CHAMBER CONNECTION Bismarck-Mandan
September 2018
NISC
Celebrating 50 Years as Bismarck-Mandan’s Tech Industry Leader
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Member Profile Security First Bank of ND
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Chamber/BMDA Restructure: Strengthened business community voice.
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Ag Committee Hosts Mixer The Annual Harvest Mixer celebrates our local agriculture community.
CHAMBER CONNECTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Ron Day.............................................................................................................................. Chair Molly Herrington ...................................................................................................... Chair-Elect Wayne Munson............................................................................................................ Secretary Nick Hacker..................................................................................................................Treasurer Brenda Nagel ............................................................................................................ Past Chair BOARD OF DIRECTORS Paul Brucker ...............Railway Credit Union Tracy Kindem ..........H.A. Thompson & Sons Ron Day ............Andeavor Mandan Refinery Kevin Magstadt ...................Kraus-Anderson Wayne Munson .................Indigo Signworks Dr. Blake Feil ....................Feil Orthodontics Heather Fried ..........Fried Financial Services Brenda Nagel ..................University of Mary Nick Hacker ..............ND Guaranty and Title Mike Nathe ............Bismarck Funeral Home Chad Hatzenbuhler ...Bank of North Dakota Lee Pierce ..........ICON Architectural Group Jeff Herman ................................Petro Hunt Jasper Schneider ..................................NISC Molly Herrington ....................................KLJ Garret Senger ..........MDU Resources Group Russ Honeyman ....................Doosan Bobcat Scott Staudinger ..............Cloverdale Foods Tyler Huck ............Schafer Financial Services Valerie Weigel ....Basin Electric Power Coop Chris Jones ....ND Dept. of Human Services Jennifer Wilson .....................Kirkwood Mall Mitch Kaelbaerer .........................TransTrash CHAMBER STAFF Brian Ritter ................................................................................................................. President Ross Frohlich .......................................................................................... Membership Director David Leingang............................................................................ Community Growth Director Mary Masters................................................................................. Office Support Professional Ryan Parsons........................................................................................................Vice President Shay Peterson .................................................................. Membership Engagement Director Rebecca Rattei................................................................................ Communications Specialist Elliot Rust................................................................................................Chief Financial Officer Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Anderson ........................ Communications Specialist/ LBM Director AnneMarie Hansen ................................................................................... Marketing & Events
CHAMBER NEWS
Restructure Process: Strengthened Community Voice Total Resource Campaign Underway Workforce Summit Set for October
CHAMBER EVENTS Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan Brats with the Brave Harvest Mixer
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COLUMNS
President’s Corner
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FEATURES
Cover Story 4 Member Profile 10 Ask-A-Pro 30 Chamber Perks 32 Chamber Ribbon Cuttings 34 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503 701.223.5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com CONTACT INFORMATION Content: The Chamber - 701.223.5660 rrattei@bismancc.com
Advertising: David Leingang dleingang@bismancc.com
MISSION STATEMENT: Leaders for prosperity. Advocates for business.
BEST of the BEST
Edgewood has been chosen Best of the Best for 2018 in two categories:
Best Retirement Community & Best Assisted Living We are proud to have this honor 6 years in a row! T H A N K Y O U to our residents, family members and staff for voting and for choosing Edgewood. Come see for yourself how Edgewood is Redefining Senior Living!
2018
Edgewood Village - 3124 Colorado Lane, Bismarck (701) 751-5300 Edgewood Dominion - 3406 Dominion Street, Bismarck (701) 258-7489 Edgewood Mandan - 2801 39th Avenue SE, Mandan (701) 663-5664
Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care edgewoodseniorliving.com 2 | Chamber Connection
President’s Corner
A
s I write this, today’s forecast says the temperature is going to push 95 degrees.
Gross. Having said that, relief is in sight. It’s September now which means football games, cooler weather and the start of the 2018 – 2019 school year. And while it may not seem like it at first glance, that’s a big deal to us at the Chamber. Why? Because with school starting, we can start filling the 2018 – 2019 Student Chamber Program! The Student Chamber Program is designed for juniors and seniors from all Bismarck-Mandan high schools to become more engaged in our community. Leadership and career development, financial literacy and college readiness are just some of the topics they will learn about from this program. They will do so by meeting one day a month for two hours, outside of school, to discuss those topics and more. One of the Chamber’s Strategic Goals is to “Build Visionary Leaders for the Region.” The Student Chamber is part of our “continuum of leadership” that allows us to do just that and starts with those high school juniors and seniors enrolled in the Program. Once those students graduate from the Program and move on to the next phase of life, they become eligible to participate in the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network (YP); the second step in that continuum of leadership and the focus of this month’s Chamber Connection. The mission of the YP is to “enhance the culture for young professionals in the Bismarck-Mandan community through professional development, entrepreneurship, community service and social networking; to create new opportunities for members; and to connect members to organizations in the Bismarck-Mandan community.” Through volunteers dedicated to each of those areas and more, the YP carries out that mission and in doing so are a tremendous asset to the Chamber and the entire community. In this month’s Chamber Connection, you’ll get a longer look at YP and all that they do to make Bismarck-Mandan a better place. And of course, we continue to work towards the restructure of the Chamber and Bismarck-Mandan Development Association (BMDA). You can read more about the Chamber / BMDA Restructure later on in this edition of the Connection, but we are currently addressing the legal requirements of the restructure and developing the restructured organization’s name, logo and brand. Rest assured however, that no matter the name of our organization in the future, we will continue to support programs like the Student Chamber and partnerships with organizations like the YP like we always have.
- Brian Ritter President twitter.com/bismanchamber facebook.com/bismanchamber @bismanchamber
Chamber Connection | 3
FEATURE
NISC: 50 YEARS IN THE TECH INDUSTRY IN NORTH DAKOTA By Kylie Blanchard, Clearwater Communications National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) began as a North Dakota idea to serve North Dakota cooperatives, says President and CEO Vern Dosch. “What started as a regional provider is now really defining the industry on a national level.” An information technology cooperative that develops and supports software and hardware solutions for its member-owners, NISC primarily serves utility cooperatives and telecommunications companies. Today, with main campuses in Mandan and Lake Saint Louis, Mo., the cooperative reaches customers in all 50 states and across 825 cooperatives and employs more than 1,250 people.
Making your house feel like a Home
Vern Dosch says the combination of a great quality of life and technology has contributed to NISC’s longevity and success in the community.
APPLEWOOD Homes & CO.
Cooperative History The 1950s began a movement to build out rural electricity and telephony in North Dakota, and small cooperatives quickly formed. Over the next decade, the cooperatives performed tasks, such as billing and accounts payable, manually. By the early 1960s, discussions were taking place to streamline and automate these processes. Four North Dakota electric and telephone cooperatives pioneered the first regional data processing center in 1966, becoming the North Central Data Cooperative in 1968. “We’re very much tied to rural electrics and telephones,” says Dosch of NISC’s start. “You don’t really think of Bismarck-Mandan as a place to start a technology company, but at the time, the mainframe needed to be close to customers.” In 1967, another cooperative called the Central Area Processing Corporation formed in St. Louis, Mo., to serve coops in 14 states.
CALL TODAY TO SET UP A FREE, IN HOME CONSULTATION 701-258-3326 w 2120 E Sweet Ave w Bismarck, ND 58504 4 | Chamber Connection
www.bismarckmandan.com NISC features a modern work environment that aids in the recruitment of top talent.
In 2000, the two cooperatives merged, forming NISC. “In the 1960s and 70s, and even the 80s to 90s, we were kind of a stealth company. No one really knew what we did,” says Dosch. “But as our employee population has grown, we have grown our responsibility as a good corporate citizen. The community has been very supportive of NISC.”
In recent years, NISC has also focused on upgrading its facilities. “This goes hand-in-hand when talking about retention and recruitment of employees. We wanted it to be a place that is modern, has amenities and that they look forward to coming to,” says Schneider.
