EGF to launch search for new EDA Director

By Doug Barrett Mar 27, 2024 | 8:28 AM

East Grand Forks will likely skip the hiring of an executive search firm in landing a new economic development director. Current EDA boss Paul Gorte is set to retire later this year.

During last night’s (Tuesday) work session City Administrator Reid Huttunen says keeping the search in-house will save the city around $20,000 dollars.

Along with the search is adoption of a new strategic plan that will help guide future economic development efforts. Mark Schill of the Praxis Group told council members the plan focuses on several themes. Those include a focus on existing businesses…commercial space and land…an increase in marketing and communications….and ensuring existing businesses have a voice at the table.

Council member Brian Larson says combining the action plan along with updated job duties of the new director is important.

The goal is to advertise the position for four weeks in April and May with the goal of selecting a candidate in early August.

Gorte’s last day is August 23rd.

New GF bar and deer hunt

The Grand Forks council will consider a liquor license for a new north side bar when they meet as a Committee of the Whole Monday night. RG Investments is looking to locate in the old La Cantina site at 1730 13th Avenue North. According to a staff ...

Man arrested south of Thompson for suspicion of terrorizing

(KNOX) - Grand Forks County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a farmstead Thursday morning southwest of the city of Thompson. Deputies were attempting to set up a perimeter around the farmyard when a male subject fired a single shot with a high caliber...

Bennigan's in Mandan settles after violating ADA

(KNOX) - The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of North Dakota has reached a settlement with Bennigan's restaurant of Mandan, North Dakota, after the establishment violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Specifically, a complaint alleged ...

Secretary of State approves format for petition to legalize cannabis

(KNOX) - North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe has approved the format of a petition to initiate a statutory measure on the ballot related to legalization of cannabis and related regulation. Proponents now have until April 25, 2025, one year a...