Northern Valley Career Expo Opens Exhibitor Registration For 11th Annual Event

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The Northern Valley Career Expo planning committee has officially opened business exhibitor registration for the highly anticipated 11th annual one-day career exploration event. The expo will be held on the main arena floor of the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Over 1,800 tenth-grade high school students from the fourteen-county region of northwest Minnesota and northeast North Dakota will have the opportunity to discover unique career paths within local companies.

Creating a Brighter Future for the Region

Becca Cruger, Director of Workforce Development for the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, highlighted the expo’s impact, stating, “82% of respondents say they are more likely to consider a career in the region after attending the expo.” The event provides employers with an early opportunity to meet with kids, promoting awareness about various career sectors and encouraging them toward their objectives.

Hands-On Learning and Inspiration

Participating businesses will set up interactive career exploration activities designed to educate, inspire, and introduce students to in-demand career opportunities and related training. Past activities have included flying drones, building heavy equipment, painting, laying bricks with mortar, and much more. The expo’s main emphasis is to showcase the northern valley region as a fantastic place to live, work, and play.

Planting the Seed of Passion

Stephanie Larson, Counselor for East Grand Forks Public Schools, emphasized the importance of businesses sharing their enthusiasm for their occupations. “If they can share their enthusiasm for their occupation, the students get excited about it, and they ask questions about how they can get into that career field.”

Registration and Partnership Opportunities

Businesses interested in participating in the expo can choose from various partnership and cost options, ranging from $250 Exhibitor to $2,000 Platinum. Registration is open now until September 15, 2023, at NorthernValleyCareers.com.

About the Northern Valley Career Expo

Established in 2012, the Northern Valley Career Expo aims to address the region’s greatest challenges by exposing youth to career opportunities available in Northeast North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota. Education, economic development, and workforce organizations collaborate to retain the future workforce as they prepare for post-secondary training and education.

About Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation

The Grand Forks Region EDC works to foster an environment that attracts creative individuals and corporate investment to Grand Forks County and the surrounding region, boosting economic vitality for long-term prosperity and growth.