October Connection by Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

MEMBER PROFILE Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library Pg. 12

WORKFORCE SUMMIT Thursday, October 21st Pg. 16

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN The 32nd class of leaders meets to kick-off the 2021-2022 year. Pg. 21

Connection OCTOBER 2021

WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM

BISMARCK-MANDAN SCHOOLS ARE BUILDING & GROWING

A BUSINESS PUBLICATION OF THE BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Valerie Weigel ................................................................... Chair Kevin Strege ...............................................................Vice-Chair Wendy Van Duyne ........................................................Secretary Mike Schmitz ................................................................Treasurer Brian Eiseman ............................................................ Past Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Evan Anderson ...........................................................Gizmonics Steve Bakken ......................................................City of Bismarck Andrea Birst ...............................................Glance Spa & Salon Nathan Boehm ....................................................Morton County Brian Eiseman ...............................................Stoneshire Builders Amber Larson.....................................................City of Mandan Karl Lembke ......................................................Vaaler Insurance Becky Matthews ................................................Burleigh County Allan Miller ............................................................Anyleaks, Inc. Dr. Sara Weigel Ness ..............................Active Life Chiropractic Marnie Piehl ................................North Dakota Safety Council Mike Remboldt ................................................................HIT Inc. Matt Sagaser ......................................................Doosan Bobcat Mike Schmitz ......................................Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs Garret Senger ...............................Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. Kevin Strege ................................................Credit Foundations Wendy Van Duyne .....................Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Valerie Weigel .......................Basin Electric Power Cooperative Lee Weisbeck ..........................................................Starion Bank

CHAMBER EDC STAFF

Brian Ritter ...................................................................President Nate Brown......................................................Sales Coordinator Aasta Eggert .......Economic Development Marketing Specialist Ross Frohlich ............................................Membership Director Christine Nelson ....................................Event & Sales Manager Rebecca Pelkey .................................Communications Specialist Elliot Rust ................................................Chief Financial Officer Lyndsey Scheurer .........................Creative Marketing Specialist Nathan Schneider ................................................Vice President Josie Smyle ..................................................Events Coordinator Cathryn Sprynczynatyk .....................Communications Specialist

1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-223-5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com

CONTACT INFORMATION Content Rebecca Pelkey rpelkey@bmcedc.com

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CONNECTION | CHAIR'S CORNER

e’re incredibly fortunate here in Bismarck-Mandan, for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that our community is GROWING! Now one could argue that I’m simply just saying that because I’m an optimist, so don’t just take my word for it. Take a look at recently released data from the 2020 Census: 2010

2020

‘10 – ‘20 Change

% Growth

Burleigh County

81,308

98,458

17,150

21.09%

Morton County

27,471

33,291

5,820

21.19%

When I’m asked why Bismarck, Mandan, Burleigh and Morton Counties are growing in the face of so many obstacles, I respond with one simple answer; economic diversity. There are certainly other factors that contribute to our community’s growth, but I always focus on economic diversity because that’s what interests me most. To illustrate that economic diversity, picture Bismarck-Mandan’s economy as a pyramid and at the base of that pyramid are four, core sectors: government, healthcare, education and energy generation. Now, because we have that broad base of sectors, our economy will still continue to perform and grow even if one of them is struggling. And as I noted, one of those sectors in our economy’s ‘base’ is education. We’re blessed in Bismarck-Mandan to have exceptional public and private K12 education systems and guess what? They’re growing too! Now that we’re a few months into the school year, we can look at our local enrollment numbers to see just how much they’re growing: Fall 2017

Fall 2018

Fall 2019

Fall 2020

Fall 2021

Bismarck Public Schools

12,861

13,039

13,312

13,276

13,503

642

4.99%

Mandan Public Schools

3,659

3,850

3,898

4,188

4,232

573

15.33%

Light of Christ Catholic Schools

1,285

1,331

1,375

1,355

1,390

105

8.17%

Shiloh Christian TOTAL

‘17 - ’21 % Change Change

475

466

458

503

539

13.47%

18,280

18,686

19,043

19,322

19,664

1,384

7.57%

Now to tie all of that together: our community is growing in part because of our incredibly diverse economy and one of those contributing economic sectors is education. To further illustrate that continued growth, look no further than this month’s cover feature on the four new schools being constructed around Bismarck-Mandan. Other communities would be envious of that type of activity and this month’s Connection features great insights from those helping make it all possible. And just in case you’re worried that we’re leaving out our institutions of higher education, keep watching the Connection in the coming months… Sincerely,

Valerie Weigel, Chair Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

twitter.com/bismancedc facebook.com/bismancedc @bismancedc

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FEATURE | CONNECTION

MANDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDS ON COMMUNITY GROWTH By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

Count ‘em. Four new public schools across Mandan and Bismarck. Over the next three years, Bismarck-Mandan will see four new public schools opening — two elementary schools in Bismarck, one elementary school in Mandan, and a brand-new Mandan High School.

7TH AVE NW

6TH AVE NW

Both communities have seen tremendous growth in the student body population. Since 2007, Mandan Public School District has grown by over 1,000 students. The current school year began with 4,250 students, which is 100 more than was predicted by Mandan Public Schools’ demographer.

Earlier this year, the citizens of Mandan passed an $84 million bond issue to answer that need. A new elementary school will be built in Lakewood to relieve overcrowding at current elementary schools. A brand-new Mandan High School will replace the aging high school which was built in 1957. “The people of Mandan saw the value,” said Marnie Piehl, Mandan School Board Member. “We have one high school, one middle school. We’re an united little city. We want those to be really good facilities. People want to do right by kids and their education.”

Source: ICON Architects OUTLOT #1 2.22 ACRES PROPERTY LINE

24TH STREET NW PROPERTY LINE

OUTLOT #3 3.63 ACRES

18 WAY

PARKING

PROPOSED HIGH SCHOOL

RTY LI

FUTURE CLASS ADDITION

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PROPE

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RETENTION POND LOT 3.79 ACRES

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OUTLOT #6 2.16 ACRES

OLD

Future site of new Mandan High School. MANDAN HIGH SCHOOL MANDAN, ND

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OUTLOT #5 2.86 ACRES

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PROPOSED HIGH SCHOOL

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CONNECTION | FEATURE Photo Credit: Mandan Public Schools

The existing Mandan High School was built in 1957. It will be torn down, and the property will likely be sold.

MANDAN HIGH SCHOOL

The existing Mandan High School was built in 1957. MHS still has its original 1950s-era boiler. If the school district had updated the current facility, they would have had to update the boiler, update the electrical system, install a sprinkler system, add bathroom fixtures, redo the stairwells, take care of the elevator. Even the door handles in the hallway are no longer up to code.

The new Mandan High School will be built for 1,300-1,400 students with the potential to expand up to 1,800 students over time. The high school will include a main competition gym, an auxiliary gym, an 800-seat auditorium, and a career and technical education center.

“It would have been $21 million just to bring (Mandan High School) up to code without adding a square foot onto it,” said Superintendent Mike Bitz. The cost was too high to remodel a building that was already too small. In addition to the bond issue funds, Mandan Public Schools has access to $9.6 million in COVID relief funds for schools. The new high school will be located in north Mandan. The property is situated between Mandan Middle School and Starion Sports Complex. The site is adjacent to Kramer Subaru and Walmart in Mandan. The school district purchased 50 acres for $4.4 million. The district plans to sell outlot parcels and estimates they may be able to recoup $2 million from those sales. “It’s convenient for parents to be between Mandan Middle School and Starion Sports Complex,” Bitz said. “The existing infrastructure will save our taxpayers money.”

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FEATURE | CONNECTION Both Mandan schools and both Bismarck schools are being designed by ICON Architectural Group.

