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Minot Area Chamber EDC reports growth at intermodal facility and expands workforce recruitment efforts
Summary
The Minot Area Chamber EDC reported steady growth at the Minot Intermodal Facility, expansion of workforce programs (Wayfinders) and ongoing economic-development projects including natural gas and carbon-capture work during a presentation to the city council.
The Minot Area Chamber EDC told the City Council Tuesday that the Minot Intermodal Facility and Logistics Park continued to expand in 2024 and that workforce recruitment and training remain top priorities.
Brecka Kramer, president and CEO of the Minot Area Chamber EDC, reported that containerized rail activity out of the intermodal site increased from 12 trains (about 2,800 containers) in 2022 to 22 trains (about 4,500 containers) in 2023 and to 34 trains moving 7,133 containers in 2024. The organization said it has moved more than 20,000 containers since operations began and celebrated a 100th train milestone in October.
Kramer said the intermodal operation now ships to more than 20 countries and that top commodities include pulses, wheat, soybeans, DDGs and sugar-beet pulp pellets. The Chamber EDC said the rail operation has saved an estimated 10 million truck miles by shifting freight to rail.
The EDC presentation also summarized other economic-development work: partnering on natural gas access for industrial prospects, carbon capture utilization and storage discussions, continued support for AGT Foods' expansion and ongoing efforts to develop housing and workforce pipelines.
On workforce, the EDC highlighted the Wayfinders program and a new state-funded regional workforce marketing effort that targets recent graduates, returning residents, veterans and young families in markets including Arizona, Colorado and Minnesota. Kramer said the program has produced inquiries and at least six confirmed relocations tied to recent outreach and that the chamber received a state workforce award for the initiative.
The Chamber EDC also emphasized continued support for the Minot Air Force Base through Task Force 21, education and advocacy around the Sentinel modernization program, and a string of outreach events, symposiums and congressional briefings aimed at protecting and explaining the base's role.
Kramer's presentation included a written report supplied to council; the city council did not take action on the EDC report but acknowledged the organization's role as a city partner on economic and workforce development.
