Group to explore ND, Minnesota business prospects

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — A group of business and education leaders is investing $500,000 to look into economic growth opportunities in the Red River Valley of North Dakota.

The Valley Prosperity Partnership includes leaders from 23 entities, including retailers, bankers, university presidents, and economic development officials.

The group was started with a $100,000 donation by William Marcil, chairman of Forum Communications Co.

Other members of the partnership have chipped in $20,000 to the initiative.

The Grand Forks Herald reports that the group has hired a New Jersey consultant to analyze the region's economic and demographic data.