By Dean Ihla 

It seems not a day goes by that there’s not something in the news about the healthy state of North Dakota’s economy.
State Budget Director Pam Sharp recently reported that tax collections far outpaced projections in the first quarter of the 2007-09 budgeting period.  Tax collections for the months of July, August and September totaled $265.82 million, or 17 percent higher than the Legislature's prediction of $227.6 million.  Sales taxes came in 13.6 percent ahead of forecast, while oil production and extraction taxes came in an average of 57 percent ahead of predictions.  Sharp points out that the sales tax increase is significant as it is an indicator of the overall strength of North Dakota’s economy.   
Taxes on motor vehicle sales, which are separate from North Dakota's general 5 percent sales tax, are 8.3 percent above April estimates.  Individual income tax revenues have also improved by 8.5 percent.  Legislators expected to collect $27.7 million in state oil taxes from July 1 through September. Sharp reported the actual revenues were $43.3 million and many rankings now list oil as the number one industry in the state.
The interesting thing to note is that the statewide average increase is larger than that in any of the four big cities. That means the small towns and counties collectively have had a larger increase in taxable sales and purchases than the four largest cities.  The most recent figures released by the North Dakota Tax Department show taxable sales and purchases for the second quarter of 2007 totaled $16.92 million in Barnes County.  This is an increase of 5.6 percent over the same period in 2006 and a greater increase than the more populated counties of Burleigh (4.9 percent), Stutsman (4.8 percent), Ward (3.1 percent) and Cass (1.2 percent).     
Personal income in North Dakota has also taken a turn for the better.  The state’s ranking dropped from 31st to 32nd place in per capita income between 2005 and 2006.  However, the increase in personal income ranked first in the nation between the third and fourth quarters of 2006, the only state to have an increase greater than 2 percent.
Is all this good economic news enough to curb the tide of out-migration in North Dakota?  Despite our robust economy, United Van Lines reported that North Dakota was tied with Michigan as having the highest percentage of people leaving the state versus moving in during 2006.  It doesn’t make sense that our state, with one of the strongest economies should share this distinction with a state suffering through a serious economic downturn.
Part of the problem is an issue we’ve dealt with since the state was first settled.  People think of North Dakota, if they think of it at all, in pretty negative terms.  And we as North Dakotans tend to perpetuate this notion.  I’ve visited with hundreds of out-of-state travelers at the Rosebud Visitor Center who think North Dakota is a pretty special place.  Do we believe this ourselves?  And if so, is the pride in our state being passed on to our younger generation?  Or are they being told that if they want to be successful, they’re going to have to move on?  There are opportunities available in North Dakota as well as Valley City as long as work together to “sell” our state and our community.
Plans are coming together for Valley City’s 125th anniversary celebration coming up in 2008.  A committee from the Historical Society is working on a commemorative book that I’m hoping local businesses will support with their advertising dollars. These ads become as interesting as the books themselves over time so it’s an opportunity to reserve a place in Valley City history!
With the first hint of snowflakes in the air, we know that the holiday season is right around the corner.   Make sure to purchase your “Christmas in the Valley” button from participating merchants.  Not only is a great way to show your holiday spirit, but it also makes you eligible to win some great prizes from our local businesses.  And remember to shop Valley City.  You’ll be amazed at the selection and competitive prices – all with personalized service, no parking hassles and no long lines!