy Hjelmstad did an incredible job as she fostered community and expanded our initiatives to provide additional incentives for MACEDC members. She worked tirelessly to build opportunities that best served our member investors, dove in on military support, and really exemplified the Magic of the Minot area. I’d like to thank her for such a great year, and I hope that I can continue to expand on the amazing work that she cultivated.

I’m excited to be spending 2025 focusing on expanding the operations at the Logistics Park of North Dakota, increasing local economic development, supporting military initiatives, and growing our area’s workforce. The Logistics Park is a game-changer for our region, positioning Minot as a key hub for transportation, distribution, and supply chain management. By expanding the Minot area’s logistics capabilities, we are not only strengthening our local economy but also opening doors for new industries, businesses, and job opportunities. As we move forward, I look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders to ensure that this amazing opportunity reaches its full potential.

Beyond infrastructure projects, we are also dedicated to ensuring our economic strategies align with emerging market trends and industry needs, which is why updating our strategic plan is a top priority. By analyzing economic shifts, workforce challenges, and business opportunities, we can create a roadmap that supports long-term growth while remaining adaptable to change. MACEDC is committed to economic development in the Minot area and we are proud to work with so many dedicated partners that are joining forces to work toward a better tomorrow. I’d especially like to thank our collaborators at the City of Minot and Ward County, and I can’t wait to see the feats we're able to accomplish.

Our mission remains clear—to enhance the economic vitality of the Minot area by fostering a pro-business environment, supporting entrepreneurs, and investing in workforce development. I want to extend my gratitude to all of our member investors, partners, and community leaders for your continued support of the Minot Area Chamber EDC and its mission. Your dedication to improving the opportunities and wellbeing for the citizens in the Minot area fuels our success, and I look forward to working with each of you as we shape the future.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the Minot Area Chamber EDC. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress, innovation, and opportunity!