March Connection

Connection MARCH 2023

WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS ISSUE

A BUSINESS PUBLICATION OF THE BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Wendy Van Duyne .............................................................. Chair Matt Sagaser ...............................................................Vice-Chair Lee Pierce .....................................................................Secretary Kevin Strege ............................................................... Past Chair Dave Ehlis .................................................................... Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Evan Anderson ...........................................................Gizmonics Andrea Birst ...............................................Glance Spa & Salon Nathan Boehm ....................................................Morton County Joe Camisa ..........................................................City of Mandan Dan Eastgate ....................................Venture Real Estate Group Dave Ehlis ..............................................................Bravera Bank Fred Fridley .........................................................Sanford Health Amber Larson .....................................................Bartlett & West Heather Jones .............................................City Air Mechanical Wayne Munson ..................................................Burleigh County Marnie Piehl .......................................................................AARP Lee Pierce .........................................................ICON Architects Mike Remboldt ................................................................HIT Inc. Dave Rogstad ....................................................... Starion Bank Matt Sagaser ......................................................Doosan Bobcat Mike Schmitz .....................................................City of Bismarck Kevin Strege ................................................Credit Foundations Wendy Van Duyne .....................Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

CHAMBER EDC STAFF

Nate Brown......................................................Sales Coordinator Maggie Byrd ...................................................Event Coordinator Ross Frohlich ............................................Membership Director Mary Kempenich........................Workforce Marketing Specialist Christine Nelson ..........................Vice President Sales & Events Rebecca Pelkey .................................Communications Specialist Brian Ritter .......................................................President & CEO Elliot Rust ................................................Chief Financial Officer Julianne Sauvage .............................................................. Intern Lyndsey Scheurer .........................Creative Marketing Specialist Nathan Schneider ................................................Vice President Cathryn Sprynczynatyk .....................Communications Specialist Kelsey Wirt .......................Small Business Outreach Coordinator 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-223-5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com

CONTACT INFORMATION Advertising Nate Brown nbrown@bmcedc.com

Content Rebecca Pelkey rpelkey@bmcedc.com

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CONNECTION | CHAIR'S CORNER

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t was never my intent to end up on the cover of the Connection. However, I always love an opportunity to hear others’ perspectives—especially when it’s around the topic of business and professional growth. When the Chamber EDC Staff came to me with an invitation to connect with others who are just as passionate about this topic, I couldn’t help but jump right in.

Let me explain.

Going back to 2018, we have published three 'Women in Business' issues of the Connection. We have so many examples of strong women leaders around Bismarck-Mandan, and this is a great opportunity to showcase the impact that some of these inspiring women are having in our community.

As we approached this year’s ‘Women in Business’ issue, we also wanted to take a different approach. After much discussion, we recognized that our organization has been fortunate to have several women in leadership positions both on the Board and on Staff. So why not bring them all together?

Last month, we did just that. I was honored to join current Chamber EDC Board Members (Amber Larson, Andrea Birst, Heather Jones, Marnie Piehl, and Lee Pierce) as well as past Chamber EDC Board Members (Molly Herrington, Becky Matthews & Brenda Nagel) for a roundtable discussion moderated by Chamber EDC Vice President – Sales & Events, Christine Nelson.

What we experienced was an incredibly insightful and honest discussion into the challenges, opportunities and experiences shared by this talented group of women—and I know it’s just the tip of the iceberg. We have so many more of these connections and stories to tell from women throughout our community and it’s important we continue to share these perspectives. For the time being, I encourage you to read the story about our discussion because, I promise you, it’s worth it.

In other exciting news, the Chamber EDC Annual Dinner is coming up at the end of this month and we’re expecting record attendance! Come join us on Thursday, March 30 at the Bismarck Events Center for the Bismarck-Mandan business community’s biggest night, and we have a lot to celebrate.

There are so many great things happening in our community and our organization right now, and we appreciate that members like you can be a part of it. I hope you’ll take the time to learn more by reading this month’s Connection.

Wendy Van Duyne, Chair Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

twitter.com/bismancedc facebook.com/bismancedc @bismancedc Cover Photo: The women’s business roundtable features (front row, from left) Andrea Birst, Glance Spa & Salon; Marnie Butcher Piehl, AARP North Dakota; Lee Pierce, ICON Architects; Molly Herrington, State of North Dakota; (back row, from left) Brenda Nagel, University of Mary; Heather Jones, City Air Mechanical; Wendy Van Duyne, Stantec Consulting Services; Becky Matthews, Burleigh County Commission; and Amber Larson, Bartlett & West.

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FEATURE | CONNECTION

WOMEN IN BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk For our fourth Women in Business issue, we decided to do something special. We invited current and former members of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Board of Directors to participate in an in-person roundtable to reflect on being female leaders in the business community.

CHRISTINE NELSON, BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

AMBER LARSON, BARTLETT & WEST: Some people are inherently hard workers or just driven. In addition, for me it’s a matter of learning. If I’m not challenging myself or growing in some way, then it’s not as interesting to me.

BECKY MATTHEWS, BURLEIGH COUNTY COMMISSIONER: I have reassessed in the last year and a half what motivates me — pairing my life down to what I can still do. It is using what I have experienced to help others. I was a stay-at-home-mom for 14 years after my children were born — I had a preemie and a child born with a birth defect... I was being a voice on boards for children who access Early Intervention services... That ran later into having soccer kids. There were kids (on the team) who were refugees or New Americans. I was a go-between when the refugee resettlement issue came up in Burleigh County, and I decided to run for office.

It has always been about using my story to shed light on those issues — helping to demystify the political and policy world. A lot of people don’t understand you can just show up at the Capitol and testify, how to follow a bill, how to contact your legislator, how to write a letter to the editor, how to contact your County Commission or apply to be on a board. We did not have one woman apply to be on any of the county boards last year.

HEATHER JONES, CITY AIR MECHANICAL: What motivates me in business is my team. We’ve got great people. We motivate and challenge each other. We’re a fourth-generation, family-owned business. Statistically, less than 3 percent make it beyond the third (generation).

I’m already on borrowed time. My motivation is to leave something stable and sustainable for the next generation.

We have 130 employees in western North Dakota. That’s 130 other families sending their kids to high school and college. That’s a big responsibility that I take very seriously.

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MOLLY HERRINGTON, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA: One of the key things that motivates me is seeing what is — and understanding that — and then encouraging and getting a team to getting to what could be. Where we are is good.

Where we could be is great.

LEE PIERCE, ICON ARCHITECTS: Being competitive, even if it’s just with yourself. Knowing you can be better, you can make things around you better. And my kids. I want them to see that hard work pays off.

CONNECTION | FEATURE

CHRISTINE NELSON: IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO YOURSELF BACK WHEN YOU WERE STARTING YOUR CAREER, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?

WENDY VAN DUYNE, STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES: Sometimes the benefit is not knowing what you don’t know, so there’s nothing to be afraid of. You just jump in with both feet. Confidence is always a factor, no matter how far you get into your career. As women, nine times out of 10, we’re the minority voice at the table. Inherently that brings a selfdoubt... Reconciling that fact and constantly recognizing that you have a valuable perspective to add... You’re at the table, and you have a chance to share your perspective, which is important. I would say to 25-year-old Wendy, “Don’t doubt your self-worth.” Admittedly, I still have to remind myself of this from time to time.

BRENDA NAGEL, UNIVERSITY OF MARY: Give myself some grace. It’s just who we are hard-wired to be as moms and as professionals. Sometimes we are so busy driving, driving, driving. And then we don’t stop to say, “Wow, you really knocked that out of the park, and you don’t need to be so hard on yourself.” I say this a lot to my two daughters.

Give yourself a little bit of grace and allow yourself to stumble a little bit. I think the biggest lessons I have learned have come from skinning my knees a little bit... Allowing ourselves as women and as leaders to say at the end of the week, “Some things didn’t go that great, but a lot of things went really, really well. And those are the things I’m going to focus on.”

AMBER LARSON: As women leaders, it becomes hard. You have to play a man’s game. You can’t be vulnerable. I have always been logic first, emotions second. That’s who I am, and that worked well for me. What I have learned in the last couple of years is that vulnerability is also a superpower.

That was a shocker to me to realize that people around me can’t trust me if they don’t know the whole me. If there is something huge happening with me personally, and I don’t share that... how can my team or people in the community trust me?

MARNIE BUTCHER PIEHL, AARP NORTH DAKOTA: I think it is to have faith in your worth and the work that you do — your worth and your work... One of the joys of my life right now is my eldest son who just graduated college in the same profession. We have the best conversations about these kinds of things... (My advice) would be to have confidence in your worth and your work.

ANDREA BIRST, GLANCE SPA & SALON: I was 26-yearsold and didn’t really know anything. My advice to myself would be to start by finding a support system. Seek out the mentors who can help you and make things a bit easier.

Your support system could be a proper attorney, a bank that you trust, a really solid accountant, or people in our community. Meeting those people who can help you along the way is huge.

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FEATURE | CONNECTION CHRISTINE NELSON: WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT BEING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF IN THE WORKPLACE, AND I THINK YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD.

AMBER LARSON: Yes, there is always this pressure to be your professional self, which is bottled up and strong and pulled together. And then there is your personal self which is mothering and nurturing and caring, and never shall the two collide. That’s not a strong or healthy way to be.

