January Connection

STATE OF LINCOLN Lincoln sees new growth in housing and business Pg. 8

MEMBER PROFILE LPT Images Pg. 10

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM Thursday, April 1 Pg. 15

Connection JANUARY 2021

WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM

LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW

2021

A BUSINESS PUBLICATION OF THE BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Val 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 Brian Eiseman ...............................................Stoneshire Builders Amber Larson.....................................................City of Mandan Karl Lembke ......................................................Vaaler Insurance Allan Miller ............................................................Anyleaks, Inc. Dr. Sara Weigel Ness ..............................Active Life Chiropractic Jim Peluso .........................................................Burleigh County Marnie Piehl ...........................................Bismarck State College Mike Remboldt ................................................................HIT Inc. Matt Sagaser ......................................................Doosan Bobcat Mike Schmitz ......................................Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs Nate Boehm ........................................................Morton County Garret Senger ...............................Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. Kevin Strege ................................................Credit Foundations Wendy Van Duyne .....................Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Val Weigel ..............................Basin Electric Power Cooperative Lee Weisbeck ..........................................................Starion Bank

CHAMBER EDC STAFF

Brian Ritter ...................................................................President Aasta Eggert .......Economic Development Marketing Specialist Ross Frohlich ............................................Membership Director Christine Nelson .........................Program & Marketing Director Rebecca Pelkey .................................Communications Specialist Elliot Rust ................................................Chief Financial Officer Jaime Sabot ....................Workforce Development Coordinator Lyndsey Scheurer .........................Creative Marketing Specialist Nathan Schneider ................................................Vice President Josie Smyle ...........................................................Events Intern Cathryn Sprynczynatyk .....................Communications Specialist Joan Trygg ...........................Membership Engagement Director 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-223-5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com

CONTACT INFORMATION Content Rebecca Rattei rrattei@bmcedc.com

Advertising Christine Nelson cnelson@bmcedc.com

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CONNECTION | CHAIR'S CORNER

ear Chamber EDC Members:

As this is my first Chair’s Corner for the Connection, I want to start by introducing myself. My name is Valerie Weigel and I’m a lifelong resident of our great community. In addition to serving as the Director of Asset Management and Commodity Strategy at Basin Electric Power Cooperative, I’m honored to be the 2021 Chamber EDC Board Chair. I’ve been a part of the organization since 2017 when I joined the then Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and have had a front row seat to all of the incredible efforts undertaken since then.

And that includes all of our preparations for the 2021 Legislative Session.

Prior to the Session’s start this month, we held two virtual meetings with the Bismarck-Mandan Legislative Delegation to present the Chamber EDC’s 2021 Legislative Agenda, gather feedback from other members of the organization and make sure that we’re as unified as possible. In addition to those meetings, our local delegation has been tremendously helpful when it comes to responding to individual questions from members and maintaining a solid relationship with our Government Affairs Committee, which is critical because our community’s landscape is changing rapidly. We’ll work to keep you all as Chamber EDC Members apprised of progress, issues and more during this Session, but that’s not all we’re working on.

In economic development, we recently launched another talent attraction campaign (TAC) which utilized social media to target those locations where we know there are Bismarck-Mandan expatriates. That TAC utilized a new video series the Chamber EDC commissioned as the centerpiece. On top of all of that, at the end of last year we sent messages to all Bismarck Public School graduates from 1995 – 2016 with an out of state address in an effort to let them know all about the opportunities available to them right here in Bismarck-Mandan. We’re working with our other school systems to expand that effort in the future, but I’m incredibly proud of the team for trying something new.

While on the topic of trying something new, last year the team introduced a new event series called Link Up which features things like a beanbag tournament, virtual Family Feud and more. Plus, we’ve expanded our professional development series entitled ‘Business Development Series’ to include even more sessions than before and make them all virtual so that they’re even more accessible to you as members. Finally, regarding events, due to COVID-related concerns, we are postponing the Chamber EDC’s Annual Dinner to April 29. It’s still going to be a great event and we’re still going to have a phenomenal keynote speaker, we’re just pushing it back a few months.

I want to end by thanking all of our members for their continued support, especially over this past year. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us all and to continue to earn your membership in the face of that is something that we’re not only incredibly thankful for, but something we’ll continue to strive for each year going forward. I’m looking forward to a very busy and very productive 2021, as you can tell. To that end, should you ever you need anything please do not hesitate to contact any of our team here at the Chamber EDC and they’ll be happy to help you.

Sincerely,

Valerie Weigel twitter.com/bismancedc facebook.com/bismancedc @bismancedc

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FEATURE | CONNECTION

2021 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk The 67th Legislative Assembly is facing unprecedented challenges with COVID-19. But area legislators insist that they will accomplish the people’s business over the next four months. Connection Magazine spoke with six Bismarck-Mandan legislators on topics that will be important to Chamber EDC members in the upcoming session.

INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING Q: What is your preferred approach to infrastructure funding in the current budget environment?

Sen. Erin Oban, District 35: “In the long run, I am supportive of shifting away from strictly paying cash — something our state will be short of — to bonding. It’s a win, win, win — low interest rates, decreased revenue available, and we have a long history of proving investments in infrastructure put people back to work and positively impact the economy.”

Rep. Todd Porter, District 34: “It’s going to be severely limited. We put together Operation Prairie Dog, which counted on a budget of greater than $30 per barrel of oil with 1 million barrels of production per day. Who saw the pandemic coming? One of the proposals inside our bonding bill ... fills those buckets so that local political subdivisions get what was projected to be coming in 2021 anyway. That will spur local economic development with construction projects and infrastructure projects. It will start moving the cities and counties into a positive direction with their backlogged infrastructure concerns.”

Sen. Jessica Unruh Bell, District 33: “I think best way to fund infrastructure — such as roads — is a gas tax. I think the gas tax best represents the population that is utilizing the road system. I think that’s the most direct way to help pay for the road system. That being said, increasing taxes is not something I would look forward to doing. An alternative being developed is leveraging a portion of our Legacy Fund to pay for infrastructure investments. If we don’t have to leverage a gas tax, I think that’s a good thing — but it’s something I could consider.”

TOP ISSUES TO WATCH

What are your top three priorities in the upcoming legislative session?

1. Energy industry — Our traditional energy sectors have been under pressure from outside influences for oil and gas and coal. Continued innovation and research are going to enable those sectors to continue to prosper. Those sectors provide great, high-paying jobs and economic success for our state.

2. Capital investment — Not only in energy, but also in agriculture and energy infrastructure.

When we see the possibility of losing infrastructure funding for things like pipelines, that will also be a high priority — to establish infrastructure funding, agriculture funding, energy funding.

Representative Dave Nehring District 8

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3. K-12 education — There are ways to think outside the box and at least maintain if not improve our levels of funding for K-12 education. I know K-12 funding is going to be important topic, because we need to keep that solid foundation for developing our kids. That’s our bench.

CONNECTION | FEATURE

COVID-19 RELIEF Q: How can the state support restaurants, retail, and hospitality industries, which have been hit hard by COVID-19?

