April Chamber Connection

CHAMBER CONNECTION Bismarck-Mandan

April 2017

EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS Giving back to move your business forward

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North Dakota Tourism North Dakota sees great Return on Investment

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Member Profile BeBizzy Consulting LLC

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Chamber Spring Mixer The annual Spring MIxer is around the corner.

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............ Independent Consultant 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

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CHAMBER NEWS

Economic Outlook: A View from the Capital Time to Register for Something Sweet Celebrating Bismarck-Mandan

CHAMBER EVENTS

Membership Mixer: Kirkwood Mall Chamber Game Day Series Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Graduation

COLUMNS Chair's Corner

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FEATURES

Cover Story 4 Member Profile 12 Ask-A-Pro 32 Chamber Perks 34 Chamber Ribbon Cuttings 38 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58502 701.223.5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com CONTACT INFORMATION Content: The Chamber - 701.223.5660 rrattei@bismancc.com

Advertise: Chelse Simon csimon@bismancc.com

MISSION STATEMENT: Leaders for prosperity. Advocates for business.

Chair's Corner

S

pring finally seems to be closer to making a grand entrance in Bismarck-Mandan. The seasons changing gives us a chance to look forward to a great Chamber calendar and programs on the near horizon.

I want to start by recognizing the Chamber staff and Starion Bank for producing a fantastic Economic Outlook Forum in March. The Forum and word on the street as well as from my vantage point at the head table, it was the best.

We broke attendance records and had a quality agenda that had everyone talking.

Ron Eidshaug,Vice President, Congressional & Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, gave our Chamber a great compliment when he wrapped up his presentation by saying he wished more local Chambers were as engaged as the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber in federal advocacy issues. We should be proud to help set the standard for other Chambers.

The State Legislature continues to work through bills and we will continue to be your voice on those issues that our Government Affairs Committee has identified as priority. In addition, we also weigh in with other business organizations when appropriate to have more influence on the policy makers.

The Board of Directors took their monthly meeting off site for the first time in a while, as NISC hosted our group early one Wednesday morning. A benefit of being active in the Chamber and on our Board is the opportunity to host a gathering and share your business’ story with other Board leaders. Thanks to Vern, Jasper and NISC for your gracious hospitality!

Finally, on a personal note, I have accepted an early retirement package from Aetna and will be looking for another career challenge in the future. I am grateful to have worked with a quality company for so many years and with so many outstanding professionals. Part of my enjoyment came from being active in the Chamber of Commerce, the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan program and other opportunities that presented themselves through the Chamber.

I’ll remain an active member and serve as your Chair through the year as an independent consultant. I’ll also be able to attend more events and meet more of you!

Until next month, I hope to see you at an event soon, like the Spring Mixer on April 13 or the Bismarck Larks “Game Day” social on April 20!

Yours in Success,

- Brenda (Not Retired Forever) Nagel Chair, Board of Directors

twitter.com/bismanchamber facebook.com/bismanchamber @bismanchamber

Chamber Connection | 3

FEATURE

EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS: BUSINESSES GIVE BACK

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

When all of the businesses in Bismarck-Mandan join forces on a single day of volunteering, the impact is greater than any single business could make.

In 2016 Missouri Slope Areawide United Way’s Day of Caring brought together 1,009 volunteers from more than 100 local businesses. People volunteered 8,072 hours at 43 local non-profits, parks and schools to complete 150 projects in Bismarck-Mandan and surrounding communities.

In 2016 Missouri Slope Areawide United Way’s Day of Caring brought together 1,009 volunteers from more than 100 local businesses. Pictured: Glance Spa & Salon

“It’s more about the community coming together to have a greater impact than we could do on our own,” said Jena Gullo, Executive Director of Missouri Slope Areawide United Way.

A company might have an auditor that wants to volunteer but wants to do the exact opposite of their day job. Or a company might have someone who wants to offer their professional marketing skills in volunteering.

Gullo said United Way’s Day of Caring helps decrease the expenses of their non-profit center, and it connects volunteers and businesses with non-profits throughout the community.

“It’s really important to understand what the goals and values of the business are, and we’re able to align that with the goals and needs in the community,” Gullo said.

“The perk about Day of Caring is that working together as a team strengthens employee morale, and it also promotes customer relationships,” Gullo said.

“Customers see that you are helping and caring for the community.”

For businesses looking to give back to the community, United Way offers professional consultation through their corporate volunteerism program. The corporate volunteerism program seeks to best connect a company and fill needs in the community.

Gullo asks the company to consider questions: What type of time commitment can they offer? How many people? What are their interests? Are there specific skills a company wants to offer?

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Gate City Bank

When Gate City Bank participates in United Way’s annual fundraising campaign, they kick it off with a full week of events. Last year employees had the opportunity to throw a pie in their manager’s face. They also played Bingo for paid time off and NDSU football tickets.

“We like to make it fun when we’re asking people to donate money,” said Christa Schwartzenberger, Senior Personal Loan Officer and Assistant Vice President for Gate City Bank.

Schwartzenberger serves as one of the employee volunteer coordinator with Gate City Bank and United Way. Employees at Gate City Bank are encouraged to volunteer, and they are allowed to do it on company time. Schwartzenberger said there are no limits.

In 2016 Gate City Bank employees volunteered 12,700 hours. On average, that’s 22 hours per employee.

www.bismarckmandan.com “With our philosophy, we want to give back to the community,” Schwartzenberger said. “It’s not just giving back financially; it’s giving back our time. We’re a community bank.”

Gate City Bank partners with Giving Hearts Day, an annual event in February that raises money for non-profits throughout the state. Gate City Bank donated $55,000 to charities nominated by the public at the bank’s locations.

Local non-profits Northern Plains Dance, Heartview Foundation and The God’s Child Project received $2,500 each.

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Schwartzenberger said it helps that the encouragement to volunteer comes from the executive leadership team.

Everyone from the company president to part-time tellers takes the opportunity to volunteer.

“Obviously we have to be here to help customers, but if we can we definitely want to get out into the community and help,” Schwartzenberger said. “It’s definitely one of the perks of working here.”

Continued on Page 6

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In 2016 Gate City Bank employees volunteered 12,700 hours. On average, that’s 22 hours per employee

701.255.1091 | w w w.eid eb aill y.com Chamber Connection | 5

FEATURE Agency MABU

When Agency MABU gives back to the community. They look to their skillset — marketing and communications — and offer those skills to the community.

For the past seven or eight years, Agency MABU has run their Marketing Good Works campaign. Non-profits don’t usually have the financial resources to hire a fullservice marketing firm, so they apply through Marketing Good Works. Usually three non-profits are selected to receive communications and marketing services from Agency MABU that they couldn’t otherwise afford.

“Marketing Good Works is something that we’ve really embraced as a company to produce marketing materials on a pro bono or low cost basis,” said Mike Mabin, Owner and President of Agency MABU. “Before opening Agency MABU I worked for over 20 years at St. Alexius for the Benedictine sisters of Annunciation Monastery,” Mabin said. “During that time, I learned the value of giving to others. (We) adopted that giving spirit and hired teammates who share that value.”

KLJ staff members help pack food for families in need.

6 | Chamber Connection

When Agency MABU was founded, they would get requests for proposals from non-profits. Agency MABU would send out proposals, but the non-profits would decline because they didn’t have the resources. Mabin said Agency MABU has always taken on pro bono projects, but Marketing Good Works formalized the process.

“If you’re doing good works, if you’re contributing to the betterment of our community, let us know what your needs are,” Mabin said.

Agency MABU puts out a call to non-profits once per year and usually selects three or four projects. The majority of Marketing Good Works projects are in Bismarck-Mandan, but some are executed through Agency MABU’s Washington DC office as well.

“It was really out of a desire to give back,” Mabin said, “a desire to help spread the word of good works, especially with organizations that didn’t have the means to do so.

“We’ve adopted the slogan, ‘Our mission is to advance your mission’ so we’re very mission oriented as an organization. That all goes back to my days at St. Alexius as working for a mission-based organization.”

www.bismarckmandan.com

North Dakota Guaranty & Title

With 12 locations across North Dakota and Minnesota, North Dakota Guaranty & Title encourages their branches to give back locally. For the past three years, the company has held a volunteering competition across branches.

“Our local team and offices, they know the needs of their community much greater than I,” said Nick Hacker, President of North Dakota Guaranty & Title.

North Dakota Guaranty & Title promotes a volunteering competition among their 12 locations across North Dakota and Minnesota.

The Mandan and Bismarck locations volunteered through United Way with the Little Black Dress campaign and Day of Caring. They also served 16,452 meals last summer to children in need. Minot organized a blood drive. Grand Fork assisted the local human society with their efforts to shelter homeless dogs. In western North Dakota, teams sewed hats and gloves for children in need in the oil patch and worked with the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry program.

“It’s important to our company that we help those in need in our local communities,” Hacker said. “We care deeply about our team, and we care deeply about the communities we serve and those in need. The oil boom hasn’t been great for all people, and this is a way for us to show our support to those in need.”

Last year the company fed 10,000 families including 5,000 children and raised roughly $20,000 for local North Dakota charities. Hacker said the company donates $100,000 annually based on 62 years of giving.

He said this is a characteristic of North Dakota Guaranty & Title that Myron Atkinson adopted when he founded the company.

Their corporate team examines all entries, videos and pictures from branches and judges their volunteering work based on creativity, participation and overall impact. The winning branch is awarded an additional $3,000 to give to the local charity of their choice. “(The competition) was really established to do simply more than donate hours,” Hacker said. “It was established as a way to engage our team members in giving back to their local communities.”

Chamber Connection | 7

FEATURE

NORTH DAKOTA TOURISM EXAMINES RETURN ON INVESTMENT

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

Last year kicked off big for the North Dakota Tourism Division with actor Josh Duhamel launching the state’s tourism campaign live on the Today Show. Duhamel, a North Dakota native, partnered with the Tourism Division on the North Dakota Legendary ad campaign to promote the state.

