March Chamber Connection

CHAMBER CONNECTION Bismarck-Mandan

March 2017

Manufacturing Innovation Doosan Bobcat

Acceleration Center

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Dakota Carrier Network Connecting North Dakota

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Member Profile Auto Finance Super Center

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Outstanding Teacher Award Chamber accepting nominations for Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award.

CHAMBER CONNECTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Brenda Nagel..................................................................................................................... Chair Ron Day .................................................................................................................... Chair-Elect Wayne Munson............................................................................................................ Secretary Craig Larson.................................................................................................................Treasurer Perrie Schafer ............................................................................................................ Past Chair BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brenda Nagel ������������������������������������������Aetna Tracy Kindem...........H.A. Thompson and Sons Dan Pearson �����������������������������Northwest Tire Joe Duperre ������������������������������Kirkwood Mall Wayne Munson �������������������� Indigo Signworks Jasper Schneider ������������������������������������ NISC Greg Vetter �������������������������University of Mary Dr. Blake Feil ����������������������� Feil Orthodontics Ron Day......................Tesoro Mandan Refinery Nick Hacker................. ND Guaranty and Title Perrie Schafer ���������������� Schafer Financial Inc. Heather Fried ..... Fried Financial Services Inc. Jeff Herman ������������������������������������Petro Hunt Molly Herrington ����������������������������������������KLJ Craig Larson ���������������������������������Starion Bank Valerie Weigel........ Basin Electric Cooperative Kevin Magstadt ������������������ Wenck Associates Chris Jones ����������������� CHI St. Alexius Health Paul Brucker ������������������� Railway Credit Union Chad Hatzenbuhler ����� Bank of North Dakota Stacey Breuer ��������������������������Bobcat/Doosan Shannon Reichenberg ���������� Diversity Homes Mike Nathe................ Bismarck Funeral Home Scott Staudinger...................Cloverdale Foods

CHAMBER STAFF Scott Meske................................................................................................................ President Annie Bergrud.........................................................................................Chief Financial Officer David Leingang............................................................................ Community Growth Director Mary Masters................................................................................. Office Support Professional Ryan Parsons........................................................................................................Vice President Rebecca Rattei................................................................................ Communications Specialist Amanda Schwieters......................................................................... Member Services Director Chelse Simon..................................................................................Membership Sales Director Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Anderson ........................ Communications Specialist/ LBM Director Karly Palczewski...............................................................................Marketing & Events Intern

Why try to cook for one and eat at home alone...

CHAMBER NEWS

Legislative Crossover Starion Bank & Chamber Present Economic Outlook Forum Outstanding Teachers, Outstanding Honor

CHAMBER EVENTS

Economic Outlook Forum March Membership Mixer: Greenlight Systems Chamber Spring Mixer

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COLUMNS Chair's Corner

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FEATURES

Cover Story 4 Member Profile 10 Ask-A-Pro 24 Chamber Perks 26 Chamber Ribbon Cuttings 30 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58502 701.223.5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com CONTACT INFORMATION Content: The Chamber - 701.223.5660 rrattei@bismancc.com

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Chair's Corner

J

anuary and February have passed at the speed of lightning and here we are at March and looking forward to days with more daylight, the melting mounds of snow and longing for that first sighting of Spring blooms. As mentioned during our Annual Dinner program, the Board of Directors recently reviewed and updated our Strategic Plan. The Chamber staff has been working on the finishing touches of the tactics of the Strategic Plan with a final version available for viewing very soon. This plan will serve as a roadmap for our Chamber for the next three years. While many of the goals and strategies contained in the Strategic Plan have already been implemented or are in progress, sometimes we need to highlight not just what we plan to do, but what we have already accomplished.

Strategic goal number one focuses on advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal levels. On the local level, Chamber President Scott Meske is actively engaged in the Bismarck Infrastructure Task Force work designed to help find funding solutions to the community’s growing needs. Along with the other business groups, we anticipate having group discussions and forums throughout the year to help guide the city commission and our community on how to fund future growth needs.

At the state level, Scott and Vice President Ryan Parsons are present at the Capitol several times during the week monitoring and weighing in on legislative issues and bills as determined by our Legislative Action Plan.

Strategic goal number three focuses on regional prosperity. On this front, we are focusing on how Chamber connections and resources can be of benefit to the City of Mandan as it works to increase its retail sector. I had the opportunity to attend a focus group on Mandan’s downtown study along with former Board Chair Perrie Schafer and other Chamber staff and Directors. The Local Issues Committee recently heard first hand from Mandan officials on their goals and plans, and Scott gave a legislative update to the Mandan City Commission recently. We are excited about all of the activity and energy in Mandan and look forward to providing further updates as these plans come to fruition.

As a business community we can continue to help our region grow and maintain a quality of life in our communities that is attractive to live, work, and raise a family.

I’m proud of our Chamber Board and the Staff who continue to look for opportunities to participate and facilitate healthy discussion when possible.

Next month I will highlight Strategic goals two and four and give you a look inside our Bismarck-Mandan Chamber. I encourage you as members to keep your eyes and ears open to opportunities for us to continue making positive progress together.

I hope to see you at the Economic Outlook Forum on March 16, presented by Starion Bank. Thank you for a great start to 2017!

- Brenda Nagel Chair, Board of Directors twitter.com/bismanchamber facebook.com/bismanchamber @bismanchamber

Chamber Connection | 3

FEATURE

INSIDE THE ACCELERATION CENTER:

DOOSAN BOBCAT INNOVATES SPACE TO KEEP PRODUCT INNOVATIVE

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk; Photos by Karly Palczewski When Doosan Bobcat began planning for a new research and development center, the company knew early on they wanted a collaborative workspace. They didn’t just want an engineering center.

They didn’t just want research and development. They wanted a building that would spark innovation.

“Chance encounters are critical to innovation and practice,” said Matt Sagaser, Director of the Doosan Bobcat Acceleration Center. “Okay, what’s a Matt Sagaser, Director of Doosan Bobcat Acceleration Center. chance encounter? In a normal office (space) you have an office, a hallway, you have cubicles and you have a From studying change management process, Sagaser kitchen and a bathroom. There is no place to sit down knew a percentage of the workforce would resist the and talk. We’d need wider walkways and we’d need change, no matter what they did. different types of seating and chairs.”

“A couple employees wanted their office, wanted their That led to the principle of completely unassigned window,” Sagaser said. “I put them on the transition team. spaces for employees. Sagaser said this removed They’re part of the design; they’re part of the feedback hierarchy from the office. It created spaces for chance mechanism.” encounters.

The day before the new office opened, Sagaser said the “When you come to the same place every day, it gets company had several employees ready to walk out the monotonous,” Sagaser said. “The goal is to go where the door. Some had resignation letters written, but Human work is. We’re going to trick you into being more efficient Resources convinced them to stay on and try the new by changing the work environment.” office.

Instead of offices, the Acceleration Center has open workspaces with noise cancellation. With sound masking, noises can’t be heard beyond 10 feet. For anyone who needs an enclosed office, enclaves can be reserved, but they can’t become permanent.

The building provides multiple environments within a campus, including a tinker lab and a dirt floor digging arena.

With a major change happening in work environment, Sagaser said they started preparing employees a year in advance. No offices. No assigned workspaces.

Employees would be encouraged to move around daily, to go where the work was.

4 | Chamber Connection

After one year in the new location, Doosan Bobcat hadn’t lost a single employee. Sagaser said several people were scheduled to retire but opted to stay and experience the new environment longer.

“Whether you’ve worked here one hour or 40 years, you have the same access to an office,” Sagaser said.

On site is a 100,000 square foot lab — Doosan Bobcat’s innovation environment. The tinker lab is for test and prototype engineering, manufacture engineering and innovation engineering. It has 3D printers as well as cardboard, plastic and wood forming tools.

“On our campus we have what we need at our fingertips,” Sagaser said.

www.bismarckmandan.com

WORKSPACE

Bobcat open office protocol: • Go where the work is. Use flexible office seating.

• Keep open desks clean, free of clutter and welcoming.

• Gone for three days or more? Move out of your desk.

