2026 National Civics Bee速 North Dakota State Finals

The Greater North Dakota Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Minot Area Chamber EDC to host a nonpartisan statewide civics competition. The National Civics Bee® encourages young Americans in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to engage in c......More

The Greater North Dakota Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Minot Area Chamber EDC to host a nonpartisan statewide civics competition. The National Civics Bee® encourages young Americans in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.  The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition and earn cash prizes by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing their enthusiasm for civics.   AGENDA 8:45 AM: Student check-in  9:00: Registration open 9:30: Welcome Remarks Arik Spencer, President & CEO, Greater North Dakota Chamber Michael Howe, North Dakota Secretary of State 9:40: State Finals Competition Rounds 1 & 2: 10 multiple choice questions each round  Chad Oban, Executive Director at North Dakota United Round 3: Judge Q&A (3-minute pitch of finalist's original essay) Chad Calvert, Senior Director of State Government Affairs, Chevron Kayla Pulvermacher, Government Relations Manager, Midco Ryan Taylor, Director of Public Policy, Ducks Unlimited and former North Dakota Senator 11:00: Winner Announcement & Awards Ceremony RESOURCES/ADDITIONAL INFO: National Civics Bee® Championship 2025 National Civics Bee® Website PROGRAM GUEST BIOS   REMARKS: MICHAEL HOWE took office as North Dakota's 15th Secretary of State on January 1, 2023. A fifth-generation farmer who grew up near Casselton, he earned his degree from North Dakota State University and spent time in Washington, D.C. on the staff of Congressman Rick Berg before finding his way back to North Dakota. He represented rural Cass County in the North Dakota House of Representatives for six years before being elected into his current role, where he oversees a broad range of responsibilities including elections, business registrations, and stewardship of the North Dakota Constitution and Great Seal. Secretary Howe currently serves as Midwestern Region Vice-President on the National Association of Secretaries of State Executive Board. Michael is married to his wife Katie, and they have a two year old son, James. Read more here.   EMCEE: CHAD OBAN is the Executive Director of North Dakota United, the state's largest professional organization representing educators and public employees. A Bismarck native with extensive experience in government relations, public affairs, and political campaigns, he has worked on races from local offices to presidential campaigns. As Executive Director, he focuses on strengthening public education, growing membership, building coalitions, and advocating for policies that support students, educators, and public services. Oban also co-hosts the Plain Talk podcast, covering North Dakota politics, public policy, and current events. He lives in Bismarck with his wife, former state senator Erin Oban, and their son, Evin.   JUDGES: CHAD CALVERT is Senior Director of State Government Affairs for Chevron, overseeing state government relations across the central U.S. Based in Denver, he brings more than 30 years of experience in energy and environmental policy at the state and federal levels, including leadership roles with Chevron, Noble Energy, and BP. He also served in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management at the U.S. Department of the Interior, where he worked on federal natural resource policy. Calvert holds degrees from Georgetown University and George Mason University. He and his wife Sara live in Monument with two amazing kids and a bunch of farm animals.   KAYLA PULVERMACHER is Government Relations Manager for Midco, based in the Bismarck area. She leads strategic engagement at the intersection of business and public policy, working with leaders across North Dakota to advance solutions that support communities and industry. A recognized leader, Kayla has been named a Prairie Business 40 Under 40 honoree and a TechND Technology Champion. She is a graduate of North Dakota State University and lives in Lincoln with her sons, Jack and Ty, and bulldog Ben.   RYAN TAYLOR is Director of Public Policy for Ducks Unlimited in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. He works with state and federal policymakers on conservation, grazing lands, and agricultural policy that supports both working lands and wildlife habitat. Taylor is also a fifth-generation rancher, managing his family's cattle ranch near Towner, North Dakota. A former member of the North Dakota Senate, he served from 2002 to 2012 and later led USDA Rural Development in North Dakota. He is a graduate of North Dakota State University and divides his time between Bismarck and the family ranch near Towner. He enjoys life on the prairie with his wife, Nikki, and three college-age children.    

