Center for Innovation sponsors program on N.D. economy "North Dakota's Strategy for Growth in the 21st Century: A Rural Economy in Transition" will air live on Cable Channel 3 from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 20. The program, produced by the National Association of Regional Councils in conjunction with the United States Economic Development Administration, will feature North Dakota and its economic growth over the past five years. The show is titled, "North Dakota's Strategy for Growth in the 21st Century: A Rural Economy in Transition." The program will be moderated by Matthew E. Crow, director of communications with the EDA, U.S. Department of Commerce. Featured guests will be: * Gov. John Hoeven, who has clustered the five industries of energy, value-added agriculture, high-technology business services, tourism and advanced manufacturing to spur economic growth. * Shane Goettle, commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce. * Philip Boudjouk, vice president of Research Creative Activities and Technologies Transfer; North Dakota State University Research and Technology Park, Inc. * Fred Stern, plant manager, Great Plains Synfuels Plant, Beulah, N.D. * Al Christianson, North Dakota business services representative, Great River Energy (Coal Creek Station), Underwood, N.D. North Dakota was chosen as the state to be featured in this telecast for a number of reasons. It is one of only two states, in the past five years, to grow its advanced manufacturing industry with the creation of 1,900 jobs. It is also among the leaders in per capita personal income growth with an increase of 25 percent between 2000 and 2004. The Center for Innovation will sponsor the broadcast. The program will be re-broadcast at noon and 7 p.m. on Friday, July 21; Monday, July 24; Tuesday, July 25; and Wednesday, July 26.