NISC’s Longevity and Success Dosch says the combination of a great quality of life and technology has contributed to the cooperative’s longevity and success in the community. “We combine the North Dakota quality of life with a very challenging career in technology,” he says. “I would put these technicians and employees up against any in the country.” “It has been a strategic advantage for NISC to be located in North Dakota,” says Jasper Schneider, vice president of Member & Industry at NISC. “When we are hiring a developer, we are competing with technology firms across the country. If we can get a tech-minded person who is interested in working at NISC, we’ve probably got them for a while.” NISC uses its own recruiters to hire employees, a process that has also been a benefit to the cooperative. “We hire for talent, but also for culture and values, and have elected to do so ourselves,” says Dosch. “A tech company like NISC is unique. Eighty-five percent of our budget is labor or labor-related expenses. It is a peoplecentered business.”
Chamber Connection | 5
FEATURE
Photo Credit: - Todd Moore
The first NISC NISC has locations in Cedar Rapids, IA, Lake Saint Louis, MO and Shawano, WI. building was constructed in Mandan in 1984, and since this time, five additional construction projects have taken place. The most recent, completed in 2016, was the addition of a central building on the NISC campus. This newest building, which ties the other buildings together, includes an innovation room with floor-to-ceiling white boards, a cafetorium and fitness facilities. “The workout facility has great equipment, but also “We have a focus on our members, and a lot of our locker-room facilities, and the cafeteria has become a margins are reinvested back into NISC,” adds Schneider. natural gathering place for employees,” says Schneider. Dosch also attributes NISC’s business model to its success. “The cooperative business model, in which we are owned by our member-customers, allows us to plan long-term,” he notes.
Celebrating 15 years of business partnership in our community! Stop by our office any afternoon
September 24 – 28 for a snack and great conversation.
The cooperative also focuses on developing its own products. “We don’t outsource,” says Dosch. “All development of NISC products are done with NISC employees. We design, build, install and control all our software and products.” “We are an organization that is continually learning and growing,” he adds. “It is the innovation and creativity of our people. They are dedicated to the organization, to each other and to our member-customers.” A Year of Celebration Schneider says NISC’s 50-year milestone has been marked by celebrations and events throughout 2018, starting with the NISC annual meeting in February. The year is dedicated to celebrations with employees, members and the public, he notes. A 132-page, hard-cover book commemorating the 50th anniversary was also completed. “The book was a big undertaking, and it was aptly named The Power of Possibility,” says Schneider.
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A 50th anniversary video was also developed and premiered at NISC’s annual meeting and has been played at other celebratory events. In addition, NISC is developing a timeline wall to display at the cooperative’s main campuses. “It is really showing the evolution of the electricity and telecommunications industries,” Schneider notes.
www.bismarckmandan.com
Citadel Apartments Bismarck, ND
“It has been a strategic advantage for NISC to be located in North Dakota,” says Jasper Schneider, Vice President of Member & Industry at NISC.
Get a building that performs. The Future “You just don’t think of tech companies being 50 years old,” says Schneider. “As technology continues to grow in influence and scale, this is good for NISC.” Dosch agrees, noting the future is promising for NISC. “This is an organization with a very long-term view. We are grateful for the past 50 years and we think the next 50 years are going to be even more exciting.”
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FEATURE
YP NETWORK GROWS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS INTO LEADERS By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk
When YP Network conducted their strategic plan survey, the same reason for joining came up again and again: age.
YP Network celebrates their 13th anniversary at a Cinco de Mayo celebration in 2018.
Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network is a group for professionals ages 21-39. It offers events, networking, professional growth and development for young adults. Jamie Jackson, President of YP Network, agreed that being in the same group with your peers is important to young professionals. “There are groups within the community that do everything we do — service, professional development — but they tend to be a wider range of people, maybe people who are very successful,” Jackson said. “You’re coming out of college in your first or second job. It may be intimidating. (YP Network) allows you to establish yourself in the community and make a presence in a comfortable way.” YP Network has six teams that offer numerous ways for a young professional to get involved in the community: professional development, service, social, marketing, ambassador and entrepreneur teams.
8 | Chamber Connection
Photo Credit: - Lee Greuel
“We provide a platform for our age group to network with people that they may otherwise never get to connect with or network,” said Amber Ruzicka, Chairwoman of YP Network. “We saw that consistently in our survey that (members) felt comfortable that this was a place they could grow and learn from one another.”
The professional development team provides internal and external professional development opportunities. The service team is YP Network’s volunteer arm. The social team creates social activities, and Jackson said the team is very popular with members who are new to Bismarck-Mandan and looking to make social connections. The marketing team is a workhorse team that markets YP Network both internally and externally. The ambassador team connects new members to YP Network in order to loop them into the organization. The entrepreneur team hosts opportunities to visit with entrepreneurs and business owners in the community. Service is an important aspect of YP Network. Each year the organization selects a non-profit partner that receives funds raised by YP Network for charity. Any funds raised at the Christmas party or Chill ‘n Bowl event go to the non-profit partner. This year YP Network has raised $3,500 for Tracy’s Sanctuary House. Past non-profit partners have been Central Dakota Humane Society, Special Olympics, American Red Cross, and Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.
www.bismarckmandan.com In August, YP Network hosted YP Day, when members volunteered in multiple service projects to give back to the community. YP members painted at Sleepy Hollow Theatre and Arts Park, weeded Bismarck’s welcome sign at 26th Street and Main Avenue, and hosted a blood drive. For professional development, YP Network has a premier event: Epic Impact. Once per year YP Network brings in a motivational speaker based on the interests of members. Last year, YP Network brought in Karl Mecklenburg, a former football linebacker for the Denver Broncos. YP Network coordinated with Mecklenburg to have him speak at local youth football practices before the Epic Impact event. “That community piece is really critical for us when we go to select the speaker,” Ruzicka said. “When we bring in a well-known speaker, we want the community to be able to hear them as well.” In order to provide guidance for the YP Network, the organization has formed the wisdom team. The wisdom team is composed of business owners and community leaders who provide guidance to YP Network leadership and act as a sounding board as they grow the YP organization. Debra Gallagher is a member of the wisdom team. Gallagher is President and CEO of Capital Credit Union. “I think the YP Network is a tremendous opportunity for young people in this community,” Gallagher said. “When I was a young professional, we didn’t have something like this. I want to see this group succeed.” In addition, Capital Credit Union is a gold sponsor of YP Network. Gallagher said it is important to sponsor groups like YP Network, because they help to grow and develop new young professionals entering the Bismarck-Mandan workforce. “We want talent. It’s hard to come by. If we can develop our people that puts us all in a much better place,” Gallagher said. “It’s about providing the tools and opportunities for young people to stay in BismarckMandan, grow professionally and have great careers.” Jackson agreed that it is important to have an organization like YP Network that helps young adults put down roots in the community. He said this is especially true if the young professional is a transplant from another community.
“(YP Network) helps them to stay in our communities and establish those ties within the community,” Jackson said. “Without that, we’re more likely to have young professionals that just make this a transition. They come here for a couple years and then move on without having made any connections. The more invested people are in the community, the more likely they are to put down roots and stay here long-term.” YP Network is in the process of completing its strategic plan, and for the first time the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce participated in the strategic planning process. Brian Ritter, President of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce, said that YP Network’s mission fits into the Chamber’s strategic plan as well. “One of the Chamber’s strategic goals is to build visionary leaders,” Ritter said. “To do that requires a multi-step effort. That starts with our Student Chamber of Commerce. When those students find themselves entering the workforce, then we step into that second step in the process — and that’s YP Network. From there YP members can further their leadership development through Leadership Bismarck-Mandan and then ultimately decide whether they want to take that final step into volunteering in leadership. It’s really part of the Chamber’s continuum of leadership.”
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Chamber Connection | 9
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Security First Bank employees over 40 people throughout North Dakota. The Mandan branch, pictured below, opened in 2000 and was followed by the Bismarck branch opening in 2004.
MEMBER PROFILE Featuring Sarah Getzlaff
SECURITY FIRST BANK OF NORTH DAKOTA
Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within the organization. A: I started in the teller line of our Center office when I was 14. I worked there during all of my high school and college breaks. After graduating from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in accounting, I became a CPA and worked in public accounting for four years before returning to the bank full-time in 2007. I became CEO in January of this year.
