Martie Abell is the owner of the Candy Crate in Williston. She opened her specialty candy shop in June 2021. The Candy Crate is located at the Badlands Town Center. Abell sells all types of candy from all over the world.

WILLISTON — Williston’s economy is making headway when it comes to diversification. The city, traditionally dependent on agriculture and energy, has seen a rise in emerging technologies, health care, primary sector, restaurants, retail, and childcare.

“This past year was encouraging as we saw diversified projects coming into the community. This was a significant shift from what we have seen previously,” said Williston Economic Development Executive Director Shawn Wenko. “Some of those projects included unmanned aerial systems, cryptocurrency and a gas to liquids plant.”

Williston Economic Development (WED) utilizes the STAR Fund to attract new projects and retain existing ventures. The STAR Fund is funded by the city’s one cent sales tax. Sales tax collections benefit both infrastructure and economic development projects.

“Three quarters of the penny goes to what we call infrastructure debt relief,” explained Wenko. “It helps offset some of the infrastructure costs in Williston so the residents themselves do not incur the burden of those costs. The other quarter of the penny goes to what we call the jobs creation fund. That’s what we work with in economic development to help these new businesses. We always look at the STAR Fund as a kind of close the gap funding opportunity.”

The STAR Fund is administered by a seven-member board. The board’s recommendations are presented to either the Williston City Commission or City Administrator David Tuan for consideration.

One area of focus has been increasing childcare capacity. The STAR Fund has committed approximately $1.4 million to several large daycare projects including Coyote Pups Learning Den, Light of Christ Lutheran Church, CHI St. Alexius Health Williston, and Williston State College.

“The city has really made a commitment to addressing the shortage of childcare opportunities here in the region,” said Wenko. “The goal has been over the last several years to work to increase capacity for childcare. The city is partnering with Williams County and Williston State College on the remodel of the old Crighton Building for up to 70-80 kids. We also funded the remodel of Light of Christ Church Lutheran Church for about 80 kids and we are committed to helping CHI St. Alexius Health Williston fund the conversion of the Sisters of Mercy apartments to a daycare facility for about 65 kids.”

Other achievements in 2021 included major announcements at Williston Square. The 800-acre multi-use site is located at the former Sloulin Field International Airport.

“The big focus at Williston Square was infrastructure, making sure the utilities (roads, water and sewer) were getting in there first. During Phase 1, we announced Sanford Health was building a regional clinic, Genesis and Slim Chickens broke ground on new buildings and the Upper Missouri River Regional Dispatch Center moved into the former airport terminal,” said Wenko. “I look forward to 2022 and Phase 2 of the development which will see projects starting along 42nd Street (behind WalMart).”

Slim Chickens, a fast-food restaurant, and Genesis, an apparel store for men, women and children, were the first two businesses to break ground at Williston Square. Both are nearing completion. Genesis is hoping for a grand opening in the spring.

“I am really praying that we can be open for Band Day (May 7), but that is looking more and more fleeting. We expect to open in early to mid-May,” said Genesis store owner Lenny Johnson.

The first new business to break ground at Williston Square in 2022 will be Sanford Health. They will hold an official groundbreaking ceremony for their multi-specialty clinic on May 12.

Other new clothing stores include 701 Kids, Abele Apparel, Benellis Boutique, C’s Dance Complex, Ellie & Claire Boutique, and Peachy’s Boutique. Some of Williston’s newest coffee shops and eateries include Busted Knuckle Brewery, Caffeinated, Pit #104, Roux ND, Sinior Egg, Tanny Thai Cuisine, and Young Bucks. And other new retail stores include Candy Crate, Mattress by Appointment, MVP Sport Break, and The Empty Bobbin.

To learn more about business opportunities in Williston, attend the free Williston Economic Development Summit on May 12, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Historic Old Armory. Williston Mayor Howard Klug’s annual State of the City Address will be held at 12 p.m. For more details visit willistondevelopment.com.