November Connection

Connection NOVEMBER 2023

WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM

NEW AMERICANS WORKFORCE GAPS

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 Larry Oswald ......................................Montana-Dakota Utilities 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

Emily Eback ...Business Development & Marketing Coordinator Ross Frohlich ............................................Membership Director Brenda Nagel .................................................President & CEO Christine Nelson ..........................Vice President Sales & Events Rebecca Pelkey .................................Communications Specialist Julianne Sauvage ...................... Office & Accounting Manager Lyndsey Scheurer .........................Creative Marketing Specialist Nathan Schneider .........Vice President Economic Development Emily Seebold ................................................ Sales Coordinator Cathryn Sprynczynatyk .....................Communications Specialist

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

CONTACT INFORMATION Advertising Emily Seebold eseebold@bmcedc.com

FIBT.COM 2 4 Connection

Content Rebecca Pelkey rpelkey@bmcedc.com

W

CONNECTION | CHAIR'S CORNER

ith an employment market that’s tighter than ever, I’m sure many of us can agree that finding (and keeping!) new employees feels next to impossible these days. Nationwide, unemployment rates sit well below 4% and, in North Dakota, we boast a rate that’s at 2%. As a strong indicator of our local economy, our Bismarck-Mandan unemployment rate sits well below the national average at 1.9%, which is something we can all be proud of, but it’s also one of the biggest challenges of doing business. As a large percentage of our workforce sets their eyes on retirement in the next several years, pressure of filling vacant positions is only going to increase.

While North Dakota might not always be the obvious choice for people to move, you can’t argue that we don’t have employment opportunities galore. In fact, an increasing number of New Americans are contributing to our workforce in a very positive way.

This month’s Connection is all about New Americans in the workplace and how international residents have found opportunities to build great careers. As many of us have seen, Bismarck-Mandan is not only growing in numbers, but we’re also growing in diversity—and that is great to see. In this issue you’ll read stories that share how New Americans are contributing to all areas of our business community. You’ll hear about how the entrepreneurial mindset of a New American has led to the success of Kobe’s restaurant in Bismarck. You’ll hear from one of our largest manufacturers, Cloverdale Foods, and how they’ve embraced overseas workforce to fill their employment needs in Mandan, and you’ll read about how one of our largest employers in the region, Sanford Health, is employing New Americans to fill critical vacancies in our local healthcare economy.

Through these stories, I am proud to see how our local businesses are finding ways to welcome these new residents — and there are so many similar experiences to share. As we continue to find new ways to address our workforce challenges, I hope you’ll join me in welcoming and celebrating these newest residents of our Bismarck-Mandan community!

Wendy Van Duyne, Chair Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

Cover Photo Credit: LPT Images These employees from Cloverdale Foods, Kobe’s Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, North Dakota Petroleum Council, Prudent Homecare, and Sanford Health were born in Guam, Indonesia, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and United States of America.

Connection 3 3

FEATURE | CONNECTION

LOCAL EMPLOYERS PROVE NEW AMERICANS CAN BE A PART OF THE WORK FORCE SOLUTION

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk While Mandan Public Schools English language learner population has gone from five in 2011 to 51 students today, there is an obvious explanation — Cloverdale Foods. Cloverdale recruits from U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam.

The company provides initial housing as well as transportation.

Photo Credit: LPT Images

Employees from these territories do not have to undergo a visa process, since they are American citizens. That simplifies recruiting for Cloverdale, although they have plenty of other challenges such Cloverdale Foods, Kobe’s Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, North Dakota Petroleum Council, Prudent Homecare, and Sanford Health all employ people as cultural and language differences. On a recent tour of Cloverdale Foods, the tour guide said, “Every who were born overseas. machine here is designed to grind and process meat. Do you think that makes safety important?” To “North Dakota’s and Cloverdale’s economic growth has protect their workers, Cloverdale makes sure there is been challenged by our lack of available workforce,” said a team lead who also speaks English. Employees wear Scott Staudinger, Cloverdale Vice President for Human color-coded hard hats that denote their job status as Resources and Government Affairs. “To address this well as how new they are. shortage, Cloverdale focused our efforts on the immense talent beyond our borders. We sought people who want to work and build a life in North Dakota.”

It has been exactly 90 years since the State of North Dakota had an office focused on immigration. The 2023 legislature passed a bill to establish an Office of Legal Immigration, which is a revival of a concept that last died out during the Great Depression in 1933.

INFRASTRUCTURAL RENEWAL. ALIGNED VISIONS. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS.

SOLVING YOUR MOST COMPLEX CHALLENGES.

Engineers | Architects | Planners | Scientists 701.354.7121 | sehinc.com/subscribe

4 4 Connection

The office is in its infancy, and it is housed under the North Dakota Department of Commerce. Staff will be kicking off a study within a few weeks to examine what is working in North Dakota, what isn’t, and what gaps need to be filled in the immigration process. The study will include New Americans, employers with a history of international recruiting, employers interested in international recruiting, groups that work with New Americans, and community leaders.

North Dakota is the 20th state to create such an office.

In other states, it is commonly called the Office of New Americans.

“So many of the (immigration) barriers are at the federal level,” said Janna Pastir, Deputy Director of Workforce Development for the Department of Commerce. “Now, that North Dakota has an Office of Legal Immigration, we have a voice to participate at the federal level.”

CONNECTION | FEATURE

SANFORD HEALTH

In recent years, Sanford Health has begun its own international recruiting program. In 2020, the Sanford Health system was facing staffing shortages.

They wanted to be innovative in their approach to staffing, since the number of qualified individuals in the state was not going to fulfill the workforce need. Instead, they created an international nurse recruitment program.

Sanford partnered with Connetics, an international nursing recruitment agency.

Sanford Health partners with Connetics to hire nurses from Philippines, Nepal, India, Nigeria, and Kenya.

Connetics handles the immigration process, which Abouassaly said she believes Sanford’s model could simplifies things for Sanford. be replicated in other industries looking for work force Once the nurses arrive, they are eligible to apply for solutions. Sanford has also recruited internationally for a green card, which is a permanent resident card. medical laboratory technicians and dieticians. Systemwide, the Sanford enterprise has 16 percent of their employees Nurses have been hired from the Philippines, Nepal, hired internationally.

India, Nigeria, and Kenya. The nurses make a three-year commitment with Sanford Health. If they decide to leave “I think bringing in the diversity into Bismarck-Mandan is the company after the three-year commitment, the green wonderful,” Abouassaly said. card allows them to seek employment elsewhere in the country.

“We would love for them to stay with us and stay in the Bismarck community, and we have had a very high retention rate thus far,” said Gabrielle Abouassaly, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant for Sanford Bismarck.

Sanford has recruited over 110 nurses. They have seen units go from understaffed to fully staffed. Previously, the dialysis unit had been staffed by travel nurses. Now, it is completely staffed by Sanford nurses. The international nurses are not just working entry-level positions. They have become charge nurses leading the shift and preceptors educating new hires.

Culture shock is the biggest challenge. The nurses often bring their families, but they don’t have the same family support system that they had back home. Nursing practices can differ in their home country, so there can be a learning curve. Winter is, of course, another difficulty.

Sanford assists the international nurses in finding housing and transportation. Newly developed apartment housing in downtown Bismarck has proven popular.

Nut-oriously Delicious!

Featuring Gourmet Nuts Trail Mixes Nostalgic Candy VIP Sampling Parties Fundraisers Gift Baskets Bulk Orders

216 N 4th Street • Bismarck, ND 701-751-7881 www.nutsncandy.com VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED

Connection 3 5

FEATURE | CONNECTION

PRUDENT HOMECARE

The healthcare industry in North Dakota has been recruiting New Americans for years.

Nursing homes are often staffed with New Americans — and there can be cultural reasons why. USAHello, a non-profit organization, provides information for immigrants on American cultural differences. According to the USAHello website, “Older adults do not get the same level of respect as they do in many other countries… They usually live on their own or in assisted living residences or nursing homes. This may be a hard adjustment for older immigrants. It can cause loneliness and be more expensive.”

Leah Hargrove, Co-Director of Bismarck Global Neighbors, has seen this first-hand.

Since business-owner Ademola Coker immigrated to the United States, he is able to mentor his employees at Prudent Homecare who were born overseas.

“In broad generalizations, people from traditional cultures often have a much higher ethos of respect for the elderly, and a wide sense of community,” Hargrove said. “A lot of New Americans I work with are surprised to see Americans don’t have their elderly living with them, that they are living in nursing homes. At nursing homes, a lot of CNAs are New Americans.”