Rep. Dave Nehring, District 8: “That’s the billion-dollar question. In a time when state revenue projections are trending down, it becomes even more difficult. As a population, we need to give our local businesses as much help as we can financially.”

Rep. Jason Dockter, District 7: “We need to look at more grants through Bank of North Dakota. We need to look at more programs. If the state is going to reduce (restaurant) hours to 10 p.m. and reduce capacity, then the state needs to look at what we can do to support these businesses...

“For the legislative session, we have to be very flexible. We have made the necessary arrangements for people who want to be there as legislators and be in the committee rooms. We have also set up technology support for people who are not comfortable in-person and who cannot meet live. We are concerned for people’s health, and if they are concerned, they have other alternatives to participate live.”

Rep. Mike Nathe, District 30: “I think the state has been doing it right with the federal COVID-19 dollars we have gotten. North Dakota Department of Commerce has developed Economic Resiliency Grants for hospitality, restaurants and bars, and there is the Paycheck Protection Program money.

We have been trying to allocate the federal dollars as best we can.

As we get the federal aid, we are trying to focus a lot on those business sectors that need help the most.”

TOP ISSUES TO WATCH

What are your top three priorities in the upcoming legislative session?

1. Economic stability for families, small businesses, and communities 2. Health and well-being 3. Education and infrastructure

Senator Erin Oban District 35

Representative Jason Dockter District 7

TOP ISSUES TO WATCH

What are your top three priorities in the upcoming legislative session?

1. Pension reform — I’m on the (North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System) board. I’m also on the employee benefits committee.

We have a shortfall in excess of $1.2 million. We need to find a way to get pensions funded for state employees.

2. Higher education — Look at the higher education system and make sure it’s ready for the 21st century. We need more vocational technology occupations. We need welders.

We need heating and air. The traditional 4-year degree is still good, but we need these technical careers because the economy has changed.

3. Economic incentives — How do we get our sectors, our economy to grow and just not rely on agriculture and oil?

We need to look at different sectors — the technology sector, other sectors we haven’t looked at before — and put resources in so that we can have a broader economy. We need to do this so that during this downturn we can continue to thrive as we have in the past.

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FEATURE | CONNECTION

STREET UTILITY TAX Q: For the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, our No. 1 priority this session is legislation that would allow political subdivisions the ability to seek voter approval of a Street Utility Tax. What are your views on the concept of a street utility tax as an alternative to special assessments?

Unruh Bell: “I think a street utility tax can be a tool that is useful for local governments. Any additional tool that we add to the books needs to be thought through completely before it’s brought to the legislative body. Also, if it is going to replace a tool like special assessments or become an alternative to special assessments, how those special assessments on the books — and new special assessments that will come onto the books — all need to be talked about and addressed when the bill is introduced. I am open to the concept, but I will have to be convinced that the tool works, that it is what’s best for the tax payers, and that it is something that is best for the community long-term.”

Dockter: “I was prime sponsor last session, so I’m a big proponent of it. There was a lot of concern by legislators, so we made it into a study. We looked at the process and how everything would work. There were still many questions that legislators had. The bill we are trying to propose is to allow cities to have this tool in their toolbox and bring the issue to voters...

“The street utility tax was perceived by some legislators as a Bismarck issue. It’s not. This is a statewide issue. Everyone wants local control, and every city uses different tools to fill infrastructure needs. We’re trying to avoid people being burdened by one high tax bill. It helps young families that are budgeting for their first homes. It helps seniors who are living on fixed incomes so that they don’t get a $10,000 bill at the end of the year.”

Porter: “I’m okay with those things. I think when you make changes like that, there should be an expiration period when the voters have to reaffirm they still approve it. When the concept first started, it talked a lot more about adding that tax. As it ended, it was either/or. I’m okay with doing a different style for a different city, but they don’t get both. You don’t get special assessments and a utility tax. It’s an either/ or concept.”

TOP ISSUES TO WATCH

What are your top three priorities in the upcoming legislative session?

1. Committee chairmanship — I will be chairing the Finance and Tax committee for the first time this session. I previously chaired the Energy and Natural Resources committee. This will be a bit of a shift for me... Providing leadership and some direction for my committee and the Senate and the legislature when it comes to tax-related issues is going to be the No. 1 priority for me coming up.

This will be a session of learning for me in that regard.

Senator Jessica Unruh Bell District 33

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2. Behavioral health — I’m on a subcommittee with a handful of other senators that are working on some outside-of-the-box initiatives that will allow some nonprofit, non-governmental organizations access to resources they didn’t have before — to expand the footprint of behavioral health in North Dakota. My district has done a great job through Coal Country Community Health Center expanding behavioral health care, and I would like to help expand that. I will be engaged in human services more than I have in past sessions. It’s something I’m really passionate about.

3. Energy industry — In the electric industry up until 2010, we had been doing business the same way for about 25 years. There have been massive changes in electrical and oil and gas production in the United States. Instead of being reactionary, it is time for us to be visionary and help set the policies we want over the next decade and beyond. I want to help grow the energy pie.

CONNECTION | FEATURE

K-12 EDUCATION Q: Will the state be able to maintain K-12 education funding?

Nathe: “Oh yes, we will not be going backward in education funding.

We have a constitutional obligation to fund education for every child in our public schools. It will not be going backward. Education is always a high priority for the legislature.”

Oban: “Not only do we need to maintain it, we need to provide even a minimal increase. I would remind anyone thinking about this as a cost instead of an investment, in our kids, our educators, and our communities — just remember those costs continue to go up. If the state doesn’t fulfill its obligation, then property tax payers make up the difference.”

Nehring: “In my opinion, that is one of the basic needs in our state. It is a primary function of our state government to provide K-12 education funding. I think there can be innovative ways to come up with additional revenues. When the session hits, I think that will obviously be a priority for our legislature.”

TOP ISSUES TO WATCH

What are your top three priorities in the upcoming legislative session?

1. Energy industry — My top priority is going to be energy and research and diving inside the energy sectors to make sure our coal-fired resources are not continually viewed as a negative sources of energy production.

Representative Todd Porter District 34

2. Energy innovation — Two of my three top projects are inside of that: increasing research and development of clean power technology.

Increasing research and development of CO2 into the Bakken. Those are going to be critically important for our state as the energy portfolio will depend on further development of those resources.

3. Continuation of our infrastructure investment in the state not only through Operation Prairie Dog, but also through the bonding proposal that some of us in the legislature are working on. That plays a key role in the ongoing prospect of property tax reforms.

Representative Mike Nathe District 30

TOP ISSUES TO WATCH

What are your top three priorities in the upcoming legislative session?

1. Operation Prairie Dog — I was the lead sponsor on that bill from last session... It still has tremendous support in the legislature. With any bill this size after it has been out there for a while, there are always some tweaks you have to do with the formula.

2. Legacy Investment for Technology (LIFT) — It was $15 million last session. It’s for companies on the verge of bringing their products to market. It’s meant to bring companies to North Dakota and help develop the technology sector in our state.