North Dakota isn’t accustomed to marketing itself.

“We continue to need to educate local North Dakotans on the value of tourism,” said Sara Otte Coleman, Director of the Tourism Division, “because some of them don’t really understand what we have to offer for tourism.”

The Josh Duhamel ad campaign generated 1.6 billion impressions, including online views, television and print. The campaign generated 51 million out-of-home impressions, including billboards in Minneapolis and Milwaukee. A wall-wrap in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport was on display from May-December, with an estimated 24,263 travelers passing by each day.

The main markets for North Dakota are our neighbors.

Minnesota and Wisconsin are the top two. South Dakota, Montana, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are targeted as well.

Fox Sports North has been a partner for a number of years with North Dakota marketed during Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee “A lot of our visitors are looking for a road trip, so targeting close to home makes a lot of sense with the Brewers games. limited dollars that we have,” said Sara Otte Coleman, Director of the Tourism Division.

“I think sports is kind of a natural connection for us,” Otte Coleman said. “We’re more of that outdoorsy destination, so we align well with sports.”

Photo Credit: Karly Palczewski

Although the Tourism Division hasn’t typically advertised in the fall, an endof-year partnership with the Minnesota Vikings developed in 2016.

8 | Chamber Connection

Otte Coleman said U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings, is a major destination among the state’s target markets for tourism. The Tourism Division bought in-stadium advertisements, running ads on scoreboards and image ads on screens throughout the stadium. On Vikings. com the tourism division ran a registerto-win campaign giving away trips across the state in cities like BismarckMandan, Fargo and Minot. At the end of the year, Otte Coleman said their top promotion was people clicking over from Vikings.com to the North Dakota tourism website.

www.bismarckmandan.com New research based on mobile tracking technology was deployed this year. Arrivalist is technology designed for the tourism industry. The technology tracks users who click on North Dakota ads, are exposed to the ads or visit NDTourism.com. When those users travel to North Dakota, the cookie tracking technology shows the location of their arrival.

Arrivalist showed the bulk of interest in North Dakota is in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Chicago. 2016 was the first year Chicago was targeted as a market, and Otte Coleman said Chicago had one of the highest returns on investment they have seen.

Data from Arrivalist showed most visitors enter North Dakota by car. Arrivalist generated 13,000 verified arrivals, which is estimated to be a 30 percent sample digitally motivated arrivals.

“A lot of our visitors are looking for a road trip, so targeting close to home makes a lot of sense with the limited dollars that we have,” Otte Coleman said.

Even if residents in neighboring states don’t choose to visit North Dakota, Otte Coleman said tourism marketing has benefits.

“People who had seen our advertising, even if they didn’t come here, they ranked us much higher in terms of places to live or start a career or retire,” Otte Coleman said. “We really are an image developer too, which is really going to help businesses be successful.”

Photo Credit: ND Tourism

Continued on Page 10

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Chamber Connection | 9

FEATURE Neighboring states, where North Dakota Tourism advertises, are also our competitors.

Otte Coleman said neighboring states market the same places we do but with double the money.

North Dakota Tourism - Return on Investment

“Because our budget is so much smaller than all of our neighboring states, that makes us work hard, be strategic and focus on return on investment,” Otte Coleman said.

North Dakota is also partnering with neighboring states, the same competitors, to market North Dakota tourism internationally. Rocky Mountain International is a consortium of states that works to bring international tourism to the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains region.

Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota — and now North Dakota — market together under the Real America brand.

North Dakota had minimal involvement in Rocky Mountain International for many years, because the state didn’t have the budget or the clout as a tourism destination to warrant full partnership. The tourism division worked on its own to establish contacts in Nordic countries, Norway, Sweden and portions of Germany.

Two years ago North Dakota Tourism Division became a full partner, bringing their contacts in Nordic countries to the consortium. In turn, this has opened up United Kingdom, Italy, France, Australia and the Benelux countries as new international markets.

“People don’t normally come from Australia to come into Bismarck for a day or two,” Otte Coleman said.

“They want to come and see a swath of country.”

International tourists are more likely to hit main destinations first — California, New York, Florida.

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Credit: ND Tourism

“After that, they want the real story,” Otte Coleman said, “that’s part of why the Real America brand was born.

They’re interested in cowboy culture, Native American culture and the wide-open spaces we have.”

Wyoming has the lion’s share of international business in the consortium, but Otte Coleman said they have reached a saturation point.

“Yellowstone National Park has reached a saturation point,” Otte Coleman said. “They have no more packages to offer. It might be only one night in Yellowstone, but they want to keep visitors in the region.

We really stand to benefit from the relationships that they’ve developed over 30 years. We’re kind of the new kid on the block.”

Now, an international tour may include Yellowstone National Park, Deadwood, S.D., and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

In May, Bismarck-Mandan will be hosting the Rocky Mountain Roundup, which rotates among the four states of the consortium. The roundup will bring 50-60 international tour operators to meet with 90 destination marketers from North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Events will be held throughout the city, and one-on-one prescheduled meetings with all operators in attendance.

“I’d much rather sell North Dakota in Germany, internationally, than in New York City,” Otte Coleman said. “There’s a fascination with us internationally that you don’t always find here in the country”

www.bismarckmandan.com

Chamber Connection | 11

CHAMBER

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Photo Credit: Karly Palczewski

Marv Dorner started BeBizzy in 2009 and has been full-time since 2015.

MEMBER PROFILE Featuring Marv Dorner

BEBIZZY CONSULTING LLC

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

A: I’ve been married to Sharon for almost 24 years, my daughter, Bry, is attending MSUM, and have two dogs that serve as my co-workers. Being a sole proprietor I understand the challenges other business owners face every day. So by publishing blog posts, podcasts and social media information I’ve become a followed voice that straddles the business and tech communities.

BeBizzy Consulting is dedicated to making websites and digital marketing achievable for ANY sized business.

Outside of BeBizzy, I also own BeLoud Entetainment, a local wedding DJ service, and am very active in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.

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Q: Briefly tell us the history of BeBizzy Consulting.

A: BeBizzy was formed over eight years ago when a COO position I held with another company was being eliminated due a company purchase. I was working on websites and social media marketing in addition to my full-time jobs. But when I left a local advertising company in January 2015 to go full-time with BeBizzy it’s grown to hosting over fifty websites for clients from Boston to San Diego, managing several social media accounts, and working with global companies like Verizon Wireless, Ford Motor Company, and Yamaha Music.

www.bismarckmandan.com Q: What differentiates BeBizzy Consulting from its competitors?

A: I come from a managerial and operational background, so I look at websites and digital marketing from a different perspective than a creative person might. Sometimes the “mold” doesn’t fit for a particular company, so we build a different one.

Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted BeBizzy Consulting?

A: Directly, not much. But as I managed and worked at other businesses, I saw a tightening of the available workforce. And service offerings in many categories increase significantly in the last few years.

Q: What industry trends are taking place?

A: Websites are making a quick move to “mobile-first.”

Last year over 50% of the web traffic to websites were by phones and tablets, that’s very significant. If your site isn’t friendly to mobile devices you stand a risk they will go to the competitor regardless of your target demographics.

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

A: I’m in an industry that is constantly changing as technology moves. Fixing computers has gone from replacing hardware to upgrading and repairing software issues. Search engine optimization changes almost daily, so digital sites and marketing methods have to follow along.

aQ: What does the future of BeBizzy Consulting look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: We are in the process of taking over the hosting and maintenance of nearly fifty websites along with our current hosted and developed sites, so that’s a big jump. We’re also working on a large membership site, a Wordpress plugin, and more for properties under the BeBizzy umbrella. So lots of fun, new initiatives being worked on in 2017.

Q: BeBizzy Consulting became a member in 2016, why did you decide to join the Chamber?

A: I’ve been a representative for a number of companies in the Chamber for several years, and now that I’ve finally fully struck out on my own, it was a logical step for me to join for the networking opportunities, and to work with the other Chamber members to make Bismarck-Mandan a better place to live and conduct business.

Q: What should Chamber members know about BeBizzy Consulting that may assist them?

A: BeBizzy specializes in building and launching websites in on an accelerated timeline. The platform used is very versatile, quick to set up, and automatically responsive to mobile devices. Follow my tips and information on Twitter (@bebizzy) where I have over 165,000 followers, subscribe to the BeBizzy Break Podcast, or contact me at BeBizzy.com.

Starion Bank welcomes

Bob DeWald

as Bismarck Market President Bob DeWald has been in the banking industry for more than 20 years.

His extensive experience as a commerical and agribusiness banker makes him a great partner for small businesses and large enterprises.

Please call Bob at 250-1494 to talk with him about reaching your goals.

333 N 4th St | Bismarck starionbank.com Member FDIC

Chamber Connection | 13

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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM: A VIEW FROM CAPITOL HILL On Thursday, March 16th, the BismarckMandan Chamber of Commerce along with Starion Bank and the University of Mary hosted our 5th Annual Economic Outlook Forum at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Bismarck, ND.

Over 260 members attended our half-day forum. We started the morning with a warm breakfast and a lovely invocation from Dr. Peter Huff, Director of University Ministry and Professor of Theology, University of Mary’s Associate Professor of Business, Karel Sovak, announced the results of the the Economic Outlook survey to a full room on Thursday, March 16th. at the University of Mary. Opening the forum, Dean Gorder, After a short break, Molly Herrington, with KLJ, Executive Director of North Dakota Trade Office, a moderated our Industry Panel featuring: Mark Hagerott private-public partnership dedicated to expanding Chancellor, ND University System; Amy Hullet, Vice North Dakota’s global trade opportunities through President, North Dakota Association of Realtors; advocacy, education and expertise, gave our members Matt Sagaser, Director, Doosan/Bobcat Innovation an overview of the state’s trade industry. North Dakota Accelerated and Kurt Schley, President, CHI St. Alexius trades around the world – one gap is the continent of Health. Overall, 2016 was a great year in most industries.