6 4 Connection

CONNECTION | FEATURE Ademola Coker, who was born and raised in Nigeria, grew up in a culture that emphasized care and reverence of the elderly.

“We’re very big on that,” Coker said. “We’re almost over the top with it.”

Coker’s family took care of his grandmother when he was growing up. As a kid, he had no clue that she had dementia.

“We just thought grandma was being mean,” Coker said.

“She would haul insults at us. Now, being in the field I know now she had dementia.”

Coker, who is multi-lingual, learned English as his first language. At age 17, he came to the United States to attend college at Dickinson State University. He pursued computer science and business before he finally settled on a management degree at Bismarck State College.

Coker had worked in nursing homes, so when he wanted to found a business, healthcare was a natural fit. Coker is CEO of Prudent Homecare, a home health agency. They provide 24/7 care for clients in their homes. They also have adult foster homes in both Mandan and Bismarck. The clients require nursing home level care, and Prudent Homecare offers that in a home setting. The clients have high-level needs such as being quadriplegic.

“I always had the entrepreneurial spirit,” Coker said. “I needed something needs-based. If your business is not needed, you’re just taking a risk. Healthcare is always needed.”

Coker saw a gap in the market. He said the situation is improving statewide now.

Coker has 37 employees from Nigeria, Liberia, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, and North Dakota. Many of his employees come from cultures with a similar attitude toward the elderly.

“Fellow New Americans are attracted to this line of work,” Coker said. “Being an immigrant myself, I have the experience of moving to another country. We have some employees who have lived here for only three months. You can imagine how difficult it is to navigate life in a different country.”

Coker can provide that mentorship to his employees who are navigating their own immigration process.

Connection 3 7

FEATURE | CONNECTION

KOBE’S JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

Kobe’s Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar was founded by a man from China, and it is managed by a man from Indonesia. When Kobe Lin was doing market research in Bismarck-Mandan, he saw plenty of Chinese restaurants. What he didn’t see was any Japanese restaurants.

Since Lin and his wife are both trained in Japanese cuisine, they were well-suited to open a Japanese restaurant.

Kiky Rizky is the General Manager of Kobe’s. He was born in Jakarta, Indonesia. He graduated from a hotel Kobe’s Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar was founded by Kobe Lin, who was born in China, and is managed by Kiky Rizky, who was born in Indonesia. academy and made his career in the hospitality industry. He said he has enjoyed living and working abroad — from Singapore to an international cruise line to For Rizky, America fits the bill.

North Dakota.

“I can’t stop going abroad,” Rizky said. “I just need to go to some place where I feel like everything is organized, wellstructured, and everyone follows rules and laws.”

Rizky received his green card earlier this year, which is a permanent residency card. That has allowed him to bring his wife and two children from Indonesia, from whom he has lived separately for 17 years. Rizky’s son was 4-monthsold when he moved away. He is now a student at Legacy High School. His daughter was 4-years-old, and she is now a student at Bismarck State College.

Rizky said he tries to monitor trends in the restaurant world and continually adapt Kobe’s in response to the trends.

He is personally interested in Artificial Intelligence, since robot servers are starting to become more common in major cities like New York. Because of this, Rizky sees the personal touch becoming that much more important.

TWO DECADES OF EXPERTISE! Mention EDC Get 20% off any dent repair service by mentioning the EDC code!

2410 Lockheed Drive, Ste 1 Bismarck, North Dakota 701-581-3515 www.bismandent.com 8 4 Connection

NORTH DAKOTA PETROLEUM COUNCIL

The petroleum industry brought a lot of Americans to North Dakota during the height of the Great Recession and the height of the oil boom. But now, even the oil industry is struggling to hire adequate workforce.

“We began hearing from our major oil producers that they had long-term concerns of how to deploy their capital in the Bakken, especially with workforce needs,” said Ron Ness, President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council.

In response to the problem, the North Dakota Petroleum Council started a pilot program called Bakken Grow.

Bakken Grow serves NDPC members by helping to recruit internationally. The first country being targeted by Bakken Grow is Ukraine.

CONNECTION | FEATURE Bakken Grow has the potential to expand beyond Ukraine to other countries. After the program was founded in March, the first 10 Ukrainians arrived in North Dakota in July. Currently, 60 Ukrainians are working for 16 employers.

Ness thinks this program could be replicated by other industries. At the same time, North Dakota isn’t the only state facing a workforce shortage.

Since the North Dakota Petroleum Council started partnering with United for Ukraine in March, they have been able to place 60 Ukrainians with 16 employers.

NDPC is partnering with a program of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration department called Uniting for Ukraine. It was established soon after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

The program provides a pathway for asylum seekers to emigrate from Ukraine to the United States.

“North Dakota is facing workforce shortages similar to all other states,” said Pastir, the Deputy Director of North Dakota’s Office of Legal Immigration.

“We are competing not just on a national but a global stage for talent.

Having these programs and framework in place will make North Dakota more attractive for people to come and work here.”

“The reality is many of these Ukrainians need us, and it happens that we need them,” Ness said. “With the rich Ukrainian culture in North Dakota, we thought it would potentially be a good fit.”

In addition, Ukraine has a robust energy industry with natural gas, oil, and coal, as well us hydro, nuclear and biofuels industries.

SIGN UP FOR FALL RECREATIONAL DANCE!

Men ages 18-60 cannot leave Ukraine unless they meet certain criteria: they have already served in the war, they have three or more minor children, or they are single fathers. Any men immigrating to the United States fit these criteria.

Previously, North Dakota’s petroleum industry simply paid workers higher wages to ensure adequate workforce. In the past year, that workforce well has been running dry.

“We have done everything we can to hire Americans, but we have exhausted the pool of workers in western North Dakota,” Ness said. “We can’t find enough North Dakotans to train and retain them, so we are looking at this as a longterm solution.”

SIGN UP TODAY

FACEBOOK.COM/STUDIO180DANCECO.ORG

Connection 3 9

FEATURE | CONNECTION

HOW DO WE INTEGRATE NEW AMERICANS INTO OUR COMMUNITY?

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk In 2011 when Teresa Lindemann started working with English language learners at Mandan Public Schools, she had five students. That is a distant memory. Within five years, she had 51 students. Today, she works with 151 students speaking 19 languages. In many ways, the schools are on the front lines when it comes to incorporating New Americans and English language learners into the Bismarck-Mandan community.

MANDAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

At the high school and middle school level, students have English Language (EL) classes as part of their schedule.

As much as possible, Lindemann tries to group students with similar levels of English. Students will also receive help during study hall and can receive special instruction on English for specific academic disciplines. At the elementary level, students receive pull-out services, when an EL teacher pulls them out of the classroom to provide instruction.

For several years, the EL program experienced exponential growth. That growth had leveled off when the coronavirus pandemic began, although this year MPS is starting to see the return of rapid growth. To compensate, they just onboarded a Spanish-speaking teacher for the high school level. They are advertising for a third EL teacher to serve the elementary schools.

10 4 Connection

CONNECTION | FEATURE

English Learners work together at Mandan High School.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Although there are 19 languages spoken within MPS, 73 percent of the EL students speak Spanish.

“In some ways, that is easier for us,” Lindemann said. “When we can find Spanish speaking pairs, that is easier for the kids. It’s a different situation for every student. You have to meet them where they are at. There is no textbook for what we do.”

When students approach graduation, they can test their multi-lingual proficiency. Depending on their skill level, they can receive a gold or silver Seal of Bi-literacy on their diploma. Lindemann said these multi-lingual employees would be great assets to employers.

Lindemann said she would love to see more translation services provided by the business community — whether that be bilingual advertising, bilingual website, or purchasing a low-cost translation service. The school contracts with Voiance. When Lindemann needs to speak with the parents of an EL student, she calls Voiance to connect live with a translator who participates in the conversation.

“One challenge for our families when they really need something, they might pull their child out of school to translate,” Lindemann said. “That’s not always great for the child. If they had access to some kind of translation service, they wouldn’t have to pull their child out of school.”

