ANNUAL REPORT 2018 · Using innovative ideas and hard We provide resources and tools that enable individuals, businesses, and community organizations to succeed. ... These programs

2018ANNUAL REPORT

BOWMAN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The biggest mistake a small community can make is to think like a small community.

MAKINGAN IMPACT

Bowman County Development Corporation has a vision to impact the region. Using innovative ideas and hard work, this county continues to produce positive change, leadership growth, and maneuver large projects. We provide resources and tools that enable individuals, businesses, and community organizations to succeed. Through determination and leadership, we are creating a reach that goes beyond county lines for the prosperity of the region. In 2018 we saw Fusion grow significantly in its second year, developed new funding opportunities for existing businesses, and created events to support tourism and quality of life. Our plans in 2019 raise the bar as we gear up for a new collaborative space, innovate new downtown options, and continue forward progress on our existing programs and projects. Remember, rural is not a limitation, it’s only an opportunity to create a big impact.

Teran DoerrExecutive Director

Teran DoerrExecutive DirectorLaura WeberBusiness Growth

Brooklyn EngelhartCreative Marketing

Kristi BlaserFinance & Administration

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident Julie Lockert 2019Vice President Scott Hardy 2020Treasurer Kevin Bucholz 2020Secretary Duane Bowman 2019Director Alan Peters 2021

GAMING STAFFManager Debbie BucholzSupervisor Tom Sedevie

CONNECT WITH [email protected]

our

MISSIONTo encourage and assist in the development and sustainability of employment, community, industry, and tourism within Bowman County.

our

VISIONTo work towards diversifying our economy, increasing our competitiveness, growing our businesses from within, and enhancing our quality of life all while meeting the growing needs of our community.

our

VALUESCommunicationIntegrityCommunityLeadershipStrategic Innovation

Director Josh Stuchl 2019Director Jerry Wiesner 2021City of Bowman Lyn James Bowman County Rick BraatenChamber Kristy Pagel

Executive Director

3BowmanND.com

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTBowman County thrives on innovation and big impact projects. By focusing on new and existing businesses, community, quality of life, and tourism, we have become a standout in economic development.

We have done this through our many projects and programs including the start of a new marketing campaign, small group training by Empowering Leaders, large group training by Fusion, and several quality-of-life initiatives including storefront window painting and Festival of Lights. New this year was our Conference Scholarship Program and the securing of funds for our Façade Grant.

Store Front GrantsThis program is available to new or existing businesses to assist with the physical aesthetics of their building. It is a 1:1 match grant program available up to $1,000. In 2018, Bowman Sales & Service, K-Artistry Salon & Spa, Premier Core Training & Gym, Repeat Outlet, and Prairie Dental were approved for Store Front Grants.

Crossroads Business ParkRecently renamed Crossroads Business Park, the park underwent Phase I construction including the installation of water, sewer, and streets. The Design Standards Handbook was finalized and a strategic plan developed. Park amenities include natural gas, three-phase power, fiber, city water and sewer, rail potential, and US Hwy 85 and 12 access. In 2019, Phase I paving and signage will be complete. Crossroads Business Park is now open for business.

K-Artistry Salon & Spa and Premier Core Training & Gym

73DEVELOPABLE LOTS

2,700FEET OF RAIL FRONTAGE

156DEVELOPABLE ACRES

4 @GrowingBowmanCounty

$99,500USDA GRANT FUNDING

594SQUARE FEET

FusionFusion made an even greater impact this year by presenting a keynote in the schools, the addition of workshops, and a larger attendance. Youth from the region shared their entrepreneurial journies, community activists shared their ventures, Steve Scheel described what it takes to move beyond customer service into customer experience, and Kevin Brown explained what a hero looks like.

This life-changing conference is gaining momentum each year and helping build an ecosystem not only for Bowman County, but the entire region and beyond.

MainspaceMainspace will be a new community workspace to be completed in October of 2019. Providing a modern collaborative environment, this space will allow educational opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, a place for networking, and a meeting space all while providing full access to technology.

It will become an asset to the community by providing support for small businesses in various forms. Training opportunities could include QuickBooks, retail, e-commerce, cyber security, and more.

Today’s modern employee is looking for something different. This vibrant workspace will serve as a huge asset in millennial attraction.

