CELEBRATE
annual REPORT
the YPN’s tenth anniversary 2014 -2015
BISMARCK-MANDAN YP NETWORK
career minded. create
AGES 21-39
We proactively create environments and programs that allow for connections between one another and within the community.
connect
We actively pursue partnerships with businesses, non-profits, service, professional development, media, cultural and entertainment organizations to help deliver opportunities that are already taking
community place within the community.
We believe in the Bismarck-Mandan community,
and we believe that it can be an attractive place for Young Professionals. With the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network, the community will have a solid partner and asset for the future development of Bismarck-Mandan.
“
The YPN has offered me countless opportunities to meet other young professionals, volunteer in the community, network with many high-level professionals, and develop my leadership skills along the way.
�
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-Alayna Gottsman, ND Department of Transportation Hometown: Bismarck, ND Member 5 Years
2014-15 Executive Team
Joe Fink, Chairman Heather Welle, President TJ Jerke, Vice-President Hannah Haynes, Administrative Director
2014-15 Leadership Team
Amanda Bakkedahl, Ambassador Justin Thomas, Ambassador Carmen Banta, Entrepreneur Stacey Thomas, Entrepreneur Michael Quinn, Marketing Chelsea Gleich, Marketing Jillian Lagasse, Professional Development Miles Traiser, Professional Development Alicia Miller, Service Scott Hanson, Service Brent Little, Social Mallory Westby, Social
mission
Enhance the culture for young professionals in the Bismarck-Mandan community through
professional development, entrepreneurship, community service and social networking Create new opportunities for members Connect members to organizations in the Bismarck-Mandan community
community focused.
BISMARCK-MANDAN YP NETWORK
contents
A Message From the President & Vice President
4
A Message From the Incoming Vice President
5
The Year in Pictures
6
How to Get Involved
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Ambassador Team
8
Entrepreneur Team
9
Marketing Team
10
Professional Development Team
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Service Team
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Social Team
13
Wisdom Team
14-15
Epic Impact
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Nonprofit Partner of the Year
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YPN Award Winners Distinguished Business Partners of the Year Top 10 Workplace Award Winners Business Partnership
18-19 20 21-22 23
The New Look of the YPN
24-25
2015-2016 YPN Leadership
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2014-15 Annual Report Committee Hannah Haynes, Mariah Rittel, Heather Welle, Jerry Haas, Michael Quinn, Stacey Thomas, TJ Jerke, Viva Lauinger
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A MESSAGE FROM THE
president & vice president
“
We are very excited to see how far the YPN has
come in 10 years, and where it will go in the future. This network is full of lively, passionate, and innovative members who will continue to enhance the culture of Bismarck-Mandan for years to come.
Heather Welle
2014-2015 PRESIDENT 2015-2016 CHAIRWOMAN
”
TJ Jerke
2014-2015 VICE PRESIDENT 2015-2016 PRESIDENT
Over the past year, the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professional’s Network has exploded with new members, launched a Member Directory, hosted YPN signature events - Cinco De Mayo Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting and All Hands Fall Kickoff, provided another year of support for a very worthy nonprofit organization and has accomplished many other outstanding achievements.
Cooperative, the All Hands Fall Kickoff was a tremendous success – offering members a chance to socialize and learn more about what the YPN is up to. The same holds true for the YPN’s annual Cinco De Mayo Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting. With 10 years under the YPN’s belt, volunteers and partners helped the organization celebrate in style – playing host to the largest annual meeting on record.
These triumphs are a result of the dedicated volunteers that sit on the YPN’s Leadership Team or help make the network what it is by jumping in and assisting wherever it may be needed. We can’t thank these members enough, and we are very grateful.
Lastly, the YPN is proud to have held it’s second year partnering with a local nonprofit organization. The YPN spent the year assisting Special Olympics in Bismarck however it could. YPN volunteers coached different teams, served ice cream to athletes, and contributed more than $3,000 to help pay for new athlete uniforms. We will continue to offer the partnership opportunity– going through the application process every fall.
With membership on the rise – over 250 paid members – the YPN continues to see new faces at many events throughout the year. These new members are exposed to the network through creative opportunities, such as the New Member Breakfasts hosted by the Ambassador Team. Here, new members can sit down with the YPN’s recruitment team to learn about the network. The new members, and entire network, now have the Member Directory, which allows members to get to know one another and exchange contact information in case a member’s professional career may be needed. The YPN hosts many events annually, including the All Hands Fall Kickoff and Cinco De Mayo Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting. Thanks to National Information Solutions
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We are very excited to see how far the YPN has come in 10 years, and where it will go in the future. This network is full of lively, passionate, and innovative members who we know will continue to provide new opportunities and enhance the culture of Bismarck-Mandan for our members for years to come.