Africa. North Dakota Trade Office is currently working Housing had another record high in Bismarck – Mandan. with Angola in Africa to establish a relationship. Also, There was growth in technology and automation for ND ranks 9th in the nation with $4.502 billion in manufacturing, and those technology advancements, agricultural exports in FY 2014. assist the health care industry, making patient records easier to, safer and more secure to share electronically.

Immediately following our opening keynote, Shane Goettle, with Odney, moderated our legislative Also, ND achieved top rank in entire nation for higher discussion. The individuals on this panel were education graduation rates. Unfortunately, budget Representative Al Carlson, House Majority Leader; has really taken a huge hit on higher education which Representative Corey Mock, House Minority Leader; is directly impacting the workforce education and and Senator Rich Wardner, Senate Majority Leader. the finding of qualified employees. Health care and One of the main topics that stood out this session is the manufacturing are also watching closely the bills in priorities for budget. The questions they are facing are regards to funding education, because it is important to sustainability, balancing budgets and what adjustments make sure funding is available for health care services need to be made now. However, as Carlson stated, “The and skilled labor. TrainingND is an important program sky is not falling, we’re still generating a lot of revenue.” for Doosan/Bobcat and they too want to make sure those programs continue to get funded.

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www.bismarckmandan.com Karel Sovek, Associated Professor of Business with the University of Mary, followed with the reveal of our survey results from the local business community.

Topics highlighted were business changes from 2012 – 2016, expected changes for 2017, positive and negative factors affecting performance, unemployment, stats and much more. Our results are posted online at bismarckmandan.com and starionbank.com. You can also receive a publication with more details at the Chamber office.

The closing keynote, Ron Eidshaug, Vice President, Congressional & Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shared his insight from Capitol Hill on the national issues impacting businesses.

Regulatory reform, the impact of the new presidential administration and the effect government has on the condition of the economy were among the topics discussed.

Ron Eidshaug, Vice President, Congressional & Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shared Infrastructure funding and his insight from Capitol Hill on the national issues impacting businesses. the options available was also a point of discussion, with an emphasis on supporting long-term economic growth and increased accountability.

Presenting Sponsor:

Production Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor:

Table Sponsors: Amy Hullet - Century 21 Landmark Realty,

Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association, Capital Credit Union, Doosan / Bobcat, First International Bank & Trust, Great River Energy, KX News, NISC, United Tribes Technical College and University of Mary.

Chamber Connection | 15

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TIME TO REGISTER FOR SOMETHING SWEET Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan is around the corner on June 17th and it’s time to register area youth for a fun learning experience.

Parents, Mentors, Teachers and Youth Leaders are encouraged to register their youth online at http:// bismarckmandan.lemonadeday.org. or to attend one of the following Registration Special Events to learn more about the program and play some fun lemony games:

• April 3rd, Lemonade Day Kickoff Event: Simle Middle School; 5:30pm – 7:00pm • April 4th, Lemonade Day Kickoff Event: Mandan Middle School; 5:30pm – 7:00pm • April 13th, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce Spring Mixer: Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center 5:00pm – 7:30pm

Once registered, each participant will get a confirmation email that they should print and bring to one of the Kickoff Events or at any of the following Backpack Pickup Locations, beginning April 5th: • Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck • Bank of North Dakota Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm 1200 Memorial HWY, Bismarck • Mandan Brave Center Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm 901 Division St NW, Mandan • Raging Rivers Water Park Monday – Thursday from 8:00am – 5:00pm Fridays from 8:00am – 4:00pm 2600 46th Ave SE, Mandan

Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan will be June 17th; our goal is to register 500 youth who in turn will start new businesses all across Bismarck and Mandan - on a single day.

Empower today’s youth to be tomorrow entrepreneurs!

If you are interested in learning more, or have any questions, please contact David Leingang at dleingang@bismancc.com or call the Chamber at 701-223-5660.

Main Squeeze Sponsors:

Fresh Squeeze Sponsors:

May 24, 2017 - Bismarck Event Center 5:30-9:00 PM The event will feature Andrew Zimmern, host of Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods". Andrew will share his story of overcoming homelessness and addiction to becoming a world-renowned chef, global traveler and TV personality. The event will showcase local food and will include a VIP Meet & Greet and live auction!

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Media Sponsor:

Lemon Head Sponsors: American Bank Center, Bismarck Aero Center, Doosan/Bobcat, Eide Bailly LLP, Exploring Leadership Soulutions, First Western Bank & Trust, Northern Improvement, Co., Mr. Squeegee Window Cleaning, Inc., Superpumper Inc., Trademark Realty, Inc., University of Mary - Tharaldson School of Business, Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network.

Celebrating Ruth Meiers' 30 years of serving the homeless in Bismarck/Mandan.

Tickets start at just $35!

BISMARCK-MANDAN

Visit www.ruthmeiers.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

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 & Conference Center 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.

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!

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LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN: STATE AND CHURCH LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT DAY With the North Dakota Legislature in assembly, Leadership BismarckMandan spent a full day at the legislature on Feb. 15.

With the issue day happening right before crossover break, the class was treated to action during the floor session of the House of Representatives. The day prior, a bill relating to autism health care coverage had failed by one vote.

Through parliamentary procedure, the bill was brought back to the floor and debated again by Representatives. The bill passed the House during this second Gov. Doug Burgum meets with the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class during Legislative & Political Involvement Day on Feb. 15. attempt to gain passage. The class was hosted by Rep. George Keiser, District 47, one of the founders of OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING: the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan program.

Presenting Sponsor: FAITH, VALUES & ETHICS DAY The final issue day before the class divided to work on field projects was Faith, Values & Ethics Day, held at University of Mary on March 1.

Gold Sponsor: The issue day touched on faith, values and ethics with a morning panel on “Our Expanding Faith Community,” a Values Identification Exercise and a lecture on Ethical Decision Making by Dr. David Echelbarger, University of Mary.

Program Sponsors:

BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®

During the faith community panel, Dr. Jon Hanson, pastor of Truth Fellowship Live Church, spoke on starting a small church of 60-70 families, operating out of a storefront to avoid building debt and broadcasting their services as part of their mission. Karen Van Fossan, Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship & Church, spoke on the congregation serving as a gathering place for various faiths, including Hindu, Buddhist and Baha’i.

Mohammed and Karim Ibrahim reported that the Bismarck Muslim Community Center has had its own building for more than a year now, and continues to grow as it serves the needs of Bismarck-Mandan’s Muslim community.

18 | Chamber Connection

Binder Sponsor: Capital Trophy Legislative & Political Involvement co-chairs: Karie Mischel – Starion Bank Jason Anderson – Bank of North Dakota Karalee Harper – Touchmark Faith, Values & Ethics co-chairs: Melissa Artlip – University of Mary Teresa Grothe – Aetna Breakfast/Lunch Sponsors: Starion Bank (Legislative & Political Involvement Day) Touchmark (Legislative & Political Involvement Day) Perrie Schafer, Schafer Financial Group (Faith, Values & Ethics Day) Melissa Artlip and Teresa Grothe (Faith, Values & Ethics Day)

CELEBRATING BISMARCKMANDAN On September 14th 2017, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce will honor local businesses and their accomplishments for the 13th annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan Award Ceremony.

From now until June 2nd, we will be accepting nominations for the following awards: New Entrepreneur of the Year • Must be a Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Member • Evidence of success as measured by sales and profits (backed by P&L statements and Balance Sheet for the past 3 years) • Increased employment opportunities created by the nominee’s business • Development and/or utilization of innovative or creative business methods • Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth • Social responsibility/Community service • Obstacles/challenges, or adversities the nominee has overcome • Can be existing business with new owner, as long as new owner has shown innovation, changes in organization, growth, etc.

Small Business Person of the Year • Must be a Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Member • Staying power — a substantiated history as an established business; including: o Number of years in business. o Sustained expansion, addition of territories, growth in square footage occupied. o Steady growth in net worth as evidenced by total assets less total liabilities on fiscal year end annual balance sheets over three years.

• Growth in number of employees — a benchmark to judge the impact of the business on the job market. o Sustained over a minimum of three years. o Increase over the three years must be in excesses of growth in Gross National Product.

• Increase in sales and/or unit volume — an indication of continued growth over the last three years.

www.bismarckmandan.com

www.indigosignworks.com

DESIGN

FABRICATE

INSTALL

SERVICE

Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth and Profitability • Must be a Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Member • Been in Business at Least 5 Years in the Area • Growth in Revenue by an Average of 20% in the last 3 Years • Had a growth in the number of employees Deadline for nominations is June 2nd.

You may nominate a qualifying business by going to the Chamber website at www.bismarckmandan.com/pages/ExcellenceinBusinessCommittee or by contacting Dave at 701-223-5660 or dleingang@bismancc.com.

Please join us on September 14th, 11:00am at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center.

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GOLDEN HONOR FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE MILITARY

The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee works to increase community awareness and support of service members, veterans and their families in the area. One of the ways the committee is able to accomplish that mission is by awarding the Golden Eagle. An award that honors appreciation of military support, the Golden Eagle is given to a Chamber member who has an active record of military support through community involvement and business interaction in the Bismarck-Mandan area.

Between now and June 2nd, nominations will be accepted for consideration by the Military Affairs Committee. After the deadline, the committee will narrow down the list of nominees to five candidates, who will then be interviewed by the committee to gauge levels of commitment each organization has to the military and its personnel. The winner will be announced at the annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan award ceremony, September 14th, 2017.

Chad Johnson Bismarck Market President

20 | Chamber Connection

Lindsay Kinnischtzke Loan Assistant

So, if you have the right Chamber member in mind, please submit a small paragraph (250 words or less) on why they should be awarded the Golden Eagle!

