CEO Roundtable: Transportation Innovations in ND

On Wednesday, November 6, GNDC held a CEO Roundtable in Williston. The event was hosted by the newly constructed Williston Basin International Airport. Over sixty business leaders were registered.

 The theme of the day was Transportation Innovations in North Dakota. The morning kicked off with a welcome address from Anthony Dudas, Airport Director. Presentations before lunch included Jason Bohrer, Lignite Energy Council President educating on Electric Vehicles, followed by Brent Bogar of LoadPass providing an update on the next enhancement for LoadPass permits. The afternoon continued with a presentation from Marlo Anderson advocating on behalf of the autonomous vehicle corridor.
 
The day closed with a briefing from international experts and brother-sister pair, Tommy Kenville – ISight RPV and Dr. Kim Kenville – State Aeronautics Commission and University of North Dakota, on the State of Aviation: Today and Tomorrow. Tommy provided information on current work going on throughout North Dakota but also shared how the state is leading the efforts for the drone industry. He has flown drones in 35 states and 7 nations.
 
Kim discussed the importance of aviation in our state and ensuring the industry is represented in transportation discussions, “We have been fortunate that our airports have stood up to the challenges created by economic development and growth. They have been able to leverage state and federal dollars to maximize resources, whether building a new airport or replacing runways, to ensure there is value to communities and commerce. Other state aviation agencies have lost funding for other priority needs. North Dakota remains competitive and supports the aviation industry. ”

 
“The CEO Roundtable events bring company leaders together for an invigorating exchange of information, ideas and insight. Inspired by the completion of the newest airport in the nation, we developed this event’s agenda to encourage conversations about other innovations that are currently or will be impacting transportation. These advancements and associated policies, will continue to impact business and commerce in our state,” remarked Arik Spencer, GNDC CEO and president.

Thank you to the event sponsors!
Presenting Sponsors: Steffes and Moore Engineering


Supporting Sponsors: Ackerman-Estvold, North Dakota Guaranty & Title Company, and Dawa Solutions Group.