Think "Frozen Silicon Valley" meets "Research Triangle." Create ways to connect Fargo with Winnipeg, Grand Forks and Sioux Falls, so that we can truly see this as a "River of Research." Now that Sanford is shuttling their executives back and forth, it might be time to find ways to interconnect these cities. Good jobs and young people to think of new and interesting ways to ENJOY living here.

1. Naturally--increase water tourism by creating waystations for people trying to canoe/kayak the length of the Red. Facilitate and market canoe camping (maybe tie it in with Lewis and Clark).

2. Economically--find ways to share resources and collaborate with cities along the river (rather than competing against). With this kind of regional strategy, we can see each win by connected cities as wins for us.

3. Politically--stop drawing Red/Blue boundaries. Instead of embracing either/or solutions, see this region as a growing one that will need to attract a wide range of talent. Plan accordingly.

4. Culturally--Market the region and its cultural diversity together with these cities. Look for ways to discuss and promote the New Upper-Midwest.

5. Transportationally--let's connect these cities by more than just roads. Flights to Winnipeg, better train and bus service. Maybe, who knows, even a rail line that goes from Nebraska to Winnipeg.