Home sales in Grand Forks / East Grand Forks continue to trail year ago levels. A total of 48 properties were sold in October. The average sales price last month was $289,667 dollars. So far in 2023 a total of 566 homes…townhomes…and condos have exchanged hands. That compares to 761 one year ago.
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The North Dakota Council on the Arts says a new analysis suggests the state’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $151.8 million in economic activity in 2022. The economic and social impact study was conducted by Americans for the Arts. That economic activity supported 3,335 jobs and generated $26.1 million in local, state, and federal government revenue. NDCA Executive Director Kim Konikow says the report shows that arts have value – and a significant economic impact.
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With thousands of job openings the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is reminding employers that people with disabilities are a valuable workforce resource. Division Director Damian Schlinger says North Dakota continues to be a leader in the employment with people with disabilities. The employment rate of working-age individuals with disabilities is 57.2% in North Dakota. Nationally, 38.8% of working-age people with disabilities are employed.
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A pair of North Dakota companies have secured LIFT loan funds to the tune of $532,000 dollars. The Department of Commerce works with the Bank of North Dakota to administer the low interest rate program designed to diversify the state’s economy. ThermaSolutions LLC will use #250,000 to open a sterilization plant for medical devices. Trimxys LLC will pick up $282,600 dollars to develop an attachment for a push mower that allows consumers to trim and edge their lawn at the same time they mow.
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The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, expects holiday sales growth will ease to a range of 3% to 4%, compared with 5.4% growth a year ago. The pace is consistent with the average annual holiday increase of 3.6% from 2010 to the pre-pandemic 2019. Americans ramped up spending during the pandemic, which accounted for some outsized sales numbers. The forecast comes as shoppers keep spending, powered by sturdy hiring, low unemployment and healthy household finances.