Empowering LeadersIn its fourth year, Empowering Leaders provided an opportunity to expand leadership skills, engage in community, and network in eight sessions covering topics following the theme “producing leaders”.

35RESIDENTS

attended Hometown Focus in Rhame

40FLOWER POTS

PLANTEDon Main Street for our downtown

beautification initiative

18WINDOWS PAINTED

on Main Street to brighten up storefronts for our downtown

beautification initiative

158STUDENTS ATTENDED

the biennial career fair at Bowman County High School

$65,157REVENUE

GENERATEDthrough charitable gaming

for local non-profits

$70,000APPROVED

from the county and city for a new Façade Grant program

375STUDENTS

2DAYS

20PRESENTERS

188ATTENDEES

22MEMBERS

2COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

9PRESENTERS

715BURGERS SERVED

5BowmanND.com

ECONOMIC IMPACTSEvery year a variety of programs are available to help revitalize our county. The following are some of the programs offered and their beneficiaries.

Bank of North Dakota PACE/Flex PACE

The PACE/Flex PACE programs have impacted Bowman County significantly. These programs buy down a borrower’s interest up to 5 points, with Bank of North Dakota granting the majority portion of the buy down and the community (BCDC) providing the remaining as an interest free loan. Businesses that have received continued support include Bronson’s Marketplace, Focus Eye Care, Northern Plains Grain and Milling, and Prairie Dental.

BCDC CD Guarantee

Created to leverage additional funds to assist in the creation, expansion and sustainability of the local economy.

BCDC Micro-LoanA program to encourage the creation and expansion of small businesses in our county. Borrowers may apply for a low-interest loan up to $5,000 to help with capital purchase needs.

BCDC Façade GrantCreated as part of the Downtown Revitalization Program with funding support from Bowman County and the City of Bowman. Commercial property owners may apply for a grant, not to exceed $20,000, for up to 50% of their investment, to rehabilitate and/or update their building façade.

Rural Economic Area Partnership

The Southwest Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Investment Board offers gap financing to improve the economic viability, diversity, and competitiveness of the local economy.

Renaissance Zone

Businesses and individuals may qualify for a property tax exemption for purchasing, leasing, or making improvements to real property located in the pre-designated Bowman Renaissance Zone.

Personal Equity ImpactsEntrepreneurs and business owners have invested personal equity into their businesses, in turn investing in Bowman County.

Other Capital ImpactsFunding sources outside of commercial bank financing such as local, regional, and state programs.

ND Development FundProvides flexible financing through loans and equity investments not available from most conventional lenders, focused primarily on primary-sector business or other essential services as deemed by the North Dakota Department of Commerce. In 2018, one business received assistance from this fund.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERThe North Dakota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a federal-state-local partnership program and an instrumental tool in our region. Serving Bowman, Slope, and Adams counties, our office operates as one of the eight regional centers for the state. Our services are fluid and dynamic, easily addressing the specific needs of our clients. Regardless the stage of an entrepreneur, business owner, start-up, expansion, succession, or turnaround, we offer resources for assistance. We also assist with day-to-day questions ranging from marketing strategies to human resources. The SBDC is an integral part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southwest North Dakota.

Business Spotlight TIGER ELECTRIC

The succession of Tiger Electric is something Myron Vail had thought about over the years and in 2018 the time was right. Although no official plan had been in place, Myron had been taking steps to prepare his business to sell.

Jory Reisenauer, an employee, had taken opportunities to become more involved with all aspects of the business. Not only did he perform electrical services, but began learning about bookkeeping, scheduling, bidding, and more. When offered an opportunity to purchase the business, Jory didn’t take long to begin his own journey in entrepreneurship.

Myron, aware of the services offered by the SBDC, sought advice as he prepared to sell and referred Jory to the SBDC. The SBDC helped Jory write a business plan, create financial projections, and develop a feasible loan package to ensure the business was set for success. Jory was diligent in his preparations to purchase Tiger Electric and considered the big picture of the purchase, the day-to-day operations, and his vision for Tiger Electric. Jory is set up for success thanks to the resources he received from the SBDC.