Spanish – 145 students Chuukese – 102 Ukrainian – 31 French – 30 Filipino/Tagalog – 26 English-based Cerole – 25 Kiswahili/Swahili – 16 Russian – 16 Vietnamese – 13 Chinese – 12 Arabic – 11 Marshallese – 8 Chamorro – 6 Haitian-Creole – 6 Achi Afrikaans Akan Albanian Amharic Cebuano Dakota Dinka Ewe Finian Finnish French-based Creole Fulah Fulani German

Gujarati Hawaiian Hidatsa Hindi Igbo Keres Kinyamulenge Kinyarwanda Krio Lakota/Dakota Liberian English Malay Malayam Mandingo Palauan Portuguese Punjabi Quechua Shona Sioux Swati Thai Tigrinya Turkish Twi Urdu Wolof Yapese Yemba

MANDAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Spanish – 108 students Ukrainian – 5 Russian – 5 Swahili – 4 Tagalog – 3 Chamorro – 3 Ilongo – 3 Chaldean – 2 Vietnamese – 2 Arabic – 2 French – 2 English Creole – 2 Chinese – 1 Igbo – 1 Lakota – 1 Siouan Language – 1 Visayan – 1 Yoruba – 1 Liberian English – 1

Connection 3 11

FEATURE | CONNECTION

BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Naturally with its larger size Bismarck Public Schools serves more EL students — more than 500 speaking over 55 languages. The top two language groups reflect the workforce recruitment of Cloverdale Foods: 35 percent of their EL students speak Spanish, followed by Chuukese, which is spoken in Guam and Micronesia.

Ukrainian and Russian speakers have increased in the past two years due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Typically, the Russian speakers are Russia-speaking Ukrainians.

Bismarck Public Schools serve over 500 EL students speaking 55 languages.

The EL population at BPS has doubled within the past eight years. Each of the three BPS high schools and middle schools have full-time EL teachers. Bismarck High School has 1.5 times more EL students than the other high schools. Horizon Middle School has recently seen a big increase in EL students as international employees from Sanford Health have moved to north Bismarck.

At the elementary school level, EL services are integrated into the classroom. Many of the EL teacher aides speak Spanish or French.

“We would love nothing more than to have a Chuukesespeaking aid,” said EL Program Coordinator Kayla Ekart.

Bismarck Public Schools has an EL Refugee Liaison, Kara Sharff. Sharff can connect with the EL students on a unique level. She was born in Minnesota and raised in Mandan.

At age 22, she moved to Argentina and lived there for almost 20 years before she returned to Bismarck-Mandan.

Scharf had to learn how to function as an adult in the same community where she had spent her childhood.

“Even though I was born and raised here, I felt like an immigrant in my own community,” Sharff said. “When I came here, it was a community that surrounded and introduced me to the culture — taught me how to rent an apartment, introduced me to the basics of this culture.”

She said a big culture shock was walking into Walmart and learning how to use a self-checkout station.

“I lived here pre-technology,” Sharff said. “I’m no different than anybody else coming into this country. People had to show me how to do everything.”

Sharff tries to help families bridge the gaps through home visits, school visits, phone calls, and connecting with the teachers.

A few weeks ago, she picked up a Horizon Middle School student and brought him to school. His mother asked to come along to see where her son was going every day.

12 4 Connection

CONNECTION | FEATURE

BISMARCK GLOBAL NEIGHBORS

While the public school districts serve K-12 students, their parents and older siblings have just as great a need for services. In 2015, Leah Hargrove founded Bismarck Global Neighbors to address the lack of integration support for New Americans. It is a one-on-one mentoring program with New Americans and local North Dakotans. They meet for one hour each week, and mentors help the mentees with anything they need to get integrated into the community.

Bismarck Global Neighbors also spends significant time on community education and advocacy. They teach New Americans what their rights are, because this group can be vulnerable to exploitation. Hargrove said New Americans are often willing to work jobs that Americans won’t, which puts them at risk for exploitation.

Many EL aids at Bismarck Public Schools speak Spanish or French. Top on the wish list would be a Chuukese-speaking aid.

Sharff used Google translate to communicate with the mother, who spoke French. Sharff took the opportunities to teach the mother simple directional phrases like, “Turn right. Go straight.” The mother repeated each phrase to practice.

“It just flooded me with emotion,” Sharff said. “It’s such a simple thing that you are adding to their life.”

Both Sharff and Ekart emphasized the need for community support of New Americans.

“Celebrate differences and be curious about people and cultures and languages who are different from you,” Ekart said. “There are so many strengths that these families are bringing to our community.”

Both mentioned they would love to see mentorship opportunities from local businesses.

“So many families come from a background that has the (professional) skills, but they don’t have the same professional licenses to work in that same field in our country,” Ekart said.

Sharff said there can be a lot of isolation when you move to a new culture.

“I really am a connector,” Sharff said, “because I see what life is like to be an immigrant in the community. I’m also from here, so I have that background to pull from.

I understand the immigrant culture and what it’s like to integrate yourself in the community, because I live it.”

“As I began to interact with new arrivals, I realized how many of them felt very lonely and very isolated,” Hargrove said. “I saw that particularly with other moms like me. I was a mom with young children, and I meet immigrant moms with young children who felt trapped in their apartments with no one they could communicate with. No one should feel lonely and scared.”

Hargrove recalled delivering fresh garden vegetables to a woman from Afghanistan. That woman had been living in Bismarck-Mandan for 6-months, and no one had come to visit her.

When Hargrove first founded Bismarck Global Neighbors, she was the only part-time employee. Now, they have a staff of five to six employees speaking 10 languages.

Hargrove said there is a common misconception that New Americans are low-skilled. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Many of the New Americans have professional skills; they just lack the English skills as well as proper licensing.

“We have people who were lawyers and doctors at home, and they are working as CNAs here,” Hargrove said.

Hargrove said she has seen a lot of turnover with New Americans leaving our community due to a lack of community integration — and also the weather.

“We have a real opportunity if we are looking at immigrants as a workforce solution,” Hargrove said.

“People are new to the country. They don’t have ties to anywhere else in the U.S., and they might put down deep roots with their families. That requires that we be welcoming in our community.”

Connection 3 13

MEMBER PROFILE | CONNECTION

Dakota Home Care is located in the Big Pines Center off Century Ave and have been members since 2018.

Beverly Unrath DAKOTA HOME CARE Tell us about yourself and your role within your business.

A: As the owner and CEO of Dakota Home Care, I am proud to lead a team that is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to our clients.

Over the past decade, we have grown to become one of the most trusted home care providers in our community, and I am honored to be a part of such a meaningful and impactful industry.

Beyond my role as a business owner, I am a wife and mother of two incredible children. My family is my greatest source of inspiration and motivation, and they remind me every day of the importance of faith, love and connection.

I believe that the values I hold dear in my personal life translate seamlessly into my work as a business owner namely, a commitment to excellence and a deep sense of care for those around me.

14 4 Connection

MEMBER SINCE 2018

Briefly tell us the history behind Dakota Home Care and how you got started.

A: The story behind Dakota Home Care is inspiring. My sister Jamie Fleck, a registered nurse from Mandan, ND met a woman who also lived in Mandan that had suffered a brain stem stroke, survived it, and was diagnosed with locked-in syndrome at the age of 37. Locked in syndrome (LiS) is a rare disorder of the nervous system. People with LiS are: Paralyzed except for the muscles that control eye movement.

They are conscious (aware) and can think and reason but cannot move or speak; They can communicate with blinking eye movements. Supportive therapy for breathing and feeding is very important. People with LiS often need an artificial aid for breathing and will have a tracheotomy.

These treatments required skilled nursing care.

Sadly, at that time, North Dakota did not have any agencies that could help patients with LiS get the care they needed at home. Which meant the only option was a nursing home facility. But at the young age of 37, this woman wanted to remain at home with her husband and children. My sister, Jamie made it her mission to get Heidi home, and that's how Dakota Home Care was started. What started as the desire to help one woman, resulted in helping hundreds of people.

CONNECTION | MEMBER PROFILE How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Dakota Home Care?

A: There is a large aging population in the state of North Dakota and it is growing. Expanding long-term care options to include aging in place with in-home care has been critical to provide quality long-term care to our aging population.

And most seniors prefer to age at home over moving to a facility.

What trends are taking place in your industry?

A: Several trends are taking place in the home care industry, including: 1. Focus on Chronic Disease Management: As chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's become more prevalent, home care providers are placing greater emphasis on disease management services. This involves developing individualized care plans, educating clients on managing their conditions, and monitoring their progress.

2. Increased Personalization: Home care providers are recognizing the importance of personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. They are offering a range of services customized to the client's preferences, culture, and lifestyle.

3. Greater Integration of Technology: The integration of technology is transforming the home care industry.

From remote patient monitoring and electronic health records to telehealth and assistive devices, technology is enabling more efficient, cost-effective, and personalized home care delivery.

4. Expansion of Non-Medical Home Care Services: As more seniors and individuals with disabilities choose to age in place, home care providers are expanding their non-medical services to meet unique client needs, including socialization, transportation, and housekeeping.

5. Greater Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Home care providers are increasingly collaborating with other healthcare providers, including physicians, hospitals, and nursing homes. This collaboration ensures that clients receive coordinated, comprehensive care and reduces the risk of hospital readmissions.