It has been very successful for our state. I’m looking to increase the amount. I think it’s going to help build the technology sector and diversify our economy even more.

3. Bonding — I’ve been involved with a group working on the legislature’s bonding bill.

Those details will come out when we get closer to the legislature.

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FEATURE | CONNECTION

THE STATE OF LINCOLN

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk The City of Lincoln has a relationship with Bismarck-Mandan that is both a boon and a burden. As a boon, Lincoln residents get country living with the amenities of BismarckMandan next door. As a burden, residents shop primarily in Bismarck-Mandan. Without that sales tax base, the city lacks some of the funding and revenue sources Bismarck and Mandan rely on.

Throughout its 43-year history, Lincoln has worked hard to overcome infrastructure hurdles and become a booming residential community today.

Connection Magazine sat down with Lincoln City Council member Brandon Schock to catch up on the state of Lincoln.

Q: What are some of the hottest topics in the City of Lincoln?

A: Expanding businesses — We’re trying to get more development, more commercial out here. We put a tax incentive for new businesses on the ballot, and that passed.

We’re hoping that will bring new businesses out here. It will give new businesses that come in and expanding businesses a property tax incentive... It’s trying to build a future for the city.

Water — Everyone is concerned about the lagoons. We’re looking at doing a regionalization with Bismarck. We’re in the process of doing the footwork and submitting all the paperwork with the Health Department.

Multiple developers have new housing projects in the works for Lincoln.

We were always either under water restrictions or boil alerts.

I think we got that taken care of with the new water line that came in last year. We didn’t have any alerts over the summer.

We had a lot of people who didn’t like their water bills, but their grass was green.

Housing and quality of life — All of the home builders and developers are starting to look at Lincoln again. I think there will be home builders out here next... On the park board, they’re looking at doing a bunch of paths out here, safe routes to school. I believe they are going to try to do a splash pad out here next year.

It’s a great community for younger people. Homes are still affordable, and taxes are rather reasonable.

Q: At the Chamber EDC, we see Lincoln growing into its own identity. What business growth would you like to see in Lincoln?

A: Dollar General should be moving dirt next spring. That’s going to be great out here. If someone wants to run and get something, we have to go to Bismarck. Dollar General is going to have food and things. It’s going to save people trips to Bismarck.

We’re trying to be our own. We’re not trying to be Bismarck.

We’re hoping we can get more businesses out here. We’re hoping one day we can support a grocery store, a hardware store, and things like that

Lincoln residents voted in favor of a tax incentive for new businesses to help spur growth.

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CONNECTION | FEATURE Q: What kind of housing development do you anticipate in Lincoln?

A: I know pretty much everything developers build is sold before they can get it built. One builder was trying to get 10 more basements in, because they’re already sold. There are some older homes for sale out here, but they don’t stay on the market very long. They’re on the market a week and a half, six days. They sell pretty fast out here. The used market and the new market are pretty good out here. Nothing sits on the market for too long. Builders say they have houses sold before they get them built...

We’re pro-development out here now. We want developers out here. Of course, they’ve got to do it right. We’ll do whatever we can to help them build out here. We’re not going to fight them. Our council now is pro-development.

We understand we need to continue to grow. If we quit growing, we’re going to end up being taken over by Bismarck. If we want to be Lincoln for a long time, we need development.

Photo Credit: City of Lincoln

Before Lincoln Elementary School opened in 2014, students were split between multiple schools in Bismarck.

Q: With all of that housing development, what infrastructure projects are needed in Lincoln?

A: The traffic is horrible. We’re one of the fastest growing cities in North Dakota, and we have one of the longest commutes in North Dakota. An overpass over the train tracks will have an impact in 2023-2024...

The biggest infrastructure need is the lagoon project. Right now, that is our No. 1 goal. We have some grant money set aside to finish our water line... In the old part of town, which is 40 years old, some of the infrastructure needs to be redone. That will be a big need in the future. We are hoping we get “(Operation) Prairie Dog” money so we don’t have to do special assessments.

Q: What kind of impact has Lincoln Elementary School had since it opened in 2013-2014?

A: We’re part of Bismarck Public Schools, but everyone thinks of this as Lincoln’s school. I think it’s one of the best schools in the state. People want to send their kids out here...

If we didn’t have the school, I think young families wouldn’t consider building out here as much.

Q: What are your priorities going into 2021?

A: Our goal is to keep the community growing. We are trying to get businesses in here. We want to continue the home growth at a steady pace. We need to get businesses in here for tax purposes. For the community, it’s a 5-minute drive to Walmart, but it would be nice for the community to have more businesses out here. It would be nice to have businesses that people drive from Bismarck to come out here.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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MEMBER PROFILE | CONNECTION

LPT Images has been a member since 2012.

Layn Mudder LPT IMAGES Tell us about yourself and your role within your business.

A: Layn Mudder of LPT Images is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Mandan, ND, who provides event, portrait and product photography services throughout the upper Midwest. When he is not out shooting for businesses or magazines, Mudder keeps busy by shooting stock images and covering local motor-sport events.

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MEMBER SINCE 2012

Briefly tell us the history behind LPT Images.

A: I went to Northwest College in Powell, WY, for photography, and started out in the portrait business operating as Layn’s Portraits on Main Street in Mandan.

Twenty years ago, I was asked by a local magazine to photograph food. I really enjoyed the project and other commercial work followed. I enjoy photographing for businesses as it allows me to focus on the more technical aspects of photography like lighting and composition.

CONNECTION | MEMBER PROFILE How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted LPT Images?

A: As Bismarck-Mandan has grown, I find myself traveling less for work.

There are new businesses opening and products being produced that were unheard of when I started in the photography business. The result is a greater demand for photography services in the immediate area.

Everyone has an online presence now too and with that has come a demand for quality images for advertising, website, and social media pages.

What trends are taking place in your industry?

A: Social media has become increasingly competitive.

Not only do you need to have an online presence, you need quality images to tell your story.

What should other Chamber EDC members know about LPT Images that may assist them?

A: My photography is focused primarily on the business community.

I capture professional headshots that bring a relatable face to your brand. Customers will feel like they already know your employees when they see my purposefully posed portraits posted online, in promotional materials, or hanging in your business’ reception area.

I am well known for my environmental images, providing content that tells a story, quickly familiarizing the viewer with your business and the services you provide. Why is this important? In today's online world, images convey a visual description the reaches beyond the written word.

My product photography illustrates the goods you offer in a way that potential customers find appealing. From real estate to agricultural and manufactured goods to food, LPT Images has extensive product photography experience. If your product is an event, I've captured everything from conferences and camps to community events and parades.

Have there been any monumental changes within your industry that you’ve had to deal with?

A: Photography equipment has greatly improved and become much easier to use, and that means that the services I offer can be turned around much more quickly as well. I regularly provide images to my customers the same day I photograph.

What does the future of LPT Images look like, and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: The future is bright. Everyone can take photographs, but it takes a skilled photographer to tell a story, and consumers want images that tell a story. They want clear images that illustrate how a product is used. They want to zoom in on the label to read the ingredients. They want to see how the product is packaged. The more reliant we become in searching for information online, the greater the demand for my photography services.

