Innovation in the region drives industry transformation

By Jeff Gulley, Grand Forks Herald
March 09, 2026 at 4:30 PM

The spirit of innovation is transforming industries across the region, as organizations implement creative, high-value solutions to address complex problems. From tackling rural workforce shortages to integrating artificial intelligence for efficiency, this commitment to new approaches is evident in various sectors.

Essentia Health
Essentia Health serves patients in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Last year, it started a new apprentice program to help promote from within and fill a need for qualified and certified surgical technicians.

“We had a workforce shortage, so one of my action items was to implement this program so we could start building our own surgical techs,” Amber Huez, surgical services director based in Fargo, said. “Then the other action item we did simultaneously was to become more forward-facing in our community and strengthen our academic partnerships, making sure that we are a preferred rotation site for their clinicals. It wasn't like we created this to replace a degree; we created this to add to an additional pathway to become a surgical tech.”

The apprentice program is only offered to internal candidates. Those interested and accepted for the 12-month program will work in the field under supervision until completion.

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