Top Projects

Bowman County Development Corporation continues and takes on new projects or programs every year. Explore some of our top projects over the last 10 years.
These projects create economic impact in their support of the community, local businesses, and encouraging continued investment into the county.
Having a multi-faceted approach to economic development allows our long-time residents and newcomers to have a community that continues to develop and create a sense of place and commerce.

Annual Video

2018 – Present

In 2018, we started sharing the story of our organization, Bowman County, and our area businesses through video. Bringing our year to life through video has proven to be a successful tool to highlight Bowman County and some of our key projects from the year. One of the biggest impacts of these videos is hearing directly from businesses who have opened in the past year.

Artists on Main Street

2021-Present

Artists on Main Street in Bowman is a program in partnership between North Dakota Commerce, Bowman County Development Corporation, Springboard for the Arts, and Rethos: Places Reimagined. In 2021, five eligible projects were submitted for the program. Initial project funding from Commerce was $5,000. All projects were submitted by individuals who attended the three-hour Creative Placemaking Workshop on August 30, 2021.

Artists that displayed their creative projects on Main Street include:

Cathy Hedge- An Artist in Everyone
Catherine Hedge creates different works of art with acrylic/oil paint. Ranging from landscapes of mountains to oceans, animals and equipment. Also using different types of materials to make various designs without the use of paint brushes.

Sarah Snavely- Art Drop
Sarah is a maker, sculptor, sometimes potter, and lover of Greyhound dogs. Since childhood, she has always made things and shared them with others.

Marie Snavely- Blue Skies and Badlands Mural
Marie is a colorscape/landscape artist. She has sold and donated many of her acrylic paintings.

Nancy Schaefer- “Handy” Bike Rack
Partner: Brad Hlebechuk
Most of Nancy’s artistic work has been with glass and paint. She has also used wood and repurposed objects. She has sold several lawn art items and created two displayes at the local museum. Brad is a finished welder and describes himself as an artist in fabrication.

Jean Nudell- “Prairie Walk on Main Street”
As an artist, Jean educates. She also enjoys growing flowers and plants. As a museum administrator, she educates people on the rich history of our area every day, and helping educate visitors about native plants is a logical extension of that.

Bowman County Community Challenge

2020 – Present

The Community Challenge was created as a platform to empower our county to bring their dreams to life by providing up to $10,000 in funding. By enabling our fellow community members to create an event or project to better Bowman County we are able to enhance our quality of life and give our residents a way to showcase what they want in their community.

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The Community Challenge is hosted by Bowman County Development Corporation and Bowman Tax and Tourism Committee. Community Development is a key part of what we do. It serves to better quality of life which is part of our organization’s mission. While we host and develop new ideas out of our office each year, we feel that encouraging individuals within the community to do the same could create greater impact and further develop experiences in our community.

In 2022, Crossroads Custom Designs won with a steel art installation at the North end of Bowman’s Main Street. In 2023, Scranton Lions won with the Scranton Baseball Complex Kid Park.

Burgers in the Park

2014 – Present

Burgers in the Park started the summer of 2014 as a direct outcome of the RLND Short Course. Community Engagement was a strategic focus area identified and Burgers in the Park brings the community together on the beautiful summer evenings in Bowman. Empowering Leaders now leads the effort and in 2021 began collaborating with a variety of other community organizations to assist them in their fundraising and public relations. Join the fun every third Thursday May through September.

Business Retention and Expansion

2020 – Present

Bowman County’s economy is driven by a wide variety of businesses and services. Owners, managers and employees of the county’s businesses have invested money, time, and energy to serve their customers and it is important to understand how these businesses are sustaining and changing. A healthy local economy depends on the well-being of its existing investors and Bowman County Development Corporation (BCDC) wants to understand if there are opportunities to assist.

To build relationships and develop a clearer picture of the industry and business in Bowman County, the BCDC implemented a Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program in the fall of 2020. These efforts will allow greater understanding of the economy and its drivers and how to effectively reach and best serve the businesses here.

Staff at BCDC diligently collected contact information to develop a comprehensive list of businesses in the county. Businesses received a survey to begin creating a benchmark. The questions were specifically crafted to understand the needs of the businesses in the local area.