Doosan Bobcat employees do not have assigned offices or workspaces.

“We believe in transparency as a company — open communication, working together in ways that instill that trust in each other. It’s amazing when you treat people with respect, you get a work ethic that pays back times ten.”

INDOOR ARENA

The Acceleration Center’s arena allows for product testing 365 days per year.

The floor of the indoor arena is 12 feet of Class 5 material.

It’s a simple dirt and rock combination. For a specific dig, engineers can pre-dig, water and fill in dirt. When workers are testing a product, they dig into the indoor arena ground and get consistent test results.

Outside the arena is 25 acres of testing ground including concrete piles, crushed asphalt and dirt.

Before the Acceleration Center was built, Doosan Bobcat sent equipment to Arizona for testing. Being able to develop and test a product on site has saved the company money from shipping equipment across the country for testing. Sagaser estimated the arena alone saves $100,000 per year on testing.

Chamber Connection | 5

FEATURE GARAGE DOOR CONFERENCE ROOM The Lewis and Clark conference room at the Acceleration Center opens to a vented garage area where equipment can be run.

This allows for collaboration and joint-development projects right on site.

KIVA

CAFÉ

The facility takes a North Dakota theme with Dakota iconography, art and photography throughout.

Wood, concrete and metal were used in interior design to give and industrial feel.

The Doosan Bobcat Accelerations Center has a round conference room called Kiva, based on Mayan round huts of the same name.

With whiteboard covering the walls of the room, Kiva is meant to be a brainstorming space for idea creation and innovation.

UNLEASHING CITIZENSHIP formerly

A Dessert Banquet featuring the Benham Brothers

Living out your faith when your freedoms of speech and religion are under attack.

Monday, April 3rd – Bismarck | Tuesday, April 4th – Fargo | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Register online at FamilyPolicyAlliance.com/NDBanquet or call 701.214.5565 for more information.

6 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

GAMES

Throughout the Doosan Bobcat Acceleration Center are gaming areas with arcade games, Jenga blocks and Legos. The games give employees a hands-on way to take a break and stay fresh. Sagaser said he uses the gaming areas himself to give employees permission: “If you give permission, people police themselves.”

MT85 MINI TRACK LOADER When the Acceleration Center opened in 2014, Sagaser said the company expected it would be five years before they would see results from the Acceleration Center.

In February 2015 workers at the Acceleration center began design process on a small loader. The MT85 Mini Track Loader launched that same year.

The process from design to product launch is usually more than two years. Development of the MT85 Mini Track Loader was accelerated in nine months.

“This is not an office that’s tied to an environment,” Sagaser said. “This is an office that’s devoted to research and development.”

Chamber Connection | 7

FEATURE

DCN CONNECTING NORTH DAKOTA

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk If there is ever an F4 tornado with 200 mph winds in BismarckMandan, Dakota Carrier Network will be safe.

DCN provides fiber-based broadband internet access, wide area network connectivity as well as data center and cloud services across North Dakota.

The building, which recently expanded in north Bismarck, has a hardened core with 18-inch thick concrete walls. Within the hardened core, data centers are protected by 100 percent redundancy.

If electrical power fails, a diesel generator starts. Every air conditioner is built with a secondary air conditioner.

Every battery has a second battery next to it. If one system fails, a secondary system kicks in with no human factor involved.

“We build protection mechanism in every layer of our network,” said Seth Arndorfer, CEO of Dakota Carrier Network. “If we have a failure of any kind, our network is built in a self-healing manner.”

That redundancy extends beyond the hardened cores in DCN’s Bismarck and Fargo buildings. If fiber is cut from Dickinson to Bismarck, traffic is rerouted from Dickinson to Williston to Minot to Bismarck within 5 milliseconds.

With 164,000 customers in 250 communities in North Dakota, DCN handles more than 85 percent of all internet exchanges in the state.

8 | Chamber Connection

“Our goal is to provide five nines reliability,” Arndorfer said. “That means that we’re going to be up 99.999 percent of the time.”

More than 20 years ago, 15 independent telephone companies in the state recognized the growth in internet and the need for their networks to be tied together. They formed one company — DCN. “What used to be called the ‘information superhighway,’ the internet — that’s what DCN is,” Arndorfer said.

“We’re the conduit to connect rural companies, the banks, we connect 54 hospitals, the schools, higher education. We’re the internet service provider for state government.”

DCN handles all 911 traffic and public safety communications in the state of North Dakota. Through DCN’s hardened facilities in Bismarck and Fargo, emergency communications are fiber optically fed to 600 wireless towers throughout the state and then broadcast from the nearest tower to police, fire and ambulance nearby.

www.bismarckmandan.com “In a public safety environment, we cannot afford not to have it,” Arndorfer said. “Can you imagine dialing 911 and not having it work? It’s not an option.”

For the past 15 years, DCN has been working with the state to build this dedicated public safety communications network.

“In a catastrophic event like what happened on 9/11 — when the communications networks get overloaded because everybody is calling to check on their family members — the communications for public safety entities struggled as well,” Arndorfer said. “With the dedicated fiber optic network, we created a bioterrorism wide area network that is dedicated 100 percent to the hospitals.”

So You’re Saying You Work With Small Businesses?

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DCN connects 54 critical health institutions in North Dakota. Connecting hospitals through electronic medical records has improved rural health care as well.

Through their contract to provide state government broadband service, DCN connects higher education institutions and public schools as well. Arndorfer cited his hometown public school in Hettinger, ND, as a theoretical example of the benefit of connectivity.

“The Hettinger Public Schools maybe couldn’t afford to pay for a computer science teacher full time, because they just don’t have enough students to justify the cost,” Arndorfer said. “But if that teacher in Hettinger can offer their services to schools from across the state, it becomes much more viable for those schools to hire those unique and specialized teachers.”

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In late 2016, DCN announced a new statewide Wi-Fi initiative. DCN and its telephone member owners are in the process of constructing Wi-Fi access poles in major population centers throughout North Dakota. For customers of the 15 telephone companies, this will give them secure Wi-Fi access in commercial centers and gathering places across the state.

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Arndorfer said right now the amount of internet bandwidth that North Dakotans are consuming is doubling every 12-15 months, and industry experts project that to continue for the next 5-10 years.

“Every single user in the state is reliable in some form on the network,” Arndorfer said. “Whether it is an implement dealership or a small store owner that is ordering their inventory over the internet — or the gas station in order to pump gas, they need a network connection in order to process your credit card transaction. We take it for granted, kind of like the light switch in our home. We take it for granted until it doesn’t’ work.”

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Chamber Connection | 9

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MEMBER PROFILE Featuring Jerrett Grimes

AUTO FINANCE SUPER CENTER

Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within the organization.

A: My name is Jerrett Grimes and I’m the General Manager of the Bismarck Branch of Auto Finance Super Center. Here at Auto Finance Super Center we specialize in helping folks establish or rebuild their credit. We understand that bad things can happen to good people and that the resulting credit issues are problems that we strive to overcome. We are not overly concerned with a person’s past credit problems, but we look to their future.

At Auto Finance Super Center we help folks get financing for a good solid used car. We do this through our exclusive Finance Company, Auto Credit Inc (ACI). In my role as General Manager, I oversee day to day operations ranging from acquiring and reconditioning inventory, managing the sales operation, and loan originations. In addition, I oversee service to our customers’ vehicles after the sale. My goal along with our staff is to provide the best possible service before and after the sale. Our customers timely payments to ACI get reported to all three major bureaus thereby allowing them to build or rebuild a positive credit history.

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Q: Briefly tell us the history of Auto Finance Super Center.

A: We have been in business for over 25 years. A family owned and operated Business, Auto Finance Super Center has operations in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks and Sioux Falls, S.D. Our Company has always been in the business of helping folks with credit issues get affordable financing for a good used vehicle.

Q: What differentiates Auto Finance Super Center from its competitors?

A: We work with an exclusive lender that specializes in providing a payment plan and financing that fits our customer’s budget. Auto Credit Inc. is a seasoned veteran when it comes to financing customers with significant credit issues. Unlike other lenders who may not even offer financing to lower credit customers or that are just now branching out into the world of sub-prime lending, our exclusive lender has been helping people obtain automotive financing and a chance to rebuild their credit for over 25 years. This is all we do.

www.bismarckmandan.com Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Auto Finance Super Center?