What should be considered in submitting nominations?

1. Why is the military important to this organization?

2. How does this organization currently support their efforts or how they’ve supported the military in the past?

3. Why do you feel it’s important for businesses to support the military, and how does this organization fulfill that?

Nominations must be received at The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce office by June 2nd, 2017.

Forms are available at our website, www.bismarckmandan.com/pages/MilitaryAffairs or by emailing dleingang@bismancc.com.

Submit any nominations to David Leingang at dleingang@bismancc.com.

Richard Keller Vice President-Business Lending

www.bismarckmandan.com

CHAMBER HONORS OUTSTANDING TEACHERS The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce has officially closed nominations for the 2017 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award!

#1 Teacher

For 30 years, educators in Bismarck and Mandan have been receiving the Crystal Apple, which is a symbol for outstanding passion and accomplishment in the teaching field. Primary, secondary, or higher education teachers all qualify for this award by meeting the following requirements: 1. Nominees should have demonstrated a sense of dedication to their students and their profession.

2. Nominees should have demonstrated a spirit of classroom innovativeness.

3. Nominees should have the respect of their students, peers and the staff with whom they work.

4. Nominees must have at least 51% of their working time directed to student instruction.

Five winners of the Crystal Apple will be selected by the Business and Education Partnership Committee, and are awarded at special surprise events. Those five awards go to a primary educator in both Bismarck and Mandan, a secondary educator in both Bismarck-Mandan, and an individual from higher education institutions from around our area.

But the work is not done yet! We need Students, parents, business professionals, principals, friends, and other teachers to submit letters of support and recommendation for the nominee of their choice.

Letters of support must be received at The BismarckMandan Chamber of Commerce office by April 14th, 2017. They may be mailed to: 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503, or emailed to dleingang@bismanncc.com.

Program Sponsor:

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MEMBERSHIP MIXER: KIRKWOOD MALL Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Location: Kirkwood Mall

Between Bath & Body Works and Torrid 706 Kirkwood Mall, Bismarck

Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend

Chamber members are invited to attend this month’s Membership Mixer hosted at Kirkwood Mall in the space between Bath & Body Works and Torrid on Thursday, April 6 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm. The easiest access is from door 4 or door 2. 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 local favorite, A&B Pizza, and viewing the season’s top looks from the retailers’ 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.

R VE NE

GIVE UP .

ONE HRIVE.DA Y FINDT AT A

YOUR

OWN

PLACE.

BELIEVEGS ALL THIN

ARE POSSIBLE.

LOVE FOREVER.

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 Join us this month for the 17th Annual Chamber Spring Mixer on Thursday, April 13th at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center. This event runs from 5:00pm – 7:30pm and is open to the community, Chamber members or not; so grab your family, friends and coworkers, and enjoy an evening of awesome networking opportunities, chances to win some great door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and visit festive booth exhibits.

More than 600 people typically attend and browse through nearly 60 local business booths. Attendees will also have the opportunity to vote for the best decorated Spring Mixer booth. The winner will receive one FREE booth space at the Chamber Holiday Mixer on Tuesday, December 12th!

Booth space is still available but limited. Contact Amanda for more details on sponsorship opportunities by emailing aschwieters@bismancc.com.

CELEBRATE project HOPE WITH US! WEEK OF MAY 1-5, 2017

TIME. IVE

A POSIT

ATTITUDE IS CONTAGIOUS.

FOLLOW

YOUR HEART.

Join area businesses in supporting project HOPE, a community wellness event providing awareness about prevalent cancers in North Dakota as well as prevention and wellness information.

AS LONG AS THERE IS

HOPE, .

THERE IS JOY IN LIVING

LAUGH OFTEN. LIVE AS A SURVIVOR.

LOVE EVERY MOMENT.

IF YOU STUMBLE,

MAKE IT PART OF THE DANCE.

ALWAYS FIND

A REASON TO

.

SMILE HOPE

DON’T LOSE WHEN IT GETS DARK, THE STARS WILL

COME OUT. HAVE NO REGRETS.

22 | Chamber Connection

CELEBRATE

LIFE.

AND ABOVE ALL...

MAKE EVERY

MOMENT COUNT.

project HOPE

BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

2017

EMBRACE

LIFE.

Register online at bismarckcancercenterfoundation.com

www.bismarckmandan.com

CHAMBER GAME DAY SERIES Date: Thursday, April 20, 2017 Location: Dakota Community Bank & Trust Field 303 West Front Ave, Bismarck

Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend

The Bismarck Larks will be holding a Chamber “Game Day” social on Thursday, April 20th from 4:30pm – 6:30pm for Chamber members to have an exclusive opportunity to meet the Bismarck Larks team, and learn more about the wonderful opportunities available for this summer’s season.

Don’t miss the opportunity to receive tours of the Bismarck Larks new ballpark, a chance to win some awesome Larks gear, sample some of their mouthwatering premium ballpark items and cool off with some tasty refreshments. Not only will this be an awesome chance to network, but you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase your “Chamber Special Offer $35 ticket” for the Larks game opening night on Tuesday, May 30th!

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: MCQUADE DISTRIBUTING CO Date: Thursday, May 18, 2017 Location: McQuade Distributing Co., Inc.

1150 Industrial Dr. Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend

Mark your calendar and save the date for May’s Membership Mixer! On Thursday, May 18th McQuade Distributing will be hosting our Membership Mixer at their location at 1150 Industrial Drive in Bismarck from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. This event is always a wonderful opportunity to network and enjoy an array of cool refreshments distributed by McQuade Distributing Co. So grab a friend or two, and enjoy sampling the latest beers and a chance to get some great new swag!

RSVPs are appreciated and can be done by emailing Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com.

RSVPs are appreciated and game be made by either going online to www.bismarckmandan.com/events or by emailing Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com.

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LEADERSHIP BISMARCKMANDAN GRADUATION Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Location: Baymont Inn & Suites

2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Admission: $25.00 Presenting Sponsor:

Join us Wednesday, May 24 at Baymont Inn & Suites with the 28th class of leaders as they graduate from the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan program. You are invited to attend and celebrate the Class of 2017. Registration and networking begin at 11:30am, lunch and program at noon.

Leadership Bismarck-Mandan, Class of 2017: Jarrod Auer, Kirkwood Bank & Trust Sheri Berogan, MDU Resources Group Sheena Fetzer, NISC Erin Green-Grom, Sanford Health Foundation Marla Hagemeister, Bismarck State College Lesley Icenogle, Gateway to Science Dawn Kleppe, KFYR TV Robyn Krile, Bismarck Police Department Jennifer Lang, Bank of North Dakota Annette Martel, Dickinson State University – Bismarck Theresa Moravec, Aetna Cody Remboldt, Montana-Dakota Utilities LeNeika Roehrich, CHI St. Alexius – Mandan Wendy Van Duyne, Bartlett & West Josh Villbrandt, HIT, Inc. Wade Wall Jr., Starion Bank LeAnne Westgard, American Bank Center Gold Sponsor: MDU Resources Group Program Sponsors: Bartlett & West, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, KLJ Table Sponsor: Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Alumni Association The cost for attending is $25.00 per person and includes lunch. Register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/ events or by calling the Chamber at 701-223-5660.

24 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

AT THE

FRIDAYS AT THE CHAMBER

So You’re Saying You Work With Small Businesses?

Yup!

Date: Friday, June 9, 2017 Location: Chamber of Commerce Patio 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Admission: Free to Attend Presenting Sponsor: Spring may have just started but everyone at the Chamber is super excited about SUMMER! Another thing we are excited about is our first member appreciation luncheon and we cannot wait to serve you!

We appreciate your membership and all your support throughout the year, so please stop in and accept our small token of appreciation. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Daniel Companies, we are able to bring this event to you for FREE! Join us and other fellow members for a fun and informal way to network on Friday, June 9th from 11:30am – 1:00pm on our beautiful Chamber patio! We will be serving brats, pulled pork and a choice of sides along with cool refreshments.

When it comes right down to it, all you have to do is remember one thing about us: we just love giving loans to businesses like yours.1 Stop by our Main Office today, and ask about the Small Business Administration (SBA) programs available for your

Please RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com/ events or by calling Amanda at 701-223-5660.

business expansion, start-up or purchase.

HHHHH

Top SBA Lender In North Dakota 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

204 W. Thayer Ave., Bismarck • 255-0042

It’s Not Just Business. It’s Personal.

www.capcu.org 1

Based on credit approval. Federally insured by NCUA.

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FBI HONORS SANFORD HEALTH DAKOTA CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton of the Minneapolis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is pleased to announce that the Sanford Health Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center has been named as the local recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2016. This is the first time in the award’s history that an organization in North Dakota has received the award.

The Sanford Health Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) is committed to improving the Jessica Ahmann and Shannon Hilfer received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award on behalf of response to child abuse and works Sanford Health Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center. From left: Craig Lambrecht, MD; Jessica Ahmann, DNP; to reduce the trauma experienced Shannon Hilfer and Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton of the FBI. by child victims of abuse as they navigate the legal, investigative, uses a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach social services, and mental health systems after an to investigating child abuse. Professionals from social allegation of abuse. The DCAC offers its comprehensive, services, law enforcement, prosecution, victim advocacy, compassionate services free of charge to children and and the medical and mental health communities come families who have been affected by abuse. The center together under one roof so that children have to tell of their abuse only once.

CREATE YOUR

SMILES

WITH US

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

1700 E. Interstate Ave, Bismarck 701-222-GRIN • www.polished-dental.net 26 | Chamber Connection

The award specifically recognizes the work of two dedicated professionals at the DCAC, Jessica Ahmann, DNP, and Shannon Hilfer. Ahmann has worked closely with child victims throughout the comprehensive full medical examination process. On several occasions, her examination and collection of information through an informal interview led directly to the identification of perpetrators who were later held accountable for their crimes committed against children. Shannon Hilfer served as the forensic interviewer for many of the child victims from the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Her patience, empathy, and interviewing skills were notable during numerous investigations in which she was able to glean valuable information from a victim, often with little or no time to prepare for the interview.