LPT Images became a member in 2012, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: I’m a Chamber EDC member because I enjoy the oneto-one interactions with other business people that the organization facilitates. I appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn about their operations, how and what they are working on. These get-togethers provide me with an opportunity to tell them about what I do as well and to potentially offer my services.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | CONNECTION

CHAMBER EDC LAUNCHES NEW TALENT ATTRACTION CAMPAIGN Before and even now during the COVID-19 Pandemic, one of the greatest challenges facing Bismarck-Mandan’s economy is the availability of labor. Case and point, according to Job Service North Dakota (JSND) there were 2,447 open jobs in Burleigh & Morton Counties as of November 2020 compared to 2,621 last year and 2,088 two years ago during that same month.

What’s more is that Bismarck-Mandan’s economy continues to grow and add jobs, only putting more pressure on the area’s labor market.

The Chamber EDC recently commissioned a video series that features four different and why they call Bismarck-Mandan home.

To address the issue, the Chamber EDC has taken a two-fold approach. In the long-term, we’ve developed workforce development initiatives such as our Job Shadow Week and E2: Educators Experience to give our students and educators the skills needed to fill the community’s open jobs. In the short-term, we’re looking to attract new talent to the community who can fill those open jobs immediately.

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In order to do that, the Chamber EDC recently launched another Talent Attraction Campaign (TAC) with the centerpiece being a new video series. Produced by Chamber EDC Member Quantum Productions, the fourpart series features four different Bismarck-Mandan residents who have decided to call our community home for a wide variety of reasons. A new episode was premiered each week between Thanksgiving and Christmas and then posted to the Chamber EDC’s social media platforms. From there, the posts are boosted in certain geographies across the United States where we believe we have the greatest chance for success. Whether that’s because those areas have a similar climate, high unemployment rate or a high concentration of BismarckMandan expatriates, the posts are targeted there.

Regarding areas of the country where Bismarck-Mandan expatriates or graduates are living, the Chamber EDC also launched an effort in partnership with the Bismarck Public Schools Foundation in which we sent mailers to every Bismarck Public Schools graduate who graduated between 1995 and 2016 who are living out of state. The point in doing so was to let them know of the multitude of opportunities available in the Bismarck-Mandan area. If this initial effort is successful, then we’ll look to expand the effort to include other area school systems.

Bismarck-Mandan has traditionally had a low unemployment rate thanks to our relatively low population and diverse economy, so it’s reasonable to assume that with some hard work we will continue to have open jobs.

To fill them though, we’ll have to continue to innovate both how we retain our community’s talent and attract even more.

CONNECTION | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CHAMBER EDC LAUNCHES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SITE

Recently the Chamber EDC launched an economic development (ED) specific page to its website. The ED page is meant to help augment the already great resources on the Chamber EDC’s homepage.

While the look and theme remains the same as the Chamber EDC’s homepage this new site will have resources to assist in our economic development efforts. Resources include data and information to assist in our business attraction efforts, information about business assistance programs for new and existing businesses, and a small business section that has resources specific to Bismarck-Mandan’s small businesses.

The new ED page will also have an available sites and buildings map to assist local commercial realtors in promoting properties that would be viable to businesses within the Chamber EDC’s targeted industries. Consistently site selectors report having available buildings and sites on a community’s economic development website as important.

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As Bismarck-Mandan businesses well know workforce continues to be an issue in our community. The new ED site has resources specific to both employers already in Bismarck-Mandan as well as residents who have recently moved here or those that are interested in moving here.

This will include resources about internships and workforce development programs designed to help new and expanding businesses. It will also include programs and links for those interested in relocating to Bismarck-Mandan.

You can visit the new ED page by going to www.bismarckmandan.com and clicking on “Economic Development”.

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

LEMONADE DAY 2021:

LEARNING THE BUSINESS WAY THROUGH LEMONADE DAY! With much excitement heading into a new year, the Chamber EDC is looking forward to the 5th Annual Lemonade Day. On June 19, 2021 young entrepreneurs and their lemonade stands will be welcomed throughout Bismarck-Mandan.

In 2020, the Bismarck-Mandan area registered a vast number of the community’s youth to participate in the learning of what it takes to become an entrepreneur.

The average stand netted a total revenue of $366.07 with an average profit of $300.48. From there, each stand owner decided to either share or save their earnings.

Lemonade Day provides elementary and middle school children the opportunity to create, own and operate their own business through a lemonade stand. Overall, the event teaches our youth how to set a goal, make a plan, work the plan and to take action to achieve success.

For more information or to register the next great entrepreneur, please contact Christine Nelson at cnelson@bmcedc. com or Josie Smyle at jsmyle@bmcedc.com.

Welcome Katie Bell

Katie Bell has joined the Cornerstone Bank team as a Cash Management Sales Officer in Bismarck.

Katie will work with businesses across the Dakotas to help them reach their financial goals. She brings over 10 years of banking and cash management expertise.

www.cornerstonebanks.net | 701-751-4030 14 4 Connection

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM IS AROUND THE CORNER At this year’s Economic Outlook Forum, presented

by Starion Bank, find out what elements are driving our local, regional and national economy.

YOUR LOCAL COMMERCIAL HVAC PROS!

On Thursday, April 1st from 8:00am – 11:30am at the Ramkota Economic Outlook Forum will be held on April 1.

Hotel & Conference Center, join fellow Chamber EDC members, virtually and in-person, as we hear from experts and local professionals from various industries on what challenges we have endured in 2020 and what to be mindful of in 2021.

Cost to attend the Economic Outlook Forum is $40 for Chamber EDC Members (Virtual and In-Person) and $50 for General Admission.

You can register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events.

It’s not too early to reserve your table for this informative event. Please contact Christine Nelson at cnelson@bmcedc.com, Josie Smyle at jsmyle@bmcedc.com, or call 701-223-5660 to find out more details.

✅ Commercial HVAC Equipment Service and Repair

Presenting Sponsor:

✅ Seasonal Maintenance Plans

Gold Sponsors:

✅ Energy Efficiency Solutions

✅ Indoor Air Quality Accessories

BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®

701-214-9533 Call or Text 24/7 for Service!

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN: HUMAN SERVICES & LAW

HUMAN SERVICES DAY On Human Services day, the class heard from speakers on the topics of foster care, students in transition, and services for people with disabilities.

Jena Gullo, Executive Director of Missouri Slope Areawide United Way, gave an update on United Way’s emergency homeless shelter. Initially, United Way was housing homeless individuals in hotel rooms. Then, they rented rooms at Sunrise Apartments downtown. Recently, United Way was able to purchase property on South 12th Street in Bismarck. Gullo said it is a small property with a room for men, a room for women and children, two bathrooms, and a small, shared dining space. While the building is too small to meet the needs of an emergency homeless shelter, the property’s 1.7 acres of land offers long-term opportunities. United Way’s capital campaign will be raising money to build a new emergency homeless shelter.

The plan is to build a shelter for men, women, and children that will also serve as a center for life skills. The goal is to create a life skills center that targets the root causes of homelessness for these individuals.

