2026 Women You Need to Know & Watch Luncheon

Celebration of success! GNDC will announce their list of Women You Need to Know and Women to Watch in ND Business. This event is to celebrate these honorees with a luncheon and program.   KEYNOTE: Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis, U......More

Celebration of success! GNDC will announce their list of Women You Need to Know and Women to Watch in ND Business. This event is to celebrate these honorees with a luncheon and program.   KEYNOTE: Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis, United States BETH RICHARDSON was appointed Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis in August 2023. As Canada's Consul General in the Upper Midwest, Ms. Richardson works with a team of 17 Consulate staff to strengthen trade and economic ties; reinforce our security alliances; enhance political, academic and cultural links; and assist Canadians visiting or living in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Beth Richardson joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Global Affairs Canada) in 1996, where she has worked in in the Eastern Europe and Eurasia Division, on the Afghanistan Task Force and at the Canadian International Development Agency. Her assignments abroad include Seoul, London, Moscow, Miami and Vilnius, Lithuania. Curated annually with insights from alumni and partners, these lists honor women who are not only exceptional at what they do but are also instrumental in advancing business success across the state. Their influence, leadership, and dedication deserve to be recognized—and celebrated. This luncheon will be attended by honorees, guests, and those looking to engage in the celebration and acknowledgement of Women in ND Business. This is an in-person event. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Please register in advance to reserve space as well as confirm your lunch.  > Refund policy and other event policies < > Sponsorship levels <

Sixteen 03 Main Events

ND Future Forum

Building on the momentum of its inaugural year, the GNDC's Future Forum returns for its third year. This event is not just about recognizing past achievements; it's about looking ahead to the next century. At GNDC, we recognize that the business community is leading the......More

Building on the momentum of its inaugural year, the GNDC's Future Forum returns for its third year. This event is not just about recognizing past achievements; it's about looking ahead to the next century. At GNDC, we recognize that the business community is leading the way towards the future, guaranteeing North Dakota's global competitiveness. The forum will bring together thought leaders to delve into trends, technologies, and strategies that will drive North Dakota's future progress. AGENDA Session Details 8:30: WELCOME and Host Kickoff   8:45: Evolving Education & the Talent Pipeline (bios & description) Dave Clayton – Senior Vice President of Research, Strada Scott Molander – President, Dickinson State University Dr. Dan Leingang – Vice President for Academic Affairs, Bismarck State College  9:45: Population Growth & Innovation (bios & description) Keynote Host: Dr. John Bitzan – Menard Family Director, NDSU Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth Keynote: Dr. Marian Tupy – Senior Fellow, Cato Institute 10:30: Networking BREAK   10:50: AI’s Role in Business Operations (bios & description) Moderator: Jade Scherr – CEO & Founder, HexaHive Susan Jarvis – VP of Operations, Sanford Health Josh Swanson – Shareholder/Attorney, Vogel Law Dave Nelson – President, Image Printing/Knight Printing 11:50: LUNCH sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota   1:00: FIRESIDE CHAT (bios & description) Dave Ehlis (CEO & President, Bravera Holdings Corp) & Arik Spencer (GNDC)   1:45: BREAK   2:00: The Influence of Business Giving on Stronger Communities (bios & description) Moderator: Melissa Beach – President, Economic Development Association of North Dakota; Economic Development Administrator, Minnkota Power Cooperative Kim Lawler – Manager of Giving & Social Impact, Marvin Erin Dickson – Brand Engagement Manager, Northern Plains Railroad Tara Bujold – Director of Executive Operations, Dakota Medical and Impact Foundations 3:00: CLOSING Remarks > Refund policy and other event policies <  

HYBRID EVENT - Online or in-person Minnkota Power Cooperative (Grand Forks)

2026 National Civics Bee速 North Dakota State Finals

The Greater North Dakota Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Minot Area Chamber EDC to host a nonpartisan statewide civics competition. The National Civics Bee® encourages young Americans in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to engage in c......More

The Greater North Dakota Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Minot Area Chamber EDC to host a nonpartisan statewide civics competition. The National Civics Bee® encourages young Americans in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.  The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition and earn cash prizes by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing their enthusiasm for civics.   AGENDA 8:45 AM: Student check-in  9:00: Registration open 9:30: Welcome Address 9:40: State Finals Competition Round 1: 10 multiple choice questions  Round 2: 10 multiple choice questions  Round 3: Judge Q&A (3-minute pitch of finalist’s original essay) 11:00: Winner Announcement & Awards Ceremony RESOURCES/ADDITIONAL INFO: National Civics Bee® Championship 2025 National Civics Bee® Website SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES  Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please visit HERE.

