Andrea Pfennig (left), the vice president of government affairs at the Greater North Dakota Chamber, talks with Corey Mock, CIO of North Dakota Information Technology, at the 2025 GNDC North Dakota Future Forum. (Photo: Delaney Otto for Grand Forks Herald)
The Greater North Dakota Chamber’s (GNDC) second annual Future Forum, held on June 18, built on the momentum of its inaugural year with a forward-looking agenda centered around economic resilience, innovation, and community leadership. As part of GNDC’s 100-year anniversary celebration, this event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore strategies shaping North Dakota’s next century.
Key sessions included:
- Housing Solutions to Solve Workforce Challenges: Business and state leaders discuss how expanding housing access can serve as a workforce strategy. Learn how employer-led developments and public initiatives are meeting talent retention needs.
- The Future of Higher Education: Education and workforce leaders explore how institutions are modernizing learning to meet workforce demands. The session highlights partnerships and technology that prepare students and job seekers for a changing economy.
- Four Generations in the Workplace: Representatives from Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z share perspectives on values, communication, and collaboration in today’s multigenerational workforce.
- Fireside Chat — Energy & Innovation in North Dakota: GNDC President Arik Spencer and BNI Energy President Mike Heger discuss regulatory frameworks, innovation in energy, and the future of sustainable growth across the state.
- Advancing Community Through Tech Innovation: Learn how public and private organizations are using technology to address local challenges, improve services, and invest in community-driven infrastructure.
With a full slate of thought leaders and cross-sector collaboration, the Future Forum offered a meaningful space for charting the course ahead for North Dakota’s industries and communities. For future GNDC programming, visit ndchamber.com/events.