Make the Smart Move for Business

Companies in Fargo, N.D., across the Red River in Moorhead, Minn., and throughout

the metro region are growing, competing and profiting in the global economy, both in

traditional and tech-based fields. They are benefitting from world-class education and

research; advanced facilities; strong public-private partnerships; business-friendly policies

and incentives; sophisticated business infrastructure; high-tech clustering; and the hardest

working, most productive employees in the world. And they are supported by a community

in which industry, government and education leaders are fully engaged in deliberate,

cooperative and business-focused planning and execution.

KNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN ADVANCEMENTIn Fargo Moorhead, innovative companies are pioneering new knowledge and accomplishing amazing things with our researchers and graduates. For example, they are:

*Producing plasmid DNA for the vaccine and gene-therapy communities.

*Combining 3D graphics with portable consumer electronics to advance augmented reality technologies and applications.

* Improving patient compliance/retention systems for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

*Miniaturizing and integrating consumer electronics and computing applications.

*Designing integrated electronic solutions for original equipment manufacturers.

*Developing new coatings and polymeric materials for defense and industrial applications.

*Discovering and developing vaccines for neglected tropical diseases.

*Creating tools for remotely monitoring, tracking and locating essential assests and inventories.

*Designing advanced power management solutions that extend battery life up to 400 percent.

And on and on.

DRIVENINNOVATIONINNOVATIONINNOVATIONOur innovation-based growth is no accident; we are making it

happen by developing cutting edge research and development

capacity for established companies and an incubator that

is spurring entrepreneurial innovation.

AN ENVIRONMENT OF INNOVATION NDSU Research & Technology Park and Technology Incubator » ndsuresearchpark.com * ndsuresearchpark.com/incubatorThe NDSU Research & Technology Park allows university researchers and private industry to combine talents to develop new technologies, methods and systems. Its Technology Incubator provides flexible space for start-ups in the biosciences, materials sciences, advanced manufacturing and information technology fields to co-locate with university researchers and other technology companies.

Center for Advanced Electronics Design and Manufacturing » ndsu.edu/caedmThe CAEDM partners with private industry and government to develop, test and deliver market-driven electronics, wireless sensors and electronic packaging.

Center for Nanoscale Science & Engineering (CNSE) » ndsu.edu/cnseThe CNSE has expertise in the wireless and RFID markets. The capabilities in the 75,000-square-foot facility include microelectronics miniaturization, surface mount assembly, chip scale and multi-chip packaging. The CNSE also includes a combinatorial and high-throughput materials laboratory that can prepare and screen thousands of compounds.

Center for Integrated Electronic Systems » ndsu.edu/ciesThe CIES provides expertise in software and firmware development in a variety of vertical markets including enterprise resource planning, location-based services, machine-to-machine communications, RFID systems and machine control.

Center for Surface Protection » ndsu.edu/cspThe CSP draws on the expertise of the NDSU Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials to develop, test and deliver new, market-driven hard and soft coatings and solutions for industry partners. Internationally known for research and education, the department puts NDSU among an elite group of approximately six U.S. universities that offer advanced coatings expertise.

Center for Sensors, Communications and ControlThe CSCC provides expertise in core areas of JAVA programming, sensor integration and systems engineering.

Center for Biopharmaceutical Research and Production » ndsu.edu/cbrp * gfmedc.com/biopharmaThe CBRP provides product development services that bridge the gap between concept and clinical trials. Researchers there are developing vaccines and biotherapeutics in niche areas to address infectious diseases such as West Nile virus, inflammatory diseases and other unmet needs in the areas of ovarian cancer and transplant medicine.

Concordia College Global Vaccine Institute » ccgvi.orgThe CCGVI conducts research and development in vaccine design for neglected tropical diseases, including identification of potential candidates and analysis of existing candidates.

NDSU College of Engineering & Architecture » ndsu.edu/ceaNDSU’s engineers and architects are designing the future through multi-disciplinary study, applied research and strong ties to industry. The college offers bachelor’s and advanced degrees in seven engineering fields, including computer, electrical, mechanical and software.