Overall, these trends reflect a growing demand for personalized, technology-enabled, and coordinated home care services that meet the unique needs and preferences of clients and their families.

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

A: There have been significant and positive changes for the home care industry in the state of North Dakota in recent years. In 2020, the state of North Dakota announced a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice to expand home and community-based care services and enable individuals with disabilities to live in the least restrictive setting possible. Following this settlement, ND State Medicaid developed programs to allow seniors to receive up to 24-hour in-home care as an alternative to nursing home placement. Prior to that, the only option to age at home was to pay privately. Today, all seniors have equal opportunity to age at home for a lifetime.

What does the future Dakota Home Care look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: The future holds great potential for growth and innovation for home care. By keeping an eye on industry trends, embracing technological advancements, and continuously adapting our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients, our homecare agency will continue to thrive and make a significant impact in the future.

Dakota Home Care became a Chamber EDC member in 2018, why do you continue to renew?

A: We have been renewing our membership with the local chamber of commerce since 2018 because we value the opportunities that come with being part of this community.

The chamber of commerce provides us with access to local business leaders, networking events, and marketing opportunities that help to expand our reach and generate more business. Being a member of the chamber also allows us to stay informed about local policies and events that may impact our business operations. Additionally, we believe in supporting the growth and development of our community, and being a member of the chamber is a great way to contribute to this effort. Overall, we have found our membership with the local chamber of commerce to be a valuable investment that has helped us grow our business and contribute to the prosperity of our community.

What should other Chamber EDC members know about Dakota Home Care that may assist them?

A: The aging process is a natural part of life, and at some point, many of us or our loved ones may require long-term care. When considering long-term care, many people view nursing homes as the only option. However, in-home care can be a cost-effective and personalized alternative that offers numerous benefits.

We at Dakota Home Care are passionate about keeping home an option. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve, and we look forward to serving our community for many years to come.

Connection 3 15

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CDHRA HOSTS 3RD ANNUAL MOCK INTERVIEW EVENT The Central Dakota Human Resources Association (CDHRA) in coordination with the Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy will be hosting it’s 3rd annual mock interview event November 22nd and 28th, 2023.

This event brings together nearly 50 volunteers to provide mock interviews to over 150 health science and other vocational tech students at the Career Academy. Through this event, students will gain and hone their interviewing skills with area human resources professionals.

Each student will go through two, ten to fifteen minute interviews to practice common interview questions. If you would like to participate as a volunteer interviewer, please visit our link at the QR code below or email cdhraweb@gmail.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2023 ECONOMIC INDICATORS Sales Tax Collected $3,318,973

Airport Passengers 42,068

ECONOMY

Single Family Building Permits 37

Connections that Matter. bek.coop | 701.475.2361

16 4 Connection

Restaurant & Lodging Tax Collected $416,004

2023 Premier Technology Business BEK Communcations

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

YEAR IN REVIEW: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE In October of 2022, the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC adopted the Economic Development Strategic Plan. This plan was developed by economic development consultants, Next Move Group, and included input and guidance from a number of stakeholders across Bismarck Mandan.

The plan included nine strategies to strengthen the Chamber EDC’s reach and offerings to the local economy. Nearing the end of the first year of implementation, the team has indicated areas of completion and is beginning to set plans in place for the coming year.

Strategy #1: Promote, Strengthen, and Create a 5-Step Marketing Ladder for Lead Generation

A LinkedIn marketing strategy was developed and implemented to help create awareness from C-level executives in targeted industries. Staff also led the development of a brand-new economic development focused website highlighting featured advantages Bismarck Mandan can offer. A video library of people not from Bismarck Mandan and who love it here is also being established. Staff is also working with the Bismarck Vision Fund Committee to create more transparency and consistency on the process to obtain funding through the Vision Fund.

Chad Chancellor unveiled the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC's economic development strategic plan to community leaders and stakeholders last October.

Strategy #3: Add a Survey to Your Existing Business Retention and Expansion Program

A survey is being developed and will be distributed at the end of 2023 to help augment the Chamber EDC’s in-person Business Retention & Expansion efforts. This survey will also assist the Chamber EDC in it’s efforts to being more receptive to the needs of the business community.

Strategy #6: Elevate Talent Attraction Efforts

To do this, we created a standalone talent attraction site: makeyourmarkbisman.com. This site features information on life, fun, opportunities, news, and relocation services for the Bismarck Mandan area.

We also placed a number of Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn ads with geofenced locations in key demographic areas. These ads targeted young professionals and featured imagery of young adults taking advantage of all that life in Bismarck-Mandan has to offer.

Strategy #7: Create Economic Growth in Bismarck Mandan by Helping Existing Small Businesses Double Their Revenues

A Goldman Sach 10,000 Small Businesses program was launched in North Dakota. This program was specifically mentioned in the strategic plan as a way to help train business leaders in entrepreneurial elements. The program has nine of the 25 participants that are from Bismarck Mandan or surrounding area.

Strategy #9: Quality of Life Priorities (Non-Chamber EDC Led)

Chamber EDC staff participated in focus groups and on the steering committee for the group leading the efforts to revitalize the riverfront along the Missouri River. The group has pitched it’s final masterplan and has a website laying out their priorities.

Development and expansion of businesses in the Bismarck-Mandan area remains the primary goals of the economic development team. Our economic development team will continue to follow the goals and strategies outlined by the strategic plan in the coming years. The team also will begin planning for the next steps in order to continue assisting future economic growth of the area.

Connection 3 17

CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATE BISMARCK MANDAN AWARD RECIPIENTS On September 28th, the annual Celebrate BismarckMandan award ceremony took place at the Bismarck Event Center. This year we celebrated many outstanding businesses and their leaders throughout our great community!

The Chamber EDC would like to congratulate the following recipients once more as well as all of those in our 20 Under 40 and Empowering Women in Business class: Young Entrepreneurs of the Year

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Ella Koper & Avril Pomarleau — Mini Mortgage Gurus – Assure Home Mortgage AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR Brent Solberg — Bain Agency SERVICE AWARD OF THE YEAR Joanna Drennen — North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD Home Instead

Ambassador of the Year

WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Jade Scherr — HexaHive SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Stewart, Deisz & York Dental LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR First International Bank & Trust

Service Award of the Year

18 4 Connection

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATE BISMARCK MANDAN AWARD RECIPIENTS THANK YOU SPONSORS: Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors: Golden Eagle Award

Media Sponsor: Award Sponsors: Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bravera Bank, KLJ Engineering

Women Owned Business of the Year

Small Business of the Year

Table Sponsors: Apex Engineering Group, Inc., Assure Home Mortgage, Bank of North Dakota, Baptist Health & Rehab, Bismarck Cancer Center, Bismarck Nothing Bundt Cakes, Bismarck State College, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Brady, Martz & Associates, P.C., Capital Credit Union, Cash Wise Foods, CENTURY 21 Morrison Realty, CHI St. Alexius Health, Choice Bank, CornerStone Bank, CrossCountry Freight Solutions, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Dakota Home Care, Doosan Bobcat, Eide Bailly LLP, Fireside Office Solutions, First International Bank & Trust, Gate City Bank, HexaHive, Home Instead, ICON Architectural Group, Investcore Inc., Kirkwood Bank & Trust, Mann Signs, Inc., Marathon Petroleum, McGough Construction, Moore Engineering Inc, Northwest Contracting, RE/MAX Capital, Sanford Health, SchmitzHolmstrom CPAs, SERVPRO of Bismarck, Silicon Plains, Starion Bank, Stewart, Deisz & York Dental, The Kid's Therapy Center, United Tribes Technical College, University of Mary, Weigel Funeral and Cremation Service

Large Business of the Year

Connection 3 19

CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN

Service All Brands!

WE INSTALL AND/OR SERVICE: • Boilers • Furnaces • Air Conditioners • Water Heaters • Heat Pumps

• Air Filtration Systems • Garage Heaters • Humidifiers • Zoning Systems • Ductwork

* 60 MONTHS INTEREST FREE FINANCING * When Available to Qualified Buyers on Qualified Products

Ask About Rebates!

We Sell Water Heaters!

701.223.2338 913 S 18th Street, Bismarck www.bismarckheating.com facebook.com/bismarckheating

ORIENTATION The Class of 2024 is the 34th cohort in the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan program. The class of 15 started the day with a speed networking activity to get to know the people with whom they will spend the next nine months.

The class participated in a “Civic Engagement 101” panel with Tim Helbling, Mandan Mayor; Julie Jeske, Bismarck Park Board; and Jackie Buckley, Morton County Commission. Chamber EDC President Brenda Nagel spoke on “The State of Bismarck-Mandan.” The class participated in a communications exercise to examine their communication personalities.

