We’re excited to share important news: In August Impact Dakota has been awarded continued support through the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program! This award reflects a strong recognition of the vital role we play in helping North Dakota manufacturers grow and thrive.

It comes at a time when manufacturers are actively seeking the kind of strategic support and guidance that enables them to seize new opportunities and build long-term resilience.

Join Iviry’s compliance experts Adam Kangiser, Randy Delarm, and CEO Dave Cooper for a timely panel discussion of the upcoming Final Ruling on CMMC, expected in October 2025. This session will cover the current CMMC timeline, the implications of CFR Title 48 and 32 CFR Part 170, and what these changes mean for federal contractors.

The webinar will also explain the phased roll-out, break down the relationship between CMMC and the FAR CUI Rule, how the DoD has defined a passing score (conditional versus full status), and how this will impact your business.

In the spirit of rugged determination and visionary leadership, let us consider the future of work not as a battlefield to be feared, but as a frontier to be conquered. I was recently exposed to Rishad Tobaccowala’s book Rethinking Work and his SXSW presentation, The Great Rethinking: How to Navigate the Future of Work, are clarion calls to action for every organization that dares to lead rather than follow. 

This resonated with me as I visit with manufacturers across North Dakota looking for workforce as well as visiting with workforce in North Dakota looking for careers in manufacturing. My friends at Job Service of North Dakota and I were brainstorming; how do we match up this hungry workforce with our North Dakota manufacturers?

Conference: September 10 • 8:30 - 5:00 • UND, Grand Forks, ND

On 10 September, the IEEE-USA Innovation, Workforce, and Research Conference (IWRC) will bring together stakeholders from industry, government, and academia for an AI and Autonomy Summit in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a community led by the University of North Dakota that is a global leader in unmanned and autonomous systems research, application and policy development. We will meet, network, learn, and discuss federal and state technology initiatives related to artificial intelligence and autonomy, and other government programs that promote innovation and small business in the upper midwest.

This event will give you an opportunity to meet potential partners from the U.S. federal agencies and learn more about how you can contribute to the North Dakota and the midwest innovation ecosystem.

Navigating federal regulations can be complex but understanding how they’re created—and how they impact small businesses—is essential for manufacturers.

When Congress passes a law, federal agencies develop detailed regulations to guide its implementation. These rules clarify what the law requires, what it prohibits, and the penalties for noncompliance. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy plays a key role in ensuring these regulations consider the unique challenges faced by small businesses. Through legal review, economic analysis, and direct outreach, Advocacy helps amplify your voice in the regulatory process—making sure your concerns are heard before rules are finalized. Click on the buttons below for more information about the Office of Advocacy, or to contact Trent Staggs, Region 8 Advocate. 

Bismarck, ND — The XR for VR initiative continues to make exciting strides in connecting North Dakota’s youth and adults with disabilities to meaningful careers in manufacturing through immersive technology. At the August 20th Advisory Committee meeting, partners gathered virtually to review progress and plan next steps for this groundbreaking workforce development project.

The Global Talent Office (GTO) is launching a groundbreaking initiative this month: a statewide partnership with EnGen, a virtual, career-aligned English upskilling platform.

This new program provides no-cost English instruction to employers and job seekers across North Dakota, helping to remove language barriers, recognizing that English language fluency is a critical skill for not only inclusion in the workforce, but for career success and advancement.

August 28
Workforce Webinar - EnGen Platform Demonstration

September 3
CMMC is Here! Now What?

September 10
IEEE-USA IWRC AI & Autonomy 

September 15
OSHA 7100 Intro to Machinery & Machine Safeguarding

September 23
New & Current AI Tools for Social Media Marketing

October 3
MANUFACTURING DAY

October 6
OSHA 511 Standards for General Industry

October 10
Faces of Manufacturing Luncheon

October 15
Build a DIY Brand Kit in Canva

October 23
Leadership Conference at Valley City State University

Every October, Manufacturing Day rolls around—and while it might not come with fireworks or parades, it’s a celebration that deserves serious attention. This annual event shines a spotlight on the backbone of our economy: the manufacturing industry. But why does it matter, and what makes it worth celebrating?

Impact Dakota has expanded and launched the North Dakota Supply Chain Connectivity Program. 

This is a national initiative from NIST MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) designed to significantly help North Dakota Manufacturers link together to build local and regional suppliers and potentially customers and thereby strengthen North Dakota manufacturing. 

— Open Opportunities —