The REAP (Rural Economic Area Partnership) Investment Board announced today the purchase of TechLink, Inc., a data processing company with production centers in Ashley and Dickinson, North Dakota.
TechLink, Inc, a technology firm, currently has 43 employees (27 employees at the Dickinson location and 16 in Ashley) and provides data processing services, including data entry and validation of claims.
The firm has been fully operational since June of 1997 when it secured a federal subcontract with Noridian Administrative Services to verify Medicare Part “B” Healthcare Claims. TechLink also has a major contract with Dakota Imaging (A Web MD Company) located in Columbia, Maryland.
Tim Faller, REAP Investment Board Chairman said “The Board purchased TechLink, Inc for the purpose of not only maintaining the Ashley and Dickinson offices, but also growing the company in order to expand into other communities within the REAP Zones. It’s an exciting opportunity for the REAP Investment Board and we look forward to our future relationship with TechLink, Inc.”
Jason Dockter, General Manager of TechLink, Inc. in Ashley, stated “I am very pleased that the REAP Investment Board has acquired TechLink. I believe they have access to resources that will help us meet important business initiatives to allow us to grow and expand operations at current and new locations in North Dakota.”
In 1995, two REAP zones in southwestern and north-central North Dakota were created with the help of Senator Byron Dorgan to address issues related to out migration, declining employment and economic activity. At the same time the REAP Zones were created, the REAP Investment Board, a 501 ( c ) 3 corporation, was established to assist in administering funding for new and/or expansion of present businesses within the REAP Zones, by assisting the two REAP Zones establish and administer funding mechanisms, which can be used as an investment pool for use in their efforts to improve the economic viability and diversity of those rural communities.. The REAP Investment Board is comprised of 9 volunteer members representing the two REAP Zones.