http://www.luvnd.com/ND Ambassadors newshttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssNorth Dakota Department of Commerce - Ambassadorsen http://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=474
Ah yes, even a musician can make it here! My favorite line in the blog is:

"Eight years later that staggering view still makes my blood pump a little faster on my way into work."
Don't we all want that feeling! Check out Dj's story at Dispatches from North Dakota: The Make Believe Cowboy.]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTWed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTWed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=468
Economic development isn't just bringing a new business or what laws are needed to help build the state's economy. It also includes relationships and information that helps keep people interested in our communities in contact with them.

Roots in North Dakota may often get pulled to live in other locations, but that connection to here is strong for many. By connecting through messages and social media opportunities, many communities nationwide are staying in touch with their current, past and future citizens.

The results are slow, like most economic development activities, but when a new family moves to town or a new business ends up on main street everyone wins.
]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMTTue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMTTue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=458
AWEA currently ranks North Dakota #1 in wind energy generation potential. It turns out renewable energy folks are looking for 7 and 8 grade wind, which just about the entire state of North Dakota can boast.

North Dakota is already a major energy producing state, exporting 70 percent of the electricity it produces. Renewable energy will only add to that percentage in the near future.

Currently about 5,000 MW of wind energy are already annouced to be added to the state, and that is just the start of other interests looking at our wind potential. There is even talk of making North Dakota an anchor point to exporting energy all the way to Chicago.

No wonder North Dakota was a hot stop at the AWEA show. It was interesting to visit with the many countries, interests and accents over the days I was there.

With over 20,000 people in attendance I was amazed that I never once heard: How cold does it get up there? But rather: I hear you guys are windy. And, that certainly wasn't a negative when you are taking wind energy generation.

Way to be a breezy star North Dakota! ]]>Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMTThu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMTThu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=388
During a rough financial spot, the then Grand Forks based Diamond Flour Mill turned their world around, thanks to the ingenuity and persistance of their head miller, Thomas Amidon. Thomas and his wife came up with Cream of Wheat, got the companies buy-in and the rest is history.

The company eventually moved to the Minneapolis area to accomodate it's increased milling demands, but we must remember where this American comfort food got its start...Grand Forks.

Yet another favorite thing this girl can say is from North Dakota. Many thanks to Doris Reynolds, a reporter from the Naples News, a Naples, Florida based paper that crafted the article Let's Talk Food.]]>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMTWed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMTWed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=274WebFairND.com. It's running all month long featuring job and internship opportunities in North Dakota. There's something for everyone who is looking for opportunity in North Dakota. Check it out, it may just be the start to your next great career.
]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMTMon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMTMon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=128
The amazing piece is the numbers of North Dakotans stepping up to help neighbors is no suprise. In Bismarck, so many people showed up to sandbag that volunteers were sent to other areas to provide help. In Fargo, people are traveling from over 200 miles away to assist the community in their efforts. And in our rural areas, the stories of neighbors helping neighbors are no difference. North Dakotans truly care for one another and are always willing to lend a hand.

I ask all our ambassadors to send thoughts of hope to those in North Dakota fighting the floods, including those ambassadors battling it now. Hopefully our combined spirits will help lift those that are in need of it now. Feel free to share you thoughts in our forums here as well. ]]>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMTFri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMTFri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=119
What better way to capture what you love about North Dakota than in video. People are really their own movie makers with today's digital technology. Make a video of your own about someplace you love to visit and upload it to the Tourism Divisions YouTube channel. Or visit it now to check out some of the cool user-uploaded content that is already there.

Visit now at: Legendary Channel At YouTube
]]>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMTFri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMTFri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=116
It not only provides growing opportunities for the intern, but for businesses and for North Dakota. And, it goes way beyond the internship and opportunity.
The experience an intern gains in a hands-on setting helps them learn the aspects of the working world and what they can expect in the future. It helps them grow in a professional setting but also as a person. The intern may discover a little more about what they want to do after college, or take their education in a completely different direction.

On the other hand, the businesses who employ the intern also gain from the experience. The business gets new grads that have new ideas and knowledge. Being involved in Operation Intern, the businesses have a greater opportunity to find someone who is already trained for their future workforce positions.
Operation Intern is a great way to keep youth in North Dakota by showing them the endless opportunities there are.
]]>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTThu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTThu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=113
The number of people connecting on Facebook, Linked-In and a multitude of other social networking sites is mind boggling. The power of those connections is awesome.

Take for example my personal Linked-In profile. I currently have 94 connections. Those connections could introduce me to a their 2,500 total connections. And, within two introductions I have access to over 240,500 people. Facebook functions no differently as I'm "friends" with a core group, who's "friends" with another core group and so on, and so on.

Now think of that groups' power to spread a message. I tell my group of Facebook friends something. They tell some of their friends, and those friends rinse and repeat, so to speak. In the end, my single message can travel farther and faster than any message we could have imagined possible just a few years ago.

