North Dakota's Business Climate Is Ours to Lose

A Note from GNDC CEO & President: Arik Spencer
At GNDC's 2026 Policy Summit, I shared an update on the state of our organization and, more importantly, reflected on the future of North Dakota's business climate.

My message was straightforward: The state of GNDC is strong. The state of North Dakota is strong. But neither guarantees our future success.

Over the past several years, GNDC has intentionally strengthened its financial position, governance, member engagement, and advocacy efforts. We've become more proactive in shaping policy, educating lawmakers, and ensuring the business community has a voice in decisions affecting our economy.

Our job isn't simply to react to what happens in Bismarck. It's to help shape what happens next. North Dakota has tremendous advantages: abundant energy, world-class agriculture, growing manufacturing and technology sectors, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. But North Dakota has one of the best business climates in America, and it is ours to lose. Employers need workers. Workers need housing. Communities need infrastructure. Economic development requires reliable, affordable energy. And businesses need a predictable tax and regulatory environment to invest with confidence. These challenges are connected, and we must approach them that way.

At the same time, emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and autonomous systems could bring significant private investment to our state. But other states are competing for those same opportunities, companies, and people. We cannot afford complacency.

I also emphasized something the business community should say more often: Profit is not a dirty word. Successful businesses create careers, support public services, invest in communities, and generate opportunities for future generations. Free enterprise isn't separate from strong communities. It's one of the foundations that makes them possible.

That doesn't mean every project is right for every community. We should ask difficult questions about growth. But rather than asking how to stop it, we should be asking how to make growth work. GNDC can convene, organize, and advocate, but we cannot replace the collective voice of North Dakota's business community. Whether through our policy councils, conversations with elected officials, or participation in issues affecting your industry, your engagement matters.

As I reflect on the state of GNDC, I'm proud of what we've built. But I'm far more interested in what we build next. The opportunities ahead are extraordinary, but we have to earn our future.

That's the work ahead of GNDC. And I invite the business community to continue to join us. .