North Dakota has enjoyed a strong business climate during a time when the rest of the country has struggled...but that doesn't mean it is time to relax.

That was part of the message that Congressman Earl Pomeroy brought to Minot leaders today at Minot State University.

Pomeroy talked about the successes of the region and indicated that that success could be a blueprint for other parts of the country.

While he did say oil exploration has played a key roll in keeping North Dakota away from the nationwide struggles he also pointed out that good business practices have helped too staying away from dangerous loans for example.

The Congressman says all of this could be a lesson for Washington and other parts of the country.

(Rep. Earl Pomeroy - (D) North Dakota) "Take a temperature check on how things are here in this Northwest area of the state and also learn some of the examples that we could take to Washington to try and get job creation back into this economic recovery."

The nationwide unemployment rate jumped to nine-point-eight percent on Friday the highest point since the early 80s. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list