AGRICULTURE DAY Agriculture Day kicked off at the Bismarck State College Career Academy. Marko Davinic presented the BSC Mobile Ag Classroom and demonstrated how he uses soil samples from his students’ farms to test for salinity, compaction, and nutrients. The class spoke with a panel of BSC agriculture students to find out how future farmers are embracing changing technology.

Then, the class departed for a tour of a Burleigh County agriculture site. At Menoken Farms, Jay Fuhrer from Burleigh County Soil Conservation District spoke on soil health principles. People visit Menoken Farms from all over the world to learn about their studies and recommendations on soil health and sustainability.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Presenting Sponsors:

Gold Scholarship Sponsor: Sponsor: Program Sponsors: Bartlett & West, Inc., Basin Electric Power Cooperative, KLJ Orientation Co-chairs: Jessica Wetsch – North Dakota Information Technology Jason Sutheimer – North Dakota Job Service Jillian Lagasse – Capital Credit Union Agriculture Co-chairs: Lynette Borjeson-Painter – North Dakota University System Destiny Voth – Gate City Bank Jennifer Klesalack – Bismarck State College

5 Years “No Interest” Financing* • 10 Years Parts & Labor Warranty* • 24-7 Service*

20 4 Connection

Lunch Sponsors: Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Alumni Assoc - Orientation Day Bismarck State College - Agriculture Day

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

STATE OF THE CITIES RETURNS THIS NOVEMBER On Tuesday, November 14th, the Chamber EDC and members will hear from both mayors, as well as panels representing Bismarck/Burleigh County and Mandan/Morton County at the 2023 State of the Cities Address at the Bismarck Event Center, Hall A. Check-in will be from 7:00am to 7:30am, with the event to follow from 7:30am to 9:30am. A light breakfast will be available.

Guests will gain insight from both Mandan and Bismarck on State of the Cities will be on November 14th. the challenges and successes our community has faced throughout the past year, and what we can look forward to in the upcoming year. State THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: of the Cities will be full of information and keep those Presenting attending “in the know” about everything going on in Sponsors: our community!

AGENDA: Bismarck Mayor Presentation • Mayor Mike Schmitz Bismarck/Burleigh County Panel Moderated by: Molly Herrington - North Dakota's Office of Management and Budget Bismarck/Burleigh County Representatives: • Mayor Mike Schmitz – Bismarck City Commission • Wayne Munson – Burleigh County Commission • Dan Eastgate – Bismarck Public Schools • Michael Gilbertson – Bismarck Parks & Recreation District Mandan Mayor Presentation • Mayor Tim Helbling Mandan/Morton County Panel Moderated by: Tracy Porter – National Information Solutions Cooperative Mandan/Morton County Representatives: • Mayor Tim Helbling – Mandan City Commission • Nathan Boehm – Morton County Commission • Marnie Piehl – Mandan Public Schools • Wade Meschke – Mandan Parks & Recreation District

Gold Sponsors:

Media Sponsor: Silver Sponsors: ConocoPhillips, JLG Architects Table Sponsors: Apex Engineering Group, Inc., Bank of North Dakota, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck Cancer Center, Bismarck State College, BNC National Bank, Bravera Bank, Capital Credit Union, City of Bismarck, City of Mandan, Dakota Carrier Network, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, First International Bank & Trust, First Western Bank & Trust, Gate City Bank, HDR Engineering, ICON Architectural Group, Northern Improvement Co., Northwest Contracting, Sanford Health, Starion Bank, United Tribes Technical College, University of Mary

Registration closes Thursday, November 2nd at 4:00pm.

Connection 3 21

CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION

CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOV

NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER: CAPITAL CREDIT UNION

9

Date: Thursday, November 9 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Capital Credit Union — 204 W Thayer Ave, Bismarck Admission: Free to Attend

NOV

STATE OF THE CITIES

Network with fellow Chamber EDC members at the LAST mixer of 2023, hosted at Capital Credit Union!

14

Date: Tuesday, November 14 Check-In: 7:00am - 7:30am Location: Bismarck Event Center, Hall A — 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck Admission: $50 for Chamber EDC members/ $75 for General Admission

JAN

JANUARY MEMBERSHIP MIXER: EIDE FORD LINCOLN

Join us while we hear from Burleigh/Bismarck and Morton/Mandan panel discussions as they answer hard hitting questions.

18

Date: Thursday, January 18 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Eide Ford Lincoln — 800 E Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck Admission: Free to Attend

FEB

FOCUS ON BISMARCK-MANDAN

29 MAR

Event Time: 7:30am - 9:30am

Come join fellow Chamber EDC members for the first mixer of the year at Eide Ford Lincoln!

Date: Thursday, February 29 Check-In: 2:00pm - 2:30pm Social: 4:30pm - 6:00pm Location: University of Mary, Founders Hall — 7500 University Drive, Bismarck Admission: $60 for Chamber EDC members/ $125 for General Admission

Event Time: 2:30pm - 4:30pm

MARCH MEMBERSHIP MIXER: BAIN AGENCY

14

Date: Thursday, March 14 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Bain Agency — 1500 E Capitol Ave, Bismarck Admission: Free to Attend

APR

CHAMBER EDC ANNUAL DINNER

Join fellow Chamber EDC members for an evening of networking, hosted at Bain Agency!

18

Date: Thursday, April 18 Check-In/Social: 5:30pm - 7:00pm Location: Bismarck Event Center, Hall B — 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck Admission: $75 for Chamber EDC members, $125 for General Admission

MAY

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN FIELD PROJECT PRESENTATIONS

Be a part of Bismarck-Mandan’s premier black-tie event where the Chamber EDC will celebrate our accomplishments of 2023!

8

Date: Wednesday, May 8 Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm Location: Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC — 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Admission: Free to Attend

MAY

MAY MEMBERSHIP MIXER: MCQUADE DISTRIBUTING

9

Event Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Date: Thursday, May 9 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: McQuade Distributing — 1150 Industrial Drive, Bismarck Admission: Free to Attend

Come to the highly anticipated McQuade Membership Mixer and test the newest summer drinks!

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

22 4 Connection

MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

KRAUS-ANDERSON COMPLETES NEW CLINIC Kraus-Anderson has completed construction on a new $9.7 million clinic for Bismarck Burleigh Public Health located at 407 S. 26th St. in Bismarck, N.D. The public health building was formerly located at 500 E. Front Ave. Designed by Leo A Daly architects, the new facility is approximately 22,500 square feet and was designed with the needs of Bismarck Burleigh Public Health and its clients in mind, providing a more efficient and effective use of space.

The new clinic features the addition of family exam rooms, allowing more space to accommodate clients with multiple children or clients attending appointments with a caregiver or companion. The clinic also includes garage space for drive-through services such as immunizations, car seat installation and health screenings, and a front door drop-off area for clients to easily access the facility.

ENJOY MORE

freedom WITH PRIVATE BANKING Business owners, executives and successful professionals devote significant time and energy to their career.

TRISH KELLER

MATT POWER

Private Banking Officer 701.667.1658

Private Banking Officer 701.250.1413

patriciak@starionbank.com

matthewp@starionbank.com

But your personal finances are important, too.

Starion Bank's Private Banking services are tailored to your daily schedule and long-term goals.

®

starionbank.com | Member FDIC

24 4 Connection

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

SANFORD HEALTH EARNS GOLD RECOGNITION LEVEL Sanford Health has earned gold recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine™ recognized organization. The prestigious AMA distinction is granted only to organizations that attest to the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program and demonstrate a commitment to preserving the well-being of clinical care team members through proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.

“At Sanford Health, it is our philosophy to be purposeful with our intent of making sure our clinicians enjoy their practice,” said Heather Spies, M.D., physician director of clinician experience & well-being. “We know that when we invest in our clinicians, we’re ensuring all of our patients receive the best care possible. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to the well-being of our caregivers.”

Burnout rates among the nation’s physicians and other health care professionals spikeddramatically as the COVID-19 pandemic placed acute stress on care teams and exacerbated long-standing system issues. While the worst days of the pandemic have passed, the lingering impact of work-related burnout remains an obstacle to achieving national health goals.

“Health organizations that have earned recognition from the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leading a national movement that has declared the well-being of health professionals to be an essential element for providing high-quality care to patients, families and communities,” said AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H. “Each Joy in Medicine recognized organization is distinguished as among the nation’s best at creating a culture of wellness that makes a difference in the lives of clinical care teams.”