Photo Credit: Mandan Public Schools

“Mandan Public Schools really wanted to make sure we addressed the needs and wants of the community,” said Lee Pierce, Project Manager and Market Leader for ICON Architectural Group. “We’re really trying to incorporate that into the design.” Mandan School District and nearby high schools are applying to State of North Dakota for additional career and technical education funding. Mandan will be partnering with schools in Solen, Center, New Salem, Glen Ullin, Hebron, Selfridge, and Beulah. Career and technical education could be taught virtually, and then the students could come on site and use the lab each month.

Most Lakewood children go to Ft. Lincoln Elementary, which is a 20-minute drive.

Photo Credit: Mandan Public Schools

The new Mandan High School is scheduled to open in fall 2024. The old Mandan High School will eventually be demolished, and the school district will sell the land for redevelopment.

LAKEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

For years, Mandan School District officials have seen the need for a The new Lakewood elementary school will be built to alleviate overcrowding. new elementary school coming. The Lakewood neighborhood in southeast Mandan has been growing by leaps and bounds. Right now, the school district buses 300 Bitz said both the elementary school and high school will be elementary kids out of Lakewood each day to two other “built right-sized now with the ability to be expanded if we elementary schools. Most Lakewood children go to Ft. grow in the future.” Lincoln Elementary. It’s close to Lakewood as the crow flies, but it’s a far drive because parents drive north all the way to The Lakewood elementary school will be split up into Main Street before they can turn around and head south to two educational wings. A third wing can be added to the the school. school in the future. The central common space will include collaborative spaces, a media center, music center, cafeteria, “We knew this elementary school was absolutely necessary, and gym. The common area will include collaborative spaces and we’ve long owned this land in that area in anticipation,” as well. Piehl said. “They took some similarities form Red Trail Elementary In 2011, Mandan School District purchased land in — which were successful design features — rather than Lakewood with the future plan to build an elementary reinventing the wheel,” Pierce said. “They also incorporated school. The Lakewood school with have two sections for feedback from staff on what they like about the school.” each grade.

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CONNECTION | FEATURE Source: ICON Architects

G CI ALE RC LE

PROPERTY LINE

OUTLOTS 3.82 ACRES PROPERTY LINE

PLAYGROUND

38TH AVENUE SW

BUS LOOP

FUTURE CLASS ADDITION

FUTURE ADDITION

OUTLOTS 6.95 ACRES

LAKEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

E AV

A O

PLAYGROUND

TH 34

Y RT

PARKING

PROPERTY LINE

PARKING

PROPERTY LINE

MCKENZIE DRIVE

Future site of new Lakewood elementary school. LAKEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MANDAN, ND

PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN

The new elementary school will house 300 children. Mandan School District will be redistricting their elementary school boundaries, but this is not a new process. “When we built Red Trail Elementary in 2014, we held meetings in each of the elementary schools and talked to our parents about where is the appropriate place to set boundaries,” Bitz said. “We allow parents to request a school outside of their boundary, but then we don’t provide transportation. If their child was a third grader and they don’t want to move them for the last two years, we tried to honor that to the extent that we could.”

WWW.ICONARCHITECTS.COM

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PROPOSED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The new Lakewood elementary school is scheduled to open in fall 2023. “I’m really proud to be in a community that values education,” Piehl said.

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FEATURE | CONNECTION

BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS GETTING A HANDLE ON GROWTH By Scooter Pursley, Clearwater Communications Darin Scherr has spent nearly two decades chasing growth in Bismarck Public Schools (BPS), but the district’s business and operations manager sees this changing for the better in the months ahead.

Photo Credit: Bismarck Public Schools

When Elk Ridge and Silver Ranch elementary schools open in time for the 2022 school year, they will alleviate overcrowding at the city’s newest elementary schools and accomplish the first phase of the district’s plans to deal with enrollment growth. “We were always chasing growth,” Scherr said. “We had to get so far overcrowded before we’d do anything. This is a step to address growth in a timely fashion. What we do, social and emotional learning, requires more space in all our buildings. If we’re full of kids, we don’t have space to provide those supports.”

EASING OVERCROWDING

Due to steady growth on the north side of Bismarck, the city’s newest schools – Sunrise and Liberty elementary schools – faced crowding issues from the day they opened their doors. “We wanted to pull back the size of Sunrise and Liberty, and pulling out kids will provide more room in existing schools and the new ones,” Scherr added.

Lincoln Elementary School is currently the largest elementary school in the state of North Dakota.

North Dakota Department of Public Instruction enrollment numbers showed Sunrise Elementary School (626 students) and Liberty Elementary School (589 students) as two of the top three elementary school enrollments in Bismarck for the 2020-21 school year. Lincoln, which opened in 2014 with an enrollment of 375 students, had a reported enrollment of 621 students last school year.

Built to ease overcrowding at Rita Murphy and Northridge, Sunrise opened in 2010 with 463 students. Liberty opened in 2014 with 538 students and an addition was added in 2016. By 2017, 650 students were enrolled there.

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“When Liberty and Lincoln elementary schools were built, we had collaborative areas designed into the building so all classrooms could use it. But we had to use them right away for classrooms,” BPS Superintendent Jason Hornbacher said. The district still must address crowding on the south side, says BPS School Board President Jon Lee. Lincoln Elementary School is currently the largest elementary school in the state and the district is studying options for another school on the south side.

CONNECTION | FEATURE “We are in good shape, but we have needs on the south side,” Lee said. “We are looking at the possibility of a second elementary down there because it’s sorely needed.” Crowding isn’t new to the district. BPS has dealt with continuous growth for many years. Scherr said it works off an estimated 4 percent growth per year, with some years coming in even higher. But the district is always growing, and this year reported 13,476 students enrolled as of Sept. 10, up 300 over last year. “When I started in the district roughly 20 years ago, Bismarck was a declining district,” Scherr said. “Ever since that time, we’ve been on an upward trajectory.”

EXPANSION PLAN

Hornbacher sees the district nearing a point where it is ahead of the game and not playing catch up with enrollment growth; and doing so without burdening taxpayers. He said Elk Ridge and Silver Ranch will be built for $38 million, without a tax increase to the community.

The floor plans for Elk Ridge Elementary (upper) and Silver Ranch Elementary (lower) are almost identical.

“We’re hoping to capitalize on state dollars to provide more options for kids and ease capacity without adding a fourth middle school (in the $50 million range),” Hornbacher said.

Expansion of the existing career and technical education (CTE) offerings to include grades six through 12 would alleviate crowding in the middle schools throughout the day, Hornbacher said. Two thousand students per day attend at least one class at the CTE center and Bismarck State College.

Hornbacher said matching funds from the legislature are available to the district for expansion. “There’s a $10 million matching grant that comes out in October, and we are fully prepared to put in for the grant to expand (CTE) to sixth through 12th (grades) to ease the populations of our middle schools that are nearing capacity,” Hornbacher explained. Lee reiterated the board’s desire to address expansion without going to the public for funding.

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FEATURE | CONNECTION Photo Credit: Bismarck Public Schools

Almost as soon as Liberty Elementary was built, the collaboration spaces had to be converted to classrooms.

“We’re looking at using part of the ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds, which were built to avoid taxes in the future for the stakeholders,” Lee said. “If we can grow this middle school career academy program, it will (reduce) pressure at the middle schools and we will be good for a number of years.” In addition, the district is planning to add a third wing to Legacy High School that will bring its enrollment capacity to 1,600, which is more in line with those at Bismarck High School and Century High School.

PRACTICING FLEXIBILITY

Like school districts everywhere, BPS has learned a lot of flexibility during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Flexibility to deliver education are things we learned over the last 18 months, and we can be highly successful with those. The traditional brick and mortar 1,600 capacity is there, but we have an understanding that we can do some things differently to expand opportunities for kids,” Hornbacher said.

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CONNECTION | FEATURE “(We’ve) got the potential with the ESSER dollars to have about $24.5 million that we can use to provide long-term tax avoidance for the community,” Hornbacher continued, adding the 202223 school year “could be pretty interesting.” That’s when the new elementary schools would open; Legacy High School’s expansion could begin, with completion in 2023; and a decision on a southside elementary school is expected.

