Policy Development Process

PURPOSE

The Business Climate Council provides guidance to GNDC on policy and programmatic activities that impact business growth and success in ND.

COMPOSITION

The Business Climate Council brings together GNDC members with real-world business experience and expertise in the factors shaping North Dakota’s economy. It is chaired by a GNDC member who currently holds—or has previously held—a leadership role within the organization.

TIME COMMITMENT

The council’s work begins in the fall of odd-numbered years and concludes by August of the following year, prior to the legislative session. Members are expected to participate in:

• Policy Outlooks – Monthly virtual meetings with legislators, officials, and subject-matter experts. These sessions provide insights that feed into council discussions.
• Business Climate Council Meetings – Monthly meetings, available in hybrid format, focused on member-driven discussions and recommendations.

Members should review meeting materials in advance and, when appropriate, seek input from colleagues within their organizations.

Total estimated time commitment: 2–2.5 hours per month.

DELIVERABLES

The Business Climate Council contributes to GNDC by:

• Identifying Issues – Highlighting current challenges impacting businesses.
• Shaping Policy – Recommending policy positions to guide GNDC into the legislative session.
• Developing Strategies – Evaluating existing resources for effectiveness and identifying gaps.
• Providing Perspective – Sharing insights and expertise to ensure GNDC’s advocacy reflects the needs of the business community.

Join the Business Climate Council Now. 

PURPOSE

The Workforce Council advises GNDC on policies and initiatives that impact workforce availability across all industries. By identifying challenges and opportunities, the council ensures GNDC’s advocacy supports a strong, competitive workforce to drive North Dakota’s economic growth.

COMPOSITION

Membership is open to GNDC members with knowledge and experience in workforce issues and their business impacts. The council is chaired by a current or past GNDC leader.

TIME COMMITMENT

The council’s work begins in the fall of odd-numbered years and concludes by August of the following year, prior to the legislative session. Members are expected to participate in:

• Policy Outlooks – Monthly virtual sessions featuring legislators, officials, and subject-matter experts. Insights gained will inform council discussions.
• Workforce Council Meetings – Monthly meetings, available in hybrid format, focused on member-driven dialogue and recommendations.

Members are expected to review materials in advance and, when appropriate, gather input from colleagues within their organizations.

Estimated time commitment: 2–2.5 hours per month.

DELIVERABLES

The Workforce Council contributes to GNDC by:

• Identifying Issues – Sharing current workforce challenges and barriers.
• Shaping Policy – Recommending workforce-related policy priorities for the legislative session.
• Developing Strategies – Assessing state and local resources for relevance, adequacy, and impact.
• Providing Perspective – Bringing expertise and industry insights to ensure GNDC’s efforts reflect the needs of the business community.

​Join the Workforce Council Now. 

PURPOSE

The Infrastructure Council provides guidance to GNDC on infrastructure policies and initiatives critical to business growth and competitiveness. It identifies key challenges, provides expertise, and shapes GNDC’s policy direction.

COMPOSITION

Membership is open to GNDC members with infrastructure expertise or interest. The council is chaired by a current or past GNDC leader.

TIME COMMITMENT

The council’s work begins in the fall of odd-numbered years and concludes by August, ahead of the legislative session. Members are expected to participate in two primary activities:

• Policy Outlooks – Monthly virtual meetings featuring legislators, officials, and subject-matter experts. Insights from these sessions inform Infrastructure Council discussions.
• Council Meetings – Held every other month, with a remote participation option. Meetings are internal, member-driven discussions lasting no longer than one hour. Members will share feedback on current challenges and successes in the state’s infrastructure landscape.

Members are expected to review materials and discussion questions in advance and, when appropriate, gather input from colleagues within their organizations.

Total estimated time commitment: 1 to 2.5 hours per month.

DELIVERABLES

The Infrastructure Council contributes to GNDC’s work by:

• Identifying Issues – Sharing current challenges and priority concerns.
• Shaping Policy – Recommending policy positions that guide GNDC into the legislative session.
• Developing Strategies – Evaluating existing resources for effectiveness and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Providing Perspective – Bringing personal insights and subject matter expertise to ensure GNDC’s advocacy reflects the needs of the business community.

​Join the Infrastructure Council Now. 

PURPOSE

The Manufacturing Council advises GNDC on policies and initiatives that directly affect the state’s manufacturing industry. Its work ensures GNDC’s advocacy reflects industry priorities, addresses challenges, and supports growth and competitiveness.

COMPOSITION

Membership is open to GNDC members in good standing who are actively engaged in the manufacturing sector. The council is chaired by a GNDC leader with current or past organizational leadership experience, providing guidance and continuity.

TIME COMMITMENT

Meetings will be held quarterly in a hybrid format, with each meeting scheduled for an hour and a half. 

DELIVERABLES

The Manufacturing Council strengthens GNDC’s impact by:

• Identifying Issues – Bringing forward current challenges and industry needs.
• Shaping Policy – Providing input on policies that guide GNDC’s legislative strategy.
• Driving Growth – Evaluating resources and offering feedback on initiatives to expand industry awareness and competitiveness.
• Providing Perspective – Sharing insights and expertise to ensure GNDC’s efforts align with industry realities.
• Building Networks – Connecting manufacturers from across North Dakota to share ideas and strengthen collaboration.

​Join the Manufacturing Council Now. 

PURPOSE

The Small Business Council advises GNDC on policies and initiatives that affect North Dakota’s small business community. Its role is to identify challenges, share expertise, and ensure GNDC’s advocacy supports small business growth and competitiveness.

COMPOSITION

Membership is open to GNDC members in good standing with small business leadership experience. The council is chaired by a member with current or previous leadership within GNDC.

TIME COMMITMENT

The council meets quarterly for one-hour sessions in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and remote participation.

DELIVERABLES

The council provides value to GNDC and its members by:

• Identifying Issues – Bringing forward current challenges facing small businesses.
• Shaping Policy – Contributing to policy positions for the legislative session.
• Driving Growth – Assessing resources and recommending program activities to strengthen the state’s business climate.
• Providing Perspective – Offering insights and expertise to ensure small business priorities are represented.
• Building Networks – Connecting with peers from across North Dakota.

​Join the Small Business Council Now.