Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) Economic Development Specialist Mark Lyman recently joined economic development professionals, community leaders, and public officials from across North Dakota for the 2026 Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) SparkED Training in Bismarck.

Launched in 2023, SparkED is designed to provide practical, hands-on training focused on the tools and strategies of local economic development. The program emphasizes entrepreneurship support, community development, public engagement, and building local momentum.

As part of the multi-day training, participants explored topics ranging from workforce and business development to community marketing and strategic growth initiatives. Lyman also moderated a panel discussion focused on how development projects move from idea to reality, featuring city and county leaders including Minot City Manager Tom Joyce.

MACEDC was proud to work with the EDND team in not only attending and participating in the panel, but also assisting with planning by bringing together key leaders from across North Dakota for this insightful opportunity.