Photo Credit: Bismarck Public Schools

Both new elementary schools in Bismarck are scheduled to open in fall 2022.

“We’re going to be good at elementary once we figure out that Lincoln piece. If we get the CTE expanded for nine through 12 and get a new program for six through eighth (grades), our best guess would be 10 to 15 years before we would have to do a middle or high school,” Lee said. Growth of the community will obviously play a role in that, Lee said. “We’re constantly visiting with the city and visiting with developers. That’s the growth we need to try to stay ahead of,” Hornbacher noted. “It’s a hard process but I feel like we’re finally able to be proactive rather than reactive. That’s what our kids deserve.”

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MEMBER PROFILE | CONNECTION

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library has been a member since 1985.

Christine Kujawa BISMARCK VETERANS MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY Tell us about yourself and your role within your business. A: I’m Christine Kujawa, Library Director at Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library. I’ve been working in the library field for over 25 years, including for the organization since 2003 and being promoted to Library Director in 2014. My education includes a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; a Master’s degree in Business Management from the University of Mary; and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Religion from the University of North Dakota. As the Library Director, my responsibilities comprise administration of Library operations, which includes leading a team of 58 employees, maintaining the Library’s 70,000 square foot building and grounds, budgeting and financial management, and ongoing communication with the public, media, and local and state government.

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MEMBER SINCE 1985

Briefly tell us the history behind the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library. A: The Library began as a reading room established by a group of pioneer women in 1873, housed at the Chamber of Commerce. In 1917, thanks to a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Corporation, a public library was built on the corner of 6th Street and Thayer Avenue. In the 1960’s, planning began for a new location with more space, located at the corner of 6th Street and Avenue A. The project was funded through a veterans bond levy and as a result the Bismarck Public Library, was renamed Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library in honor of the area’s veterans. Over 100 years later, the community continues to support the Library, as evidenced by the 350,000 visitors who check out 535,000 items annually.

CONNECTION | MEMBER PROFILE How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted the Veterans Memorial Public Library? A: As the community continues to grow we see more and more foot traffic in the building and more patrons needing our services. It can be challenging at times because we strive to provide quality service in a timely manner and we understand the significance of having the information when you need it. The librarians take serving the public to heart. They’ve assisted students with research and homework who later stop in to show them their diplomas. Many come in to tell the librarians that they were hired and are employed. It’s gratifying to have this kind of impact on peoples’ lives!

What does the future of the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library look like, and the industry as a whole look like to you? A: The future looks very bright for our Library and public libraries as a whole. The Library plays a vital role in the collective growth and educational experience of the community. In the past we have been, and will continue to be, successful in our delivery of library services because we embrace change and adapt. When there are shifts in the community we adjust our services and leverage our mission to ensure our services match the needs of the community, therefore ensuring the Library remains relevant and highly utilized by citizens.

What trends are taking place in your industry? A: While public libraries have always been places that welcome everyone in their communities, there is a trend for a more deliberate focus on inclusivity and diversity. This extends to our hiring practices, the programs we offer, and content in our collections. In all areas, we strive for diverse and inclusive consideration. There has also been a shift in on-site service versus bringing out services to where the citizens are. Outreach service in public libraries has been on the rise with close to 700 outreach vehicles operating in the United States. Outreach locations include assisted living centers, schools, afterschool programs, rural areas, and local events. Providing outreach service ensures Library services are available to everyone, especially marginalized segments in the community such as those with low-income, limited transportation, or struggles with mental illness. We have a Mobile Library vehicle and Bookmobile and between the two, Library services are made available to everyone in Burleigh County.

The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Pubic Library became a member in 1985, why do you continue to renew each year? A: It’s beneficial for the Library to continue with membership because we are connected with the other Chamber EDC members. It is important to know what is going on with local businesses, the community, and be aware of changes and trends that they may be facing. The Chamber EDC is a great resource for this information and is helpful when conducting environmental scans, which we do on a regular basis, to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our citizens.

Have there been any monumental changes within your industry that you’ve had to deal with? A: There was a period of time in 2020 when we had to close temporarily due to COVID-19. We received a high number of phone calls and emails from citizens who wanted to learn how to access our digital material because they couldn’t come in the Library to check out printed books. As a result, circulation of our digital collection increased an overall 27%; children’s digital reading material increased 104%! We’ve increased the number of titles we’re purchasing to keep up with the demand, which is continuing even as things get back to “normal.” However, even with the increase in digital usage, 2/3 of our circulation is still accounted for through print material. Digital material is more expensive than print, and access is stricter due to publisher restrictions. It’s been challenging to keep up with purchasing both formats but we’ve been fortunate receive monetary donations, which has temporarily assisted with this. We have also adopted curbside service which was so well received that it has become a permanent service.

What should other Chamber EDC members know about the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library that may assist them? A: The Library has evolved over the years to meet the needs of the community. We’re not just a warehouse for books – We’re a community center where citizens can come together to experience personal enrichment opportunities. Of course we have books, but we also have popular movies, music, board games, video games, and downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, and movies, all can be checked out with a library card. Our professional librarians assist patrons with research, learning basic technology skills, job searching, creating resumes, applying for jobs, locating housing, notarizing documents, and connecting with social services. We offer programs and events on all manner of subjects for all ages. It’s common knowledge that new residents are looking for more than a job and a place to live. They want to live somewhere that offers a suite of services and activities that create a good quality of life both for individuals and families. The Library is certainly at the top of this list. To find out more about the Library stop by at 515 N 5th Street or visit online at www.bismarcklibrary. org.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE MONTH: CAREER BUILDERS The ND Career Builders Scholarship & Loan Repayment program is a tool for business to recruit and retain talent in high-need and emerging occupations in the state. This unique partnership provides $1 of state funds for each $1 of private-sector matching funds, up to a total of $17,000 per recipient! The high-need and emerging occupations list is reviewed annually to determine qualifying positions. Individuals can receive a scholarship on the front end, loan repayment on the back-end, or both, for their commitment to the state to fill one of the high-need occupations. To learn more about Career Builders contact the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC office.

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TEDX BISMARCK HELD In August TEDx Bismarck returned! After canceling the event last year due to the ongoing pandemic TEDx Bismarck planners moved forward with this year’s event. This year’s theme was “Under the Microscope” and featured speakers from all over the country. Speakers included a gentleman who was a monk, a marine, and a money manager, a woman who developed a program to teach kids to cook which is helps them make better food choices, and an Iraq combat veteran who wrote a book in which he talks about forgiving his enemies. The event, held at the Bismarck Event Center, was attended by about 175 people and was followed by a social at First International Bank & Trust. The Chamber EDC was a sponsor of the event and staff served on the planning committee.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MANDAN EOP COMMITTEE EVENTS

In 2009 through it’s strategic planning, the city of Mandan created the economic opportunity and prosperity (EOP) committee as one of four committees that would help the city achieve goals of the strategic plan. The EOP committee was to help achieve the goal that looked to position Mandan’s economy to best assure sustainable growth and increasing wealth. The committee has historically attempted to achieve the goal through a series of business outreach sessions. Over the years some of those sessions have included Business Startup 101 that provided aspiring entrepreneurs with resources and examples to help them get their businesses off the ground and one of the newest sessions the Business Pitch Challenge which has been a competition of startup businesses for a host of prizes. One recent session included Mandan’s fourth “Downtown Places and Spaces” walking tour and networking social. The event was held the evening of September 28th and included a walking tour of downtown and social. Attendees were able to take a closer look at upgrades such as the library addition, Dykshoorn Park enhancements, recent Renaissance Zone and storefront improvement projects by businesses, plus new traffic-calming streetscape components for pedestrian safety such as curb extensions, sidewalk lighting and plantings.

