Hawk’s Point will be celebrating it’s third anniversary this Wednesday by holding an open house. The open house will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. There will be entertainment, refreshments, and door prizes. If you would like more information, you can call Hawk’s Point at (701) 225-9173.

Kim Goldsmith
Web & Social Media Manager

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

The leadership panel which was comprised of Lyn James (Bowman), Kathy Miller (Medora), and Marie Hvidsten (RLND). Where are they now with their community and projects? We checked back and wanted to share about their progress and the story that they spoke about at Community Field Day.

Bowman:
Lyn James
Bowman held a strategic planning and leadership retreat last spring. At Community Field Day, Lyn reported about this retreat and the initial steps that the original committee was taking to push the strategic plan forward.

Where are they now?

Lyn reported back that the short term goals that were set up at the retreat are in the works:

• The Renaissance Zone has a great committee that has begun to work with the city commission.
• Exploration of a community foundation has started.
• Strides are being taken to build the leadership pool, a candidate was selected to attend RLND to represent the community and develop personal leadership skills.
• The economic developer continues to work on marketing the county. These efforts include a revised website, www.bowmannd.com and a facebook page, Bowman County, ND.

Leadership has become the biggest motivator of the project. All the boards are coming together to ensure that the plan takes shape and the entire county is positively influenced. The support has reached beyond those that attended the original retreat. Next fall, the group has decided to get together for a revisit retreat to evaluate the strategic plan. The positive encouragement promises that the revisit retreat will be well attended. Roadblocks continue to handicap progress but are being overcome by positive attitude and continued encouragement of local leaders.

This planning process has proved to be a good thing for all the communities in Bowman County.

Medora:
Kathy Miller
Medora recognized a natural fractioning of their city because of the different organizations. They wanted to achieve a greater sense of community through building relationships and trust to create a cohesive Medora team. This would result in a better experience for both locals and tourists. The committee organized two events, a motivational speaker and a team building day at Badlands Ministries High Rope Course.

Where are they now?

The Medora Community Days Campaign has been redirected to better accomplish their mission. While their first campaign had two separate events, the second campaign allows for a greater reciprocation in hosting and attending. The event follows the lines, “I’ll come play at your house, if you’ll come play at mine!” Each community organization was asked to come with an agenda to highlight their resources in an attempt for more community building and interaction.

Kathy Miller reported that the new campaign has been met with both enthusiasm and resistance. Some organizations have already made plans and others are still tossing around the ideas regarding options in participating. However, one organization declined because of time, manpower, and motivation. They reported that division and separation in a community is normal due to differences in interests. This reaction has been anticipated but the committee is emphasizing that the project goals are to get to know each other in order to work and play together for a stronger Medora. For the most part, all other entities met the project with excitement, commitment, and are looking forward to their plans. At the last committee meeting, the organizations came with a plan on their plate and a smile on their faces. Medora now identifies new leaders thanks to each entity coming forward with people in place to achieve the shared goals. This project is solely responsible for getting the message out that people notice the divisions and are wanting to break them down. The planned activities which highlight each organization will showcase the community like never before to the people who continue to be inspired by Medora.

Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND)
Marie Hvidsten
RLND is an 18 month interactive study and travel program dedicated to producing graduates with the vision and commitment to lead themselves, their organizations, and their communities in the future. Marie shared the goals and some of the curriculum of the past three classes.

Where are they now?

The fourth class has officially started for RLND, which includes 18 students from all over the state. The students, which represent various ages and professions, have begun to decide on their community projects. The diversity of these projects are amazing: a high school leadership program, a community-wide recycling program, creating an indoor swimming pool, a community celebration, a natural resources tourism trail, and a fire alarm safety campaign. Not only are they taking inventory of their community needs and interests, they are evaluating their own personal styles and leadership SWOTS.

Another exciting avenue is that RLND is having a short-course in Watford City, which will meet five times for a total of 25 hours. This has never been offered so it has been exciting for the program to work with the community and anticipate what the students will be able to take away.

RLND acknowledges that communities need to implement that leadership be represented to look like your community. They have begun to work with youth involved practices that include this unique point of view and integrate all the generations into the leadership and sustainability of a community.

The challenge of marketing the class continues to be a roadblock for RLND. Marie’s goal of having every county represented in the RLND alumni is a possible reality because of the quality of students and the caliber of scholarships that have been granted to allow for continuation of the program.

Thank you to our panelists!

It’s exciting to see that these three communities/projects are continuing to be a success. The Community Development Project and the Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation would like to thank Lyn James, Kathy Miller, and Marie Hvidsten for sharing the triumphs of their community projects at Community Field Day.