"The goal of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is to unite the health care community in building a nationwide culture committed to the well-being of clinical care teams by helping health organizations invest in action plans promoting professional fulfillment and meaning that clinicians find in caring for their patients,” said Christine Sinsky, M.D., AMA vice president of professional satisfaction.

Connection 3 25

MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

BSC REPORTS 10-YEAR ENROLLMENT HIGH FOR FALL; LARGEST FRESHMAN CLASS IN SCHOOL HISTORY Only five years after its designation as North Dakota Polytechnic Institution, Bismarck State College (BSC) has recorded its highest enrollment in 10 years with 4,065 students enrolled for the Fall 2023 semester – a nearly 8% increase over Fall 2022.

“This kind of growth and expansion is not only great for BSC but also for our communities and our state,” says Jensen. “More students are seeing the value of our polytechnic education model, high-demand career pathways, hands-on learning and affordable tuition.”

The third largest institution in the North Dakota University System (NDUS), BSC credit hours went up more than 5 percent, with students enrolled in nearly 39,000 credits.

The most significant increase was in freshman enrollment, up more than 9% over last year. Of the 11 NDUS institutions, BSC has the largest freshman class – 2,433 students enrolled in their first year of college – which is also a historic high for BSC.

Looking ahead, BSC anticipates enrollment will keep increasing as the polytechnic institution continues to add new academic programs in high-demand fields such as agriculture, cybersecurity, energy, health sciences, manufacturing and automation, and multiple others.

“A 9% increase in freshman enrollment is both an exciting and positive sign for future growth at Bismarck State College,” says BSC President Doug Jensen.

To facilitate program growth and build industry workforce, BSC broke ground last fall on the region’s only state-of-theart polytechnic education center next to the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence on campus. The new facility, specifically designed to facilitate hands-on learning and industry collaboration, is slated to be completed in November 2024.

“The more students we enroll in programs, the more we graduate and the more we are able to meet workforce needs. It’s a win for our students, and it’s also a win for economic, community and workforce development,” Jensen says.

This fall, BSC has students from every U.S. state and 11 countries enrolled in more than 100 career pathways.

Remember someone special this holiday season with a gift that continues to give.

All donations support an array of complimentary services to help patients through their cancer journeys.

Complimentary services include: Dietary Counseling • Lodging Assistance Support Groups • Physical Therapy • Massage Therapy Transportation Assistance • Emotional & Spiritual Counseling Provide help today at: bismarckcancercenter.com/donate bismarckcancercenter.com|222-6100|500 N 8th St|Bismarck, ND 58501 26 4 Connection

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

MANDAN RODEO TO HOST DECEMBER FUNDRAISER The Mandan Rodeo is excited to announce its newest event — the first annual Cowboy Christmas NFR Watch Party Fundraiser on Saturday, December 16 at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Mandan.

The event will help raise additional proceeds for the Mandan Rodeo’s 501(c)3 non profit, while giving local rodeo fans the opportunity to enjoy the 10th and final round of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (PRCA) Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

The event is named as a subtle nod to how the Mandan Rodeo became famous. The yearly rodeo is part of the “big loop” that includes the Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede allowing cowboys to go from rodeo to rodeo winning money in what’s referred to as “Cowboy Christmas” around the Fourth of July.

Many riders who competed in the 144th Mandan Rodeo Days this July will be on center stage in Las Vegas for the sport’s penultimate event. Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the Top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA World Champion Gold Buckle.

Tickets are on sale starting on Sunday, October 1 and can be purchased online at mandanrodeo.com/fundraiser.

The event kicks off at 5 PM with a social and a full-plated dinner.

The Cowboy Christmas NFR Watch Party Fundraiser will feature a Calcutta and silent auction to help raise money for the non profit. More information will be provided soon as ongoing work to ensure both meet local and state guidelines is still in process.

YOUR BUSINESS IS YOUR FUTURE.

PROTECT IT At Starion Insurance, we make acquiring the coverage you need easy and affordable, giving you peace of mind knowing your business and future are protected.

Our local agents are here for you.

RYAN HOUSE

TONJA IVERSON

Insurance Agent

Insurance Agent

ryanh@starionbank.com

tonjai@starionbank.com

Insurance products are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal government agency and not guaranteed by the bank.

starionbank.com

Connection 3 27

MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

BRADY MARTZ & ASSOCIATES AND WOLTMAN GROUP, PLLC MERGE Top 100 nationally ranked accounting firm Brady Martz & Associates is excited to announce its expansion into the state of South Dakota. Effective October 1, 2023, Woltman Group, PLLC has joined Brady Martz.

"We are thrilled to announce our successful merger with Woltman Group,” said Brady Martz Chief Executive Officer Todd Van Dusen. “This strategic move represents a significant milestone in our firm's growth journey, allowing us to expand our capabilities, reach, and impact in the industry.

Together, we are poised to create even greater value for our team, clients, and communities, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities this partnership will bring."

Woltman Group has been providing accounting, tax, and advisory services to businesses and individuals since 1988.

Today, the firm proudly serves thousands of business and individual clients throughout the upper Midwest. Their experienced team provides a wide variety of personalized business advisory services in addition to a full line of traditional accounting and tax services. Woltman Group will now operate as Brady Martz & Associates and the firm’s two offices located in Sioux Falls and Marion, South Dakota, will remain open.

28 4 Connection

HEXAHIVE WINS SPARK AWARD FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota is proud to announce the winners of this year’s Spark Award for Entrepreneurship: Alliance Tree Care and Everlight Solar who tied for the Twin Cities Metro Area category, and HexaHive in the Outstate Metro category.

BBB’s Spark Award for Entrepreneurship recognizes emerging leaders in the community who have launched a new business within the last five years. This year’s winners exemplify BBB’s Standards for Trust, including honesty, transparency, and responsiveness – standing out as leaders in their communities.

“This prestigious recognition motivates us to keep creating a world-class culture that values being authentic, purposeful, and connected with our community as we partner with our neighborhood businesses,” said HexaHive Founder and CEO Jade Scherr.

Each recipient was selected by an independent panel of judges who used a ranked-choice voting system to narrow down the winners. There were so many strong applications that the judges decided to award a tie in the Twin Cities Metro category.

Thirty-two businesses submitted an application for the 2023 BBB Spark Award.

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

DACOTAH SPEEDWAY MAKES $6,000 DONATION

THE INNOVATION SCHOOL SELECTED AS QUARTERFINALIST FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Out of over 2,000 applicants across the nation, The Innovation School of Bismarck ND has just been named as one of the @Yassprize Quarterfinalists in the running to win $1,000,000.

The Dacotah Speedway presented a check of $6,000 to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation on Thursday, September 28.

This remarkable contribution was made possible through the support of our dedicated fans. In anticipation of the 15th annual Drive To Survive Night, fans had the opportunity to purchase exclusive Drive To Survive t-shirts and hats for just $20, granting them free admission to the races.

The Yass Prize is committed to supporting schools that foster Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless education, and it is a rapidly growing effort to find, reward, celebrate and expand best in-class education organizations from every sector, in every state, and to create unprecedented partnerships that accelerate impact with the speed and urgency students deserve.

“We are amongst 64 amazing awardees, all of which are transforming education for students at every level and every stage of life. We are now in the running to win $1 million. We are honored and overjoyed as the @Yass Prize is considered the “Pulitzer of Education Innovation.” said Executive Director Heidi Woods.

The event itself featured a pre-race party outside the track, showcasing drivers' cars and even an intermission high-heel race.

Dollars raised supported the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. The funds will play a crucial role in extending vital assistance to cancer patients and their families, providing support throughout their challenging journey, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

MINI WELLNESS RETREAT FEBRUARY 17, 2024 IT’S YOUR TIME, CLAIM IT!

Enjoy Pole and Lyra Hoop fitness, Massage Therapy, Hot Tub Spa Therapy, a one-on-one consult with your wellness coaches and snacks!

Join the wait list NOW for an additional 10% OFF!

www.jezmirizing.com 701-389-0402 Connection 3 29

ASK A PRO | CONNECTION

COLLIN STREMICK at

TAYA FELCH at

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

1710 E Main Street, Mandan, ND 58554 701-751-0913

Q: WHAT PROJECT(S) HAS ROERS WORKED ON RECENTLY IN THE BISMARCK-MANDAN AREA THAT WILL HAVE A GREAT IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTS?

Q: WHAT SHOULD I GET FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS?

A: Roers has recently participated in

the new addition to the Bismarck Public Works & Health which will allow the city to operate more smoothly. We also worked on remodeling the Bismarck Fire Station #1 to bring an updated living space to first responders when away from home.

Roers allowed the Bismarck Fire Department to use the old Pier One Building on South Washington Street that was set to be destroyed to practice various ways of entering burning structures.