38CLIENTS SERVED

in Bowman and Adams County

$2,406,923TOTAL VERIFIED

IMPACTSwith $2,222,923 in Bowman County

7BUSINESS STARTS

including Peacock Mercantile, Dakota Dental, Next Door Pizza, K-Artistry

Salon & Spa, Premier Core Training & Gym, Tiger Electric, and Hydro Testers

$400,616

$1,080,672

$93,750

$70,300

$54,515$122,144Hydro Testers Tiger Electric Dakota Dental Center

BCDC

BND

$20,000

7 Bar G Haying Tiger Electric Peacock Mercantile

Tiger Electric Private Residence

Tiger Electric Premiere Core Training & Gym

Jory Reisenauer, Owner of Tiger Electric

6 @GrowingBowmanCounty 7BowmanND.com

Festival of LightsFestival of Lights had its inaugural year in Bowman City Park complete with live music and Christmas treats. The park remained lit through the new year drawing in visitors from the highway and surrounding areas.

22TREES DECORATED

200+ATTENDEES

28NIGHTS

324BOWMAN SWAG

ITEMS SOLD

721APP DOWNLOADS

225+HOTEL BINDERS

FILLED

$92,691TOURISM TAX

TOURISM AND AREA PROMOTIONThe heartbeat of a town lives in its community but thrives from its tourists. We work hard to ensure Bowman County remains a bustling, go-to destination. This year several programs and events were launched to increase quality of life and make Bowman County feel like home even for visitors.

The things that make Bowman County feel like home keep tourists coming back. Whether they are checking off the 50th state they’ve visited or coming once again for hunting, they love the small-community feel with a big-city spirit.

8 @GrowingBowmanCounty

I Love Bowman County CampaignWe received a Partners in Marketing Grant to fund promotional videos and pictures of Bowman County. The videos featured different professionals in the area and why they love Bowman County. In 2019, our marketing campaign, “I Love Bowman County” will launch along with the production of tourism videos.

73+RESIDENTS INVOLVED

4VIDEOS CREATED

$18,562GRANT RECEIVED

1,127TOURISM HUT

VISITORS

670TABLE TENTS

$62,942TAX AND

TOURISM GRANTS

9PRESS RELEASES

18JOINED DECK THE STREETS

711FACEBOOK LIKES

9BowmanND.com

EVERY ACTION WE TAKE IMPACTS THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

What is your impact?

Bowman Area Chamber of CommerceThe Bowman Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a perfect partner to the BCDC with its role in increasing business opportunities through promotion, awareness, and enhancement of our area’s quality of life. We contract to provide administration to the organization, its volunteer board of directors, and the businesses that make up the membership. This partnership works well for the betterment of the local area.

Bowman and Slope Community FoundationThe Bowman and Slope Community Foundation was established in 2014. Since then the fund has grown and grants the ability to give more back to the communities and organizations. In 2018 a Jail & Bail fundraiser was held to raise money for the foundation and promote awareness.

All Seasons ArenaThe All Seasons Arena continues to be a highly utilized facility that not only serves the local region but brings users in from many miles away.

SUPPORTED PARTNERSWe provide support for the Bowman Area Chamber of Commerce, All Seasons Arena, Bowman and Slope Community Foundation, and other entities.

$172,597FUND VALUE

$20,600RECEIVED IN DONATIONS

$3,375GIVEN IN GRANTS

$25,408RENTAL INCOME

11EVENTS HELD

1,103RENTED HOURS

10EVENTS HOSTED

130+MEMBERS

50BUSINESSES HIGHLIGHTED

Participants of Ladies Night Out event

10 @GrowingBowmanCounty

2019PLANNED ACHIEVEMENTS

MAINSPACEComplete construction

and open for operation

FUSIONHost the 3rd annual conference

October 1-2, 2019

CROSSROADSComplete Phase I paving and continue strategic marketing

PROGRAMSPromote our Façade Grant,

Conference Scholarship Program, business trainings,

and other programs

SBDCContinue valuable services in

the three-county region

DOWNTOWNContinue downtown

revitalization through placemaking, downtown

beautification, and business opportunities

DININGStrategize additional

restaurant opportunities

STRATEGIC PLAN

Complete a 5-year strategic plan for Bowman County

YOUTHDiscover ways to incorporate

and engage area youth

TOURISMContinue quality-of-life promotions,

marketing campaigns, and supported events

EMPOWERING LEADERS

Grow and continue this valuable program

GROWSupport regional development

and help Bowman County thrive