The Director’s Community Leadership Award was established in 1990 by the FBI to publicly recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond the call to service by making extraordinary contributions to their communities in the areas of civil rights, terrorism, cyber, drug, gang, or violence prevention and education.

A NEW STUDY SHOWS PROGRESS AND SETBACKS FOR NORTH DAKOTA WOMEN A recently released report titled North Dakota’s Women 2016 offers a statistical view of women living in North Dakota. Researchers compiled data on demographics, education, economy, health, violence and safety, and political participation to create a snapshot of the status of North Dakotan women compared to North Dakotan men, women in neighboring states, and women across the U.S. The state has seen dramatic population changes due to economic growth since 2004. The findings of North Dakota’s Women 2016 report show notable progress for the state’s women, especially in the areas of education, business ownership, and labor force participation. The rates of racial and ethnic diversity have increased as well. Most North Dakotan women report excellent health statuses and vote in higher rates than elsewhere in the U.S. However, the report also notes that there have been drawbacks amidst the advancements. The earnings gap between North Dakotan women and men has increased in the last ten years; in 2014, women earned roughly 73 cents for every dollar earned by men. North Dakota ranks 39th in the representation of women in state legislature and no women of color hold elected office. Women still represent a clear majority of victims of sexual abuse or domestic assault in the state.

www.bismarckmandan.com

STARION BANK NAMES STREBE PRESIDENT Starion Bank has named Arnie Strebe president, with Craig Larson continuing in the roles of CEO and chairman of the board for the bank.

As CEO and chairman of the board, this change in organizational structure allows Larson to focus on developing the overall strategy and vision for Starion Bank while Strebe handles the day-to-day operations of the bank.

Strebe joined Starion in April 2015 as chief human resources officer, bringing more than 30 years of senior-level leadership success at global companies in multiple industries. Equally important to Larson was Strebe’s 20 years of experience in family-owned businesses.

Strebe, a North Dakota native, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Minot State University and a master’s degree in education from Jones International University, and is a graduate of the Senior Human Resources Program of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He also served in the United States Army and North Dakota Army National Guard, graduating with honors from numerous military schools.

“The report is an instrumental resource for all North Dakotans to see the path forward for women and girls in North Dakota,” says Renee Stromme, Executive Director of the North Dakota Women’s Network. “At the Women’s Network we really look forward to having conversations about the data and how we all can work together to address the identified disparities.”

The report was prepared by lead researchers at the North Dakota Compass at the Center for Social Research at NDSU for the North Dakota Women’s Network. Its aim is to inform legislators, leaders, interest groups, activists, and North Dakota’s residents about the challenges and opportunities that affect women in the state.

For more information about the North Dakota Women’s Network, please visit ndwomen.org.

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4TH ANNUAL KEEP BISMARCK BEAUTIFUL CLEAN-UP DAY The City of Bismarck and Bismarck Parks and Recreation District are pleased to sponsor the 4th Annual Keep Bismarck Beautiful Clean-Up Day on Saturday, April 29th from 9:00am - 12:00pm.

Volunteers are asked to meet at North Central Park located at 830 Central Avenue to request or be assigned specific locations to clean up. Trash bags and vests will be provided. Please bring gloves, wear long pants and comfortable shoes.

Local business are encouraged to participate by cleaning up trash around buildings, parking lots and landscaping throughout the year.

Spread the word! If you can’t make it during this time, schedule your own clean-up time in a neighborhood of your choice. Community service hours are available for high school students. Donuts and water provided for workers. For more information, contact Deb Seminary at seminarydeb@gmail.com.

CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH RANKED IN TOP TEN FOR LOWEST READMISSION RATES

Readmissions to a hospital after a previous hospital stay is one category of data used to evaluate the quality of hospital care. Recently, CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck was notified its readmission rate of 13 percent placed the hospital in the top ten nationally for the lowest readmission rates. Data were pulled from CMS’ Hospital Compare website.

According to the most recent data from CMS’ Hospital Compare website the national 30-day rate of readmission after hospital discharge is 15.6 percent.

“We are proud of the steps we have taken to reduce our hospital readmission rates,” said CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck President Kurt Schley.

“If you’ve been treated at a hospital the last thing you want is to be readmitted for recurring symptoms or complications,” said Dr. Charles Allen, chief of medical staff at CHI St. Alexius Health. “We developed a multidisciplinary team-based approach to educating patients regarding self-care and implemented evidence-based practices to lower our rate of readmissions all while continuing to provide high quality safe patient care.”

This is the fifth year of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. The federal agency released this year’s results in January of 2017. CMS examined hospitals’ 30-day readmission rates for seven conditions: heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia, chronic lung disease, hip and knee replacements and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

FIND YOUR NEXT

ADVENTURE

BY EXPLORING A NEW ACTIVITY

Register today! bscenrichment.com

CETI-066-0317

28 | Chamber Connection

This is the first time in the five years of the readmission reduction program that CABG surgery was included in the tally.

REHABILITATION COUNSELORS RECOGNIZED FOR CONNECTING PEOPLE TO JOBS The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation counselors take work seriously. During the 2016 federal fiscal year, state vocational rehabilitation counselors provided individualized counseling and guidance to connect 3,371 people with disabilities to training, education and other employment-related services. They also helped 537 people become employed.

www.bismarckmandan.com

Let’s show the world what we can do together.

Day by day. Project by project.

Together we’re bridging what’s possible and moving the world forward.

Division Director Russ Cusack said counselors are motivated by helping others achieve their goals, and they deserve the recognition traditionally bestowed

by Congress designating March 22 as National Rehabilitation Counselor Appreciation Day. The division also assists employers to retain workers experiencing vision loss, hearing loss, or other disabling conditions, and invests heavily in services for young adults with disabilities as they transition from high school to work.

Cusack said the division is pleased to support North Dakota’s workforce development efforts. He credited division staff, the strong work ethic of people receiving VR services, supportive employers and partner agencies, and North Dakota’s economy and low unemployment rate for contributing to the program’s success.

In addition to employment-related services, the division also funds centers for independent living, as well as the Older Blind Program for people age 55 and older.

For information about the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and local office locations, go online to www.nd.gov/dhs/dvr/index.html or contact the division at 701-328-8950, toll-free 800-755-2745, or ND Relay TTY 800-366-6888, or dhsvr@nd.gov.

Building a Better World for All of Us Engineers | Architects | Planners | Scientists

sehinc.com • 701.354.7172 Chamber Connection | 29

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OPEN ROAD HONDA EARNS AWARD IN LAS VEGAS

Open Road Honda in Mandan was awarded Honda Power Equipment Premier Dealer Status at a February Honda Power Equipment convention in Las Vegas. Of the 320 nationwide awards, Open Road Honda is the only North Dakota Honda Power Equipment dealer to receive this Dusty and Annette Behm-Caldwell at the recognition. A Honda Honda Power Equipment convention in Las Vegas.

Premier Dealership is a status awarded to dealerships who provide exceptional product service for all Honda customers and properly represent the Honda brand through best business practices and maintaining sales growth. Open Road Honda is a Honda Power Equipment, power sport and marine engine dealer in Mandan. www.BNCbank.com

Mobile Deposit

For Businesses too!

It’s as easy as 1 –2 – 3!

1. Deposit checks in your eligible account* using your Android or Apple® mobile device.

BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOL THANKS YOU! Contributed by Tamara Uselman

Bismarck Public Schools says thank you for the community’s approval of the $57.5 million bond to expand and renovate Horizon, Simle and Wachter Middle Schools, as well as Bismarck and Century High Schools. Our secondary schools will now be able to serve students for decades into the future, based on current demographics.

Thank you.

BPS will let bids in March and will be in the ground this spring. Construction of these five projects will be staggered, allowing bond sales to be staggered so new bonds can replace retiring bonds. This plan will keep the 2015-16 debt service levy flat.

Our district expects to have middle school additions ready to open by the fall of 2018, and high school space by 2019, with all projects wrapping up in 2020, just ahead of the five year mark providing “just in time” space as the 1,500 more secondary students come to us.

This month, an 85-person community committee will review elementary space needs for the 400+ new elementary students coming to grades K-5 by 2021. Many of the committee members were part of the middle and high school planning process, so we have some continuity.

Others are new. Each school has one parent and one staff representative. We also have senior citizens, Chamber and BMDA members, other business people, realtors, city planners, etc. who will meet 3-to-4 times in April and May and bring some elementary space solutions back to the public and School Board for consideration.

The committee will consider small additions to existing K-5 schools, paid for with building fund monies. The committee must study possible micro-boundary changes in some areas of the city to move students to the new additions or to schools where we currently have space.

The committee will hold public meetings to gather input and then make recommendations to the School Board. At public meetings, the Board will fully review and discuss the committee’s recommendations and then vote on a plan.

2. Take a photo of the front and back of your check & submit.

3. Get confirmation for each successful deposit.

And it’s

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.

Member FDIC

30 | Chamber Connection

PERKS

But before we get to that, please let me say “thank you one more time” for the successful outcome to the March bond election for middle and high school space.

Stay tuned as we prepare for the influx of 1,900 students districtwide (K-12) by the 2021-2022 school year.

www.bismarckmandan.com

KUPPER AUTOMOTIVE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ANNUAL $1K READING GIVEAWAY

Kupper Automotive held its fifth annual “$1K Reading Giveaway” Facebook promotion during the month of February, where Bismarck schools and Mandan schools competed for votes for their schools to receive $1,000 for books and e-books in their school’s libraries.

Bismarck Motor Company (BMC) hosted the competition for the Bismarck schools and Kupper Chevrolet-Subaru rallied the Mandan schools through social media.

