Class III Rural Leadership North Dakota met in Bismarck on January 8 - 10, 2009 for seminar #8, based on Understanding North Dakota Ag and Rural Policy. Our objectives for the seminar were to understand the issues affecting agriculture and rural policy in North Dakota; to understand how to become involved in the policy making process; visit with individuals and organizations that provide assistance to North Dakotans; and observe and participate in the political process in North Dakota. 

Thursday afternoon was spent in the Bank of North Dakota's conference room.  Eric Hardmeyer, President of the Bank of North Dakota spoke with us on economic issues; Fay Behm, Business Development Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration explained about the workings of the SBA and how they can assist each of us.  Nancy Krogen-Abel, Regional Director of ND Small Business Development Center spoke about assistance with new businesses, expanding businesses and what they are looking for when they assist someone with a new and/or growing venture.  Fay Behm then gave us a tour through the Bank of North Dakota, which is a beautiful building.

Connie Sprynczynatyk, Executive Director of North Dakota League of Cities joined us and inspired us with her presentation on Effective Hometown Advocacy.  Russ Staiger, President/CEO Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, explained some of the drawbacks they came up against and the victories as far as expanding business in the Bismarck-Mandan area.

Thursday evening was spent at the Kelly Inn at a "Meet & Greet Social" with our legislators, sponsored by the RLND Alumni.  We had an awesome turnout, with many of our legislators stopping in to visit with us.  We appreciate the efforts of the RLND Alumni in presenting us with this wonderful opportunity to meet and communicate with our legislators.

Friday morning was spent in the Capitol.  We met with Commissioner Roger Johnson, sat in on assorted hearings and toured the Capitol Building.  After the tour we were able to meet with Governor John Hoeven and Lance Gaebe, Deputy Chief of Staff and Brandi Pelham, Governor's Staff.  We each described our projects and listened to comments the Governor had for each of us.

We then traveled to the ND Associate of Counties meeting room for lunch and presentations by Keith Trego, Director of North Dakota Natural Resources Trust and Wayne Markegard, Coordinator for North Dakota Resource Conservation & Development.  Both presentations were very enlightening.

We then traveled to North Dakota Department of Commerce and were treated to an afternoon of inspirational presentations from the wonderful people at Commerce.  Paul Lucy, Economic Development & Finance; Tracy Finneman, Marketing and Communications; Sara Otte Coleman, Tourism; Paul Govig, Community Services; Gordon LaFrance, Renaissance Zone and Kathy Tweeten from Center for Community Vitality with NSDU Extension Service.

Justin Dever from the Office of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives with the Department of Commerce was our dinner speaker.  We learned much about the legislative process and the road a bill follows from beginning to end.

Saturday morning was spent going over our upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. in February. We are all so excited to be going to Washington D.C. and getting first hand experience in our nation's capitol.

By Mary Schmitt