FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: chamber partners with ndpc on bakken grow program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2023
Media Contact:
Anna Nelson
701-577-6000
chamber leads local effort in ndpc’s bakken grow program
Williston, N.D. - The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC) announces that it will be the local liaison for the North Dakota Petroleum Council’s (NDPC) new Bakken GROW (Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers) program.
With workforce woes permeating the oil and gas industry, the NDPC is taking a two-pronged approach to help alleviate those woes while simultaneously supporting the federal humanitarian effort, Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), through Bakken GROW. Under the direction of former North Dakota Lieutenant Governor, Brent Sanford, the NDPC is working with an immigration firm to bring Ukrainians who have been displaced by the war to North Dakota to fill in-demand jobs in the energy sector across four cities: Dickinson, Minot, Watford City, and Williston.
The success of the program depends on a whole-of-community approach to set the stage for their success here in North Dakota, necessitating the need for Community Liaisons. Following a meeting with an NDPC representative and WACC’s Energy Committee, WACC President Anna Nelson volunteered to lead the charge in Williston, though not alone. This comes with the support of WACC’s Energy Committee and Board of Directors as well as a partnership with Williston Economic Development in these efforts.
“We have seen the effects of the workforce shortage across the industry - from drilling to production to services to transportation - and this seemed like an incredible opportunity to not only fill those gaps, but to help displaced Ukrainians find a place where they are safe and cared for. With our Energy Committee coming online, it seemed like a natural fit to take on this project and aid in the success of the recruits, the companies, the community, the program, and the NDPC. We thank the NDPC for working to address barriers to growth within the industry and for looking to a humanitarian cause to do so,” said Nelson.
The focus is now on laying the groundwork to ensure the arrival of the Ukrainian recruits is as seamless as possible. That includes finding sponsors and community partners, setting the stage to welcome the recruits into the community, and supporting the Williston companies that will be employing them: Creedence Energy Services and Basin Safety Consulting Corporation.
For more information about the program in Williston, contact Anna Nelson, WACC President, at anna@willistonchamber.com, 701-577-6000 (office), or 701-570-0747 (cell).
To learn more about how to become a sponsor for this humanitarian effort, email Becky Ness at bness@ndoil.org.
“The criteria for a business to participate in the Bakken GROW program is to be a member of NDPC and to provide at least one sponsor,” shares Reva Kautz, NDPC Communications Director.
For more information about the program as a whole, contact Reva at rkautz@ndoil.org. Both Becky and Reva can be reached at 701-223-6380.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
North Dakota Petroleum Council: The North Dakota Petroleum Council’s (NDPC) purpose is to provide governmental relations support to the more than 550 companies it represents who are involved in all aspects of the oil and gas industry including oil and gas production, refining, pipeline, mineral leasing, consulting, legal work, and oil field service activities in North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Rocky Mountain region. The NDPC is also supported by members of the American Petroleum Institute (API) who have interests in North Dakota and South Dakota.
The NDPC has been the primary voice of the oil and gas industry in North Dakota since 1952. The association has a long history of legislative and regulatory success in North Dakota, which has led to a favorable business climate for the oil and gas industry in the Williston Basin. Through the years, NDPC has evolved from a division of the American Petroleum Institute with support from the Rocky Mountain Oil and Gas Association (RMOGA) and eventually the North Dakota Oil and Gas Association (NDOGA), to the present structure as a standalone association.
Williston Area Chamber of Commerce: Since 1907, the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce has represented, supported, and advocated for business interests, organizations and citizens in our community. Our Chamber began as the Williston Community Club and changed its name to the Williston Chamber of Commerce in 1939. While the chamber has seen many more changes than just its name, our mission still holds true: the Champion of the Williston Area United Business Community. More specifically to:
The Chamber is registered as a 501 c(6) and is a volunteer, nonprofit business entity: an organization of more than 500 businesses and organizations and represent every sector of industry and services. Governed by a Board of Directors, the Chamber works together with local, state and federal officials and other organizations in the area to attract, retain, and expand businesses in the greater Williston area.
Our Mission
The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the exceptional economic growth of the greater Williston area, fostering a community where people want to live and thrive, not just work.
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