GF Business News: Artisan…Old Navy/Boardwalk closings & tourism

The nation’s employers added a robust 216,000 jobs last month, the latest sign that the American labor market remains resilient even in the face of sharply higher interest rates. December’s job gain exceeded the 173,000 that were added in November. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7% — the 23rd straight month that joblessness has come in below 4%. (AP)

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Higher energy and housing prices boosted overall U.S. inflation in December, a sign that the Federal Reserve’s drive to slow inflation to its 2% target will likely remain a bumpy one. Overall prices rose 0.3% from November and 3.4% from 12 months earlier. (AP)

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The North Dakota Labor Market Information Center has released statewide and regional long-term employment projections through 2032 covering more than 100 industries and 700 occupations. Occupations with the greatest anticipated increase: Home health and personal care…truck drivers…registered nurses…general managers…and restaurant workers.

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Over the last three months, jobs in Minnesota grew by 17,300, or 0.6% – higher than the national rate for that timeframe (up 0.2%). In November eight of 11 supersectors gained jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis in Minnesota. Top gainers were: Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+3,300)…Education & Health Services (+ 2,700)…Government (+1,100)…and Manufacturing (+1,000).

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Old Navy has firmed up its closing date for the store in south Grand Forks. A manager says the last day of business is now set for January 24th. On another business front the Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks released a social media post this weekend saying they are closing January 27th. The eatery thanked patrons for their support over the years.

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The Grand Forks Downtown Design Review board has approved some minor modifications to the Artisan Hotel project. The changes would move the entrance doors even with the face of the building to help avoid moisture issues. Developers of the boutique hotel are eying an eight room inn at 408 DeMers Avenue. The lower level would feature commercial storefronts. The new look also features rooftop access and railings.

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Delta Air Lines says it closed 2023 strong and expects another good year in 2024. The airline earned $2 billion in the fourth quarter, and revenue for all of last year was a record. The airline is feeling flush, and so it’s ordering more planes. Delta says it will buy 20 Airbus A350s for international service, and take options to get 20 more. (AP)

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Altru Health System recently appointed Scott Meyer to the board of directors. Meyer is a Mortgage Planner for the Benchmark Mortgage branch in Grand Forks. He has spent more than 15 years in the mortgage industry. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2006.

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Lynn Brott has been named chair of the East Grand Forks School Board for 2024. Former Chair Brandon Boespflug will slide into the vice-chair position. The selections were made at the board’s recent reorganizational meeting.

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North Dakota Tourism has released an updated tourism guide. The 116 page publication features pictures and information highlighting the state’s history…culture…and events. Around 225,000 copies will be distributed through traveler request, inquiry fulfillment, AAA offices, airports, ports of entry, attractions, hotels, rest areas, regional brochure racks and visitor centers.