This is the time of year when we often pause and reflect on the past twelve months. Williston Economic Development (WED) had a busy year that included moving into new office space at the City of Williston Center for Development, welcoming several new restaurants and retail businesses to Williston such as Menards, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Riddle’s Jewelry and Little Muddy Gifts and helping new manufacturing, agriculture and oil and gas firms expand or establish new headquarters in Williston. The following is a list of some of the highlights from 2015.
WED launched the Enhanced Bakken Supply Chain Initiative during the Manufacturing and Logistics Conference in March in Williston. The EBSCI was started to mitigate some of the challenges the oil and gas, manufacturing and other industries face in the Bakken.
The Williston City Commission selected Cardon Development Group to lead the Sloulin Field International Airport Redevelopment project. Construction on the 800-acre community development project will begin after the airport is moved to its new location.
WED hosted the annual Williston Economic Summit and Trade Show. More than 100 people participated in the event which featured a trade show and sessions with experts from a variety of fields including real estate, workforce, tourism and technology.
The City of Williston helped celebrate the opening of Menards during a special “board breaking ceremony” in September. The Wisconsin-based home improvement chain officially opened its doors on September 9 in the Sand Creek Town Centre Retail Development.
The Economic Development Association of North Dakota honored WED with its Project of the Year award in the Large Community Division. WED was recognized for its collaboration with WSC and TrainND Northwest to help fund a new building for classroom and training space. Wenko was named secretary of the EDND board as well.
More than 100 people attended the 18th annual Ports-to-Plains Alliance Annual Conference in Williston. WED assisted the Williston Convention and Visitor Bureau in hosting business and civic leaders from across the US, Mexico and Canada. The conference highlighted the relationships between safe and effective transportation and economic growth.
The STAR Fund assisted Leonardite Products, LLC, known for selling an additive to water based oil drilling fluids, to diversify into the agriculture market. The company’s expansion allowed them to further manufacture and sell a liquid fertilizer additive to fertilizer manufacturers all over the world.
WED played a key role in helping TrainND Northwest achieve the necessary funding for its new classroom and training center. The Williston City Commission approved a STAR Fund grant to help build the $7.5 million Petroleum Centre.
WED initiated a partnership with Buxton, an advanced consumer analytics firm, to enhance Williston’s retail and restaurant recruitment efforts. In November, Buxton identified Williston’s top 20 retail and restaurant prospects which included TJ Maxx, Rue 21, Gordmans, Family Dollar, Sonic, Burger King, Wendy’s and Fridays.
The STAR Fund helped Red River Supply pursue plans to add the Stony Creek Rail Yard to its site in southeast Williston. The 180-acre industrial park provides new jobs and business opportunities in Williston.
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