Sustainable
Community Development
Every day, North Dakota communities
discover the value of taking a holistic approach to community development.
This includes looking not only at their economic health but also at
improving all aspects of the community; parks and other recreational
facilities, schools, health care, streets and sewers, even refurbishing
the business district. The goal is to make your community a place people
want to live, a place where businesses will locate or expand because
their workers and their families are happy there.
Marvin Windows
Revisits Grafton and Stays
In November 1996, industry-leader
Marvin Windows chose Grafton for the site of its new plant. Marvin
had looked at Grafton a few years back and told the community it was
not ready for them. Grafton got ready by investing in an industrial
park, among other improvements. The community's investment paid off.
Marvin gave them a second chance. Grafton was a good fit since it
was just the type of community Marvin Windows wanted.
Watford City
Brings the Internet to School and Community
A school system can be
one of the most critical tools in economic development. According
to Watford City business developers, people interested in locating
a business in their city spend more time in the school than at potential
business sites. To broaden learning opportunities, the Watford City
school has developed Internet access for its students and the community.
Funding
for Prairie Renaissance is provided by a grant from USDA Rural Development
and by the Members of Prairie Public Television.