WENDY VAN DUYNE: You are never going to please everybody 100 percent of the time. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t — so why not show up and be your authentic self? It’s hard though. As high-achieving individuals — which I count everybody at this table to be — it can be difficult to feel like you are letting somebody down.

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CHRISTINE NELSON: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER WOMEN LOOKING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD?

HEATHER JONES: Being leaders in your organization, the culture and tone you set is so important. I can’t pretend to be somebody I’m not for very long. It’s suffocating. If people come in and they don’t vibe with that kind of culture, the team that you build has to be on that same level. We come every day our whole selves, even if we’re too much. And it’s okay to tell me that I’m too much.

ANDREA BIRST: I believe leaders and business owners should take time to focus on their teams to grow and strengthen them. We are all different, so let’s figure out how to communicate with each other. I feel like it has become my full-time job — which I love. It’s important, because if we talk about staff retention and businesses that are going to thrive... understanding people’s differences so that we can all succeed and have fun working together is super important.

CONNECTION | FEATURE

BRENDA NAGEL: Whether we’re moms or not, we are all part of a family unit. Most days we make it look so seamless, but we get home and think, “How the heck did we make that happen? Wow, that was a full-on miracle.” Miracles happen every day. Trying to teach the younger generation the proverbial “You can have it all.” You can be a mom, and you can be at every soccer tournament and every event. But you can also be at every work event that you need to be at.

It’s about prioritizing. We also shouldn’t be afraid to show vulnerability as it makes us human. We can’t just act like this stoic person and then get in our vehicles and sob like crybabies because we don’t allow ourselves to have any sort of emotion. We have to learn how to control it and to let it out at the right times.

ANDREA BIRST: That’s the challenge — finding the right times and giving yourself grace.

BECKY MATTHEWS: I call that emotionally vomiting.

LEE PIERCE: I think that helps build your team... Let’s go sit in the boardroom and let you emotionally vomit. Sometimes people just need to do that, and then they can breathe and move on. That helps build your team and make them stronger.

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FEATURE | CONNECTION CHRISTINE NELSON: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN IN YOUR CAREER?

WENDY VAN DUYNE: Moving to Bismarck... I found myself in the middle of a boardroom back in 2013 four-months pregnant with our second child. It was at the height of the oil boom, and we needed engineers in North Dakota. Based on a gut feeling, I raised my hand on behalf of both (my husband and me) which was hard because Mike was not in that room with me. Let’s just say I spent the night on the couch... Moving up here in December 2014 with a 16-month-old and a 3-year-old and starting over — rebuilding our careers and not having any family support here — I look back and I don’t know how we did that.

Somehow, we made it work. Yes, it was a big risk, but oh my gosh what a big payoff... It can be scary taking big risks like that — raising your hand without having a lot of time to process (that decision). Take those risks and believe in your heart that it’s going to work out. And even if it doesn’t work out, that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to say yes.

CHRISTINE NELSON: THAT’S A BIG LEAP.

AMBER LARSON: Wendy, both you and your husband Mike have integrated amazingly (in the community). For you to move for that opportunity is really bold... It’s hard to recognize an opportunity. I know I have had times when I think, “Oh, I missed that (opportunity). Can I go back and have a do-over?”

WENDY VAN DUYNE: Can I ask you a question in return, Amber? How do you know that you should have taken on a risk in hindsight?

AMBER LARSON: This goes back to what Andrea said — finding the right people. When I started my career, I had a great mentor... He would give me a look in a meeting that said, “This is your moment. You’re at the table, this is your turn to speak up.” I remember once when I missed one of them. Months later, I called up a work colleague and said, “I missed that (opportunity). If it comes up again, I want it.”

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BECKY MATTHEWS: Sometimes I think the risk is also a “No.” My first child was a preemie when we were moving here. Sending him to day care was not the safest option, so I decided to home with him. We soon had a second child who also needed some medical care. I was put in the position of being in Occupational Therapy, letting my license go, and being a mom. I read a book about professionalizing motherhood. I had co-workers over for coffee every week. I was always a part of different boards. I didn’t just sit in my home. I always had something outside of that to keep growing and changing.

CONNECTION | FEATURE MOLLY HERRINGTON: I don’t believe you can have it all.

I believe you can have different parts in different seasons...

I love being a professional. I love working and advancing issues and topics. I was also really good at being single. My biggest risk was agreeing to date my now-husband and marrying this man with two kids... That one risk changed my entire course. Now, I have two amazing bonus sons. We have a strong relationship. I would have missed all of that if I had said “No.” I have a very supportive husband who says, “Yes, go do your career thing. Go do your community thing. I’m going to be there, and I’m going to join in.” When Jim asked my dad if he could marry me, (dad) said, “Are you sure you know what you’re getting into?” ... I have had to work really hard to “have it all” — but maybe at different times.

CHRISTINE NELSON: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT?

LEE PIERCE: Hopefully, I haven’t done it yet. Getting both Bismarck elementary schools and both Mandan schools as projects within a short amount of time was very exciting and frightening all at once. I didn’t know until later that I was a key part of that. “We chose you.” That puts pressure on you, but that was professionally an awakening in a fantastic way.

BRENDA NAGEL: I didn’t go to college in the traditional way... I just started working. Someone at U.S. Healthcare said, “Brenda, you’re really great at what you do but you’re never going to go further unless you finish your degree.”

I remember thinking, “I don’t think I can do that, because I’m a mom and I need to work.” It was one of the craziest times in my life. I had two little girls, and I was trying to complete my bachelor’s degree while working full-time.

That was a huge accomplishment. It catapulted me into corporate America. I could do the job before, but I wouldn’t be considered for roles because I didn’t have the degree...

After early retirement from Aetna I came to University of Mary and to work with somebody shoulder-to-shoulder like Sr. Thomas Welder, that is an accomplishment.

CHRISTINE NELSON: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED IN YOUR CAREER PATH?

ANDREA BIRST: My biggest challenge 7-years-ago was that we didn’t have any money. Glance was struggling and about to close. That’s when I knew I wasn’t ready to give up, and I had to dig deep and turn this around. My biggest challenge turned into my biggest success, and that was completely changing my business into a team model that we love and use now.

MARNIE BUTCHER PIEHL: My mom, Dina Butcher, has a great saying, “Always leave while you’re still having fun...” My greatest challenge has been the leaving and knowing when it’s time to go, or having to go and making friends with that.

In my early 30s, I had a conflict with a colleague. I went into my boss and said, “That’s it. It’s her or me.” She said, “We’ll really miss you.” We had a 1-year-old child, losing half our family income was pretty scary. Knowing when it’s time to leave, getting through the fear of that, and finding new life in what’s next is the challenge.

BRENDA NAGEL: We should always think about what our legacy will be. “When you drive down the hill from University of Mary that very last time, what do you hope people will remember about your work?” ... When I left Aetna after 25 years, I left at the top of my game. I left while I was still having fun.

EDITOR’S NOTE: THIS ROUNDTABLE HAS BEEN EDITED FOR LENGTH AND CLARITY.

BECKY MATTHEWS: A year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with cancer — and it is not curable. I get remission. Right now, I am in remission. I live by every 6-months of what my next treatment is. I have two to three years of maintenance (treatments). When you say, “I hope my biggest accomplishment is yet to come,” mine might have already been... Just turning 49, I look at a legacy already. What is the legacy I will leave for my children and as a community leader? More than a being a County Commissioner, I am a community leader... Last year when I was sicker than (expletive), I was at almost every commission meeting.

I was bald. I could not drive myself. I was only not there when I had my stem cell transplant done at Mayo Clinic or when I was in the hospital... I still outworked many of those commissioners when I was sicker than (expletive).

I came back, I feel better, and I fought to get Chair of the Commission... I have to be very strategic with my energy right now.

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MEMBER PROFILE | CONNECTION

Conceptual rendering of the new Knutson Companies office that will be located in Boden Office Park in North Bismarck at the corner of Washington and Lasalle. The Boden Office Park project will consist of 23 commercial lots for individual custom office builds.

Cam Knutson KNUTSON REALTY Tell us about yourself and your role within your business.

A: I’m the owner of Knutson Companies, a real estate development and brokerage company. I grew up in Bismarck and moved to Fargo for nearly 10 years where I attended NDSU and worked at Kilbourne Group, a real estate development company. I returned to Bismarck in late 2018 to launch my business while also getting involved in other facets of our family real estate holdings.

I’m married with two young children and couldn’t imagine a better place to be running a business and raising a family.

Briefly tell us the history behind Knutson Realty and how you got started.

A: My parents have been involved in the real estate business for over 40 years, it is a sector I have been familiar with for most of my life. My time working with Kilbourne Group was extremely helpful in learning other components related to real estate development, sales, and acquisitions. It was always my plan to return to Bismarck to raise a family and assist in the family real estate business.

The primary focus of creating the company was for real estate brokerage and development services which have continued to grow as primary roles of the company.

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MEMBER SINCE 2019

How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Knutson Realty?

A: Our communities stable and steady growth has been very positive for the work we do. The 2010 to 2020 Census showed over 21% growth in both Burleigh and Morton Counties. Other areas of the state that we do work in have also had similar growth rates which is aiding in our company’s future growth plans here locally to better serve all of the areas we do work in. I anticipate seeing continued healthy growth in our community and regularly see examples of individuals and families moving back after pursuing education, life, and work experience elsewhere realizing North Dakota is the place they want to return to. The community offers a great qualify of life that is hard to match elsewhere so we expect an even greater frequency in people returning here to live for good.

