North Dakota has 20,000 to 30,000 jobs available in the state. The Find the Good Life in North Dakota initiative launched last year is working to bring people to the state to fill those jobs while enhancing the state’s image.

As of July, nearly $925,000 has been committed to the program from private companies who see the need to attract a permanent workforce.

Steve McNally, general manager of Hess Corp. North Dakota with an office in Minot, said Hess supports the program because they want to get people to the state for all types of jobs. He said there’s great career opportunities in North Dakota. He said North Dakota is doing well and a fiscally responsible state.

Most of the job openings in the state are in Cass County, Burleigh County (Bismarck-Mandan area), followed by Grand Forks and Minot.

Wayde Sick, Bismarck, director of the Workforce Development Division with the North Dakota Department of Commerce, said one of the key reasons people move to North Dakota is its quality of life.

Proponents of the program say part of their efforts is to change any negative ideas people might have about North Dakota and make sure people know it’s a good state in which to live and work.

The Find the Good Life in North Dakota initiative is using various means to get their message out about the program. Many they hope to recruit are people who have ties to the state because these people have the greatest likelihood to return here to work.

Program proponents say this is an ongoing program, as it should be in good times and more challenging times.