SERVE & PROTECT DAY Serve & Protect Day covers topics on military, law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services.

This year, Serve & Protect Day was held at the BurleighMorton County Detention Center.

Burleigh County Sheriff Deputy Joe Citta brought German Shepherd Profi for a K-9 working dog presentation. All of the Burleigh County Sheriff K-9s come from Europe. Profi was trained in Holland and responds to commands in Dutch and German.

Dan Schaefer, Operations Chief for Metro Area Ambulance Service, spoke on opioid abuse and cardiac ready communities. Luke McKay and Lt. Luke Gardiner spoke on behalf of Police Youth Bureau and Bismarck Police Department. Capt. Laura Schmidt, ND National Guard, spoke about the Civil Support Team and their response to domestic terrorism threats.

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Burleigh County Deputy Joe Citta and K-9 Profi gave a working dog demonstration to the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class during Serve & Protect Day on Dec. 4 at the Burleigh-Morton County Detention Center.

OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING: Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsor: Program Sponsors:

BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®

Human Services Day co-chairs: Amber Haman - HIT, Inc. Deidre Hillman – N.D. Women’s Business Center Nathan Schultz - HIT, Inc. Serve & Protect co-chairs: Robyn Krile - Lincoln Police Chief Col. Greg McDonald – N.D. Air National Guard Scott Ritter - Aspen Group Real Estate Lunch Sponsors: THEO Art School (Arts & Leisure) HIT, Inc. (Human Services) ND Women’s Business Center (Human Services) Aspen Group Real Estate (Serve & Protect)

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

Upward and onward – join us as we celebrate our accomplishments of 2020 and move on to bigger and better things! This prestigious evening is full of fun, socializing, awards and recognition! Join your fellow Chamber EDC Members for a night to remember!

PRESENTING SPONSORS: CHRYSLER I DODGE I JEEP I RAM

GOLD SPONSORS:

FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Matthew Luhn

Former Pixar Animation Studios Writer & Business Communication Consultant

SILVER SPONSORS: Dakota Community Bank & Trust Eide Bailly Environmental Services Huck Financial Group

Indigo Signs Knife River Corporation MDU Resources Group

TABLE SPONSORS: Amy Hullet: Century 21 Morrison Realty Bank of North Dakota Bartlett & West Basin Electric Power Cooperative Baymont Inn & Suites Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck Event Center Bismarck State College Blue Cross Blue Shield Bremer Bank Capital City Construction Capital Credit Union Capital Electric Cooperative CHI St. Alexius Health Cloverdale Foods Consolidated Construction CornerStone Bank Crowley Fleck Dakota Appraisal & Consulting

EMC Insurance First International Bank & Trust First Western Bank & Trust Gate City Bank ICON Architectural Group KFYR-TV Kirk wood Bank & Trust Kraus-Anderson Construction Company KX News Leadership Bismarck Mandan Alumni MIDCO Moore Engineering, Inc. National Information Solution Cooperative Odney Plains Commerce Bank Schmitz Holmstrom CPA Starion Bank United Tribes Technical College 3 17 Mary University of Connection

CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION

BDS: UNCOVERING LEADERSHIP BLIND SPOTS

Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Location: Virtually via Zoom Time: 8:30AM - 10:30AM Admission: $49 with promo code 20COMP29

Presented By: Only 17% of employees are satisfied in their job. And 45% of employees are planning on leaving their job in the next 12 months.

How can you turn those numbers around? Are there “blind spots” that you, as a leader are missing that could drive employee retention and satisfaction?

Don't miss out on Dale Carnegie’s Uncovering Leadership Blind Spots: Discovering the Pathway to Motivating Your Employees Business Brief on Tuesday, January 12th from 8:30am - 10:30am virtually or at the Chamber EDC. Reserve Your Seat Today!

Start to identify your organization’s leadership performance gaps with this Business Development Series at a discounted rate for members!

This event has been approved for 2 SHRM PDCs and 2 HRCI HR credits.

Register at northdakota.dalecarnegie.com with promo code: 20COMP29 in the upper right corner on course payment page.

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MEMBERSHIP MIXER: BAYMONT INN & SUITES Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021 Location: Baymont Inn & Suites

2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM

Admission: Free to Attend

Save the date for the March Membership Mixer!

Baymont Inn & Suites will be hosting the March Membership Mixer on Thursday, March 11th at their location at 2611 Old Red Trail in Mandan from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

Join fellow Chamber EDC members for this Membership Mixer while we enjoy hors d’oeuvres along with an open bar provided by the Baymont Inn & Suites! This fun event will have a cornhole tournament that will be giving away prizes to those who place 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the tournament!

Mixers are FREE for Chamber EDC members to attend.

Please consider attending and bringing colleagues from your workplace! RSVP’s are appreciated and can be made by registering online at https://business.bismarckmandan. com/events or by contacting Josie Smyle at jsmyle@ bmcedc.com.

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM

Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2021 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center

800 S 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 8:00AM - 11:30AM

Admission: $40.00 for Chamber EDC Members

(Virtually or In-Person)

$50.00 for General Admission

(Virtually or In-Person) Presented By:

At this year’s Economic Outlook Forum, presented by Starion Bank, find out what elements are driving our local, regional and national economy.

On Thursday, April 1st from 8:00am – 11:30am at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center, join fellow Chamber EDC members as we hear from experts and local professionals from various industries on what challenges we have endured in 2020 and what to mindful of in 2021.

Cost to attend the Economic Outlook Forum is $40 for Chamber EDC Members (Virtual and In-Person) and $50 for General Admission. You can register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events/caldendar.

ANNUAL DINNER

Date: Thursday, April 29, 2021 Location: Bismarck Events Center, Hall B Time: 5:30PM - 8:30PM

Admission: $75.00 for Chamber EDC Members

$85.00 for General Admission Presented By: CHRYSLER I DODGE I JEEP I RAM

This year’s keynote speaker, Matthew Luhn, comes with quite a lineup of experience creating stories and characters at Pixar Animation Studios, The Simpsons, and beyond, Luhn also works to bridge the gap between heart and business for clients such as Adidas, Target, Coca-Cola, Proctor and Gamble, BMW, Warner Brothers, Sony and Google.

Contact Joan at 701-223-5660, 701-400-2931 or jtrygg@bmcedc.com to reserve your table and start planning your evening! Tickets can also be purchased at https://www.business.bismarckmandan.com/events.

It’s not too early to reserve your table for this informative event. Please contact Christine Nelson at cnelson@ bmcedc.com, or call 701-223-5660 to find out more details.

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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

SANFORD HEALTH OPENS SPECIAL CARE UNIT IN BISMARCK

To help meet the growing need in the region, Sanford Health in Bismarck opened a new unit dedicated to providing care for patients with COVID-19. The 20-bed hospital unit, called Sanford Ninth Street Special Care Unit, is located in the former Bismarck Surgical Associates building on North Ninth Street in Bismarck.

“These are unprecedented times,” said Dr. Michael LeBeau, president/CEO of Sanford Health in Bismarck.

