GREATER FARGO MOORHEAD REGION The Fargo Moorhead MSA, with a metropolitan population of 202,025 (2009 estimate), including Cass County, North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota, lies in the Red River Valley of the North, amidst prime agricultural land. Founded in 1871 as a place where early settlers could stake claim at the point where the Northern Pacific Railroad would cross the Red River, Fargo Moorhead is a lively, dynamic community that ranks exceptionally high on the livability scale. Called an island of economic stability in good times and bad, the area is experiencing growth in population, employment and job creation. While Fargo Moorhead literally hums with activity, the area is also known for being clean, safe, friendly, and offers a high quality of life. Fargo Moorhead enjoys a diverse industry base. The community is home to a number of national and international corporations including Microsoft, John Deere, Case New Holland, Marvin Windows, NAVTEQ (owned by Nokia), and Cat Reman, a Caterpillar company and the headquarters of Bobcat, Otter Tail Corporation and Border States Electric Supply. The community is also a regional hub for higher education, retail, financial services, healthcare and government. Fargo Moorhead is also an emerging leader in the physical sciences, information technologies and life sciences industries and is home to a growing number of innovative technology and bioscience companies, attracted to the region for many reasons. With one of the best elementary and secondary systems in the nation, education is where we really shine. Our high school students earn SAT and ACT scores that are consistently above national averages and, compared to other communities, more of our high school students graduate and more go on to college. In addition to exceptional public schools, there are 11 private schools in the community, from religious-based programs to Montessori systems. Fargo Moorhead has a student population of 26,000 and is home to two universities, North Dakota State University and Minnesota State University Moorhead, Concordia College, a highly respected private college, and vocational and business schools such as Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Rasmussen College, Minnesota School of Business and the University of Mary Fargo Center. The cornerstone of academic research in Fargo Moorhead is North Dakota State University (NDSU), a land-grant research institution. The National Science Foundation has ranked NDSU 42 nd among 517 research universities without a medical school. The university's professors are well known for their research in biotechnology, chemistry, and biocidal/antimicrobial polymers and coatings. The university benefits from partnerships with government agencies that fund research in the energy, defense, and agricultural industries. With many of the best facilities and programs between Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and the West Coast, Fargo Moorhead is a regional health care center. The quality of our system flows from medical expertise, advanced technologies and nationally ranked specialty services and facilities. Hector International Airport in Fargo is served by Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, United Express and American Airlines with frequent nonstop flights to Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix/Mesa. Amtrak service is available east and west. In addition to commercial service the Hector International Airport also serves four cargo carriers and was designated as Foreign Trade Zone #267 in 2005. Quality of Life in the Fargo-Moorhead Area Sperling's Best Places lists Fargo Moorhead among the top ten cities for its low cost of living, good job prospects and high quality of life. (2008) #3 in Children's Health Magazine's list of 100 Best Places to Raise a Family. (September 2009) Fargo placed ninth on the list of best small metros in the U.S. in Forbes 2010 report of Best Places for Business and Careers. (2010) Money Magazine recognizes Fargo for its excellent schools, low crime rate, good jobs and ease of living, ranking it 69th in the magazine s 100 Best Places to Live. (2006)
Fargo ranked as the 12th safest city among 369 cities in the country, according to a report by an independent research company, Morgan Quitno Press. (November 2005) Fargo-Moorhead ranks third (among small market MSAs) in the Best U.S. Cities for Relocating a Family according to a study conducted by Worldwide Employee Relocation Council. (May 2005) Fargo-Moorhead was named an All-America City by the National Civic League. (June 2000) GREATER FARGO MOORHEAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION The Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC) supports business development, growth, and diversification to improve the quality of life in Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota communities by attracting, retaining and expanding primary sector jobs. The GFMEDC, a non-profit 501c3 organization, is funded both privately and publicly. The primary mission of the GFMEDC is to help businesses grow employment opportunities, population, and tax base in the region. We work to strategically position communities and businesses to better compete in the global economy, facilitate the creation of primary sector job growth for our largely underemployed workforce, and to retain graduates of our higher education institutions. Today, Fargo Moorhead is poised to become a leader in high-tech industries and move forward in ways that will ensure the continuation of growth and prosperity in the region. In 2006, the GFMEDC and community partners developed a plan that would lead to a new vision for the region. The result is the Cass Clay County Economic Development Plan, a strategy for attracting investment and jobs in smart technologies and vaccine development. Five primary pillars support the plan: Core Knowledge Infrastructure, Air Service, Entrepreneurial Infrastructure, K-12 STEM Strategies and Telecommunications Infrastructure. In addition to the Cass Clay County Economic Development Plan, the GFMEDC also: Markets Greater Fargo Moorhead as a prime location for businesses. Work with existing industry to assist in the expansion and retention efforts. Facilitates access to, and assist with applications for, financial incentive and employee training programs for new and existing businesses. Provides statistical data to business decision-makers and site selectors. Initiates and facilitating business infrastructure improvements. Builds partnerships with city, county, state, and federal agencies and elected officials to develop programs and opportunities for employers. ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE Budget: 1.25ml Staff: 6 Reports to: Executive Committee KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Provide leadership and strategy in furthering the economic development strategies and initiatives for the region. Execute the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Plan. Direct all planning aimed at deciding methods to be used in carrying out organization's objectives and implementing policies. Establish relationships with county, city, state, higher education and regional partners to foster a climate of partnership and growth for the regions economic benefit. Aggressively promote economic growth in Greater Fargo-Moorhead by attracting, retaining, and expanding primary sector businesses.
Lead in the continuation of building partnerships and programs with higher education institutions (North Dakota State, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Tri College, Concordia College, Rasmussen College and Minnesota State Community and Technical College) that will increase the intellectual and research capacity. Lead finalization of investor commitments from 2011 investor drive. Develop and implement annual investor recruitment strategy. Provide support and leadership to the Growth Initiative Fund Board. Oversee management of staff and financials controls. SKILLS Strategic visionary thinker able to set sights on a new future, constantly identifying the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the environment able to think differently about how the environment and businesses operate and look for new ways to solve these problems. Communicator that is honest about the state of the business environment, acknowledges concerns, works at building morale, celebrates small wins, and encourages others to be proactive about helping to improve the business environment within the region. Able to ensure alignment within the organization so that everyone is working towards the same goals and that they understand any changes in direction. Networker that builds collaborative and productive relationships with others both inside and outside economic development organizations, and maintains a wide network of contacts that can be leveraged on behalf of the organization s goals. Impact and Influence: Have the ability to generate support from others to achieve the desired outcome, especially in situations where there is no clear ownership of the issue under discussion. Exhibit this competency in a planned and strategic way, never randomly. Motivate others to want to follow them even when they don t have to. Drive for Results: Have the ability to continually focus on achieving positive, concrete results that contribute to the business success of the organization. Display a genuine passion for the region. Seek ways to overcome competitive challenges and develop opportunities. Able to connect-the-dots : assess the current business situation, offer realistic ways to improve that situation and help stakeholders understand what they can do to improve the situation. Flexible, adaptive, focused on continuous improvement, able to look for new ways to find solutions. Able to operate one-on-one, as a peer, with local business CEO s. Strong organizational leader that can engage the business community and local elected officials in a functioning and vital public/private partnership. Ability and demonstrated success working with groups to develop strategies to attract industry. Developing People: Discusses development needs with employees and provides them with opportunities and visibility, as well as advice and coaching. Shows a sincere interest in developing talent for the benefit of the organization. Has skill in guiding new employees through an orientation process, coaches on job performance, gives feedback, empowers and suggests corrective action as appropriate. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in business, administration, public administration, economic development or related field. Advanced degree or economic development accreditation preferred. 5-10 years executive-level experience in business, education or regional economic development is required. In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development and private sector business practices. Demonstrated effectiveness as an inspirational leader with strong written and verbal communication skills.
A history of generating respect and support when successfully engaging, partnering and building alliances with a wide range of constituencies and influencers that includes business leaders, economic development partners, elected officials and the media. Advanced study and/or graduate degree desirable. SELECTION PROCESS Candidates for this position will be evaluated by Jorgenson Consulting. The most qualified individuals will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process. For consideration, please submit résumé and salary history. Send confidential resumes to: JORGENSON CONSULTING gfmedc@jci-inc.net 866.564.3138 51 Broadway N. Fargo, ND 58102 http://www.gfmedc.com/index.aspx