NDSU Agriculture and University Extension » ndsu.edu/vpaueThe North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and NDSU Extension Service conduct research that addresses cutting-edge issues related to food, feed and bioenergy production and processing.

FOR THECAPACITYCAPACITYCAPACITYFOR THECAPACITYFOR THE

FUTUREWe are continuously building

customizable capacity to meet

the needs of specific industries

and companies.

phoeintl.com // “The growth and success of Phoenix International is positively impacted by our proximity and access

to the education and research infrastructure of area colleges and the NDSU Research & Technology Park. The spirit of

collaboration within the community, the work ethic, the support for business from state and local levels, and initiatives to

develop the research corridor all contribute to making this a great place to live, work and grow.” // CHUCK KAUFMAN,

President of Phoenix International Corporation, a John Deere company that designs and manufactures customized, integrated electronic solutions for OEMs

Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., is a four-year liberal arts college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with an enrollment of 2,700 students.

The college has program distinctions in the sciences, especially premed and other health professions. The new Offutt School of Business enhances several ma-jors with a global curriculum that emphasizes ethical leadership and entrepreneurship.

Concordia is sixth in the nation for short-term study abroad and in the top 12 percent for graduates who go on to earn research doctorates. The medical school acceptance rate for Concordia graduates is 88 percent; law school acceptance rate is above 90 percent.

Minnesota State University Moorhead is a major partner in achieving regional and statewide economic development priorities.

A new $30 million science center houses biology and chemistry research labs, a radioactive lab, animal quarters, an aquarium and greenhouses. The univer-sity offers a growing number of web-based and hybrid courses.

As a comprehensive regional university, MSUM’s four colleges offer programs in life sciences, physi-cal sciences, education, business, communications, technology, nursing, social work, criminal justice, arts and humanities, cultures and languages. MSUM is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

North Dakota State University Fargo, N.D., is a national research university of 14,400 students. The university’s researchers are leaders in areas such as nanotechnology, microelectronics, polymers, food safety, plant science, vaccinology, biotechnology, robotics and materials science. NDSU is a student-focused, land-grant research university that encom-passes a broad spectrum of curricular offerings, scholarly activity and service.

NDSU is ranked in the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education’s elite category of “Research Universities/Very High Research Activity” among 108 prestigious universities. In addition, the highly respected NDSU Research & Technology Park is a national model of successful partnerships between higher education and private industry.

UNIVERSITY-BUSINESS COLLABORATION

PARTNERSHIPS

microsoft.com // “In Fargo Moorhead, Microsoft has access to nearly 30,000 college students.

We employ a large number of graduates of the Tri-College University system because we know they

will have the broad range of skills that we look for, including IT and computer science know-how, busi-

ness skills, strong teamwork skills, good communication and critical thinking. Microsoft has been

and will continue to be very supportive of the community’s effor ts to enhance intellectual and tech-

nology infrastructure.” // CHERI SCHOENFISH Microsoft Business Solutions Human Resources

Technical and Business Colleges Minnesota State Community and Technical College (MSCTC), Rasmussen College, the University of Mary Fargo Center, Globe University/Minnesota School of Business, and North Dakota State College of Science-Fargo (NDSCS-Fargo)

Applied Science and Technology Programs MSCTC and NDSCS-Fargo offer a range of programs that prepare students for careers in science and technology fields. Students can earn certificates, dipolmas and A.A.S. degrees in biotechnology, microelectronics technology, biofuels technology and nanoscience technology.

Customized Training Both MSCTC and NDSCS-Fargo offer workforce training customized to meet the needs of busi-nesses and individuals in a variety of industries.

Tri-College University is a sophisticated partnership that provides complementary curricula and allows students to take courses at all three of the above institutions.

Researchers, leadership and faculty members in Fargo Moorhead’s higher ed

institutions are instrumental in building academic and research capacity in

smart technologies, software development and life sciences disciplines.