CONNECTION | MEMBER PROFILE What trends are taking place in your industry?

A: On the residential front we are seeing an increase of empty nesters looking to downsize the square footage of their homes often with a preference for a patio home with no stairs. Walkout homes remain popular for families that desire a multi-story home with more square footage where walkout basements are both economical and substantially improve the feel of the lower level of a home.

Another trend is neighborhood community spaces, and we continue to design and invest more into providing these spaces in our new residential developments. In Elk Ridge our first phase included a 5.4-acre park with the second phase including a neighborhood elementary school called Elk Ridge Elementary. Our newest master planned development- Summit Point at Hawktree will include a multi-million-dollar community center dedicated to residents that will include workout, gathering and work spaces. Summit Point will provide year-round amenities including a pool and oversized patio for summertime and a sledding hill for winter activities. The community center at Summit Point will be located on a lot over 5 acres in size that overlooks Hawktree Golf Course.

In commercial real estate we believe a shift is occurring to create more efficient sites for new construction to lower the barrier of entry for businesses looking to make the leap into owning their own commercial building. Business owners are showing more interest in generating their own equity in owning versus other available options to them in the market. This coming year we are launching Boden Office Park which is designed to help meet the needs of small business owners who want to build an efficient custom building for their business with building sizes that will likely range from 1,200 to 5,000+ square feet.

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

A: Real estate is constantly changing, and market trends can change fast making it vital to constantly keep a pulse on economic factors and the needs of our future customers. Real estate projects typically take a couple of years or more to go from concept to completion, so we work very hard to be ahead of the curve on industry changes. The residential real estate market exploded shortly after the onset of the Pandemic which led to rapid increases on material costs and stress added to our areas labor capacity. We saw a cooling to the residential sector around the middle of 2022 but believe this will be a healthy adjustment long term as already we are seeing supply chain improvement and downward trends for a multitude of costs. I expect our area to settle back into a more sustained amount of new construction over the next few years with lower costs supporting new construction in 2023 and a more stable interest rate environment further supporting new construction in 2024 and beyond.

What does the future Knutson Realty look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: Knutson Companies is currently designing a new office headquarters in Bismarck located in our Boden Office Park project and plan to break ground on this project in early 2023. This new headquarters will provide us with enough room to more than quadruple the size of our team over the next decade.

The future of the company will continue to evolve as we continue to develop real estate projects that are best meeting the needs for consumers in our market. We are bullish on our community and North Dakota as a whole and are grateful to have a role in shaping our community through our involvement in the real estate market now and in the years ahead.

Knutson Realty became a member in 2019, why do you continue to renew?

A: Joining our Chamber EDC was one of the first things I did after forming the company. We are fortunate to have such a strong team at the Chamber EDC along with the robust membership base that represents every aspect of our economy. It is extremely important for the business community to continue to support the efforts of the Chamber EDC by being members and getting involved in some fashion. Right now the state legislature is in session and I am grateful for the role the Chamber EDC has in representing our community on a number of important issues that affect all of us.

What should other Chamber EDC members know about Knutson Realty that may assist them?

A: We are a company that is dedicated to improving our community through our real estate development efforts. One of our favorite components in the work that we do is understanding the bigger picture of how our community operates and ways we can partner with others as collaboration typically always yields better solutions and products. We want to continue to learn from other residents and companies so we can help understand ways to improve the community through our real estate efforts. You can learn more about active projects we have going on now on our website at www. knutsondevelopment.com and you will also find contact information on the website should you ever need to contact us for anything.

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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

03/30/23 BISMARCK EVENT CENTER SOCIAL: 5:30 PM

BUSINESS FORMAL

DINNER: 7–9 PM

BLACK TIE EVENT

Be a part of Bismarck-Mandan’s premier event where the Chamber EDC will celebrate our accomplishments of 2022, moving up and onward! We will also give our members a look toward what the coming year will bring to the Bismarck-Mandan business community. This prestigious evening is full of fun, socializing, awards, and recognition. Come and enjoy spending the evening with over 800 of your fellow Chamber EDC Members. It’s a night to remember!

Featured Entertainment:

Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos – David Eichholz & Ted Manderfeld For over 20 years, Dave & Ted have traveled coast to coast in the United States and Mexico as one of the most sought-after dueling piano acts in the country! Their high-energy mix of comedy, music, and extensive audience participation makes this show unlike any other.

Get ready to sing, clap, and laugh along as Dave & Ted defy all expectations of a dueling piano show and lead the way to an unforgettable experience. Their shows have loads of laughter and tons of interaction - making it the most unique, memorable and intimate theater experience you'll attend!

Reserve your table at WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM or call 701.223.5660.

Tickets may be reserved until March 21, 2023. Reservations are required prior to the event!

$75 $125

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CEDC Members

General Admisson

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

S p u o o n Y s k o n r a s! h T PRESENTING:

GOLD:

SILVER: Basin Electric Power Cooperative • Consolidated Construction Company Inc. Eide Bailly LLP • JLG Architects • MDU Resources Group, Inc.

TABLE: AE2S • Amy Hullet with Century 21 Morrison Realty • Apex Engineering Group, Inc. • Bain Agency Bank of North Dakota • BeMobile Verizon • Bismarck Advanced Dental & Implants • Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck Event Center • Bismarck Larks • Bismarck Sign Co. • Bismarck State College

Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND • Bobcat Company • Bremer Bank • Capital City Construction

Capital Credit Union • Capital Electric Cooperative, Inc. • CHI St. Alexius Health • Choice Bank Cloverdale Foods Company • ConocoPhillips • CornerStone Bank • Coteau Properties Co.

Crowley Fleck PLLP • Cystic Fibrosis Association of ND • DCI Credit Services • EAPC Architects Engineers EMC Insurance • EngTech • Environmental Services Ltd./Huck Financial • Fabricators Unlimited

Fairfield Inn • Fireside Office Solutions • First International Bank & Trust • First Western Bank & Trust

Gate City Bank • H.A. Thompson & Sons • ICON Architectural Group • KFYR-TV • Kirkwood Bank & Trust KK Bold • Knife River Corporation • KX News • Mann Signs • McGough Construction • Midco Missouri Slope • Moore Engineering, Inc. • Nardini Fire Equipment, Inc. • NISC

Northwest Tire Inc. • Odney • OK Tires • Railway Credit Union • RJR Maintenence & Management Scheels • Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs • Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac • SEH, Inc. • Silicon Plains Spotlight Media • Stantec Consulting Services Inc. • Starion Bank • The Painters, Inc.

U.S. Bank • United Printing • University of Mary • Waste Management of ND, Inc. Connection 3 13

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CEDC EXHIBITS AT EPIC

BUSINESS PITCH CHALLENGE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Chamber EDC staff were exhibitors at Bismarck State College’s Energy Progress and Innovation Conference (EPIC) at the end of January. This was the conference that was formerly known as the Energy Generation Conference.

A selection committee has reviewed eight business start-up applications for the 2023 Mandan Business Pitch Challenge.

The four finalists are:

The EPIC was held at the Bismarck Event Center and showcased industry products and services to the energy generation industry. The event is a combination trade show and a professional development opportunity for employees in the industry.

This is a premier event for the energy generation industry. Chamber EDC staff was able to make several contacts with both Bismarck-Mandan businesses and those from outside the state. Previously, staff has been successful in generating contacts and have had a couple of business expansions into Bismarck-Mandan due to exhibiting at past shows.

Exhibiting at these types of trade shows are important in executing the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC’s business attraction efforts going forward. One of the Chamber EDC’s targeted industries in our business attraction efforts is value-added energy which fits with the makeup of the EPIC exhibitors and attendees.

•

Big Stick Cigars by Josette Dupree A boutique cigar shop

•

Inside Park by Brittany Kennedy An indoor park for kids

•

Just You Studios by Katie Bowers A co-working photography studio

•

Send It! 24/7 Cornhole by Brad Anderson, Jed Geer and David Koch A recreational venue

Finalists will pitch their business proposals to judges March 23 at the North Dakota Area Rural Electric Cooperative Headquarters, 3201 Nygren Dr NW. Doors open at 5:00pm with contestant presentations beginning at 5:30pm.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for a people’s choice award recipient. For planning purposes, registration is requested by March 18 at www.cityofmandan.com/register or by calling 701-667-3478.

DECEMBER 2022 ECONOMIC INDICATORS Sales Tax Collected $2,850,862

Airport Passengers 39,542

ECONOMY

Restaurant & Lodging Tax Collected $345,358

Total Job Openings (Burleigh & Morton) 2,763

See the full list of economic indicators on the Chamber EDC’s Economy at a Glance at www.bismarckmandanedc.com.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE MONTH

The PACE and Flex PACE programs offered through the Bank of North Dakota are two of the most utilized economic development programs in the state.

PACE and Flex PACE are interest buy-down programs by which a project works through a lead bank of their choice and the Bank of North Dakota along with the local community “buy down” the interest rate on the loan.

The programs require participation by a local lender and participation by the local community to reduce the borrower’s interest rate. To learn more about these two effective programs contact Nathan at the Chamber EDC office by calling 701-223-5660 or emailing nschneider@bmcedc.com.