Participants had a chance to offer ideas for the future of a few commercial spaces available for sale and lease. Organizers hope attendees will share opportunities with others. The Mandan Tomorrow – Economic Opportunity and Prosperity Committee is hosting the event in cooperation with Mandan Business Development and Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. Other scheduled business education and outreach activities include a Business Start-Up 101 workshop on Nov. 17 and the fourth Mandan Business Pitch Challenge on March 23, 2022.

TAXABLE SALES & PURCHASES DATA RELEASED

In September the North Dakota Tax Department released the 2nd quarter taxable sales and purchases figures. In Burleigh County taxable sales and purchases were up over 19% compared to the same quarter in 2020 and in Morton County those same figures were up over 5% for the same time period. North Dakota as a whole was up over 21% from the 2nd quarter in 2020.

Q2 - 2020

Q2 - 2021

Q1+ Q2 - 2020 Q1+ Q2 - 2021

Burleigh County

$388,404,152

$464,375,508

$713,727,601

$827,096,506

Morton County

$79,286,230

$83,749,834

$142,030,901

$146,160,825

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

2021 WORKFORCE SUMMIT IS BACK! The 2021 Chamber EDC Workforce Summit will provide our region the opportunity to access resources and be included in a discussion of workforce issues and solutions with industry leaders.

The economic strength of Bismarck-Mandan, and North Dakota, is unquestionably connected to the education and skills of our community. A diversely skilled and educated workforce further enables our region’s ability to be economically competitive on a local, national, and global level. Employers, educators, and professionals are encouraged to attend the 2021 Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Workforce Summit on Thursday, October 21st. Registration will be from 8:00am to 8:30am, and the event will go from 8:30am - 12:00pm at the Radisson Hotel. In addition to learning from the event keynote, the 2021 Workforce Summit will feature an expanded selection of workshops to provide attendees with insight into various workforce opportunities and best practices. *SHRM & HRCI credits offered*

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

LOCAL MAYORS DISCUSS THE STATE OF THE CITIES On Wednesday, November 10th, join both Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling and Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken for the 2021 State of the Cities address at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Mandan. Registration will go from 7:00am 7:30am, with the event to follow from 7:30am - 9:00am. Come along this morning to gain insight from both Mandan and Bismarck mayors on the successes and challenges our State of the Cities communities have faced throughout the past year. Attendee’s will also have the opportunity to learn more about what can be expected in Bismarck-Mandan in the upcoming year. This informative morning is a must for anyone wanting to be “in the know” about all things BismarckMandan! Cost to attend is $30 for Chamber EDC members (Virtual & In-Person) and $40 for General Admission (Virtual & In-Person). For more information, contact Josie Smyle at jsmyle@ bmcedc.com, or call the Chamber EDC office at 701-223-5660. Registration is available and can be done today at https://business.bismarckmandan.com/events.

THANK YOU SPONSORS! Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsors: Event Sponsors:

BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative

Table Sponsors: American Bank Center, Apex Engineering Group, Bank of North Dakota, Bismarck State College, BNC National Bank, Capital Credit Union, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, First Western Bank & Trust, Gate City Bank, HDR Engineering, Northern Improvement Company, Pearce Durick PLLC, Sanford Health, Starion Bank, United Tribes Technical College, University of Mary

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

CHAMBER EDC SERVES BRATS TO THE COMMUNITY'S BRAVEST The Chamber EDC continued our great partnership with the North Dakota National Guard to host the 2021 Brats with the Brave at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory. On Friday, September 10th, over 300 military personal, first responders, health care workers and the Bismarck Mandan community came by to eat a tasty lunch and thank all those who serve our community. The Chamber EDC served over 300 people at this year's Brats with the Brave. The Chamber EDC’s Military Affairs Committee served with the help of Dakota Community Bank & Trust who grilled up brats Presenting from Cloverdale Foods. Sponsor:

This event would not be possible without the support of our presenting sponsor, CrossCountry Freight Solutions and the following military supporters and Chamber EDC members:

Lunch Sponsors:

BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®

Event Sponsor: Northern Improvement Company Special Thanks: Cloverdale Foods and Dakota Community Bank & Trust

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN - LAST CALL! Did you know one of the best ways to reach the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC’s 1,200 members is by participating in our events and programs? Open enrollment for these events is happening RIGHT NOW, so don’t miss out on this great outreach opportunity!

Whether it is Annual Dinner, Indoor or Outdoor Golf, Lemonade Day, or a new event like the 12 Tastes of Christmas, extend your business’s reach by sponsoring a CEDC event! There are still some high level, big exposure sponsorships up for grabs, BUT all available sponsorships are on a first come, first serve basis. With less than 2 months left, don’t wait to call! Learn the value of your membership and how to maximize the benefits! SAVE THE DATES!

November 19th — TRC Conclusion November 30th — 5% early pay discount period ends

If your organization is interested in sponsoring an event-take this opportunity to get involved! Questions? Contact Nate Brown at nbrown@bmcedc.com or 701-223-5660.

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

CHAMBER EDC SPORTING CLAYS SHOOTOUT IS A BLAST! A record number of Chamber EDC and business community members attended the 2021 Chamber EDC Sporting Clays Shootout presented by Knife River Corporation! Held on Friday, August 20 at Capital City Sporting Clays, this year’s event saw over 100 shooters from across Bismarck-Mandan participate. Those who joined us not only got to experience several different shooting stations, but a variety of games such as: an axe throw, tannerite shoot, This year's Sporting Clays Shooout was the Chamber EDC's largest turnout yet. softball slingshot and the dunk tank. And once that was all over, those who stuck around enjoyed lunch from Chamber EDC Member Pizza Ranch and refreshments from Presenting another Chamber EDC Member, McQuade Distributing. Sponsor: A big thank you to Mark Sandness and the team at Capital City Sporting Clays for again hosting the event and making it a tremendous success. Additionally, we want to thank all of our sponsors who made this year’s Shootout possible.

Long Range Sponsors:

Rapid Fire Sponsors: Apex Engineering Group, Berg’s 24 Hr. Towing, Bremer Bank, Cedric Theel Toyota, First International Bank & Trust, Singh Construction Pigeon Sponsors: Advanced Business Methods, Amy Hullet: Century 21 Morrison Realty, Consolidated, Construction Company, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Ducks Unlimited, Edward Jones/Chad Richter, Fireside, Office Solutions , Flash Printing, HH Gun Shop, Liberty Business Systems, McQuade Distributing, Prairie Engineering, P.C.

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN CLASS OF 2022 The Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Program enters its 32nd year with a class of 18 professionals and emerging leaders from our community who will spend the next nine months learning about the issues impacting Bismarck-Mandan and how they as leaders can take our community forward.

ARE YOU

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Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Class of 2022.

Amy Arenz – Job Service North Dakota Teresa Chrest – Bartlett & West Nicolas Cullen – Houston Engineering, Inc. Tim Flagstad – Sanford Health Samantha Froelich – First International Bank & Trust Nicole Gagner – Painter Nicole Rae Gunn – United Tribes Technical College Rena Mehlhoff – BisMan Bombshellz Roll Derby League Kyren Miller – Bismarck State College Linda Oster – City of Bismarck Alicia Rogstad – Knutson Realty Laura Sandberg – Security First Bank of North Dakota Barry Schumaier – KFYR TV/West Dakota FOX Ellie Shockley – North Dakota University System Emily Smith – University of Mary McKenzie Smith – Comfort Inn & Suites Grant Sundquist – Basin Electric Power Cooperative Destiny Voth – Gate City Bank

Call Commercial Sales Manager Jennifer Guthmiller at 701-323-3035 for a free consultation and learn how DCN can help protect your data.