Q: Briefly tell us the history of Security First Bank Mandan. A: Security First Bank is a third generation, familyowned business offering banking, insurance and wealth management services. The bank started in New Salem in 1925. My grandfather purchased the bank in 1964 and my dad joined him in 1968, which means this is his 50th year in banking! The Almont office opened in 1978, Center in 1981, Mandan in 2000 and Bismarck in 2004. Today, we have 46 employees and are just under $200 million in assets.
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Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Security First Bank - Mandan? A: We have experienced significant growth, especially in small business, mortgage and agricultural lending. Part of our growth is due to growth in the community, but the number of banks in the community has also increased significantly. I credit the majority of our growth to our outstanding team, who have received a lot of word-of-mouth referrals for truly caring about their customers and providing people with the service they deserve. We truly enjoy helping local businesses and farmers grow and prosper. And, our size enables us to provide quick, flexible solutions.
Q: What industry trends are taking place? A: Technology is advancing faster than ever. When I started, our bank lobbies were full of customers. Now, most customers have direct deposit and can also make deposits using the camera on their cell phone, making frequent trips to the bank is a thing of the past. We have truly embraced these advancements, because they make life easier for everyone. We are constantly looking to the future, to see what we will implement next.
www.bismarckmandan.com Q: Have there been any monumental changes in the industry that you’ve had to deal with? A: Since the financial crisis, we’ve seen a significant increase in banking regulations, which creates a lot of additional rules and paperwork for us and our customers. While some regulation is necessary, the current amount of regulation is overwhelming for community banks. And, to be honest – it’s frustrating because we didn’t participate in the bad behavior that caused the problems the regulations are designed to curb. Q: What does the future of Security First Bank of North Dakota - Mandan look like and the industry as a whole look like to you? A: Our future is bright and full of new technology! We will continue to see rapid changes in technology and in our customers’ lives. With a great team in place, we are excited to tackle and embrace these changes.
Let’s show the world what we can do together. Day by day. Project by project. Together we’re engineering clean water and preserving the world’s most valuable resource.
Q: Security First Bank of North Dakota - Mandan became a member in 2000, why do you continue to renew each year? A: The Chamber does an outstanding job of promoting and supporting local businesses. These Member Profiles are a great example of how they help promote small businesses like ours. And, events like the Chamber Mixers provide us with an excellent opportunity to network with our customers and our peers. Q: What should Chamber members know about Security First Bank of North Dakota - Mandan that may assist them? A: There are a lot of banks in our communities and online that offer the same products and services we do. But, as a family-owned, local business, we can make quick decisions, even on large business loans. And, we can be incredibly flexible when someone has a unique situation or problem they need help with. When facial recognition first became available on the iPhone X, one of our customers asked when we would adopt it for our mobile banking app. We were able to sign him up as a test user and roll out facial recognition to all of our customers within 24 hours. We are proud to offer small town service with big bank technology.
Building a Better World for All of Us Engineers | Architects | Planners | Scientists
sehinc.com • 701.354.7121
Chamber Connection | 11
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RESTRUCTURE PROCESS:
A STRENGTHENED BUSINESS COMMUNITY VOICE AND MORE EFFICIENT UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES
The purpose of these monthly messages regarding the pending BMDA / Chamber Restructure is two-fold; to inform you of the various aspects of the restructured organization’s value proposition and to update you on the progress being made to that end. Regarding the value proposition, this month we’ll focus on the strengthened business community voice and the more efficient use of resources that will result from the Restructure. Both of which result from having one, unified business development organization as opposed to two.
In reviewing both the BMDA and Chamber’s 2017 – 2019 Strategic Plans (separate plans, mind you), there are five areas of overlap: infrastructure & transportation planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, local advocacy and community engagement. These are areas which both organizations, separately, identified as being important enough to address as part of their efforts and followed through. For example, both the BMDA and Chamber had Staff and/or Volunteers serve on the City of Bismarck’s Joint Task Force, the City of Mandan’s West End Redevelopment Committee and the TEDx Bismarck Planning Committee.
It is our intent that as a result of the restructure, we can serve all those groups as a stronger voice representative of even more of the business community. What’s more is that if we do so as one organization, we can conceivably take the same number of staff and volunteers and be involved with even more groups, efforts and initiatives. Think about it; if there were two staff or volunteers on one committee representing the BMDA and Chamber, one organization could have one of those representatives involved with that effort and then re-direct the other representative to another effort that we might not otherwise have been able to previously. The same logic can be applied to the use of financial resources. Both organizations have traditionally had their own marketing & administrative staff whereas once the restructure is complete, we could take the same resources previously dedicated to those four staff members and keep one administrative position, two marketing positions and then re-direct existing resources to create a new workforce-focused position that we need in order to address what is the business community’s most pressing issue. That’s just one example of how we plan to more efficiently utilize the same amount of resources to accomplish even more. As to where we’re at in the restructure process, despite what you may have heard, it is not done. We are working with legal counsel to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the approval of both Boards which would ‘set the table’ for what we need to accomplish yet, legally. We have also engaged an area marketing firm to help us develop the organization’s new name, logo and brand for which they are seeking input from the membership. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to get a hold of me directly at britter@bismancc.com or (701) 223-5660. You can also find previous editions of the BMDA / Chamber Restructure Series at http://www. bismarckmandan.com/restructure
12 | Chamber Connection
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TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN STARTS NOW!
The Total Resource Campaign is now open to all members! During TRC we take the time to introduce our business members to the value of their Chamber membership. It is also a time for your business to select the programs that are most beneficial to you. Renewal period has come to a close for most, so if you are interested in any opportunities that have not been available do not hesitate to contact the Chamber at 701223-5660 to learn more about those options. If you are a business member that has not sponsored an event in the past this is your opportunity. The Chamber has a wide variety of events and many new opportunities this year. You can also find more information about TRC on our website at www.bismarckmandan.com under the members selection tab. If you have not renewed a previous sponsor contract and want to secure your sponsorship contact Shay Peterson at speterson@bismancc.com.
BRATS WITH THE BRAVE
The Chamber’s Military Affairs committee invites you to the Raymond J. Bohn Armory, 4200 Miriam Ave in Bismarck, on September 11th, from 11:30am – 1:30pm to say thank you to the men and women who have served in our armed forces.
The Military Affairs committee is working with the North Dakota National Guard in hosting this special event out at the Armory to provide space for the community and show appreciation for active duty, reserved, and veteran military personnel and provide gratitude for our freedom! At that time, we will also be highlighting the Military Service Center with an open house from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Come and enjoy a Cloverdale brat grilled up with all the fixin’s and some great company as we salute those who have done so much for our country! Please RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan. com/events/calendar or contact David Leingang at dleingang@bismancc.com. For more information, call the Chambers office at 701-223-5660 Presenting Sponsor: Lunch Sponsors: Event Sponsors: Kupper Chevrolet and Kirkwood Bank & Trust.
14 | Chamber Connection
www.bismarckmandan.com
CHAMBER TO CELEBRATE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND LEADERS
On September 6th, from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center, the Chamber of Commerce and its Excellence in Business and Education Committee will be hosting their annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan award ceremony. This special event recognizes the shining stars that have provided a level of excellence in their profession, the community, and their organizations – some of which have stood the test of time in Bismarck-Mandan. The Chamber and the Excellence committee are proud to announce the following individuals and the awards they have been nominated for at this year’s award ceremony:
Who are you excited to see on stage at Celebrate? This is a great opportunity to reserve a table and invite employees, customers, and/or friends to experience this heartwarming occasion. However, hurry! A few tables are still available. Contact David Leingang by emailing dleingang@bismancc.com for more information.
Granite Award
Gold Sponsors:
• Eide Bailly LLP
General admission is $50 and $40 with a membership discount. Register online at, bismarckmandan.com/ events/calendar, or call the Chamber at 701-223-5660. Presenting Sponsor: BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®
Golden Eagle Award
Silver Sponsor:
New Entrepreneur of the Year
Table Sponsors: Bank of North Dakota, Bismarck Cancer Center, Bismarck State College, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bremer Bank, CornerStone Bank, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Eide Bailly, First International Bank & Trust, Gate City Bank, Kirkwood Bank & Trust, KX News, Leingang Home Center, Midco, Miller Insulations, North Dakota Bankers Association, Northwest Contracting, Sanford Health, Starion Bank, University of Mary, Wells Fargo Bank.