CEDC PARTNERS TO HOST AUVSI EVENT The Chamber EDC partnered with the Great Plains chapter of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) to host Drone Biz. Drone Biz provides an opportunity for AUVSI Great Plains Chapter members, the business community, and local government officials to come together and learn more about the unmanned vehicle ecosystem and the impact being made in the world of UAS. The event held in downtown Bismarck saw over 40 people from around the state attend.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COST OF LIVING INFORMATION RELEASED The 2022 Annual Average Cost of Living Index (COLI) was released in January. The COLI is put together by the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness and is an analysis of average prices submitted by 265 urban areas across the United States. The COLI compares all 265 submitted urban areas with a score of 100 being average. The information collected is also used to populate the Cost of Living Calculator on the Chamber EDC website. The calculator determines what salary someone would need to earn in Bismarck-Mandan to compare to what that person is earning in any of the other 264 urban areas.

Both the index and the calculator assist the Chamber EDC is our talent attraction efforts. The comparison to other area communities is shown below.

Metro

Composite Index

Grocery Items

Housing

Utilities

Transportation

Health Care

Other Services

BismarckMandan

100.3

104.7

102.5

96.7

91.3

115.7

97.5

Grand Forks

94.0

96.8

90.5

96.8

98.6

111.2

91.6

Minot

97.1

105.8

79.4

102.6

107.2

114.5

101.4

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

CHAMBER EDC SEEKS TO EMPOWER WOMEN IN BUSINESS

At the start of Women’s History Month, it is only fitting that we introduced a new class geared toward the women of the Bismarck-Mandan business community: Empowering Women in Business.

“Empowering Women in Business class came about because we saw a need within the community,” said program manager Christine Nelson, Vice President of Sales and Events for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. “We wanted to fill the gap, and what better way than to bring women together to learn, discuss and hit on hard truth of what it means to be a woman in business.”

The first cohort of Empowering Women in Business is limited to 16 participants who will cover a number of topics during the six month program. More specifically, participants will take part in the following discussions: April 18th: Initial Personality Test

May 16th: Crucial Conversations

June 20th: Stepping into the Shoes of an Assertive Leader Part 1 (Cultivating Empathy, Speaking Up & Communicating Well)

YOUR PEOPLE. YOUR PLAN. CARRY ON. RETAIN TALENTED EMPLOYEES WHEN YOU CARRY BLUE. Employees stick around when they feel valued, and that’s the message you give when you offer BCBSND health insurance. It’s the plan that provides access to doctors in the state, across the country and around the globe.

July 18th: Stepping into the Shoes of an Assertive Leader Part 2 (Building Confidence) August 15th: Establishing Your Work - Life Balance

September 19th: Leading and Empowering Others “This class explores what it means to be a leader in the business world,” Nelson said. “Not only will the attendees gain a valuable network of other women in business, but these women will build confidence in the skill set and learn how to challenge norms in a professional manner.”

The inaugural class of Empowering Women is Business is sold out. Registration will open for the 2024 class late 2023/early 2024. To learn more about the class, please contact Chamber EDC Vice President – Sales & Events, Christine Nelson, at 701-223-5660 or cnelson@bmcedc. com.

CARRY BLUE. CARRY ON. BC BS ND. com

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER EDC, KELSEY! I will be serving as the Small Business Outreach Coordinator for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC! In this role I will be visiting with our small business members to ensure they get the most value out of their membership and connect them with solutions for their business. I grew up in a family of small business owners and can empathize with the struggles and celebrate the victories that come along with it.

While originally from Minnesota, my education and personal life kept me in Fargo, North Dakota since 2012. In 2021, we moved out to the Bis-Man area for my husband’s job (also a small business) and currently reside in New Salem with our children: Webb, Monroe, and Gertrude (our dog child).

North Dakota has continued to steal my heart and I look forward to learning more about our new community and meeting the people that make it so incredible!

A fun fact about me is that I am a Licensed Veterinary Technologist (LVT), so my favorite small business visits are those with a designated “office pet!”

Kelsey Wirt

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

CREATING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS, ONE STEP AT A TIME Bismarck-Mandan Lemonade Day 2023 will be here before we know it! Which means it is time for young entrepreneurs to create their most delicious lemonade served in a cup, but first, they need to sign up! This year, the Bismarck-Mandan Lemonade Day has teamed up with the Bismarck Larks for some extra special perks with registering for Lemonade Day. Kiddos throughout Bismarck-Mandan are encouraged to register online at www.lemonadeday.org/bismarckmandan, with help from a parent, mentor, or teacher. If you’re part of Clark’s Kids Club with the Bismarck Larks, you can also gain one of your four stars for your lanyard and membership card by registering for Lemonade Day! Registration can also be done in person on Wednesday, May 24th, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Lemonade Day Kickoff Event at the Dakota Zoo! Attend this event in the Dakota Zoo parking lot to “kickoff” Bismarck-Mandan Lemonade Day by grabbing your business kit, which includes a FREE Children’s Pass with a paying adult to be used at the zoo! If you’d also like to become part of Clark’s Kids Club to get premier access and special perks at the games, you can also sign up during this event.

Once registered, each participant will get a confirmation email that they are signed up with next steps and tips to ensure the success of each young entrepreneur!

To learn more or to register, visit www.lemonadeday.org/ bismarck-mandan; call the Chamber EDC office at 701-223-5660, or email Maggie Byrd, mbyrd@bmcedc. com.

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

Main Squeeze Sponsors:

Fresh Squeeze Sponsors:

Lime-Light Sponsors: Lemon Head Sponsors: ABRA Auto Body & Glass, Bravera Bank, Dakota Fence, Doosan/Bobcat, DK Orthodontics, Gary Tharaldson School of Business-University of Mary, Gizmonics, LLC, Grand Junction Grilled Subs, Huck Financial, Mr. Squeegee Window Cleaning, North Dakota's Gateway to Science, Our Family brought to you by Dan's Supermarket, Scheels, Subway, Terry's Health Products, Tires Plus, Vue Community Credit Union

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

CHAMBER EDC RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC is proud to present the organization’s 2023 Annual Report!

Entering the fifth year of the Chamber EDC’s existence, the organization has adopted a new Strategic Plan built on five ‘foundations’ including: leadership development, economic development, network development, policy development and professional development.

This new Strategic Plan will guide the organization’s efforts for the next three years and represents the Chamber EDC’s value proposition back to its members.

However, before moving forward, it’s important that we look back and celebrate the successes of 2022 including: key economic indicators illustrating our community’s success, a breakdown of the Chamber EDC’s 2020 – 2022 Strategic Plan showing our organization’s success and recognition of all our Members and Community Partners who have made all those successes possible.

The Chamber EDC’s 2023 Annual Report can be viewed online at www.bismarckmandan.com/annual-report.

CHAMBER EDC'S NEW PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRACKS The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC has created a series of professional development ‘tracks’ for its members.

Initially, three tracks have been created: Leadership training, Soft Skills, and Business Operations. “Developing the Leader Within You 2.0” is available thanks to a partnership with Maxwell Leadership and will be offered quarterly throughout 2023. The ten-week mastermind training is a virtual course, facilitated by the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, which will provide Chamber EDC members with tools for success as they become leaders for the first time!

The other two tracks offer a unique combination of content from the Chamber EDC and Bismarck State College (BSC).

Previously, the Chamber EDC had hosted professional development sessions through its Business Development Series. Those that fit under the business operations and soft skills tracks, have been included and are available for Chamber EDC members to watch on their own schedule.

Additionally, professional development offerings from BSC that fall under these tracks are now available to Chamber EDC members at a discounted rate.

The Chamber EDC will look to add even more professional development content under these initial three tracks and more in the future. Whether that be through related content developed by partners in higher education or through original content generated by Chamber EDC members and offered through the Business Development Series.

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Available online to Chamber EDC members at www. bismarckmandan.com, the new professional development tracks are yet another resource for the more than 1,200 Chamber EDC Members. For questions or more details, contact Lyndsey at lscheurer@bmcedc.com.

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

LET’S CELEBRATE BISMARCK-MANDAN BUSINESSES!

Every year, the Chamber EDC and its Celebrate Bismarck Mandan Ad Hoc Committee honor local celebrities and businesses at the annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan Award Ceremony in September, and nominations are opening in one month!

Starting April 1st through May 31st, nominations will be accepted for the following awards: • • • • • •

Golden Eagle Award Granite Award Large Business of the Year Award Service Award of the Year Small Business of the Year Award Women Owned Business of the Year

Now’s the time to start thinking about who you would want to nominate for each category so once nominations are open, you can send them in!

Nomination deadline is end of day, Wednesday, May 31st.

You can nominate a qualifying business by going to www. bismarckmandan.com or by Maggie Byrd at mbyrd@ bmcedc.com or 701-223-5660.

The 2023 Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan Award Ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 28th.

THANK YOU SPONSORS! Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsors: Award Sponsors: Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bravera Bank, KLJ Engineering Table Sponsors: Apex Engineering Group, Inc., Bank of North Dakota, Bismarck Cancer Center, Bismarck State College, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Brady, Martz & Associates, Capital Credit Union, Choice Bank, CornerStone Bank, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Eide Bailly LLP, First International Bank & Trust, Gate City Bank, Northwest Contracting, Sanford Health, Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs, Starion Bank, United Tribes Technical College, University of Mary

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN

EDUCATION DAY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DAY EDUCATION DAY The Leadership Bismarck-Mandan cohort convened in the new year at The Innovation School in Bismarck. The day includes topics from elementary schools to higher education and from behavioral health to English language learners. Founder Maggie Barth gave the class a tour of The Innovation School.

OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING:

The class practiced yoga with preschool students and listened to presentations from middle school students. The day closed with a panel of superintendents including Dr. Mike Bitz, Mandan Public Schools; Dr. Jason Hornbacher, Bismarck Public Schools; and Gerald Vetter, Light of Christ Catholic Schools.

Scholarship Sponsors:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DAY Cloverdale Foods welcomed the leadership class to Mandan for Economic Development Day. The day was planned by co-chairs Rich Garman, North Dakota Department of Commerce, and Nathan Schneider, Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. Schneider and Garman kicked off the day with an introduction to economic development. Tracey Miller, North Dakota Department of Commerce, spoke on “Community Development’s Relationship with Economic Development.” Tyler Demars, North Dakota Small Business Development Center, presented on “Entrepreneurship in Bismarck-Mandan.”

Alicia Uhde closed out the day by presenting on Bismarck State College’s Polytechnic Institution.

701-355-1111

Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsor:

Alumni

Program Sponsors: Bartlett & West, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, KLJ Engineering Education co-chairs: Joyce Hinman – Retired Educator Jennifer Odell – N.D. Dept. of Public Instruction Alicia Uhde – Bismarck State College Economic Development co-chairs: Rich Garman – N.D. Dept. of Commerce Nathan Schneider – Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Lunch Sponsor: Joyce Hinman – Education Day

WWW.MANNSIGNSINC.COM

POLE SIGNS MONUMENT SIGNS VEHICLE GRAPHICS & WRAPS WINDOW/WALL GRAPHICS & WRAPS ILLUMINATED BUILDING SIGNS INTERIOR & RECOGNITION SIGNS NON-ILLUMINATED SIGNS AWNINGS DESIGN SERVICE

GET THE WORD OUT & CREATE A LASTING IMPRESSION 22 4 Connection

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAR

BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC ANNUAL DINNER

30

Date: Thursday, March 30 Check-In/Social: 5:30pm - 7:00pm Event Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Bismarck Event Center, Hall B (Door E42) — 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck Admission: $75 for Chamber EDC members; $125 for General Admission

APR

APRIL MEMBERSHIP MIXER: AMERICAN ROOFING SUPPLY

This black-tie affair is one to remember. The Chamber EDC reflects on the past year and anticipates the year ahead.

13

Date: Thursday, April 13 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: American Roofing Supply — 1600 Industrial Drive, Bismarck Admission: Free to Attend

MAY

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN FIELD PROJECT PRESENTATIONS

10 MAY

This mixer is a great way to meet other Chamber EDC members and enjoy a little business after hours.

Date: Wednesday, May 10 Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm Location: Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC — 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Admission: Free to Attend

MAY MEMBERSHIP MIXER: JEROME DISTRIBUTING

11

Date: Thursday, May 11 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Jerome Distributing — 3420 Miriam Ave, Bismarck Admission: Free to Attend

MAY

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN GRADUATION

Stop by Jerome Distributing for an opportunity to meet and chat with other Chamber EDC members.

17

Date: Wednesday, May 17 Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: University of Mary — 7500 University Drive, Bismarck Admission: $35 per person

JUNE

LUNCH ON THE PATIO

1 JUNE

5 JUNE

8

Help us celebrate our Leadership Bismarck-Mandan graduates.

Date: Thursday, June 1 Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Patio — 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Admission: Free to Attend Kick off the Summer right by attending the first Lunch on the Patio for 2023.

CHAMBER EDC OUTDOOR GOLF SCRAMBLE

Date: Monday, June 5 Check-In: 10:30am - 11:30am Location: Hawktree Golf Club – 3400 Burnt Creek, Bismarck Admission: $175 per person/ $700 per team

Event Time: 11:30am - 5:00pm

This annual golf scramble is known to sell out quickly so don't wait to sign up you and your team.

JUNE MEMBERSHIP MIXER: STONEHOME BREWING COMPANY Date: Thursday, June 8 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Stonehome Brewing Company – 1601 N 12th Street, Bismarck Admission: Free to Attend

Network with fellow Chamber EDC members on the Stonehome Brewing Company patio overlooking our beautiful community.

REGISTER FOR THESE EVENTS AND MANY MORE ONLINE AT WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM

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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

CITY OF BISMARCK, PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS, KICKING OFF MARCH CAMPAIGN BLITZ FOR BETTER BISMARCK FUNDRAISING The City of Bismarck is partnering with community organizations in the month of March for a “Better Bismarck Blitz” to raise money that will help provide resources for individuals who are experiencing chronic homelessness.

“Up to this point the Better Bismarck campaign has received about $13,000 in donations. Our goal with the next phase of this project is to engage local businesses to make this campaign more visible in the community,” said Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health Director Renae Moch.

An online toolkit is available to download at https://bismarcknd.gov/2091/Better-Bismarck. This toolkit will assist community organizations with marketing and promotion of the campaign and contains a table topper that participating organizations can display.

These toppers contain a QR Code link to the Better Bismarck donation page, as well as a summary of the program. Also included in this toolkit are fundraising ideas businesses could implement with their staff.

“This toolkit puts the ball in the court of our community and gives them options for how we can make a Better Bismarck,” said Moch.

Better Bismarck addresses two root causes of crisis homelessness: addiction and mental health disorders. This fundraising effort does not use taxpayer funds, and donations made are tax-deductible.

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starionbank.com

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

CAPITAL CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES $150,000 DONATION TO MANDAN HIGH SCHOOL Capital Credit Union today announced a donation of $150,000 to the Braves Den school store, which will be in the new Mandan High School.

Run by the high school’s DECA organization and marketing students, the Braves Den sells Mandan Braves apparel and accessories. The store provides the opportunity for students to learn about the life cycle of products which are researched, designed, created and sold by fellow students. Proceeds from the Braves Den directly impact marketing class projects, which generate more items for the store, and cover registration fees for marketing students to participate in professional development conferences.

Capital Credit Union donated $150,000 to the Braves Den located in the new Mandan High School, currently under construction.

"Supporting the communities where our members work and live is a fundamental part of who we are as a credit union,” says President/CEO Vance Reinbold. "We are proud to be a part of the new Mandan High School with our sponsorship of the Braves Den."

“Mandan High School is excited to partner with Capital Credit Union in this endeavor,” says Mandan Public Schools Superintendent Mike Bitz. “The contribution they have made to the Braves Den will provide opportunities for Mandan High School students to experience and learn from real-life business and marketing scenarios. The store, which will be open to the public, allows Mandan Braves fans to purchase items to show their school pride.”

Currently under construction, the new Mandan High School will be located just east of Mandan’s Walmart Supercenter.

It is scheduled to open in the fall of 2024.

Connection 3 25

MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

NEW SANFORD CANCER CENTER TO OPEN IN DOWNTOWN BISMARCK Sanford Health is excited to open the new Sanford Cancer Center to the public Feb. 6.

Conveniently located on the fourth floor of Sanford Downtown Rosser Clinic across from the Bismarck Medical Center, the new state of the art 14,000 sq foot facility houses 18 exam rooms, an infusion pharmacy, a specialty boutique and 25 private, semi-private and open infusion bays.

“Our patients come to us from all across the Dakota’s and Montana, they deserve exceptional care, delivered by highly trained professionals, in a state-of-the-art facility located close to their hometown,” said Mike The new Sanford Cancer Center located on the fourth floor of the Sanford Downtown Rosser Clinic, opened in February.

Salwei, executive director of oncology services. “This new facility will bring cancer care, infusion and hematology services together in one convenient location At Sanford Health, a specialized cancer team delivers the which will better serve our patients and their families.” most advanced procedures and treatments using cutting-edge science. Sanford Cancer Centers are nationally accredited by the Commission on Cancer for quality care, expertise and patient experience. Sanford’s areas of expertise include breast cancer, head and neck cancer, leukemia, osteosarcoma, lung and pancreatic cancer.

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“This new facility is a dream come true. Many years ago, I told Governor Sinner that I envisioned a welcoming, comprehensive cancer center with expert health care workers and specialties to serve the needs of our patients, so they don’t need to travel far from home,” said Barb Nies, director of oncology services. “Over the years, we have made that vision a reality and developed excellent quality control, added social service to meet our patients’ emotional needs, a survivorship clinic that will all operate under one roof.”

Sanford Bismarck began construction on the Cancer Center Spring 2022. Sanford Bismarck Medical Center has been certified by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) and recently reaccredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

UNIVERSITY OF MARY SENIOR NURSING STUDENTS SPRING INTO ACTION TO HELP ELDERLY PERSON ON AIRPLANE Senior nursing students Gracie Zottnick and Josh Sipes were over 30,000 feet in the air and about midway into their three-and-a-half-hour Allegiant flight back to Bismarck from Orlando. The two were invited over Christmas break to join his family for a week of fun at Disneyworld, Universal Studios, and some R&R on the beach to reset before their final semester of nursing school started at the University of Mary. Not experiencing enough wizardry in Florida at Harry Potter World, the two were sitting next to each other near the front of the cabin with the magical sounds of “Harry Potter” coming through their noise-cancelling headphones, as they watched contently on their iPhone. At this point, it would take quite the disturbance to interrupt them from one of their favorite movies — no matter how many times they had seen it.