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CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION

BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC

workforce

SUMMIT

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: STARION BANK Date: Thursday, October 14, 2021 Location: Starion Bank 333 N 4th Street, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend

On Thursday, October 14th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, join Starion Bank as they host the October Membership Mixer at their location at 333 N 4th Street in Bismarck. This event is a great way to get out and about for networking and get the chance to win some great door prizes! Mixers are FREE for Chamber EDC members to attend. RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by registering online at https://business.bismarckmandan.com/events or by contacting Josie Smyle at jsmyle@bmcedc.com.

Stay with us!

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WORKFORCE SUMMIT Date: Thursday, October 21, 2021 Location: Radisson Hotel 605 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck Registration: 8:00AM - 8:30AM Event Time: 8:30AM - 12:00PM Admission: $35 for Chamber EDC members $60 for General Admission Presented By:

Don’t miss out on this year’s Workforce Summit on October 21st at the Radisson Hotel. Registration is from 8:00am to 8:30am, with the event to follow from 8:30am 12:00pm. Come and hear our keynote speaker, Rikka Brandon, talk about your ideal hire profile and how to supercharge your job postings. After breakfast and keynote, choose three out of the four breakout sessions to attend! Breakout sessions include: • “Putting the Recruitment Blueprint to Work” • “Building you Company’s Culture” • “Mental Health in the Workplace” • “HR Do’s and Don’ts for Small Businesses” Prior registration is required. Tickets: $35.00 for Chamber EDC Members, $60.00 for non-members. Register by following: https://business. bismarckmandan.com/events/details/workforcesummit-2021-5197 or contact Nathan Schneider with any questions.

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

STATE OF THE CITIES Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2021 Location: Baymont Inn & Suites 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan Registration: 7:00AM - 7:30AM Event Time: 7:30AM - 9:00AM Admission: $30 for Chamber EDC members $40 for General Admission Presented By:

Join Mandan Mayor, Tim Helbling, and Bismarck Mayor, Steve Bakken, for the 2021 State of the Cities event on Wednesday, September 10th at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Mandan. Registration is from 7:00am to 7:30am, with the event to follow from 7:30am - 9:00am. On this morning, participants will gain insight from both Mandan and Bismarck mayors on the successes and challenges each city faced throughout 2021. Attendee’s will also hear about what can be expected in BismarckMandan in the upcoming years. This informative, networking event is a must for anyone wanting to be “in the know” about where we live, work, and play!

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: ZORELL'S JEWELRY Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021 Location: Zorell's Jewelry 221 S 9th Street, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend

Save the date for final Membership Mixer of 2021! Zorells Jewelry will be hosting the November Membership Mixer on Thursday, November 18th at their location at 221 S 9th St in Bismarck, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Join fellow Chamber EDC member for their 1940s Christmas, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” themed mixer while we enjoy catering by Lady J’s along with an open bar for complimentary wine, champagne, and beer! Mixers are FREE for Chamber EDC members to attend. RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by registering online at https://business.bismarckmandan.com/events.

Cost to attend is $30 (Virtual & In-Person) for Chamber EDC members and $40 (Virtual & In-Person) for General Admission. For more information, contact Josie Smyle at jsmyle@bmcedc.com, or call the Chamber EDC office at 701-223-5660.

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CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION

12 TASTES OF CHRISTMAS

Date: Thursday, December 9, 2021 Location: BSC - NECE (4th Floor Bavendick Stateroom) 1200 Schafer St, Bismarck Registration: 4:30PM - 5:00PM Event Time: 5:00PM - 7:00PM Admission: $25 for Chamber EDC members $50 for General Admission NEW to the Chamber EDC's engagement/networking events is the 12 Tastes of Christmas! This is a great winter event with a festive atmosphere to get people in the spirit of the holidays. Guests can network while taste-testing 12 different Chamber EDC member holiday inspired cocktails and vote on their favorite! Great food, drinks, and company make this event well worth the $25-member discounted admission. For more information, contact Josie Smyle, or call the Chamber EDC office at 701-223-5660. Join the Chamber EDC to begin celebrating the holidays on Thursday, December 9th. Registration is from 4:30pm to 5:00pm with the event to follow from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at BSC National Energy Center of Excellence, 4th floor located at 1200 Schafer Street in Bismarck.

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INDOOR GOLF TOURNEY

Date: Friday, January 14, 2022 Location: Golf Etc. 511 Airport Road, Bismarck Flight Times: 11:00AM - 1:00PM 1:00PM - 3:00PM 3:00PM - 5:00PM Admission: $150 per team $75 for individual Returning to the Chamber EDC events calendar in 2022, the CEDC Indoor Golf Tournament!! The Indoor Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, January 14th, 2022, at Golf Etc. (511 Airport Road, Bismarck). Mark your calendar to sign up, as number of spots available is limited! Entry fees include: $150 for a team of two and $75 for an individual player. Prizes will be available for the top three teams and the player with most fairways. Don’t have a team put together? No worries! We’ll get you connected with a teammate for the tournament! Please contact Josie Smyle at jsmyle@bmcedc.com or call 701-223-5660 with any questions or to register.

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

FIRESIDE OFFICE SOLUTIONS NAMED STEELCASE 2020 PREMIER PARTNER AWARD RECIPIENT

SANFORD HEALTH OPENS CHILDREN’S CAMPUS EXPANSION

We are pleased to announce Fireside Office Solutions has been designated a Steelcase 2020 Premier Partner Award Recipient. This prestigious distinction is awarded yearly to the top Steelcase dealers across the U.S. and Canada who have displayed dedicated leadership, exceptional value, and outstanding customer experience to its clients. Fireside has demonstrated market share growth, client loyalty, financial strength and continuing investments in its business to deliver exceptional value to the people and places it serves. Fireside is 1 of 30 authorized Steelcase dealers to receive the Steelcase 2020 Premier Partner Award. Fireside has enjoyed a partnership with the leading furniture manufacturer since the 1980’s. The Premier Partner program annually measures the quality of its authorized dealers so clients can be informed on the top performing and most reliable firms. Fireside strives to connect with our client to provide expert knowledge, quality products and professional service.

Sanford Health is expanding its pediatric care with the grand opening of the Sanford Children’s Campus in north Bismarck and the addition of pediatric neurology. “By expanding our pediatric space next to the existing Sanford Children’s Therapies and Sanford Children’s North Clinic, the Sanford Children’s Campus can offer pediatric services in one-convenient location,” said Bill Kopp, Executive Director, Heart, Women's & Children's Clinics. The expanded campus will house all Bismarck Children’s services except for pediatric hematology, oncology, and Dr. Rafael Ocejo’s pediatric practice, which will remain at the Sanford Children’s Downtown Clinic. Building A, previously Sanford Children’s North Clinic at 765 W Interstate Ave, will offer pediatrics, pediatric cardiology and the region’s only dedicated pediatric walk-in clinic. Building B, at 801 W Interstate Ave, will offer pediatrics and pediatric specialty services, including pediatric neurology. Building C, at 809 W Interstate Ave, will offer children’s therapies, pediatrics and the Well Baby clinic.

Ross Frohlich - Membership Director

CONTACT ROSS TODAY to ﬁnd out details about membership and if it’s the right choice for your business! rfrohlich@bmcedc.com

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701-223-5660

The expanded campus will offer the region’s only pediatric neurologist with the addition of David Okonkwo, MD. Sanford also welcomes new pediatrician Evan Rogler, MD. For more information, visit sanfordhealth.org or call 701-323-KIDS (5437). The Sanford Bismarck region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 21 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

ZORELLS JEWELRY NAMED ONE OF AMERICA'S COOLEST JEWELRY STORES

Zorells Jewelry has been named one of America’s Coolest Jewelry Stores by INSTORE, the magazine for the North American jewelry store owner. The Bismarck, ND, business won an honorable mention award in the Big Cool division for stores with six or more employees.