“In my 13 years as a physician in Bismarck-Mandan, I never imagined there would come a time when we would be opening up an off-site hospital unit. But our patients are our top priority, and our focus remains on caring for our community.”

All patients with emergency care needs still need to present to the Sanford Emergency & Trauma Centerusing the Sixth Street entrance. There will not be walk-in emergency care services at the new special care unit. It is strictly an off-site hospital unit.

KUPPER CHEVROLET AND KUPPER SUBARU CHANGE NAME TO KRAMER CHEVROLET AND KRAMER SUBARU IN 2021

Kupper Chevrolet and Kupper Subaru in Mandan, North Dakota, have new owners and a new name, Kramer Chevrolet and Kramer Subaru. The new name will go into effect in January 2021. Both dealerships are now owned by Foundation Automotive Corporation with Chuck Kramer as Chief Operating Officer.

“There was a lot to love about the Kupper culture and management philosophies, and we plan on keeping much of that intact,” said Kramer. “We’re also working on several exciting developments to keep things growing.”

Kupper’s Operating Manager, Terry Weszner, will continue to run both locations as a Kramer Managing Partner.

Additionally, many of Kupper’s signature touches such as community involvement, local operation and Warranty Forever will continue under the new Kramer name.

As for changes, the Subaru dealership is soon moving to a newer and larger facility being built in northwest Mandan to better serve the community. The service and auto body departments are also being expanded to meet area needs.

“The timing was right, and Foundation is excited to become active participants in the Mandan community,” said Kramer. “And with Terry’s extensive knowledge and guidance, we will continue to be able to take care of you and all your Chevrolet and Subaru needs.”

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CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

MANDAN PARKS AND RECREATION REVEALS NEW LOGO Mandan Parks and Recreation announced today the launch of a new brand identity with a redesigned logo.

“2021 is a big year for Mandan Parks and Recreation as it marks our 100th year of existence. We thought Mandan Parks and Recreation 100th birthday wasLOGO the perfect time to revamp RECREATION REVEALS NEW our logo” said Cole Higlin, Mandan Parks and Recreation Director. Since 1921, the logo has only ion announced todayour thefounding launch of in a new brand identity been slightly altered.

The new Mandan Parks and Recreation logo represents th reation as it marks our 100 year We thought many of the same elements of asexistence. our previous logo with was keeping the perfect to color revamp our logo” Cole Higlin, thetime same scheme butsaid adjusting to a more e ourmodern foundingsunset in 1921, thetext. logoThe has new only logo been offers slightlya horizontal, and vertical and circle version that can be used across all different mediums. We believe the new logo represents represents many of the elements as our promotes previous logo Mandan Parks andsame Recreation identity, fun and professional. ustingisto a more modern sunset and text. The new logo that can be used across all different mediums. We believe In order to start the rebranding process, we couldn’t wait Recreation identity, promotes fun and is professional. until Mandan Parks and Recreation’s birth date of April 21 to reveal logo.Parks Mandan and Recreation’s couldn’t wait untilthe Mandan and Parks Recreation’s birth rebranding process includes replacing building signs, arks and Recreation’s rebranding process includes replacing park signs, vehicle stickers, door graphics, business or graphics, business cards, scoreboards, apparel and more.cards, scoreboards, apparel and more. This process will all be mpleted over the next upcoming years. done in phases and completed over the next upcoming years. different ways and sharing stories from our past 100 years.

Continue to watch media sites more in different In April we willour besocial celebrating our for birthday

CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH'S OPERATION WHITE LIGHTS CHI St. Alexius Health is launching “Operation White Lights” today in honor of all those called to care during the pandemic. The movement encourages the public to display white ribbons and white lights in support of health care workers everywhere.

White lights and white bows can be placed anywhere— homes, businesses, on car antennas and worn on lapels.

Through the remainder of 2020, CHI St. Alexius Health will be displaying white bows outdoors on campus.

White, chosen because it symbolizes unity and hope, shows appreciation for not only doctors and nurses, but those crucial in the care of COVID-19 patients including housekeepers, respiratory therapists, paramedics and others.

“Day-in and day-out, our staff give of themselves. Most will be spending Christmas at work. That’s not just happening at CHI St. Alexius Health, but hospitals, surgery centers and clinics across our region,” said Kurt. “Seeing a flurry of white will remind health care workers everywhere that we care.

This visible outpouring of support is sure to strengthen their resolve and carry them through.”

ways and sharing stories from our past 100 years. We hope that you plan to celebrate with us. Continue to watch our Parkssocial and Recreation andfor continue to watch for the logo to media sites more information.

tion please visit www.mandanparks.com.

###

Thank you Mandan Parks & Rec for choosing us as your I.T. provider for 10 years!

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ASK A PRO | CONNECTION

KURT SCHMIDT at

204 W Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-255-0042

DR. JOAN CONNELL

DR. KREOFSKY

701 E Rosser Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-751-9500

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

at

Q: HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM CYBER ATTACKS?

Q: WHAT EXACTLY IS HPV AND THE HPV VACCINE?

A: The winter season always brings a

A: Vaccines are certainly top of mind

new wave of email phishing attempts and cyber security attacks. We have seen cyber security attacks increase during COVID, and when you add in the holiday season, it can be an especially vulnerable time for consumers. To protect yourself, my best tip is to be vigilant and aware, especially when it comes to email. A common phishing attempt is an email saying, “Your package has been delayed; click here to receive more information.” If you receive an email like this, it’s important to review it carefully, even if it appears to be sent from a legitimate source such as Amazon, UPS or FedEx. Does the email look strange?

Are you expecting a package or an email about a package? Are there misspellings?

When you hover over the link, does the URL look suspicious? When in doubt, check the actual vendor’s website. For example, go directly to Amazon.com instead of clicking on the link to verify. These tips can help keep you safe from email phishing attempts and cyber security attacks this winter.

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recently and many parents have questions about HPV. Human Papilloma Viruses (or HPVs) are a group of more than 200 related viruses. While more than 40 HPV types can be easily spread through direct sexual contact, from the skin and mucous membranes of infected people to the skin and mucous membranes of their partners, only a few of these strains are responsible for causing cancer. HPV can cause cancer affecting the following body parts: cervix, anus, mouth, tongue, throat, vagina, vulva, and penis. In the United States, HPV causes 3% of all cancer cases in women and 2% of all cancers cases in men.

The HPV vaccine is a safe way to prevent cancer in men and women. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends HPV vaccine for all girls and boys when they are 11 or 12 years old, and requires only two doses when initiated by age 13 years of age.

The vaccine is safe! The most commonly reported side effects include soreness at the injection site, dizziness, fainting, headache, and nausea.

at

Q: MY HUSBAND WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER. WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND HELPFUL FOR THE CAREGIVER WHEN DEALING WITH A LOVED ONE’S DIAGNOSIS? A: Whether you're younger or older, you may find yourself in a new role as a caregiver. You may have been a part of someone's life before, but now that they have cancer, the way you support them is different. It may be in a way in which you haven't experienced and it feels more intense than before. The stress can have both physical and psychological effects. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others.