This survey was just the starting point for the program. As surveys are completed and returned, in-person, on-site business visits will be scheduled in order to further the dialogue, create an open relationship, and encourage collaboration. BCDC is available to assist businesses in a variety of situations through a good understanding of available programs and resources in the region. This will help create connections that will help Bowman County businesses thrive.

“The goal of implementing a program like BR&E is to ensure that we can assist businesses in continuing to pivot, grow, and flourish and provide access to the appropriate resources to do just that. We are grateful for the jobs and services in our community and we want them to know that BCDC can be their ally and resource for continuing to be a viable, successful business in our region,” says BCDC Executive Director, Teran Doerr.

Short-term goals of the program are to understand:

• Workforce needs
• Programs available to assist businesses
• Anticipate and recognize challenges that may arise
• Create an open dialogue between businesses and local, state and federal government
• Childcare needs
• Housing needs

The information gathered from businesses will also be key in helping educate stakeholders, developing a strategic plan, and identify growth opportunities. Doerr concluded, “The most productive, realistic and cost-effective approach to economic development is to help our existing business base.”

Businesses Assisted

2010 – Present

Through a contract held by the Bowman County Development Corporation, the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers has served the Bowman area with an advisor on site since 2010. Over the past 10 years more than 281 clients received services, 76 start-ups, 707 jobs supported and $29,511,605 capital infusion, from SBDC services. Clients have a wide range of requests from idea feasibility, business planning, marketing, financing, personnel, and everything in between. The program has served start-ups and long-standing Bowman Region businesses.

Change is a constant in the business world, here are some of the over 70 starts that have worked with the SBDC:

• Auroma Candle Co
• Balanced Equine – Western Legacy Leather
• Bottom Line Aviation
• Bowman Electric
• Bowman Laundromat
• Bowman Lodge & Convention Center
• Bowman Theater
• Bronson’s Marketplace
• Clover Construction
• Cow Chip Creations
• Dakota Dental Center
• Focus Eye Care
• Hydrotesters
• K-Artistry Salon & Spa
• KPOK
• Lazy S4 Diggin Service
• McGee Mchanics T.E.A.M
• Mendoza Plumbing and Sprinkler Services
• Next Door Pizza
• Northern Plains Grain & Milling
• P.S. Custom Embroidery
• Prairie Dental
• Premier Core Training and Gym
• Pulse Oils
• RMJ Towing
• South Main Lanes
• Spruce Hill Meats
• Sunset Lodge
• The Classic Beauty Salon
• The Healing Path
• The Landing
• Tiger Electric
• Windy’s Bar and Pizza

Census 2020

2020

Bowman County Development Corporation (BCDC) took on the responsibility for marketing Census 2020. The results of the Census directly impact the future of our communities, as census data informs how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed for health clinics, school lunch programs, disaster recovery initiatives, and other critical programs and services for the next 10 years. The goal was to get as many Bowman County resident to self respond to the Census as possible.

Below is the marketing plan the BCDC developed.

• Design and print 2,000 stickers for pizza boxes, coffee cups, and individuals
• Order shirts for front line employees throughout town to raise awareness
• Design and Print 8 weeks of church bulletin inserts for all 12 churches in Bowman County
• Design & Print 4 banners: 2 highways, 1 Rhame, 1 Scranton
• Print ads in Eido and Pioneer
• All-Mail Bowman County Census Postcard
• Pi Day Library Post Card
  • Census Library Day
• Volunteers to assist with the census
• Rides to and from library for those unable to transport themselves
• Census Coloring Contest
  • Ages 0-4
  • Ages 5-8
  • Ages 9-12
• Social Media (March – July)
  • Facebook videos of community members promoting the Census
  • Census Fact Posts
  • County Status in Self response postings every Monday

Crossroads Business Park

2015 – Present

In 2015, the site location of the previous Bowman Regional Airport was proposed for consideration by Bowman County Development Corporation to be developed into a business park. Bowman County Commission engaged the assistance of a planning firm to conduct a feasibilty study and based on the firm’s recomendation, the three entities decided to move forward on the project. In 2016, the property was annexed into the city limits and a grant was obtained to develop a “design standards handbook” to make sure the property was developed properly. Leadership also acquired an additional 46 acres to add rail access to the property. In 2017, the land was released by the FAA and the land was deeded to BCDC. In 2018, the property was renamed to Crossroads Business Park and underwent Phase 1 construction including the installation of water, sewer, and streets. The Design Standards Handbook was finalized.

