Meeting Notice > Content: Submission #501

Educational Component of Event On August 26th and 27th, the FMWF Chamber is hosting its annual East Meets West event, where over 30 business leaders from the Fargo-West Fargo region travel to Western North Dakota to visit with community, business, and elected leaders to better understand various aspects of the region. Overall, this event is a critical opportunity to develop relationships, discuss state-wide challenges, and identify critical opportunities for economic growth and prosperity throughout North Dakota. The event will feature multiple different opportunities to explore the communities of Dickinson and Medora to better understand the business environment, community assets, and receive in-depth tours of the various facilities. Below are the events throughout that legislators have been invited to attend.

- Tuesday, August 26th, 2025
o 9:30 AM (MT) | Tour of Southwest Area CTE Academy
 This tour provides attendees and elected officials with firsthand insight into the impact of state investments in career and technical education. The tour will demonstrate how the facility supports industry-aligned training programs and prepares students to meet workforce needs across private industry sectors.
o 10:30 AM (MT) | Legislative Luncheon – Southwest Area CTE Academy
 This event offers community leaders, business representatives, and elected officials an opportunity to exchange perspectives on statewide challenges and opportunities, including workforce, childcare, housing, taxation, education, military affairs and more. The session will include remarks from legislators and Chamber leadership, as well as roundtable discussions. Educational materials such as the Chamber’s Bridge Magazine, Public Policy Guide and Legislative Review will be available to support policy discussions and educate attendees on the priorities of the Fargo-West Fargo region.
o 1:30 PM (MT) | Tour of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
 This tour provides attendees with insight into the state’s investment in the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The tour will highlight how the facility serves as a cultural and educational resource, promoting civic learning, history, and conservation, while also supporting tourism and regional economic development. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how this project advances educational opportunities and contributes to North Dakota’s long-term growth.
o 4:15 PM (MT) | Networking and Dinner – Bully Canyon
 This dinner program will feature remarks from North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe, focusing on his role in overseeing elections and his prior service in the North Dakota House of Representatives. Secretary Howe will provide attendees with insight into civic engagement across the state, highlighting recent election participation, the importance of running for office, and encouraging broader involvement in public service. His comments will also highlight the role of the business community in strengthening civic participation and underscore the importance of fostering cross-state collaboration to address state-wide challenges. Attendees will engage in dialogue and discussion, expanding on themes raised during previous engagements and reinforcing the importance of civic engagement to North Dakota’s future. The event will also feature remarks from Chamber leadership relating to the mission and critical activities they perform. Educational materials such as the Chamber’s Bridge Magazine, Public Policy Guide, and Legislative Review will be available to support policy discussions and educate attendees on the priorities of the Fargo-West Fargo region.

- Wednesday, August 27th, 2025
o 8:00 AM (MT) | Agriculture Briefing – Dickinson State University
 This session will feature a panel discussion from agricultural and business leaders, who will provide attendees with greater insight into the current state of agriculture in western North Dakota, highlighting key topics such as livestock production, crop markets, value-added agriculture, and the challenges and opportunities facing producers. The briefing will give attendees a clearer understanding of the role agriculture plays in the state’s economy and what is having positive and negative impacts farmers, ranchers, producers and agribusinesses across North Dakota.
o 9:45 AM (MT) | Tour of Baker Boy
 This tour will provide attendees with an immersive opportunity to see the manufacturing industry in western North Dakota. The tour will highlight Baker Boy’s role as a regional employer and food manufacturer, showcasing how the company contributes to the local economy, workforce development, and supply chain. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing manufacturers in western North Dakota, as well as the broader business climate that supports growth, innovation, and competitiveness across the state.
o 12:00 PM (MT) | Lunch and Energy Briefing – Phat Fish Brewing
 This briefing will provide attendees with a robust overview of the natural gas industry and its impact on North Dakota’s economy, energy security, and business climate. This event will highlight current production trends, infrastructure needs, market opportunities, and regulatory challenges tied to natural gas in western North Dakota. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how this sector contributes to state’s revenues, economic development, job creation, and long-term energy strategy.
o 1:15 PM (MT) | Tour of Marathon Petroleum Corp
 This tour will provide attendees with critical insight into the operations of Marathon Petroleum Corp. and its Dickinson Renewable Diesel Facility. This tour will highlight how this facility and the overall oil industry contribute to the state and regional economy, and dive into the workforce and infrastructure needs required to support energy production. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how energy activity in western North Dakota connects to broader state, national, and global energy markets, as well as the regulatory and business environment that shapes this sector.