A: The growth within the state has been great for us; it has simply provided us with an opportunity to help more people. Whether he/she is looking to rebuild or establish their credit hopefully we can provide financing that fits their needs.

Q: What industry trends are taking place?

A: We have recently seen traditional lenders become more willing to undertake more risk with their underwriting decisions. As a result, we have seen an increase in competition forcing us to adapt our lending habits. This isn’t new for us. Over the years we have seen large National Lenders dip into our market segment. Typically these forays into sub-prime lending don’t last that long. Our Customers can require a significant amount of attention to keep them on the path to paying off their obligations. If a lender isn’t prepared for the unique demands of our customers, it can become difficult to reach the finish line. Again we are “seasoned veterans” in the sub and subprime automotive lending field. It’s all we have ever done.

Q: Have there been any monumental changes in the industry that you’ve had to deal with?

A: There has been an influx of new dealerships within the Bismarck-Mandan area. While we aren’t necessarily competing for customers with these “conventional” dealerships, we are in direct competition with these entities in acquiring inventory. In the past, a good used vehicle with 80,000 to 130,000 miles would be wholesaled and made available to Dealerships like ours. Now, these vehicles are routinely sold on every new or used lot in town. We are finding more and more new car dealerships aren’t willing to whole sale their inventory like in years past. This trend seems to be pushing the automotive industry toward a buyers’ market.

Q: What does the future of Auto Finance Super Center look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: The American population is judged throughout their lives by a very simple yet very important number. The number is your credit score. In today’s world this score can dictate what type of job we qualify for, what type of car we drive and what kind of house we live in. There is a fine line when it comes to Great, Good, Fair, Poor, and Bad credit. Our goal is to simply offer some help and provide each of our customer’s the ability to rebuild or establish their credit through automotive financing.

Q: Auto Finance Super Center became a member in 2005, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: The Chamber helps us reach a demographic that we don’t necessarily target through direct marketing. Maybe someone within our community doesn’t need our program but they know someone who does, and the Chamber is a great way to branch out into our community.

Q: What should Chamber members know about Auto Finance Super Center that may assist them?

A: Poor credit isn’t something to be ashamed of, and best of all it can change, and we can help! We have a system in place to help you rebuild from past mistakes. Let us help you take the next steps towards financial freedom and your American dream.

CELEBRATE project HOPE WITH US!

WEEK OF MAY 1-5, 2017

project HOPE BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

2017

Project HOPE is a week-long community wellness event in which the Bismarck Cancer Center provides your employees with information about prevalent cancers in North Dakota as well as health and wellness tips.

Join area businesses and allow your employees to dress casual for a week and wear cancer awareness ribbons each day in support of project HOPE. A suggested donation of $10 from each employee provides hope to local cancer patients.

PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES! TO PARTICIPATE, PLEASE CALL 701-222-6100

Chamber Connection | 11

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STATE LEGISLATURE CROSSES OVER; BILLS DIE, BILLS SURVIVE

By Scott Meske

The last week in February, the 27th and 28th specifically, are deemed “cross-over” or the time when the House finishes work on their numbered bills, and the Senate finishes work on their bills. In essence, the bills cross over to the other house to continue their journey toward becoming law (hum “I’m just a Bill” from Schoolhouse Rock).

While we didn’t have many big requests of our legislator, Rep. Mike Nathe (R-30) introduced House Bill 1355, which requested consideration of a legislative management study committee focused on local infrastructure funding options.

The bill was defeated 57-38 in the House after receiving a DO NOT PASS recommendation (8-5) by the House Finance and Taxation Committee. While we are firm in our belief that infrastructure funding issues are a combination of state, federal AND local governments, the tools to address growing community needs are few. More than 20 states across the country are taking infrastructure funding as a top priority this biennium.

The other major issues we are following are bills related to the Renaissance Zone statutes, Medicaid expansion and general tax incentives. Leadership in both houses are working on balancing the budget with fewer sales tax revenues, and more requests for those dollars. State agencies that were already trimmed by 6.5 percent prior to January are now being asked to dig deeper to help make the numbers work starting July 1, 2017. Stay tuned.

The new Administration continues to fill out the vacant seats in the Cabinet. Jay Schuler, CEO of GIANT Foods, was named as the new Department of Commerce Director. CHI St. Alexus Vice President, Chris Jones was appointed as Director of Department of Health.

Chris also was recently appointed to a full term on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Working with some Chamber Members and other organizations has made the legislative session quite manageable. Between Chamber Vice President Ryan Parsons and myself we work with other Members who have legislative interests to cover our topics and bills according to our legislative plan passed by the Government Affairs Committee.

It helps having a great team of legislators who listen to business issues and care about our communities. If you ever have questions about what’s going on in the Capitol, give me a call or an email.

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Thanks for all your support and input. We will keep you informed as the session progresses.

STARION BANK AND CHAMBER PRESENT ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM In January, the Bismarck – Mandan Chamber distributed a survey to gauge business performance in the Bismarck- Member area. With an increased participation in this year’s survey of 75 percent over last year, we are excited to present the results at this year’s Economic Outlook Forum.

Karel Sovak

Ron Eidshaug

On Thursday, March 16th, at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center, join The Chamber and Starion Bank as we find out what factors are influencing our local and regional economy.

Throughout this morning forum, guests will get a local, regional and national economic outlook. The agenda will include: Legislative Panel Discussion

Representative Al Carlson, House Majority Leader Representative Cory Mock, House Minority Leader Senator Rich Wardner, Senate Majority Leader

Industry Panel Discussion

Dr. Mark Hagerott, Chancellor, North Dakota University System Matt Sagaser, Director, Doosan Bobcat Acceleration Center Kurt Schley, President, CHI St. Alexius Health

Economic Survey Results

Karel Sovak, Associate Professor of Business, University of Mary

Keynote: Outlook from Capitol Hill – National Issues Impacting Business Ron Eidshaug, Vice President, Congressional and Public Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

www.bismarckmandan.com

Discover your path to

living well.

Touchmark offers maintenance-free living in a friendly and enriching community.

A {FULL} LIFE awaits!

Come see the exciting changes happening at our community.

New independent living and memory care homes available!

To reserve a table for $375, please call Amanda or David at the Chamber, 701-223-5660, or reach out to them via email, aschwieters@bismancc.com, dleingang@bismancc.com. Tickets for the event are $35.00 for Members, $40.00 for Non-Members before the event. $40.00 for Members, $45.00 for Non-Members the day of the event. To register online please go to, www.bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar.

Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor:

Production Sponsor: Table Sponsors: Amy Hullet - Century 21 Landmark Realty, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association, Capital Credit Union, First International Bank & Trust, Great River Energy, NISC and University of Mary.

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Chamber Connection | 13

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SIGN UP FOR SWEET SUCCESS

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Have your registered for Lemonade Day? Once registered, you will be included in all Lemonade Day communications that will keep you and your entrepreneur up to date on backpack/workbook pickups, tips and tricks for sweet success, as well as messages from our City Champions, Jena Gullo with MSA United Way, and John Bollinger with the Bismarck Larks Baseball Team.

Lemonade Day is a free, fun, experiential learning program that teaches kids how to start, own and operate their very own business — a lemonade stand.

Children who register will receive a free backpack and Entrepreneur Workbook that will teach them to: • • • • • • • •

Set a goal Create a business plan Create a Budget Find an investor Advertise their business Build a lemonade stand Provide customer service Make spending decisions

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14 | Chamber Connection

BISMARCK-MANDAN

Once a youth pays their investor back, they keep all of the money they earn and are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some of their profit with a local charity, non-profit, or someone in need.

The program is geared toward 3rd – 8th graders, however, anyone and everyone can be involved in Lemonade Day! Young entrepreneurs with lemonade stands need mentors, investors, business partners, great locations, and customers! Volunteers are also needed to make Lemonade Day a success.

Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan will be June 17th, 2017; our goal is to register 500 youth who in turn will start new businesses all across Bismarck-Mandan — on a single day. Registration opens up in March 1st, with a program kickoff in early April.

