A new technological company will be based in Minot in the near future.
Eid Passports, Inc. has purchased the former St. Leo's Church Community Center, located at 105-1st Street SE, for the purpose of renovating it to serve as a technical support center for the technology-based security company.
Jerry Chavez, president of the Minot Area Development Corporation, described Eid as "an access management company." Eid is the creator of RapidGate, which keeps "out those individuals that shouldn't have access to a secured location" and "getting those people who should be on installations the opportunity to enter quickly." In short, the system is operated through a swipe card that offers quick and easy clearance to authorized individuals.
Technology like this is often used at military installations, government buildings and federal buildings, for example, to "increase security and streamline access for a variety of authorized personnel," a press release from Eid read.
"From a standpoint of the type of employer that Eid is, we're all very excited." Chavez said, explaining that Eid has a proven track record in terms of building a business and being very successful. "With this venture, they are not only building the business, but (they) elected to expand in our community."
Steve Larson, Eid Passport CEO and a Minot native, said that "it has been a pleasure to work with the City of Minot" and that Eid hopes the second phase of expansion is completed "as quickly as possible."
"We are pleased a leading-edge technology company like Eid Passport has realized the strengths Minot has to offer and has chosen to expand their operations to our community," said Minot mayor Curt Zimbelman. "This provides increased job opportunities for Minot residents and that's something we can all be happy about."
The office will bring job opportunities for 33 employees.
The Minot City Council approved a MAGIC Fund grant application, filed by Eid, in October 2010.
Chavez added that the renovation of the former community center, a building that is quite well known in Minot, could be the start of the revitalization in Minot's downtown region.
"I think from our perspective, from Minot, it's an exciting project," he said.
James C. Falcon