• Starion Bank
• Stacy Voegele – Critter Sitter • Tana Trotter – Proximal50
Small Business Person of the Year
• Jason Sellers – Mattress Firm • Christine Rivinius – Goldstone Realty • Allan Miller & Cody Stern - Anyleaks
Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth and Profitability • Anyleaks
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• Matilde Toldeo-Agudelo - Right From the Lemon Tree
Event Sponsors: Advanced Business Methods, Brady
Martz & Associates, Liberty Business Systems, Mattress Firm, McQuade Distributing, Media Productions and Widmer Roel.
Partners in
BUSINESS GROWTH
“
NISC has worked with Starion throughout our entire 50-year history, and their partnership has been instrumental in our growth. They continue to invest in the technology we need to efficiently manage our business.
Vern Dosch starionbank.com Member FDIC
”
NISC, President and CEO
Starion Bank Board Member since 2002 Chamber Connection | 15
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CHAMBER PRESENTS 2018 CHAMBER WORKFORCE SUMMIT IN OCTOBER The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and Doosan Bobcat present the 2018 Workforce Summit. This event will provide our region the opportunity to access resources and to be included in a discussion of workforce issues and solutions with industry leaders. The 2018 Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Workforce Summit areas of focus include: • Talent attraction and retention • Career readiness and essential skills • Employee engagement The economic strength of Bismarck-Mandan, and North Dakota, is unquestionable connected to the education and skills of our community. A diversely skilled and educated workforce further enables our region’s ability to be economically competitive on a local, national and global level. Employers, educators and professionals are encouraged to attend the 2018 Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Workforce Summit on Wednesday, October 31 at the Radisson Hotel. In addition to relevant keynote speakers and panel discussions, the 2018 Workforce Summit will feature workshops to provide attendees with insight into various opportunities and challenges of workforce development. To learn more or to RSVP, visit bismarckmandan.com or contact the Chamber at 701-223-5660. Additional agenda details coming soon. Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsor: Silver Sponsor:
16 | Chamber Connection
KEYNOTE: “Activating Employee Engagement”
Bob Randall has a passion for helping individuals, teams and organizations thrive. With one foot in research as a Doctorate in Organization Development and one foot in practice as a leader with experience in diverse corporate settings, Bob brings Bob Randall, CEO of Transcend Engagement a thoughtful and practical approach to his employee engagement. He brings a positive energy to events and believes organizations are a great place for people to learn and grow. Bob has spent the past 23 years in various leadership roles in private industry. He has led large domestic and international sales organizations, managed one of the largest architectural glass manufacturing facilities in the U.S., helped his company acquire the largest architectural glass fabricating facility in Brazil and held P/L responsibility for a number of businesses. Bob completed his undergraduate degree in Management at St. John’s University, as well as his MBA in Finance and Doctorate in Organization Development from the University of St. Thomas. Today, Bob is an adjunct professor at the College of St. Scholastica in addition to leading Transcend Engagement. Transcend Engagement has developed innovative, modern solutions that help fuel employee engagement for their clients. Based out of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Transcend Engagement has helped a variety of industries, including government, manufacturing, construction, insurance, health care and non-profits to develop and implement a comprehensive employee engagement program specific to their needs. Notable clients include: Kansas City Life Insurance Company, Performance Contracting Group, Apogee Enterprises, Alpha Delta Kappa, Jackson County (MO), Trex Commercial Products, TruStone Financial, St. Catherine’s University and many more.
STUDENT CHAMBER OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
The Chamber and its Excellence in Business and Education Committee are now accepting applications for this year’s Student Chamber program! Only 18 students will be selected to represent the Student Chamber 2018-2019 board. All applications are due September 14th. Every candidate will then be evaluated by our Excellence committee who will make the selections from Bismarck and Mandan public and private schools. Open to Juniors and Seniors in all Bismarck-Mandan high schools, the Student Chamber program is a great way to educate our budding graduates on local issues and initiatives that are going on in our community that they otherwise would not be aware of. Leadership and career development, financial literacy, and college readiness are some of the skills and education they will benefit from through this program. The students will meet one day a month, for two hours out of school. The program will include six board meetings in addition to an opening and closing event. This program is an honorable activity for students to list on college applications and job resumes. The application process is simple. The form, which requires an essay of 200 words or less can be found at, www.bismarckmandan.com/pages/EBEC. Students are encouraged to apply regardless of grades. If you are interested in your community and have an interest in civic activities, please apply. Deadline to apply is September 10th, 2018! For any questions, or to submit an application in the Student Chamber program, please contact David Leingang at the Chamber by calling 701-223-5660 or emailing dleingang@bismancc.com. Program Sponsors:
www.bismarckmandan.com
ANNUAL HARVEST MIXER OCTOBER 4TH
The Chamber’s Agricultural Committee will be hosting a special mixer for Chamber members, Thursday, October 4th, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, at Open Road Honda!
The purpose of this Fall event is to celebrate the harvest by inviting our business community to engage and network with members in the Ag. Industry in an effort to educate Bismarck-Mandan on the endeavors of agriculture in our area. Throughout the mixer, Open Road Honda will provide demos and the option to try out one of their ATV’s or Side by Sides as well as some other fun experiences. There is no charge to attend this event, however, please send RSVP’s to David Leingang by emailing dleingang@ bismancc.com or calling the Chamber at 701-223-5660. Business Sponsors: Advanced Business Methods, Farm
Credit Services of Mandan, Starion Bank and Wells Fargo.
October 14 & 15, 2018
7 tuhal Ann
Bismarck Event Center | Bismarck, ND
Experience the #1 professional development opportunity in the region!
Featuring
Keynote Speaker:
Jill Blashack Strahan
Founder & CEO, Tastefully Simple
Join women leaders from across the state for advanced training sessions, networking, business growth opportunities, personal and professional development and fun! For early bird tickets and info visit, www.ndwomensbusinesssummit.com. North Dakota Women’s Business Center @ Center for Technology & Business 2720 East Broadway Ave. | Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 223-0707 | info@trainingnd.com
Presented by:
Chamber Connection | 17
CHAMBER
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STATE OF THE CITIES AROUND THE CORNER Join Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling and Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken for the 2018 State of the Cities address. Tuesday, November 6th, at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center, participants will gain insight from both Mandan and Bismarck Mayors and will hear about successes and challenges that each city faced throughout 2018. Cost to attend is $30 with Chamber member discount, and $40 for general admission. For more information, contact David Leingang at dleingang@bismancc.com, or call 701-223-5660. Register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events. THANK YOU SPONSORS: Gold Sponsors:
18 | Chamber Connection
EIDE LIKE I’D LIKE A TRUSTWORTHY BUSINESS ADVISOR
No matter where you are in your business journey, Eide Bailly has the resources to help you make confident decisions. Our trusted advisors have strong local roots, and have served the Bismarck-Mandan community for over 50 years. We would like to thank the business community for honoring us with the Granite Award, and promise that we will continue to provide a client experience that is second to none.
What inspires you, inspires us. 701.255.1091 | eidebailly.com
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CELEBRATE BISMARCK-MANDAN
FRIDAYS AT THE CHAMBER
Date: Thursday, September 6, 2018 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM Admission: $40.00 for Chamber Members $50.00 for General Admission Presenting Sponsor:
Date: Friday, September 7, 2018 Location: Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Admission: Free to Attend Presenting Sponsor:
On September 6th, The Chamber and the Excellence in Education and Business Committee will celebrate local businesses and their leaders for their accomplishments within the community. This year’s annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan award ceremony will honor those who have been nominated in the following categories:
If you have not had the opportunity to join us yet, now is the time to stop in for our last member appreciation luncheon for the summer. The Chamber staff would love to say thank you for everything you’ve done for us and continue to do for the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce, and our business community.