Learn more at bismarckmandan.lemonadeday.org, or call David Leingang with the Chamber at 701-223-5660, or email him at dleingang@bismancc. com.

Main Squeeze Sponsors:

Fresh Squeeze Sponsors:

Lemon Head Sponsors: American Bank Center, Doosan/Bobcat, Eide Bailly LLP, First Western Bank & Trust and Superpumper, Inc. @bismanlemonadeday twitter.com/BisManLemonDay facebook.com/lemonadedaybismarckmandan

www.bismarckmandan.com

OUTSTANDING TEACHERS, OUTSTANDING HONOR

It’s that time of the year again! The BismarckMandan Chamber have officially opened up nominations for the 2017 Outstanding Teacher of the Year award! From now through March 24th, 2017, please nominate the educators you think are deserving of the Crystal Apple Award.

Every year, the Chamber honors a Primary Educator from both Mandan and Bismarck, a Secondary Educator from both Mandan and Bismarck, and a Higher Ed. Educator.

To submit a nomination, head over to, www.bismarckmandan.com/pages/ BusinessEducationPartnershipCommittee, and either fill out a form electronically or print and fill out. All nominations can be mailed to the Chamber’s office, Attn: David Leingang Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503

Or you can email nominations to, David Leingang at dleingang@bismancc.com, with the Teachers Name, School, Grade, and brief description as to why you believe they deserve this award.

Deadline to submit nominations is March 24th, 2017.

For any questions about the nominations, or the award process, please call the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce at 701-223-5660.

BUSINESS IS GOING WELL. Good health can be your business advantage.

You have to keep your workforce healthy. You also need to attract them to your company in the first place.

We can help you do both.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association Noridian Mutual Insurance Company

Contact our agents and build a competitive and affordable employee benefit plan.

MARIE BITTNER BISMARCK 701-255-5565

RYAN HARTJE BISMARCK 701-255-5562

Chamber Connection | 15

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LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN: MEDIA SPEED DATING MEDIA DAY Leadership Bismarck-Mandan went on a speed dating tour of downtown Bismarck sites for Media Day on Feb. 1. While being hosted at Starion Bank’s downtown Bismarck location, the class toured three media sites in a three-block radius: Dakota Media Access, KFYR TV and MOJO Radio.

Jason Matthews of JM Strategies spoke to the class on what has been called the “Balkanization of the Media.” No longer does the public only consume its news and entertainment from a handful of major broadcast network.

No longer does the public only Leadership Bismarck-Mandan tours KFYR TV studios during Media Day on Feb. 1. consume its entertainment from cable TV and terrestrial radio with built-in air time for Jim DePury of KXMB TV and Steve Wallick of the advertisers. With consumers subscribing to Netflix for Bismarck Tribune spoke on a news director panel. Both TV and SiriusXM for radio, advertisers are increasingly spoke on the challenges of covering the Dakota Access challenged on how to get their message out to the Pipeline issue in a balanced, accurate and fair manner. public.

The two speakers agreed that when you’re getting criticism from both sides of the issue, then you know you’re doing something right.

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Binder Sponsor: Capital Trophy Media Day Chairs: Trish Helgeson – Starion Bank Tammy Langerud – Basin Electric Power Cooperative Breakfast/Lunch Sponsors: KAT Communications (Media Day) Starion Bank (Media Day)

www.bismarckmandan.com

SPRING MIXER IS AROUND THE CORNER

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your business by participating in the 17th Annual Spring Mixer scheduled for Thursday, April 13th at the Ramkota Hotel from 5:00pm – 7:30pm. More than 700 people are anticipated to browse nearly 70 member booth displays.

Attendees have the opportunity to network and learn about local businesses and also, the chance to win door prizes. So join us for a wonderful evening with your co-workers sampling an excellent spread of hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Chad Johnson Bismarck Market President

Lindsay Kinnischtzke Loan Assistant

The Spring Mixer provides Chamber members the chance to present their products and services in an inviting way. The $300 investment includes four event tickets, exposure to hundreds of potential customers, promotional mention in the Chamberlink email, Chamber Connection publication, Chamber Website, social media outlets and event signage.

Also, it’s time to get creative! We will be doing a contest again for the best decorated Spring Mixer booth! If voted number one by attendees and participants’, you’ll receive a free booth space at the Chamber Holiday Mixer on Tuesday, December 12th, 2017!

For more information, contact Amanda at the 701-223-5660 or email aschwieters@bismancc.com.

Don’t wait and miss out on a booth space!

Richard Keller Vice President-Business Lending

Chamber Connection | 17

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ECONOMIC Outlook Forum

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Date: Thursday, March 16, 2017 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck

Time: 7:00AM - 11:30AM Admission: $35.00 for Chamber Members

$40.00 for Non-Members Presenting Sponsor:

This January, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce distributed a survey for the sixth year to gauge business performance in the Bismarck-Mandan area and national level. Join us on Thursday, March 16th, to find out what factors are influencing the local economy. This half day presentation will feature a large panel of professionals, in a variety of different industries that will inform us on the current community.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear from experts in their industries, listen to a variety of panelists, and see the valuable survey data firsthand.

Cost to attend is $35.00 for Members and $40.00 for Non-Members before the event; $40.00 for Members and $45.00 for Non-Members the day of the event. If you are interested in having a table sponsorship contact Dave at dleingang@bismancc.com call 701-223-5660 to find out more details. You can register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar.

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: GREENLIGHT SYSTEMS Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017 Location: Greenlight Systems

1365 Tacoma Ave. Suite #1, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend

Chamber members are invited to attend this month’s Membership Mixer hosted by GreenLight Systems at 1365 Tacoma Ave Ste. 1 in Bismarck on Thursday, March 30th from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience their home theater audio and visual demonstration, lighting control capabilities, and home security option. Mixers are free to attend, and anyone that works for a business member is welcome to come network and enjoy some delicious food and refreshments from Lady J’s catering. Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to win some great door prizes provided

by GreenLight Systems!

RSVP’s are appreciated and can be made by emailing Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com or by contacting the Chamber at 701-223-5660.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center • 5:00pm - 7:30pm SILVER SPONSOR:

BOOTH SPONSORS: Anytime Fitness - Mandan BisMan Community Food Co-op Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck Parks & Recreation Community Options Community Works North Dakota Dakota Pharmacy EAPC Architects Engineers Forum Communications Printing Gate City Bank

Gateway to Science Golder Associates Inc. Liberty Business Systems McQuade Distributing Co. Missouri River Pages New Vision Security Spherion Staffing The Bismarck Tribune University of Mary

Booth Space is Available! Contact Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com or call 701-223-5660.

18 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: KIRKWOOD MALL

Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Location: Kirkwood Mall

706 Kirkwood Mall, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend Chamber members are invited to attend our April Membership Mixer hosted at the Kirkwood Mall on Thursday, April 6 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm. Mixers are free to attend, and anyone that works for a business member is welcome to attend. Join in kicking off the spring season by enjoying food and drink from a local favorite, A&B Pizza, and viewing the season’s top looks from the retailer’s mannequin display. Attendees will have the chance to win gift cards from some of the mall’s retailers as you network with individuals throughout the business community.

RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by emailing Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com or by contacting the Chamber at 701-223-5660. www.BNCbank.com

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CHAMBER SPRING MIXER

Date: Thursday, April 13, 2017 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck

Time: 5:00PM - 7:30PM Admission: $5.00 + A Business Card It may not feel like spring around the corner, but we know majority of us are ready to celebrate winters end!

The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Spring Mixer is the perfect event to bring some bright and festive cheer into our community. Don’t miss out on this great chance to showcase your business by participating in the 17th Annual Spring Mixer scheduled for Thursday, April 13th, at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. More than 700 individuals are anticipated to browse nearly 70 Chamber member booths.

Attendees have the opportunity to network and learn about local businesses and also, the chance to win some awesome door prizes. Join us for a wonderful evening with your co-workers sampling an excellent spread of hors d’oeuvres and quenching refreshments.