CRACTC PROVIDING STUDENT EXPERIENCES WITH MOBILE MEAT LAB

More than 80 stores took part in the annual contest that highlights the best examples of independent jewelry retailers in North America. “Every year, we feel privileged to bring our readers the best of the best in our industry,” said Trace Shelton, INSTORE’s editor-in-chief. “With its eye-catching architectural details, Zorells Jewelry certainly qualifies. But a store wouldn’t really fit our ‘cool’ criteria if it weren’t for such aspects as innovative marketing, a creative retail environment and a unique work culture.” Stores are judged by a panel of industry experts in exterior appearance, interior appearance, store biography, marketing, web presence and overall individuality. Under the design direction of Leslie McGwire and Associates, owners Tim and Sharon Ell built their dream store in 2019, inspired by Old Hollywood. The goal of the interior design was to personify Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers with marble “dance floors” and “flapper-style” chandeliers. Every time a couple gets engaged in the store, a bell tolls. The judges agree that the theme works. “These guys have a brand, they understand it, and they convey it consistently in the clothing they wear and the cars they drive to the store,” one judge said. The top three winners and five honorable mention winners in two divisions (“Small Cool” and “Big Cool”) are announced in the September issue of INSTORE and at instoremag.com. Honorable Mention stores are featured again in depth as monthly Cool Stores in issues of INSTORE from October 2021 through July 2022.

Central Region Area Career & Technical Center's, (CRACTC) High School Mobile Meats Lab will soon hit the road towards six school districts. CRACTC will work with agriculture teachers from Bismarck, Garrison, Mandan, Max, Turtle Lake – Mercer, and Wilton to incorporate iCEV curriculum focused on beef and pork fabrication including safety, processing, wrapping, and sanitation to teach students the basics of exploratory meats processing. The mobile meats lab will spend six weeks at each participating school. Dakota Community Bank and Trust donated a majority of the financial support for the initiative to help area Ag students, with remaining costs being shared between the CRACTC and participating schools. This partnership reduces the need for schools to individually purchase and store equipment and also helps connect teachers to collaborate and share best practices and teacher strategies. CRACTC is a blended learning Career and Technical Education (CTE) center helping serve public and private school students with CTE learning opportunities. CRACTC is helping prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s experiences!

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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

EAPC ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS INKS COLLABORATIVE BUSINESS AGREEMENTS WITH HULSING & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS, P.C. AND RITTERBUSH-ELLIG-HULSING P.C. EAPC Architects Engineers (EAPC), an award-winning A/E design consulting firm headquartered in North Dakota has joined forces with architectural firms Hulsing & Associates Architects, P.C. (Hulsing) from Dickinson and Williston and Ritterbush-Ellig-Hulsing P.C. (REH) out of Bismarck. The new collaborative business agreements bolster EAPC's presence in western North Dakota and adds additional design expertise to EAPC's 54-year history and staff of over 140. Employees from Hulsing and REH and will continue to market and be involved in pursuing work in addition to nurturing existing client relationships. Hulsing and REH are established and recognized firms who have provided design services to western North Dakota clients - Hulsing since 1974 and REH since 1883, both focusing primarily on K-12, higher education, and civic sectors. The Ritterbush roots are part of the oldest firm in the entire region.

“We are pleased to bring forward this opportunity. These relationships allow our firms to cover the entire state of North Dakota that enjoy the richest historical backgrounds in the region!” said Alan Dostert, CEO/President for EAPC. “Our cultures mesh very well. Architectural firms don't survive the transition of time and ownership without a strong sense of service to the clients as well as a certain amount of selflessness to set the table for future generations of design professionals.” The new business agreements with Hulsing and REH fits into EAPC's strategy to expand their services statewide. These agreements will employ solid design professionals with many years of successful experience and continue to provide services to the Hulsing and REH clientele at a high level of personal and professional performance.

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CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

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ASK A PRO | CONNECTION

DR. KREOFSKY

AMBER SCHRIOCK

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

Q: REBOOT OR SHUT DOWN? A: This is a common question! Short

answer – shutting down does not install the updates. There is a difference between shutting down and restarting. Here’s my techy soap box: In older versions of Windows, restart and shut down did the same thing, closing down programs and powering off the machine. But in Windows 8 and 10, that changed because of a new feature called Fast Startup, which is designed to eliminate what used to be a long process of getting your PC up and running. By default, Windows 10 enables the fast startup option when a user clicks shut down. This option allows Windows 10 to start up faster the next time a user starts Windows. The downside to this option is that not all processes are disabled from the previous session. While shut down and fast startup might seem way more convenient, there's one catch. If a hardware driver or something similar is fouled up, the shut down process does not clear that out. Some installations and updates actually require you to use Restart to finish the process. If your computer has frozen or is giving off some other error, you should use Restart rather than shut down, even though it may seem to you that shut down would be a more complete option.

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

Q: I'M A 71-YEAR-OLD MAN AND I'M WONDERING WHAT THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER ARE? A: Prostate cancer is often without symp-

toms in the early stages, but because of the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, many men are diagnosed early. Some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment and other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. However, as prostate cancer progresses, many men do experience symptoms such as: • • • • • •

A frequent need to urinate Fatigue, nausea or vomiting Blood in urine or semen Erectile dysfunction Difficulty starting or stopping a stream of urine Dull, deep pain or stiffness in your pelvis, lower back, ribs, or upper thighs

Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50 and your risk increases as you get older. The average age for men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer is between 65 and 69 years old. The good news is the 5-year survival rate for most men with local prostate cancer is nearly 100%. If you have questions or concerns about your prostate, contact your healthcare provider.

DAVE DIEBEL at

212 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-595-0159

Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO LOOK BETTER IN VIDEO CALLS? A: With more of our time spent on Zoom

and Teams it’s worth making sure the image you’re sending is a good representation of yourself. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: It’s always best to find somewhere with good natural lighting. If you have access to windows that’s great, just don’t position them behind you. The camera will likely set brightness for the bright windows and you will appear as a shadowy figure. Overhead light is also not very flattering and can create dark circles under the eyes. The light source should be in front of you if possible. Webcams and mobile devices tend to have wider lenses which can distort the face. Try to keep a comfortable distance between yourself and the camera to avoid distortion. We’ve all seen the dreaded up-the-nose shot. For that reason, get your device eye-level. That might mean finding something like a box or some books to put it on. Good audio is just as crucial as the video. Getting the microphone closer to your mouth is a plus. Achieving this can be as simple as getting a cheap pair of headphones with a built-in microphone. Sometimes the last minute call in a dim office is unavoidable. For a quick fix, use the “touch Up My appearance” under video settings (Zoom only).

CONNECTION | ASK A PRO

COLLIN KUDRNA at

4204 Boulder Ridge Rd, #100, Bismarck, ND 58503

701-751-3064

Q: I HURT EVERY HUNTING SEASON. CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP ME? A: Each hunting season, the most com-

mon issues we see with our patients that hunt is over-use injuries, back, hip, or foot pain. Many of these injuries or nagging problems stem from not preparing physically for hunting season. We take the time to prep our gear but not our bodies. A physical therapist is skilled in evaluating the cause of pain and movement issues. Your physical therapist may find that the cause of your pain is over-use due to hunting caused by a sedentary lifestyle throughout the rest of the year. This inactivity prolonged over weeks and months can cause our body to decondition. The excellent news is deconditioning can be reversed! You and your physical therapist can implement a plan to keep you moving, maintain strength and endurance to have you prepped for hunting season. When you're hunting, don't forget to stretch, take breaks throughout the day and most importantly, have a buddy help you lift or drag your big catch out of the woods. There is no referral needed to access quality physical therapy. To learn more about Optimum Therapies, visit www.optimumtherapies.com.

JOHN BOLLINGER at

DAVID SAXON, MD at

201 W Front Ave, Bismarck, ND 58504 701-557-7600

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

Q: HOW CAN I TURN CUSTOMERS INTO FANS OF MY BUSINESS?

