|
Message from US Senator Byron Dorgan
3/26/2004
|
Agriculture will always be a major element in the engine that drives North Dakota’s economy, but it is important for us broaden our economic base with new industries and businesses that will create new, well-paying jobs.
Some of the most exciting possibilities for doing that are in the high-tech sector, and in pursuing federal contracting opportunities. That is why I’ve sponsored a series of conferences in the last few months to bring national and local leaders from various industries together to discuss North Dakota’s many assets. We want to help established businesses grow while attracting new ones here, as well.
On October 13th & 14th, along with the Chamber of Commerce of Fargo-Moorhead, I held an extremely successful Technology Conference at the Fargodome. Vendors from all over the region showcased their latest high-tech products and services. The event also prompted discussions about what our state’s high-tech sector needs to do in order to move to the next level. Meanwhile, just across town California-based Alien Technology was breaking ground on a new “smart chip” manufacturing facility in Fargo. I introduced Alien Technology to NDSU a few years ago through a federally sponsored research project. And now the company is locating its new facility very close to the university—where much of the research that powers its industry is being conducted. That’s exactly how this effort is supposed to work!
On Oct. 24th, in Grand Forks, the New Economy Initiative and I hosted the second annual Aerospace and Defense Manufacturers Roundtable. The session helped small businesses and manufacturers throughout the region learn more about competing for— and winning—contracts with the nation’s biggest defense contractors. It was a huge success.
Finally, on November 17th & 18th, the Minot State University College of Business and I sponsored a conference at which regional businesses heard tips from officials from the Department of Defense, Army Corps of Engineers and State Department on how to land a wide range of federal contracts with their agencies.
These events are only a start. We need to think creatively and take action to diversify our economy. We must invest in our current economic assets, work hard to build new ones, and attract new industries, new employers and new families.
Thanks for your continued hard work to help reach these goals.
United States Senator Byron Dorgan
|
| |
|
| For
More Info, Contact: |
Laura Every |
| |
701-438-2660 |
| |
levery@gondtc.com |
|
|