As a Chamber member this is a great investment opportunity to gain exposure to hundreds of potential customers, promotion in Chamberlink email, Chamber Connection publication, and through our social media outlets.

For more information, contact Amanda at aschwieters@ bismancc.com or at 701-223-5660. Help us bring a splash of color to Bismarck-Mandan!

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FREE! To enroll today, simply call 1-800-BNC-BANK (262-2265) or contact us at eservices@BNCbank.com *Consumer and Business checking, savings or money market accounts are eligible.

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Chamber Connection | 19

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CAPITAL CREDIT UNION DONATES 685 FOOD ITEMS, $1,210 TO AARC Following the close of its holiday food drive, Capital Credit Union presented the Abused Adult Resource Center with a donation of 685 nonperishable food items and $1,210.

Capital Credit Union employees present Tracie Freadrich and Michelle Erickson from the AARC with donations.

The credit union’s six Bismarck and Mandan locations served as donation collection sites from Nov. 28 – Jan. 7, giving members and the public the opportunity to drop off food items for the AARC, a local nonprofit that provides “emergency support, crisis intervention, temporary shelter, food, counseling, and advocacy to victims of domestic violence and domestic assault.” Members were also given the opportunity to make monetary donations.

In addition to collecting donations of food, Capital Credit Union approved a $1,200 donation to the AARC, the equivalent of each of its branches in Bismarck and Mandan donating $200 to the organization.

“Capital Credit Union holds itself accountable for being connected with our local community and demonstrating the ‘people helping people’ philosophy of credit unions,” shared one of Capital Credit Union’s committee presidents, Lacey Hetletved. “We’re proud to support an organization like the AARC that is so effective in positively impacting the lives of adults and kids in our community, and we’re thankful to have such generous members and employees who helped make this drive such a success.”

Upon learning about the amount of food items collected and the monetary donation from Capital Credit Union, the AARC expressed its gratitude and shared how it plans to use the donation.

“We thank Capital Credit Union employees and everyone involved in this drive,” said Diane Zainhofsky, Executive Director of the Abused Adult Resource Center. “The donation of $1,210 and food are very much appreciated. Food is always needed to serve the abused women and children in our shelters. Last year, we safely sheltered 251 women and children. And the donated funds will help us in providing the support services they need to move on to live free of violence.”

20 | Chamber Connection

BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOL ENCOURAGES PUBLIC TO VOTE

www.bismarckmandan.com

By Tamara Uselman

I’d like to first thank the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association for supporting our bond election for additional middle and high school space. Other groups endorsing the projects are The Bismarck Tribune Editorial Board, Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors, Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association, Laborers District Council of Minnesota and North Dakota, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 714.

I’ve done dozens of presentations on the March 7 bond election. I have often been told that this bond will pass because it’s a “no-brainer.” I respond with a little word to the wise about voter apathy: the people who show up win—whether they are yes or no voters.

I’m concerned people will find any reason to stay home on Tuesday, March 7. BPS tried to make the poll sites convenient: you can vote at any public school in Bismarck, including BECEP and our elementary school in Lincoln. Poll hours are 7 am to 7 pm. And since we are locating our poll booths in schools, I feel it’s important to model citizenship to our students, young and older. So please take the time to cast your ballot. It will give our School Board a sense of how the community feels about the plans they’ve laid out for middle/high school space, which include: Horizon, Simle and Wachter Middle Schools and Century High School: more classrooms; space for music, physical education and other needs; office and entryway remodels for improved security, safety and traffic flow. Bismarck High: modernization, an auditorium/theater, and a court added on to the BHS gym.

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The finance plan is to “retire” some debt and “replace” it with new debt for these five projects without raising the debt service mill levy from 2015-16--the levy would be flat or decrease.

If the bond fails, the Bismarck School Board asked administrators to create a list of ways to educate 1,900 more students, including using portables, renting space, changing boundaries, doing split schedules, transporting students to Hughes for some classes, and remodeling Saxvik. Funds for these options will most likely come out of the operating budget.

You can find more information about the bond, absentee voting, and Election Day poll sites at www.bismarckschools.org/district/growth.

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KIRKWOOD MALL OVERCOMES WATER LINE BREAK

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Kirkwood Mall re-opened its north court on Sunday, February 12 after four days of disruption to center operations due to a water line break and subsequent flooding. All but six stores opened within four days of the incident. As of print deadline, Kirkwood Mall was fully operational with the exception of Payless Shoe Source, GameStop, Christopher & Banks and the mall’s play area, all of which require additional renovation.

“The clean-up efforts have been incredible. Our retailers, contractors, inspectors, and employees have shown an amazing display of support, innovation and effort in reopening the mall so quickly,” said Joe Duperre, Kirkwood Mall’s general manager. “Now it’s time to pass the baton to our community to show their love for these business owners and operators. The biggest impact people can have right now is to come out and support the stores.”

“Kirkwood Mall has been a pillar to the region’s retail economy for decades. We look forward to providing a convenient shopping experience for our guests throughout the renovation process and beyond,” said Duperre.

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BISMARCK VETERANS MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENS TEEN CENTER

The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library has opened a new Teen Center within the Library. After a successful fundraising effort by the Bismarck Library Foundation; and planning, design, and construction efforts spearheaded by the Library staff and the Teen Advisory Council, Bismarck-area teens now have a space designed just for them.

The space includes booths for studying or working on projects, a TV and lounge area for movies or video game tournaments, a counter with sink for art projects, charging stations, a portable technology cart, a white board for brainstorming, floor-to-ceiling cupboards for storage, and comfy furniture, along with many technology items such as iPads, laptops, and software programs.

Plans for the Teen Center (which has been dubbed Teen Headquarters) are to hold ongoing programming and events. Examples of events scheduled for the winter and spring are video game tournaments, TableTop gaming, Otaku Club, Lego Robotics Club, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) programming, and movie days.

Lead donors for the project included Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Otto Bremer Trust, Orville & Kathleen Eide, Friends of the Library, Great River Energy, MDU Resources Foundation, and the Bismarck Library Foundation.

According to Cameo Skager, Library Foundation Executive Director, “The Library Foundation fundraises for special one-time projects that the Library would not be able to fund on their own. Our group of dedicated Library lovers helps to ensure that the Library can continue to grow and provide services beyond those covered by its ongoing operating expense.”

Crystal D. Overby, DDS • James A. Nelson, DDS • Kristin R. Schoch, DDS

1700 E. Interstate Ave, Bismarck 701-222-GRIN • www.polished-dental.net 22 | Chamber Connection

“Thank you to all who helped make the Teen Center possible,” said Christine Kujawa, Library Director. “This will be a space where our area teens can learn and grow for many decades to come.”

www.bismarckmandan.com

MANDAN’S 2016 ECONOMIC INDICATORS STILL COMPARATIVELY STRONG

City of Mandan management monitors several local economic indicators. The majority of statistics for the 2016 calendar year are now available.

Residential building. The City Building Inspection Department issued permits for 303 new residential units in 2016, up 35 percent from the year prior and about equal to the 10-year average. Single-family home construction, at 123 units, was slightly behind 2015’s level of 131 units. However, multi-family permits were up at 137 units among nine projects, compared to 93 units in 2015. New manufactured homes account for 43 units with most placed in the new Meadowlands Park located north of Third Street SE and near Memorial Highway. Home construction activity was at its peak in 2013 when permits were issued for 652 total units.

Commercial and industrial building. The city issued permits for new construction, remodeling and addition projects totaling $28 million. This was below last year’s record $52.5 million in permits, but still the third highest year on record.

Local usage taxes • 1% sales tax. Total collections for 2016 finished the year at nearly $2.3 million, down 7.5 percent from 2015. Sales tax revenue for 2016 is still 50 percent higher than in 2010. Collections peaked in 2014 at $2.7 million. The City of Mandan also has an additional 0.75 percent sales tax that goes toward funding for a voter-approved sports complex. That portion generated $1.7 million in 2016, the first full year of collections.

• 1% restaurant and lodging tax. Remittances are up 7 percent at $450,601, compared to $419,682 in 2015.

• 2% hotel occupancy tax. Collections are up 15 percent at $65,589, compared to $57,046 in 2015.