A MESSAGE FROM THE
incoming vice president
“
I look forward to collaborating with similar groups in our community
to discover what young professionals in our community want and then working hard to provide that for them.
�
Stacey Thomas
2015-16 VICE PRESIDENT
Bismarck-Mandan has created a vibrant community for young professionals and one that continues to grow with excitement! The future looks bright and I am grateful to be a young professional in the community at this time. As incoming Vice President, I want to continue to build support and trust with area business leaders. With community support, the YPN will be able to continue to offer outstanding programing and opportunities for our members. Right now is a pivotal time to retain the membership we have built over the years and also continue to gain new members. By getting members actively involved, it opens the door for them to learn more about the YPN and the opportunities that exist for leadership development, communityservice and networking. Also I look forward to collaborating with similar groups in our community to discover what young professionals want and then working hard to provide that for them. Our network has a history to be proud of and I look forward to working with our members and the leadership team on continuing the great work of the YPN.
t h a n k yo u
joe fink
2014-15 CHAIRMAN As one of the original members of the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network, Joe has stepped up, shared ideas, met many people and taken personal responsibility for making a positive impact in this network and this community. Thank you for being an active and engaged member.
2 0 1 2 - 1 5 | 3 Y E A R S E X E C U T I V E T E A M S E RV I C E
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BISMARCK-MANDAN YP NETWORK
the year in pictures
photo: MaBelle Photography photo: MaBelle Photography
6photo: MaBelle Photography
photo: MaBelle Photography
how LEADERSHIP
IS SELECTED
Annually, the membership nominates vice president candidates. Nominees must accept the nomination
how
and provide details regarding their vision, desire and competency for the position. The YPN takes three
TO J O I N A T E A M
weeks to “campaign,” which culminates in a popular vote at the YPN’s anniversary celebration and annual
Any member can join a team to help plan YPN events and
meeting. Candidates are elected to serve a three-year term in which they transition through the executive
programs, giving members valuable experience managing
roles: vice president, president, and chairman.
teams of people and coordinating events. Simply plan to attend a team meeting during one of their regularly occurring monthly meetings. There is no need to wait
Members can also lead any of the teams: Professional
for an invite. Check the calendar for the next meeting or
Development, Service, Social, Entrepreneur, Marketing
email any team to express interest.
and Ambassador. Each team consists of two co-leads with one rotating off each year, providing a junior and senior member each serving a two-year term. Coleads are often selected from existing team members. After all interested members are collected, the team holds a vote to elect the next co-lead.
“
Getting involved in the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network has been very rewarding and I’ve met many great people through the organization’s service and social activities. The YPN’s events are diverse and there is something for everyone. Getting involved with the YPN is easy and has given me opportunities to develop my skills that I otherwise may not have received.
-Mike Christianson, First Community Credit Union Hometown: Kenmare, ND Member 9 Years
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ambassador W ELCOM I N G A N D C O N N E C T I NG
The Ambassador Team presenting Basin Electric with their Top 10 Places to Work award. As the YPN welcoming committee, the Ambassador Team welcomes new members to the YPN. This past year, we launched the New Member Breakfast Meetings to better welcome and inform incoming members. This gives incoming members an in-depth look at the network as well as the opportunity to discuss multiple opportunities to get engaged based on their interests. We held five First Thursday Socials at various locations in Bismarck-Mandan as a laid back social networking opportunity for new members and veteran members alike! In 2014, we saw the highest number of applicants for the Top 10 Young Professional Workplace award which made the decision very tough. It is great to see new businesses as well as reoccurring winners. The Ambassador Team continues to work with local businesses to help retain new employees by creating lasting relationships within the YPN and our community.
helping new members find a place Join the team and be the smiling person that helps new members connect and engage. Also help educate local businesses on the benefits of supporting and having their young professionals involved in the YPN. Bismarck-Mandan Top 10 Young Professional Workplace Award 1st Thursday Socials
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TEAM
leadership
Godfather Dinner New Member Recruitment
Amanda Bakkedahl
Justin Thomas
entrepreneur
INS P IRING AND PARTNERING
The Entrepreneur Team (E-Team) coordinates networkwide events that foster entrepreneurship. This past year, our YP Roundtable took on the theme “40+ Years of Fame”. The event showcased Mark Thompson of HA Thompson and Sons and Jim Mellon of Midway Lanes. YPN members learned from these business owners what it takes to obtain and maintain longevity in a successful business. The members in attendance got to take advantage of an extensive Q&A session with these successful businessmen. YP Roundtable events are formatted to give young professionals in Bismarck-Mandan personal access to leaders in our business community.
