Visit Minot has launched a grant-funded initiative focused on the workforce and operational challenges facing Minot’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, and event businesses, and we need local voices at the table.
We know staffing, retention, and day-to-day operational pressures are real. To support this work, Visit Minot is bringing in two nationally recognized consultants to develop practical solutions tailored specifically to this region. Your experience, your pain points, and your priorities will directly shape what gets built.
FOR WHO
Hotels, restaurants, attractions, & event businesses in the Minot region
WHAT YOU GET
Two implementation-focused Strategy Roadmaps and Tool kits tailored to your business sector
COMMITMENT
Attend a June focus group. Everything else is optional.
COST
Free. No obligation, participation is completely at no cost.
This initiative takes a two-track approach:
The WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT track covers recruitment, retention, career pathways, and building stronger employer collaboration across the industry.
The TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY track focuses on identifying accessible, affordable tools sized for Minot’s independent and small-to-medium businesses to reduce the dependency on staff.
Businesses may participate in one or both tracks based on their needs and availability.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRACK
Cayuga Hospitality Consultants
We will analyze Minot’s labor market, skills gaps, and talent pipelines to develop strategies grounded in the realities of our community.
YOU’LL RECEIVE:
Recruitment & Retention Strategy
Sector Strategy Implementation Blueprint
Clear guidance to put strategies into action and measure progress
FOCUS AREAS INCLUDE:
- Recruitment campaigns & pipeline partnerships
- Retention strategies (compensation, culture, flexibility)
- Career pathways & advancement ladders
- Shared hiring & training resources
- Sector-wide blueprint with roles, timelines & metrics
TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY TRACK
TRAVHOTECH
We’ll assess your operations and deliver a practical technology roadmap tailored to the scale and realities of local businesses.
YOU’LL RECEIVE:
Sector-specific technology roadmap
Vetted, affordable tools for your operation type
Step-by-step implementation playbook
FOCUS AREAS INCLUDE:
- AI & automation tools to reduce staffing pressure
- Inventory & procurement platforms
- Payment, distribution & revenue management systems
- Service delivery automation
- Shared technology standards for better visitor experiences
Every participating business receives TWO dedicated implementation plans at no cost.
This project is built for owners, operators, and managers running hospitality businesses in the Minot region, specifically:
Hotels and lodging properties
Restaurants, cafes, and food service operations
Event venues, catering operations, and event management businesses
You don’t need to attend every phase. Joining the June focus group is the single most valuable thing you can do. Everything else is optional.
Participating businesses receive:
A seat at the table.
Your input directly influences the final recommendations, this isn't a generic national report.
From the workforce track:
Recruitment and retention strategies built around Minot's labor market. Career pathway frameworks. A clear implementation roadmap with milestones.
From the technology track:
A sector-specific technology roadmap with vetted, affordable tools. Guidance on what to implement, in what order, and how to measure impact.
No obligation.
Participation does not commit you to purchasing, implementing, or changing anything. It's your call what you do with the guide.
Phase 1 — Discovery
(June 2026)
Both consultants visit Minot on June 24 & 25 to conduct focus groups and one-on-one conversations with local operators. This is where your voice enters the process.
Phase 2 — Development
(July – October 2026)
Consultants analyze findings and build out both sections of the Roadmap. A small group of business owners will be invited to review draft recommendations virtually before they’re finalized.
Phase 3 — Launch
(November 2026)
Both consultants return to Minot to present the completed Strategic Roadmap and Toolkit. Participating businesses receive the full guide and a clear roadmap for putting it to work.
Interested in participating? Contact Krista Opstedal or Stephanie Schoenrock at 701-857-8206
Donald Hoover | Cayuga Hospitality Consultants
Donald specializes in HR strategy, talent acquisition, and workforce development for the hospitality industry. He has helped businesses across the country build stronger teams, reduce turnover, and create career pathways that keep good people in the industry. He’ll be listening before he builds. What he hears in June drives every recommendation he makes.
Mark Fancourt | TRAVHOTECH
Mark is a globally recognized hospitality technology consultant with 30 years of experience across hotels, restaurants, and event operations on four continents. He understands that a 75-seat restaurant in Minot doesn’t have the same needs or budget as a Las Vegas resort. His job is to identify the tools that will actually make a difference for your operation.