Global Talent Summit highlights workforce solutions for North Dakota

The Global Talent Summit brought together more than 100 employers and workforce partners to explore strategies for strengthening North Dakota's talent pipeline through global recruitment and effective integration.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong and First Lady Kjersti Armstrong opened the event with remarks on the state's workforce future and the importance of global talent in long-term economic growth.

"North Dakota's greatest strength is our people and our willingness to innovate," said Gov. Kelly Armstrong. "The Global Talent Office is leading one of the nation's most practical global workforce strategies, focused on resilience, rural vitality and helping employers find the workers they need. Our state is being recognized nationally for these efforts, and we will keep building solutions that strengthen our workforce and our future."

Attendees heard from national and local experts throughout the day. Immigration specialist Jonathan Grode clarified common misconceptions about the immigration system and explained how current trends affect employers. Other plenary speakers shared insights on the economic impact of global talent and new models that connect newcomer talent with employer demand. Breakout sessions highlighted English language best practices, nonprofit and private sector partnerships and practical approaches to addressing workforce gaps.

"As a small business that has the same challenges that everybody has in labor and getting quality and talented people to come work for our company, this Summit is very helpful to us," said Woodland Resort owner Kyle Blanchfield. "The processes and rules for global talent keep changing, so we can come back to Commerce and ask these questions. They'll give us direction and recommendations and then when you put it all together at the Global Talent Summit, it becomes a one-stop-shop for us to learn all this new information."

Several employers will also meet one-on-one with Grode for free immigration consultations following the Summit. The sessions will provide employers with individualized guidance on global talent recruitment and employment-based immigration options.

To learn more about the Global Talent Office, visit https://www.commerce.nd.gov/workforce/global-talent-office.