Q: WHAT MAKES THIS FLU SEASON DIFFERENT THAN PREVIOUS YEARS? A: This flu season, it’s more important than

A: I believe sport teams often take for

granted the opportunity to call their customers FANS. The word “fan" comes from the word fanatic and as you probably know yourself (I’m talking to you Twins and Vikings fans), sports team fanatics are loyal with their teams through tough times and when excited tell others about how great their team is - thus creating more fans. As business owners, don’t we all wish our customers loved our products, services, or relationship so much they considered themselves FANS? At the Larks, we never want to take the word FAN for granted and recently teamed up with the Haunted Fort to add value to our core customers, Flock Members. This Fall, we’re providing Flock Members access to 300 Haunted Fort tickets at no charge so they can spend quality time with their family in the off-season. We even added a fun Clark the Lark VooDoo Doll social media scavenger hunt to make the experience even more fun. By providing this added value experience, our hope is that our fans become even stronger fans of the team and their Flock Membership.

ever to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. Research shows that people can become infected with the influenza virus and the COVID-19 virus at the same time – and have worse outcomes. A study published by the British Medical Journal monitored people from January through April of 2020 and found that those who had both infections at once were more than twice as likely to die than if they had COVID-19 alone. Older adults were the most affected. Although getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 does not guarantee someone won’t become infected by both viruses, it does help prevent infection and lessen the symptoms.

At your next leadership meeting try asking the room, “how could we turn our customers into fans of the business?”

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MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION CAPITAL CREDIT UNION PROMOTES FOUR Tonya Berger was recently promoted to assistant branch manager at Capital Credit Union’s Sunrise Branch in Tonya Berger Bismarck. She has been with Capital Credit Union for seven years. In this role, Berger will be responsible for consumer lending including auto, recreational vehicle and home equity loans, delivery of deposit Alex Rath products such as money market accounts and certificates of deposit, and actively soliciting, promoting, and servicing credit union products and services. Berger will also oversee Sunrise Branch financial and member Kyla Stampka services staff. Alex Rath was recently promoted to financial services representative at Capital Credit Union’s Mandan Branch. He has been with Capital Credit Union since March 2019. In this role, Rath will be Courtney Vollan responsible for consumer lending including auto, recreational vehicle and home equity loans, delivery of deposit products such as money market accounts and certificates of deposit, and actively soliciting, promoting, and servicing credit union products and services. Kyla Stampka was recently promoted to controller at Capital Credit Union’s Main Office in Bismarck. She has been with Capital Credit Union for more than 11 years. As controller, Stampka will be responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, directing the activities of the Accounting Department and assisting in managing the credit union’s investment portfolio. Courtney Vollan was recently promoted to universal services representative at Capital Credit Union’s South Branch in Bismarck. She has been with Capital Credit Union for six years. In this role, Vollan will be responsible for consumer lending including auto, recreational vehicle and home equity loans, delivery of deposit products such as money market accounts and certificates of deposit, and actively soliciting, promoting, and servicing credit union products and services.

KLJ NAMES FRITZ CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ), is proud to announce Martin Fritz as the company’s chief Martin Fritz administrative officer (CAO). In this role, Fritz is responsible for overall operations of the company, including the company’s safety programs and procedures, strategy development, legal, risk management, insurance, office/facilities leasing and construction, and related administrative management. He joined KLJ in the beginning of 2018 as the company’s market director for their Energy and Natural Resources Division, specifically serving the oil & gas, power, and telecommunication industries. Prior to joining KLJ Fritz held various executive level leadership roles at several public companies most recently serving as president and chief executive officer of WBI Holdings, Inc., MDU Resources Group’s pipeline, midstream, and energy services business. He earned his Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from The Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University and previously practiced both as a corporate attorney with Duane Morris LLP and deputy general counsel with EQT Corporation. Fritz also earned a bachelor’s degree in business/economics from University of Pittsburgh and began his career with Ernst & Young where he earned his CPA. As an active member of the community in which he lives and works he serves on the Board of Directors of Missouri Slope Areawide United Way in Bismarck, N.D. and is a past president and board member of Literacy Pittsburgh. He is a past board member of Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, the Southern Gas Association, and past president of the Pittsburgh Chapter Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Fritz has also been the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award – University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

TELESZ TO LEAD BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE Basin Electric Power Cooperative announced today that Todd Telesz will lead the cooperative Todd Telesz as chief executive officer and general manager beginning Sept. 1, 2021. Telesz, from Parker, Colo., graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics with a dual concentration in finance and strategic management. Prior to accepting this position, Telesz served as senior vice president of the Power, Energy, and Utilities division at CoBank. CoBank is a cooperative, providing loans and financial services to cooperatives, agribusinesses, rural utilities, and farm credit associations throughout the United States. Telesz replaces retiring CEO Paul Sukut. Directors thank Sukut for his commitment to Basin Electric and its member-owners. “Not only has Paul provided leadership to the cooperative and throughout the energy industry, but Paul has led us through many difficult situations and managed a strong workforce who continue to support the communities in which we serve,” Peltier said in a message to employees. BIANCO REALTY SALES AWARDS Bianco Realty has announced their top 10 "REALTORS® of the Month" for August: Judy Maslowski, Shirley Thomas, Amber Sandness, Brenda Foster, Candi Steidler, Greg Gerhart, Darcy Fettig, Tori Meyer, Dave Hoerner & Ryan Hoerner were the top 10 REALTORS® of the month. ANNE CARLSEN WELCOMES SCOTT Anne Carlsen, a nonprofit organization providing individuals with developmental disabilities or delays Fletcher Scott with services for 80 years, has hired Fletcher Scott as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to provide therapy services at Anne Carlsen’s clinics in Minot and Bismarck. Scott has a master’s degree in speechlanguage pathology and a Ph.D. in special education. He has worked exclusively with individuals with autism spectrum disorder in numerous settings for over 20 years.

Share your business news with the Chamber EDC. Email press releases to Rebecca at rpelkey@bmcedc.com.

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CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS HEFTA JOINS DAKOTA CREDIT UNION ASSOCIATION TEAM Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) is pleased to announce that Lindsey Hefta has joined Lindsey Hefta the association as our new Director of Marketing. In her new role, Hefta will primarily be responsible for performing both external and internal marketing strategies for DakCU, developing promotional and membership strategies, as well as collateral resources for DakCU events, educational conferences and seminars, and social and political functions. She will also assist with the creative development and implementation of all visual and video assets, including creative design and support for DakCU’s digital assets, website, and social media platforms. Prior to joining DakCU, Hefta worked as the marketing director for a regional community bank in Bismarck. She received her Associate Degrees in Arts, Science, and Graphic Design & Communications from Bismarck State College. She received her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from University of Mary.

ALLEN JOINS NORTH DAKOTA’S GATEWAY TO SCIENCE AS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR North Dakota’s Gateway to Science (NDGTS) welcomed Zak Allen Zak Allen to the staff as Assistant Director. Allen served as General Manager and LLC Board President for Bismarck State College's Innovations Foundation, the goal of which was to provide technical energy education to international markets. He was involved in all phases of the business operations, from start-up to sustainable operations. As Assistant Director, Allen will work closely with Beth Demke, Executive Director, to provide oversight of all day-to-day operations, programs, and personnel, policies, and procedures, safety compliance, customer service, volunteer coordination, and outside vendors. He will work in collaboration with all department directors to ensure all experiences are exceptional experiences of the highest quality that represent innovation and best practice in the industry.

NDIRF PROMOTES FAEHNRICH TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF UNDERWRITING The North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund (NDIRF) is proud to Scott Faehnrich announce Scott Faehnrich has been promoted to Assistant Director of Underwriting. Faehnrich joined the NDIRF in July 2017 as an Outside Claims Adjuster, supporting NDIRF members throughout the claims reporting and resolution processes for liability, automobile, public assets, and property coverage types. Prior to working at the NDIRF, he served four years as the Company Manager for Noble Adjustment Company. In his new role, he will perform a variety of technical and supervisory work in support of the organization’s seven-person Underwriting Department. Faehnrich has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of North Dakota and holds Associate in Insurance and Associate in Claims designations. He is currently pursuing a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation with 2023 as his slated completion date.