• • • • • • •
Small Business Person of the Year Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth and Profitability New Entrepreneur of the Year Young Entrepreneur of the Year Granite Award Outstanding Teacher of the Year Golden Eagle recipient
Please join us from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center. General admission is $50, and $40 with member discount. Registration is available online at, bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar.
Friday, September 7th is your last chance to enjoy a FREE lunch on us! Stop by between 11:30am – 1:00pm, and enjoy an assortment of brats, burgers, delicious sides, and cool refreshments! Please RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com/ events or by emailing Shay at speterson@bismancc.com. Lunch Sponsors:
Thursday, October 4, 2018 4:30pm - 6:30pm Open Road Honda 4120 Memorial Hwy, Mandan
You’re invited to network and learn about the business of the Agriculture industry in North Dakota. 20 | Chamber Connection
www.bismarckmandan.com
BRATS WITH THE BRAVE
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2018 Location: Raymond J. Bohn Armory 4200 East Divide Ave, Bismarck Time: 11:30AM - 1:30PM Admission: Free to Attend Presenting Sponsor: The Chamber’s Military Affairs committee invites you to the Raymond J. Bohn Armory located at 4200 Miriam Ave in Bismarck on Tuesday, September 11th from 11:30am - 1:30pm and say thank you to the men and women who have or continue to serve in our armed forces. The Military Affairs committee is working with the North Dakota National Guard in hosting this special event out at the Armory to provide space for the community thank and show appreciation for active duty, reserved and veteran military personnel and provide gratitude for our freedom! At that time, we will also be highlighting the Military Service Center with an open house from 11:30am - 1:30pm. Come and enjoy a Cloverdale brat grilled up with all the fixin’s and some great company as we salute those who have done so much for our country. Please RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com/ events/calendar or contact David Leingang at dleingang@bismancc.com. For more information, call the Chamber at 701-223-5660.
Chad Johnson Bismarck Market President
Ian MacDonald Cash Management Specialist
Richard Keller Vice President-Business Lending
Lindsay Kinnischtzke Loan Assistant
Proven Leaders in Business Banking When it’s time to turn your dreams into reality, First Western Bank & Trust is here to help. We’re a locally-owned bank, trusted for more than 50 years. In Bismarck, see our proven business banking team of Chad Johnson, Richard Keller, Ian MacDonald and Lindsay Kinnischtzke. Here, you’ll find western North Dakota’s best in local full service banking with the financial products for your needs.
Lunch Sponsors: Event Sponsors: Kupper Chevrolet and Kirkwood Bank & Trust. firstwestern.bank
Member FDIC
324 Third Street North, Suite 3, Bismarck Chamber Connection | 21
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MEMBERSHIP MIXER: HOLIDAY INN
CHAMBER HARVEST MIXER
Mark your calendar for September’s Membership Mixer! On Thursday September 20th, Holiday Inn will be hosting our Membership Mixer at their location at 3903 State Street in Bismarck from 4:30pm – 6:30pm.
The Chamber’s Agricultural Committee will be hosting a special mixer for Chamber members, Thursday, October 4th, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, at Open Road Honda!
Date: Thursday, September 20, 2018 Location: Holiday Inn 3903 State Street, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend
This event is always a fantastic opportunity to network, enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by Holiday Inn and prepared by their on-site staff. RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events/ calendar or by emailing Ross at rfrohlich@bismancc. com.
Business Checking Accounts
Ask about
1,000 Free Monthly Transa ctions
Call for more details (701) 250-3000 Member FDIC
www.BNCbank.com
22 | Chamber Connection
Date: Thursday, October 4, 2018 Location: Open Road Honda 4120 Memorial Hwy, Mandan Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend
The purpose of this Fall event is to celebrate the harvest by inviting our business community to engage and network with members in the Agriculture Industry in an effort to educate Bismarck-Mandan on the endeavors of agriculture in our area. There is no charge to attend this event, however, please send RSVP’s to dleingang@bismancc.com or call the Chamber at 701-223-5660.
www.bismarckmandan.com
CHAMBER WORKFORCE SUMMIT Date: Location: Time: Presenting Sponsor:
Wednesday, October 31, 2018 Radisson Hotel 605 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck 8:00AM - 12:00PM
The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and Doosan Bobcat present the 2018 Workforce Summit. This event will provide our region the opportunity to access resources and to be included in a discussion of workforce issues and solutions with industry leaders. Employers, educators and professional are encouraged to attend the 2018 Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Workforce Summit on Wednesday, October 31 at the Radisson Hotel. In addition to relevant keynote speakers and panel discussions, the 2018 Workforce Summit will feature workshops to provide attendees with insight into the various opportunities and challenges of workforce development. To learn more or to RSVP, visit bismarckmandan.com or by calling the Chamber at 701-223-5660.
CHAMBER HARVEST MIXER
Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 7:00AM - 9:00AM Admission: $30.00 for Chamber Members $40.00 for General Admission Join Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling and Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken for the 2018 State of the Cities address. Tuesday, November 6th, at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center, participants will gain insight from both Mandan and Bismarck Mayors and will hear about successes and challenges that each city faced throughout 2018. Cost to attend is $30 with Chamber member discount, and $40 for general admission. Register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events. INTERNET & NETWORKING DATA CENTER PHONE CABLE TV ADVERTISING
Gold Sponsor: CHI St. Alexius Health and Sanford Health Silver Sponsor: Aetna
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Chamber Connection | 23
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U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT NAMES CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH BEST HOSPITAL IN NORTH DAKOTA
CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck has been recognized, once again, as the Best Hospital for 2018-19 in North Dakota by U.S. News & World Report. CHI St. Alexius Health was also ranked as high performing in Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Congestive Heart Failure, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement.
“It’s an honor to once again be recognized as the Best Hospital in North Dakota by U.S. News & World Report. These rankings acknowledge the outstanding care that our providers deliver to our patients each day,” said Kurt Schley, president of CHI St. Alexius Health. For the 2018-19 rankings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 25 specialties, procedures and conditions. In the 16 specialty areas, 158 hospitals were ranked in at least one specialty. In rankings by state and metro area, U.S. News recognized hospitals as high performing across multiple areas of care.
“For five out of the last six years CHI St. Alexius Health has won the award for the best hospital in North Dakota. Our physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff have worked very hard to provide the very best medical care to our patients,” said Dr. Timothy Bopp, chief of staff of CHI St. Alexius Health. “This award is simply a recognition of our dedication and determination to provide the very best care in the state.” “For nearly 30 years, U.S. News has strived to make hospital quality more transparent to healthcare consumers nationwide,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “By providing the most comprehensive data available, we give patients and their physicians’ information to support their search for the best care across a range of specialties.”
It’s a New Day in Bismarck. We’ve been dreaming of this special place for years. We’ve hired the best financial experts. We have opened our doors. We invite you to experience you first banking, where the focus starts and remains on you. We invite you to celebrate with us and join us in this exciting new day.
Give us a call today. BANKING | MORTGAGE INSURANCE* | TRUST & INVESTMENTS*
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Join us at our new state-of-the-art building 1601 N 12th Street | Bismarck, ND (701) 751-8500
*Not FDIC or any federal agency insured | No bank guarantee | May lose value
0339_08-18
24 | Chamber Connection
ANNUAL BUSINESS START-UP 101 WORKSHOP PLANNED FOR SEPT. 25 Thinking about starting a business? Mandan’s Sixth Annual Business Start-Up 101 Workshop to be held Tuesday, Sept. 25, will be chockful of inspiration and information. This free session runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Harvest Events and Catering, 308 W Main Street. For program details and to register, visit www. cityofmandan.com/register or call 667-3478. The workshop is for anyone exploring the idea of opening a business. Speakers will delve into a variety of helpful resources and services for aspiring entrepreneurs. A panel of business owners will share insights and lessons learned about operating a business. Attendees will connect with representatives of the Center for Technology and Business including the IDEA Center, Small Business Development Center, Lewis and Clark Development Group, and Dakota Business Lending, plus others who can assist throughout their planning processes. The discussion with entrepreneurs includes Mandan business owners Jay Beyer, Pivotal Edge; Randy Rhone, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Big O Tires, and Memorial Square Shopping Center; Dylan and Hannah Schafer, Dialectic Brewing; and Colton Shoults, Grand Junction Grilled Subs. The Mandan Tomorrow - Economic Opportunity and Prosperity Committee is hosting the event with assistance from the City of Mandan Business Development Department and Bismarck-Mandan Development Association. City of Mandan Business Development Director Ellen Huber points out, “Our community is now seeing the fruits of this workshop and other business outreach efforts. Participants from past sessions have opened and are in the process of opening businesses needed in Mandan. The workshop is part of a 2018 business education series to conclude in November with a business pitch competition. Stay tuned to www.cityofmandan.com/ news for details.
www.bismarckmandan.com
BASIN ELECTRIC PLEDGES $50,000 TO GREAT PLAINS FOOD BANK
Basin Electric Power Cooperative has committed $50,000 to the Great Plains Food Bank over the next four years to help bolster the hunger-relief organization’s ability to serve its clients in BismarckMandan and in the central and western part of North Dakota.
The gift will benefit the Great Plains Food Bank Feed the Future campaign and is part of ongoing efforts to establish a regional service center in Bismarck-Mandan. “It is through the generosity of organizations like Basin Electric that will make our regional service center in Bismarck-Mandan a reality,” Great Plains Food Bank CEO Steve Sellent said. “As the only food bank in the state of North Dakota, the regional service center will significantly enhance our abilities to serve the western half of the state. We thank Basin Electric for their help in the fight to end hunger.”
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MARCO RANKED AMONG TOP 501 GLOBAL MANAGED SERVICE PROVIDERS
PERKS
Marco ranks among the world’s 501 most strategic and innovative managed service providers (MSPs), according to Channel Futures 11th-annual MSP 501 Worldwide Company Rankings. The MSP 501 is the first, largest and most comprehensive ranking of managed service providers worldwide. This year Channel Futures received a record number of submissions. Applications poured in from Europe, Asia, South America and beyond. As it has for the last three years, Channel Futures teamed with Clarity Channel Advisors to evaluate these progressive and forward-leaning companies. MSPs were ranked according to our unique methodology, which recognizes that not all revenue streams are created equal. We weighted revenue figures according to how well the applicant’s business strategy anticipates trends in the fast-evolving channel ecosystem.
NORTH DAKOTA WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER EXPANDS SERVICES
Center for Technology & Business (CTB) was recently awarded grant funding by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to open a second Women’s Business Center, which will be located in Fargo. The new center will offer assistance, training, leadership development opportunities and other resources to women on the eastern half of the state. “For the past 19 years, the ND WBC has served women across the state thanks to outstanding support from SBA and North Dakota Department of Commerce. The number of women who seek our services continues to grow so we are grateful and excited for this opportunity to expand our programming reach,” CTB Executive Director Deb Eslinger said. Deidre Hillman, director of the North Dakota Women’s Business Center, added, “We have always been a statewide entity, but with increasing demand for the services we provide, a second location will allow us to extend our resources and meet the needs of more women leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs across the state.” During the 2017 fiscal year, the Women’s Business Center program counseled and trained nearly 150,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. According to the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, there are 9.9 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. They employ more than eight million workers, provide more than $264 billion in wages and salaries to employees, and contribute $1.4 trillion in sales to a national economy. North Dakota continues to be a leader in this movement by cultivating a positive, growth environment for women entrepreneurs and business owners. In fact, the ND WBC’s impact was recognized nationally by the SBA when the center received the 2016 Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award in the category of SBA Resource Partners. More recently, North Dakota ranked first in economic vitality for women-owned businesses in the 2017 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, commissioned by American Express.
indigosignworks.com | 701.250.9696 | 3521 Memorial Hwy, Mandan
26 | Chamber Connection
Each year, the ND WBC trains approximately 2700 individuals and counsels an average of 80 entrepreneurs in business development and growth strategies.
BPS SCORES WELL ON ACCREDITATION FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Bismarck Public Schools received a high score of 358 out of 400 possible points on its recent fiveyear AdvancED accreditation review. BPS also met or exceeded AdvancED expectations in 87% of the accreditation categories with no category listed as needing improvement. Superintendent Jim Haussler says, “Bismarck Public Schools is truly a beacon school district. We had one of the highest scores ever among the 3,200 institutions accredited by AdvancED.” This spring, education experts from North Dakota and other states conducted on-site program evaluations of a third of the public schools in Bismarck and talked with 300 students, parents, teachers, administrators, school board and community members. The report stated, “A culture of learning across the district was evident in all observations, interviews, and interactions during the engagement review. Technology was determined to be utilized to support a rigorous teaching and learning environment.” In addition, “The team also observed well-managed classrooms in which teachers and students interacted respectfully with one another. Classroom expectations were recognized and followed by students. Positive peer-to-peer, adult to student, and adult to adult interactions were observed in all settings.” Haussler congratulates the Bismarck community in its continued support of education, as well as students, staff and parents in local public schools where the “rubber hits the road” in terms of promoting, inspiring, and achieving educational excellence.
www.bismarckmandan.com
CAPITAL CREDIT UNION REFRESHES BRAND
Capital Credit Union will soon adopt a new look that reflects a modern and growing credit union. Since 1936, Capital Credit Union has provided the community with competitive financial products, conveniences and friendly personal service. This change will help to ensure a thriving credit union for generations to come. “Our new brand showcases our culture of being the trusted financial resource that puts members first,” Capital Credit Union CEO Debra Gallagher said. “Although our look and logo are changing, our values remain the same. The colors and design convey growth and prosperity and this idea is represented in our new tagline—Grow With Us.” The refreshed logo appeared in August alongside the launch of a new website. The website will feature the new look and provide an enhanced user experience.
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NORTH DAKOTA’S ‘BEST WARRIORS’ PUT TO THE TEST DURING STATE COMPETITION
The North Dakota Army National Guard’s top Soldiers this weekend slogged through an intense, sweltering four-day competition in 100-degree temperatures at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Fourteen Army Guardsmen representing the National Guard’s major commands contended with an array of military challenges and Army skills tests to gauge their competency and grit Aug. 9-12 during the state’s Best Warrior Competition.
When the winners were announced during the final day’s awards ceremony, two Army Guardsmen had earned the opportunity to advance and represent North Dakota in future competitions. Staff Sgt. Justin Valenti, of Fargo, North Dakota, a member of the Fargo-based 191st Military Police Company, was the winner of the Best Warrior Competition in the noncommissioned officer category. In the enlisted-level competition, Spc. Casey Drege, of West Fargo, North Dakota, a member of the Bismarck-based 957th Engineer Company (MultiRole Bridge), took top honors.
Spc. Dakota Brown, of the 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), crawls under wire fencing on Camp Grafton Training Center’s Confidence Course Aug. 12 during the Best Warrior Competition.
Soldiers began the Best Warrior Competition this year by testing their endurance during an Army Physical Fitness test, or APFT. From there, they donned their Army Service Uniforms to be inspected while answering a series of military-related questions posed by a board of sergeants major. The Guardsmen’s first day of competition culminated by locating positions using a compass on a land navigation course at night. The following days continued to be filled with difficult events and challenges. Competitors fired weapons for qualification scores at Camp Grafton’s southern training area, near McHenry, North Dakota. They also completed another land navigation course, this time being inserted into the training area by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The remainder of the weekend tested the Soldiers’ physical and mental toughness with road marches, a confidence course and rappel tower, a written exam and evaluations on a number of Warrior Tasks (general military tasks all Soldiers must know). Soldiers representing their units must first win in their respective major commands in order to vie for the “Best Warrior” title during the state-level competition. That preparation can include months of physical training and poring over various military manuals and study guides.