“An announcement sounded overhead,” recalled Sipes.

“I couldn’t really hear it over my movie, so I did not think much of it right away. My mom looked over at the both of us and said, ‘they are asking for medical personnel down the aisle.’ After this, we both noticed there was a few flight attendants carrying oxygen tanks down the aisle toward an older woman. So, we took out our headphones, looked at each other, and asked, ‘you ready?’ and then headed down in that direction. I would say she was about 10-12 aisles away from us. Once we got to the woman, we noticed she was unconscious, so our first reaction was one of concern.

There was a respiratory therapist there when we responded who was providing oxygen to the patient. Another registered nurse (RN) responded as well shortly after we got there.”

Sipes, Zottnick, and the other medical volunteers stayed with the woman until the plane landed in Bismarck where EMS came on board to lift her into a wheelchair and roll her into the airport.

After graduating in April and getting more experience, Zottnick wouldn’t mind being a traveling nurse so she can see other places, and Sipes could see himself working in the intensive care unit (ICU). But before they can get further into their nursing careers, they need to pass the NCLEX — National Council Licensure Examination — immediately after graduating. One hundred percent of Mary nursing graduates who took the NCLEX exam for the first time passed between April 2020 and May 2021, ranking it the No. 1 program in the country for the second time in three years by Mountain Measurement in 2021. Given the exceptional healthcare services they provided to this elderly woman on their flight, Zottnick and Sipes should feel confident passing the NCLEX with flying colors.

According to Zottnick an Sipes, the pilot was in constant contact with the flight attendants and assessing how the 70-year-old woman was doing, what led to the situation, and any underlying conditions she may have had. The flight attendants were recording the vitals from Zottnick and Sipes and getting them supplies, like blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, oxygen tanks and mask and other equipment as needed. During that time, the passengers were calm and respectful of the situation. Their education and training from University of Mary quickly kicked into high gear.

Connection 3 27

ASK A PRO | CONNECTION

SARAH at

MACK BUCK at

AARON GUERRERO at

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

1519 Continental Ave, Bismarck, ND 58504 701-751-7400

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

Q: WHAT DOES SURVIVORSHIP MEAN AND WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A SURVIVORSHIP NURSE AT THE BISMARCK CANCER CENTER?

Q: DOES ROERS HAVE A SAFETY PROGRAM?

Q: I AM LOOKING FOR A FUN AND MEMORABLE WAY TO ENGAGE WITH EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS. HOW CAN I 'WOW' THEM THIS SUMMER?

A: Job site safety is paramount to the

success of our projects and will aid in decreasing any delays in the schedule. Roers maintains an extensive safety program A: Cancer Survivorship focuses on the for our employees, contractors and anyhealth and well-being of a person with one who steps foot onto the job site. Mack cancer from the time of diagnosis until the Buck, Safety Manager, conducts regular end of life. This includes the physical, men- site safety inspections, training sessions, tal, emotional, social, and financial effects job hazard analyses, and provides valuof cancer that begin at diagnosis and con- able feedback on corrective actions and tinue through treatment and beyond. Our improvements. We strive every day to raise survivorship nurses provide tools to help the bar a little higher so we can reach our with communication and care coordination ultimate goal of zero injuries. after treatment ends. Upon completion of Safety is more than a priority to us, it is a treatment, individuals meet with a survicore value, priorities change core values vorship nurse who provides a compredo not. We work closely with the Bismarck hensive care plan individualized for each State College OSHA consultation program patient. They discuss what to expect in the on most of our job sites. We belong to the months and years after treatment has been North Dakota Safety counsel, Associated completed. The role of the survivorship Builders and Contractors of North Dakota nurse is to focus on healthy living and a and Minnesota, and the Northern Region healthy lifestyle after cancer treatment is Association of Safety Professionals. completed and to identify and address We are dedicated to sending everyone the patient’s unmet needs so they can be as successful as possible after treatment is home safe and sound to their families each and every day. completed.

A: We've heard and seen the need. Small businesses and groups are looking for ways to engage employees and clients in ways like never before.

That's why we created two brand new areas in the ballpark to accommodate this growing demand. This season, the Bismarck Larks are introducing two small, private group areas: (1) the Larks Suite and (2) the Dugout Club.

The Larks Suite accommodates 20 people and includes a premium experience with the best views of the field, behind the home plate. This area has waitress service, ballpark snacks, and more. It's the perfect fit for a small group.

The Dugout Club is another new area, positioned next to first base. It comfortably holds 45 people. This private area offers group-style tables, a bar rail, and includes five innings of ballpark food, water, soda, PLUS five FREE drinks for beer & wine.

For more information, you can contact me at 701-595-7523 or at aaron@larksbaseball.com.

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CONNECTION | ASK A PRO

TERA WENTZ at

ALEX TSOMAYA at

GEORGE YINEMAN at

811 E Interstate Ave, Ste B, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-409-0488

1133 College Drive, #1000, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-221-8700

1010 E Central Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 222-0232

Q: HOW CAN SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING HELP MY BUSINESS?

Q: IF MY INSURANCE COMPANY DENIES COVERAGE, IS IT WORTH FIGHTING?

Q: WHAT IS A “TRIPLE NET LEASE”?

A: In today’s world, it’s near impossible to

A: Businesses are often shocked upon

ignore the power of social media. Many businesses have taken the first steps of creating an online presence, but many more remain on the fence about investing in it for their business.

Our advice? Take the leap!

With a social media presence, businesses can reach a bigger audience than ever.

You can utilize these platforms to drive traffic to your website or blog, create relationships with current and potential customers, boost your visibility and credibility, and build loyalty through engaging content that resonates with your target audience.

The key to successful social media marketing is a clear strategy. At HexaHive, we work directly with our clients to define goals, identify the audience, determine which social platforms fit best, and create content frameworks that leave a lasting impression. Social marketing is an essential tool for businesses that are looking to increase visibility and grow their customer base at a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising.

Ready to hop off the fence? Email info@ hexahive.co to schedule your free consultation!

A: A triple net lease is just one type of

commercial net lease for commercial rental space. This is most commonly used in receiving a coverage disclaimer—usually after an unfortunate, stress-inducing event. retail properties or stand-alone properties.

Triple net (NNN) means that the tenant Folks often wonder if it is worth the time agrees to pay all of the expenses of the and expense to contest the decision. property to include real estate taxes, speThe law can help policyholders. For incials, building insurance and maintenance. stance, if a policy is ambiguous—meaning These expenses are in addition to the base one reading provides coverage and the rent and utilities. In contrast, in standard other does not—courts choose the policylease agreements some or all of these exholder’s reading. Certain insurance is also penses are the responsibility of the Landsubject to statutory minimums insurers lord. A single net lease requires tenants to must satisfy. For example, a policy may ex- pay the property taxes in addition to the clude a claim but at the same time violate rent, and a double net lease typically tacks a state’s laws by being too restrictive. That on property insurance. Office space can be exclusion can then be avoided. Insurance NNN as well but in our area, we see some companies that unreasonably deny claims fully serviced leases where the Landlord are also subject to bad faith liability. What pays for all of the expenses besides the about the cost? If an insurance company rent. Although they may build these costs wrongfully denies coverage that is later into the lease and call it a “load factor” and established during a lawsuit, the company this is called a “gross lease”. Whatever type may have to pay the policyholder’s fees. of lease you encounter, know that your Neither your insurance agent nor the insur- commercial real estate broker is experier’s claims representative will advocate for enced in the details. you during a claim. If an insurance company denies coverage you believe is owed, it is worthwhile to talk to experienced counsel. There might be grounds to challenge the denial and obtain the coverage you paid for.

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MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION KLJ HIRES FIVE IN BISMARCK

KLJ Engineering is proud to welcome five new employees to its Bismarck, ND office. These new employee-owners Joe Smallacombe will be working in multiple markets across KLJ. Joe Smallacombe is serving as Finance Controller and comes to KLJ with over 25 years of finance and accounting experience, most recently serving as Finance Nels Lund Director at a marketing software company. In his role at KLJ, he oversees the day-to-day financial operations and provides financial metrics for senior leadership to better manage KLJ’s assets.

Nels Lund has Jessie Wald returned to KLJ as a project manager with our aviation team. He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from North Dakota State University and is a professional engineer in the state of North Dakota. Lund Soren Sanderson recently served as an airport planner with the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

Jessie Wald has been hired to serve as senior marketing and communications specialist with KLJ’s Jared Lindsay communications and branding team. She comes to KLJ with 20 years of experience, previously working in state government, the private sector, and broadcast media.

Wald has a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in journalism from Dickinson State University.

Soren Sanderson joins the survey team in Bismarck as senior survey crew chief.

He has nine years of survey experience and is a licensed Land Surveyor Intern.

Sanderson earned his associate of applied science degree in engineering technology from Bismarck State College.

Joining KLJ’s oil and gas team is Jared Lindsay. He is working as a CAD Tech I. Lindsay earned an associate degree in mechanical design from Guilford Technical Community College. He is also a certified SolidWorks Associate.