Solheim Elementary claimed the $1,000 prize to represent Bismarck and Red Trail Elementary received the most votes to win the prize for Mandan. Representatives from Kupper Automotive were able to visit each school and present the checks in person. ”We believe in giving willingly to and being actively involved in our community, and this is just one of the ways we live out the Kupper Automotive value of “Being Good Community Citizens.” - Bob Kupper, Dealer

Thursday, April 13, 2017

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

SILVER SPONSOR:

BOOTH SPONSORS: Anytime Fitness - Mandan BisMan Community Food Co-op Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck Larks Bismarck Parks & Recreation Burleigh County Senior Adult Center Chamber Military Affairs Community Options CommunityWorks North Dakota D&M Industries Dakota Foot & Ankle EAPC Architects Engineers Edgewood Vista

Forum Communications Printing Gate City Bank Gateway to Science Gold’s Gym Golder Associates Inc. Health Source of Bismarck South Independent Doctors PC iRepair Leingang Home Center Lemonade Day Liberty Business Systems Linn Schroeder Fitness McQuade Distributing Co.

Midwest Deck Company Missouri River Pages MSM Realty, Inc. ND Division of Vocational Rehab.

North Dakota ESPR New Vision Security Ramada Bismarck Hotel and Baymont Inn & Suites Spherion Staffing The Bismarck Tribune Thrifty White Pharmacy University of Mary Your Home Improvement Company

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

Chamber Connection | 31

COMMUNITY

NEWS

ASK-A-PRO

Perks

Ask a Pro with

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SARAH SCOTT

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

KERRY ARNDT

1355 Airport Rd, Bismarck, ND 58504 701-557-3698

Q: IT’S THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY Q: HOW DO I GET TIME LAPSE OR WEBCAM PHOTOGRAPHY AND I HIT A WALL. FEELING OF MY CONSTRUCTION SO TIRED, HELP! PROJECT? A: A midday slump is so common in A: Time lapse video is the joining of our fast paced yet sedentary lifestyles!

thousands of still photographs, taken at set intervals, from the same vantage point over long periods of time. Webcams establish a live video feed from your construction project. Both can be accessed online or embedded to your Reflect back to the last time you had website in order to see your project in that mid-afternoon slump: Did you drink enough water? Did you make time to eat real time. As technology has advanced, a balanced breakfast and a healthy lunch? the options, quality and costs for both Did you get away from your computer to technologies have improved, making them more feasible. stretch? Could you have taken the stairs instead of the elevator? Did you get a Although you can invest the time and restful night sleep? equipment to do it yourself, enlisting a professional construction camera There are a lot of factors that can lead to a midday slump but challenge yourself to service eliminates the learning curve and find a little “me” time and implement just maintenance that would be required one or two changes to fuel your body for throughout the life of the project.

Professional services are relatively more energy! cheap, use plug and play cameras, and offer added benefits like remote viewing, image archives, and zoom/pan capabilities. Commercial construction cameras are designed for harsh conditions and can be set up to use solar power and transmit via cell service when needed. At the end of your project, their professionals will edit and produce a final time lapse that is both interesting and all-inclusive.

We sit for long periods of time and often end our night watching TV. We choose convenience over a healthy diet and squeezing in a workout can often seem impossible.

32 | Chamber Connection

DR. RUSSO

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

Q: I HAVE HEARD HEAD AND NECK CANCER ARE ON THE RISE. WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR THIS TYPE OF CANCER AND WHAT DOES IT CONSIST OF? A: Everyone. It used to be that adults

over age 50 were diagnosed with this cancer more than anyone else, but more people are being diagnosed at a younger age. People who have smoked or used tobacco products and those who drink alcohol in excess are more prone to this disease. Some of these cancers are caused not by tobacco and alcohol, but by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Most adults have been exposed to HPV, however, only a small amount of people develop cancer from HPV. There is no current recommendation to screen for HPV.

Head and neck cancers start in the tissues and organs of the head and neck. They include cancers of the larynx (voice box), throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary glands. Most head and neck cancers begin in the squamous cells, which are cells that line moist surfaces such as those inside the head and neck.

Screenings consist of a dentist or doctor visually examining your head, neck and mouth to look for any masses, lesions or swelling. They’ll compare both sides of your neck for enlargement, while feeling your lymph nodes. They’ll also check your voice, as a raspy voice may be a sign of a tumor.

www.bismarckmandan.com

Ask a Pro with

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STEVE KELSCH

1661 Capitol Way, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-250-9400

Q: SHOULD WE HIRE OUR OWN IT PERSON OR OUTSOURCE? ANY SUGGESTIONS? A: This question almost always depends

on the size of your company. For a company with 100 or fewer employees/ workstations, the answer is almost always going to be to outsource based on cost alone. When you start getting over 100 employees the costs of outsourcing VS hiring will level out. I would argue that even if you need to pay a more to outsource, you should do it for the following reasons:

JUDAH GRANT, PT

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

Q: HOW DO I BEGIN A POSTOFFER EMPLOYMENT TESTING PROGRAM AND WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS? A: Companies use post-offer

employment testing (POET) to verify that employees can meet the essential functions of a job as a conditional offer of employment. The test includes the physical job demands that an employee must meet to perform the job safely.

One of POET’s major benefits is injury prevention. Fitting the right person to the right job can decrease workers’ • You don’t have to try to find and keep compensation claims and lost work a good IT person (those are few and time. A POET program can also help far between) the employer determine if reasonable accommodations can be made for • You don’t have to pay their benefits workers who are unable to complete • You don’t have to try to manage all essential functions of the job. If an someone where you have no idea employee does sustain a workers’ what they should be doing compensation injury, a POET program • You don’t have to send that person to can assist in accurately identifying training to keep up with the industry which portions of the job an employee can safely perform under restricted • You don’t have the expensive tools that an IT provider should/would have conditions.

A first step to establishing a program is • If you have a catastrophic loss to consult with an occupational medicine because your IT person was provider who is able to measure the job incompetent, the worst you can do through Job Analysis. Upon completion is to fire them. With a provider, you of a Job Analysis, the provider will be able can go after damages if they are to produce an accurate Functional Job negligent Description with corresponding post-offer • One person can’t know everything employment testing for each measured about IT. If they tell you they do, they job. are lying!

WARD SAYLER

1500 2nd Street NE, Mandan, ND 58554 701-663-9851

Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEASING A VEHICLE? A: To put it simply, when you buy a new

or used car, you pay for the entire cost of the vehicle. When you lease the new or used car, you pay for only a portion of the vehicle’s cost, which is the part you use during the time you are driving it. With leasing, you can consider vehicles that have more options, including the latest technology and safety features; trade in your vehicle for the latest model more frequently; and align the lease term to the vehicle warranty period for a greater peace of mind.

Here’s a few statements to consider about leasing. Leasing a new vehicle at a comparable price to purchasing a preowned vehicle is appealing. I may be able to include more add-on options in my lease vehicle than I might be able to afford if purchasing it. I prefer a lower monthly payment. I like to drive the latest model every few years. I drive a predictable amount of miles every year.

At Kupper Automotive, we’re here to help decide what works best for you in your vehicle-buying experience, and we like to keep things as simple and straightforward as possible. So, whether it’s leasing or buying, it’s good to have options.

Chamber Connection | 33

COMMUNITY

CHAMBER Perks United Printing Welcomes New Sales Staff

Joe Guches recently joined United Printing as a sales consultant. Originally from Montana, Guches attended Joe Guches Bismarck State College for a degree in graphic design and communications. He has over six years of sales experience in the Bismarck and Mandan area. Guches is a member of the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network.

Derek Lockrem became a Derek Lockrem member of the sales staff at United Printing in September of 2016. A native of Montana, Lockrem received his BS degree in General Ministry from Montana Bible College in Bozeman, MT. After moving to Bismarck in 2012, he went on to attend the graphic design and communications program at Bismarck State College.

With a commitment to serving the customer and a keen eye for design, Lockrem hopes to be a valuable member of the United Printing team for years to come.

Capital Credit Union Receives SBA Director’s Award Capital Credit Union recently received the 2016 Director’s Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s North Dakota District Office. The credit union has received this award seven times since 2009.

34 | Chamber Connection

ASK-A-PRO

NEWS

PERKS

KK BOLD Celebrates Hove’s First 20 Years as Creative Director

Clayton Hove, KK BOLD creative director, recently marked 20 years as the advertising agency’s lead creative talent.

Hove has led KK BOLD’s creative department in Clayton Hove numerous award-winning campaigns for casinos, banks, tourism entities, museums and retailers. Originality, coupled with an unmatched knowledge of the advertising industry, make Hove the ideal creative director for an agency that places a high premium on boldness.

Brown and Schlittenhard Named to Leadership of CHI St. Alexius Health Physician Enterprise

CHI St. Alexius Health, Bismarck has named Dr. Michael Brown and Dewey Schlittenhard as leaders of its recently formed Physician Enterprise.

As a practicing cardiothoracic surgeon and current President of CHI St. Alexius Health Heart and Lung Clinic, Brown will assume the new role as Chief Dewey Schlittenhard Medical Officer of the Physician Sanford Nurse Receives Certification Enterprise. Schlittenhard has been with CHI St. Alexius Health for 18 years and was recently the Chief Christina Smith, BSN, RN-BC, is now a board Operating Officer for the organization. He will now certified medical-surgical nurse by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Smith works in the home become the President for the Physician Enterprise.

CHI St. Alexius Health is home to a group of highly health department at Sanford Health in Bismarck.

She has been with Sanford Health for three years. skilled physicians and is the largest health care delivery system in central and western North Dakota.

The development of the enterprise will expand Wingerter Receives the role for physician involvement in strategic and Professional operational functions of the health system.