28 | Chamber Connection
The regional competition, scheduled to be held in May 2019, will be hosted by staff and cadre at Camp Grafton Training Center here in North Dakota. Army Guardsmen from seven other states will compete, including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Regional winners advance to compete in the All-Guard Competition and, if they win there, have the opportunity to compete in the All-Army Competition.
www.bismarckmandan.com
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Chamber Connection | 29
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at
BREA ZINS
120 W Thayer, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-799-7559
Q: AFTER WE’VE PURCHASED A HOUSE, IS THAT THE END OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR REALTOR? A: Great question! It shouldn’t be! I
encourage my clients to keep in touch. If they have questions about what is a good investment for updates or questions about other houses on the market, I am available! Not to mention, if something comes up with the property, it is always a good idea to contact your agent, maybe they can help or give solutions. Also, a lot of the Realtors in the community will have connections to contractors in the area that can help with anything from electrical work to landscaping. I love seeing the updates my clients do to their homes, I have just as much pride in the property as my clients and I am always open to questions and ideas.
JOEL BLANCHARD
2603 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-323-5222
Q: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM? A: The primary objective is to protect
Bismarck • Mandan, ND 58554 701-751-7060
Q: HOW CAN YOU MAKE FAMILY TRAVEL MORE ENJOYABLE AND LESS STRESSFUL? A: Every now and then parents need to get away and enjoy some time alone, however, you will never regret sharing the world with your children. My husband and I try to take an adult trip and a family vacation each year and have found the time with our girls to be the most memorable!
employees from exposure to air with insufficient oxygen or hazardous contaminants, including dust, fog, smoke, mist, fumes, gases, vapor or When planning a family vacation find sprays. OSHA requires employers to provide respiratory protection to prevent a hotel that caters to the little ones. A place that makes them feel special the lung disease and potential death. minute they walk through the door is To implement a respiratory protection key. program, an employer can designate Pre-plan activities and excursions an administrator who is responsible that cater to little minds, but do not for the company’s program and assesses the worksite for potential risks. over schedule. Don’t forget to give yourselves time to relax on the beach or Safety engineering is used to prevent casually explore your new city without unnecessary exposure. If risk still cannot feeling rushed. Most importantlybe avoided, a full program must be capture the trip! We do have contracts started. with photographers in most tourist
And there is the friendship and bond An effective respiratory protection that is created with clients, I am blessed to help all of my clients and love to watch program includes the use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and the changes in their lives. Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators, medical evaluations, respirator fit testing and more. To learn more, visit www.osha. gov.
30 | Chamber Connection
CASSIE STAIGER-JETER
destinations that we would be happy to share.
CS Travel Planners has helped so many families discover their dream vacations and would like to help you as well. We offer everything from all inclusive beach vacations to multi-country detailed itineraries to concierge day planning within the US and beyond for those who have already taken care of hotel and airfare. There is a huge world out there. Let’s get out and explore!
www.bismarckmandan.com
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DR. REYNOLDS
500 N 8th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-222-6100
Q: I’M A 62-YEAR-OLD MAN AND I’M WONDERING WHAT THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER ARE? A: Prostate cancer is often without symptoms in the early stages, but because of the popularity of the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, many men are diagnosed early. However, as prostate cancer progresses, many men do experience symptoms such as: • A frequent need to urinate.
• Noticeable burning while urinating or during ejaculation. • Blood in urine or semen. • Erectile dysfunction.
• Difficulty starting or stopping a stream of urine.
• Inability to urinate standing up.
Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50 and your risk increases as you get older. The average age for men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer is between 65 and 69 years old. Most men past the age of 70 have cancerous cells in their prostate that would never pose a life-threatening risk. The good news is the 5-year survival rate for most men with local prostate cancer is nearly 100%.
If you have questions or concerns about your prostate, contact your healthcare provider.
DAVID DIEBEL
212 E. Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-595-0159
Q: HOW CAN I INCORPORATE VIDEO INTO MY BUSINESS? A: Video is a great way to tell your
businesses story and the name of the game is getting content out to your audience frequently. Video quality is important to make sure what you share represents your business and brand well.
Here are a few tips for capturing great videos right on your smartphone: 1. Get close to your subject for the best audio. 2. If you have to hold your device, keep elbows close to your body or lean against something to steady your shot. 3. Avoid using the zoom on the phone. 4. Are you shooting in dingy fluorescent lighting? Try shooting near a window or outdoors instead. 5. Touch your subject on screen to make sure the focus is sharp. 6. Make quick edits and trims using iMovie (or similar) for a more polished finished product. 7. Remember, shoot horizontal.
LEAH VOIGT
1003 Gateway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-250-0728
Q: SHOULD MY COMPANY BE ADVERTISING ON SNAPCHAT? A: Snapchat can be a very cost effective
way for businesses to reach the 13-35 year old target market and Snapchat’s Insights show a high usage rate for that age group in our region.
The best way to advertise on Snapchat is by creating an On-Demand Geofilter, which is a graphic that is geographically targeted. When users are in the target area, they can overlay your graphic onto their photo/video and share it with their friends.
To make the most of your dollars, post an On-Demand Geofilter during an event that gathers a large group of your target market in one area. Don’t make the filter’s design all about your company. The best preforming ads focus on the event or location and have the company logo as an accent. For events spanning over several days, book a separate ad for each day to avoid paying for the hours when everyone is sleeping.
Most importantly, be creative! Try out the slow-mo or time-lapse features. Video is the perfect way to show off a new product or service, introduce viewers to your staff, share some exciting news or just have fun. Using these simple tips will help keep every post looking pro.
Chamber Connection | 31
COMMUNITY
NEWS
CHAMBER Perks
ASK-A-PRO
PERKS
Bismarck Aero Center Promotes Opp Bismarck Aero Center is happy
to announce that Trevor Opp has been promoted to Lead Flightline Technician. In his three years with Bismarck Aero Center, he has been able to grow his knowledge of aviation Trevor Opp and gain the respect of his peers through a hard work and Sanford Health Welcomes Emergency a determined work ethic. Medicine Physicians Since joining Bismarck Aero Center, Opp has also been working on his bachelor’s degree in business Stephane Blanchard, MD, from the University of Mary. Last May, he took over on emergency medicine, and an interim role and has been able to hit the ground Abe Storms, MD, emergency running. In the three months that he has been in the medicine, recently joined the Stephane Blanchard interim role, he has been working hard to maintain Sanford Emergency & Trauma equipment maintenance, training records and audits. Center in Bismarck. Looking towards the future, Opp brings new ideas Dr. Blanchard will be providing to the department. By incorporating our current emergency and trauma care company culture with the values of the Air Elite in Sanford Bismarck’s Level II training, he will look to empower the Flightline team Trauma Center. He graduated to take initiative and find ways we can provide next from University of North level customer service. Dakota School of Medicine in Grand Forks and completed his Abe Storms residency at Hennepin County EMC Bismarck Branch Recognized Medical Center in Minneapolis. as Top Place to Work Dr. Storms has been providing emergency and The EMC Bismarck Branch has been recognized trauma services in Bismarck since 2016 and will as one of the Top 10 Places to Work in Bismarcknow provide emergency and trauma care in Sanford Mandan by the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Bismarck’s Level II Trauma Center. Dr. Storms Network. graduated from Sanford School of Medicine at the This award recognizes local businesses committed University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D. and to recruiting and retaining talented young completed his residency at Geisinger Medical Center professionals under the age of 40. Businesses in Danville, Pa. receive scores based on criteria related to the active development and execution of strategies advancing employment of young professionals in the workplace, quality and type of benefits offered, and overall community involvement. Local businesses submit nominations for the award, which are then scored by a selection committee
32 | Chamber Connection
MABU Hires Kelly Agency MABU recently
welcomed McKenzie Kelly to its strategic marketing team as a Graphic Designer. Kelly is a graduate of Bismarck State College with an McKenzie Kelly Associates of Applied Science degree in Graphic Design and Communications. She has nearly two years of previous experience in branding – designing menus, posters, banners, and ads for social media.
