The city of Williston, ND, looks very different than it did when Shawn Wenko was growing up.
“I was born and raised in Williston, moved away in the 90’s because there wasn’t a lot of opportunity,” Wenko said. “But today, it is such a different industry than it was back in the 1970’s, but even it was such a different industry 10-to-12-years ago.”
The main reason for the change in industry is technology and the evolution of education and jobs it brings. As the director for the Williston Economic Development, Wenko has been on the front lines of most of the oil and gas activity over the past decade-plus.
“We always say that technology drives this thing, helps the industry reduce their cost, increase their efficiencies and operate at a lower breakeven point,” Wenko said. “This allows them to not be so susceptible to the wild price swings accustom to oil and gas.”
One economic indicator the interview discussed was airport activity and incoming flights.
The Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) replaced the Sloulin Field International Airport (ISN) after serving Williston for nearly three-quarters of a century and demonstrated to the world it was unique and an airport of importance.
The Williston Basin International Airport is a greenfield facility that requires a significant amount of land for runways and terminals, something that is very difficult to come by in most urban areas, plus there needs to be support from surrounding communities that would be impacted by new flight patterns. Lots of red tape and kite strings for airports to consider.
“We had such demand for our airport that they got it done in record time,” Wenko said. “That’s something you didn’t hear about in the media.”
St. George Regional Airport (SGU) in Utah was the last new facility in the U.S. when it opened in January 2011. Prior to that, the list is short: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) on the Florida Panhandle opened in 2010, Branson (BBG) in Missouri opened in 2009, Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) opened in 1998, and Denver International Airport opened in 1995.
“A big thing I point out is that it has the ‘International’ status,” Wenko said. “What’s unique is we are finding that, and this isn’t advertised a lot, we are seeing a lot of celebrity traffic believe it or not.”
Wenko said being an “International Airport”, under 50,000 in size is somewhat unique so many executives, celebrities and travelers are using the Williston Basin International Airport as a way to get to the west coast from overseas.
According to World Population Review, Williston is the state’s 6th largest city with about 32,000 people. Fargo, the state’s largest city, is 130,000. Right now Williston’s small business development has as many, if not more, business files (cases) than Fargo.
“We are very similar to Fargo in terms of small business growth,” Wenko said. “Keith Olson at (North Dakota) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is handling around 400 clients, which is incredible.”
The Williston Economic Development Office is a department housed within the City of Williston and overseen by the Williston Board of City Commissioners and is tasked with facilitating, leading and promoting a vibrant business climate through sound economic policy.
Interviews are sponsored in part by TrainND Northwest – It’s a competitive world. Train for it.
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