The Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) reflected on an incredibly successful 2023 and looked to the year ahead during the 2024 Annual Meeting on Monday evening. 

North Dakota Department of Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen delivered a keynote address to roughly 200 attendees at the Sleep Inn & Suites. In his presentation, Commissioner Teigen spoke highly of the Minot area, importance of having strong leaders, and state’s key economic drivers and business growth. A focused emphasis on the role North Dakota can play not only in the United States, but the entire world. Commissioner Teigen praised the work MACEDC is doing to drive development and strengthen the local economy.  

“It’s an understated tool that we have a business climate where you can actually ‘do it’ here.” Commissioner Teigen said. “The ability we have to foster our own people to build North Dakota - to build the next North Dakota, is more ripe than it's ever been.” 

“There are tremendous opportunities here,” Teigen continued as he discussed growing technology and steel industries in North Dakota, likening it to the state’s own Industrial Revolution. “I think now is the time to take big risks. The opportunity in front of us is too big not to, and we have the ability to chart a history that nobody sees coming, where North Dakota is the epicenter of economic activity for the nation and for the world.” 

Cassidy Hjelmstad, 2024 MACEDC Board Chair, shared her excitement for the year ahead and shed light on 2023 successes, thanking outgoing Board Chair Kevin Black for his incredible leadership and guidance. 

“Our community continues to act on strategic events and initiatives, modeling the way for other communities across the state for Minot to be ‘the place’ to do business,” Hjelmstad said. “As we build on this positive momentum, my goal as chair is to put a focus on how each and every member investor contributes building blocks for MACEDC. We are grateful to our member investors for your business support of our mission.” 

Outgoing Board Chair Kevin Black took the stage, giving thanks for what he calls “the honor and unique privilege” of serving as 2023 Board Chair. He reminisced on 2023 being the first full year the MACEDC’s new strategic plan was implemented, and provided highlights from each of the five pillars, Economic Development, Community Development, Workforce Development, Member Investor Services, and Military Support, that helped shape where MACEDC is today. 

“At the end of the day, the Minot Area Chamber EDC is able to fulfill its mission because of you, our member investors,” Black said. “We don’t exist unless there is a membership. We care deeply that member investors are represented and that we provide value to all of you.” 

MACEDC President | CEO Brekka Kramer recapped 2023 successes. The year kicked off with the reimagining of Minot’s downtown with sixteen North Dakota State University architecture students, an initiative brought forward by Kevin Black and ending with the honor of receiving the Barksdale Trophy, a coveted award given for outstanding community support to an Air Force Global Strike Command base. Kramer thanked outgoing Board Chair Kevin Black for his steadfast leadership and drive to bring forward new initiatives. 

“Tonight is about celebrating 2023 and looking ahead to the year of 2024,” Kramer said. “On behalf of the team and our board of directors, we are grateful to all who support and invest in the Minot Area Chamber EDC. We don’t do what we do for the community without you. It truly is Magic in Minot.” 

LINK: Minot Area Chamber EDC 2023 Annual Report