North Dakota State Capitol, Brynhild Haugland Room

Policy Outlook: WSI

These concise 45–60 minute virtual meetings bring together subject matter experts, government leaders, and business executives to address the policy decisions shaping North Dakota’s economic future. Each session delivers strategic insight and practical guidance f......More

These concise 45–60 minute virtual meetings bring together subject matter experts, government leaders, and business executives to address the policy decisions shaping North Dakota’s economic future. Each session delivers strategic insight and practical guidance for employers navigating the state’s evolving business climate. SPEAKERS: Art Thompson – ND WSI Executive Director Jane Wick – ND WSI Director of Loss Control DISCUSSION FOCUS: This Policy Outlook will focus on Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) and its approach to protecting North Dakota’s workforce through prevention-driven safety programs. The discussion will highlight how WSI partners with employers to reduce workplace injuries, improve return-to-work outcomes, and manage costs through tools like the Safety Management Program and Safety Action Menu. Attendees will hear how safety incentive programs reward proactive practices, strengthen workplace culture, and support long-term workforce stability. The conversation will also explore the broader policy implications of maintaining a strong, financially sound WSI system and its role in supporting business success and economic growth across the state. ➡️ This is a private, member-exclusive opportunity. SPEAKER BIOS ART THOMPSON - is the director of North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) with the responsibility of leading the sole provider and administrator of workers’ compensation services in North Dakota. In November 2022, Thompson was appointed director by Governor Doug Burgum. He retains his appointment under Governor Kelly Armstrong. Prior to joining WSI, Thompson was the executive director of the North Dakota Concrete Council where he led all facets of the industry trade association, including lobbying, marketing, and promotion efforts. JANE WICK - is the Director of Loss Control at Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI), where she leads initiatives aimed at fostering safe and healthy workplaces across North Dakota. She brings over 25 years of leadership experience, including 19 years with WSI, during which she has guided the development of strategic loss control programs and led continuous improvement efforts. Her background includes expertise in training, workplace safety, data analysis, and both team and operational management. Before joining WSI, Jane spent five years in the transportation industry, serving as a Safety Director and Terminal Manager. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Dakota State University and is dedicated to advancing workplace safety statewide. > Refund & Event Policies <

Virtual/Remote *register to receive login info

Policy Summit

GNDC’s Policy Summit is North Dakota’s premier public policy event, bringing together business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders for bipartisan conversations on issues critical to the state’s future.   Year after year, this has been the can’t-mis......More

GNDC’s Policy Summit is North Dakota’s premier public policy event, bringing together business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders for bipartisan conversations on issues critical to the state’s future.   Year after year, this has been the can’t-miss event of the season — a time when business and policy intersect to tackle the challenges and opportunities shaping North Dakota’s economy and communities. We anticipate this to set a tone on topics that are going to loud during the 70th Legislative Assembly.   Register to hold your seat and stay tuned for updates on agenda details, featured speakers, and session topics.    

HYBRID EVENT - Online or in-person Bismarck Event Center

Faces of Manufacturing Luncheon 2026

Greater North Dakota Chamber wants to showcase real work being done in North Dakota — individuals getting the job done in an industry that continues to evolve with technology advances and demand. We are excited to celebrate the workforce of North Dakota Manufacturi......More

Greater North Dakota Chamber wants to showcase real work being done in North Dakota — individuals getting the job done in an industry that continues to evolve with technology advances and demand. We are excited to celebrate the workforce of North Dakota Manufacturing while showcasing the potential in this industry and highlighting the diversity in positions. This event will celebrate the industry as a whole along with honorees representing manufacturing with a luncheon and program.  This luncheon will be attended by honorees, guests, and those looking to engage in the celebration and acknowledgement of manufacturing in ND. Currently accepting nominations for 2026 honorees HERE AGENDA COMING SOON > Refund policy and other event policies <