Starion Awards Scholarship to Helgeson
Starion Bank has awarded scholarships to three employees’ children and local student Taylor Helgeson was one of the recipients. The scholarship competition was open to children of Starion Taylor Helgeson employees who will be attending a college, university, community college or technical school for the 20182019 school year. Helgeson graduated from Bismarck High School and is attending the University of Jamestown, majoring in accounting with a minor in character in leadership. She is active in choir, church and service organizations. She is the daughter of Christian and Trish Helgeson of Bismarck. Trish is marketing and communications manager/vice president and works at the Mandan branch. Applicants were judged on academic and scholastic achievement, extracurricular involvement, employment experience, community-based involvement and letters of reference.
www.bismarckmandan.com Sanford Health Welcomes Allergist Nana Fenny, MD, allergy and
immunology, recently joined Sanford Seventh & Broadway Clinic in Bismarck. Dr. Fenny specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis, Michael Gunsch asthma, hives, immune Nana Fenny, MD deficiencies, drug and food allergies, insect and seasonal allergies. She graduated from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Chicago Hospitals. She is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Allergy and Immunology. Faye Miller
Capital Credit Union Wisecup named Vice Chancellor of Holds Annual Meeting Strategy and Strategic Engagement
Capital Credit Union recently held its annual business meeting and member event at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck. Three board members were elected, with 406 Capital Credit Union members in attendance. Three board members Michael Gunsch, Faye Miller and Kevin Schoenborn - were re-elected to three-year terms. They rejoined the board with remaining members Jay Buringrud, Shawn Deisz, Lance Gaebe, Ken Geiger, Stephen Vaughan and Marnie Walth. D&M Industries The business meeting Announces Promotion highlighted milestones over the Korey Zellers has been past 82 years, such as growth in promoted to Branch Manager membership from the original of the Bismarck office and 20 members to nearly 30,000 showroom of D&M Industries. today, the addition of nine Korey has been with D&M for branches and the evolution of Kevin Schoenborn Korey Zellers six years. Previously he held products and services offered by the position of project manager the credit union such as home in the Residential Sales division in their Moorhead, loans, Visa credit cards and financial education. MN office. Korey brings a wealth of knowledge to this position.
A new vice chancellor of strategy and strategic engagement has been named at the North Dakota University System. James “Phil” Wisecup has now taken on these responsibilities. James Wisecup Wisecup, who goes by Phil, is a retired Navy Vice-Admiral, was President of the US Naval War College, and has deep experience in strategic planning and innovation. Wisecup most recently served as the director of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Strategic Studies Group, and as a faculty member of the U.S. Naval War College since leaving active duty in 2013.
Streyle Earns Designation Alicia Streyle has completed the Certified
Patient Servicing Specialist (CPSS) designation. This designation is recognized in the ophthalmic community promoting patient servicing excellence. Alicia has been with the practice since January 2017.
SEPTEMBER LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS Televised on Government Access, cable channel 2 & 602 HD.
Broadcast on KDAK 102.5 FM radio. Streamed online at www.freetv.org.
Tues, 4th
5:00 pm Mandan City Commission 7:00 pm Mandan School Board
Wed, 5th
5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission
Thurs, 6th
5:00 pm Bismarck Board of Adjustment
Mon, 10th
5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:30 pm Mandan Park Board*
Tues, 11th
5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission
Wed, 12th 8:00 am 5:15 pm
Burleigh County Water Resource District Burleigh County Planning Commission
Thurs, 13th
5:30 pm Morton County Commission*
Mon, 17th
5:30 pm Mandan School Board
Tues, 18th 1:00 pm Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board 5:30 pm Mandan City Commission Wed, 19th
5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission
Thurs, 20th
5:15 pm Bismarck Park Board
Mon, 24th
5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:30 pm Mandan Planning Commission*
Tues, 25th
5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission 5:30 pm Morton County Commission*
Wed, 26th
5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission
Meetings are replayed several times on the Government Access channel and are available for viewing online (Watch on Demand) at www.freetv.org. * Delayed Playback
Chamber Connection | 33
Ribbon Cuttings
Ribbon cuttings are conducted by a committee of Chamber volunteers called Ambassadors. Businesses qualify for a ribbon cutting if they open, move, and remodel, are under new ownership, change their name, or offer a new product or service. To schedule a ribbon cutting, please call Ross at 701-223-5660.
COMMUNITY OPTION
DIALETIC BREWING COMPANY
Bryan Wetch, CEO, at their new location at 807 Century Ave in Bismarck. Phone: 701-223-2417. Member.
Dylan, Hannah and Jacob, co-owners, at their new locally owned brewery located at 416 W Main Street in Mandan. Phone: 701-318-1328.
MISSOURI RIVER EDUCATIONAL COOPERATIVE
STERLING OPTICAL
For more information visit bismarckcancercenter.com 500 N 8th St|Bismarck, ND 58501 701-222-6100 34 | Chamber Connection
Kelsie Butts and Mike Butts, Owners, of their new business located at 1487 E LaSalle Drive, Bismarck. Phone: 701-354-7500.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Luke Schaefer, Exec. Director, Lee Weisgarber Program Director and staff at their new location at 128 Soo Line Drive Suite 102. Phone: 701-751-4041. Member.
September 22-23 Applefest October 13
Paint the Town Pink
October 19-21
Hunting Dakota with Roosevelt
October 24
Bucks for Bras
www.bismarckmandan.com
Welcome new members
The Chamber of Commerce encourages all members to do business with each other. The following companies and organizations have recently made an important investment in their business by joining the Chamber. Please consider them for your professional and personal needs. To find a complete listing of Chamber members, view the Member Directory online at www.bismarckmandan.com.
Mighty Missouri Coffee Co. 411 Fraine Barracks Rd. Bismarck, ND Brian Jackson (701) 751-2949 A mighty team of coffee professionals passionately working on quality from farm to roast to cup. We’re here to add the best coffee you’ve ever experienced to your adventure. Mighty Missouri Coffee Co. - YMCA 1608 N Washington Street Bismarck, ND Brian Jackson (701) 751-2949 A mighty team of coffee professionals passionately working on quality from farm to roast to cup. We’re here to add the best coffee you’ve ever experienced to your adventure. Ideal Option 549 Airport Road Bismarck, ND Megan Sanders (877) 522-1275 Ideal Option is an addiction medicine practice whose goal is to empower individuals to live healthy lives through personalized medicine and education.
Lucky’s 13 Pub 915 S 3rd Street Bismarck, ND Chad Martin (701) 751-7913 Fun, casual restaurant featuring a great new menu with nightly specials. West 2 North Medical Solutions 4207 Boulder Ridge Road, #175 Bismarck, ND Nicole Stoddard (701) 751-1849 Local office offering alternative medical solutions. Main Street Drive Thru Liquor 1005 E. Main St. Mandan, ND Jerry & Shawn Stryker (701) 663-8888 Retail liquor store with drive thru and full bar.
Precision Therapy 3123 N 14th Street Suite A Bismarck, ND Amber Bossert (701) 751-0705 Providing physical therapy services to help patients reach their maximum potential & focus on increasing function & physical wellbeing. Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc. 2219 E. Main Ave Bismarck, ND Damita Engel (701) 258-1215 Specializing in cultural resource compliance and permitting services. Our professional, responsive approach and expert solutions translate directly into value and success for our clients. Chamber Connection | 35
Bismarck-Mandan ChamberConnection 1640 Burnt Boat Drive Bismarck, ND 58503
Upcoming Chamber Events CELEBRATE BISMARCK-MANDAN Date: Thursday, September 6, 2018 • Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center – 800 S 3rd Street, Bismarck AT THE
FRIDAYS AT THE CHAMBER Date: Friday, September 7, 2018 • Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: Chamber of Commerce Patio – 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck BRATS WITH THE BRAVE Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2018 • Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm Location: Raymond J. Bohn Armory – 4200 Miriam Avenue, Bismarck
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER: HOLIDAY INN Date: Thursday, September 20, 2018 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Holiday Inn – 3903 State Street, Bismarck
Presented By:
Raymond J. Bohn Armory 4200 Miriam Avenue, Bismarck 11:30am - 1:30pm
HARVEST MIXER Date: Thursday, October 4, 2018 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Open Road Honda – 4120 Memorial Hwy, Mandan
MILITARY APPRECIATION PICNIC OPEN TO ACTIVE/VETERAN MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THE PUBLIC
WORKFORCE SUMMIT Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2018 • Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm Location: Radission Hotel – 605 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck
“Especially being gone for over 30 days, we are so happy to know we have the staff at Touchmark and wonderful neighbors to help us out.” - Fran Brown, Touchmark resident
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