As Ambassadors these connections benefit us as well. We connect here. We connect on our social networking sites and in the end our positive North Dakota attitudes are spreading the state's message far and wide, with next to no effort.

Kudos to all those spreading the positive North Dakota vibes. And to all those who think there isn't value in the potential of this new "social connection," start paying attention.

Connect with the North Dakota Ambassadors by BECOMING ONE, on FACEBOOK and LINKED-IN.]]>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTThu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTThu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=111
You're starting to see that today with Hispanics moving back into the area with the oil fields and new opportunities and of course the Asian Americans and Native Americans are here, but you don't see that many African Americans that were once written about in North Dakota history (There is a book African
Americans in North Dakota co-authored by my boyfriend's uncle Thomas Newgard) In fact to that effect in Minot in 1961 African American Women made .25 million a year in the restaurant industry. I know it came at the cost of prositution, but these
people shouldn't have been ran out of town. Oh yes in Minot, there were also many Jewish Families and today a small pocket of Greeks.

Plus, women weren't given more roles until almost the late 80s and 90s here in Minot. My mother had to experience this in the South in Mississippi, and I wouldn't have ever thought North Dakota would be like this. There's not even one woman as an Alderman here either in Minot, North Dakota and in Tupelo, Mississippi there is an African-American Woman who is alderman.

I would also have to say not being exposed to different religons makes North Dakotans different too! I grew up the Bible Belt and saw all walks of life.

Finally, I would have to say it North Dakotans are different than myself unless they travel as they aren't getting exposed to Super Walmarts, Chain Restaurants and more until now. I feel bad that I was fortunate to see this very change in Tupelo,
Mississippi, which is different than Minot, North Dakota in population and economics.

I think there needs to be a mandatory exchange program for North Dakotans to experience! I know I was in the military and saw a lot of differences and proud to be an American with our freedoms and much more, but North Dakotans are different in my opinion. It's not their faults either its the old boys
network's fault.

Thanks,
Carla Williams
Minot Ambassador
]]>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTThu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTThu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=110
Wow! North Dakota has managed to do what its Ambassadors were saying - recruit, retain, showcase. The work is not done however, as there is one crucial piece left - changing our own perspectives. It is time for all of us, Ambassadors and North Dakota citizens alike, to start talking differently about our state, the opportunities here and the people who are staying. The phrases of the past decades no longer apply as North Dakota has landed in a new place. Let's challenge ourselves in future conversations to use phrases such as: "our young people are finding good opportunity right here," "many of those who once left are coming back for the quality of life," and "there is opportunity in North Dakota." It will help us all to remember that where the state has been isn't where it's going.
]]>Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTMon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTMon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=110#commentshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=106
The adventure of having to check the "forecast" before you make a decision about what to wear is an experience many fair-weather state residents never have. However, proud North Dakotan's like me can be secure in the knowledge that our adventure is a daily one. And I for one am proud to live in a state that in one week can swing 70 degrees and lay claim to a statement like: "North Dakota was colder than Alaska and warmer than Atlanta, Georgia all in one week." Home sweet amazing...North Dakota.]]>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMTTue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMTTue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=101
I wonder how many of the folks that traveled home for Christmas and the New Year holiday slaved, saved and wished they could stay with family as they piled back into cars, vans and planes on their way back to wherever they are living now. For those wishing to come home, I hope the New Year finds them reasons to come back to North Dakota. And, for those looking for a place to land, remember we've got great places to roam, amazing communities to make home, and friendly faces you'll soon call family. It could be finding a reason to live in North Dakota is as easy as coming up with a new way to think.
]]>Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMTFri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMTFri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=101#commentshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=97
You see, in North Dakota, friendly knows no weather. It can be the nicest day in the world at any temperature as long as you surround yourself with good people. In North Dakota you sure don't have to look very far for just that.

Happy Holidays to all our ambassadors and we hope your smiles are warming other parts of the world and North Dakota too.]]>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTFri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTFri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=93(read the article) caught some major attention in North Dakota. It turns out according to a reporter's interpretation of a federal report, that N.D. leads the nation in corruption. Basically, based on per capita population, we have more federal indictments of public officials than any other state.

Personally, this ambassador calls malarky. For those of you unfamiliar with the term: ma·lar·key - insincere or foolish talk. I tend to agree with our Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem when he said - "The reason these stories make news is because they are sensational, and run contrary to what people know to be true.," said Stenehjem. "This story is patently ridiculous."

One example Stenehjem cites is the Twin Buttes School District; where five school board members were convicted of federal corruption offenses for misuse of public funds used for improper travel expenses. That one example alone accounts for nearly 10% of the convictions in the past decade. View the AG's release.

Certainly, if that is what is putting us on top as far as corruption, maybe some other state's could strive to be more like North Dakota.

]]>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTThu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTThu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=91
The article outlines how North Dakota is sitting in a unique economic situation in comparison to much of our country. I'd love to tell you all about how amazing of an article it is, but really you just have to see for yourself.

Click here to read the entire story.

