Brad Barth, the executive director of Forward Devils Lake, was elected to president of the Economic Development Association of North Dakota on Sept. 13. He will serve in the volunteer position from 2023-2025. The EDND “represents more than 100 state economic development organizations and businesses on the front line of economic development efforts throughout North Dakota,” a press release from the organization stated. The “primary purpose is to promote the creation of new wealth throughout North Dakota to develop more vibrant and efficient communities and improve quality of life.”
Barth told the Journal that while there are many issues he will be advocating and seeking solutions on, the three biggest ones he will focus on are workforce, child care, and housing.
Barth has been an advocate and prominent figure in the Devils Lake area where he and his organization have helped assist in the start-up, relocation, and expansion of businesses in the Devils Lake area.
“I’m going to represent all of [the towns and cities]. All of them have the same issues. Workforce is still an issue there. It is in Grand Forks. Housing is an issue,” he said.
While he will be overseeing the entire state of North Dakota, he won’t ignore the issues that press even the smallest of areas.
“I don’t want to say I’ll be a champion for the smaller and regional cities, but I’ll definitely be an advocate for them at a state-wide level.”
The Journal will continue to talk with Barth on the issues he wants to focus on in upcoming editions.