The Entrepreneur Team hosts an E-Among Us at the Luft, listening to Dr. Rick Becker talk about his entrepreneur experience in opening this roof top bar.
The E-Team also coordinates Entrepreneurs Among Us (E-Among Us). This is a series of events where YPN members are invited to a local business for an intimate opportunity to hear directly from the president, owner or founder on how that company came to be, what worked, what flopped and what it takes to run a business in Bismarck-Mandan. E-Among Us Hosts for 2014-2015 included: The Luft, Rick Becker; Specialized Cleaning & Restoration Inc., Jerry Thomas; Buffalo Commons, Ted Hoffman; Once Upon A Child, Tricia Arenz; Larson Creative Concepts, Jon & Amber Larson; JJ Cakery, Jill Castelberry and Jackie Ressler.
“40+ Years of Fame” presenters Mark Thompson and Jim Mellon.
The E-Team held the 2nd Annual Partner Appreciation Luncheon as a simple thank you to all of our financial and in-kind Business Partners. More than 45 partner representatives attended the luncheon. The event is held to recognize businesses that contribute monetarily and provide in-kind services to the YPN on an annual basis. Partner representatives were joined by E-Team Partner Liaisons and the Leadership Team for lunch, socializing and a short presentation from YPN President Heather Welle.
In February 2015, we met and surpassed all expectations for Chill-N-Bowl! We had a total of 26 teams, 104 bowlers, 26 crockpots and countless crazy costumes! We raised $2,403 for our Nonprofit Partner – Special Olympics. Also in 2014, the E-Team implemented a new subcommittee allowing team members to be actively involved in maintaining our partners. Seven team members stepped up to serve as a Partner Liaison, being the point of contact between the network and our Business Partner. They assist with all communication and understanding partner benefits.
TEAM
leadership
combining people and resources Join the team to create platforms to connect entrepreneurs, creative-minded people and resources and learn from local success stories. The team is also responsible for establishing business partners. Entrepreneurs Among Us Partner Appreciation Luncheon Chill-N-Bowl
Carmen Banta
Stacey Thomas
YP Roundtable: 40+ Years of Fame
Maintaining & Recruiting Business Partners
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marketing
BR AN D I N G A N D P RO M OT I N G
Left: YPN member Michael Quinn promotes the Marketing Teams #SelfieChallenge at the All Hands Fall Kickoff. Right: A special thanks to Basin Electric Power Cooperativefor hosting the YPN marketing team during the sack lunch session.
This past year, the Marketing Team undertook perhaps its largest project since inception - a complete rebrand of the YPN, to celebrate our 10th anniversary. What started as a simple conversation to refresh the organization’s original logo soon yielded the desire for something completely new to represent our changing and modern organization. Enter Odney, local advertising agency and YPN business partner, which volunteered to develop a new logo and spent more than six months perfecting the new look. The Marketing Team diligently advised Odney, narrowing six logos samples down to one, and executed a marketing rollout plan which included updating our website, newsletter, social media, and all printed materials, just in time for the 2015 Cinco De Mayo Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting. Thanks to everyone who helped during this process. It was certainly and undertaking for which we can be proud and will be around for years to come.
increase network effectiveness and image Join the team to gain valuable experience by supporting the YPN’s marketing needs in communication, graphic design, radio, social media and web development.
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Event Promotional Materials Design and Content
Web Content and Management
Social Media
Press Releases
Annual Report
Photography
Blog Articles
Radio Ads
TEAM
leadership
Michael Quinn
Chelsea Gleich
professional development DEVELO PING YOU
Left: YPN members Gwen Bosworth and Miles Traiser listen to speakers at a Professional Development event.
Right: YPN member Jillian Lagasse moderates the Mentor Panel with Larry Skogen, Interim Chancellor ND University System, Tim Moore, Corporate Finance Manager at KLJ, Pamela Schmidt, COO at The SIA Companies, and Mike Mabin, President Agency MABU.
