Why Businesses Should Care About the Legislative Process (Especially in North Dakota)

North Dakota is consistently ranked as one of the best states for doing business—but make no mistake, that success doesn’t just happen. It’s shaped by public policy, guided by elected leaders, and protected by those willing to engage.

That’s where the legislative process becomes more than just political procedure—it becomes a business issue.

WHAT IS AT STAKE? THE BUSINESS CLIMATE
A state’s business climate is more than a catchy phrase. It’s the total environment in which businesses operate—from tax and regulatory structures to infrastructure, workforce development, and economic freedom. It’s the system that either empowers growth or gets in its way.

In North Dakota, Legislators hold the steering wheel, setting our course through the bills they introduce, debate, amend, and pass. And each policy decision sends a signal—either reinforcing the message that North Dakota is open for business, or casting doubt on our state’s competitive edge. This year, GNDC has seen TOO MANY bills that are not pro-business. What is going on?

THIS MATTERS TO ALL
Businesses are more than job creators. They are the generators of wealth, contributors to GDP, funders of our tax base, and builders of community prosperity. In short: no business, no economy. That’s why businesses should be invested in who’s making decisions—and how they’re making them.

GNDC doesn’t sit on the sidelines. We watch the work—floor speeches, committee debates, final votes. Why? Because that’s where the true priorities are revealed. Words matter, but votes define direction.

HOLDING THE MAP
Through our Legislative Scorecard, GNDC tracks how lawmakers vote on key bills that impact business. We reward those who champion free enterprise and penalize those who push policies that create barriers to growth. This isn’t about party lines—it’s about bottom lines.

Our Chamber Champions are legislators who vote in alignment with pro-business policies at least 85% of the time. These are the lawmakers who GET IT—who see beyond single issues and understand the full picture of what it takes to grow our state’s economy. They deserve recognition, and more importantly, your partnership or support.

WHAT IS NEXT?
So why should your business care about the legislative process?
Because whether you’re expanding, hiring, pivoting, or investing—the outcomes of that process either help or hurt your efforts. GNDC is here to help businesses keep their finger on the pulse and a voice in the process. Because while legislators may be in the driver’s seat—businesses are holding the map. 

Register now for our exclusive GNDC Legislative Report on June 5.
We’ll unveil this year’s Chamber Champions and walk through what the legislative session means for your business.