Be sure to add you comments to the story on the NY Times site, share with a friend using their link, and don't forget to add your comment below. We'd love to hear your reaction.


]]>Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTMon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTMon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=91#commentshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=83
Wouldn't it be interesting if we all took that kind of care and planning with our friends and families all year long. Exhausting yes, but something it would be.

Maybe we could channel a little Christmas spirit into the Ambassador's program this year too. I challenge you to take the time to do a little more for North Dakota this Christmas. In fact, you can even send some of your North Dakota friends a holiday note with our new e-greetings. Click here to check them out. It only takes a little "Christmas" effort to get us all charged up for postive North Dakota thinking.]]>Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTMon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTMon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=79www.carolwallwork.com]]>Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMTFri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMTFri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=76Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMTFri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMTFri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=69(Here's a link to more info.) This will be my first chance as program director to connect face-to-face with ambassadors. We have a number of Denver-area ambassadors that will be volunteering to help with the job seekers at guests at the November 15th event.

I'm excited to learn more about them individually, and especially excited to hear their ideas as we venture into using our new site to communicate and connect. The site is sort of a little island of North Dakota out there on the web, where no matter where we are, we can connect with our roots. A cyber-home away from home of sorts. Finding out their thoughts on how to make it all work better to serve our passionate-crew of ambassadors will only help us to improve.

When you are ready, I challenge you to try your hand at a guest blog on the site, or the posting of news, testimonials or other information about your world. It's the first step in re-connecting with the ambassadors program.

In the end, we can all be excited about a date with ambassador's web site as I am about my date with the Denver crew next week. It just a way for us all to get to know each other better.
]]>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMTWed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMTWed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=69#commentshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=59Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMTMon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMTMon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=58Many people ask me why North Dakota? Why would a 33-year-old girl who has lived in places from Cincinnati, Ohio; Houston, Texas and not to mention the Azores, Portuguese islands 900 miles west of Portugal, stay and bear these sometimes harsh, cold North Dakota winters?

Well, my question right back at you would be why would you stay?There is so much more beauty to North Dakota than meets the eye. Plus, the low crime and having the feeling of security ease's my mind. What more do you want than peace of mind.

As for me (why I choose to stay) most would say it's because I found love more than four years ago. Well what's wrong with finding love? That love has been the best thing that has happened in my life finding my best friend in the Magic City. Who would have thought about the wonders of the Internet (another story with in itself) landing myself in a great experience in Minot, North Dakota. That love and friendship is stronger than ever than the first day we met. Besides from this love I have learned so much about the North Dakota outdoors and have been exposed to different ways of life of the Great Northern Plains.

It's more than that love, of why I choose to stay. I choose to stay because there are opportunities to make a difference as Minot is experiencing great, positive things ahead. However, it's because of this strong love and friendship is that I want to make the best of what activities I take part in whether keeping a house clean to doing my job as a Communications Specialist at Trinity Health. Plus, in his way, my best friend has made a difference in the lives of others and this community of Minot and is a great example to others too. (He wouldn't admit this though)

As for myself, I feel I have so much to offer and want to share in this small-bundled package, in this short life I have lived all over the country, from my experiences of living in a small town of Tupelo, Mississippi and experiencing the growth that is still going, my college experiences at the University of Mississippi, my 9 years of serving honorably in the United States Air Force and having the chance to see Kosovo, attending a Presidential Inauguration and most importantly serving my country. There is so much more than what could fit here.

What more would you want? In fact, I serve in many roles because I want to make a difference to being the only one not from North Dakota currently serving on the leadership board for the Minot Young Professionals Network, to being named the senior reporter for the North Dakota Young Professionals Network, being an individual member of the Downtown Business and Professional Association to my letter writing for causes/concerns I believe in. I do so much along with so many other people in such little precious time.

Bottomline, just like the next person, I want to make a difference. I am your next door neighbor looking to serve. I just bring a lot I want to share. I know not all of what I have to offer will be put to use. But I want to provide a piece or two to that puzzle. Maybe having another piece will help ease others to put down a piece or two to help them smell the roses and in return others who share my passion maybe will pick up a piece or two of the puzzle and help put together the pieces for a better future in Minot and in North Dakota.

In all honesty, it takes all of us in our ways to make a difference in a community whether being a large contribution to a small contribution. It's all the same in bringing forward positive growth.

Now why do I live in North Dakota? Why not, there are so many opportunities to serve without a rat race.
]]>Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMTThu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMTThu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=58#commentshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=55Awesome. Ambassadors nationwide and around the world are building North Dakota's image. People who think we're crazy for living here just don't know how good we've got it. Most people, even the hard-core nay-sayers, are so surprised by our amazing scenery, active culture and let's face it, our people just can't be beat. Frankly, we've got more to do and see than casseroles at a Lutheran potluck - for those of you not from the Midwest...that's a lot! ]]>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMTFri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMTFri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMTND Department of Commerece - Ambassadorshttp://www.experience.nd.gov/communications/lovend/blog-details.asp?BID=55#comments