Moving to North Dakota has been an interesting experience. After spending several months in California, I’ve found myself adjusting to a completely different environment. Things are calmer here, the scenery is beautiful, and I’ve been enjoying the opportunity to explore somewhere new.
Since arriving in Jamestown for work, I’ve made an effort to get out and experience the surrounding communities. Earlier this week, I stopped by Babb’s Coffee for a chicken sandwich and some boba. I also visited the Jamestown Reservoir, which gave me another opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. These might seem like small experiences, but they’re part of how I enjoy getting familiar with a new place.
I recently made my way to Fargo for the first time, where I got to see North Dakota State University and grab a burger at JL Beers. I even crossed over into Moorhead, Minnesota, so I can officially scratch another state off my list! One of the things I enjoy about traveling is experiencing places for myself rather than relying entirely on what I’ve heard about them.
The Importance of Community
Beyond exploring restaurants and attractions, I’ve also been interested in learning about the businesses and organizations that make these communities what they are. This week, I had an opportunity to speak with a representative from Folkways, a North Dakota nonprofit focused on combating isolation and bringing people together. During our conversation, we exchanged stories about how our respective organizations started, and I shared some of the vision behind MKé Exchange.
What really caught my attention was learning about the economic impact of their community-building work in Fargo. In a June 2026 article in Meet Fargo, Folkways marketing coordinator Amanda Frost reported that its events generated an estimated $2.2 million in spending with merchants in 2025, alongside a reported $1.7 million impact on downtown Fargo businesses. These are estimates of spending and business impact associated with the events, rather than revenue earned by Folkways itself. I found that remarkable for an organization whose mission centers on creating community.
It reminded me that community-building and economic development aren’t necessarily separate goals. When people come together, they discover businesses, develop relationships, exchange ideas, and create opportunities that might not have existed otherwise. Something as simple as organizing an event can generate benefits that extend far beyond the people attending.
What I’m Learning
One thing I’ve noticed from living in different parts of the country is that every community operates differently. What works in California might not work in North Dakota, and what works in Fargo might not necessarily work in Jamestown. Understanding those differences is important, especially if you’re trying to build a business, organize events, or create something meaningful.
I’ve also found that smaller communities can sometimes make it easier to develop relationships. While larger cities offer access to more people, that doesn’t automatically translate into stronger connections. In places like Jamestown, I’ve noticed how important community organizations and local relationships can be.
I’m still new to North Dakota, and there’s plenty left for me to explore. But my experiences so far have reinforced something I believe strongly: meaningful communities don’t develop simply because people live near one another. They grow when people make an effort to connect, contribute, and create opportunities for others. That’s something I want to continue learning about as I build MKé Exchange.
At MKé Exchange, I explore business, leadership, career growth, and meaningful opportunities to connect. Explore MKé Exchange for more conversations and resources.