We look forward to reporting on other stories that were shared at the Community Field Day!

Amanda Lynn Moser
Community Development Project Coordinator
Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Dickinson State University
P: 701.483.2830
Amanda.Moser@dickinsonstate.edu

In over 18 years of speaking, Eddie Slowikowski has found a way to combine the high energy of his competitive running years with a service to community. Some of Eddie’s accomplishments include becoming a 5-time All American in Track & Cross Country at Loyola University Chicago, U.S.A. Gold Medal winner at International Competition in London, England and the fastest college indoor mile (3 minutes 58 seconds) in the nation in 1990. A self-made businessman, Eddie once again sets the pace – this time in the world of professional speaking.

“Business Challenge is an exciting summer program that is about preparing for the future. Participants learn about teamwork, leadership and setting real-life goals,” said Katie Mehrer, Business Challenge coordinator. “No other program gives students such a unique, hands-on learning experience about the world of business. It’s intense, fun, and energizing.”

More than 7,800 high school students and educators have attended Business Challenge, which is now in its 33rd year. Business Challenge teaches students the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship. In addition, high school students earn one-half of a credit on their high school transcripts, compete in competitions and learn fundamental skills required in any career. Educators earn 2-3 reduced-fee graduate credits, exchange ideas for classroom use and network with fellow teachers. University students can earn 3 credits for the week and experience hands-on learning, build entrepreneurial knowledge and develop critical thinking skills.

“Business Challenge helps businesses create an educated work force that understands economic development and what companies need from their employees. North Dakota benefits because participants are made aware of business opportunities that exist in the state,” Mehrer said.

Cost for North Dakota high school students and educators is $175, which includes meals, housing, curriculum materials and events. Cost for out-of-state students is $200. However, participants can save $50 by taking advantage of the early bird special and registering before April 30, 2010. To earn college credits, university students must follow the university student registration directions on the Business Challenge Web site. For more information or to register, visit the Business Challenge 2010 Web site at www.gobusinesschallenge.com, or contact Katie Mehrer at 701-483-2515, or katherine.mehrer@dickinsonstate.edu .

Social Networking Bootcamp: Starting Online Conversations
Instructor: Kim Goldsmith
Dates: January 28, February 4, 11, & 18
Time: 1 to 4:30 pm
Location: Murphy Hall, Room 159
Cost: $199
Credit Hours: 1 (14 hours of instruction)

Financial Literacy: Understanding & Managing Your Money
Instructor: Dr. Charles Conrick, C.F.P., C.F.A., C.P.A.
Dates: February 6, March 6, April 3, & May 1
Time: 9 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Klinefelter Hall, Room 220
Cost: $199
Credit Hours: 1 (14 hours of instruction)

To register for either of these classes call (701) 483-2166.

Kim Goldsmith
Web & Social Media Manager

“We are pleased to announce today that the funding criteria established by the 2009 Legislature have been met and Dickinson State University will receive $8.8 million to fund the renovation and construction of Stoxen Library,” said Hoeven. “This library is a valuable resource for the university and the community, and with this renovation, will continue to enrich future generations of students and citizens.”

The funding was appropriated by the 2009 Legislature in Senate Bill 2003 contingent upon the state general fund exceeding its expected revenue projections by $25 million between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. The legislation stated that actual general fund revenues for that period had to exceed estimated general fund revenues by at least $25 million, based on the legislative estimates made at the close of the 2009 legislative session. General fund revenue collections exceeded projections by $33.7 million, meeting the criteria established in the legislation.

“We are very pleased this project has been funded,” said Goetz. “Dickinson State University is vitally important to western North Dakota, and it’s an integral part of our statewide system of higher education. The addition to Stoxen Library will address the critical library resource needs for students well into the future. Upon completion, Stoxen Library will provide the very latest in technology and resources vital to DSU and the region.”

When completed, the proposed space will include additional computer stations and labs; quiet study areas; an expanded Academic Success Center, which provides tutoring, instruction of English as a Second Language and a writing center; space for the Office of Extended Learning, which offers online and distance education; and the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program. Incorporating these components in the new library space will help Stoxen Library fulfill its vision as a hub of intellectual inquiry and its goal of providing an inviting environment for scholarly inquiry and for social and cultural activities.

The expanded library also will provide a new home for the Theodore Roosevelt Center Virtual Library and allow space for special collections and exhibits pertaining to Theodore Roosevelt and western North Dakota.

