State of The Base 2026

tfetsch@gochamber.org (Tina Fetsch) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:18:56 GMT

A record 375 people attended the event hosted by the Chamber in partnership with GFAFB. The message was clear that

GFAFB continues to play a vital role in our nation’s security.

Golden Path Solutions and The Chamber Partner to Drive Future Workforce

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:27:26 GMT

Grand Forks, ND (July 27, 2026) – Golden Path Solutions and The Chamber – Grand Forks/East Grand Forks are partnering to support regional employers with future workforce development while also driving hands-on career experiences for regional high school and college students. The effort builds on the impactful work already underway through the Career Impact Academy and other programming. The collaboration will foster additional connections between students and employers through Golden Path’s innovative online platform, Compass, by supporting career exploration and planning, internship opportunities, and more.

Golden Path and The Chamber are dedicated to building excitement and engagement around future workforce development by helping students and employers find each other based on skills, interests, and talents. These connections also help students make key decisions about their future careers and education.

“We’re excited to further build these key connections between employers and students – in high school and college,” said Patrick Mineer, Founder and CEO of Golden Path Solutions . “By working together, our organizations can support more employers in creating meaningful ways to engage future talent, while at the same time introducing students to the amazing employers and careers available in the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks region.”

The Chamber and Golden Path collaboration will provide increased outreach to employers, guidance and resources to strengthen workforce strategies, preferred pricing on Golden Path employer memberships, and more.

"One of The Chamber's most important responsibilities is connecting our members with the talent that will drive our region's future,” says Barry Wilfahrt, President and CEO of The Chamber – Grand Forks/East Grand Forks . “By helping Chamber members understand what Compass is and offering preferred pricing on Golden Path advanced memberships, we're making it easier than ever to inspire young people, build relationships, and strengthen our local workforce pipeline."

The collaboration stretches beyond the two organizations by supporting wider workforce development efforts, including those driven by the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

“The Grand Forks region has achieved meaningful success over more than a decade in retaining young people, thanks to the efforts of committed leaders and organizations,” says Grand Forks Region EDC President and CEO Keith Lund . “Golden Path Solutions will build on that momentum, adding fuel to the region’s success and helping more students find rewarding careers in the Grand Forks region.”

Grand Forks Public Schools and East Grand Forks Public Schools are already active in Compass, and students at the University of North Dakota will soon gain access thanks to a grant received by the North Dakota University System (NDUS). Numerous regional employers are currently using the platform to highlight their companies, careers, and opportunities. Their reach extends to all North Dakota middle school, high school, and NDUS students. The Chamber and Golden Path partnership aims to expand and enhance these connections, while also welcoming additional employers into Compass.

Eric Ripley, Executive Director of CTE & Technology at Grand Forks Public Schools , looks forward to providing even more career opportunities for students.

“By embedding career alignment early in our students' educational journeys, we are not only helping them discover their interests and passions but also connecting them directly with regional employers,” Ripley says. “This collaboration strengthens our workforce pipeline and ensures our high school graduates are aware of their future employment opportunities right here in the Grand Forks region.”

In addition, regional and state programs can help employers cover wages for paid student opportunities. Intern GF through the Grand Forks Region EDC can provide up to $3,500 for an intern’s salary and Job Service North Dakota can cover wages and workers’ compensation for up to 25 hours per week for eligible youth working for employers in the state.

The Chamber – Grand Forks/East Grand Forks creates an environment that encourages business success while enhancing the quality of life in the region. With business, non-profit, and individual members, The Chamber seeks solutions for community-wide concerns, drives momentum, and advocates for growth. You can reach The Chamber at info@gochamber.org.

Golden Path Solutions is a software and services company in Fargo, ND, that connects students, employers, schools, and communities to create meaningful career exploration and build future workforce. Learn more at www.goldenpath.net or contact info@goldenpath.net.

Media Inquiries:
Patrick Mineer Barry Wilfahrt

Founder and CEO President and CEO

Golden Path Solutions The Chamber – Grand Forks/East Grand Forks

patrick@goldenpath.net barry@gochamber.org
701-866-2620 701-772-7271

The Voice - July 2026

tfetsch@gochamber.org (Tina Fetsch) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:13:35 GMT

Wake Up to UND 2025

tfetsch@gochamber.org (Tina Fetsch) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:11:32 GMT

Wake Up To UND 2025

University President Andy Armacost addressed a record-breaking crowd at the annual “Wake Up to UND” breakfast, a collaborative event between The Chamber and UND that highlights the university to the Greater Grand Forks business community. In a creative twist, President Armacost used the format of several popular TV game shows to showcase the exciting progress at UND. Before he took the stage, a video clip of his appearance on The Price is Right— where he was famously called to “Come on Down” and later won a Ford Fiesta—was played.

Drawing from his experience on The Price is Right, President Armacost used the “One Away” game to reveal this year’s student enrollment, which is the third-highest in UND’s history. He incorporated other game show formats throughout his presentation to highlight UND’s growth, success, and key program statistics.

There’s no doubt—UND and the community are experiencing significant momentum!

Welcome to the Forks

tfetsch@gochamber.org (Tina Fetsch) — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:39:09 GMT

Forksful of Flavor, Finds & Fun

Whether it's power shopping at the big box retailers or browsing through several unique boutiques. Dining at a legendary steakhouse or nouveau Molly Yeh cafe. Enjoying a local music festival Downtown or national concert tour at Alerus Center. Strolling through an awesome art gallery or on a scenic Greenway trail. Oaring up to kayak the Red or sticking around to experience University of North Dakota Hockey at the Ralph.

Greater Grand Forks is a vibrant, thriving, community surrounded by rich beautiful farm country. It's a place that feels warm even in the winter...where you'll find plenty to see and do, in addition to meeting some of the coolest people around. We invite you to come see firsthand why two Forks equals twice the fun!