The park is now a valued asset in Bowman County that offers ameinities including natural gas, three-phase power, fiber, city water and sewer, rail potential, and US HWY 85 and 12 access. There are 73 developable lots, 2,700 feet of rail frontage, and 156 developable acres.

Deck the Streets

2018 – Present

Started in 2018, Deck the Streets serves as a way to spread Christmas cheer in the business community and enhance the consumers experience. Businesses are encouraged to decorate the outside of their businesses with lights, garland, wreaths, or bows. In the first two years, Deck the Streets provided a $100 reimbursement towards Christmas Decorations. Currently, the program allows for the community to vote on their favorite holiday display and the winner receives a $250 Bonus Bucks prize.

Downtown Beautification

2015 – Present

Downtown beautification is a key element of what BCDC focuses on. It is key to vibrancy, which in turn brings benefit back to our businesses. Although we have been working on downtwon beautification for many years, the importance of this was reiterated in our 2021 Bowman County Strategic Growth Plan as “communities with vibrant Main Streets” was a top residential survey result. On Bowman’s Main Street, beautification is seen through benches, christmas lights, flowers, flags, window wraps, and murals.

Downtown Revitalization Facade Program

2020 – Present

The Downtown Revitalization program is geared towards improving the creation and expansion of commercial and retail sectors in downtown districts of Bowman County. The purpose is to:

• Enhance and promote commercial growth in downtown Bowman, Rhame, and Scranton
• Encourage redevelopment and reinvestment in the community
• Improve the physical appearance, visibility, and ‘curb appeal’ of storefronts including signage and awnings as well as the overall look of a property.

The program is a direct impact to our business community and resulted in immediate improvement in the community.

Empowering Leaders

2014 – 2021

This initiative strategically focused on engagement to cultivate individuals interested and prepared to take on leadership roles in organizations, businesses, and community. It provided opportunity to connect with their community, expand leadership skills, and build the leaders from within. As a community outreach portion of the program, they led Burgers in the Park. To build our leaders and introduce students to careers available in our area, a bi-annual career fair was hosted in collaboration with Bowman County School District and NDSU Extension. Learn more about that continued effort in the Youth Education portion.

Throughout the tenure of Empowering Leaders

• Hosted over 39 Development Sessions
• Hosted 3 Career Fairs
• Averaged 23 Members Annually
• Served Over 3500 Burgers

Festival of Lights

2018 – Present

Festival of Lights kicks off with a lighting ceremony at Bowman City Park with hundreds of people every year since 2018. Over 500 wonderfully crafted luminaries line the path as people enjoy caramel corn and hot chocolate and listen to live music by Saxxy Brass and carolers.

Over 30 businesses, organizations, and churches participate in decorating a tree, singing, donating their time, and more.

Fusion

2017 – Present

Founded in 2017, this event was named for its mission to bring professional, personal, and community all together in one expereince. Since its inception this event has helped in sparking energy and enthusiasm in a tri-state region. Bringing in nationally known speakers, valued panelists, and energy in networking, this conference has gained momentum each year. Going beyond the conference, Fusion has reached into the schools impacting the youth in the region as well. Fusion has featured speakers like Kevin Brown, Kenyon Salo, companies like Bobcat, Scheels, National Day Calendar, Co-Schedule and partnered with organizations like the North Dakota Small Business Development Center, Bush Foundation, Bank of North Dakota, and the ND Department of Commerce.

Main Street Garden

2020 – Present

The idea for the Main Street Garden came about from the victory garden movement that began in World War I and continued during World War II. This called for Americans to grow food, wherever they could. At that time, individuals were growing nearly 40% of the country’s fresh vegetables. Although the demand for produce was not upon us, the community that these gardens created was something we wanted to replicate.

With the help of numerous sponsors and volunteers the garden was placed on an empty lot in 2020. After the lot transferred ownership in 2020, the garden found a new home on a nearby vacant lot.