The Professional Development Team (PD) strives to provide opportunities for career development, while allowing for personal/ professional growth, networking and fun! Highlights this year included an impressive mentor panel with four established business professionals from Bismarck-Mandan who spoke on what they’ve learned over the years. The PD Team also launched a regular series called Knowledge and Networking, where fellow young professionals provided education on relevant topics such as “Home Buying 101” and “Pursuing a Graduate Degree.” We also organized the annual Stepping Up program, where YPN members visit local high schools to talk about their education, work history, and how to become a successful young professional. We ended our year with our most popular event, 30-in-30! This fun event is described as “speed networking” for young professionals, where participants met 30 other young professionals in 30 minutes. This next year, our focus will continue to be creating engaging and intriguing professional development opportunities for young professionals throughout the Bismarck-Mandan community.
addressing the unique challenges young professionals face
TEAM
leadership
Join the team to help plan and coordinate events for members to gain new knowledge, conquer new challenges and discover new opportunities.Whether it is a seminar on time management, a panel of experts debating a community issue or some other type of session, the PD Team is here to connect members to the opportunities that matter most! Stepping Up Mentor Panel
Jillian Lagasse
Miles Traiser
30-in-30
Knowledge & Networking Webinars
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service
HELPI N G THE C O M M U N I T Y
Left: YPN member, Josi Jenson and Special Olympic Athlete,Tracey at basketball practice. Right: YPN members volunteer their time to help wrap gifts at the mall in support of the Abused Adult Resource Center.
Community service is an integral part of the YPN, as it is a way we can give back and further establish roots in the community. The active group of YPN volunteers truly makes a difference in the Bismarck-Mandan community. This year the Service Team organized another year of Roadside Cleanup, where several volunteers walked the ditches in an effort to help keep our community clean. During the fall and holiday seasons several YPN members volunteered to help with the following community events: Hope for the Holidays, a gift wrapping event for the Abused Adult Resource Center, delivered Meals on Wheels and participated in the Bismarck Santa Run raising funds for RADD – Runners against Destructive Decisions. The Service Team played an active role in helping the Sertoma Club prepare displays and sell tickets for the annual Christmas In the Park. As spring time rolled around, the YPN put together a team to help support the very popular Great American Bike Race which raises funds for those with cerebral palsy. The Service Team and members of the YPN showed support throughout the year for Special Olympics Bismarck, the YPN nonprofit partner of the year. Several members donated time to help coach a variety of sports throughout the year including volleyball and basketball. Members organized an ice cream social for the Special Olympic athletes and also served with the athletes at their pancake breakfast.
volunteering to make an impact Join the team and help plan community service projects or fundraising projects that help our community and support various organizations. Adopted Roadside Cleanup Hope for the Holidays – AARC Nonprofit Partnership Special Olympics
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TEAM
leadership
Meals on Wheels Christmas in the Park
Scott Hanson
Alicia Miller
social
C O NNEC TING YO U TO FUN
Left:The ‘80s are back! Thanks to the Social Team for planning the annual theme party. Right: YPN members stay active by playing in a co-ed summer softball league together.
This year the Social Team has continued the tradition of many events and also hosted a number of brand new events. We had extremely successful annual events including the Halloween Pub Crawl, Holiday Party, and All Hands Fall Kickoff. New events included a Sandbar Social down at the river, a Bingo Night at Pub 21, a Yappy Hour social/service event at the Central Dakota Humane Society, and an Ice Cream Social for the Special Olympics basketball athletes. The Social Team also brought back a few events that have been done in the past such as an Intro to Curling night and an 80s Party. The team continues to manage the YPN athletic teams which include volleyball year round and summer and fall softball. The teams are growing with new members and some have even placed in their leagues! The team also continues our tradition of scheduling 5:01 Socials with YPN Partners. The Social Team will keep working to find new and interesting events for members to enjoy each other’s company while also providing the key networking components that YPN has to offer.
creating interactions and networking TEAM
leadership
Join the team to develop fun and engaging events for members and prospective members to interact and network. Team members typically like to plan events, socialize, meet new people and coordinate details. Thinking outside the box to brainstorm new ideas helps keep the Network fun and engages new young professionals. Cinco de Mayo Anniversary Celebration All Hands Fall Kickoff Holiday Celebration
Brent Little
Mallory Westby
Annual Camp Out 5:01 Socials Halloween Pub Crawl
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wisdom TEAM
The Wisdom Team is a group of local business and community leaders committed to mentoring the BismarckMandan Young Professionals Network. The Wisdom Team assists in advising the network on organization, direction and policy.The members of the Wisdom Team have been selected to serve as overall advisors, while also mentoring on an individual team level according to their areas of expertise. Wisdom Team positions are a three-year commitment, with several rotating off annually.