We are proud to work with many different City departments and other businesses in the community. Watch for more of our projects in the community!

A: SHOP BIG MANDAN

Join multiple businesses in Mandan on November 11th starting at 9:00 AM for our holiday specials! Shopping, treats, giveaways and more! Don’t forget to wear your ugly Christmas sweater for our contest to win one of our giveaways with multiple Mandan small businesses.

The Skin Boutique will be celebrating their THIRD birthday along with having their Small Business Saturday deals this day!

Here are our fan favorites for holiday gifts!

Makeup Erasers – No products needed!

The Makeup Eraser takes off all makeup with just a cloth! Perfect for your pre-teens and makeup lovers!

Bath Bombs – Who doesn’t love a good bath? We have a large selection of bath bombs for adults and kids! Including Paint Your Own Bath Bombs perfect for kids!

Duke Cannon Soap Bars – Perfect for the men in your life! These last forever and they have some great holiday packaging for a good laugh.

Dabble & Dollop – The best clean baby bath products! We have baby bath bombs, mix and match shampoo & conditioner, & more! Spoil your babies or your mom-tobe!

30 4 Connection

JEN MATT at

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

Q: WHAT COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS DOES THE BISMARCK CANCER CENTER HAVE AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY CANCER? A: When you or someone you love is

affected by cancer, community matters most. Support groups connect patients and caregivers to others impacted by cancer, as well as valuable resources. We offer a traditional support group forum moderated by a coordinator to create a confidential and safe place for all members and several other opportunities for you to connect with others. Support groups include the Breast Cancer Support Group (offered on the second Thursday of each month), Caregivers Support Group (offered on the third Tuesday of each month), All Cancer Support Group (offered on the third Thursday of each month), and Head and Neck Support Group (offered the second Wednesday of each month). Other opportunities include "Yoga for Healing," a virtual and in-person yoga class open to all levels every Monday.

Another option is Equine therapy, offered through TR 4 Heart and Soul for cancer survivors and a guest through appointment.

The "Canvas of Hope" art class at Theo Art School, held the first Wednesday of every month, is also an option for anyone impacted by cancer. All are free of charge through our Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

To find out more, call the Bismarck Cancer Center at 222-6100 or visit bismarckcancercenter.com

CONNECTION | ASK A PRO

GEORGE YINEMAN at

JUSTIN HUGHES at

JADE SCHERR at

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

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

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

Q: WHAT ARE TENANT IMPROVEMENTS IN LEASING A COMMERCIAL SPACE?

Q: WHAT IS A “PARTY WALL” AND WHY DO I NEED A WRITTEN AGREEMENT FOR IT?

A: Most commercial spaces require some

A: A “party wall” generally refers to a

Q: I FEEL LIKE I’VE TRIED EVERYTHING WITH MARKETING AND NOTHING HAS STUCK. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?

amount of renovation before a new tenant can move in. Commercial leases for office, retail or industrial spaces often include provisions for the landlord to help pay for improvements prior to the tenant moving in. Tenant Improvement Allowance or TIA is a common part of lease agreements. Landlords will reimburse a fixed amount for the renovations carried out by the tenant. TIA is a one-time concession typically denoted in dollars per square foot. The tenant usually finds them necessary for tenancy but the landlord may want them removed at lease termination.

The question always boils down to who pays for them? Each lease negotiation often hinges on these improvement costs.

Due to the large amount of vacancy after the pandemic, landlords are offering TIA dollars to attract tenants. Longer term leases yield the largest TIA offered by the landlord. Some dollars are offered for five year leases but landlords offer the most for seven and ten year leases. We’ve recently seen custom designed spaces completely built out for ten year lease terms.

We have helped several clients lease commercial real estate finding the perfect office, shop or retail location. We’d love the opportunity to work with you. Call us at (701) 222-0232 or email to george@ risepropertybrokers.com.

single wall that is common to, and shared by, two separately owned, but contiguous buildings. Party walls are typically erected on a common lot or boundary line, and two separate property owners each have rights to the wall and so much of the neighboring property as is necessary for the lateral support of the wall. Party wall agreements are important tools for avoiding disputes between property owners who share the wall and outline the rights and obligations each party has regarding maintenance or alterations to the wall and liability for damage and repair. A well-drafted party wall agreement will provide mechanisms for determining when maintenance or repairs are required or can be made voluntarily and how the property owners share such costs. Party wall agreements also often provide protections for each landowner related to instances where damage occurs to the common wall that is only caused by one party. Party wall agreements are specific to particular properties and should be recorded in the county records so the rights and obligations described in the agreement remain the rights and obligations of all successive owners of the properties.

A: We've seen many businesses waste

budgets and time on aimless marketing.

Marketing without a strategy is like sitting in a rocking chair – it keeps you busy but gets you nowhere.

That's where HexaHive comes in. We specialize in helping businesses find the most valuable marketing approaches to meet their goals, saving them time and money!

First, we help identify and set clear goals.

You need to know what you're working towards to know if your efforts are successful. Then, we study the business’s ideal customer(s) closely to understand their needs, likes, and frustrations - so you know how to best reach them. One thing we always educate clients on is the importance of tracking what your audience responds to and what they don’t and tweaking things to maximize your success.

Want to learn more about how strategic marketing can transform your business?

I'd love to chat about your goals and how HexaHive can help you reach them through smart, effective marketing! Reach out to me at jade@hexahive.com

Connection 3 31

MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION SANFORD BISMARCK WELCOMES NEW FAMILY MEDICINE PROVIDER Vanessa Magstadt, M.D. has joined the Sanford East Interstate Ave. Clinic team to deliver expert care for patients of all

DCN TECHNICIANS EARN CERTIFICATIONS Nathan Briggs, Sheldon Dacar and Tara Taylor, ethernet/IP technicians at Dakota Carrier Network, have recently earned Vanessa Magstadt Nathan Briggs industry certifications.

Briggs earned CompTIA ages.

Network+ certification, Dr. Magstadt received her medical Dacar earned Nokia degree from the University of North Certified Network Dakota School of Medicine and completed Routing Specialist I (NRS her family medicine residency in Bismarck, I) certification, and Taylor North Dakota through the University of earned both CompTIA North Dakota Center for Family Medicine.

Network+ and NRS I Sheldon Dacar She specializes in annual wellness visits, certifications. All three chronic conditions, common illness and technicians are based injuries and preventive care including in Bismarck and serve immunizations and screenings. customers throughout the Dr. Magstadt is now seeing patients at state.

Sanford East Interstate Ave. Clinic, 1800 E. CompTIA Network+ is a Interstate Ave., Bismarck. certification that validates the knowledge and skills Tara Taylor required to troubleshoot, CAPITAL CREDIT UNION configure, and manage ANNOUNCES MEMBER wired and wireless networks. Specific skills SERVICES MANAGER include networking fundamentals as well SOPHIA LEE as network implementations, operations, Capital Credit Union security, and troubleshooting. It is the today announced the only industry certification that covers both hiring of Sophia Lee Sophia Lee wired and wireless networks, and provides as member services skills needed to support networks on any manager at their Main platform rather than being vendor specific.

Office, located at 204 W Thayer Ave in NRS I certification recognizes Bismarck. proficiency in managing and maintaining As member services manager, Lee Nokia's advanced network infrastructure will supervise frontline-service staff at in order to optimize network performance, all Bismarck and Mandan branches, enhance security, and address any executing strategies to help achieve network-related challenges. the credit union’s growth goals. She will Briggs joined DCN in March as an be responsible for providing members ethernet/IP technician. He earned an with services on a variety of complex associate degree in computer information transactions while following the credit systems from Bismarck State College union’s core values and service standards. and a bachelor’s degree in management Lee attended University of Montana in information systems from the University of Missoula, Montana, and has six years of Mary in Bismarck. experience in financial services. She joins Dacar joined DCN in 2017 as an the Capital Credit Union team from Starion ethernet/IP technician. He earned an Bank where she had worked since 2021. associate degree in computer information Lee is a mentor for the BIO Girls program services from North Dakota State College and involved in Bismarck-Mandan Young of Science.

He is also a MEF Carrier Professionals Network.

Ethernet Certified Professional.

Taylor, who has been with DCN since 2015 first as an application administrator and then application analyst, has been an ethernet/IP technician since the beginning of 2023. Taylor earned an associate degree in computer support from Bismarck State College and, in addition to her recent certifications, is a MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional.

32 4 Connection

FROELICH EARNS HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AWARD Cheryl Froelich, Director of Human Resources at BNI Energy, was presented with the Cheryl Froelich prestigious 2023 North Dakota Professional Excellence in Human Resource Management Award on September 14th at the ND SHRM State Conference for her outstanding contributions in the Human Resource profession in North Dakota.

