We often ask business leaders why they choose to live and work in North Dakota. They say it's our people, our quality of life, quality education and so much more that brings them here.

Bobcat - Bismarck, Fargo and Gwinner "Our success can be attributed to the dedicated, top quality people North Dakota provides us." - Greg Schmalz, Vice President, Human Resources

Great Plains Software - Fargo "I was the youngest of the youngest in my family - so I had to go into a field other than agriculture. I had to leave North Dakota to work and I didn�t like that. Now I recruit exiled North Dakotans from large companies and catch the best young graduates before they leave. One of the most important things in the software business is helping users who need advice. We have a hundred young people who grew up on farms in North Dakota and Minnesota, and they help answer more than 2,500 phone calls a week. They�ve made our reputation. Small-town values and high-tech education are not such a bad combination for the future." - Douglas Burgum, President

Navigation Technologies - Fargo "We found we had North Dakota candidates who would thrive with the right training and facilitate the needs of high technology. Our new employees were not only quick to learn, but surpassed our productivity and quality expectations." - Kathi Schwan, Director of Operations

Phoenix International - Fargo "Phoenix has expanded twice; in 1995 we moved to a 55,000 square foot building. This would not have been possible without a dedicated workforce and strong support from the State of North Dakota." - Sally Bosh, Controller

Rosenbluth International - Linton with offices also in Dickinson, Williston, Jamestown and Fargo. "Our Linton office has been unusually successful because of an excellent workforce with high productivity and virtually no turnover or absenteeism. All of the values our company believes in are evident in North Dakota � honesty, trust and friendship. The workforce is, in short, exemplary." - Hal Rosenbluth, President and CEO

Steffes ETS - Dickinson "Low crime, strong family values and quality education all contribute to worker productivity � an essential factor for profitable business." - Joe Rothschiller, General Manager

Symbiotic Laboratories - New Town "The state and local tribal communities helped me develop my market niche by defining and providing a unique market strategy. With this street-wise business savvy, I was able to start and manage my own business." - Sherry King, Owner