EDUCATIONEXCEPTIONAL PUBLIC K-12 SYSTEM – SAT AND ACT SCORES ARE CONSISTENTLY ABOVE NATIONAL AVERAGES * 11 PRIVATE SCHOOLS * THREE FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITIES WITH CENTRAL CAMPUSES IN FARGO MOORHEAD – NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD AND CONCORDIA COLLEGE * NEARLY 30,000 COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE MSA AND MORE THAN 45,000 WITHIN 70 MILES

SMART

BUSINESS COSTS AROUND 15 PERCENT LESS THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

* Research and development tax credits

* Corporate income tax exemption

* Property tax exemptions for new or improved buildings

* No personal property or gross receipts taxes

* No sales tax on eligible services, manufacturing or computer/ telecommunications equipment

* Seed and angel capital investment tax credits

* Early-stage financing resources

* State-sponsored workforce training grants

* Wage credits for new employees

* Foreign Trade Zone

* Intermodal facilities

* Engaged local, state and federal leadership

* Numerous high bandwidth telecommunications providers and technologies

WORKFORCEMSA POPULATION OF NEARLY 210,000 * WORKFORCE OF APPROXIMATELY 120,000 * LOW ABSENTEEISM AND TURNOVER * HIGH PRODUCTIVITY – 95 PERCENT OF EMPLOYERS RATE EMPLOYEES’ PRODUCTIVITY AS GOOD OR EXCELLENT

integreon.com // “Fargo Moorhead pro-

vides Integreon a fantastic base for one of

our major U.S. delivery centers. The business

climate is highly supportive, and the local col-

leges and universities provide access to top

talent for our legal, research and business

support solutions. Perhaps most importantly,

in a client-service-intensive business like ours,

we value the orientation that so many in the

Fargo Moorhead area have toward doing the

job right and taking care of the customer.” // LIAM BROWN, President & CEO of Integreon, a global

company that provides integrated legal, business and research

solutions and technologies

aldevron.com // “While we could locate nearly anywhere in the country,

we find that the economic benefits combined with a strong workforce make

Fargo Moorhead an excellent choice for our growing biotech company. The

university system’s climate for economic development also offers opportu-

nity for future collaboration and more biotech growth in the area.” //MICHAEL CHAMBERS President & CEO of Aldevron, a leading provider of non-GMP contract plasmid DNA

manufacturing and GIA™ services for academic, government and industry biotechnology labs around the world

Hector International Airport in Fargo is serviced by multiple international airlines and includes a U.S. Customs Port of Entry. Daily direct and connecting flights connect Fargo to destinations around the world.

Centers of Excellence – A North Dakota program that provides funding to encourage university-industry collaboration in research and development.

Red River Valley Research Corridor – Facilitates tech-based development to stimulate federal research projects.

Life Science Alley & BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota – These industry groups can open the door to business partner-ships, continuing education and advocating public policy for the life sciences.

BUSINESS

Family-oriented community with hundreds of programs for children

Consistently high national rankings in livability and safety

Exceptional health-care system

More than 3,000 acres of public parks and 99 miles of trails in the metro area

Downtown is a cosmopolitan, urban environment that people from all over the world can enjoy Vibrant arts community includes a symphony, opera, performance theaters, museums, renowned Trollwood Performing Arts School and the Bluestem Center for the Arts Entertainment options include Division I, II and III collegiate athletics, minor league baseball, U.S. Hockey League, stadium and pub concerts, live comedy, microbreweries, coffee houses, casinos and much more

LIFEQUALITY

THE COST OF LIVING IN FARGO MOORHEAD IS CONSISTENTLY LOWER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

LET’S DO BUSINESSLet us show you what sets Fargo Moorhead apart, demonstrate how being here can accelerate your business, and prove how we will help make it happen.

51 Broadway, Suite 500Fargo, ND 58102701-364-1900info@gfmedc.comwww.gfmedc.com

INDUSTRY LEADERS WITH A PRESENCE IN FARGO MOORHEAD AREA

* American Crystal Sugar

* Anheuser-Busch

* Bobcat, a business of Doosan Infracore

* Cargill

* Caterpillar

* CNH, a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial

* Echelon

* Eide Bailly

* Microsoft

* Monsanto

* NAVTEQ, a subsidiary of Nokia Corporation

* Otter Tail Corporation

* PepsiAmericas

* Phoenix International, a John Deere Company

* RDO Equipment

* Sanford Health

* Scheels

* Swanson Health Products

* US Bank

* Wells Fargo