North Dakota Planning Loan Program

North Dakota Planning Loan Program

BISMARCK, N.D. – Today, the North Dakota Information Technology Department on behalf of the Health Information Technology (HIT) Advisory Committee has released guidance for North Dakota Healthcare Providers to apply for a low interest health information technology-revolving loan. In 2009, Senate Bill 2332 established a health information technology planning revolving loan fund with Bank of North Dakota for the purpose of providing low-interest loans to health care entities to build their health information technology infrastructure. The purpose of the loan fund is to assist healthcare providers with the purchase, install and support of fully functional, standards based, interoperable electronic health information technology systems. Application information can be found at: http://ruralhealth.und.edu/hit/loanfund/

The mission of the North Dakota Health Information Technology Advisory Committee is to facilitate the adoption and use of health information technology and exchange to improve healthcare quality, patient safety and overall efficiency of healthcare and public health services in North Dakota. Lisa Feldner, North Dakota Information Technology Chief Information Officer chairs the advisory group. The Health Information Technology Advisory Committee consists of a broad range of public and private health information technology stakeholders. A list of members appears on the HIT Advisory Committee Web site at http://ruralhealth.und.edu/projects/sorh/pdf/hit_advisory_committee_list.pdf. Information about the North Dakota HIT Advisory Committee is on-line at http://ruralhealth.und.edu/projects/sorh/hit.php.

North Dakota Loan Program

In 2009, Senate Bill 2332 established a health information technology (HIT) planning revolving loan fund with the Bank of North Dakota for the purpose of providing low-interest loans to health care entities to build their health information technology (HIT) infrastructure. To apply for a loan, applications must be submitted to the North Dakota HIT office (Step one). The HIT Director, in collaboration with a subcommittee of the HIT Advisory Committee shall review the loan applications and recommend applicants to the HIT Advisory Committee for approval. Applicants approved by the HIT Advisory Committee will be required to complete an on-site readiness assessment (Step two). Applicants with an on-site readiness assessment approved by the Advisory Committee will be invited to complete the Bank of North Dakota loan application. Upon approval of the application by the Bank, the loan will be made from the revolving loan fund (Step three).

Important Deadlines:

• Release of Guidance and Application: 03/05/2010
• Questions and clarification requests due by 3 pm CDT: 03/12/2010
• Technical Assistance Q&A Conference Call: 03/16/2010
  • Call in number: (877) 843-1738
  • Time 3:30 PM Central Time
• Initial Application due by 3 PM Central Time: 04/06/2010
• Application review completed by: 04/20/2010
• Notifications released: 04/30/2010

Medora During the Winter

It’s a summer favorite drawing visitors from across the nation. The musical is over and the park is snow covered. But even in the dead of winter the historic town still has an attractive glow.

Tonight Reporter Sarah Gustin takes you to Medora. train The snow covered streets aren’t busseling

It’s a common sight throughout the town, closed for the season outdoor music, but not all business falls with the temperatures walk in door (Doug Ellson / Medora Business Owner) “To be honest, this time of year sometimes we are open on request. We get the lights and music playing so people know we are open.” It’s North Dakota’s most well known summer vacation destination

Medora

Even when the coldest of temperatures hit the historic town still draws a few tourists

Western Edge Books, Artwork and Music is one of only about 10 Medora businesses to keep it’s doors open year round

(Doug Ellson / Medora Business Owner) “It’s still a misconception that medora claoses in the winter time. Some of the businesses close. But business is still pretty vibrant all year. We still have all of our services. You can get a room, get a meal, shop.” Owner Doug Ellison says about 80 percent of their business is done during the busiest part of the tourist season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. (Doug Ellson / Medora Business Owner) “If we see 5 to 10 people a day, that’s a good day in the winter time.” Ellison says they keep their doors open because some tourists enjoy visiting during the off season

When they can avoid the crowds and enjoy the snow covered badlands. walk out of door car drive by Finding a place to stay isn’t a problem. Not many are taken

(Mike Beaudoin / Hospitality Manager Theodore Roosevelt) “Normally there is a little oil activity going on in the area right now, so there is a few rooms, not alot. 5-10 a night.” The Rough Riders Hotel is to open soon

The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation hopes this new attraction will make Medora a year round destination. (Mike Beaudoin / Hospitality Manager Theodore Roosevelt) “We will do mystery theaters and dinner theaters and wine tastings and we will do different winter get aways. Romatic getaways over Valentines Day, we are excited, really there has not been alot going on in the winter throughout the past, so really this is our first step in that direction.” The Rough Riders Hotel will be ready for guests during the 2010 tourist season

In Medora for KX News I am Sarah Gustin.

Beaudoin says along with the new hotel being open they hope to have more shops stay open and plan more community events for the 2011 winter season

“Original Article”

New Additions to Prairie Hills Mall

The Prairie Hills Mall in Dickinson, North Dakota is experiencing some new additions. Just last week, Music Mart moved into the old Subway location, between RadioShack and K-Mart. Music Mart, previously located in the T-Rex Mall, is very excited about the move! For more information about Music Mart, you can call (701) 483-7529.

Another new addition to the mall will be coming soon. Starboard is expected to open in March. They will sell both men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and recreational sports equipment. Starboard will be located between White Drug and Vanity.

For more information about either of these businesses or to get more information about the Prairie Hills Mall you can contact the mall manager, Peggy O’Brien, by calling (701) 227-0462 or emailing pjobrien@ddr.com.

Kim Goldsmith
Web & Social Media Manager

North Dakota Child Grant Program

The 2nd round of applications for the Child Care Grant Program will be accepted from February 1, 2010 to March 31, 2010. To access the grant application and process, please follow this link: http://www.communityservices.nd.gov/community/child-care-grant-program/

The Child Care Grant Program was initiated by the 61st North Dakota Legislative Assembly providing $500,000 of one-time funding to assist North Dakota child care providers with infrastructure and technical assistance/business plans. The first round of grants awarded $265,000 to 96 child care providers. The remaining $235,000 will be awarded by June 1, 2010.

The North Dakota Development Fund was also authorized to provide financial assistance to childcare providers through loans.

If you are interested in more information, please visit the Childcare Loan Program at this link: http://www.business.nd.gov/businessInformation/nd-development-fund/child-care-loan-program/

or contact:

Denise Spanjer
Executive Director
Center for Technology & Business
North Dakota Rural Development Council
PO Box 2535
115 N 2nd Street
Bismarck ND 58502
(701) 223-0707

www.trainingND.com

Business After Hours – Lady J’s

Lady J’s invites you to come enjoy hors d’ oeuvres and drinks tomorrow evening, February 2, 2010, from 5 to 7 pm. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a chance to win a dinner for 6 (catered to your door or business), a lunch buffet and themed dinner tickets. There is no fee to attend; however, please RSVP to the Chamber at (701) 225-5115.

This Business After Hours event is sponsored by the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kim Goldsmith
Web & Social Media Manager

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