Some suggestions include: • Be active. Light walking or stretching can make you less tired.

•

Find ways to connect with friends.

Find places you can meet others who are close to you.

•

Give yourself more time off. Ask friends/family members to pitch in.

The Bismarck Cancer Center offers a Caregiver Support Group every 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 at the clinic at: 500 N. 8th Street.

Call 701-222-6100 or check out www. bismarckcancercenter.com/services/support-groups/ for more information.

CONNECTION | ASK A PRO

JOEL BLANCHARD, MD at

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

COLLIN KUDRNA

The PCR test checks for RNA (ribonucleic acid) of the COVID-19 virus and is the most accurate and specific. It involves a deep swab in the nose and takes several days to get results.

The antigen test checks for the coating of the COVID-19 virus and is not as accurate as the PCR test. The test result comes back in 15 minutes, but is only 40-50% accurate.

This means that about half of the positive COVID-19 cases could be missed. The antibody test will tell you if you had the infection in the past and have developed antibodies and are potentially immune to COVID-19. The antibody test checks to see if the person has had COVID-19 infection in the past, has developed antibodies to COVID-19 and may be protected from getting COVID-19 for a period of time in the future. The accuracy of this antibody test is only about 40% accurate. This antibody test should not be used to determine individual immunity to COVID-19 and is being used for studies of larger groups of people at this time.

at

at

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

701-751-3064

Q: WHAT TESTING CAN DIAGNOSE Q: IS PHYSICAL THERAPY ONLY FOR INJURIES & COVID-19 AND WHAT ARE THE REHABILITATION AFTER DIFFERENCES? SURGERY OR ACCIDENTS? A: There are 3 types of testing available to evaluate COVID-19 infections.

A: Physical therapy is for injuries, rehabil• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing • Antigen (rapid) testing • Antibody testing The PCR test and antigen test will tell you if you have the infection now (or recently) or not.

MICHAEL HERZOG

itation after surgery or accidents plus so much more. Physical therapy is a comprehensive, hands-on healthcare that is aimed at optimizing your movement and overall health. It is used to manage acute pain, treat chronic conditions, improve strength, mobility and balance. Physical therapy is also used when you want to be healthier, prevent injury, disease and premature aging.

At Optimum Therapies we help you reach your optimal health and movement for everyday living by identifying risks or a potential problem through a thorough exam.

Therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, specific techniques appropriate to your needs, and education of proper posture and movement are used to help you achieve your goals.

3400 Burnt Creek Loop, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-355-0995

Q: WHAT IS ONE IMPORTANT THING I CAN WORK OVER THE WINTER MONTHS TO HELP IMPROVE MY GOLF GAME? A: Improve on your Fitness - If you want

to be serious about improving your game, the winter months spent in North Dakota can be a very productive way to get an edge by getting in better golf shape.

•

Swing trainers or weighted clubs are great to swing indoors. Start your practice swing slowly and build up to fast, balanced swings. Using just a regular club works too.

•

If you grow tired of practice swings at home, you can always try a golf simulator, like to one at Hawktree Golf Club. Simulators are good for full swing practice and an opportunity to work on all aspects of your swing.

Movement is key to life and there is no referral needed to access quality physical therapy; saving you time and money.

Visit www.optimumtherapies.com today.

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MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION CAPITAL CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE ANDREW NELSON Capital Credit Union today announced the Andrew Nelson hiring of Andrew Nelson as a financial services representative at their Northwest Branch, located at 1550 Burnt Boat Drive in Bismarck.

As a financial services representative, Nelson will be responsible for consumer lending including auto, RV 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.

Nelson joins the Capital Credit Union team from Dvorak Motors, where he was a member of the sales department. He earned an associate degree in business administration from Bismarck State College in 2013 and lives in Bismarck.

BISMARCK AERO CENTER WELCOMES NEW FLIGHTLINE TECHNICIAN Chris Susie is no stranger to aviation.

He first started working at Great Lakes Aviation in Spencer, IA, at the age of 15, and has been in aviation ever since. Chris has flown several aircraft, ranging from tail wheel to King Air and nearly everything in between. Chris has been sidelined from aviation for the past two years and is anxious to start the next chapter in his aviation career.

Starting with Bismarck Aero Center at the FBO, Chris aspires to shift his career focus from Professional Pilot to an A&P Maintenance Technician. Chris’s extensive aviation knowledge will be a big help to keep moving our team in the right direction.

REALTORS ELECT LEADERS, PRESENT AWARDS Members of the Bismarck Mandan Board of Realtors elected Joy Nelson as 2021 Joy Nelson President. Nelson has been licensed since 2006 and is a Broker-Associate and Coowner of Alliance Real Estate in Bismarck.

Other officers for the coming year are Jeff White, President-Elect, White House Realty; Heidi Hilzendeger, Vice President, NextHome Legendary Properties; and Darren Schmidt, Past President, Oaktree, LLP, Realtors. Newly elected Directors to the Board are Bill Dean, Alliance Real Estate; Tammi Winbuaer, Integra Realty Group; and Cory McLindsay, Venture Real Estate. Re-elected is Jamie McLean with Integra Realty as a state director, and Jennifer Hatzenbuhler, NewNest Realty, as Director. They join Directors Jeni Grunseth, Trademark Realty; Kristin Oban, Century 21 Morrison Realty; Mary Ohlhauser, Century 21 Morrison Realty.

Jessica Holcomb, ND Guaranty and Title, is the recipient of the Affiliate of the Year Award.

Jamie McLean is the winner of this year’s Realtor of the Year award.

BPS HIRES KOONTZ AS COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR Bismarck Public School District has hired Steven Koontz as their Community Relations Steven Koontz Director. This position’s primary role is to provide district leadership for the effective and strategic implementation of the districtwide communication plan.

Koontz comes to BPS with over five years of experience working in the LICATA JOINS BIANCO education field, with three years spent REALTY working in school communications.

Bianco Realty is Prior to joining BPS he was employed excited to announce the as the Director of Communications newest REALTOR® to join for the Diocese of Gary in Merrillville, their professional Real Indiana and has also worked within the Estate Team: Kacie Licata. communications department for Michigan Kacie Licata Kacie looks forward to City Area Schools. He received both his helping clients with their undergrad and master’s degree in English Real Estate needs, achieving their dream of Language and Literature from Purdue home ownership and providing a Tradition University. of Excellence!

FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK AND TRUST WELCOMES SKAARE First International Bank & Trust (FIBT) is proud to welcome Jeffrey L. Skaare as Mineral & Jeffrey L. Skaare Land Services (MLS) Business Development & Landman. Skaare is a North Dakotalicensed attorney who has dedicated his career to Oil and Gas development, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience to his role at FIBT. Jeffrey is well-known and respected in the industry, having previously held numerous positions, including Land Manager, Director of Operations, and later Director of Business Development at an independent energy company. He also owned a complete mineral and gas land services company, managing over 50 landmen and support staff providing title, leasing, curative, due diligence, seismic permitting, mapping, surface use, and land records.