MISSOURI SLOPE WELCOMES BECKLER

Missouri Slope is pleased to announce the hiring of Gwen Beckler as the Director of their newly developed Missouri Gwen Beckler Slope at Home program.

In this new role Gwen will implement the new At-Home program while engaging community partners to address barriers to care in Rural Burleigh, Morton and Mclean counties.

Gwen has an extensive background in Senior Care, Marketing, Development, Fundraising and Education. She also holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership.

She is excited to expand the Missouri Slope brand across the rural areas to help older adults successfully age at home.

NEW LEADERSHIP IN PLACE AT CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH

CHI St. Alexius Health is heading into the New Year with a trio of new members joining its Reed Reyman leadership team.

Reed Reyman, Ed.S., began his role as the new president of St. Alexius on Dec. 19. J’Patrick Fahn, DO, has moved from interim to full-time chief medical officer and J'Patrick Fahn Mellissa Nordsven, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has joined the team as the Human Resources director.

Reyman returns to CHI St. Alexius after three CERMAK JOINS years as the executive CITY OF MANDAN vice president of regional development at Altru Madison Cermak Mellissa Nordsven Health System in Grand is excited to start her Forks, North Dakota. He new role as the Business served as president of CHI St. Alexius Development and Dickinson from 2009-2019 and has a Communications Director Madison Cermak passion for Catholic health care, bringing for the City of Mandan. with him a track record of success while Cermak is responsible leading quality, engagement and financial for leading the city’s economic, business improvement initiatives. and community development efforts by Fahn has worked at CHI St. Alexius providing support to existing businesses, Health for 16 years, including serving as fostering entrepreneurism and attracting the interim chief medical officer most new businesses. She’ll manage local recently.

He earned his medical degree business assistance and incentive from Des Moines University Osteopathic programs; conduct business retention and Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa expansion visits; organize informational and completed his residency in family and educational activities for existing medicine at the UND Family Practice businesses and start-up prospects, and more. Cermak will also oversee community Center, Bismarck, North Dakota.

In addition to his duties as chief marketing, public information and medical officer, Dr. Fahn is on multiple outreach activities. committees at the hospital. He is the Cermak earned a bachelor’s degree medical advisor on several committees, in public relations and advertising with sits on peer-review committee as an a minor in business administration from administrative advisor, and also serves in North Dakota State University. She also that role on the credentialing committee. obtained a web design and programming Nordsven is no stranger to Human certificate from Bismarck State College.

Resources with 12 years of related experience, including stints at Sanford BIANCO REALTY SALES AWARDS Health (2010-2017) and Missouri Slope Bianco Realty has announced their Lutheran Care Center (2017-2022) before top REALTORS® for January: Darcy Fettig, joining St. Alexius in October 2022. She Brenda Foster, Duane Bentz & Justin was the 2022 recipient of the North Sackman. These REALTORS® had the Dakota Professional Excellence in Human highest sales totals at Bianco Realty in Resource Management Award from North January 2023.

Dakota Society for Human Resource Management (NDSHRM).

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

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CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS CORE REAL ESTATE ADVISORS WELCOMES ROEHRICH!

Rob Roehrich received his bachelor’s degree in 2007, from North Dakota State Rob Roehrich University. Later he went on to earn his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Mary in 2015.

Rob has been employed with the Federal Government since 2010 and his current career field as an Equal Employment Opportunity Manager started in 2015, and has span over two federal agencies. In addition to his career, he’s served in the North Dakota Army National Guard since 2000.

Rob has been involved in the real estate industry since 2017 and started a real estate holding company to buy and hold rental properties.

BISMARCK AERO CENTER HIRES ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

Bismarck Aero Center is proud to announce that Darien Polk has Darien Polk been promoted from Summer Intern to full time Accounting Assistant. As Accounting Assistant, he will begin taking over several accounting, HR, and office transactional duties. Darien has just wrapped up his schooling at North Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management.

BISMARCK MANDAN CVB WELCOMES JOHNSON

Melanie joined the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau in January 2023.

Melanie Johnson She was most recently the Director of Programs and Finance for a local nonprofit organization. Her many years of experience in accounting make her a great fit for the CVB. As the Controller, Melanie is responsible for maintaining the accounting records for the organization.

CEDRIC THEEL TOYOTA WELCOMES SHAFFER

Cedric Theel Toyota is proud to welcome Chris Shaffer to the sales team as a Sales & Leasing Chris Shaffer Consultant. Chris brings 15 years of experience in the auto industry.

Chris grew up in Pennsylvania and later moved to Bismarck. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. Chris enjoys many outdoor-related activities and loves North Dakota.

Cedric Theel Toyota is excited to have Chris as part of the sales team.

BIANCO REALTY REALTOR AWARDS Bianco Realty Top Producers Amber Sandness and Shirley Thomas have been named Bianco Realty's 2022 Top Producers! Amber and Shirley had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty in 2022.

Bianco Realty Diamond Award Judy Maslowski and Darcy Fettig are Bianco Realty's 2022 Diamond Award recipients! These two REALTORS® have been with Bianco Realty since the start of their Real Estate careers, they help make the home buying and selling process easier!

Bianco Realty Titanium Award Tori Meyer is Bianco Realty's 2022 Titanium Award recipient! Tori's a hard-working, fulltime REALTOR® ready to make your home selling & buying dreams come true!

Bianco Realty Platinum Award Brenda Foster, Amy Asche, Kathy Feist, Justin Sackman, Jim Jeromchek and James Jeromchek are Bianco Realty's 2022 Platinum Award recipients! These six hardworking REALTORS® have a combined total of 122 years real estate experience.

Bianco Realty Emerald Award Greg Gerhart and Phyllis Rittenbach were presented with Bianco Realty's 2022 Emerald Award! Gerhart & Rittenbach are top-notch, incredible REALTORS®, ready to help with your real estate journey!

Bianco Realty Rookie Of The Year Stephanie Stevens has been awarded Bianco Realty's 2022 "Rookie of the Year" Award! Stevens has been in the real estate business for over a year now and she's rockin' it!

VERITY GROUP NAMES NEW CEO, AS COMPANY DIVERSIFIES PORTFOLIO

Verity Homes has named Aaron Tackett as CEO of the newly reAaron Tackett branded Verity Group, which comprises several interrelated real estate business, including Verity Homes, Kreativ Homes, Dakota Pioneer Land Company, SiteWorx Excavation & Development Company, LLC, Luxxe Realty, Comma Insurance and Superior Precast.

Tackett takes over CEO duties for Arthur Goldammer, Verity founder and current President, who will continue to lead Verity Group as it seeks to continue expanding its portfolio through additional land, talent and business acquisitions.

When he joined Verity in 2021, Tackett brought more than 25 years of home building experience, having worked for some of the largest and most successful public and private home builders in some of the most competitive and challenging markets in the nation. He has held numerous executive-level positions, including VP of Sales and Marketing, Division President, Regional VP of Sales and National Sales Director, in addition to a distinguished career in The United States Air Force as a decorated veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

To accomplish its lofty goals, Verity Group is focused on creating a one-stop shop for real estate customers, be they buyers, sellers or investors. Its current makeup already includes builders, developers, realtors and insurance professionals that all work under the same umbrella to seamlessly guide customers through each step in their real estate journey.

The plan for company founder, Arthur Goldammer, to step back from day-to-day operations was set into action two years ago, when Tackett was first hired as the company’s first Chief People Officer — a role designed to build a world class team that would be prepared for Verity’s current growth plan. Moving forward, Goldammer will focus heavily on land acquisition, development, future growth and new opportunities for the Verity Group and the other entities he has founded to further position Verity as a vertically integrated, full-service real estate conglomerate.

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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER NAMED FOR ANNE CARLSEN

Tiffany Hunt

Anne Carlsen.

Anne Carlsen is pleased to announce the promotion of Tiffany Hunt to the position of Chief Development Officer for

Tiffany joined Anne Carlsen as the Vice President of Development in July 2021, bringing to the organization many years of professional experience from her previous roles in higher education fundraising and business management. Tiffany has earned her bachelor’s degree in Business and her MBA in Human Resource Management and was most recently appointed to the interim Chief Development Officer position for Anne Carlsen.

In her new CDO role, Tiffany will be part of the executive leadership team for Anne Carlsen and will strategically lead the development team’s operational strategy, management, and processes. She will also provide oversight of the marketing department for the organization.

Away from work, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her husband Phil and her children, PJ, and Hayden. She also enjoys hiking, travel, and fitness activities.

CEDRIC THEEL TOYOTA NAMES NEW LEADERSHIP

Dan Lee

Bradley Johnson

Oscar Garcia

Cedric Theel Toyota is excited to announce the transition of three current employees into new leadership roles; Dan Lee, General Manager; Bradley Johnson, Service Manager; Oscar Garcia, Internet Manager.

Dan Lee has been at Cedric Theel Toyota for nearly 15 years, holding various positions as a Sales Manager and most recent as the Service Manager. He has been in the auto industry for 17 years and brings extensive experience and knowledge to his new role. As the General Manager, Dan will oversee all aspects of the daily

operations.

Bradley Johnson has transitioned out of the Internet Manager role into Service Manager. He has been with Cedric Theel Toyota for a little over six years. In his new role as the Service Manager, Bradley will manage the service department team and handle customer service interactions, reports, and repairs.