“This new library addition is a dream come true for us,” said McCallum. “Our library is the cornerstone that supports our academic programs. This addition will enhance our ability to perform our mission and achieve our vision for the future. This new space will expand our library facilities, enhance the educational experience of our students and improve our academic support facilities. Moreover, we are pleased this addition will provide a new home for our Theodore Roosevelt Center.”

Following the announcement, refreshments will be served and the Governor, as well as other dignitaries, will be available for conversation.

Joining Hoeven will be DSU President Richard McCallum, North Dakota University System Chancellor Bill Goetz and Dickinson Mayor Dennis Johnson.

Kim Goldsmith
Web & Social Media Manager

The WalMart Foundation donated $25,000 to Business Challenge on Monday, Nov. 16.

Business Challenge will take place on the DSU campus and in historic Medora from June 13-18, 2010 (student track) and June 13-16, 2010 (educator track). This week-long camp teaches participants about entrepreneurship and the fundamentals of business. Students and educators are teamed with successful business leaders and learn first-hand from their expertise. Participants also create and run a mock business while getting a taste of college life, developing friendships and having fun.

“We are thankful for the WalMart Foundation’s generosity and continued support of the Business Challenge program. This gift will help to inspire high school students and educators from across the state. The donation will help develop our future leaders and educate them about business, entrepreneurship and opportunities in North Dakota.” said Katie Mehrer, Business Challenge coordinator.

“Business Challenge is one of those programs,” said Kristi Schwartz, general manager of Dickinson WalMart. “It benefits bright young students from around our state and helps them grow into productive young adults, many of whom stay in North Dakota after graduating.”

Business Challenge is supported financially through sponsorships and donations from the business community, organizations and individuals. For more information or to register online, visit the Business Challenge Web site at www.gobusinesschallenge.com or call 701.483.2515 or toll-free 800.279.4295, ext. 2515.

Dickinson State University’s Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Small Business Development Center is hosting a “Ladies Night Out Shopping Celebration”, on December 1, 2009, from 5:00-9:00pm, in Downtown Dickinson.

Featuring Downtown businesses, Ladies Night Out offers an eventful evening for all ages. Over twenty downtown stores will be offering a special discount/promotion during this event. A majority of the stores will be hosting refreshments and food sampling. Various downtown professional businesses are sponsoring the event to make the night spectacular. Downtown bars and restaurants will be offering different specials to complete the night.

The shopping celebration will began at 5 p.m. continuing till 9 p.m. on December 1, 2009. Wish lists will be handed out at the beginning of the event to be mailed to your loved ones. There will be chances to win multiple door prizes throughout the evening. Santa will be present for pictures and to receive your wish list. There is no participation fee to take part in the magical event.

For a map of the event and business specials, please visit
the Ladies Night Out webpage.

For more information, or to sponsor Ladies Night Out,
call 701- 483- 2756 or email Amanda Moser

What are people saying about the day?

The Strom Center’s Community Field Day was a terrific way to connect some of North Dakota’s greatest community resources and dedicated leaders. Community Field Day offered a multi-dimensional look at issues facing our communities. The shared stories of trials, collaboration and success were both instructional and inspirational. It was great to interact with active leaders who walk the walk. We all know success in our communities is dependent upon the collaboration of the many parts…….and you provided a forum that truly adhered to this concept I’ll be back next year.
Shannon Schweigert
GivingPoint/Giving Magazine– Principal
Fargo, ND

Community Field Day was a fun and educational day. The panel discussions were a smorgasbord of projects and ideas to absorb. Hearing individual testimonies about how each entity approached their challenges and overcame difficulties really gave each of us encouragement and new exuberance towards our own community projects. The enthusiasm for each person’s community or personal project was contagious.
Kathy Miller
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame –Manager
Medora, ND

Community Field Day was a great venue for sharing and celebrating the stories in our communities. A day of learning from one another, sharing resources and networking. For me, the day reaffirmed the importance of networking and collaborating as rural communities. We heard testimony on a variety of community successes, issues and concerns and through that discussion discovered a continued positive spirit in our communities, who- though often faced with some rather interesting barriers – continue to press on.
I watched in amazement as the Leadership Panel opened the floor for questions, addressed some delicate issues happening in one of our small towns, determined our local leadership was often unprepared for public conflict, and immediately began implementing additional education for RLND participants in conflict management skills! A whole room conversation between panelists, facilitator and attendees. Wow – problem identification – discussion – solution – implementation – all in one morning!!
Ray Ann Kilen
Small Business Development Center–Regional Director
Dickinson, ND

These successful conversations happened because of the panelists and attendees that came to talk about building social capital and community.

Watch for other stories that we were able to capture at Community Field Day!

Amanda Lynn Moser
Community Development Project Coordinator
Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation