August Chamber Connection

CHAMBER CONNECTION Bismarck-Mandan

August 2016

REALITY OF LOCAL REAL ESTATE

6

FiveSouth Moves Forward New restaurant and hotel to break ground in March 2017.

8

Member Profile Gartner's Capital Shoe Hospital

11

Chamber Hosts Forum Chamber members were encouraged to submit questions about Bismarck road infrastructure.

CHAMBER CONNECTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Perrie Schafer..................................................................................................................... Chair Brenda Nagel ........................................................................................................... Chair-Elect Ron Day....................................................................................................................... Secretary Craig Larson.................................................................................................................Treasurer Annette Behm-Caldwell ............................................................................................ Past Chair

CHAMBER NEWS

Walmart Invests in Junior Achievement Chamber to Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan's Finest Chamber Hosted Bismarck Road Infrastructure Forum

CHAMBER EVENTS

Friday's at the Chamber Chamber Sporting Clays Shootout August Membership Mixer: Horizon Financial Bank Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Annette Behm-Caldwell.....Open Road Honda Jeff Herman ������������������������������������Petro Hunt Brenda Nagel ������������������������������������������Aetna Craig Larson ���������������������������Starion Financial Sandi Tabor �������������������������������������������������KLJ Kevin Magstadt ������������������ Wenck Associates Molly Barnes............... Northern Improvement Paul Brucker ������������������� Railway Credit Union Jeff Albers ��������� Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac Stacey Breuer ��������������������������Bobcat/Doosan Chris Jones ����������������� CHI St. Alexius Health Mike Nathe................ Bismarck Funeral Home Chris Brown �������������������������������������������� Motix Tracy Kindem...........H.A. Thompson and Sons Marc Taylor...........Northern Plains Equipment Joe Duperre ������������������������������Kirkwood Mall Dan Pearson �����������������������������Northwest Tire Jasper Schneider ������������������������������������ NISC Wayne Munson �������������������� Indigo Signworks Dr. Blake Feil ����������������������� Feil Orthodontics Greg Vetter �������������������������University of Mary Nick Hacker................. ND Guaranty and Title Ron Day......................Tesoro Mandan Refinery Heather Fried ..... Fried Financial Services Inc. Perrie Schafer ���������������� Schafer Financial Inc.

10 10 11 12 12 13 14

COLUMNS

President's Corner

3

FEATURES

Cover Story 4 Feature 6 Member Profile 8 Ask-A-Pro 24 Chamber Perks 26 1640 Burnt Boat Drive P.O. Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502 701.223.5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com

CHAMBER STAFF Scott Meske................................................................................................................ President Annie Bergrud.........................................................................................Chief Financial Officer David Leingang............................................................................ Community Growth Director Mary Masters................................................................................. Office Support Professional Ryan Parsons..............................................................................Vice President of Membership 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

CONTACT INFORMATION Content: The Chamber - 701.223.5660 rparsons@bismancc.com

Advertise: Ryan Parsons rparsons@bismancc.com

MISSION STATEMENT: Leaders for prosperity. Advocates for business.

Discover the difference ...

Discover a BNC Branch near you!

Dr set Sun

E Century Avenue

ive

North Branch 801 E Century Avenue (701) 250-2700

MANDAN

Me

mo

ria

wy

Prairie West Golf Course

Main Avenue Washington Street

Dakota Zoo

Sunrise Location 3000 Yorktown Dr (701) 250-3070

Now Open!

Divide Avenue

BISMARCK

lH

Sunrise Town Centre

Downtown Branch 322 E Main Avenue (701) 250-3000

Bismarck Expressway

4th Street

treet

Main S

Drive

Old Red Trail

wn Yorkto

83

Centennial Road

Mandan Branch 2711 Sunset Drive (701) 663-5448

South Branch 219 South 3rd Street (701) 250-3030

#BNC25th www.BNCbank.com

2 | Chamber Connection

Member

FDIC

President's Corner

T

wo months equal one year.

It’s been a whirlwind two plus months for me since landing in May. I was with a couple of folks the other day at a lunch meeting when one remarked, “So you’ve been at the Chamber for how long now, about a year, right?”

So in “chamber years” calculations, two calendar months equates to one chamber year. Seems about right to me. The Chamber is like a river, ever changing as it flows, never the same from day to day. That’s what makes it so great.

We have done some fantastic things during our ‘slow time’ here at the Chamber. The staff continues to hit on all cylinders from staffing meaningful committee meetings, and executing events that bring Chamber Members together, to highlighting new members and ribbon cuttings. I’ve met with business owners, federal, state and local officials, Board members, Chamber staff, and other organizations too numerous to list. Thanks to everyone for their input and their time. Relationships take time, but I already believe we’re off and running in the right direction.

The Infrastructure Forums, organized by Chamber VP Ryan Parsons in cooperation with the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association and the Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors; are proving to serve their purpose. We aimed to educate and inform our memberships about the state of local infrastructure funding and get input about options for the future. There are no silver bullet answers, but we have to have a common base knowledge prior to any sort of ‘solution’ is discussed. Thanks to the other associations and groups for helping bring this issue to light for our community leaders.

We participated in the announcement of the FiveSouth project in downtown Bismarck. We look forward to that development changing the face of that part of town and helping retain and attract a dynamic workforce to our region.

The State Legislature will be in Special Session when you read this (Aug. 2-4), and we will be there on your behalf. Our 2017-18 legislative agenda is in the final stages of development, and we’ll share that with you at the appropriate time.

But sometimes the work can be fun, too. I’m excited about the first ever “Shot in the Dark” night golf scramble held at Mandan Municipal Golf Course on Sept. 28 and our Sporting Clay Shoot is Aug. 19. The Chamber’s Total Resource Campaign kicks off in August, and gives our Members a chance to plan ahead and jump on board with an event or activity that suits them. Make sure to check it out or give Amanda a call here at the Chamber.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the local events, the great people, and our thriving businesses I have visited the past two months. Or should I say, the past ‘chamber year?’

twitter.com/bismanchamber

- Scott Meske President

facebook.com/bismanchamber instagram.com/bismanchamber

Chamber Connection | 3

FEATURE

STATE OF THE HOUSING MARKET

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

Real estate agents in Bismarck-Mandan have seen a wild five years. During the flood in spring and summer of 2011, real estate housing inventory tightened up and stayed tight. An oil boom and a booming state economy helped drive up prices.

Now, oil prices have settled into the $40-per-barrel range, and the feeling of economic free-fall has stabilized.

While July 1, 2012 only had 240 active listings in the real estate market, July 1, 2016 saw 671 active listings in the market.

“We’re in a new norm,” said real estate agent Amy Hullet.

“We’re pre-flood norm. We’re on the market 30-plus days. That’s how I’m coaching my sellers. You’ll be on the market 30-plus days, maybe 60.”

Hullet is a real estate agent with Century 21 Landmark.

She serves as the current president of the BismarckMandan Board of Realtors.

Having more inventory in the housing market doesn’t mean the market has slowed to a halt. The BismarckMandan Board of Realtors recently released data on the first six months of 2016, which showed a 5 percent increase over last year.

Nancy Deichert, Executive Director of the BismarckMandan Board of Realtors, said the spring buying season kicked in, and buyers who had been waiting came off the fence and into the marketplace.

“The reality is that it’s a very active market,” Deichert said. “I think people are surprised to hear that when they ask about it. I think that they assume — because of all the news hype about things going on in the state and even the country as a whole — I think people assume the Bismarck-Mandan area has been realizing some negative impacts. Whereas, the reality is the economy is still going strong, and there’s a lot of activity.”

Deichert said the spring buying season got started a little late, but when people saw the market wasn’t going to crash, they got comfortable buying.

“Because there is more inventory, it is not as frantic for buyers,” Deichert said. “In 2012, if you looked (at a home) and liked it, you had to act immediately.”

Still, Hullet said some of the inventory under $325,000 is seeing multiple offers.

4 | Chamber Connection

“The reality is that houses are moving in certain price ranges,” Hullet said.

Houses under $300,000, houses under $200,000 can see multiple offers depending how the house is priced. On the other end, Hullet said “the heavy stuff” over $650,000 is taking a hit.

Those houses Nancy Deichert, Executive Director of the are staying on the market Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors. longer, and some have to come down on asking price.

Anything over $550,000 has the potential to compete with new construction, since buyers in that price range can opt to build exactly what they want instead.

Those are the hot spots and slow spots according to Hullet. In the middle, she said sellers may see multiple offers on country properties.

“Country properties are moving quite well if you’re within 10-15 minutes of town,” Hullet said. “Price and product have to match. You have to look at your competitors’ situation and what you have against it. That’s always been a rule of thumb in order for a home to sell.”

Buy vs. Build

For those looking to build, tax breaks on new construction of residential homes can be an important factor.

In July the Mandan City Commission tabled action to reevaluate the city’s tax incentive for new construction.

Currently, new construction gets a tax break for the first $75,000 value of a home for up to two years. Typically, this helps residents offset the cost of special assessments in a new development.

www.bismarckmandan.com Mandan City Commission has considered dropping the tax incentive, but commissioners have delayed the decision until January.

“I think it certainly is an advantage,” Deichert said. “Any advantage is helpful, particularly to people doing new construction, when they can have added costs like putting in a yard, adding window coverings, etc.”

Bismarck-Mandan MLS by the Numbers* $253,903

The Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors is on record supporting the tax incentive. With high special assessments in areas of new construction, Hullet said the incentive is valuable to help offset the cost of building new.

Since 2000, average sales prices have increased year after year with the exception of 2007 to 2008 when they dipped by 2%

LINCOLN

The area seeing the GREATEST increase in units sold

“We want buyers to get into homes,” Hullet said, “and if that’s what it takes, we felt that would be valuable.”

Burleigh County has a tax break for first-time home builders only. County commissioners recently raised the cap from $75,000 to $150,000 through the First-Time Homebuyers Program.

29 Units sold January-June 2015 45 Units sold January-June 2016

55.2% Increase

$222,724 average price 2015 $243,007 average price 2016

9.1% Increase

Homes Under Contract

Lincoln Hot Spot

The city of Lincoln dropped their $75,000 property tax incentive in 2014. With rapid growth in Lincoln, city council members felt they did not need to incentivize new construction.

“Lincoln is growing without any incentive,” Hullet said.

“They don’t have specials. I can go out and build a $250,000 house in Lincoln, and I don’t have to worry about the extra $200 for specials coming out of my paycheck.

Hullet said she sees two main factors behind Lincoln’s booming growth: lack of special assessments and a new public school.

Average Sale Price

On average, properties sell for 98% of the current list price

The spring buying season kicked in and buyers who had been watching and waiting came off of the fence and into the marketplace.

335

March 1, 2016

July 1, 2016

Active Listings as of July 1

671

“You get more bang for your buck,” Hullet said. “You get a little bit more house if you’re willing to drive. And it’s got a school system now, and that helps immensely.

“I think the public school out there was a huge benefit to Lincoln and the fact that it still doesn’t have specials is another huge benefit.”

523 422

Overall, Deichert said real estate continues to be a strong investment. It is a less frantic market, but houses are still selling.

“I’ve got houses that have sold in two to three days,” Hullet said. “I’ve had houses with multiple offers on them.

I’ve had people moving in from Colorado, California, Minnesota — just closed on that one. Bismarck-Mandan has a driving force right now as a good place to live.

Economically as a whole, it’s attractive to people.”

240

356 240

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

*The Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors and its Multiple Listing Service cover an 8-county area including: Burleigh, Morton, Mercer, Oliver, Emmons, Grant, Sioux and Kidder Counties Source: Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors

Chamber Connection | 5

FEATURE

HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MOVE FIVESOUTH PROJECT FORWARD

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

FiveSouth housing complex is one major hurdle closer to groundbreaking. Cardon Development Group announced June 28 that FiveSouth will move forward with its plans and be anchored by a full-service Sheraton Hotel, the first of its kind in North Dakota.

“We now have really the first components that will make this project real,” said Bruce Whittey, chairman of Bismarck Futures.

The Bismarck mixed-use project came out of a development agreement between the city, Bismarck Industries and the developer as well as substantial support from a local business coalition known as Bismarck Futures.

“Any public private investment must be led by the private sector,” Whittey said. “This is not a publicly led group, this was all done privately. That’s the important, key component here. Private individuals can do things a little better than the government.”

The four-star, 140-room Sheraton hotel will be a lifestyle hotel connected to the Event Center by a walking bridge. In addition, Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar has been secured as a restaurant tenant. FiveSouth will bring residential, restaurants, retail and additional public parking into the downtown area.

Don Cardon, CEO of Cardon Development Group, said the announcement of the Sheraton hotel as an anchor tenant takes the project out of the realm of possibility and into reality.

“We’re not going anywhere, FiveSouth will be built.”

Cardon said the changing economic climate of North Dakota has not changed the company’s commitment to the FiveSouth project.

“We also realize there were some along the way who questioned the project and speculated on its progress, but we have never stopped working hard, remaining focused and staying true to the vision we believe is represented by the community itself,” Cardon said.

“Frankly, we are all proud to have assembled so much — and of such high quality — during a time when the state’s economic condition is viewed by many within the investment community as challenging to be sure.”

FiveSouth will be situated between Sweet Avenue and Ingals Avenue along South Fifth Street approaching Kirkwood Mall and span west to Fourth Street. In addition to the hotel, retail and urban-themed apartments, the public amenities will also include street improvements, enhanced public and private parking provisions, streetscape improvements and a protected greenbelt.

“This is a tremendous investment,” said Brian Ritter, president of the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association. “As someone who was born and raised in this community, this is mind-blowing. We have our largest shopping center, Kirkwood mall, we have our Event Center and we have downtown, and all connected by this one spine of Fifth Street. That is a competitive advantage, and we need to utilize our advantage.”

“This hotel, the franchise rights have been purchased, they’ve been paid for,” Cardon said.

“We’ve invested as a company. We’re a million plus dollars into this project.

The Sheraton Hotel will border Sweet Avenue and will be connected to the Bismarck Event Center by a walking bridge.

Inside the Sheraton Hotel will be Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar. The southern portion of FiveSouth will be multi-family residential housing and will border Kirkwood Mall.

6 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com The development is designed as contemporary, urban housing to be a magnet for attracting young professionals. FiveSouth’s 250 residential units will be composed of studio, one, two and three bedroom multi-level apartments that will be situated just south of the hotel and retail components.

“We’re in competition with cities like Sioux Falls, (S.D.), with Grand Forks, with Fargo, with Denver,” said Scott Meske, president of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce. “I’m not afraid to say it; we’re in competition to make sure we recruit the best talent, keep the best talent here. And what does that mean? Quality of life.”

10th Annual

“We’ve long had our eye on North Dakota as a key growth opportunity for the Sheraton brand here in North America,” said Allison Reid, senior Vice President for North America Development of Sheraton Hotels & Resort. “We look forward to being part of the resurgence in downtown Bismarck and providing our guests with more access to destinations such as this.”

Inside the hotel will be restaurant Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar. Crave has 11 locations throughout the country and is based primarily in Minneapolis, Minn.

“When we looked at the vision of this (Bismarck) project, you get excited about what sort of influence this would have to a downtown community,” said Kam Talebi, founder of Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar. “We looked at a very similar opportunity in Sioux Falls … Honestly we’ve just been shocked about the success this brand has had in that market.”

Talebi said Crave seeks to provide experiential cuisine between lunch, happy hour and find dining.

“Our focus has been to look at a regional approach to continue to grow our concept, and this partnership has been fantastic,” Talebi said.

Although news on the FiveSouth development has been quite for many months, much was developing in the background. Cardon said announcing the hotel is a linchpin to move the project forward.

“Until you get the actual (land) users, it’s very challenging to go to investor groups and say, ‘Would you invest into a hotel on this location?’” Cardon said.

“Most of the time they say, ‘Could be intriguing, it’s in a great location. It’s in a thriving economy. It’s in a capital city. Come back to us when you know what kind of hotel it is.

“When you announce a four-star (hotel) that’s next to the convention center in the center of downtown — that’s building upon the significant success that precedes us in the Main Street corridor and other areas of downtown … In many ways we’re riding on the shoulders of those who risked much more and worked with a lot less and we’re grateful of that. It’s now starting to pop.”

The projected timeline is that ground will be broken in March 2017. The first components to be built will be multi-family residential housing and parking garage. The hotel will be built in conjunction, and an aggressive three-year timeline is planned.

SEPTEMBER

24 25 &

BUCKSTOP JUNCTION

3805 E. BISMARCK EXPRESSWAY

BISMARCK, ND WWW.APPLEFEST.COM Chamber Connection | 7

CHAMBER

Profile

News

events

Left to Right: Mark Gartner, Lynelle Kaseman, Jim Hoff, Denny Sailer and Jacob Gartner.

MEMBER PROFILE Featuring Mark Gartner

GARTNER'S CAPITAL SHOE HOSPITAL

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

A: My name is Mark Gartner and I am a third generation owner of Gartner's Capital Shoe Hospital.

Q: Briefly tell us the history of Gartner's Capital Shoe Hospital A: In 1922, my grandfather Vale Gartner started Gartner's Capital Shoe Hospital in Bismarck. Then my father, Ernest Gartner, took over in 1951. He worked until he was 88 years old and is still around. I took over the business in 1991 and now we have a fourth generation, Jake Gartner, working here.

8 | Chamber Connection

Q: What differentiates Gartner's Capital Shoe Hospital from its competitors?

A: We are family owned. We also try to give the best service we can in shoe repair and shoe fitting problem feet.

Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Gartner's Capital Shoe Hospital?

A: We have so many more customers. We use to know them all by name but now there so many to know.

Q: Gartner's Capital Shoe Hospital has been a member since 1982, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: We have a need to pull together as a community and the Chamber is that for the working man.

www.bismarckmandan.com

WE’VE KICKED OFF TRC! DON’T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY FOR RENEWAL!

Your Chamber membership is not only a wonderful networking experience, but also, an amazing marketing and advertising opportunity. Every month we have several events available and every year, four premier events. With our large membership we want to make sure everyone is familiar with our Total Resource Campaign (TRC) and all the endless options available.

If this is something you would be interested in learning more about please email Amanda so we can line up a meeting. Otherwise, August through November, We’ll take the time to introduce businesses to the value of their Chamber membership. This method is designed to make budgeting and sponsorships easier on you.

To all our previous sponsors, thank you again for everything you do to help make the Bismarck – Mandan Chamber of Commerce possible. We cannot do this without your involvement and we truly appreciate your commitment! August marks the start of your four week renewal sponsorships!

Previous sponsors, if you have not received your renewal contracts yet via email, please let us know so we can make sure they did not get forgotten! We don’t want you to miss your right of first refusal.

Starting Thursday, September 1st, all sponsorships that have not been renewed are up for grabs by our members, so be sure to return your renewal contracts on time to secure your sponsorships for 2017.

Contact Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com or by calling 701-223-5660 if you have any questions on TRC renewals, event sponsorship or Chamber involvement in general. I look forward to meeting with all of you soon! *There is no right of first refusal for monthly Membership Mixers. Those are decided on a first come first serve basis.

Chamber Connection | 9

CHAMBER

Profile

WALMART FOUNDATION INVESTS IN INSPIRATION

News

events

Walmart Foundation has confirmed their commitment to area youth through a major sponsorship of Junior Achievement of Bismarck-Mandan (JA). The foundation has presented the program, that brings financial, economic and entrepreneurial education to local students, with a check for $25,000.

The Walmart Foundation’s contribution will help bring the JA program to additional classrooms in BismarckMandan. This financial support will allow JA to educate a little over 2,000 more students in a little over 100 area classrooms.

The Walmart Foundation joins other businesses that support Junior Achievement programming in Bismarck-Mandan. To learn more about Junior Achievement and discover ways to get involved, visit www.bismanja.org, or email David at dleingang@ bismancc.com

CREATE YOUR

SMILES

WITH US

CELEBRATING BISMARCKMANDAN'S FINEST

On Sept. 22nd, the Chamber and the Excellence in Business Committee will celebrate local businesses and their leaders for their accomplishments within the community. This year’s 12th annual Celebrate BismarckMandan award ceremony will honor those who have been nominated in the following categories: • • • •

Small Business Person of the Year Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth & Profitability New Entrepreneur of the Year Granite Award (sponsored by MDU Resources and Basin Electric) • Outstanding Teachers of the Year • Golden Eagle Recipient

Presenting Sponsors:

Video Sponsor: Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsor: Bismarck Aero Center Award Sponsor: The Bismarck Tribune Table Sponsors: Bismarck State College, Bremer Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Eide Bailly LLP, Gate City Bank, Midco, Sanford Health, Wells Fargo Bank, Starion Financial, Bismarck Cancer Center, Bank of North Dakota, Leingang Home Center, Northwest Contracting and KXMB CBS 12.

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

1700 E. Interstate Ave, Bismarck 701-222-GRIN • www.polished-dental.net 10 | Chamber Connection

Banner Sponsors: Advanced Business Methods, Brady Martz & Associates, P.C., Liberty Business Systems, U.S. Bank, Widmer Roel and McQuade Distributing.

There are still a few table sponsor spots left, but they are going quick! If your business would like a table at the event, please contact David Leingang at 223.5660 or by email at: dleingang@bismancc.com.

www.bismarckmandan.com

CHAMBER HOLDS BISMARCK ROAD FORUM

About 40 people gathered for the first of three forums on Bismarck road infrastructure on Thursday, June 30. City Administrator Keith Hunke and Assistant City Administrator Jason Tomanek fielded questions presubmitted by the Chamber membership and submitted by audience members in attendance.

Q: What federal funds are available to address infrastructure needs and what are the criteria for accessing these funds? For example, is the city required to match federal funds received?

A: With federal allocation we’re able to retain that for Bismarck-specific arterial road project. Bismarck participates in the Metropolitan Planning Organization program. Our funds are comingled with the MPO participant.

We’re using the word “match.” It’s not necessarily a dollar for dollar match. We’re required to pay the balance of the project.

Shane Goettle, left, moderates Bismarck Road Infrastructure Forum hosted by the Chamber on June 30. Bismarck City Administrator Keith Hunke, right, and Assistant City Administrator Jason Tomanek answered questions from the audience.

Q: When determining the priority ranking of a project, what factors are taken into account when placing one project higher than others?

A: Proximity to adjacent developments, developments that will generate high volumes of traffic, commercial developments, etc. Connectivity to other roadways — Is there a gap in the current system?

Traffic counts, Vehicle movements, Federal funding, Transportation studies and long-range planning.

Q: During the 2015 session, one-time oil impact funds were allotted to political subdivisions including, Bismarck. How were those funds used?

A: $1.4 million was allotted to Bismarck as a non-oil hub city. Those dollars have not been allocated by the City Commission. We’re anticipating some robust budget discussions. We anticipate those funds will be allocated.

Q: What other capital improvement projects beyond roads does Bismarck have on the horizon?

A: It seems like it’s an ongoing continuous process — freshwater utilities, wastewater treatment plant. We have a sustainable funding mechanism established for those.

In those areas, we’re in very good shape.

There is a growing need for a new fire station. We have a new fire station on the books. There are also facility needs — City Hall, Event Center. Those are all addressed on an annual basis.

To view the City of Bismarck presentation, go to http://www.bismarckmandan.com/infrastructure-forum.

My Gift To You... Free Audio Training TARGET MARKET MYSTERY SOLVED! How to discover WHO you’re meant to SERVE so you can FINALLY show up where they’re already WAITING for YOU... without having to “dream up” your dream client, create a fictional client avatar or resort to flipping a coin.

Download your free audio now at www.FreeGiftFromMaryJo.com Van Horn Media | 701.222.3323 | mj@maryjovanhorn.com | MaryJoVanHorn.com

MaryJoVanHorn_ChamberAd_AUG16.indd 1

7/11/16 10:50 |AM Chamber Connection 11

CHAMBER

News

Profile

events

AT THE

Chamber

The

Sporting Clays

SHOOTOUT

FRIDAYS AT THE CHAMBER

Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Presenting Sponsor:

Friday, August 5, 2016 Chamber of Commerce 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck 11:30AM - 1:00PM Free to Chamber Members

If you did not have an opportunity to make June’s luncheon, then join us this month for our 2nd appreciation luncheon. The Chamber staff would love to say thank you for everything you’ve done for us and continue to do for the business community. Whether it’s your membership, committee involvement or event support; we appreciate everything you do!

Stop by Friday, August 5th from 11:30am – 1:00pm.

Enjoy some brats, pulled pork, a variation of side dishes and the opportunity to mingle with fellow members for a relaxing afternoon on us.

Please RSVP online at bismarckmandan.com/events or by calling Amanda at 701-223-5660 so we can prepare ahead for plenty of food.

Lunch Sponsors: Cloverdale Foods and Cash Wise Foods Event Sponsor: North American Coal Corp.

CHAMBER SPORTING CLAYS SHOOTOUT

Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Friday, August 19, 2016 Capital City Sporting Clays 12951 71st Ave NE, Bismarck 9:00AM - 2:30PM $100 for Chamber Members $125 for Non-Members

August's Capital City Sporting Clay Shootout has finally arrived! This outdoor event is fun for all members, and personally one of the Chamber staff's favorite events!

From the casual shooter to those with serious shooting skills, this is a wonderful opportunity to treat your coworkers or loyal clients to a fun networking experience with nearly 100 members and a chance to win some awesome Grand Prizes from SCHEELS. Enjoy a lunch catered by Famous Dave’s and end the afternoon with some cool refreshments provided by McQuade Distributing.

Cost to attend is ($100/person) for Chamber members and ($125/person) for non-members. You can either sign up individually, and we’ll assign you a team or you can sign up as a full team (teams consist of five shooters). Admission includes shotgun shells, course fees, lunch, beverages and an opportunity to win great door prizes.

Visit www. Bismarckmandan.com/events to register or call 223-5660 for registration Long Range Sponsors:

Rapid Fire Sponsor: Bremer Bank and City Air Mechanical Pigeon Sponsor: Advanced Business Methods, Century 21 Landmark Realty, Cornerstone Bank, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Liberty Business Systems, Starion Financial, Famous Dave's and McQuade, Distributing.

12 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

for the

BRAVE

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: HORIZON FINANCIAL BANK

Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Tuesday, August 23, 2016 Horizon Financial Bank 1207 West Divide Ave, Bismarck 4:30PM - 6:30PM Free to Chamber Members

Horizon Financial Bank will be hosting this month’s Membership Mixer on Tuesday, August 23rd, from 4:30pm – 6:30pm at their location on 1207 W. Divide Ave in Bismarck. Members of the BismarckMandan Chamber will enjoy a relaxing evening with complimentary refreshments, tasty hors d’oeuvres and a laid back networking atmosphere.

Horizon Financial Bank is still relatively new to BismarckMandan, but is celebrating their 111th year of banking in North Dakota and continues to remain committed to being a locally owned and operated community bank in our region. Let’s help them celebrate their years of success!

BRATS FOR THE BRAVE

Date: Location:

Time:

Presenting Sponsor:

Wednesday, September 7, 2016 Kiwanis Park, Shelter #1 318 S Washington Street, Bismarck 11:00AM - 1:00PM

The Military Affairs Committee invites Chamber members to Brats for the Brave. Help us show support and appreciation for our military men and women who so bravely serve our country. Join us on Wednesday, September 7th, at Kiwanis Park Shelter #1, for some Brats and all of the fixin’s.

There is no cost for this event, but businesses are welcomed and encouraged to donate to help defer the costs. Contact David Leingang at the Chamber if you have any questions.

Lunch Sponsors:

Don’t miss out on this month’s event. RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by calling the Chamber at 701-223-5660 or emailing Amanda at aschwieters@ bismancc.com.

Brand New Spacious Apartments • Heat, W/S/G Paid Community Room • Fitness Center • Elevator Washer & Dryer in each unit • Heated Underground Parking

4430 21ST Street SE, Mandan DiamondBend@AllianceMGMTGroup.com www.AllianceMGMTGroup.com

CALL TODAY FOR A TOUR 701-516-4251 or 701-425-1624

Chamber Connection | 13

CHAMBER

News

Profile

events

AT THE

FRIDAYS AT THE CHAMBER

Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Presenting Sponsor:

Friday, September 9, 2016 Chamber of Commerce 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck 11:30AM - 1:00PM Free to Chamber Members

If you have not had an opportunity to make the last two luncheons, don’t miss our last member appreciation luncheon. The Chamber staff would love to say thank you for everything you’ve done for us and continue to do for the business community.

Lunch Sponsors: Cloverdale Foods and Cash Wise Foods Event Sponsor: North American Coal Corp.

OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE WORKING FOR YOU.

CELEBRATE BISMARCKMANDAN Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Presenting Sponsors:

On September 22nd, the Chamber and the Excellence in Business Committee will celebrate local businesses and their leaders for their accomplishments within the community. This year’s 12th annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan award ceremony will honor those who have been nominated in the following categories: • • • • • •

Keep your workforce and bottom line healthy Sanford OccMed No matter the size of your business, Sanford OccMed will partner with you to design a plan that benefits you and your employees. Our team maintains a strong return-to-work philosophy to keep your workforce and your business healthy and productive, saving you time and money.

With the largest network of occupational medicine clinics in the region, Sanford OccMed gives your employees convenient, easy access to our expertise no matter where they live.

Call (888) 600-2378 for your free consultation. sanfordoccmed.com

059048-00109 5/16

14 | Chamber Connection

Thursday, September 22, 2016 Best Western Ramkota Hotel 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck 11:00AM - 1:00PM $35.00 for Chamber Members $45.00 for Non-Members

Small Business Person of the Year Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth & Profitability New Entrepreneur of the Year Granite Award Outstanding Teachers of the Year Golden Eagle Recipient

There are still a few table sponsors spots left, but they are going quick! If your business would like a table at the event, please contact David Leingang at 223.5660 or by email at: dleingang@bismancc.com.

www.bismarckmandan.com

CHAMBER NIGHT GOLF Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Location:

Time: Fees:

Mandan Municipal Golf Course 1002 7th St SW, Mandan 6:00PM - 10:00PM $70.00 for Chamber Members $80.00 for Non-Members

On Wednesday, September 28th, at the Mandan Municipal Golf Course the Bismarck – Mandan Chamber of Commerce will be hosting our first ever “Shot in the Dark”, Chamber Night Golf Scramble! This first time event is guaranteed to be a fun time! Never played golf at night before? Neither have we! It’s all about trying something new, networking, and just having a blast. Whether you are a novice or pro-golfer, this four person scramble will be a great time for anyone. The social and registration will begin at 6:00pm followed by a twilight shotgun start at 7:30pm. Sign up as a team or individually to be placed with other participants, but don’t wait too long, because there is a limited number of players available.

BISMARCK-MANDAN COMMUNITY GUIDE & CHAMBER DIRECTORY Each year, the Chamber publishes the BismarckMandan Community Guide & Chamber Directory. This free publication is full of new and fun information about Bismarck-Mandan and features a complete directory of all our 1,300+ Chamber members.

Advertising opportunities are available. The 2017 Community Guide & Chamber Directory is an excellent way to promote your business or organization throughout Bismarck-Mandan and space is limited.

Call Chelse or Ryan today at 701.223.5660 for more information.

Last year's Community Guide & Chamber Directory is available at the Chamber or can be viewed online at www.bismarckmandan. com/pages/communityguide-chamber-directory.

As a participant you’ll receive two glow balls, a glow necklace and other light up gear to help guide you through the course. Also, included in your registration fee is dinner and the opportunity to win some great door prizes!

BUSINESS

Just Went Mobile Introducing the ultimate mobile banking app to keep your business moving forward.

Internet-enabled Apple or Android smartphone is required. Message and data rates from your carrier may apply.

0188_03-16

www.firstintlbank.com/BusinessMobile Chamber Connection | 15

Community

News

ASK-A PRO

PERKS

BISMARCK-MANDAN CVB ANNOUNCES NEW BRAND IDENTITY The Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau announced a new brand identity and statement at the CVB Annual Meeting Luncheon on June 28, 2016 at the Radisson Hotel Bismarck.

It has been developed to communicate what all meeting/event planners and leisure travelers want to hear, there are “No Boundaries” to what our community offers.

The CVB staff and board of directors worked with Odney, the CVB’s agency of record, on the new brand identity. Kyle Niess, CVB Account Executive at Odney, said, “The brand statement ‘No Boundaries’ was developed after extensive research was completed and we found that whether travelers were coming to Bismarck Mandan for a meeting, business conference, sporting event or visiting friends and relatives, they all wanted the amenities, convenience and experiences to make their visit easy and enjoyable.”

Sheri Grossman, CVB CEO, added, “We are very pleased to announce our new logo and brand statement. Our previous logo was designed in 1996 and no longer reflects the vibrant community we are today. The new brand statement lets visitors know that there are ‘No Boundaries’ to what you can do and experience while in Bismarck Mandan.”

The new logo and icon begins with a hand drawn font that separates Bismarck Mandan from other destinations. The icon, a fun play on a compass / pin on a map lends well to Bismarck Mandan as a destination and also ties into the “No Boundaries” statement.

The 2015 Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau VIPs were also announced at the CVB Annual Meeting. Criteria for becoming a VIP is that they are instrumental in securing a new national or regional meeting that has never been in Bismarck or Mandan before. The VIP Event Recognition award is given to an event that significantly impacts Bismarck-Mandan annually

HIGH POINT NETWORKS NAMED TO CRN’S 2016 SOLUTION PROVIDER 500 High Point Networks, “Always Connected,” today announced it has been named to The Channel Company’s 2016 CRN® Solution Provider 500. The SP500 list is CRN’s annual ranking of the largest technology integrators, solution providers and IT consultants in North America by revenue. Solution providers are ranked based on revenue, determined by product and services sales during 2015. High Point Networks placed #385 in the annual ranking, moving up 32 places from last year’s list.

16 | Chamber Connection

“The 2016 Solution Provider 500 represent a total, combined revenue of over $334 billion—a testament to their success in keeping pace with the rapidly changing demands of today’s IT market,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. “This prestigious list recognizes those companies with the highest revenue and serves as a valuable industry resource for vendors seeking out top solution providers to partner with. We congratulate each of the Solution Provider 500 companies and look forward to their continued success.”

MDU RESOURCES SUBSIDIARY SELLS DAKOTA PRAIRIE REFINING TO TESORO MDU Resources Group, Inc. announced in June that its subsidiary, WBI Energy, Inc., has sold Dakota Prairie Refining LLC to Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company LLC, an affiliate of Tesoro Corporation.

www.bismarckmandan.com

www.indigosignworks.com

DESIGN

Dakota Prairie Refining is located west of Dickinson, North Dakota.

WBI Energy had been equal partners in building and operating the refinery with Calumet North Dakota LLC, a subsidiary of Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP. To effect the sale of the refinery to Tesoro, WBI Energy on June 27 acquired Calumet North Dakota’s 50 percent membership interests.

Dakota Prairie Refining is capable of processing up to 20,000 barrels per day of Bakken crude oil and can produce approximately 8,000 barrels per day of diesel fuel, as well as the byproducts naphtha and atmospheric tower bottoms. Located just west of Dickinson, North Dakota, the refinery began operating in May 2015 and employs approximately 75 people.

“The refinery is operating well, which is a testament to the good work our employees have done in starting up and running the plant,” said David L. Goodin, president and CEO of MDU Resources. “Despite strong operations, the financial results from the refinery have been challenged because of low commodity prices. As a publicly traded corporation and a longtime North Dakota company, we felt a responsibility to our shareholders and to the state to find a solution that addressed the refinery’s financial challenges while ensuring it would continue operating and contributing to its neighboring communities and the state.”

FABRICATE

INSTALL

SERVICE

With the sale of the refinery, MDU Resources anticipates an after-tax impairment in the second quarter from these discontinued operations in the range of $150 million-$160 million, subject to customary closing adjustments.

“Selling the refinery reduces our risk by decreasing our exposure to commodity prices, and it allows us to sharpen our focus on the growth opportunities at our ongoing businesses,” Goodin said. “As we have previously announced, we have a $1.5 billion, five-year capital investment plan at our regulated utility businesses, and we just announced a $50 million potential natural gas pipeline expansion project in North Dakota.

This is also peak season for our construction companies, as we work on the $1.4 billion in backlog we previously announced.”

Chamber Connection | 17

Community

News

PERKS

ASK-A PRO

THREE CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH HOSPITALS NAMED BEST IN THE STATE

CHI St. Alexius Health was recently notified that it has three of the ten best hospitals in North Dakota according to onlyinyourstate.com/north-dakota. The rankings were based on information collected from HealthGrove’s website – a health news and information site with an emphasis on data-driven analysis. CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck ranked first in the state with CHI St. Alexius Health Williston being named seventh and CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington rated ninth.

HealthGrove used several attributes to determine the rankings, including a hospital’s “state rating” score, information from hospital quality measures, expert reviews and rankings, Medicare performance scores, overall number of cases, and outcome statistics.

Building a Better World for All of Us

®

Our North Dakota team is located in Bismarck and our employee-owners understand how the decisions we make in the field will impact your community. We will continue to provide feasible, right-sized, technical solutions for all of your planning and engineering needs including: Transportation/Traffic/Rail Civil/Municipal Water/Wastewater Flood Control/Stormwater Industrial Development Residential/Commercial Development Solid Waste/Transfer Stations Environmental Architecture/Buildings Community Planning Economic Development FundStart™ Surveying Aviation Construction Services Energy 701.354.7121 • sehinc.com

18 | Chamber Connection

NORTH DAKOTA GUARANTY & TITLE CO. JOINS TOMS ONE FOR ONE® MOVEMENT North Dakota Guaranty & Title Co. (NDGT) kicks off their 1st annual TOMS shoe campaign.

A movement to raise awareness of the impact a simple pair of shoes can bring to a child’s life.

North Dakota Guaranty & Title kicks off their 1st Annual TOMS shoes campaign.

Last year to continue to meet their best in service mission, NDGT began a “Company wide Community Service Competition” which challenged all of their 14 locations to complete a community service project. Together their teams touched thousands across North Dakota and Minnesota.

“Our team knows the importance and values of giving back to all of the communities that we call home,” said Nick Hacker, President. “This year we decided to take our giveback campaign a step further and initiate the TOMS One for One® movement in conjunction with our Community Service Competition.”

Inspired by Blake Mycoskie and his TOMS organization, NDGT joined the movement, purchasing a pair of TOMS for each of their 125 employees, therefore helping 125 children in need. All 14 NDGT locations will wear their TOMS on the first Friday of every month raising awareness of the children around the world who have no shoes.

“We want to take the movement to the next level,” said Hacker. “We challenge our community partners to join the One for One® campaign by either purchasing a TOMS product or simply doing a service project in their local community.”

GREAT PLAINS FOOD BANK RECEIVES $5,000 MONSANTO FUND GRANT

Christine Moore from Monsanto’s soybean production facility recommended Great Plains Food Bank to receive a $5,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund’s 2016 site grant initiative. Funds from the grant will be used to distribute nutritious food throughout North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota to families who struggle with hunger.

“Our mission is to end hunger through community partnerships,” said Steve Sellent, CEO for the Great Plains Food Bank. “Monsanto shares our commitment to improving people’s lives by addressing food security issues making this an excellent partnership in our hunger relief work. Monsanto’s gift will have a significant impact in our food distribution to individuals in need over the coming months.”

Sellent goes on to say that hunger in North Dakota and Clay County, Minn. neighborhoods is more prevalent and widespread than many realize, “One in 9 North Dakotans rely on emergency food assistance each year.

This gift from Monsanto will have a meaningful impact in the lives of children who are going to bed hungry, seniors who are forced to choose between medicine and groceries and working parents who are skipping meals so their children can eat.

Great Plains Food Bank previously received a Monsanto Fund site grant for $8,000 in 2015.

“Great Plains Food Bank is committed to bettering our community. We are honored to have the opportunity to support their efforts in distributing food for 20,000 meals throughout North Dakota and Clay County Minnesota,” said Vic Nordstrom, Site Lead at Monsanto West Fargo.

This year, the Monsanto Fund awarded more than $1.4 million to nonprofit organizations through its site grant initiative to help address essential needs in rural communities. Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. have received more than $7.5 million through this program over the last five years

www.bismarckmandan.com

MISSOURI SLOPE LUTHERAN CARE CENTER HONORED WITH AWARD

Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center (MSLCC) and Valley View Heights Assisted Living (VVH) has again received recognition as a Star Site in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). This award demonstrates a concerted effort and commitment to safety within a workplace environment. Acceptance into the VPP is OSHA’s recognition of employers with a comprehensive safety and health management system.

MSLCC was awarded Star Site status, which is the highest award given by OSHA. MSLCC is the only health care facility in a six state region with such a status, and is one of only nine nursing homes in the country with this designation. MSLCC was presented with a plaque and a flag from OSHA on June 1st at their facility in Bismarck.

DO IT’S SO

EASY TO CUSTOMIZE

BUSINESS > PHONE SYSTEMS

> THE

POWER OF CHOICE

Your communications system is more than the lifeline to connect with colleagues, customers and vendors. It also projects an image, sending a message about the organization’s efficiency, productivity and professionalism.

With an on-premise or cloud-based telephone solution from Toshiba, every location, every branch office—from a handful of users to thousands of users—can present an enterprise-class face to the world.

Custom Phone System Solutions For Any Size Business.

701.222.1050 | arvigbusiness.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©Arvig 2016

Chamber Connection | 19

Community

News

ASK-A PRO

NETWORK CENTER, INC. CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

PERKS

Technology solution provider Network Center, Inc. is proud to be celebrating their 30th year in business.

Network Center, Inc. (NCI) first started in 1986 by Karl Kostman as a three person technology support company. Kostman wanted to build a technology based company in the Fargo-Moorhead area to service FM’s corporate and retail companies. Since then the NCI has undergone rapid growth employing over 60 people with an additional 3 branches in Bismarck, Grand Forks and St. Cloud.

President Ben Carlsrud looks forward to the next 30 years saying “Over the past 30 years Network Center, Inc. has seen and experienced many changes relating to the technology industry and our business focus. In the old days, the focus was more around hardware.

Now, it’s about services and creative solutions Network Center, Inc. can deliver to help businesses be more competitive and efficient through technology.

Hardware has become secondary and as cloud solutions become more pervasive, Network Center, Inc. will continue to evolve its offerings to always be that trusted advisor, today and for the next 30 years to come.”

20 | Chamber Connection

STARION FINANCIAL NAMED A TOPPERFORMING COMMUNITY BANK IN THE NATION Starion Financial was named to “The Best of the Best” list by Independent Banker magazine and received a superior rating from BauerFinancial.

Independent Banker is a publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America, an organization that represents more than 6,000 community banks of all sizes throughout the country. It separates banks based on asset size and ranks the top 25 by their return on average equity (ROAE) and return on average assets (ROAA) ratios. For 2015, Starion was evaluated as a subchapter S bank with assets of $1 billion or more. Starion was ranked number 10 for ROAE and number 13 for ROAA. Based on data from the first quarter of 2016, Starion also earned a five-star “superior” rating, the highest possible, from BauerFinancial, the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating firm.

BauerFinancial has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. Quarterly ratings are assigned on a scale of zero-to-five stars, with five being the strongest, and are based on the overall financial picture of the financial institution. The ratings are independent, meaning no institution is able to pay to be rated or excluded.

GRANT FOR NURSE EDUCATION AT UNIVERSITY OF MARY TO BENEFIT RURAL HEALTH CARE

The University of Mary is moving to the forefront of helping combat the nursing shortage and rural workforce needs in the region and across the United States. For those efforts, the University of Mary received a proverbial shot in the arm as it received a $407,249 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services that supports partnerships between academic institutions and health care systems.

Dr. Billie Madler, chair of the Online and Distance Nursing Education at the University of Mary and recent Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) inductee, says if the federal budget allows, the total amount by 2019 will grow to surpass $1-million.

“It’s a big one,” stated Madler in an interview with Lisa Gibson of Prairie Business magazine. “I feel very fortunate.”

Madler says the benefits of this funding reach far across the region. The money allows the University of Mary and Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), one of the largest healthcare providers in the country, to partner and address regional healthcare workforce needs in the rural and underserved communities of North Dakota and Minnesota. In turn, it allows students the hands-on experience in real-life settings.

“Together, the University of Mary, CHI North Dakota and Minnesota Clinic Operations (CHI North) collaboration will develop a robust curriculum focused on preparation of doctoral level family nurse practitioners (FNP) that integrates didactic and clinical training and ultimately increasing the numbers of advanced practice nurses in those communities,” added Madler.

“The partnership creates parallel approaches for developing CHI clinics in ND and MN to serve as clinical training sites for graduate nursing students and thus provide opportunities for clinical experience in rural settings.

These clinical placements will challenge our students with direct patient care encounters; require them to explore the epidemiology of chronic health conditions in that community; analyze health services available; determine quality standards of care; and research adherence patterns of patients.”

“Our nurses provide an invaluable service to our state, and as North Dakota has grown, so has the need for more professional nurses,” says Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., in a statement. “[This] award will help equip the University of Mary to provide advanced education to nurses, which will enable them give better and more comprehensive care.”

The University of Mary is one of only a few schools to receive funding in the Midwest.

www.bismarckmandan.com

IMPACT{FULL} Touchmark is expanding!

Come see the exciting changes at our community.

At Touchmark, residents say living well means …

Having more friendships.

Worrying less.

Exercising more.

Eating healthier.

Being more social.

Enrich mind, body, and spirit—and live well!

Make your priority reservation today and be among the first to move in to our new homes.

Learn more: 701-557-9289 TouchmarkBismarck.com/info TOUCHMARK ON WEST CENTURY Full-service Retirement Community 1000 West Century Avenue • Bismarck, ND 58503 1612812 © Touchmark, LLC, all rights reserved

Chamber Connection | 21

Community

News

ASK-A PRO

SANFORD HEALTH OCCMED PROGRAM RECEIVES PERFECT SCORE

PERKS

The National Association of Occupational Health Professionals has certified Sanford Health’s Occupational Medicine program, attesting that all eight Sanford OccMed facilities are providing the nation’s highest standard of care in occupational medicine. The review of Sanford OccMed received a perfect score from the NAOHP. Sanford OccMed is also the largest franchise-based occupational medicine program in the country to achieve this certification.

With a goal of saving businesses time and money, Sanford OccMed is the largest network of occupational medicine clinics in the region. It works with businesses to navigate employment exams, prevent injuries, meet safety regulations and overall keep their employees healthy and on the job.

The NAOHP was established in 1990 to encourage the exchange of information associated with the effective administration of provider-based occupational health programs. Sanford OccMed’s certification is valid for three years.

AREA GOLF COURSES TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TO PREVENT DRINKING AND DRIVING

In 2014, 47 percent of North Dakota's fatal crashes were alcohol related. Bismarck area golf courses are taking steps to help reduce this number through education.

The North Dakota Safety Council (NDSC) and Custer Health are partnering to provide free Responsible Beverage Server (RBS) training to employees of Apple Creek Country Club, Hawktree Golf Club, and Prairie West Golf Course.

"The program is designed to give servers the knowledge and confidence to avoid overserving alcohol so we can reduce the number of intoxicated customers leaving establishments and getting behind the wheel," says Peter Pomonis, NDSC home and community coordinator.

On June 20, golf course employees and managers attended RBS training to learn how to identify common signs of overconsumption, potential underage customers, and false IDs. The training will also include information for managers on providing a safe and legal environment as well as policy and service recommendations.

"It's no secret that many golfers like to enjoy a beer or two while they're on the course. We want to take proactive steps to ensure our patrons safety. The new RBS program is helping us do that by giving our employees the knowledge to safely serve our customers," says Jordan Berglund, Hawktree Golf Club PGA head golf professional.

The RBS program was developed by the NDSC as a part of their efforts to help reduce alcohol-related injuries and fatalities in North Dakota. To learn more go to www.ndsc.org/rbs

22 | Chamber Connection

NDCA AWARDED GRANT FROM NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

www.bismarckmandan.com

As the only funder in the country that supports the arts in all 50 states and five U.S. jurisdictions, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will award $82,357,050 in grants to fund 1,148 projects in the second major grant announcement of its 50th anniversary year. Grants will be awarded in 13 artistic disciplines or fields plus arts research, along with partnership agreements to U.S. states, jurisdictions, and regions. Grants will support a wide range of activities. All of these recommended grants represent a federal investment in the quality and quantity of and public access to art works and activities, furthering learning, creativity, and engagement for people nationwide.

NEA Chairman Jane Chu announced that the NEA will award $50,496,800 in partnership agreements to fund 55 state and jurisdictional arts agencies, and six regional arts organizations.

The North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) will be awarded a grant from the NEA through its partnership agreement fund. The award of $727,100 will be used by the Council to support its statewide arts plan, Poetry Out Loud, arts education, folk arts partnership, and arts in underserved communities. These funds will support grants and programs for this coming fiscal year (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017).

Forty percent of the NEA’s grantmaking funds go to the state and regional arts organizations. In addition, awards are made to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies to support national leadership services and to Pacific Resources in Education and Learning for delivery of arts education services and technical assistance to the jurisdictional arts agencies of the Pacific territories.

Through partnership agreements, the NEA extends its reach to every community in America, translating national leadership into local and regional benefit.

In order to be eligible for NEA partnership agreement funds, each state arts agency develops long-range plans that help position arts and culture in a broad range of public policy areas such as cultural tourism, community revitalization, economic development, education, and health and human services. In addition, each state arts agency must match its NEA funding on at least a 1:1 basis, supporting programs at the local and state levels.

Chamber Connection | 23

COMMUNITY

NEWS

ASK-A-PRO

Perks

Ask a Pro with

with

at

at

STEVE KELSCH

1661 Capitol Way, Suite 102, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-250-9400

Q: WHAT IS MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA) AND SHOULD I USE IT IF AVAILABLE? A: Let’s start off with what MFA is. If

CASEY BETTENHAUSEN

711 E. Sweet Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58504 701-751-3119

Q: WHAT DOES "FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED" MEAN? A: Fair Trade is a growing movement

which embraces socially and environmentally responsible trade practices. Fair Trade Certified products you haven’t already heard about it, you will. In the past most computer accounts have undergone a third-party auditing only offered a username and password process, verifying that they meet criteria as an option to access and secure determined by the World Fair Trade your accounts. With the increasing Organization. sophistication of hackers and password crackers available to most anyone, it is a When you choose Fair Trade products good idea to use this additional security you are supporting trade which values people over profit. It gives farmers measure to protect your information. in poor nations the resources and MFA covers a variety of methods. It is connections they need to better their basically another step that is required situations. It allows them to start co-ops to access your account aside from just and grower associations so they can a username and password. This third pool their resources. They become step could be a text message or email sent to you that gives you a one-time educated in sustainable and organic code to type in when trying to access growing practices, resulting in healthier your account. It could be a finger print conditions for the workers, healthier that needs to be scanned in for access. local ecosystems, and increased product In some cases, they are even doing face value. It increases their income allowing recognition where if it is not you behind their children to go to school; breaking the computer screen, access is denied. they cycle of poverty and exploitation.

MFA is arguably the most secure method Fair trade does not take away American available today to access your private jobs, the majority of certified items accounts. Is it a pain? Yes, but a small are not things that The United States one considering it could save you from years of trying to repair your identity if it produces. Fair trade is not charity. It is about lasting empowerment. Fair trade is stolen. brings together producers and end consumers in a way that makes a positive difference. Choose Fair Trade.

24 | Chamber Connection

with

JOEL BLANCHARD, MD at

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

Q: WHAT IS INFLUENZA AND HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF? A: Influenza is an acute respiratory

infection caused by influenza A or B viruses. It occurs every year, mainly in the winter season. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache and weakness, and it is spread through coughing and sneezing.

Influenza is usually uncomplicated; however, in high-risk populations (elderly and infants) influenza may lead to disability and death. Also certain strains of influenza such as H1N1, H3N2 and H7N9 cause increased chance of disability and death.

Often influenza viruses change their genetic information, which can lead to pandemics such as the H1N1 pandemic of 2009. That is why each year the influenza vaccine must be changed to provide protection from the current strain.

The best way to prevent getting sick from influenza is to get the flu vaccine every year. Although, the vaccine does not provide total protection, it gives you the best line of defense.

Early prevention is essential as flu season can begin as soon as October, and runs all the way through May. The only vaccine recommended is the flu shot.

The nasal spray (Flumist) is no longer recommended as it has been shown to provide significantly less protection compared to the flu shot.

www.bismarckmandan.com

Ask a Pro with

with

with

at

at

at

MIKE BARSNESS

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

DR. RUSSO

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

Q: WHAT PRICE TRENDS ARE Q: WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF YOU SEEING IN COMMERCIAL RADIATION THERAPY FOR CONSTRUCTION? PATIENTS WITH CANCER? A: On the heels of oil, many A: Radiation oncologists are cancer construction-related commodities have experienced significant declines in price over the past two years, including at times up to a 30% decrease for asphalt and No. 2 diesel, and nearly 15% decrease for iron and steel. These decreases don’t reflect construction material price trends across the board - other products such as glass, cement and construction sand, gravel and stone are experiencing modest increases in price – however on average, we remain at historically low material price levels.

That said, materials are only one component of overall construction costs. Subcontractors still have difficulty finding skilled labor, affecting wages and ultimately fueling increases in overall construction costs year over year. While we’ve become accustomed to labor shortages in our region, this lack of skilled construction labor is now prevalent throughout the U.S., and reflects an overall migration from technical education and an increase in more sophisticated projects.

Work is now more complex due to sustainability measures, expanding building codes, and technology. Aging plumbers, electricians, framers and HVAC subcontractors are all in demand, without sufficient apprentices in the ranks to take over soon.

doctors specializing in the treatment of cancer with radiation therapy. This type of cancer therapy requires a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time, with each treatment lasting about 3-5 minutes. The goal of radiation therapy treatment is to destroy cancer cells and slow tumor growth while minimize harm to nearby healthy tissue. Radiation therapy treatment plans are computer generated and are individualized for each patient.

Radiation therapy is often used as the main cancer treatment but can also be used before surgery to shrink the tumor and after surgery to clean up and remaining cancer. Chemotherapy, which is given by a different cancer doctor called the Medical Oncologist, is often combined with radiation in a team effort to destroy the tumor.

Radiation therapy can also be used to reduce pressure, pain, and other symptoms of cancer. Three out of four people with cancer receive some type of radiation therapy.

PAT BRUNELLE

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

Q: HOW SAFE ARE OVER-THECOUNTER COUGH AND COLD PRODUCTS FOR CHILDREN? A: When used appropriately, the

ingredients found in OTC cough/ cold preparations are generally safe in most older children. You may notice that there are no products for cough/ cold symptoms indicated for children under 2 years old. In recent years, the removal of cough/cold products in children under 2 years old has resulted in a reduction of emergency room visits for this age by half. In fact, using these products in kids under 4 years old offers minimal benefits and may have risks. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for fever or pain; fluids, nasal saline sprays, or a humidifier for congestion; and possibly honey at bedtime for cough in children older than 12 months of age. Many of the over-the-counter preparations are multi symptom remedies with ingredients that your child may not necessarily need.

It’s important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing any OTC cough/cold products for your child.

Chamber Connection | 25

COMMUNITY

ASK-A-PRO

NEWS

CHAMBER Perks

PERKS

Bismarck Aero Center Hires New A&P Maintenance Technician

Brian Barry joins BAC with over six years of aircraft maintenance experience. He began his maintenance career serving in the South Dakota Army National Guard primarily as a Blackhawk helicopter maintenance Spherion Bismarck Brian Barry technician. Brian was deployed Franchise Owner Jill in 2012 to Kuwait where he gained significant experience in maintenance Berg Receives the operations.

Company’s Special Since returning from Kuwait, Barry attended Lake Achievement Award Area Tech in Watertown, SD where he completed Spherion Staffing Services, the A&P Maintenance Technician program. During a local recruiting, staffing and Jill Berg his time at Lake Area Tech, he was able to apply his workforce solutions provider leadership skills by representing the school at area backed by the resources of a $2 billion global conferences. workforce leader, recently honored Jill Berg, owner of Barry is originally from the Rapid City, SD area and the Bismarck, Fargo and Minot offices in North Dakota enjoys the small community setting of Bismarck. He and Perham office in Minnesota, with the company’s is looking forward to working at BAC where he will 2016 Special Achievement Award. The annual be in a solid mentorship program and built great award recognizes the Spherion franchise owner who relationships with customers. achieves significant results across all target growth areas, along with an unparalleled commitment to Peterson Name team development and community involvement.

Director of CHI Berg and her expert staffing teams carried over St. Alexius Health’s momentum from a successful 2014-15, in which Laboratory she was named the Spherion Owner of the Year, by exceeding their gross profit and revenue goals,

CHI St. Alexius Health namely in the direct hire sales practice. announced the naming of Entering her 22nd year as a Spherion owner, Kimberly Peterson as director Kimberly Peterson Berg has expanded her team to include 21 staffing of laboratory services. As the specialists with dedicated expertise in the clerical director, Kimberly is responsible and light industrial markets. Under Berg’s leadership, for directing and coordinating the operations of Spherion has expanded its community presence pathology, phlebotomy and point-of-care services. through involvement in local chambers of commerce Additionally, she will oversee the organization’s and Society for Human Resource Management laboratory programs with CHI St. Alexius Health’s (SHRM) chapters, along with regional branches of the clinics and affiliated acute care hospitals.

United Way and American Red Cross.

Kimberly received a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Minnesota – Moorhead. Prior to joining CHI St. Alexius Health, she was a community center director with United Blood Services.

26 | Chamber Connection

Scheurer Completes Certification in Social Media and Display Advertising

Steph Scheurer, Communications Project Manager at Agency MABU, Steph Scheurer recently completed certification in Social Media and Display Advertising through the Market Motive program.

The social media certification course concentrates on various tools and techniques for reaching specific audiences. The coursework included social sharing, blogging, online reputation management and analytics of popular social media channels.

Scheurer also completed certification in display advertising which has become one of the most prominent tools to build brand awareness and increase reach among internet and mobile users. The course covered market targeting methods, display ad optimization, best practices of display ad design, selling and buying of display ads, and metrics of campaign success.

Moch Joins Eide Bailly Partnership

On May 1, Katie Moch of the Bismarck office of Eide Bailly LLP, a regional certified public accounting and business advisory firm, was accepted into the firm’s partnership. This brings the total number of partners to 238.

Moch is a CPA with more than nine years of public accounting experience providing services to a variety of industries, specializing in governments, nonprofit organizations and small businesses. She plans, performs, supervises and reviews audit engagements for clients. She received her Bachelor of Science in accounting from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn.

www.bismarckmandan.com The Painters Inc. & Precision Wood Finish Announce Promotions and New Team Members

Tony Michlitsch has been promoted to Production Manager. He started with Precision Wood Finish in July of 2012 and has a background in management. Tony is in charge of production and quality control, as well as our safety Tony Michlitsch and compliance specialist.

He ensures all work is carried out safely, done correctly, and completed on time. In his spare time, Tony enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids.

Kay Barstad started with The Painters Inc. in September Kay Barstad of 2013 as an Administrative Assistant and was promoted to Office Manager for Precision Wood Finish. Kay leads our office as manager and is in charge of many tasks ranging from job scheduling, invoicing, database maintenance, and project details. In her spare Chris Braun time she, enjoys spending time with her children, gardening, running, fishing and hunting.

Chris Braun has recently joined our team as Sales Representative and has background in materials science and carpentry. Chris provides estimates for projects and is the Ella Uhlich communication link between our customers, the office and production staff. He ensures projects are completed on schedule. In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and children, hiking, and playing the drums.

Ella Uhlich joined The Painters in June of 2015, as Administrative Assistant, with many years of clerical and office managerial experience. Ella does a wide variety of duties from answering our phones, greeting customers and managing project details to estimate scheduling, invoicing and processing accounts receivables. She also provides our customers with the highest level of professionalism that they have come to expect from our company. In her free time, Ella enjoys spending time with her family and pets, going to the gym, working on computers, spending time outdoors, target practice and gardening

Cedric Theel Staff Additions

Sean Kleinsasser has joined Cedric Theel Toyota in their Recon department. Kleinsasser is a Dickinson native. He previously was employed by Acme Tools as an electrical technician.

Kyle Opp has joined Cedric Theel Toyota in their Recon department. Opp is originally from Jamestown.

Sanford Health Welcomes Neurosurgeon

Sprynczynatyk Joins HDR as Strategic Program Manager for North Dakota, Surrounding Region

Retired Maj. Gen. David Eric Belanger, MD, Sprynczynatyk has joined neurosurgeon, recently joined HDR as the strategic program Sanford Health in Bismarck. manager for North Dakota Dr. Belanger is a long-time Eric Belanger, MD and the surrounding region, Bismarck neurosurgeon and has based in the firm’s Bismarck cared for patients in the region office. His responsibilities for more than a decade.

David Sprynczynatyk include planning, directing Dr. Belanger graduated from and completed and monitoring all aspects of his residency in neurosurgery at Laval University in Quebec, Quebec. He is board certified in neurosurgery multi-discipline programs, and overseeing technically complex projects.. by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Prior to joining HDR, Sprynczynatyk held key leadership positions for the State of North Dakota, Community Options Hires New including state engineer and secretary of the State Director of Services Water Commission, director of the Department of

Heather Dragoo was recently Transportation and, most recently, the North Dakota hired as Director of Services at director of Emergency Services and National Guard Community Options. Dragoo adjutant general. He has more than 44 years of inwill oversee the Bismarckdepth leadership experience and expertise on a wide Dickinson area. Dragoo, is variety of infrastructure challenges and solutions. a 2015 graduate of Black Major projects that Sprynczynatyk oversaw include the Hills State University with a Southwest Pipeline Project, the Northwest Area Water Heather Dragoo BS in Human Services and Supply, Liberty Memorial Bridge, Four Bears Bridge, Psychology. the four-laning of Highway 2, the state response to the floods of 2009 and 2011, and the overseas Aitchison Becomes deployment of more than 2,500 soldiers and airmen Certified Recreational in the Global War on Terror.

Off-Highway Sprynczynatyk is a registered professional engineer in North Dakota and a member of the North Dakota Vehicle (ROHVA) Society of Professional Engineers and the National DriverCoach Society of Professional Engineers. His community

Dana Aitchison is now a involvement includes serving as a member and past certified Recreational OffDana Aitchison Highway Vehicle DriverCoach. president of the Far West Rotary Club, a member Aitchison attended a week long of the board of directors for the Gateway to Science hands-on training course offered by American Honda Center and executive board member of the Northern Motor Company in Colton, CA. The class focused on Lights Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

how to best instruct and impart safety principles to ROHV drivers. The class concluded with Aitchison and fellow students teaching the safety course to the Laguna Beach Police Department.

Aitchison will offer both the ROV Basic Driver Course and ATV Rider Couse throughout the summer and fall. Aitchison works at Open Road Honda.

Cloverdale Food Company Names Russell as New President/CEO

Cloverdale Foods Company names Scott Russell as new President/CEO. As of June 1st, 2016, TJ Russell has assumed the role of Chairman of the Cloverdale Foods Company, after spending 15 years as President/CEO of the family Bjelland Joins Dakota Eye Institute owned company.

Dakota Eye Institute recently Scott Russell has been with the company for 18 hired Brooke Bjelland as a years, and spent the last five years as Executive Vice Patient Accounts Representative President. Scott takes over in Cloverdale’s 101st year and Medical Coder. Bjelland of operation. He is the fifth President/CEO of the is a Bismarck native and is a company that spans four generations of the Russell registered Health Information Family.

Technician with an Associate degree in Health Information Brooke Bjelland Technology and a diploma for Medical Billing and Coding.

Chamber Connection | 27

COMMUNITY

NEWS

Dockter Joins KK BOLD

ASK-A-PRO

PERKS

Mandan Aero Center Welcomes Bloom

Lindsey Dockter has joined KK Rick Bloom joins the Mandan BOLD advertising agency as an Aero Center with nearly 30 account executive. In this role, years of aircraft maintenance she will provide marketing and experience. After being branding solutions for KK BOLD honorable discharged from Lindsey Dockter clients. the United States Navy, Bloom A 2003 graduate of Mandan attended Cheyenne Aero Tech High School, Dockter received a bachelor’s degree in Rick Bloom in Wyoming, where he received business management from Rasmussen College in his A&P License. Bloom is 2009. Prior to joining KK BOLD, she was employed at scheduled to further his aircraft maintenance training Houston Engineering. by taking his Inspection Authorization exam.

Through his years of experience, Bloom has had the opportunity to be a contract aircraft maintenance Eye Clinic of North Dakota New technician all across the United States. He has held Certifications the title of Director of Maintenance, Director of Quality The Eye Clinic of North Dakota is proud to Control and Maintenance Controller while working on announce new certifications and continuing education a variety of different airframes. Now back in Bismarck/ completed.

Mandan, where he grew up, Bloom is looking forward Bernadette Doll and Melissa Hoheisel, Patient to continuing his passion in aircraft maintenance Account Specialists, recently completed the while being a valuable team member at the Mandan Ophthalmic Coding Specialist program to further their Aero Center. expertise in ophthalmic coding.

Cameron Boechler and Ariel Ohlhauser recently attended the ASCRS convention completing classes to Dutch Mill Florist Recognized as Top 500 Florist further their Ophthalmic Technician roles.

Jeffrey Landblom, Clinic Administrator, attended For the 3rd year in a row, Dutch Mill Florist has the ASCRS convention where he completed classes in be recognized as a top 500 florist in the Teleflora the Ophthalmic Executive program. organization. Dutch Mill Florist is locally owned

by Jane Grabs and Marilee Toman and have been Chamber members and in business for over 21 years.

BPS Foundation Names New

Executive Director

The Bismarck Public Schools Foundation (BPSF) has hired Kayla Effertz Kleven as the new executive director following the retirement of Karen Bjella.

Effertz Kleven comes to the BPSF with more than six years of Kayla Effertz Kleven experience working as a senior policy advisor for Governor Hoeven and Governor Dalrymple. Her primary portfolio has included education, agriculture, and tax issues. She is also the co-owner of Olson Effertz Lobbying & Consulting, LLC. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Effertz Kleven was the Youth Office Manager for the North Dakota Department of Commerce working to promote North Dakota careers to students and creating internship programs. She has bachelor degrees from the University of North Dakota in marketing and communication, as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership. In 2015, she was awarded the UND Young Alumni Award.

28 | Chamber Connection

Dr. TePastte Joins CHI St. Alexius Health

Michelle TePastte, MD, has joined CHI St. Alexius Health’s hospital medicine team. Dr. TePastte received her medical Michelle TePastte degree from Wayne State University Medical School, Detroit, Mich. She completed an internal medicine residency at Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Mich. and a hospital medicine fellowship at CHI St. Alexius Health, Bismarck, N.D. Dr. TePastte is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She is a member of American Academy of Family Practice, American Board of Family Medicine and American Medical Association.

Dakota CDC Holds Annual Meeting

Dakota Certified Development Corporation (CDC) held their Annual Meeting in their Fargo office on the morning of June 1, 2016. The entire Dakota CDC Board and the company's President and CEO, Steve Dusek, were in attendance. During the meeting, board elections were held. Board members elected to a three-year term running from 2016 to 2019 were Michael Connor of Starkweather, ND, Lori Gabriel of Mandan, ND, and Dan Jacobson of Fargo, ND. Officers for the coming year were also elected. Those officers elected for the 2016-2017 year are: Lori Gabriel of Mandan, ND as Chair, Andy Maragos of Minot, ND as Vice-Chair, and Dan Jacobson of Fargo, ND as Maier Named Aging Services Division Secretary/Treasurer.

Director The Dakota CDC Board is made up of Directors The North Dakota Department of Human Services strategically represented throughout the entire State has selected Nancy Nikolas Maier as director of its and Western Minnesota, who are committed to small Aging Services Division. The division administers business lending and economic growth in Dakota programs and services that help older adults and CDC's entire service area. Other current Directors who people with physical disabilities remain living in are part of the board this year include Past Chair John their homes and communities. Division programs Phillips of Beulah, ND, Marlowe Johnson of Ottertail, also promote the health, safety, welfare, and rights of MN, Jim Stai of Savage, MN, and Rich Becker of residents of long-term care settings and vulnerable Grand Forks, ND. After the elections, the bulk of the adults living in the community.

Annual Meeting was spent in review of the past year Maier has over 22 years of experience in the aging and accomplishments met, the current outlook, and services field. During the past nine years, she worked the upcoming year. The meeting was then adjourned as the home and community-based services program and a thank you was extended to the Dakota CDC administrator in the department’s Medical Services Board and Staff for yet another successful year.

Division.

Prior to joining that division, she worked in the Securian Financial Advisor of the department’s Aging Services Division and focused on Month the Family Caregiver Support Program, adult foster

Securian Financial Advisors care, information and assistance, the Aging and of ND, Inc. is pleased to Disability Resource LINK, and dementia care services. announce that David Wald has In addition to home and community-based been named Advisor of the services, Maier has expertise in planning and Month for June based upon responding to the needs of older adults and other his production and service to vulnerable adults living in communities during his clients. David has been a disasters. She worked as a program coordinator for representative with Securian the East Grand Forks Senior Citizen Center during the David Wald since August 2008 and is 1997 Red River Flood. located at 1550 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck.

She earned a master’s degree in public and

David is a Registered Representative and human services administration from the University of Minnesota – Moorhead and has a bachelor’s degree Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. in psychology with a minor in gerontology from Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.

www.bismarckmandan.com Nurse Practitioner Receives AANP State Award for Excellence

Melissa Horner, FNP-BC, psychiatry, recently received the American Association of Nurse Practitioner (AANP) State Award for Excellence in Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practice during the 2016 AANP National Conference. The conference Melissa Horner was held June 21 through 26 in San Antonio, Texas. Horner earned her doctorate, masters and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from the University of Mary, Bismarck, and she is certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Bianco Realty Sales Awards

Bianco Realty has named SHIRLEY THOMAS and JUDY MASLOWSKI "REALTORS® of the Month"!

Shirley and Judy had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty for the month of June 2016. Shirley has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2001 and Judy has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2007.

Network Center, Inc. Announces New Hires

Technology solution provider Network Center, Inc. announces the addition of Project Managers Jennifer Rothschiller and Tracy Sanger and Infrastructure Architects Zach Ljungren and Ben Svobodny.

Svobodny graduated from Concordia College with a bachelor’s degree in Education. He brings his 16 years of industry experience to the team, most recently with Rightside Operating Co. Sanger graduated from MSUM and brings 15 years of industry experience to our team, most recently with Noridian.

Ljungren graduated from NDSU with a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and a minor in Computer Science. He brings his five years of industry experience to the team, most recently with Scheels All Sports, Inc. Rothschiller graduated from NDSU in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising.

She joins the team after three years at Intelligent Insights.

CHI St. Alexius Health Names Gustafson Facilities Director

CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck Medical Center recently named Jeffrey Jeffrey Gustafson Gustafson director of facilities. He is responsible for overseeing plan operations, maintenance, grounds, safety and security. Additionally, he will assure regulatory compliance and be a liaison with our community partners.

Jeff holds a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering and has taken graduate classes toward a Master of Business Administration. He is a certified healthcare environmental manager (HEM) and earned his California Processional Engineering license. Prior to joining CHI St. Alexius Health, Jeff was the facility director at Ukiah Valley Medical Center in California.

AUGUST TELEVISED LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS Monday, 1st 5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission Monday, 1st 5:30 pm Mandan School Board (recorded) Tuesday, 2nd 5:30 pm Mandan City Commission Monday, 8th 5:15 pm Bismarck School Board Monday, 8th 5:30 pm Mandan Park Board (recorded) Tuesday, 9th 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission Wednesday, 10th 8:00 am Burleigh County Water Resource District Wednesday, 10th 5:15 pm Burleigh County Planning Commission Thursday, 11th 5:30 pm Morton County Commission (recorded) Monday, 15th 5:30 pm Mandan School Board (recorded) Tuesday, 16th 1:00 pm Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Brd Tuesday, 16th 5:30 pm Mandan City Commission Wednesday, 17th 8:00 am Burleigh County Commission Budget

Thursday, 18th 8:00 am Burleigh County Commission Budget Thursday, 18th 5:15 pm Bismarck Park District Board Monday, 22nd 5:15 pm Mandan Planning Commission Tuesday, 23rd 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission Tuesday, 23rd 5:30 pm Morton County Commission (recorded) Wednesday, 24th 5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission Thursday, 25th 3:30 pm Burleigh County Social Services Meetings can be viewed LIVE (unless otherwise indicated) and are replayed several times on Government Access, cable channel 2 and HD602. Government meetings are also available for online viewing (LIVE and Video on Demand) at www.freetv.org.

Chamber Connection | 29

Ribbon Cuttings

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

SILO SALON Alexa Frank, Owner at her new business in the Kirkwood Mall by I-Keating Furniture entrance. Phone: 751-7374.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK & TRUST Ground Breaking Ceremony for their new bank location at 1533 N 12th St. in Bismarck. Phone: 751-8500. Member.

BLUE HAWK AUDIO & VIDEO Thad Lane, General Manager and Dyxan Williams, Sales Manager at their New Business in the Kirkwood Mall by I-Keating Furniture entrance. Phone: 751-7808. Member.

LARSON'S TATTOOING Jon Larson, Owner at his new location on 216 W. Main Street in Mandan. Phone: 400-5217.

Northern Plains was looking for an extra hand. At American, they got six.

When this farm implement dealer needed advice and support, American took inventory to help Northern Plains grease the economic engine. Consider us a 3-in-1 partner, dedicated to helping your small business get the banking, coverage and asset management it needs to thrive.

Watch how American helps any way we can at YouTube.com/ABCweareamerican

Marc & Dee Taylor Northern Plains Equipment

30 | Chamber Connection

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.

Mattress Firm Supercenter 413 Bismarck Expressway Bismarck, ND Jason Sellers (701) 751-8338 America's #1 specialty mattress retailer. We carry all the top brands like Sealy and Tempur-Pedic. Locally owned and operated.

Magnetsigns Bismarck 612 Meadow Lane Bismarck, ND Jeremy Martin (701) 400-1999 We are an outdoor and indoor advertising company specializing in the rental of portable and permanent signs using vibrant fluorescent letters and graphics. We customize your layout to your business.

Driven Results Bismarck, ND Pam Emmil (701) 426-7887 We create and maintain your Facebook page, create ads and status posts on your social media networks, Design and maintain your website, and enhance branding. We offer a complimentary consultation!

New Dakota LLC Bismarck, ND Dawn Seay (701) 989-5399 New Dakota LLC is a marketing, design, and training agency offering professional, high-quality creative services modeled and priced for small business owners.

Stella's 216 East Main Ave Bismarck, ND D’Arcie Malsam (701) 595-1025 Mixing vintage with new to create an eclectic variety of home decor, and gifts.

If you’re looking for inspiration, our store is a must stop destination.

Own It! Community owned, everyone welcome.

bismanfoodcoop.com 7 am - 8 pm Monday - Friday 9 am - 6 pm Saturday - Sunday 711 E. Sweet Ave Bismarck, ND 58504 701 751 3119 info@bismanfoodcoop.com

friendsOfTheCoop

@bismancoop

Chamber Connection | 31

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

Upcoming Chamber Events AT THE

FRIDAYS AT THE CHAMBER

Date: 8/5/2016 • Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: The Chamber Patio – 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

CHAMBER SPORTING CLAYS SHOOTOUT Chamber

The

Sporting Clays

SHOOTOUT

Date: 8/19/2016 • Time: 9:00am - 2:30pm Location: Capital City Sporting Clays – 12951 71st Ave NE, Bismarck

AUGUST MEMBERSHIP MIXER: HORIZON FINANCIAL BANK Date: 8/23/2016 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Horizon Financial Bank – 1207 West Divide Ave, Bismarck

BRATS FOR THE BRAVE

Date: 9/7/2016 • Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm Location: Kiwanis Park, Shelter #1 – 318 S Washington Street, Bismarck AT THE

on the

FRIDAYS AT THE CHAMBER

Date: 9/9/2016 • Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: The Chamber Patio – 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

DINNER ON THE PLAZA

Date: 9/15/2016 • Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: The Chamber Patio – 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

CELEBRATE BISMARCK-MANDAN

Date: 9/22/2016 • Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm Location: Best Western Ramkota Hotel – 800 South 3rd Street, Bismark

Terry Willis Business Development Consultant Supervisor Marco

peace of mind Get empowered at marconet.com

taking technology further marconet.com

#mpowering