11.14.11

Hoeven: New EID Passport Tech Center Continues State's Economic Growth and Diversification

Senator Welcomes Technology Company, New Jobs to Minot

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today said that Eid Passport, Inc.’s recent investment in Minot is a good example of the state’s growing and diversifying economy. Eid Passport, a security-based technology company, is creating more than 40 jobs at a newly established tech support center in Minot. Hoeven spoke today, along with company officials and state and local leaders, at a ceremony to dedicate the facility.

            “Eid Passport and our nation’s technology companies provide good jobs and enormous opportunities for our people,” said Hoeven. “The technology-based business sector is an important and growing part of our state’s economy. Eid Passport CEO Steve Larson, who has family ties in Minot, is an industry leader. We’re pleased that his company chose to expand in Minot and is bringing these technology-based jobs to our state.”

            Eid Passport, Inc. provides identity authentication and access management technology to government, military and commercial clients. Based in Portland, Ore., the company renovated a former community center to serve as a technical support center. Eid Passport will employ software engineers, technical support representatives and other tech-related employees at its 10,800 square foot office in Minot.

As governor, Hoeven worked with the Minot Area Development Corporation and company officials to expand Eid Passport’s operations to Minot. The company cited strong support from local, state and federal government and the potential to build a highly skilled workforce in collaboration with Minot State University and North Dakota’s Centers of Excellence as key factors in its decision to expand in North Dakota. The Centers of Excellence program, established in 2005 by then-governor Hoeven, builds public and private sector partnerships to grow the economy and create good jobs.   

            “With our Centers of Excellence, pro-business climate and strong work ethic, North Dakota provides cutting edge technology companies, like Eid Passport, with enormous opportunities to innovate and grow,” said Hoeven.

            Senator Hoeven is a member of the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force, which works to ensure the nation’s technology firms continue to lead the world economy. Hoeven and members of the task force are working to promote private sector innovation and create a strong business environment for the nation’s technology companies.