PCJDA Advances Business Growth, Housing and Community Redevelopment
Pembina County Job Development Authority held its July 14 meeting in Neche, and hosted tours of No Name Bake Shop, a new business coming to the former Western Bar, Neche’s new pool bathhouse and viewed buildings on main street that could be potential candidates for demolition and redevelopment. The board also received updates on the Real. Good. Virtual Rural Job Fair, Rural Health Transformation grant opportunities and SPARK Build housing updates.
In other business:
• The board approved adding permanent landscaping to Storefront Improvement Grant guidelines.
• The board approved a new loan application form that is now standardized across the three rural counties of Region 4.
• The board accepted the resignation of PCJDA Director, Angelle French. PCJDA thanked French for her years of service and wishes her the best in her new adventure.
The next meeting scheduled is Tuesday, September 8 at 10 AM in Walhalla.
Pembina-Walsh Manufacturing Day Set for October 7
Planning is underway for Manufacturing Day 2026 on October 7, a joint effort between the PCJDA and the Walsh County JDA to introduce students to local manufacturing and skilled-trade careers.
The event brings area seventh grade students to local manufacturers to learn about the industry and career opportunities close to home. Last year, approximately 215 students participated from area schools.
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Assisting the manufacturer as needed
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Communicating schedule updates between schools and manufacturers, such as early or late buses
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Distributing MFG Day backpacks to students
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Joining plant tours and taking photos for social media
Interested in volunteering? Please complete the short interest form by Thursday, September 3.
The event is made possible by sponsorships and grants from the Pembina and Walsh County JDAs, the Larry J. Wilwant Community Foundation in Pembina.
Kristi Kasprick Named Executive Director of Pembina County Job Development Authority
Kristi Kasprick has been named the new Executive Director for the Pembina County JDA
Kasprick will lead PCJDA’s work to support economic and community development throughout Pembina County. In the role, she will work with the PCJDA Board of Directors, local businesses, county and city leaders, community organizations, and regional partners to advance business development, workforce initiatives, housing, community vitality, and quality-of-life opportunities.
The Executive Director position is supported through a shared-services partnership with the Red River Regional Council (RRRC). Kasprick will work as part of the RRRC regional development team while focusing on Pembina County’s priorities.
Kasprick brings experience in regional workforce development, grant strategy, business operations, marketing, stakeholder engagement, and project management. Her recent work with the Red River Regional Council has included support for Real. Good. Northeast North Dakota and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Through these initiatives, she has worked with regional partners, employers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local leaders to identify funding opportunities, support grant applications, develop action plans, and connect organizations with resources.
Her experience includes helping secure more than $210,000 for workforce attraction and collaborating on a five-prong regional workforce strategy that secured more than $540,000 for Region 4 counties of Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh. Outside of her professional role with RRRC, Kasprick has also led community grant-writing efforts that secured $495,000 for the Walhalla Swimming Pool.
Previously, Kasprick co-founded and served as vice president of Beyond Realty in Fargo, where she managed operations, vendor relationships, staff development, marketing, and technology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mayville State University and is a native of Walhalla.
Kasprick’s initial focus will be on meeting with businesses, communities, partners, and local leaders across the county to better understand needs, identify opportunities, and develop a clear plan for PCJDA’s work.
Kasprick says, “I am extremely excited to help shape the place that raised me. Pembina County has strong communities, businesses, and people who care about its future. I look forward to listening, building connections, and working with the Board and partners throughout the county to support practical projects, long-term economic growth and move projects from “we should” to “it’s happening!”
