Submitted Photo Charles Hopkins enjoys the good life he found in Valley City through North Dakota’s Find the Good Life initiative.

BISMARCK — When Charles Hopkins considered relocating to North Dakota from North Carolina, he connected with a community champion with the state’s Find the Good Life initiative for guidance.

He now works as a behavior specialist in Valley City and attends Valley City State University to further his education. Hopkins embraced the welcoming community and quality of life his new hometown offers.

“Moving to Valley City has been an incredible experience. The community has been so welcoming — from sharing winter tips to inviting me to local groups and events. I’ve had the chance to try new things like coaching basketball, helping the local radio station with events, and I’m excited to find more ways to give back. North Dakota is full of opportunity, and I’m grateful to be part of a place where people are passionate about their communities and each other,” Hopkins said in a North Dakota Department of Commerce news release.

Seventy-seven individuals moved to 17 North Dakota communities with a $3.85 million economic impact, plus any impact from accompanying family through Find the Good Life, according to the Department of Commerce.

The paid marketing campaign has generated more than 196.5 million impressions and driven more than 781,786 visitors to the website, resulting in 5,029 engagements with the help desk and 1,428 leads connected to community champions, the department reported.

Find the Good Life in North Dakota, the state’s national talent attraction campaign, has targeted young families, recent college graduates, veterans, and former North Dakotans (boomerangs) to attract them to key industries like healthcare, energy, manufacturing, skilled trades, and business since 2022.

Minot was the first city with a relocator through Find the Good Life.

“Find the Good Life is more than just a relocation program. It’s a game-changer for both individuals and communities. By connecting newcomers with the right opportunities and local support, it helps employers fill critical positions while strengthening the communities they join. Minot was proud to be the first city to welcome a relocator through the program, and we’ve seen firsthand how it creates a win-win for both businesses and new residents looking to build their future in North Dakota,” said Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, Workforce Development/Military liaison, Minot Chamber of Commerce EDC, in the release.