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Red River Valley Research Corridor History
In early 2002, Senator Byron Dorgan convened a meeting with the Presidents of North Dakota's state universities and colleges to propose a bold new program to draw millions of Federal research dollars to North Dakota.
"Experience has shown that where there is significant federal research work going on, new jobs and new businesses begin to cluster in order to provide commercial applications for the result of that work," Dorgan said. "I think this can be a very big and important part of North Dakota's economic future."
Dorgan envisioned the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks and North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo anchoring the research corridor, and then reaching out and working cooperatively with state colleges and universities throughout the state.
That first step has stimulated a cycle of Federal research and economic development in North Dakota and is helping to develop the State's major universities into world-class research institutions. Over the past two years alone more than $100 Million of scientific research funding has been directed to UND and NDSU. Success in these areas has led to centers of excellence in Fargo and Grand Forks, and research work at other colleges and universities as well, that will help create jobs and economic growth throughout the state.
The Coordinating Center
Senator Dorgan announced on March 17, 2004 the establishment of a Red River Research Corridor Coordinating Center to coordinate the region's science and technology-based development strategy. The Center will track and work to acquire federal research funding, provide basic infrastructure support that will attract such work, and identify gaps in technology infrastructure and work to fill them. The Center will also provide links between state colleges and universities, commercialization teams, and business investment capital, and will market the state's research and technology assets outside the region.
Dr. Delore Zimmerman, President of CEO Praxis, Inc. in Grand Forks and Fargo was named to serve as the Coordinator. Delore has over twenty years experience working with companies in technology and information industries, universities and local development groups. Since co-founding CEO Praxis in 1994 the company has been awarded 8 Small Business Innovation Research Awards.
Steering Committee
In November of 2003 a steering committee was formed to guide the concept of a high-tech Red River Valley Research Corridor. Members of the committee represent business, higher education and economic development statewide.
Dr. Joseph Chapman President, North Dakota State University
Dr. Charles Kupchella President, University of North Dakota
Dr. Peter Alfonso Vice President for Research, UND
Dr. Pamela Balch President, Mayville State University
Dr. Phil Boudjouk Vice President for Research, NDSU
Dr. Michael Brown Mayor, City of Grand Forks
Linda Butts Director, ND Economic Development & Finance
Bruce Carlson General Manager, Verendrye Electric Cooperative
Dr. Ellen Chaffee President, Valley City State University
Dr. Sharon Etemad President, Lake Region State College
Rick Forsgren Exec. Dir., Traill County Economic Development
Don Frye Mayor, City of Carrington
Bruce Furness Mayor, City of Fargo
Hal Gershman President, Grand Forks City Council
Dr. Greg Gillispie President, Dakota Technologies, Inc.
Dr. David Gipp President, United Tribes Technical College
Bruce Gjovig Director, UND Center for Innovation
Bill Goetz Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor
Tony Grindberg Director, NDSU Research Technology Park
Dr. Gerald Groenwold Energy and Environmental Research Center
Dr. Sharon Hart Wahpeton State College of Science
Don Hedger President, Killdeer Mountain Mfg., Inc
Dr. Michel Hillman Interim Chancellor, ND University System
Sen. Aaron Krauter North Dakota State Senate
Dr. Joseph McCann President, Williston State College
Dave McIver Executive Director, GNDA
David Martin Fargo- Moorhead Chamber of Commerce
Don Morton Sr. Leadership Team, Microsoft Business Solutions
Leon Osborne CEO & President, Meridian Environmental
Lee Peterson Commissioner, ND Dept of Commerce
Jane Priebe Coordinator, Wahpeton Economic Development
Roger Reierson President, Flint Communications
Tom Rolfstad Director, Williston Economic Development
Dr. Erik Shaar President, Minot State University
Klaus Thiessen President & CEO, Grand Forks Region EDC
Dr. Donna Thigpen President, Bismarck State College
Dr. Lee Vickers President, Dickinson State University
Brian Walters Fargo Fargo/Cass Economic Development Corp.
Robert Willmot Vice President, Turtle Mountain Corp.
Dr. Delore Zimmerman President, CEO Praxis, Inc.
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