BINA JOINS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ADVISORS Commercial Real Estate Advisors (CRA) welcomes Brett Bina as their newest advisor. He has 10 years of market real estate appraisal experience and is a graduate of the University of North Dakota with a degree in investments.

LENARZ RECEIVES CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER CERTIFICATION Megan Lenarz CFP®, APMA® a financial advisor with Legacy Financial Megan Lenarz Partners a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Bismarck recently obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification.

Lenarz successfully completed the rigorous requirements that include course work and a series of examinations covering financial planning, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning.

Lenarz graduated from University of Minnesota with a degree in Economics.

She has four years of experience in the financial services industry.

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

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CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS SPINDLER PROMOTED TO VP OF HUMANRESOURCES AND SAFETY KLJ Engineering (KLJ) is pleased to announce the promotion Kristi Spindler of Recruiting Manager and Divisional Human Resources (HR) Director, Kristi Spindler, to the role of Vice President, Human Resources and Safety, effective January 1, 2021. Spindler joined KLJ in 2019, with multiple years of HR experience, and brings a strong focus in HR process and strategic initiatives within recruitment and onboarding, performance management, leadership development, and culture.

In her previous role, as KLJ’s Divisional HR Director and Recruiting Manager, Spindler has transformed the company’s talent acquisition processes and played a significant role in realigning components of the company’s production management structure to further enhance connecting supervisors and staff throughout the organization.

EXTRAORDINARY NURSE RECOGNIZED AT CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH Jet Velunta, a nurse at CHI St. Alexius Health, was honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ®. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

The DAISY Award recipient, Jet, was recognized for the way he builds a lasting relationship with his patients as an operating room nurse. Jet is explained as having a big heart and brightening the room for patients and their families.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-forprofit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

BISMARCK-MANDAN METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION NAMES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Rachel Drewlow, has been selected as Rachel Drewlow Executive Director for the Bismarck-Mandan Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Drewlow will coordinate, oversee, and evaluate the activities, programs and services of the Transportation Planning Division and serve as Executive Director of the Bismarck-Mandan MPO. Drewlow has a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Social Behavioral Sciences from the University of Mary and has been a planner with the Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the past seven years. In addition to her time with the MPO, she has related work experience with the University of North Dakota and the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

JANUARY 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.

Tues, 1st

5:30 pm

Mandan City Commission

Mon, 4th

5:00 pm

Burleigh County Commission

Tues, 5th

5:30 pm

Mandan City Commission

Thurs, 7th

Mon, 11th

5:00 pm

Bismarck Board of Adjustment

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

5:15 pm

Burleigh County Water Resource District Burleigh County Planning Commission

Thurs, 14th

Bismarck Parking Authority Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority Morton County Commission*

9:00 am 4:00 pm 5:30 pm

Tues, 19th 10:00 am

1:30 pm

5:00 pm

7:00 pm

Metropolitan Planning Org. Technical Advisory Committee Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board Mandan City Commission Mandan School Board

Wed, 20th

3:30 pm 5:00 pm

Historic Preservation Commission Burleigh County Commission

Thurs, 21st

Mon, 25th

5:15 pm

Bismarck Park Board

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck School Board 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.

INDIA CLAY OVEN Manpreet Singh and Gurmit Ram, co-owners, celebrate their grand opening located at 510 E. Main Avenue, Suite 1B in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-2975.

CAPITAL CITY SPORTING CLAYS LLC Tom & Frances Leach Foundation Trap Field grand opening celebrated by Capital City Young Guns along with supporters and volunteers. Phone: 701-220-1003. Member.

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DUTCH MILL FLORIST Leilani Shannon, owner, and team celebrate a remodel at their location at 1731 N 13th Street in Bismarck.

Phone: 701-224-1902. Member.

CAPITAL CITY SPORTING CLAYS LLC Capital City Young Guns along with the ND Game & Fish Department, Scheels, supporters and volunteers celebrate the grand opening of Scheels Youth Building. Member.

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.

Big Muddy CrossFit 1200 Industrial Drive, Suite 2 Bismarck, ND 58501 Chris Padilla (701) 202-5730 Bismarck's Premier Fitness Center dedicated to improving lives and giving back to the community.

Benchmark Mortgage 2112 N 12th Street Bismarck, ND 58501 Joe Sheehan (701) 400-3926 Benchmark Mortgage is an independent mortgage bank that specializes in delivering a world class experience to home buyers.

The Hair Garage 4524 Memorial Hwy, Suite 102 Mandan, ND 58554 Anna Vetter (701) 751-0766 Hot towels, beer, straight razor shaves with every haircut.

Pure Country, Inc. 218 W Bowen Ave. Bismarck, ND 58504 Bob Blotsky (701) 221-0904 Embroidery - Screen Printing - Vinyl Graphics - Ad Specialties iQ Merchant 2211 E Main Ave, Suite 4 Bismarck, ND 58501 Anna Roland (701) 557-9116 Simplifying how businesses accept electronic payments.

Cost-effective credit card processing and ACH. Request your savings analysis today.

Complete Nutrition 2306 15th St. NW Bismarck, ND 58503 Jamie Stephens (701) 751-4489 Complete Nutrition is a vitamin and nutritional supplement retail store dedicated to helping every one of our customers look better, feel better and perform better every day.

Prairie Rose Family Dentistry 2500 Overlook Ln One&Done Mandan, ND 58554 1704 Highway 1804 South Ben Weisbeck Mandan, ND 58554 (701) 751-3237 Nick Reed We provide patients with a team of doctors with extensive (701) 426-5322 clinical experience and offer a comprehensive list of Carpet, duct work, disinfectant fogging, and everything general, restorative and cosmetic dental services designed in between. to meet the needs of families.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY! SUPPORT THE HEALING FOR TODAY, BUILDING HOPE FOR TOMORROW CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

HEALING FOR TODAY

BUILDING HOPE FOR TOMORROW

A C A PITA L C A M PAIGN F OR BISMAR CK CANCER CENTER

For more information or to make your commitment today, visit our campaign webpage at www.bismarckcancercenter.com/pledge-card or scan the QR Code. bismarckcancercenter.com|701-222-6100|500 N 8th St|Bismarck, ND 58501

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

UPCOMING CHAMBER EDC EVENTS BDS: UNCOVERING LEADERSHIP BLIND SPOTS Date: January 12, 2021 • Time: 8:30am - 10:30am Location: Virtually BDS: TAX PREPARATION TIPS & TRICKS Date: January 26, 2021 • Time: 9:30am - 11:00am Location: Virtually MEMBERSHIP MIXER: BAYMONT INN & SUITES Date: March 11, 2021 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Baymont Inn & Suites – 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM Date: April 1, 2021 • Time: 8:00am - 11:30am Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center – 800 S 3rd Street, Bismarck

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: ANYLEAKS Date: April 22, 2021 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Anyleaks – 140 Riverwood Ave SE, Mandan

CHAMBER EDC ANNUAL DINNER Date: April 29, 2021 • Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm Location: Bismarck Event Center, Hall B – 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck