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On this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Laura Lacher, Executive Director of the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND). They look beyond Williston at economic development across the state and preview the EDND Fall Conference, coming to Williston October 6–8. Learn more about the Economic Development Association of North Dakota: https://ednd.org Learn more about Williston Economic Development: https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Laila and Qamar Badwan, co-owners of Fleur Cafe and Don Pedro's Family Mexican Restaurant, to share their inspiring journey from Jordan to Williston and how hard work, perseverance, and community support helped them build two thriving businesses. From learning a new language and adapting to a new culture to opening Fleur Cafe and taking ownership of Don Pedro's, Laila and Qamar share what it means to dream big, embrace opportunity, and create a welcoming place where everyone feels they belong. Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this special episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson records live from the SelectUSA Investment Summit, where leaders from around the world gather to discuss business growth, investment, and economic opportunity. Featuring guests Joe Wiegand, Margaret Rose, Susan Donkers, and Ann Rybka, this conversation explores what makes communities stand out to investors, the importance of relationships in economic development, and how communities like Williston compete on a national and global stage. Learn more about Williston Economic Development: https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Ron Ness, President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, to discuss the evolution of the oil and gas industry and what’s next for the Bakken. From workforce needs and new technologies to “Bakken 2.0” and long-term economic impact, Ron shares how the industry continues to drive growth, innovation, and opportunity across North Dakota. Learn more about the North Dakota Petroleum Council: https://www.ndpetroleum.org Learn more about Williston Economic Development: https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In the Season 8 premiere of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Dr. Zahi Atallah, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Williston State College, to discuss how the college is expanding healthcare programs to meet growing workforce needs in northwest North Dakota. From a new state-of-the-art facility to expanded nursing, EMT, and medical assistant programs, Dr. Atallah shares how partnerships, innovation, and local investment are helping train and retain the next generation of healthcare professionals right here at home. Learn more about Williston Economic Development: https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Taylor Grundstad of American State Bank and Jackie Duke of Bank of North Dakota to talk about how funding tools like the STAR Fund and Flex PACE are helping local businesses thrive in Williston. Learn how public-private partnerships are making financing easier, what makes Williston’s approach to economic development unique, and how business owners can tap into interest buy-down programs, startup resources, and grant funding. Plus, hear how collaboration between local lenders, the STAR Fund Board, and state-level programs is fueling long-term investment in Northwest North Dakota. Learn more about Williston Economic Development: https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with members of the Williston Community Builders, Brooke Mapes, Lexi Halvorson, Heather Stevens, and Nick Lippert, to talk about the story behind Williston Water World and the mission that drives their nonprofit. They share how this community-led project came to life, what it took to earn two statewide awards, and how public-private partnerships are creating lasting impact across the region. Learn how grassroots efforts, local pride, and volunteer energy are shaping Williston’s future—one project at a time. Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Louise Skaare, founder of Young Bucks Coffee and The Cabin, to talk about entrepreneurship, expansion, and community in Williston.  Louise shares how her business grew from a single idea into multiple thriving locations and why connection, faith, and perseverance have been at the heart of that growth. The conversation also highlights her work with Brew Your Business, a local network supporting entrepreneurs across the region.  Learn how Louise’s story reflects the small-town values, collaboration, and creativity driving Williston’s business community forward.  Learn more about Williston Economic Development: https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Lucas Natwick, Realtor with eXp Realty and president of the Williston Board of Realtors, to break down the state of Williston’s housing and commercial markets. They cover why the average list price has shifted to just under $400K, what a two-month absorption rate means for buyers and sellers, and how a renter-to-listing imbalance is tightening supply. The conversation also highlights the Board of Realtors’ community education efforts and the major projects on the horizon that could further increase demand. Learn more about Williston Economic Development: https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Lindsey Harriman, Community Engagement Coordinator for Williams County, to discuss the newly launched Builder Buyer Housing Incentive Program. They explore how this two-pronged initiative supports both builders and buyers to address housing needs across the region, from helping first-time homeowners to encouraging new development. Lindsey shares the program’s origins, how it works, and the early interest it’s generating from the community. Learn more about the Williams County Builder Buyer Program: https://www.williamsnd.com Learn more about Williston Economic Development: https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Katie Ralston Howe, Deputy Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce, to discuss the innovative programs and partnerships that are reshaping North Dakota's workforce. They cover public-private collaborations, efforts to retain talent, and how workforce development is being reimagined across the state. Learn about the challenges facing North Dakota’s labor force and the bold strategies being used to close the talent gap. Learn more about North Dakota Workforce Development:https://www.commerce.nd.gov/workforce Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson is joined by Kenzi Brown, Haley Jeannotte, and Jana Jirik to talk about how Career and Technical Education is opening new doors for students across the Williston Basin. They discuss how CTE programs are helping high school students earn certifications, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for in-demand careers. Learn how the Williston Basin CTE Center, partnerships with industry, and events like Career Signing Day are reshaping the future workforce of Northwest North Dakota. Check out the Williston Basin CTE Center: https://www.willistonschools.org/o/wbctec Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Lenny Johnson, owner of Genesis, to talk about his journey from military service to small business ownership, what inspired the creation of Genesis, and how Williston's growth has shaped his business. Learn about the evolution of Williston’s retail scene, the opportunities available for entrepreneurs, and how Genesis has become a trusted name for clothing, footwear, and eyewear in Northwest North Dakota. Plus, hear how Williston Square is creating new possibilities for local businesses and the community. Explore Genesis online at shopgenesis.com Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Sartwell and Morgen Martelle of Preferred Restaurant Group to talk food, family, and the future of Williston. From the early days with Taco John’s to launching new brands like Slim Chickens and Rocky’s, Mike and Morgen share their journey of growing a regional restaurant empire rooted in North Dakota values. Hear how Williston’s support, community engagement, and the vision behind Williston Square made it the ideal place to invest and expand. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone who just loves a good success story, this episode is packed with insights on building something that lasts.

The Small Business Development Center in Williston focuses on helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses throughout Northwest North Dakota. In this episode, Keith Olson, Regional Director of the SBDC, shares how the program partners with local entrepreneurs through every stage of the business journey. Keith, Cyrena, and Anna dive into the tactical guidance the SBDC provides, from starting an LLC to accessing financing, and discuss who the program is best suited for. Want to learn more about the Small Business Development Center? Visit https://ndsbdc.org Learn more about Williston Economic Development: https://www.willistondevelopment.com Chapters: 00:00 - Teaser   00:12 - Episode Intro 00:30 - Williston Works Podcast Intro 00:48 - Meet Keith Olson   03:01 - What is SBDC? 05:24 - Cyrena Weeks Role in SBDC 06:15 - How Does SBDC Help Launch Businesses? 07:47 - What is SBA? 08:55 - SBDC Demand 10:31 - What Types of Businesses Does SBDC Work With? 12:08 - Non-Profits 13:37 - Most Common Mistake 15:55 - Business Bookkeeping 17:52 - Williston’s Business Landscape 20:40 - How Does SBDC Help Businesses Navigate Challenges? 23:38 - The STAR Fund 25:30 - Advice for Long Term Success 29:50 - Continuous Support 32:05 - Closing Remarks