In 2021, BCDC recieved a $10,000 AARP Community Challenge grant. They were one of only 244 grantees selected from across the USA. The grant, along with additional volunteers and sponsors, made way for major improvements to the lot including ground work, seating, shade, and more.

Main Street Garden exists as a community gathering space and a place where everyone can harvest fresh produce. BCDC plants and maintains the garden, but everyone is able to gather the produce from it.

Main Street Success Project

2016

Bowman County Development Corporation participated in the “Main Street Success Project.” This was a mulitple-approach study of 7 comparable Western North Dakota communities. The project involved 3 interviews, 1 focus group, 155 surveys, and 2 community presentations. Recommendatikon based on the findings for the City of Bowman included:

1. Prepare the next generation to be community leaders and supporters of local business
2. Recruitment of business to the new industrial park
3. Capitalize on existering partnerships – BCDC programs, School, Chamber, region resources, neighboring communities
4. Community need to celebrate its progressiveness and successes

Mainspace

2019 – Present

Inspired to bring a modern workspace and education opportunities to our region, Mainspace was created in 2019 to bring more resources to area businesses. With a mission to create an impact and to ignite growth, this space is used to generate new ideas, bring knowledge, and invite creativity.

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Mainspace exists as a place for businesses, entrepreneurs, and doers alike to utilize. Whether you need a quiet space to work alone or a place to host a meeting, Mainspace has everything you need.

A wide variety of classes are held throughout the year in Mainspace. From accounting and bookkeeping to personal development classes, the wide variety will hopefully provide something you are looking for.

To book Mainspace, become a Corporate Supporter, or find out more information on classes being offered visit, gomainspace.com.

On the Market

2020

On July 13, 2020 50 people brought life and vision back into seven of Bowman’s available buildings. The vacant building tour included the former Shopko Hometown, Sears, Hibachi House, Dale’s Clothing, Hawk’s Landing, Schmit’s building, and Super Valu. The evening gave a platform for community members to share the dreams they have for Bowman County. As individuals milled around the buildings you could see ideas being sparked and shared.

The final location was a party at the former Super Valu. A burger meal was served along with drinks and a s’mores bar. Individuals were able to play yard games and wander through the Main Street Garden.

Promotional Materials

Ongoing

Promoting Bowman County and the surrounding areas is something BCDC actively does to not only help recruit residents, but to attract visitors and to provide resources to our locals. Over the years we have had many different types of promotional materials. Here are a few highlights:

• Event Table Tents: Over 100 event calendars are delivered to businesses across Bowman County to let visitors and residents know of events in the county every quarter.
• Visitor Directories: BCDC has compiles recreational information, a business directory, eateries, churches, and ads into a binder for visitors to access while in hotel rooms. In 2021, the visitor directories were expanded to include printed magazines to be utilized by anyone, not just those who were lodging in Bowman.
• City Maps: Each year we distribute over 1,000 Bowman County maps with an updated business directory.
• Bowman County Apparel: We produce Bowman, North Dakota apparel and manage the inventory. Local businesses can purchase stock from us. This allows them to be able to sell a wider variety of items without having to keep the inventory themselves.
• In 2019, we finalized marketing videos for Bowman County that included recruitment videos along with tourism spotlights.

Scranton Daycare Assessment

2019

Daycare is an economic driver with availability directly impacting workforce. The Scranton City Commission was interested in learning more about the current needs of families; and Bowman County Development Corporation developed a survey that was distributed throughout the community. The survey saw 30 responses and uncovered the three main services that were desired by families: a daycare center, in-home daycare, and an after-school program. The survey reported that there were 75 children currently accessing daycare of some kind in the community of Scranton, and that 86% felt there was not adequate daycare available.

Since the time of the assessment an additional in-home daycare was opened with support from the City of Scranton. It quickly filled to capacity.

Youth Education

2016 – Present

Engagement of the youth in programs and education is key to Growing Bowman County. Bowman County Development Corporation has supported initiatives and efforts that expose area youth to personal, career, and entrepreneurial development. These are collaborative efforts and partnerships have helped reach youth.

Career Fair: 2016 – 2019

Career Conversations: 2020 – Ongoing

Marketplace for Kids: 2020 – Ongoing

T4: 2021 – Ongoing