Registration The Physician Enterprise will be governed by an

Nate Wingerter of WSB, operating council comprised of chairpersons of each a creative engineering and medical specialty division within CHI St. Alexius design solutions firm, has Health. The council’s role and responsibility will be to successfully completed the focus the organization on maintaining high quality Nate Wingerter requirements to become outcomes and excellent patient satisfaction. a professional registered engineer in the State of North Dakota. Wingerter’s Bianco Realty Sales Awards experience includes on-site inspection in linear Bianco Realty has named Shirley Thomas and Judy highway and municipal settings, as well as design Maslowski “REALTORS® of the Month”! Thomas and for the NDDOT, MnDOT, and various private and Maslowski had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty municipal clients in North Dakota and Minnesota. for the month of February 2017. Thomas has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2001 and Maslowski has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2007.

Dr. Michael Brown

www.bismarckmandan.com Cornerstone Bank Welcomes Bouley

Grant Bouley has joined Cornerstone Bank as a Home Mortgage Consultant in

Bismarck. Originally from Grand Forks, Bouley holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice Lindsay Kinnischtzke from the University of North Grant Bouley Dakota and a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University. He has nearly 10 years of experience with the U.S. Army, most recently as a Lead Planner/Project Manager and as a Military Training Officer.

From pre-qualification to closing the loan, Bouley will work alongside homebuyers to help them Carin Johnson achieve their home ownership dreams. In addition

to loan programs for buying a home, there are also programs for building, remodeling, or refinancing.

Cornerstone Bank offers first time homebuyer loans, conventional financing, construction loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, and Veteran’s Administration (VA) loans. Cornerstone is the home of two distinctive programs: the Military Salute program and the Community Hero program.

Ian MacDonald

Cornerstone Bank Promotes Metz

Heather Metz has been promoted to Lead Mortgage Loan Processor at Cornerstone Bank in Bismarck. Originally from Bismarck, Metz majored in Heather Metz Anthropology at North Dakota State University. She joined Cornerstone Bank as a Mortgage Loan Processor in March 2015 and has over 10 years of banking experience.

Sanford Re-Accredited as Primary Stroke Center

Sanford Health in Bismarck has been reaccredited as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.

This reaccreditation means Sanford was recognized

by The Joint Commission for providing excellent care to stroke patients. Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) services have the ability to transfer stroke patients to accredited hospitals such as Sanford Bismarck from the field or critical access hospitals within the region.

Sanford ensures there are ongoing performance improvement practices in place to make sure it meets The Joint Commission requirements and provides care to patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms.

Sanford is reaccredited as a Primary Stroke Center through June 2018. To learn more about strokes and the services Sanford offers for patients presenting stroke-like symptoms, visitsanfordhealth.org keyword: Stroke.

First Western Bank & Brooks Promoted to Lead Certified Trust Welcomes New Flight Instructor Staff

After being employed with

Lindsay Kinnischtzke joined First Western Bank & Trust as a Commercial Loan Assistant.

Kinnischtzke has several years of banking and title experience.

She is a native of Bismarck, she received her bachelors from University of North Dakota and her MBA from University of Mary. Kinnischtzke started in July of 2016 and we are pleased to have her join our Bismarck team.

Carin Johnson joined the team at First Western Bank & Trust in October 2016 as a Customer Service Representative and Teller. Johnson graduated from Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND with a degree in Business Administration and Finance Concentration. She comes to us with over 11 years of banking and management experience. She and her husband moved to Bismarck in October 2016. We are lucky to have you as a part of the Bismarck team.

Ian MacDonald has recently moved to Bismarck, ND to Erik Arnold join the First Western Bank & Trust team. He will continue his previous duties as Online Banking Specialist. MacDonald graduated from Minot State University with a degree in International Business and Business Management, he has been with First Western Sam Foss Bank & Trust since August of 2012. MacDonald and his young family are excited to be a part of the Bismarck Community.

Erik Arnold has recently joined the Bismarck team at First Western Bank and Trust as a Customer Service Representative/Teller. Arnold grew up in Dickinson, ND and received a degree from Dickinson State University. He recently transferred from our branch in Eden Prairie, MN in January 2017.

Sam Foss has joined our team. He serves as Vice President & Manager of Mortgage Lending for our Minot and Bismarck offices. Sam graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance and from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Washington. Sam has 27 years of experience in the financial industry. He has been on the Advisory Board of Community Works of North Dakota for five years and on the Advisory Board of Century High School Baseball for three years.

Bismarck Aero Center (BAC) for almost two years, Ray Brooks has been promoted to Lead Certified Flight Instructor.

Through his tenure with the company, he has proven his Ray Brooks dedication to the company’s values, professionalism, customer service and safety.

Prior to Bismarck Aero Center, Brooks spent 24 years in the United States Air Force, where he focused on mentoring and training others. While on active duty, he took advantage of opportunities to pilot himself in many interesting locations around the world. Brooks enjoys the challenge of working with different individuals to find their best learning style and adapting his teaching to maximize the training experience. He is also an active member of the Civil Air Patrol.

In his expanded role, Brooks will be responsible for providing flight instruction, leadership in managing flight student relations and oversight for the BAC rental aircraft. Brooks has been flying since 2011 and has shown a lot of excitement to take on his new responsibilities.

Integra Realty Group Top Producers

Integra Realty Group recognizes Amy Washkovick, Gail Flom & Pam Hanson as their Top Producers for 2016. Congratulations and thank you for all the professional services you provide to your clients.

Daniel Joins Daniel Companies

Taylor Daniel has joined Daniel Companies commercial real estate firm. Taylor recently graduated from NDSU College of Business with a marketing Taylor Daniel degree.

Daniel, a Bismarck native, earned his ND Real Estate license in 2014 and has interned as a commercial REALTOR the past two summers. He has also participated in the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Global Retail Real Estate Convention in Las Vegas the past two years and will be attending again in May. Daniel completed the ICSC University of Shopping Centers education program at Wharton School of Business of University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia last week.

Daniel joins Bill Daniel, Kyle Holwagner and Regina Crothers as part of the Daniel Companies Team.

Chamber Connection | 35

COMMUNITY

NEWS Starion Bank Names DeWald Market President

Starion Bank has named Bob DeWald president of the Bismarck market.

As market president, DeWald Bob DeWald is responsible for managing and growing the commercial banking portfolio in Bismarck. He supervises the business banking team to help them provide financing, leasing and cash management services to businesses and agricultural producers. He is also responsible for the leadership and professional development of the branch staff and representing Starion in the community.

DeWald has more than 20 years’ experience in banking. At his most recent organization, he led branch growth in total deposits, loans and assets. A seasoned commercial and agribusiness lender, he also managed a $40 million loan portfolio and is recognized as a leader on government loan programs including Small Business Administration and Rural Development.

DeWald earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D., and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. Most recently in Rapid City, S.D., DeWald was board president of the Black Hills Community Economic Development Association and active in a number of organizations including Boy Scouts.

ASK-A-PRO PERKS Wald Named Securian Financial Advisor of the Year for 2016

David Wald of Bismarck has been named Advisor of the Year for 2016 by Securian Financial Advisors of North Dakota. This award is given to the advisor based upon his production and service to his clients. He has Grant Bouley been with the firm since August 2008.

In addition to his professional successes, Wald is committed to community service and gives back in many ways. He serves as Chairman of the Board for Easter Seals/Goodwill of North Dakota, Board Member for Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, and as President of the Board for Dakota West Arts Council, which provides support and funding to arts organizations. He is also Past President for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Missouri Slope Chapter. Wald resides in Bismarck with his wife, Angella, and two young daughters.

Wald was also named the Advisor of the Month for January and February based upon his production and service to his clients.

Bianco Reality 2016 Awards Winners

Donlin Presented AARC Award

Dan Donlin

Dan Donlin, Bismarck’s Police Chief, was presented the Abused Adult Resource Center’s 23rd annual “Love Without Fear” award Feb. 14 at Pam’s House, AARC’s emergency shelter for battered women and

their children.

The award honors someone who has made a difference in the community regarding domestic violence. Presenting the award were Christine Hogan, chair of the AARC Board of Directors, and Diane Zainhofsky, AARC executive director.

Chief Donlin took over as Bismarck Police Chief in January 2013. According to Hogan, the chief has been instrumental in continuing the collaborative effort by law enforcement in this community to ensure victims of domestic violence receive justice and a coordinated system of care. He has shown exemplary leadership by bridging the gap in services for victims between the AARC and law enforcement. Chief Donlin’s continued level of commitment to providing victims of domestic and sexual violence with the best community response possible highlights the reasons the AARC has chosen to honor him, Hogan said.

Amber Sandness and Amy Asche have both earned Gilchrist is Appointed Securian Financial Representative Bianco Realty’s 2016 Rookie of the Year Award!

Sandness and Asche have been with Bianco Realty

Chad Gilchrist has been Century 21 Earns Awards since the start of their Real Estate careers in 2015. named a representative with Gerald J Schlosser, broker/owner of CENTURY Shirley Thomas has been presented with Bianco Securian Financial Advisors 21 Morrison Realty is pleased to announce that in Realty’s 2016 Top Producer Award! Thomas had the of ND, Inc, a financial services recognition of its outstanding sales production and most closed sales at Bianco Realty in 2016. She has firm affiliated with the Securian commitment to quality service, Century 21 Real Estate been a licensed REALTOR® since 2001 and has earned Financial Network. The firm LLC recently honored CENTURY 21 Morrison Realty the Top Producer Award eight years in a row! is located at 4431 Memorial Chad Gilchrist with the CENTURY 21(r) President’s Award.

Judy Maslowski, Darcy Fettig and Jim Jeromchek Highway, and serves Bismarck/ CENTURY 21 Morrison Realty is also pleased to are Bianco Realty’s 2016 Diamond Award recipients!

Mandan and surrounding Maslowski, Fettig and Jeromchek have been full-time communities. announce that in recognition of their outstanding sales production and commitment to quality service, REALTORS® with Bianco Realty since the start of their Chad Gilchrist has been hired by Securian Financial Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently honored Heather Real Estate careers.

Advisors of ND, Inc. He recently left his practice after Stromme, sales associate with CENTURY 21 Morrison 22 years as a Personal Financial Advisor in Bismarck.

Realty with the CENTURY 21® President’s Producer His new role at Securian will consist of training, Olney Receives Award. marketing and sales management with Securian Certified Financial Advisors of ND, Inc. Chad Gilchrist is also a Planner Certification Financial Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Kraus-Anderson Promotes Wilmes to Jody Olney, a financial advisor Representative with Securian Financial Services, Inc., North Dakota Director of Operations with Legacy Financial Partners, securities dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Kraus-Anderson Construction a financial advisory practice of Company (KA), one of the Ameriprise Financial Services, Sagsveen Promoted to Midwest’s oldest and largest Jody Olney Inc. in Bismarck, ND recently commercial general contractors Director of Laboratory obtained the Certified Financial and construction managers, has Planner certification. Olney successfully completed Operations promoted Ross Wilmes to North the rigorous requirements that include course work Amanda Sagsveen has Dakota director of operations. and a series of examinations covering financial accepted the director of In his new position, Wilmes Ross Wilmes planning, risk management, investments, tax laboratory operations position at will oversee the day-to-day planning and management, retirement and employee Sanford Health in Bismarck. As Amanda Sagsveen operations of the company’s North Dakota office. He has benefits, and estate planning. director of laboratory operations, served as senior project manager since 2014.

Individuals with the CFP® certification agree to Sagsveen oversees daily

36 | Chamber Connection

meet ongoing continuing education requirements and uphold the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct developed by the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards, Inc. Ameriprise Financial is a leader in financial planning with more CFP® professionals than any other firm.

operations of the Bismarck Medical Center’s clinical lab, pathology lab as well as the regional clinic labs in the Bismarck region. Prior to her new role, she worked as the manager of regional laboratories at Sanford Bismarck.

Sagsveen has been with Sanford Health for 16 years.

www.bismarckmandan.com Bismarck Aero Center Promotes Schneider

CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck Selects McDaniel as Corporate Responsibility Officer Bismarck Aero Center is happy to announce that Kaelin CHI has hired Randy McDaniel as the new

Schneider has been promoted to Lead Flightline Technician.

Over his last six months with Bismarck Aero Center, he has been able to quickly gain the respect of his peers Kaelin Schneider through a positive attitude and determined work ethic.

Aviation has always been a part of Schneider’s life. Growing up with his family’s aerial application business at the Rugby Airport, he learned what it means to work hard to get the job done. Schneider, along with his aviation work background, also has his Associate of Science in Business Management from BSC, private pilot’s license and just recently passed the written exam for an instrument rating.

Keller Joins Alliance Real Estate Alliance Real Estate is

proud to announce that Steve Keller has joined our team of professional REALTORS®. Steve is a former Marine and current contractor. He is excited to begin an exciting adventure in

Steve Keller

real estate.

KLJ Hires Kvarness

corporate responsibility officer (CRO) for CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck. In addition, McDaniel will serve as assistant regional corporate responsibility officer for CHI’s Fargo Division. As a corporate responsibility officer, McDaniel is responsible for executive oversight, and administrative management of all aspects of the CHI Corporate Responsibility Program (CRP) at CHI St. Alexius Health. In addition, he provides subject matter expertise and guidance on matters involving legal and regulatory compliance.

McDaniel brings a wealth of knowledge and many years of compliance experience to this position. After joining CHI in 2012, he served as the CRO for CHI Health Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln, Neb. Most recently, he served as the CRO for seven CHI Health Critical Access Hospitals in Nebraska and Iowa.

McDaniel graduated from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, with both a Bachelor and Master of Business Administration degrees. In 2009 McDaniel passed his Healthcare Compliance certification exam.

Sharlene Kvarness

College.

KLJ, an engineering, surveying and planning firm, hired Sharlene Kvarness in its Bismarck office.

Kvarness is an accounts payable specialist. She earned an associate degree in accounting from Rasmussen

Sanford Nurse Receives Certification Daniel Urbanec, BSN, RN, CCRN, is now a

board certified critical care nurse by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Urbanec works in the critical care unit at Sanford Health in Bismarck.

He has been with Sanford Health for six years.

Integra Realty Welcomes Walch

Integra Realty Group Inc.,

Stacy Walch

welcomes Stacy Walch to our team of professional real estate agents. Stacy has a sales background and will specialize in residential sales in the Bismarck-Mandan area.

APRIL 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 *

Mon. 3rd

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

Tue, 4th

5:30 pm Mandan City Commission

Mon, 10th

5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:30 pm Mandan Park Board *

Tues, 11th

5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission

Wed, 12th 8:00 am Burleigh County Water Resource District

5:15 pm Burleigh Planning Commission Thur, 13th

5:30 pm Morton County Commission *

Mon, 17th 5:30 pm

Tues, 18th 1:00 pm

5:30 pm

Mandan School Board

Wed, 19th

5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission

Thurs, 20th

5:15 pm Bismarck Park Board

Mon, 24th

5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:15 pm Mandan Planning Commission *

Tues, 25th 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission

5:30 pm Morton County Commission *

Wed, 26th 5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission Thurs, 23rd 3:30 pm Burleigh County Social Services

Meetings are replayed several times on the Government Access channel and are available for viewing online (Watch on Demand) at www.freetv.org. * Delayed Playback

Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board Mandan City Commission Chamber Connection | 37

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.

DAKOTA CHAPPY Chappy Windsor, Owner and Tara Haugen Manager at the new business on 559 S. 7th St. in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-0571.

Member.

PHOTO STUDIO BY ARLIEN DESIGN Ethan Arlien, Owner at his new business on 1207 W. Divide Ave Ste. 4 in Bismarck. Phone: 701-202-0916.

NORTH DAKOTA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Kevin Dvorak, President and staff at their new location on 711 Riverwood Drive in Bismarck. Phone: 701-222-8349. Member.

38 | Chamber Connection

KRAUS-ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION CO. Ross Wilmer, Project Manager and staff at their new location on 1815 Schafer Street Ste. 200 in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-7008.

Member.

EIDE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP OF BISMARCK Jesse Peterson, President and staff at their new ownership on 1112 Missouri Ave in Bismarck. Phone: 701-223-1170. Member.

MANDAN MEMORIAL Brandon Brandt and Holly Campbell, Owners at their new business on 122 E. Main Street in Mandan.

Phone: 701-226-2653.

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.

Premier Tax & Bookkeeping 919 South 7th Street Suite #607 Bismarck, ND Todd Klee (701) 258-1925 We offer bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation and business planning services to meet the needs of startups and small businesses through multiple industries, including agriculture.

The Pier (Gaplin Entertainment) 1120 Riverwood Drive Bismarck, ND Tiffany Galpin 701-751-4144 Nestled in Bismarck’s Southport neighborhood. This gem on the river has a summer patio with docks and fuel station for your boat while you enjoy food and drinks. Winter blues? We are open year round!

Pie of Life Consulting 418 N 2nd Street Suite #13 Bismarck, ND Mija Knudson-Hoge (701) 751-2400 Positive adult development and personal awareness consulting with an aim towards helping people identify and achieve personal growth and goals.

Bismarck Larks 121 E Rosser Ave Bismarck, ND Aaron Guerrero (701) 557-7600 Bismark Larks Baseball - Where FUN makes a difference.

Family Policy Alliance of North Dakota Bismarck, ND Mark Jorritsma (301) 456-6368 Family Policy Alliance of North Dakota works to advance biblical citizenship, equip and elect statesmen to office and promotes policy that supports the family.

First Choice Clinic 1120 College Dr. #204 Bismarck, ND Shelle Aberle (701) 751-4575 Expectant mothers deserve loving support, especially if the pregnancy is unplanned. FirstChoice Clinic, a nonprofit pregnancy resource center, offers free services to women and families, empowering them to make informed, healthy choices.

Capital City Motor Worx 1828 E Main Ave Bismarck, ND Mark Dahl (701) 250-9090 Quality pre-owned cars, trucks, SUV’s, exotics and motorcycles. Custom vehicle buying service -wholesale/ retail.

Jaba Lots 1307 Grumman Lane Bismarck, ND Nathan Stewart (701) 751-2360 Jaba Lots is a liquidation warehouse offering name brand merchandise and apparel at 20% to 65% off retail.

Chamber Connection | 39

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

Upcoming Chamber Events BISMARCK-MANDAN

BISMARCK-MANDAN

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

LEMONADE DAY KICK-OFF Date: Monday, April 3, 2017 • Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm Location: Simle Middle School – 1215 N 19th Street, Bismarck LEMONADE DAY KICK-OFF Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 • Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm Location: Mandan Middle School – 2901 12 Ave NW, Mandan 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

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GAME DAY SERIES Date: Thursday, April 20, 2017 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Dakota Community Bank & Trust Field – 303 W Front Ave, Bismarck

RAMKOTA HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER 5:00PM - 7:30PM Reserve your Spring Mixer booth, contact Amanda at 701-223-5660

DISCOVER THE {FULL} LIFE AT TOUCHMARK: • Stay in shape at the Health & Fitness Club • Feel secure with our professionally trained staff • Have fun in a friendly neighborhood • Thrive in our Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment Program™

Learn more or schedule a tour: 701-557-9289 • TouchmarkBismarck.com Experience maintenance-free living in a friendly and enriching community.

We’ve expanded! New Independent Living homes now open!

TOUCHMARK ON WEST CENTURY Full-service Retirement Community 1000 West Century Avenue • Bismarck, ND 58503 1714530 © Touchmark, all rights reserved • LLC, 701-323-7000 Touchmark.com