Oil, gas economist to speak at EDC, Chamber Mtg.
By Amy Robinson
Farmer Staff Writer
The Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watford City Economic Development Corporation have joined together, for yet another year, to hold their annual meeting, which will feature a guest speaker who will be discussing the global oil market.
The joint meeting will be held on March 4, at 5:30 p.m. at the Outlaws’ Ballroom in Watford City. The event will include a social hour starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s featured speaker is Dr. Loren C. Scott, founder of Loren C. Scott & Associates, a Louisiana-based consulting firm. Dr. Scott is presenting, “The Price of Oil: What Happened; how long will it last?” The presentation will address several key questions, including: When the price drops sharply and a lot who is the culprit? What role does the Bakken play have in all this? Why should we be concerned about the “edges” in all the shale plays? Are oil prices going to stay this low or is there realistic hope for at least some reversal?
“The Bakken is one of the few economic engines in this country,” says Darick Franzen, Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce president. “We hope people will join us to learn more about this industry and what Dr. Scott has to say about the future of this industry.”
In addition to the featured speaker presentation, the EDC will debut, “Voices of Watford City,” a video-based program with a new website that features stories of Watford City residents in their own words. The goal of the project is to allow Watford City residents an opportunity to provide an informative, visual and dynamic place for those seeking information about the area. This video-based project will give a sense of what it’s like to live and work in Watford City.
“It will actually be the unveiling of ‘Voices of Watford City’ that night,” says Lynn Welker, Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce board member. “We’re all pretty excited for the community to see all the work that has gone into this new project.”
Because the Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce and the EDC want to bring in quality speakers, this is the first year they have initiated an opportunity for sponsorship.
“This year, it was a joint Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation effort to bring in new sponsorships,” said Welker. “It was intended to help us off-set the cost of bringing in well-renowned speakers, while still being able to provide a high-quality event.”
Some of those sponsors include ConocoPhillips, QEP, Panther Pressure Testers, and Value Place Inn. Tickets for the event are $50 per person. Anyone interested in attending should contact Mary Gumke, Chamber coordinator, at 701-570-5084 or at wcchamber@restel.com.
The Watford City Area of Chamber of Commerce serves, supports, and promotes businesses in the Watford City, N.D., area. The Chamber focuses on professional development, business development, community promotion, and retail. The Watford City Economic Development Corporation is a private, non-profit organization working to expand existing business in the community and to create new business opportunities in the area.