INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK: Site Selection & Rail

This event is part of our Infrastructure Week Webinar Series—designed to inform GNDC audiences about the infrastructure decisions, investments, and policies that directly shape North Dakota’s economic growth and business competitiveness. Thank you to Premier Sponsor, Chevron.

THURSDAY: JANUARY 15: Site Selection & Rail

Successful economic development begins long before a project breaks ground. Communities that understand their assets, prepare competitive sites, and align infrastructure with industry needs can move at the speed of business. Rail access—particularly short line rail—plays a critical role in that equation, shaping location decisions, cost structures, and long-term operational viability for a wide range of industries.

CONVERSATION KEY POINTS:
> What companies and site selectors evaluate
> Rail access and its impact on industrial development
> Community readiness and infrastructure pre-planning
> Speed-to-market considerations

This discussion explores how proactive planning and infrastructure alignment help communities and businesses stay competitive in a national site selection market.

SPEAKERS:

• Chris Schilken, Commissioner, ND Department of Commerce
• Dan Mack, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Northern Plains Railroad

REGISTER:
Infrastructure Week runs January 12–16 and is open to all businesses. Members can attend at no cost. Non-Members can attend with a company-wide registration.
👉 Register here
👉 Speaker bios available

OTHER TOPICS: Pipelines & Data Centers, Zoning & Permitting, Roads & Runways, & Water