kelvin hullet
PRESIDENT BISMARCK-MANDAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
kristi kraft
OWNER IT’S ABOUT TIME!
julie kuennen
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IDEA CENTER
brenda nagel
S R . D I R E C TO R O F S E RV I C E S O P E R AT I O N S AETNA
kristin oban
R E A LTO R C E N T U RY 2 1 M O R R I S O N R E A LT Y
kari reichert
VICE PRESIDENT OF PEOPLE SERVICES NISC 14
tom regan
P U B L I C R E L AT I O N S D I R E C TO R H E A RT V I E W F O U N DAT I O N
maria wald
S A L E S & B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T C O N S U LTA N T MW PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
sister thomas welder P R E S I D E N T E M E R I TA U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A RY
scott wild
OWNER WILD INSPIRE
bob valeu
P O L I T I C A L S T R AT E G I S T FORMER GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR, KLJ
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epic impact ONE IMPAC T FU L S P E A K E R. O N E EP IC NIG H T. NOV E MB E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 4
Featured Epic Impact speaker, V.J. Smith, shares his story with over 80 Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals.
On November 18, 2014, the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network hosted its first ever Epic Impact at Sanford’s Ritterbush Auditorium. The purpose of this event was to bring in an inspirational speaker with the goal of making a big impact on the audience. More than 80 members turned out to hear our featured speaker,V.J. Smith. Smith is a well-known motivational speaker and author out of Brookings, SD and has been professionally speaking around the US and Canada for 20 years. Smith’s presentation centered around his best-selling book “The Richest Man in Town.” It is the story about a Wal-Mart cashier from Brookings, SD named Aaron “Marty” Martinson. Marty had a profound impact on the people who went through his checkout line by doing some simple things like thanking them with a handshake. He took the time to get to know his customers, rather than just rushing them through the line in today’s fast paced society. VJ learned a lot from Marty who became a close friend of his and inspired him to write the book. Marty passed away a few years ago, but his story still remains a powerful influence on the lives of countless people today. Some of the main points of Smith’s presentation were as follows:
Keynote Speaker, V.J. Smith.
• Relationships matter the most in life • Treat everyone with kindness and respect • People need to decide to be happy • A simple handwritten thank-you note can make a big impact
Our network was very grateful to have someone like V.J. Smith as our speaker for Epic Impact; his presentation about “The Richest Man in Town” clearly moved and inspired those in attendance. Special thanks goes out to the members of the Epic Impact planning committee: Angil Wanner, Amanda Bakkedahl, Chelsea Gleich, Jerry Haas, Michael Quinn, Scott Hanson and Heather Welle. This event would not have been possible without all of your hard work and dedication.
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special olympics
S P EC IAL O LYMP IC S B ISMA RCK N ON PROFI T PART N E R OF THE YEAR
This past year, the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network selected Special Olympics Bismarck as their nonprofit partner. Special Olympics has benefitted from a partnership with the YPN by gaining new volunteers, contacts and advocates to help communicate their needs in the community. Special Olympics offers one of the most rewarding volunteer activities available to their volunteers by helping with sporting events, fundraising projects as well as coaching and partner activities.
YPN members present a check for $2,043 to Special Olympics ND after the Chill-N-Bowl. Also pictured is Jim Mellon, owner of Midway Lanes and supporter of the YPN.
Special Olympics has provided exposure and networking with professionals in a way that has led to more personal relationships. One of the members of the management team says “I have volunteered throughout my life, and this is one of THE most rewarding things I have done. What I get out of it is much greater than what I give. Thanks again to the YPN for this awesome opportunity. The difference you have made for the athletes is unbelievable!�
YPN member Amanda Bakkedahl and fellow Special Olympic athletes at a volleyball tournament.
Each year the YPN will partner with a different area nonprofit, but our hope is that network members have been inspired to continue to support Special Olympics Bismarck in the future.
Since September of 2014, Special Olympics Bismarck has gained around 10 volunteers through various sports of basketball, volleyball, track, swimming, bocce, power lifting, bowling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing and raised more than $3,000 through the YPN Holiday Party and ChillN-Bowl. This money will be put towards new jerseys for the athletes and they could not be more excited! The YPN also put on an ice cream social for the athletes as a sendoff to the State games! YPN members volunteer time to serve meals with members of the Special Olympics.