North Dakota State Capitol, Brynhild Haugland Room

Policy Outlook: WSI

These concise 45–60 minute virtual meetings bring together subject matter experts, government leaders, and business executives to address the policy decisions shaping North Dakota’s economic future. Each session delivers strategic insight and practical guidance f......More

These concise 45–60 minute virtual meetings bring together subject matter experts, government leaders, and business executives to address the policy decisions shaping North Dakota’s economic future. Each session delivers strategic insight and practical guidance for employers navigating the state’s evolving business climate. SPEAKERS: Art Thompson – ND WSI Executive Director Jane Wick – ND WSI Director of Loss Control DISCUSSION FOCUS: This Policy Outlook will focus on Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) and its approach to protecting North Dakota’s workforce through prevention-driven safety programs. The discussion will highlight how WSI partners with employers to reduce workplace injuries, improve return-to-work outcomes, and manage costs through tools like the Safety Management Program and Safety Action Menu. Attendees will hear how safety incentive programs reward proactive practices, strengthen workplace culture, and support long-term workforce stability. The conversation will also explore the broader policy implications of maintaining a strong, financially sound WSI system and its role in supporting business success and economic growth across the state. ➡️ This is a private, member-exclusive opportunity. SPEAKER BIOS ART THOMPSON - is the director of North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) with the responsibility of leading the sole provider and administrator of workers’ compensation services in North Dakota. In November 2022, Thompson was appointed director by Governor Doug Burgum. He retains his appointment under Governor Kelly Armstrong. Prior to joining WSI, Thompson was the executive director of the North Dakota Concrete Council where he led all facets of the industry trade association, including lobbying, marketing, and promotion efforts. JANE WICK - is the Director of Loss Control at Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI), where she leads initiatives aimed at fostering safe and healthy workplaces across North Dakota. She brings over 25 years of leadership experience, including 19 years with WSI, during which she has guided the development of strategic loss control programs and led continuous improvement efforts. Her background includes expertise in training, workplace safety, data analysis, and both team and operational management. Before joining WSI, Jane spent five years in the transportation industry, serving as a Safety Director and Terminal Manager. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Dakota State University and is dedicated to advancing workplace safety statewide. > Refund & Event Policies <

Virtual/Remote *register to receive login info

Policy Summit

GNDC's Policy Summit is North Dakota's premier public policy event, bringing together business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders for bipartisan conversations on issues critical to the state's future.   Year after year, this has been the can't-mis......More

GNDC's Policy Summit is North Dakota's premier public policy event, bringing together business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders for bipartisan conversations on issues critical to the state's future.   Year after year, this has been the can't-miss event of the season. This is a time when business and policy intersect to tackle the challenges and opportunities shaping North Dakota's economy and communities. We anticipate this to set a tone on topics that are going to come up during the 70th Legislative Assembly.   Register to hold your seat and stay tuned for updates on agenda details, featured speakers, and session topics. SNEAK PEAK of what's on the agenda: Housing Local Zoning Remarks from State Legislators Ballot Education  

HYBRID EVENT - Online or in-person Bismarck Event Center

Faces of Manufacturing Luncheon 2026

Greater North Dakota Chamber wants to showcase real work being done in North Dakota — individuals getting the job done in an industry that continues to evolve with technology advances and demand. We are excited to celebrate the workforce of North Dakota Manufacturi......More

Greater North Dakota Chamber wants to showcase real work being done in North Dakota — individuals getting the job done in an industry that continues to evolve with technology advances and demand. We are excited to celebrate the workforce of North Dakota Manufacturing while showcasing the potential in this industry and highlighting the diversity in positions. This event will celebrate the industry as a whole along with honorees representing manufacturing with a luncheon and program.  This luncheon will be attended by honorees, guests, and those looking to engage in the celebration and acknowledgement of manufacturing in ND. AGENDA COMING SOON > Refund policy and other event policies <

Policy Outlook: PSC

These concise 45–60 minute virtual meetings bring together subject matter experts, government leaders, and business executives to address the policy decisions shaping North Dakota’s economic future. Each session delivers strategic insight and practical guidance f......More

