Minot Area Chamber EDC celebrates first year as a newly merged organization. Throughout the year the board of directors and staff focused on key initiatives and doing more for our business community. Chamber EDC leadership and 2021 Board Chair Jonn Knecht brought forward key initiatives that were used to guide the direction of the new organization. The four core areas of focus: financial stability, organizational, economic development and programming/community outreach.
Jonn Knecht, Outgoing Board Chair
“It was important to have accountability and a road map entering into a new year as a new organization. There was a lot of work put onto the team and I am pleased with all that has been accomplished in just one year. A big thank you goes out to John and his team, along with the full board of directors. This is a passionate and dedicated group of community leaders that I am proud to have served on the board with,” said Jonn Knecht, Bravera Bank.
Some of the Wins for the Year Include:
- Combined two boards of directors
- Established new by-laws
- Combination of fi nancials, set new budget
- Rebranding, continuation of the execution of Minot One Brand
- Established new organization mission and vision statement
- New organization structure, hired economic development specialist
- Started succession planning for president position
- Launched new entrepreneurial program with community partners
- Supported and sponsored the Career and Technical Education program request to City of Minot as part of the National Disaster Resiliency program
- Secured intermodal operator and celebrated one year of continuous service in October
- Secured and were awarded $2 million State of North Dakota intermodal facility grant for expansion of rail
- Awarded a CRISI grant for development of Logistics Park of ND
- Passed resolution of support for the Minot Public School Realignment Project and led Yes for Students Committee citizen’s committee
- Supported numerous legislative initiatives benefi ting business and our region
- Continued development of Logistics Park of ND
- Assessed impact and effi ciency of existing programs
- Surveyed member investors
- Launched the Adopt an Airman program
John MacMartin, Minot Area Chamber EDC president shared, “It’s been an exciting year with lots of big wins. The merger of the organizations has taken a lot of work, but really it is what’s right for the community.” MacMartin added, “I am looking forward to what this new year brings and how we can continue to be the go-to organization for our business community to drive key initiatives that build and strengthen our economy.”
It is the mission of the Minot Area Chamber EDC to advocate for and invest in business activity by being a collaborative partner in the community, focused on improving quality of life for all.