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awards
Annually, YPN leadership select deserving members who have invested in the network. Without dedicated members willing to sacrifice time and resources, we would not thrive. We thank you for your commitment!
C RY S TA L R E I D E X C E L L E N C E AWA R D serving the network and community
The Crystal Reid Award is an annual award recognizing a YPN member who goes the extra mile in their leadership and service in the YPN and the Bismarck-Mandan community. The recipient’s tireless work to get the job done often inspires and motivates those around them.
amanda bakkedahl
BISMARCK EVENT CENTER, MEMBER 10 YEARS Amanda served as the network’s first PR coordinator and was instrumental in getting the word out about what the YPN was all about. She was the first recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt award, served as the program co-chair for the 2013 Great Plains Young Professionals Summit, as well as the first time Epic Impact planning committee. Amanda has been involved in the YPN for nearly a decade, which speaks volumes about her commitment and dedication to this organization. She inspires those around her to do great things which is a skill of a true leader. Amanda has the same type of boundless enthusiasm for the YPN that Crystal Reid had while she was with us. She has does an amazing job leading the Ambassador Team, planning their events, and welcoming new members to the YPN. Amanda Bakkedahl has helped this community and our network become a better place for young people. Crystal Reid served as the social team co-lead, newsletter publisher, member of the service team, and vice president of the YPN before unexpectedly passing away in July 2009. In the three years that she was involved in our organization, she touched the lives of many people and made a lasting impact on the YPN.
G R E AT P L A I N S
for leadership and innovation for the network
G R E AT PLAINS
britni schwartz
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TODAYMADE After joining the E-Team just over one year ago, Britni has pioneered multiple entrepreneurial activities for the YPN. She has introduced the E-Team members to 1 Million Cups and Start Bismarck and was also instrumental in bringing Startup Weekend to Bismarck. We look forward to seeing more of Britni’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in the YPN.
PIONEER
sacrifices, goes above and beyond the call of duty
cody schoonover
STARION FINANCIAL
PIONEER
While serving as an active duty military member, Cody has accepted significant responsibilities for the Entrepreneur Team and acting as a partner liaison. While Cody is a fairly new member, he has already become the face of the YPN for several of our members. His willingness to dive in despite of his busy schedule is the reason he’s been selected for this year’s Pioneer Award.
SAKAKAWEA
one who helps and selflessly gives of her time
amy brown
BISMARCK STATE COLLEGE
SAKAKAWEA
Amy has proven to be a consistent and invaluable asset to the E-Team this year. From assisting in identifying speakers for Roundtables and single-handedly coordinating three E-Among us events in the past year, to maintaining partnerships with multiple major partners, the YPN can truly say that Amy undoubtedly deserves this award.
T H E O D O R E R O O S E V E LT
for persistence and dedication in the network
viva lauinger Viva put in a countless amount of effort into helping prepare for the Cinco De Mayo Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting, which represents an example of her persistence in itself. Enough cannot be said of Viva’s willingness to take on tasks and complete them with a smile through and through.The YPN feels she deserves this award for her persistence in ensuring events are successful and well-attended. Her dedication to putting in the time necessary should not go unnoticed.
THEODORE RO O S E V E LT
KUPPER CHEVROLET-SUBARU
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distinguished business partners OF THE YEAR
ODNEY ADVERTISING
YPN leadership selected two business partners that have gone above and beyond their partner commitments to support the network over the past year.
ODNEY Odney was instrumental in the design of our new logo from brainstorming and design to implementation. They have been a silver partner with the YPN since 2005.
2014-15 E-Team Co-Lead Stacey Thomas presents Odney with the Distinguished Business Parter Award.
TOWNSQUARE MEDIA
TOWNSQUARE MEDIA
Townsquare Media gives us continued ads on the radio for an extremely low cost and is always open to helping us with new campaigns. They have been a gold partner with the YPN since 2008.
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2014-15 E-Team Co-Lead Stacey Thomas presents Townsquare Media with the Distinguished Business Parter Award.
young professional WO RKP LAC E AWA RD
Annually, local businesses submit an application to become a Top 10 Young Professional Workplace. A team of young professionals determine the top 10 based on innovation, inclusion and benefits related to young professionals in their business.
AETNA
APPLIED ENGINEERING
This company desires to create a culture that enables, cultivates, institutionalizes and regards continuous process improvement.Young professionals have the ability to impact business decisions are rewarded for doing so. Aetna has flexible scheduling comprehensive training and development programs to assist in career advancement and tuition reimbursement.
As a 100% employee-owned company, their Employee Stock Ownership Plan allows young professionals to be rewarded for their hard work and as a result share in the profits and success of the company. They offer an excellent team environment for young professionals to grow and advance their career, to be innovative and challenged, while enjoying the flexibility to balance their personal life and interests.
CAPITAL CREDIT UNION
HDR
They are committed to building an entrepreneurial staff and offer opportunities for development and career advancement, including a strong culture of promoting from within. These opportunities include training, tuition assistance, internships, job shadowing, mentoring and internal promotions. As a company, they have state-ofthe-art equipment and systems and are always leading the industry in innovation.
65 percent of HDR employees are young professionals. A Young Professionals Task Force is assembled during each strategic planning season to be the voice for young professionals in the organization. This task force works closely with company leadership and upper management to help craft the future for the company as a whole.
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(continued) Top 10 Award Winners
KLJ
BASIN ELECTRIC
With the majority of the KLJ’s staff under the age of 40, the opportunity to be involved in the decision making process is available to any staff member. KLJ allows individuals to create their own destiny and career path by allowing young professionals to be involved early on in discussions critical to the company’s success. As a civic leader, KLJ strongly supports the communities they serve through corporate sponsorships and charitable giving, as well as employee volunteer efforts.
Basin Electric strives to be the “employer of choice.” They actively work and strategize to recruit and retain young professionals in the local communities. A Wellness Committee and on-site Fitness Center provide employees and their families with an opportunity to maintain healthy lifestyles. This this company, an individual can be part of a great working environment with a family atmosphere. Lastly, employees are allowed and encouraged to take time from their day to volunteer at organizations in the community.
BISMARCK STATE COLLEGE
BARTLETT & WEST
Bismarck State College offers an eight month Excellence through Leadership program to provide young professionals opportunities to develop, refine and practice leadership skills that could be used at work and in the community. Employees that partake in this program develop increased self-awareness, critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to be an effective leader.
With 57 percent of the employees being young professionals, Bartlett & West provides a wealth of opportunities for continued training and education through the company’s tuition reimbursement program, internal training, and support to attend regional and national conferences. The company also pays for taking professional certification tests when applicable. Bartlett & West fosters a type of culture that provides a relaxed atmosphere in the office while still being productive.
SANFORD HEALTH As one of the largest private employer in Bismarck/ Mandan, Sanford Health focuses on developing young professionals into true leaders.They focus on professional development for their employees as well as employee engagement. For 19 years, Sanford Health has hosted the Great American Bike Race, which has raised $2.5 million over the event’s lifespan.
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STARION FINANCIAL A core value of Starion Financial is giving back to the community. Employees are encouraged to recognize and act on their responsibility to be a good member of their community. This organization believes strongly in career tracking planning for employees at all levels and strives to promote from within. Many young professionals employed at Starion have started in entry-level positions and worked their way into management roles.
BUSINESS
partnership LOCAL BUSINESSES GIVE THEM A JOB
we give them roots
OUR COMMUNITY GETS TO KEEP THEM team with the young professionals network Our partners’ financial support means a network of more than 250 young professionals can connect, engage, grow and stay in our community. Socializing, networking, professional development and mentoring opportunities through a variety of events, programs and community service projects keep young professionals in our community and in local companies. Varying sponsorship levels are available on an annual basis. The YPN, led by the efforts of the E-Team, is always seeking out new business partnership opportunities throughout the year.
event
silver
•
ALL BRONZE LEVEL BENEFITS PLUS...
$250
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Recognition on promotional materials (including: newsletter, Facebook and website) Banner to be hung at the event (provided by the sponsor)
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Verbal recognition of sponsorship to guests at the event
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Opportunity to distribute company materials or product information at event
$1,000
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Logo on printed materials (i.e. annual report, event programs, etc.)
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Creation of an attractive environment for young people in your organization through access to the Network (i.e. focus groups, volunteering, etc.)
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5 free memberships (up to $250 value)
bronze
gold
•
Logo and link on YPN website
ALL SILVER LEVEL BENEFITS PLUS...
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Opportunities for your employees to attend special events. Stay tuned for follow-up information on how to engage these opportunities
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Free job listings on YPN website ($50 value per use)
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Exposure and awareness among young people ages 21-39
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Opportunity to host an event for YPN members ($250 value - see “event” info below)
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Mentorship opportunities and connections forged with other business through your young professionals
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10 free memberships (up to $500 value)
$500
$1,500
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the new look OF THE BI SM A R C K - M A N DA N YOU NG PRO F E SSI ON A LS N E T WO R K
After months of working with Odney on a new “brand” for the YPN, the chosen logo was revealed at the Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration on May 7, 2015 held at The Radisson.
Since 2005, the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network has been an ever changing and growing network. Now at 250 plus members, the YPN has become one of the driving forces within the community by helping each member grow both personally and professionally as well as directing service efforts throughout the area. In the beginning, the YPN chose the previous logo to represent the organization. Then in 2008, we adopted the slogan “Career Minded, Community Focused” to effectively communicate our purpose to potential members and the community. Last fall, the Marketing Team decided to update the logo so that it can be easily reproduced as well as represent a true reflection of our current and future membership. Our 10th anniversary is the perfect time to update our look as the YPN continues to grow as a progressive network for young professionals in Bismarck-Mandan. Furthermore, we believe that our logo should accurately represent the YPN values and our membership. The new logo will be a modern look for a modern network. This logo features a simplistic, modern design that will have the ability to stand on its own without the text below it and really resonate with people in the community. The logo also features only two colors, which makes it easy to replicate and print. The orange that was chosen represents adventure, social interaction, friendship and new ideas. With this logo, YPN will continue to be a driving force in the community. M.C. Inkster Party DJ emceed the Cinco Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting as the new look of the YPN was introduced.
2015-16 Marketing Team Co-Lead Mariah Rittel, introduces the new look of the YPN.
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the unveiling
O F T H E NEW LO GO AT THE C INC O ANNI VERSA RY C E L E B R ATIO N & ANNUAL MEETING
Members of the YPN enjoyed a meal, award presentations, networking, and the unveiling of the new YPN logo. The 2014-15 Cinco Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting, held at The Radisson in Bismarck, had record attendance.
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2015-2016
NEWLY A P POI N T E D L E A D E R S H I P O F THE B I S M A RC K -M A N DA N YO U N G P ROF ES S IO NALS NETWO RK
Along with changes to the executive leadership, the YPN’s teams welcomed new co-leads, who serve two-year offset terms with one co-lead vacating his or her position each year. The new co-leads are:
Ambassador Team: Amber Jensen, marketing and operations manager at MSA United Way, joins Justin Thomas, insurance agent at Kramer Agency. Entrepreneurship Team: Chance Schmidt, financial services professional at New York Life joins Jerry Haas, surface acquisition manager at Houston Engineering, Inc. Marketing Team: Mariah Rittel, communications specialist at KLJ, joins Viva Lauinger, marketing specialist at Kupper Chevrolet-Subaru. Professional Development Team: Stacy Schaffer, development officer at North Dakota Humanities Council, joins Miles Traiser, real time trader at Basic Electric Power Cooperative. Social Team: Megan Zerface, paralegal at Pearce & Durick, joins Mallory Westby, personal banker at Starion Financial. Service Team: Carla Bodensteiner, sales service representative at US Water Services, joins Cody Schoonover, financial consultant at Starion Financial.
AMBASSADOR
team
Amber Jensen
ENTREPRENEUR
team
Chance Schmidt
PD
team
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Stacy Schaffer
Jerry Haas
MARKETING
team
Mariah Rittel
SERVICE
team
Carla Bodensteiner Cody Schoonover
Viva Lauinger
SOCIAL
team
Megan Zerface
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Call 701.223.0505 or visit us at our new location 300 South 1st Street, Bismarck 31
The Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network hosts various events and programs throughout the year for members and guests. Whether you are just looking to make friends or you want professional development or service opportunities, the YPN offers something for everyone. Members can attend all or some events and/or programs and select those that meet their personal goals, time constraints and life stage. Anyone between the ages of 21 and 39 who is a part of the Bismarck-Mandan community can join — whether you just moved into town, have lived here your entire life, just graduated college or have spent a decade in your career field. Annual membership fees are $50 or $35 if your employer is a Chamber member.
Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network 1640 Burnt Boat Road Bismarck, ND 58503
WWW.Y PNETWO RK. O RG
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/bi sm a r ck m a nd a ny p /bi s m a ny p /ypn e t wo r k. org / f e e d