Job openings. North Dakota Job Service reported, 2,306 online job openings in December for the metro area, Burleigh and Morton counties. That’s down 2 percent from a year ago. For the state, there were 13,685 open and available positions in December, up 1 percent from a year ago.

Value of all building activity. The value of all projects for which building permits were issued in 2016 totals $75 million compared to $93 million last year. The record was $139 million in 2013.

Taxable sales and purchases. Statistics on the 2016 fourth quarter will not be available from the North Dakota Tax Department until later this spring. The total through the third quarter was $192 million. That is down 7 percent compared to the same period for 2015, but comparatively stronger than state levels,down 26 percent for the first three quarters.

Real estate sales. The Bismarck Mandan Board of Realtors reports a return to a “more normal” or “not so frantic” mode in 2016. The average sale price of residential property in Mandan was $229,659 compared to $238,469 for 2015. This is on 316 units sold, compared to 363 units the year prior. The average time on the market for was 60 days compared to 53 in 2015. The statistics include single-family home, condo, twin home and duplex sales reported through the multiple listing service. The City of Mandan Assessing Department recorded 847 property deed transfers for the year.

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1661 Capital Way, Suite 102, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-250-9400 • www.nrgtechservices.com

Chamber Connection | 23

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PAT BRUNELLE

3101 North 11th Street, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-224-9521

AMY CLEMONS

1929 N. Kavaney Drive, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-751-3742

Q: WHAT DO I DO IF I SUSPECT Q: WHAT MEDICATIONS HAVE MY CHILD HAS AUTISM? BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH OTOTOXICITY? A: Prevalence of Autism Spectrum A: Ototoxicity is a word that is translated Disorder has increased significantly over to ear poisoning. It means there is damage to the balance structure in the ear or the nerve sending information to the brain. Damage can result in hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and dizziness. There are over 200 known medications associated with ototoxicity.

Drugs known to cause permanent damage are certain aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin and chemotherapy agents such as cisplatin and carboplatin.

Drugs known to cause temporary damage are salicylate pain relievers (aspirin), quinine (malaria treatment), loop diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide), and NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen). Usually the problem will only be caused by exceeding the recommended doses or using two or more of these medications at the same time.

It’s important to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist the potential for hearing or balance damage of any drug you are taking, but don’t stop taking these medications unless advised to by your practitioner.

24 | Chamber Connection

the last 10 years and now affects 1 in 68 people. It has been found that early intervention is an important piece in the development of a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• Visit with your pediatrician and request that an M-CHAT-R™ screening (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers Revised) be completed. This is usually done between 16 and 30 months of age.

• If the M-CHAT-R™ suggests that Autism may be suspected, your pediatrician will refer you for further diagnostics to be completed.

• A psychologist, psychiatrist or interdisciplinary team can make a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• A parent advocacy organization like Family Voices of North Dakota (www. fvnd.org) should be contacted to help navigate the next steps in becoming more informed and learning about options for support.

• With the increase in prevalence, there is also more awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Options for evidence-based interventions and services are more available and accessible than ever before.

• Anne Carlsen Center in Bismarck can be contacted to answer questions or help families explore all options available.

DR. RUSSO

500 N 8th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-222-6100

Q: IS IT IMPORTANT TO SCREEN FOR COLORECTAL CANCER? A: In March we generate awareness of colorectal cancer as an opportunity to educate both men and women on colorectal cancer – cancer that starts in the colon or rectum – and encourage screenings, especially in people aged 50 or older and individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Screening is the process of looking for cancer or pre-cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease. Regular screenings can often find colorectal cancer early, when it is most likely to be curable or finding and removing polyps before they have the chance to turn into cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, and is also one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On a positive note, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping in both men and women for several decades due to the increased screenings and improved treatment options.

There is no sure way to prevent colorectal cancer, but through screenings, healthy lifestyle-related choices, and increased awareness individuals can take a positive approach to cancer prevention. Visit with your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

www.bismarckmandan.com

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JOEL BLANCHARD, MD at

2603 E. Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-323-5222

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LINDSEY PETERSON

1151 W. Divide Ave, Bismarck ND 58501 701-751-7797

Q: HOW DOES HEART DISEASE Q: I JUST DON’T HAVE THE AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE WILLPOWER TO MAKE AFFECT COMMERCIAL CHANGES TO MY HEALTH, DRIVER GUIDELINES? HELP! A: Heart disease and strokes are two A: A lack of willpower is usually the most of the most serious medical conditions that can lead to sudden incapacity of a commercial motor vehicle driver and potentially an accident on our highways.

Untreated high blood pressure is a significant cause of both heart disease and stroke. It is very important that a driver’s blood pressure is monitored and treated appropriately.

If a driver has heart disease, it’s important that it’s treated so the driver is no longer at risk for sudden incapacity. When a driver is diagnosed with a heart attack or angina (chest pain from the heart), certain extra tests are required.

Immediately after a heart attack, there is a two-month waiting period before your employee can drive again. The driver needs an echocardiogram to make sure there is no heart failure and a stress test to make sure the heart disease is under control.

Then every two years the driver needs a stress test to make sure they aren’t at risk for another heart attack. If a driver has undergone a heart bypass, he is disqualified from driving for three months.

cited reason of why people fail when it comes to reaching their health goals.

When we can take a step back and look at the bigger picture, we can see it isn’t a lack of willpower that does people in, it is the decision to use willpower in the first place. Willpower is not only among the weakest of mental forces, but in most people it actually fatigues with continued use.

Why focus so much energy on making ourselves not do things? It’s mentally draining and doesn’t really make you happy. Focus on what you CAN do!

For example, instead of focusing on not having a bowl of ice cream before bedtime, focus on the blueberries and yogurt you GET to have. Make sure you’re prepared. If your gym bag is packed and waiting for you in the car, you won’t have go through the struggle of leaving the house again once you get home.

Set yourself up for success so willpower doesn’t even have to enter the equation.

ED SARGEANT

1003 Gateway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-250-1788

Q: WHAT IS AN EXPLAINER VIDEO? A: Explainer videos are short, fun videos

that take complex topics and break them down into bite sized bits of information that viewers find easy to understand.

These videos are often animated, setting a lighthearted tone.

Explainer videos are usually 1-2 minutes long, making them friendly for the digital user’s short attention span. The videos can be featured on websites, social media, digital advertising or even shortened for television. Since they’re animated, have a longer shelf life than live-action videos, which become dated quickly. Details within explainer videos are easily edited without incurring the cost of reproducing the entire ad.

According to the BrandWatch Blog, on mobile devices alone, YouTube reaches more 18-49 year olds than any broadcast or cable television network. Creating an engaging explainer video for your organization and launching it on YouTube and other digital media is a great way to reach this important audience.

Chamber Connection | 25

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CHAMBER Perks Gorder New Nurse Practitioner at Sanford Health

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Dakota Media Access Welcomes Smith

Dakota Media Access has added a new member to it’s team. Benjamin Smith was recently hired as a Production Specialist. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from Metropolitan Benjamin Smith State University of Denver.

He has worked in various media for the past six years as a producer, editor, and videographer. He is a native of Colorado.

Teresa Gorder, NNP, is now a neonatal nurse practitioner at Choice Financial Sanford Health in Bismarck.

Hires Erhardt Gorder works in the Sanford Kyra Erhardt recently Teresa Gorder, NNP Birth Center, proving routine joined Choice Financial as a newborn care and working Frontline Customer Service with newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Representative.

She received her bachelor’s degree from University of Outside of banking Erhardt is Kyra Erhardt Mary in Bismarck, and received her master’s degree also HIPPA and CPR certified. from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. Prior to her She is an animal lover and new role, Gorder worked as a registered nurse in the enjoys spending time with her chocolate lab and cats Sanford Birth Center for 12 years. outside of work.

Bismarck Aero Center Hires New Flightline Technician

Christopher Radke comes to Bismarck Aero Center as a fulltime Flightline Technician. As a Bismarck native, he is a former Christopher Radke graduate of Bismarck High School and has over 10 years of working experience in property maintenance and customer service. Radke is also passionate about his service in the ND National Guard where is at a rank of Specialist. He has been serving for seven years now and is looking forward to continue serving for years to come. Radke’s experience in the National Guard has helped him develop his hands-on skills and grow his self-confidence.

Radke is coming to the Flightline Department very excited to start learning about our business and become part of the team. His hard-working demeanor and positive attitude will make him a great fit within our BAC family.

Hogue Joins AARP North Dakota Staff

Wendy Hogue of Mandan has joined the staff of AARP North Dakota as senior operations

Marco is proud to announce Diane Hansen has recently associate. the promotion of Todd Erne to joined the North Dakota Office

Hogue will have primary Vice President of IT Solutions. of State Tax Commissioner as responsibility for managing

Since January 2016, Erne had an auditor in the individual the business operations of the assumed the role of Director income tax and withholding AARP state office in Bismarck.

Wendy Hogue of Sales, based in the St. Louis section. She brings the North

Hogue comes to AARP from Park, Minnesota office of Marco.

Dakota Office of State Tax USDA Rural Development, Todd Erne Erne, a 15-year veteran with Commissioner prior experience Diane Hansen where she worked as an administrative office Cisco, said he regularly worked working as a financial associate in Bismarck. with Marco on solutions for customers, leading to a consultant and in customer service.

Hogue earned a bachelor’s degree from Valley great relationship.

Hansen is originally from Waterloo, Iowa and City State University, an American Management Continuing growth is a main goal for Erne as he currently resides in Bismarck. She obtained her Association Certificate in Leadership from Dickinson steps in as VP of IT Solutions, with plans to push Marco bachelor of business administration degree in State University, and a Financial Management accounting from the University of Hawaii – Honolulu, over the $1-billion mark. Erne worked as a Unified Certificate from Cornell University.

Hawaii. She was previously a certified public Communications Specialist and Account Manager She is a native of Dazey, N.D. accountant (CPA) in Texas and has applied for a license prior to becoming a Regional Manager. transfer to North Dakota.

Marco Names Erne As Vice President Of IT Solutions

26 | Chamber Connection

Hansen Joins Office of State Tax Commissioner

www.bismarckmandan.com Hogan Elected Chair of AARC Board

Christine Hogan was elected chair of the Abused Adult Resource Center (AARC) Board of Directors during the nonprofit’s annual meeting today at Bismarck State College’s Energy Center.

Christine Hogan Hogan is the staff attorney for the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project.

Other officers elected were: vice chair, Mary Miller, Vice President, Communications & Creative Services, Basin Electric Power Cooperative; secretary, Anne Jones, vice president Mary Miller for Human Resources, MDU Resources Group Inc.; and treasurer, Dave Clark, Executive Vice President, BSC.

Board members re-elected for three-year terms were Tamara Barber, Associate Vice President for Finance & Operations, BSC; Mike Lund, manager Anne Jones of Herberger’s Department Store; and Justin Currie, vice president-corporate controller for BNC National Bank.

Other board members are Aruna Seth, founder of the Ghandi Peace Network of North Dakota; and Kevin Stadler, senior vice president Dave Clark for commercial lending at BNC National Bank.

Honored as Volunteer of the Year for 2016 Karen Dockter, who volunteers at the Seeds of Hope Thrift and Gift Store operated by AARC.

Robert Black Appointed to North Dakota Cares

On November 15, 2016, Governor Jack Dalrymple appointed Robert Black, to serve as an executive committee Robert Black member on North Dakota Cares. Robert’s appointment was effective December 1, 2016. Robert is employed

by CHI St. Alexius Health and serves as the CEO/ administrator of Linton Hospital and Clinics.

Robert retired from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2000. He currently serves the U.S. Army Reserve in a volunteer capacity as the U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador (ARA) for North Dakota.

Army Reserve Ambassadors carry a protocol status equivalent to a Major General. He is completing his tenth year as an ARA.

Widmer Roel Hires Boateng as a Staff Accountant

Selorm Boateng has joined the audit department of Widmer Roel, a public accounting and business Selorm Boateng advisory firm with offices in Bismarck, Fargo and Hazen.

Boateng as a staff accountant provides audit and accounting services.

She has a bachelor’s degree and MS degree from The University of North Texas – Denton.

Sanford Nurses Receive Certification

Nikki Malmedal, Kayla Muth, Melissa Wiege and Maggie Seamands have all received certification.

Malmedal, BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA, is now a board certified registered nurse first assistant by the Competency and Credentialing Institute. Malmedal works in the surgery department at Sanford Health in Bismarck. She has been with Sanford Health for eight years.

Muth, BSN, RN, OCN, is now a board certified oncology nurse by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Muth works in the infusion center at Sanford Health in Bismarck. She has been with Sanford Health for four years.

Wiege, BSN, RN, CEN, is now a board certified emergency nurse by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Wiege works in the emergency department at Sanford Health in Bismarck. She has been with Sanford Health for two years.

Seamands, MSN, RN-BC, is now a board certified case management nurse by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Seamands works in the case management department at Sanford Health in Bismarck. She has been with Sanford Health for 10 years.

Edgewood Management Group Celebrates Recent Executive Director in Training Program Graduate

Edgewood Management

Group celebrates the fourth graduate, Matthew Thompson, from its Edgewood Senior Living Executive Director in Training Program. Matthew was recently named the new Matthew Thompson Assistant Executive Director of Edgewood Vista in Mandan, ND. The Executive Director in Training Program is an intensive educational experience designed specifically to provide individuals with a broad base of operational knowledge and skills for leadership as a licensed Executive Director in an Edgewood Assisted Living and Memory Care community. The program exemplifies and ensures Edgewood’s commitment to the Standards of Excellence and Core Cultural Values for the best possible outcomes in terms of quality and value for our customers and financial success for our investors.

Thompson is excited to join the Edgewood Vista Mandan team in April.

EMC Insurance Announces Promotions and New Hires in Bismarck

EMC Insurance Companies announces two promotions and new hires within the Bismarck Branch leadership team.

Erica Berg has been promoted to underwriting manager. Berg joined EMC in 1997. Through her tenure with the Bismarck Erica Berg Branch, she has held a number of different underwriting positions. Most recently, Berg held the position of underwriting supervisor of the Oregon and Idaho underwriting team. She holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), the Associate in Commercial Rachel Kuntz Underwriting (AU), the Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) and the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations.

Rachel Kuntz has been promoted to underwriting supervisor. Kuntz joined EMC in 2007 and has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications DJ Campbell with an emphasis in public relations from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She most recently held the position of senior underwriter, writing a majority of her book of business in Oregon. Kuntz has the CPCU, AU and AINS designations.

DJ Campbell has accepted the position of administrative Brooklyn Beehler services manager. Campbell attended Bismarck State College and has more than 16 years of leadership experience. He will oversee human resources, accounting, information technology and facilities functions within the branch.

Brooklyn Beehler has Bailey Thomas accepted the position of claims representative. Beehler attended Bismarck State College and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Minot State University.

Bailey Thomas has a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management from Utah State Kristin Barth University. During college, Thomas was a student athlete who played baseball and later became a student manager for the university.

Kristin Barth has a bachelor’s degree in education from Dickinson State University. Most recently, she was the office manager at Kapla Dental. Prior to that, she worked with large businesses as a senior credit and collections consultant with CenturyLink.

Chamber Connection | 27

COMMUNITY

NEWS Sanford Welcomes New Radiology Director

ASK-A-PRO PERKS Herzog Named Top 50 Kids Teacher

by U.S. Kids Golf

Michael Herzog, PGA Director of Instruction from Golf Etc. Mark Keller has joined Sanford Bismarck, has been named Health as the radiology director to U.S. Kids Golf’s annual list for Sanford Health in Bismarck. of Top 50 Kids Teachers. The Keller’s responsibilities include Mark Keller Award recognizes the world’s providing direction and most outstanding youth golf leadership for the radiology Michael Herzog instructors, and Herzog is part of department and ensuring a positive experience for a select group that earned Top 50 patients. Prior to joining Sanford Health, Keller worked in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area as an imaging director accolades among nearly 350 applicants.

Since 2004, U.S. Kids Golf has honored the best in both radiology and cardiology. youth golf teachers with the Top 50 Kids Teacher Award.

Applicants complete an online survey and winners are Bianco Realty Sales chosen based on their contributions to youth golf, such Awards as: experience young golfers; time devoted to teaching

Bianco Realty has named youth; innovation, creativity and fun in their programs; Shirley Thomas and Amanda communication; parental involvement; use of a wellGrosgebauer “REALTORS® of organized instruction program and overall effort to the Month”! Thomas and grow the game.

Grosgebauer had the most Shirley Thomas The Top 50 Kids Teachers of 2016 includes golf closed sales at Bianco Realty professionals from 26 states, Canada, England and for the month of January 2017.

Kenya. Each year, award recipients include teachers who Thomas has been a licensed work at public, private, resort and municipal courses.

REALTOR® since 2001 and Grosgebauer has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2014.

Markert and Fisher Joins DCN Team

Kelly Markert

Lisa Fisher

Kelly Markert has joined DCN as a sales support specialist.

She replaces Diane Heier who recently retired from the Fargo office.

Markert’s role includes providing support to the sales department for placing broadband connections throughout North Dakota and across the region.

Markert received an associate’s degree from Moorhead State Community and Technical College, and was previously employed by Sanford Health in

Fargo, North Dakota.

Lisa Fisher has been hired as a sales support specialist to assist DCN’s wholesale department at the Fargo office.

Fisher’s new role will involve working closely with wholesale carrier relations and her responsibilities will include responding to quotes, placing orders, and providing office support.

Fisher was previously employed as a sales support coordinator at Consolidated Communications in Fargo, North Dakota.

Amanda Grosgebauer

MARCH LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

Televised on Government Access, cable channel 2 & 602 HD.

Broadcast on KDAK 102.5 FM radio. Streamed online at www.freetv.org.

Mon, 6th

5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission 5:30 pm Mandan School Board *

Tue, 7th 5:30 pm

Wed, 8th 8:00 am

5:15 pm Thur, 9th

Mandan City Commission Burleigh County Water Resource District Burleigh Planning Commission

5:30 pm Morton County Commission *

Mon, 13th 5:15 pm Bismarck School Board

5:30 pm Mandan Park Board *

Tues, 14th 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission Thurs, 16th 5:15 pm Bismarck Park Board Mon, 20th

5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission 5:30 pm Mandan School Board *

28 | Chamber Connection

Tue, 21st 1:00 pm Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

5:30 pm Mandan City Commission Wed, 22nd

5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission

Mon, 27th

5:15 pm Mandan Planning Commission

Tue. 28th

5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission 5:30 pm Morton County Commission *

Thurs, 30th 3:30 pm Burleigh County Social Services

5:15 pm Bismarck School BoardMeetings are replayed several times on the Government Access channel and are available for viewing online (Watch on Demand) at www.freetv.org. * Delayed Playback

www.bismarckmandan.com

Welcome new members

The Chamber of Commerce encourages all members to do business with each other. The following companies and organizations have recently made an important investment in their business by joining the Chamber. Please consider them for your professional and personal needs.

To find a complete listing of Chamber members, view the Member Directory online at www.bismarckmandan.com.

Kaelberer Construction 1800 40th Ave. SE Mandan, ND Mitch Kaelberer (701) 663-5313 Locally owned business providing excavating, site preparation, sewer & septic system installs, demolition, hauling & snow removal.

Platinum IT Consulting Bismarck, ND Klyde Whitman (701) 202-9444 From network support to ERP consulting, Platinum IT Consulting provides professional, reliable business solutions tailored to range from the end user to IT Management.

Zonta Club of Bismarck Bismarck, ND Lori Hoherz (701) 401-9000 Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Maid to Sparkle, LLC Bismarck, ND Leann Huether (701) 590-0218 We are locally owned, licensed, and insured. We are in the business to make your place SPARKLE! We don’t cut corners...we clean them!

NEED SPACE? Co-Locate With North Dakota’s Leading Data Center Provider DCN’s co-location services are the best in North Dakota. Period. 24/7 monitoring ensures your data and equipment are safe, secure, and protected. Our new data center addition is now open, and suites are available.

• 99.999% Network Uptime

• State-of-the-Art Security

• Uninterruptible Power Supply

• Redundant HVAC Units

• 24/7 Customer Access

• And Much More!

Reserve your safe, secure, and protected space by calling DCN today!

Bismarck and Fargo 800-814-3333 www.DakotaCarrier.com

Carrier Ethernet | Co-Location/Data Center | Cloud Computing | Dedicated Internet Access | Data Storage & Recovery

Chamber Connection | 29

Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon cuttings are conducted by a committee of Chamber volunteers called Ambassadors. Businesses qualify for a ribbon cutting if they open, move, and remodel, are under new ownership, change their name, or offer a new product or service. To schedule a ribbon cutting, please call Amanda Schwieters at 701-223-5660 or email aschwieters@bismancc.com.

TAYLOR MADE BBQ Adam and Kendra Taylor, Owners at their new business on 316 W. Main Street in Mandan. Phone: 701-751-4497. Member.

NORTH DAKOTA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Pete Silbernagel, John Vastag, CEO, and staff at their new location and name change unveil at 2401 46th Ave. SE Ste. 203 in Mandan. Phone: 701-258-4728. Member.

FAMILY WELLNESS CENTER Taija Bohn, Director and Board of Directors at their new business on 2700 46th Ave. SE in Mandan. Phone: 701-751-9723. Member.

HOUSE OF COLOR Gary Hanson, President and staff at their business expansion on 2100 E. Broadway Ave. in Bismarck. Phone: 701-223-2381.

Member.

DAKOTA CARRIER NETWORK

SWEET TREATS BAKERY

Seth Arndorfer, and the board at their business expansion on 4202 Coleman Street in Bismarck. Phone: 323-3000. Member.

Anne Hummel & John Iron Necklace, Owners at their new ownership on 118 N. 4th St. in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-3993.

Member.

30 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

NISHU BOWMAN ARCHERY CLUB Bob Shannon and NBAC Board of Directors at their new club expansion on 1409 Riverwood Dr. in Bismarck. Phone: 221-3529.

WSB & ASSOCIATES Bret Weiss and staff at their new office on 4501 Coleman Street.

Ste. 205 in Bismarck. Phone: 989-7871. Member.

BUFFALO WINGS & RINGS Al and Mary Hauck, along with staff at their new business location on 4424 N. 15th St. in Bismarck. Phone: 701-222-4297. Member.

DK ORTHODONTICS Dr. Dan Keith and staff at their new business on 4401 Coleman Street, Ste. 105 in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-8444. Member.

NOTHING SHOULD BE SCARIER

Not Even Starting a Business This is your year. With a full suite of banking, insurance and wealth-management services, American is here to help you face your fears and change your perspective. You aren’t flying into a trap.

Between you, a lender, agent and advisor, you’ve got eight eyes and eight legs. Now weave a web to catch incoming opportunities.

American. Right Here. Right for You.

WeAreAmerican.com Chamber Connection | 31

Bismarck-Mandan ChamberConnection 1640 Burnt Boat Drive P.O. Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502

Upcoming Chamber Events ECONOMIC Outlook Forum

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Date: Thursday, March 16, 2017 • Time: 7:00am - 11:30am Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center – 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck MARCH MEMBERSHIP MIXER: GREENLIGHT SYSTEMS Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Greenlight Systems – 1365 Tacoma Ave Suite #1, Bismarck

ECONOMIC Outlook Forum Presented by: Join the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce for our half-day seminar featuring panels of professionals, in a variety of different industries that will discuss Bismarck-Mandan’s business performance.

APRIL MEMBERSHIP MIXER: KIRKWOOD MALL Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Kirkwood Mall – 706 Kirkwood Mall, Bismarck CHAMBER SPRING MIXER Date: Thursday, April 13, 2017 • Time: 5:00pm - 7:30pm Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center – 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN PROJECT PRESENTATIONS Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2017 • Time: 8:30am - 11:30am Location: Chamber of Commerce –1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center 7:00am - 11:30am Purchase tickets online at www.bismarckmandan.com