Oscar Garcia has been a Sales & Leasing Consultant at Cedric Theel Toyota for a little over eight years.

He is transitioning into the role of Internet Manager.

Agnew Steel Inc is a small manufacturer of mainly Oscar is efficient with grain handling equipment, located in Burleigh County. technology, he is the Thank you to our local vendors for photographer at the providing the support we need to succeed! dealership, and he - Tricia & Dennis Agnew is also bilingual in Spanish to better assist our Spanish-speaking community. In his new role, he will respond to all online leads and ensure accuracy of the website.

Cedric Theel Toyota is thrilled to announce these changes and excited for what the future of the dealership holds.

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CAPITAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE EMPLOYEE RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) recognized Jared Nygaard, an energy services technician at Capital Electric Cooperative, with the Community Service Award at its 80th annual meeting in February.

The award recognizes Nygaard’s efforts to bring alternative-fuel vehicle (AFV) training to North Dakota’s rural firefighters.

In recent years, AFVs have become more prevalent in the state, making it important for emergency responders to learn how to safely respond to accidents involving AFVs. A former rural firefighter himself, Nygaard was committed to bringing this important training to North Dakota and sought the support of electric cooperatives.

Ultimately, 17 electric cooperatives from North Dakota and Montana agreed to sponsor the course, which came with a $13,500 price tag.

Nearly 120 rural firefighters attended the training, which was offered at the North Dakota Fire School in February 2022.

Without Nygaard’s leadership, it is unlikely the training would have been offered.

Positive feedback from first responders who attended the training has led to the course being offered for the second time, later this month, at the fire school.

North Dakota’s electric cooperatives congratulate Nygaard on receiving this recognition and thank him for his service to his cooperative and community.

Every year, NDAREC recognizes individuals for their generous contributions to North Dakota’s electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. An eight-member committee of the NDAREC Board of Directors selects award recipients from nominations submitted

by NDAREC’s members, which include 16 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives.

Jared Nygaard

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS SANFORD HEALTH WELCOMES NEW FAMILY MEDICINE DOCTOR

LEGACY FINANCIAL PARTNERS RECOGNIZED AS A BEST-IN-STATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT TEAM BY FORBES

Andrew Dockter, MD, has joined Sanford Health Andrew Dockter, MD in Mandan, ND as a new family medicine physician.

Dr. Dockter is a North Dakota native from Washburn. He received an undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University in Fargo and his medical degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He completed a general surgery residency at the University of South Dakota/Sanford School of Medicine in Sioux Falls and a family medicine residency at the University of North Dakota Center for Family Medicine in Bismarck.

Dr. Dockter is now seeing patients within Sanford North Mandan Clinic located at 910 18th Street NW, Mandan.

DR. JEFF FASTNACHT CHOSEN AS NEXT BPS SUPERINTENDENT

Legacy Financial Partners, a private wealth advisory practice with Ameriprise Financial was named to the list of “Bestin-State Wealth Management Teams” published by Forbes. The list recognizes financial advisors and their teams who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism, and success in the business.

The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of the nation’s most productive advisors and their teams.

Legacy Financial Partners was chosen based on assets under management, industry experience, compliance record and best practices in their practice and approach to working with clients.

Legacy Financial Partners provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with their clients.

The Bismarck School Board has chosen Dr. Jeff Fastnacht as the next superintendent of Dr. Jeff Fastnacht Bismarck Public Schools.

Dr. Fastnacht was one of four candidates to be interviewed for the position.

Candidates were subject to a rigorous interview process where they each spent a day meeting with stakeholder focus groups prior to being interviewed by the Bismarck School Board.

Dr. Fastnacht comes to Bismarck Public Schools with extensive experience as an educator. He was employed at Ellendale Public Schools from 1996 through 2018 as a principal, IT director, and superintendent.

Dr. Fastnacht currently serves as the assistant superintendent of Mandan Public Schools.

Bismarck Public Schools would like to congratulate Dr. Fastnacht and thank everyone who participated in the interview process. Dr. Fastnacht will take over when Dr. Jason Hornbacher, current superintendent of BPS, retires on June 30, 2023.

MARCH LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

Provided on Government Access cable channels 2 & 602HD FreeTV.org, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV Radio Access 102.5FM and RadioAccess.org

Burleigh County Commission Mandan School Board *

Mon, 20th 10:00 am

5:00 pm

5:30 pm

Met. Planning Org. – Tech Advisory Comte. * Burleigh County Commission Mandan School Board *

8:00 am 5:30 pm

Burleigh Water Resource District * Mandan City Commission

Tues, 21st

1:30 pm 5:30 pm

Met. Planning Org. – Policy Board * Mandan City Commission

Wed, 8th

5:15 pm

Burleigh Planning & Zoning

Wed, 22nd

5:00 pm

Bismarck Planning & Zoning

Thurs, 9th

9:00 am 4:00 pm

Bismarck Parking Authority * Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority *

Mon, 27th

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck School Board Mandan Planning & Zoning *

Mon, 13th

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck School Board Mandan Park Board *

Tues, 28th

5:15 pm

Bismarck City Commission

Tues, 14th

5:15 pm

Bismarck City Commission

Wed, 15th

3:00 pm

Bismarck Historic Preservation *

Thurs, 16th

5:15 pm

Bismarck Park Board

Thurs, 2nd

5:00 pm

Bismarck Board of Adjustment *

Mon, 6th

5:00 pm 5:30 pm

Tues, 7th

Meetings are replayed on Government Access channels and are archived

online at FreeTV.org * Not available on Radio Access

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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.

BIG DOG BEVERAGES/ BIG DOG DISTILLERY Owners celebrate becoming a member of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC at their location at 307 S 3rd Ave in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-TIKI. Member.

JUST KICK IT SHOES Celebrating Grand Opening of their location in Kirkwood Mall in Bismarck. Phone: 701-204-3817.

PRUDENT HOME CARE Celebrating the Grand Opening of Sunset Haven located at 1001 Sunset Drive in Mandan. Phone: 701-319-2659. Member.

NARA RAMEN AND IZAKAYA INC. Owners celebrate becoming a member of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC at their location 309 N 3rd Street in Bismarck.

Phone: 701-751-5006. Member.

Weekdays at 8:30pm Sundays at 9:00pm Host by Gary Emineth 34 4 Connection

Learn more at bek.tv

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.

ND Flagpole Guy 3930 21st Street SE, Ste 510 Mandan, ND 58554 Jim Swartout Show the world your patriotism! We sell, install, and service American made flags and flagpoles.

Hatch Realty brokered by Real 1151 W Divide Ave, #20 Bismarck, ND 58501 701-426-8593 David Stein We help our community through the sale of real estate in the residential space.

Custom Truck Equipment 1503 E Broadway Ave Bismarck, ND 58501 701-299-0014 Derek Hoyt We sell all size truck parts and accessories

Michael K Construction 3300 43rd Ave NE Bismarck, ND 58503 701-400-4147 Michael K I own and operate Michael K Construction as well as currently opening Midwest millworx. Everything Construction and remodeling to everything woodworking milling and and drying.

Premier Wealth Strategies 120 N 3rd Street, Ste 175 Bismarck, ND 58501 701-751-6411 Kelly Jahner Premier Wealth Strategies has access to new products, enhanced product features, expanded quality service, and pioneered new technologies. Breaking new ground is part of our tradition.

The UPS Store North 1515 Burnt Boat Drive, Ste C Bismarck, ND 58503 701-751-6036 Donna Hartze We have the knowledge and expertise to handle all of your mailbox, packing, shipping, and professional printing needs and we are passionate about what we do! Stop by and visit us today.

Lightspring LLC 1002 5th Street N Bismarck, ND 58501 701-222-8887 Ellen Knudsen Duffey Lightspring, LLC launches reliable and efficient solar farms, as well as commercial and residential solar installations across North Dakota South Dakota, and Minnesota.

Corval Group, Inc. 216 N 2nd Street, Ste 103 Bismarck, ND 58503 866-277-3287 Kurt Ruzicka Corval Group delivers preconstruction, engineering, construction, refrigeration, fabrication & service/ maintenance solutions nation-wide. We are committed to building confidence every step of the way.

PHOTO CREDIT TO LYRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

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

UPCOMING CHAMBER EDC EVENTS CHAMBER EDC ANNUAL DINNER Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023 Check-in/ Social: 5:30pm - 7:00pm • Event Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Bismarck Event Center, Hall B (Door E42) – 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck APRIL MEMBERSHIP MIXER: AMERICAN ROOFING SUPPLY Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: American Roofing Supply – 1600 Industrial Drive, Bismarck

BISMARCK - MANDAN

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN FIELD PROJECT PRESENTATIONS Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 • Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm Location: Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC – 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck May MEMBERSHIP MIXER: JEROME DISTRIBUTING Date: Thursday, May 11, 2023 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Jerome Distributing – 3420 Miriam Ave, Bismarck LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN GRADUATION Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: University of Mary – 7500 University Drive, Bismarck LUNCH ON THE PATIO Date: Thursday, June 1, 2023 Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Patio – 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

project HOPE

A COMMUNITY WELLNESS EVENT BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

CELEBRATE project HOPE WITH US! WEEK OF MAY 1-5, 2023 BISMARCK/MANDAN

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

BISMARCKCANCERCENTER.COM