COMMERCE DEPARTMENT Archives

North Dakota Asks South Dakota to Help with Agency Probe

Stenehjem says he wants an investigator who has no knowledge of the agency to conduct a probe.

November 5, 2019

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BISMARCK, N.D.–North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has asked South Dakota authorities to help investigate an agency that allegedly violated state law on contract bidding. Auditor Joshua Gallion released a report last month that said the Department of Commerce violated the law on bidding uncompetitive contracts totaling more than $87,000 for the state’s new “Be Legendary” logo. The logo sparked…

Auditor Says Agency Broke Law Over Contract for State’s New Logo

State Auditor Joshua Gallion released the audit Monday.

October 14, 2019

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BISMARCK, N.D.–The North Dakota auditor says the Commerce Department broke state law on bidding contracts for the state’s new “Be Legendary” logo. State Auditor Joshua Gallion released the audit Monday. The logo sparked criticism earlier this year when the contract for it was awarded to a Minnesota firm headed by a woman who once worked for Gov. Doug Burgum’s old…

Head of Job Service North Dakota To Lead Commerce Department

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Michelle Kommer to the position

December 11, 2018

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, ND — The North Dakota Commerce Department has a new leader. Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Michelle Kommer to the position, effective January 1. She succeeds Jay Schuler, who resigned in October over a controversial email about then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Kommer currently serves as labor commissioner and head of Job Service. Burgum cited her leadership qualities, extensive private-sector…