These concise 45–60 minute virtual meetings bring together subject matter experts, government leaders, and business executives to address the policy decisions shaping North Dakota’s economic future. Each session delivers strategic insight and practical guidance for employers navigating the state’s evolving business climate.   DISCUSSION FOCUS: This Policy Outlook will focus on the role of the PSC in permitting, oversight, and planning for future growth, while also examining what is working well across North Dakota’s energy landscape and where pressures and challenges are beginning to emerge. The discussion will explore how state and federal policies are shaping the future of energy development in North Dakota and what those changes mean for business, investment, and the state’s overall competitiveness. Participants will also gain insight into where business leaders and other stakeholders can have the greatest impact in the policy process. SPEAKER: Jill Kringstad, North Dakota Public Service Commissioner JILL KRINGSTAD was appointed to the Commission in Jan. 2025 by Governor Kelly Armstrong. She fills the position vacated by U.S Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak. She heads the pipeline, electric transmission and energy conversion siting; gas economic regulation; railroad safety and regulation portfolios and is the state’s liaison to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and the Organization of MISO states (OMS). Jill’s passion for public service began at a young age when she started volunteering in elementary school for local charities and political causes. She served as a Legislative Page-for-a-Day, interned in Washington, D.C., for Senator John Hoeven and worked in Congressman Rick Berg’s North Dakota office. Jill has a longstanding interest in the energy industry and began her professional career at Basin Electric Power Cooperative working in financial services and internal auditing. In 2016, she joined the ND Public Service Commission to serve the citizens of North Dakota as a budget specialist. In 2019, Jill was named the Manager of Business Operations, which included expanded responsibilities for agency operations and leadership on planning, agency mission, and strategic initiatives. A North Dakota native, Jill was born in Bismarck, began elementary school in Dickinson, before returning to Bismarck and graduating from Bismarck Century High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and minor in economics from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Jill is a Certified Public Accountant. Jill is married to Ben Kringstad who teaches and coaches at New Salem-Almont High School. They have three children and reside in Bismarck.   ➡️ This is a private, member-exclusive opportunity. > Refund & Event Policies <

Virtual/Remote *register to receive login info

Marketer's Roadshow - Minot

The GNDC Marketer’s Roadshow is bringing marketing insights, ideas, and inspiration directly to North Dakota businesses. This half-day event is designed for small marketing teams and professionals who wear multiple hats—those looking for practical, actionable strate......More

The GNDC Marketer’s Roadshow is bringing marketing insights, ideas, and inspiration directly to North Dakota businesses. This half-day event is designed for small marketing teams and professionals who wear multiple hats—those looking for practical, actionable strategies to elevate their brand without big-agency budgets.   Hear from local and regional marketing experts who will share tools, trends, and real-world tactics you can put to work right away.   AGENDA 1:30 PM – Welcome 1:35 PM – Session 1  2:15PM – Networking Break 2:25PM – Session 2 3:05 PM – Networking Break 3:15 PM – Session 3 4:00 PM – Q&A Panel 4:30–5:30 PM – Networking Social sponsored by S&S Promotions Stick around after the sessions for a networking social to connect with peers, speakers, and sponsors.    If the date doesn’t work, catch the EXACT same great agenda at the other stop: Jamestown on November 9. [Register here] > Refund policy and other event policies <  

Goliath Room at Chevron

Marketer's Roadshow - Jamestown

The GNDC Marketer’s Roadshow is bringing marketing insights, ideas, and inspiration directly to North Dakota businesses. This half-day event is designed for small marketing teams and professionals who wear multiple hats—those looking for practical, actionable strate......More

The GNDC Marketer’s Roadshow is bringing marketing insights, ideas, and inspiration directly to North Dakota businesses. This half-day event is designed for small marketing teams and professionals who wear multiple hats—those looking for practical, actionable strategies to elevate their brand without big-agency budgets.   Hear from local and regional marketing experts who will share tools, trends, and real-world tactics you can put to work right away. AGENDA 1:30 PM – Welcome 1:35 PM – Session 1 2:15PM – Networking Break 2:25PM – Session 2 3:05 PM – Networking Break 3:15 PM – Session 3 4:00 PM – Q&A Panel 4:30–5:30 PM – Networking Social  Stick around after the sessions for a networking social to connect with peers, speakers, and sponsors.    If the date doesn’t work, catch the EXACT same great agenda at the other stop: Minot on November 4. [Register here] > Refund policy and other event policies <  

North Dakota Farmers Union