This award is given to an individual with an outstanding record of contributions to the human resource profession, and impeccable ethical standards. The recipient is a role model to the profession and applies professional expertise outside their organization to advance and serve the profession.

Cheryl has dedicated time over the past several years preparing others for human resource certification exams as well as participating in mentoring programs. She is a vital part of the Bismarck-Mandan HR community.

The ND SHRM State Council congratulates Cheryl on receiving this award and thanks her for her service to the HR profession.

THE GREENHOUSE WELCOMES DARYL BRAHAM AS BUSINESS COACH, TRAINER AND SPEAKER The Greenhouse, a leading business coaching and consulting company, is thrilled to announce the addition of Daryl Braham to its growing team as an additional Business Coach, Trainer and Speaker.

With an impressive track record that spans decades and includes leadership positions in billion-dollar businesses within the real estate, finance and entrepreneurship sectors, Daryl brings over 25 years of experience in providing life and business coaching to companies, REALTOR® Associations, business leaders and entrepreneurs across the United States and Canada. Starting his first company 40 years ago, he brings a wealth of knowledge in the entrepreneurial space with him.

The Greenhouse is confident that Daryl Braham will excel in his new role and make a substantial contribution to the company's ongoing success. His involvement will be instrumental in expanding The Greenhouse's business coaching initiatives and programs.

CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS NATIONAL PACE ASSOCIATION APPOINTS NORTHLAND HEALTHCARE ALLIANCE CEO, LYNN GRIMM, TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lynn Grimm Northland Healthcare Alliance, along with our partners, Northland PACE, Northland Imaging Services, and Northland Management Services, is pleased to announce the appointment of CEO, Lynn Grimm, to the National PACE Association (NPA) Board of Directors. Lynn joined the organization in 2008 and has served as CEO for two years. Lynn’s leadership and expertise prove that she will be a great addition to NPA’s Board.

Lynn received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. and she was also a Harold Schafer Leadership Honors Program Graduate.

CITY EMPLOYEE HONORED WITH MILITARY PATRIOT AWARD PRESS RELEASE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bismarck’s Building Official Brady Blaskowski Brady Blaskowski was recently honored with the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award, after being nominated by one of his staff, who also serves in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Building Inspector Joey Houle was deployed towards the end of 2022.

The ESGR Patriot Award serves as recognition of strong support of an employee’s military service. The award was created as part of the nation’s transition to a volunteer military force in 1972. Today, nearly one-half of the nation’s fighting force serves in the National Guard and Reserve.

Houle has been employed with the City of Bismarck for five years and is one of seven inspectors who work to ensure buildings in the community are built to code.

DEKKER ACHIEVES SIGNIFICANT CERTIFICATION Silicon Plains is proud to announce that IT Support Technician Megan Dekker has Megan Dekker completed her CompTIA A+ Certification. This certification reaffirms Megan’s excellence in computer hardware ranging from computers to smartphones. Megan is tasked with supporting all of her customers technology needs, from fixing login issues to installing new hardware she really does it all.

Megan started at Silicon Plains in February of 2023 and says this certification, “Is a way for me to show that I am serious about what I do and that I aim to expand my knowledge base. As well as to show clients that I care enough to put in the extra effort and to show them I am capable of taking care of their needs.”

NOVEMBER LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

Provided on Government Access cable channels 2 & 602HD FreeTV.org, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV

Wed, 1st 5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission *

Thurs, 2nd 5:00 pm Bismarck Board of Adjustment Mon, 6th

5:30 pm

Mandan School Board

Tues, 7th

4:00 pm

Mandan City Commission *

Wed, 8th

8:00 am 5:15 pm

Burleigh Water Resource District Burleigh Planning & Zoning *

Thurs, 9th

9:00 am 4:00 pm

Bismarck Parking Authority Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority

Mon, 13th

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck School Board Mandan Park District Board

Tues, 14th

5:15 pm

Bismarck City Commission *

Wed, 15th

3:00 pm 5:00 pm

Bismarck Historic Preservation Bismarck Planning & Zoning *

Thurs, 16th

5:15 pm

Bismarck Park District Board

Mon, 20th 10:00 am

5:00 pm

5:30 pm

Met. Planning Org. – Tech Advisory Cmte.

Burleigh County Commission * Mandan School Board

Tues, 21st

1:30 pm 5:30 pm

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

Mon, 27th

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck School Board Mandan Planning & Zoning

Tues, 28th

5:15 pm

Bismarck City Commission *

Meetings are replayed on Government Access channels & are archived online at FreeTV.org * Also available on Radio Access 102.5FM and RadioAccess.org

Connection 3 33

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.

THE JOUSTING LEMUR Celebrates the Grand Opening of their new wine bar and restaurant located at 514 E. Main Ave in Bismarck.

Phone: 701-751-1338

PRUDENT HOME CARE - 20TH OASIS Celebrates their Grand Opening of their second location at 1324 N 20th Street in Bismarck. Phone: 701-319-4581. Member.

IN REACH PHYSICAL THERAPY Celebrates the Grand Opening of their second location at 600 S 2nd Street in Bismarck. Phone: 701-390-1889.

FIRST COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION Celebrating their new renovations at 3201 Weiss Ave in Bismarck. Phone: 701-355-4581. Member.

JEZ-MER-IZING RETREAT CENTER

VUE COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Celebrating becoming members of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC at their location 1910 80th Street SE in Bismarck.

Phone: 701-389-0402. Member.

Celebrating the Grand Opening of their North location at 1313 Skyline Blvd in Bismarck. Phone: 701-258-6353. Member.

34 4 Connection

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.

Nicole and Brock Holbert Mandan, ND 58554 612-810-9309 Brock Holbert We supply theme destinations with decorated apparel and souvenirs.

Cornerstone Speaking and Coaching Washburn, ND 58577 701-415-6790 Ryan Botner Motivational Speaker and Performance Coach.

The Man with the Paint Can Bismarck, ND 58503 701-570-8061 Cathleen Lee We are a painting company providing residential and small commercial painting services in the Bismarck-Mandan area.

Learnery Bismarck, ND 58503 701-570-8061 Nick Dobrzelecki Our microlearning platform provides engaging learning experiences for organizations. The platform can be leased, and our content creation team can develop customized learning content for you business.

ConocoPhillips 521 E Main Ave, Ste 325 Bismarck, ND 58501 Josh DeMorrett Prime EyeCare, PC 1300 E LaSalle Dr, Ste 2 Bismarck, ND 58503 701-557-1574 Mike Hammerschmidt Optometry and contact lens Center.

Master Clean LLC Bismarck, ND 58503 701-934-0778 Blake Seago We are a professional pressure washing business serving Bismark/Mandan. We offer services to both residential and commercial properties. We also offer acid staining on concrete along with epoxy coating.

Edward Jones - Candace Blazek 100 W Main Street Mandan, ND 58554 701-663-6385 Candace Blazek At Edward Jones we work to help clients understand the investment world in terms they can relate to. We strive to make sure clients feel heard, and that we understand their unique story.

Merch Lab 208 E Broadway Ave Bismarck, ND 58501 701-223-5250 Alex Thompson Full service screen printing & embroidery shop with a love for people and their communities.

Toscha Rochelle Photography 408 W Main Street Mandan, ND 58554 701-390-9128 Tosha York Capturing professional brand and headshots for businesses in the Bismarck and Mandan North Dakota.

NORTH DAKOTA HERITAGE CENTER

SCAN FOR DETAILS

HORS D’OEUVRES • LIVE MUSIC • SILENT AUCTION • DIAMOND RAFFLE

Connection 3 35

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

UPCOMING CHAMBER EDC EVENTS NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER: CAPITAL CREDIT UNION Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Capital Credit Union – 204 W Thayer Ave, Bismarck STATE OF THE CITIES Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 • Check-In: 7:00am - 7:30am Event Time: 7:30am - 9:00am Location: Bismarck Event Center – 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck JANUARY MEMBERSHIP MIXER: EIDE FORD LINCOLN Date: Thursday, January 19, 2024 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Eide Ford Lincoln – 800 E Bismarck Expy, Bismarck FOCUS ON BISMARCK-MANDAN Date: February 29, 2024 Check-in: 2:00pm • Event Time: 2:30pm - 4:30pm • Social: 4:30pm - 6:00pm Location: University of Mary, Founders Hall – 7500 University Drive, Bismarck MARCH MEMBERSHIP MIXER: BAIN AGENCY Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Bain Agency – 1500 E Capitol Ave, Bismarck