OCTOBER LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS Televised on Government Access, cable channel 2 & 602 HD. Broadcast on Radio Access 102.5 FM radio. Streamed online at www.freetv.org.

Mon, 4th

5:00 pm 5:30 pm

Burleigh County Commission Mandan School Board*

Tues, 5th

5:30 pm

Mandan City Commission

Thurs, 7th

5:00 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck Board of Adjustment Morton County Commission*

Mon, 11th

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck School Board Mandan Park Board*

Tues, 12th

5:15 pm

Bismarck City Commission

Wed, 13th 8:00 am Burleigh County Water Resource District 5:15 pm Burleigh County Planning Commission Thurs, 14th 9:00 am Bismarck Parking Authority 4:00 pm Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority Mon, 18th 10:00 am 5:00 pm 5:30 pm

Metropolitan Planning Org. Technical Advisory Committee Burleigh County Commission Mandan School Board*

Tues, 19th 1:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm

Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board Burleigh County Human Service Zone Board Mandan City Commission

Wed, 20th

3:30 pm

Historic Preservation Commission

Thurs, 21st

5:15 pm

Bismarck Park Board

Mon, 25th

5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:30 pm Mandan Planning Commission*

Tues, 26th

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck City Commission Morton County Commission*

Wed, 27th

5:00 pm

Bismarck Planning Commission

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

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RIBBON CUTTINGS | CONNECTION Ribbon cuttings are conducted by a committee of Chamber EDC 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 find out how you can get a free ribbon cutting from the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, please call Ross at 701-223-5660.

DAKOTA CARRIER NETWORK

HOTWORX

Dakota Carrier Network celebrating their 25th anniversary at their location at 4202 Coleman Street in Bismarck. Phone: 701-323-3000. Member.

Hotworx celebrating the grand opening of their business at 3001 Yorktown Drive, Suite 5 in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-4899. Member.

CITY OF BISMARCK

ND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS & REHAB

City of Bismarck celebrates the installation of the first publicly owned and operated Level 3 / Fast Electric Vehicle charging station located at 1600 Burnt Boat Drive in Bismarck.

SANFORD HEALTH CHILDREN'S CAMPUS Sanford leadership team celebrates the children’s campus expansion grand opening at 765 W Interstate Ave in Bismarck. Phone: 701-323-5437. Member.

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Celebrating the institution of the Last Mile Program. This is a coding program that delivers participants with highly marketable personal and professional skills.

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN Leadership Bismarck Mandan along with Bismarck Event Center celebrate the unveiling of the art installation on the monument sign at the SW entrance of the Event Center.

CONNECTION | NEW MEMBERS The Chamber EDC 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 EDC. Please consider them for your professional and personal needs. To find a complete listing of Chamber EDC members, view the Member Directory online at www.bismarckmandan.com. The Medicine Shoppe 1304 E Boulevard Ave Bismarck, ND 58501 Clay Brosz (701) 224-0175 Community Retail Pharmacy Uptowne Loft Boutique, Inc 655 Kirkwood Mall Suite 220 Bismarck, ND 58504 Tammy Wahl (701) 400-0939 Contemporary clothing for all ages at an affordable price! Jamieson Capital 770 Moonstone Lane Bismarck, ND 58503 Kathryn Reiswig (701) 527-6867 At Jamieson Capital, we take private investor dollars and invest them into niche real estate that is experiencing growth but lacking capital efficiencies and sophisticated operation & investment focus Judith Deutsch 101 Elm Ave Apt 8 New Salem, ND 58563 (701) 955-4226 Individual Food Dudes Delivery 1723 N 21st St Bismarck, ND 58501 Nate Weller (701) 540-7980 Local Restaurant Delivery Revive Nutrition 1710 E Main St. Ste C Mandan, ND 58554 Bailey Pask (701) 425-3648 Energizing teas, protein shakes, & much more to optimize overall health and wellness.

Advanced Furniture Systems 970 Industrial Drive Suite A Bismarck, ND 58501 Kimberly Dalbec (701) 471-2321 Advanced Furniture Systems is a contract furniture and industrial shelving provider, offering brands like KI, Montel, and more. Our focus is serving the business, education, and healthcare industries. New York Life Insurance Company/Alex Zastoupil 840 43rd Ave NE Suite 203 Bismarck, ND 58503 Alex Zastoupil (701) 595-9072 Helping clients understand their options and achieve their goals are what make my job so rewarding. Every client is unique, so together we can develop a personalized approach that meets today's needs Voyager Electrical Services 8200 162nd Ave NE Baldwin, ND 58521 Justin Modin (701) 471-9290 We are a union electrical contractor offering commercial, residential, industrial, agriculture, and service work. Independent Land Surveying & Engineering 4215 Old Red Trail NW Mandan, ND 58554 Mark Isaacs (701) 595-2079 Lot surveys & exhibits, site plan design & civil plans. Residential & commercial platting & subdivisions. Elevation certificates. Septic design. Inknetic Studio 714 E Bowman Ave Bismarck, ND 58504 Heather Sydlo (701) 751-1042 Inknetic Studio’s commitment extends beyond the quality of your tattoo. We take pride in being professional, friendlier, and more sterile environment.

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Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Connection 1640 Burnt Boat Drive Bismarck, ND 58503

UPCOMING CHAMBER EDC EVENTS OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER: STARION BANK Date: October 14, 2021 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Starion Bank – 333 N 4th Street, Bismarck BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC

workforce

SUMMIT

WORKFORCE SUMMIT Date: October 21, 2021 • Registration: 8:00am • Time: 8:30am - 12:00pm Location: Radisson Hotel – 605 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck

Presented by:

The 2021 Workforce Summit will provide our region the opportunity to access resources and to be included in a discussion of workforce issues and solutions with industry leaders

STATE OF THE CITIES Date: November 10, 2021 • Registration: 7:00am • Time: 7:30am - 9:00am Location: Baymont Inn & Suites – 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER: ZORELLS JEWELRY Date: November 18, 2021 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Zorells Jewelry – 221 S 9th Street, Bismarck

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021 Radisson Hotel Registration: 8:00am Event: 8:30am - 12:00pm

12 TASTES OF CHRISTMAS Date: December 9, 2021 • Registration: 4:30pm • Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Location: BSC - NECE (4th Floor Bavendick Stateroom) – 1200 Schafer St, Bismarck

TICKETS: Chamber EDC Members - $35.00 General Admission - $60.00

CHAMBER EDC INDOOR GOLD TOURNEY Date: January 14, 2022 Flight Times: 11:00am - 1:00pm; 1:00pm - 3:00pm; 3:00pm - 5:00pm Location: Golf Etc – 511 Airport Road, Bismarck

www.bismarckmandan.com 1PM - 2PM ~ REGISTRATION 2PM - 4PM ~ SHOOT 4PM ~ SOCIAL & FOOD

$500 – SQUAD OF 5 OR $125 PER PERSON INCLUDES CLAY & SHELLS

AGAINST

DINNER & SILENT AUCTION

DOOR PRIZES

INCLUDING 725 BROWNING O/U SHOTGUN, DONATED BY DOUG & MARK ~ ALL REGISTRANTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO WIN!

CAPITAL CITY SPORTING CLAYS 12945 71ST AVE NE, BISMARCK, ND

THURSDAY

OCTOBER

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT BISMARCKCANCERCENTER.COM PROCEEDS BENEFIT

HEALING FOR TODAY

BUILDING HOPE FOR TOMORROW

A CA P IT A L CA M P A IGN FO R BIS M A R CK CA N CE R CE N T E R

October Connection

Articles inside

Thursday, October 21st

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library