What To Expect During Economic Development Week In Williston

Economic Development Week officially kicks off Monday, June 8, in Williston, and organizers have packed the schedule with events designed to celebrate local businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and showcase the region's continued growth.

The week-long series of events brings together community leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, educators, and residents for discussions about the future of Williston and the opportunities that lie ahead.

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State of the City Address Opens the Week

The festivities begin Monday at 11:00 a.m. with the City of Williston's State of the City Address at the Great Northern Events Center. Community members are invited to enjoy lunch while receiving an update on city projects, accomplishments, and future plans.

The event is free and open to the public, although seating is limited. If you can't attend in person, we will be broadcasting the State of the City live on KEYZ.

Later that afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Williston Center for Development will host an Economic Development Open House. The gathering will recognize the entrepreneurs and small businesses that help drive the local economy while providing an opportunity for networking and refreshments.

Focus on Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Wednesday's activities begin with Brew Your Business at the Great Northern Events Center from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The focus then shifts to innovation and idea development with the ILT Academy Accelerator Workshop and Start.Up Connect from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Organizers describe the event as a high-energy workshop designed to help local leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators turn ideas into action. Learn more and register here.

Participants will have opportunities to collaborate, develop new concepts, and connect with others interested in growing businesses and strengthening the local economy.

Technology and Workforce Development Take Center Stage

Thursday's schedule highlights two important topics shaping the future of the region: technology and workforce development.

The Economic Development Tech and UAS Summit will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Williston State College Healthcare Training Facility. Attendees can explore emerging industrial technologies and learn more about Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) applications.

Following the summit, an Industry and HR Roundtable will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The discussion will focus on workforce development challenges, hiring trends, and opportunities facing local industries. Click here to register.

The day concludes with the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., providing another opportunity for professionals and community leaders to connect. Click here to register.

Week Ends with Big Announcements

Economic Development Week wraps up on Friday, June 12, with a series of groundbreaking ceremonies scheduled throughout the day.

While organizers have not yet released the exact times and locations, they are promising major announcements and significant developments for the community.

For anyone interested in the future of Williston, Economic Development Week offers a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate the growth that continues to shape western North Dakota.

A huge thanks to all of these sponsors for making the events the very best they can be: