December Chamber Connection

CHAMBER CONNECTION Bismarck-Mandan

December 2015

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Member Profile Jimmy John’s

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Prairie Fire Sparks Growth Over 300 people young and old were inspired by the first ever entrepreneur conference.

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Chamber Testifies Chamber supports state development of Clean Power Plan.

CHAMBER CONNECTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Rick Matteson.................................................................................................................... Chair Perrie Schafer ........................................................................................................... Chair-Elect Molly Barnes................................................................................................................ Secretary Brenda Nagel...............................................................................................................Treasurer Annette Behm-Caldwell............................................................................................. Past Chair Kelvin Hullet................................................................................................................ President

CHAMBER NEWS

Sparking Growth at Prairie Fire Ambassador of the Quarter Awarded Leadership: From Coal to Cattle Chamber Testifies to Support State Power Plan

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CHAMBER EVENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chad Moldenhauer ����������������������� K&L Homes Chris Brown �������������������������������������������� Motix Dave Hoekstra ������������������������������� BNC Bank Marc Taylor...........Northern Plains Equipment Ken Rutter............ Basin Electric Power Coop. Rick Matteson �������������MDU Resources Group Lee Pierce...................... Al Fitterer Architects Dan Pearson �����������������������������Northwest Tire Norm Clark .............................Gate City Bank Wayne Munson �������������������� Indigo Signworks Jeff Essler ������������������������������������������ H.I.T. Inc. Greg Vetter �������������������������University of Mary Mike Schmitz ...................... Widmer Roel, PC Ron Day......................Tesoro Mandan Refinery Annette Behm-Caldwell.....Open Road Honda Perrie Schafer ���������������� Schafer Financial Inc. Brenda Nagel ������������������������������������������Aetna Jeff Herman ������������������������������������Petro Hunt Sandi Tabor �������������������������������������������������KLJ Craig Larson ���������������������������Starion Financial Molly Barnes............... Northern Improvement Kevin Magstadt ������������������ Wenck Associates Jeff Albers ��������� Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac Paul Brucker ������������������� Railway Credit Union

CHAMBER STAFF Kelvin Hullet................................................................................................................ President Annie Bergrud.........................................................................................Chief Financial Officer Mary Masters................................................................................. Office Support Professional Ryan Parsons..............................................................................Vice President of Membership Rebecca Rattei................................................................................ Communications Specialist Amanda Schwieters......................................................................... Member Services Director Chelse Simon..................................................................................Membership Sales Director Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Anderson ........................ Communications Specialist/ LBM Director Mikalah Dahl ....................................................................................Marketing & Events Intern

Chamber Holiday Mixer Brats for the Brave Chamber Annual Dinner

COLUMNS Chair’s Corner

Isn’t it about time you put our team to work for you? Give us a call today!

Discover the difference ... Discover BNC!

Cover Story 4 Member Profile 10 Ask-A-Pro 28 Chamber Perks 30 1640 Burnt Boat Drive P.O. Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502 701.223.5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com CONTACT INFORMATION Content: The Chamber - 701.223.5660 rparsons@bismancc.com

Advertise: Ryan Parsons rparsons@bismancc.com

MISSION STATEMENT: Leaders for prosperity. Advocates for business.

www.BNCbank.com

Dave Hoekstra

CCO and President, BNC North Dakota

Wayne Harvison

Chad Scott

SVP Business Banking

Craig Hanson

VP Business Banking

Business Banking Officer

Marc Menge

Rheannon Huber

Business Development Manager

Bismarck: 322 E Main Avenue • (701) 250-3000 & 801 E Century Avenue • (701) 250-2700

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FEATURES

BUSINESS B ANKING The biggest difference between BNC National Bank and the new banks popping up all over — is our people — solid professionals who make up an experienced team providing financial solutions business people demand.

That comes from hard work, straight talk, sound advice and solid financial guidance.

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Personal Banking Officer

Kevin Stadler

Jason Arenz

SVP Business Banking

SVP Business Banking

Clay Brosz

Nate Palczewski

Business Banking

Janelle Feist

Personal Banking Officer

Retail Manager

Neal Presser

Deposit Operations Supervisor

Mandan: 2711 Sunset Drive NW • (701) 663-5448

Chair’s Corner

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s we go to press in mid-November, Kelvin Hullet has just announced his resignation from the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce. I believe all of us can appreciate the unique opportunity this provides for Kelvin to grow personally and professionally. While we will certainly miss him at the Chamber, I expect his new position will give him the opportunity to continue contributing to our communities. We look forward to great things from him at the Bank of North Dakota. His last day at the Chamber will be January 15, 2016.

To keep you up to date, I wanted to take a minute and review the process for seeking a new Chamber executive. After Kelvin notified us of the change, the executive committee and board met to start the process. First, the Board approved Brenda Nagel, the 2017 Chair-Elect, to serve as the Chair of the search committee.

The search committee will be composed of five other individuals including past board chairs Leslie Oliver of Vogel Law Firm and Terry Kraft of American Family Insurance. Lee Pierce of Al Fitterer Architects and Stacey Breuer of Bobcat will join Dave Hoekstra of BNC National Bank in rounding out the committee. In addition to this voting group, an advisory group of members from a broad spectrum of the membership will assist in the process.

Second, the Chamber is going to hire a professional search firm to assist in the process. Proposals from three firms are being reviewed for their technical expertise and ability to assist in finding the next executive. The board feels it is important to look nationwide at candidates and ensure the right person is found to continue the great work of the organization.

Third, a timeline was developed. It is aggressive with a conclusion to the search slated for mid-March. I want you to know that as the search moves forward, the Board will keep you informed of the progress. When the final candidates are identified, it is anticipated they will visit the community to meet with the board and members and community members.

If at any time, you have questions or thoughts on the process, please feel free to call me at MDU Resources at 701-530-1700 or the search chair, Brenda Nagel at 701-221-1142.

- Rick Matteson

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FEATURE

BUSINESS SECURITY: PROTECTING PROPERTY, EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS

By Kylie Blanchard, Clearwater Communications

Business owners have many options to consider when deciding how to protect their most important business assets. From onsite security cameras to offsite data storage, many possibilities are available for creating an effective security system and protecting what matters most to a business. “First and foremost, it is very important to protect what we’ve worked so hard for,” says Jami Benz, administrative assistant with Advanced Mechanical Inc. “It is a way to safeguard yourself, your staff and your customers.”

Benz, whose husband, Brian, owns Advanced Mechanical Inc., says it is important employees and customers know the business is protected. “We want every member of our team to feel safe and know we are protecting them, which in turn protects their jobs with us,” she says. “Just as important, it helps assure our customers they are in good hands when doing business with us.”

Addressing Security Concerns

Many security concerns exist for businesses, including building security; customer and employee safety; vehicle and equipment security; email and network protection; desktop, laptop and mobile device security; and document security. And according to those in the security industry, a variety of options are available to be tailored to a business’s security needs.

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“We recommend a burglar alarm system, including interior motion sensors, glass break detectors, door and window sensors, and depending on the business, hold-up transmitters,” says Rachelle Johnson, district manager at Electro Watchman Inc. Electro Watchman Inc. offers services such as cameras and burglar systems, fire system installation and monitoring, and door access systems. Johnson says, at a minimum, businesses should have motion sensors and door and window sensors in place, but additional services will only help to further protect important assets.

“Every moment counts in an emergency situation.

Our Central Station dispatches the fire department within seconds of a fire or break-in alarm. Security alarms initiate an immediate response if an intruder has entered your property, and closed circuit TVs are helpful both as a deterrent and witness to acts caught on video,” says Johnson.

She notes fire monitoring and sprinkler system monitoring are often overlooked by businesses, and the addition of cameras to a security system can be a valuable enhancement. “Cameras are installed to fulfill a number of goals, such as real-time views, vandalism prevention, liability protection, theft protection, evidence and employee monitoring.”

www.bismarckmandan.com Security systems are important components of operating a business, adds Johnson, which help “to protect against intruders and thefts that drive up costs.”

Document security is also an important piece of a business’s security plan, says Todd Henderson, vice president of operations at Record Keepers. “Information is very valuable, and there is a lot of sensitive info in business records,” he says. “There are a lot of reasons it needs to be protected.”

Record Keepers started in 1993 in Fargo and opened its Bismarck location in 2009. “We store hard copy information for customers or we destroy it,” says Henderson of the company’s services.

Kelly Buchholz of Record Keepers secures a bale of shredded documents.

The company offers shredding services for papers, CDs, backup tapes and computer hard drives, as well as document storage. “When you no longer need business records, they should be properly destroyed and, in most cases, that means shredding,” says Henderson. “When you store records that are no longer active, they should be stored in a secure site away from the office.”

NRG Technology Services began as a branch of the North Dakota Association of Counties (NDACo), providing IT services for counties in North Dakota. In 2000, the company became a for-profit subsidiary of NDACo.

He recommends every business have a shredding program, whether it is in-office or with a shredding service, as well as offsite document storage. “What we see happen is records get put in a basement and then there is a flood or sewer backup,” notes Henderson. “If disaster strikes or the office is destroyed, you will still need these important documents.”

It is also important to have operating policies and procedures in place if there is a security breach, says Henderson. “Your business records should have controlled access. You are not just protecting your own information, but that of clients and employees.”

Steve Kelsch, vice president of NRG Technology Services, says when it comes to IT security, the most important step a small business can take is to refrain from trying to provide their own technology services in-house. “It is best to outsource your IT functions to a firm with a team of professionals with varied skills that provide IT services all day, every day. The most targeted organizations by cyber criminals are smaller firms that have not properly patched and secured their networks.”

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FEATURE Kelsch says it is important businesses follow best practices for their networks. “Make sure all systems are properly patched and tested, make sure all your firewalls are locked down so unnecessary ports are not open into your network, and don’t store unnecessary client information locally on your system.”

When storing information on the Cloud, he notes, select a reputable cloud service, and, for password protection, Kelsch recommends setting up the server to use complex passwords. “If you notice suspicious network activity, change your password immediately,” he notes.

Third party software should also be installed on all email systems to monitor emails before they enter a server, says Kelsch. “Every business and industry will be different. Your best bet is to hire a qualified IT provider or consultant and follow their recommendations,” he notes. “It is also very important to think about business continuity when planning your security infrastructure. It is in your best interest to secure your systems as much as possible.”

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Securing a Business

Advanced Mechanical Inc. uses many security features to protect its business, says Benz, which range from security systems and fire alarms to vehicle GPS and document storage and shredding. The business also uses a trusted IT provider that helps with a variety of IT security features, including daily data backup, secure servers, firewalls and spam filtering.

She recommends businesses keep security at the top of their list of priorities and also network with other businesses to brainstorm security options. “As the structure of our business has changed and as our community has grown, we continue to increase our security in all different aspects of our business,” says Benz. “It is a process that has occurred over time and continues to be a priority of ours. It is a worthy process and safeguards our business, employees and customers.”

www.bismarckmandan.com

k-Mandan The Bismarc e f Commerc o r e b m a h C sents Proudly Pre

2016 l A U ANN R E N DIN Featuring The Comedy Stylings of

UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE TOURING COMPANY

Join us for one of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce’s largest premiere events of the year. This amazing event is always a great time celebrating another year of accomplishments and mingling with other members in the community.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

5:00pm - 9:00pm

Bismarck Event Center, Hall B 1940’s dress encouraged but not required

For more information, visit bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar

Tickets:

$65.00 FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS Chamber Connection | 7 $75.00 FOR NON-MEMBERS

FEATURE

‘BUSINESS BEGETS BUSINESS’

GROWTH IN MANDAN’S I-94 BUSINESS DISTRICT

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

When representatives from CHI St. Alexius Health chose Sunset Drive for the new location of their Mandan clinic, easy access from the interstate and good visibility were on their list of criteria.

They were right.

A family was travelling east on Interstate 94 with a person in the car who was suffering a heart attack. CHI St. Alexius Health’s Medical Plaza in Mandan was the first medical facility they saw as they arrived in Bismarck-Mandan.

The following retail site options are available for development in the Mandan I-94 business corridor: 1) Walmart Supercenter Site; 2) Missouri Valley Addition; 3) Riverwest Development; 4) Sunset Center, 2580 Overlook Lane; 5) Meadow Ridge Commercial Park; 6) Old Red Trail Commercial Park.

“Our nurses did a great job, and our physicians did a great job of triaging the patient, doing emergency resuscitation and calling 911,” said Dewey Schlittenhard, chief operative officer for CHI St. Alexius Health. “We’re glad our staff could respond appropriately, but we don’t encourage anyone to do that.”

Schlittenhard emphasized that CHI St. Alexius Health’s facility in Mandan is an ambulatory clinic — not an emergency room — but the visibility of that clinic from I-94 may have saved a life that day.

I-94 Corridor

Ease of access from I-94 has been a major factor in the development of Mandan’s business district off the Sunset Drive interstate exit. Ellen Huber, Business Development and Communications Director for the City of Mandan, referred to it as the “I-94 corridor” business district.

The I-94 business district began developing in the 1970s with early pioneers like Farm Credit Services, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives and Seven Seas Inn and Conference Center — now Baymont Inn and Suites.

The industrial park grew in northwest Mandan along I-94 and Old Red Trail over the next 30 years, but the opening of Mandan Middle School in 2008 and Mandan Walmart in late 2013 brought an explosion of new development.

“It has great interstate visibility and access to serve customers not only form the Bismarck-Mandan area but from a much larger trade area as well,” Huber said. “It’s one of the last great interstate locations available in our metro area.”Huber said the I-94 corridor business district is “wellanchored” by Walmart.

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“Our sales tax collections have gone up significantly,” Huber said, “we think in large part due to the additional retail sales captured in the community with Walmart being here.”

In 2014 Mandan collected nearly $2.7 million — 13 percent more than the sales tax collected in 2013.

City of Mandan has three primary business districts: I-94 corridor, Main Street-downtown and Memorial Highwayeast Mandan. Huber said each district caters to the needs of different types of businesses.

“Business begets business,” Huber said. “The more that we have can help our existing businesses and keep people in the community to shop and to attract people to the community to shop.”

Easier Access

HIT, Inc. was located in central west Mandan in a largely residential area before building two new facilities in the I-94 business district. As the Bismarck-Mandan community grew, congestion and parking at the site had become a problem. Jeff Essler, chief operating officer for HIT, Inc., said neighbors were not happy to have HIT employees parking in front of their houses.

The new location in the I-94 corridor makes parking and transportation easier. Essler said the location provides good access to both I-94 and Main Street Mandan.

CHI St. Alexius Health Medical Plaza in Mandan made a move from downtown Mandan to the I-94 corridor, also with an eye on ease of access.

www.bismarckmandan.com “I think there’s a tremendous amount of opportunity over there,” Schlittenhard said. “When we made that decision to purchase that, we felt the traffic along the interstate would be a great opportunity, and it has been.

“We’ve got about 140 employees on Sunset (Drive) alone,” said Essler about HIT’s two facilities. “It would be kind of nice to swing in and get a cup of coffee.”

“We see patients coming across the river because it’s easy access. They might be closer to downtown (Bismarck), but this has better parking.”

At least one restaurant may be poised for development.

An Arby’s restaurant is planned, but the cost of a necessary retaining wall could make or break the plan, Huber said.

Also, a multi-tenant strip center is planned with an end cap that could hold a drive-thru restaurant or coffee shop.

When Comfort Inn & Suites, Mandan-Bismarck opened in the I-94 business district June 30, they became the first new hotel to open in Mandan in 30 years.

Don McGuire, president of the Mandan Hotel Group, said they selected that site not only for easy access to the interstate, but also with an eye toward future growth.

“We feel that’s a prime area for future growth,” McGuire said. “The school activity that goes on at the Mandan Middle School is tremendous. With a Walmart close by, it’s directing traffic there. In the future, Sunset Drive is dogtailed to be expanded to the north.”

Sara Buechler is Director of Marketing for Discover Lodging Management, the company that manages day-today operations at the hotel. Buechler said they are hoping to serve large conference and conventions as well as “Joe Traveler travelling across North Dakota.”

Future Development

A major coming attraction will be the new athletic complex planned on the eastern end of Mandan’s I-94 business district. The athletic complex will bring potential business customers to the area with hockey and gymnastics facilities and football and track fields.

In addition to possible restaurants, other businesses are coming into the area. Prairie Rose Dentists broke ground in November and is scheduled to open next fall.

“This (business district) is targeted for retail,” Huber said. “We’d like to see more big box, more destination development come into the area and are working to make that happen.”

Lindsay Miller, Assistant General Manager of the hotel, said they have been housing some construction teams who are working in western North Dakota. McGuire agreed.

“If you leave that hotel site to go to Dickinson, you can easily stay at that hotel and be servicing Dickinson early in the morning,” McGuire said.

On the Wish List

Of those who work in the I-94 business district, there is near-unanimous agreement on what new businesses they would like to see — more restaurants. Huber said the area is ripe for restaurant development.

“As the employment has increased so tremendously in this area, the restaurant development has not kept pace,” Huber said, “so it has almost bordering on being a food desert.”

Buechler said guests at the Comfort Inn & Suites as well as guests at the other hotels in the area provide a “captive audience” for restaurants. Events at Mandan Middle School and the new athletic complex planned nearby will bring in even more potential restaurant patrons.

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Jake Adams, far right, and his staff at the 3rd Street location.

MEMBER PROFILE Featuring Jake Adams Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within the organization.

A: I was born and raised in Minnesota until the age of 21. When I turned 21, I took over the GM role at our brand new Bismarck South location. Over time, with a little hard work and some extra hours, I became a business owner and now the regional manager for ND and MN for our franchise. I currently oversee operations at nine locations across the two states and spend most of my time working with the General Managers and Area Managers to ensure things are running smoothly and do my best to help them with issues that arise.

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JIMMY JOHN’S

Q: Briefly tell us the history of Jimmy John’s.

A: Jimmy John’s started in 1983 in Charleston, Ill. It was founded by Jimmy Liautaud who after graduating second in his class was given the option to start a business or join the military. After accepting his father’s $25,000 loan to start a business, he opened a hot dog business. Soon after, he realized it would be too expensive and moved on to a sandwich shop. Believe it or not, the first store opened was actually in a garage in Charleston, Ill. With nothing more than a fridge a freezer and a meat slicer he put in time and effort and grew that business to what is now more than 2,000 stores across the nation.

www.bismarckmandan.com Q: What differentiates your company from its competitors?

A: We are fresh, fast and real. We don’t order our food pre-sliced or pre-packaged. We purchase real, high quality vegetables and slice them in the store every morning so that each day we serve only the best quality produce. We also slice all of our own meats daily. The bread… I don’t even know where to start. All of our bread is cooked fresh daily, even if you stop in at 9:30 PM you are going to get fresh bread cooked that night. Along with those items, I have stuck with Jimmy John’s over the years because we are real. We don’t try to make ourselves something we are not. We give it our all daily and always show up to work in a great mood. If someone is feeling down for personal reasons, we make it our goal to get them in a good mood before going home for the day.

Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted your company?

A: The growth in Bismarck has impacted us in multiple ways. It has definitely helped us as a business, but with all the new businesses going up it makes things difficult in the hiring department. This is where we have had to get creative with how we hire employees and retain them for longer periods of time.

Q: Jimmy John’s has been a Chamber member since 2010, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: We love to be part of the community, if you are not involved in the community then you simply will not succeed. Being a part of the Chamber has been a great help to us over the years. Not only do we hear what is going on with other businesses in the community, but we also have the opportunity to get our name out there and do events that we normally would not know about. We really appreciate being a part of the Chamber.

Q: What should Chamber members know about your company that may assist them within theirs?

A: Hang in there, if you are putting in what seems like endless hours just to stay afloat. It gets better, times get easier. The hard work you put in now will, in fact, pay off down the road. If you are getting stressed out about not having enough employees or not being able to handle a certain situation, take a step back and evaluate the situation. There will always be a resolution, no matter how impossible the situation may seem.

Q: What industry trends are taking place?

A: As much as I would love to talk numbers, unfortunately we cannot share any information like that. I will say that produce prices and labor wages are definitely on the rise as time goes on.

Q: Have there been any monumental changes in the industry that you’ve had to deal with?

A: I have been with Jimmy John’s since 2008 and in that time we have definitely had our fair share of changes.

Our biggest change as most people are aware of was the security breach that happened to our credit card systems across the country which affected 200 stores, one of which was our south Bismarck location. That definitely changed things for us, with a very fast response corporate was on top of it trying to find out how it had happened.

Within no time we had a fix, a new credit card system that had to be installed at that location. All other locations just received an update. Now, we have made an even bigger step and improved all locations security with Verifone credit card machines.

Q: What does the future of your business look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: The future of our business looks great in Bismarck.

We are excited to see what is to come over the next few years. We hope with our growing franchise that we can get more managers like the ones that run our Bismarck stores currently. As a whole, Jimmy John’s is thriving. We are growing faster than anyone ever expected.

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SPARKING GROWTH AT PRAIRIE FIRE

Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees for joining us on Saturday, October 24th for our first Annual Prairie Fire Conference! Our business and entrepreneurial community came together to host the first annual Midwest Entrepreneur Conference of its kind and what a wonderful success it was!

Our speaker line-up highlighted the importance of fostering startup communities, providing entrepreneurs with inspiration and motivation to spark innovation within our budding entrepreneurial communities. Another large highlight was emphasizing the important role of our business leaders and government electives.

Just over 300 people joined us Saturday morning to start with a freshly baked waffle bar and brewed coffee. We kicked off the morning with our first speaker Governor Jack Dalrymple. The audience had the opportunity to learn more about his entrepreneurial spirit and his family farming business that turned into a multi-million dollar venture.

Brad Feld streamed in live to stress the importance of startup events in our communities and how government and entrepreneurs should come together to accomplish the larger picture. Registrants received his book, “Start-up Communities,” free for attending.

Kristen Hadeed closed the morning sharing her story of starting, Student Maids from the ground up. She illustrated the importance of failure and how without it she wouldn’t be who she is today. The more we allow ourselves and others we love to fail, we learn success through those valuable lessons on the way back up.

Participants then broke out to local downtown restaurants for lunch at FireFlour Pizza, Reza’s Pitch, Peacock Alley and TerraNomad. This break out allowed time for participants to network with individuals that traveled from all over the Midwest. Thanks again to all these restaurants for providing a menu for our attendees to enjoy during their breakout lunch session.

Our last featured speaker, Daymond John, added to the event with an energetic level of inspiration. He told his personal story growing FUBU from his mother’s basement and turning it into multiple multi-million dollar companies. He wrapped up the presentation with his current career on Shark Tank, explaining his process on investing in people with a common interest. He addressed the importance of family and mentors and having a passion in everything you do.

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We closed with a social hour and live music by Tyler Ktytor, a local entrepreneur in the Bismarck – Mandan community. Thank you again to all of you who traveled near and far to be a part of this inspiring conference and thank you to all the sponsors who made this event possible! Without your contributions we would not be able to provide such an impacting event for our business community.

Keynote Sponsors:

Spark Sponsors:

Innovation Sponsor:

Prairie Sponsors:

Technology Sponsors:

Table Sponsors: Photography Sponsor: CornerStone Bank Glasser Images Starion Financial

www.bismarckmandan.com

AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER AWARDED Shane Hafner of Securian Financial Advisors of ND.

Congratulations to Shane Hafner, Securian Financial Advisors of ND, for receiving Ambassador of the Quarter for the third quarter in 2015. Shane has been a financial advisor with Securian Financial Advisors of ND for the last seven years. He’s the father to two active kids and loves to be involved in their lives, from coaching their sports to being in their classrooms teaching economics on his free time. Nothing is more important to Shane than his children. When asked why he enjoys serving as an ambassador, he stated “I like being an ambassador because it gives me an opportunity to give back to our community and to meet the business owners who work so hard to make Bismarck-Mandan the best place in North Dakota.”

Thank you to Shane and Securian Financial Advisor of ND for allowing him the time to invest into our business community. Shane’s dedication and accountability is much appreciated!

SANTA’S NICE LIST STARTS HERE JOIN THE FUN. JOIN THE RUN.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015 Be a part of Bismarck’s most festive 5K fun run/walk!

Sport a Santa suit and beard while racing around the Capitol Grounds. Ho, ho, ho! Register soon!

Santa suits guaranteed to first 500 entrants. Proceeds benefit RADD (Runners Against Destructive Decisions).

2015

REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! WWW.BISMARCKSANTARUN.COM Chamber Connection | 13

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LEADERSHIP: FROM COAL TO CATTLE Energy Day blossomed this year going from a half-day in classrooms in previous years into a full-blown tour of Coal Country in 2015. On Oct. 20, Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Class of 2016 toured three sites in the Coal Country surrounding Beulah and Hazen, N.D.

The Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class tours The Coteau Properties Freedom Mine near Beulah, N.D., on Oct. 20.

At Dakota Gasification Company, the class learned about the plant through the scale model room — a scale model so detailed it cost $8 million to create when it was built decades ago. Due to proprietary technology, tours of the actual plant are not allowed, but the information gleaned from the model room was comprehensive.

Class participants who might have a fear of heights were instructed not to look down while touring Antelope Valley Station. The class went from the bottom of the boiler on the first floor to look inside the 2,500 degree Fahrenheit furnace on the 11th floor to the top of the boiler on the 18th floor. The Antelope Valley Station boilers are suspended from floor 17 and shrink 17 inches when completely cool.

director of agriculture for KFGO, and Matt Sanderson of Northern Great Plains Research Lab spoke to the class as well.

OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING: Presenting Sponsor:

At The Coteau Properties Freedom Mine, the class went down into the lignite coal seam to view 20 vertical feet of coal, trucks with tires 11-feet high and vehicles with tires that cost $84,000 each. After viewing the Missouri Quest Dragline, the class toured reclaimed former mine sites that have had every curve, valley and hill replicated after mining.

Gold Sponsor:

Agriculture and Natural Resources Day on Nov. 4 was located at the North Dakota State University Burleigh County Extension Center. NDSU Ag and Natural Resources agent Ashley Stegeman gave an overview of programs available, from the farmers’ Plan Your Succession program to Missouri Valley Community Gardens. Amelia Doll, 4-H Youth Development Agent, detailed how 4-H, the largest youth development club in the world, turns out well-spoken young people who can make their own electrical extension cords from scratch.

Energy Day Chairs: Andrea Blowers - Basin Electric Power Cooperative Mary Miller - Basin Electric Power Cooperative

Carmen Miller of Ducks Unlimited, spoke on North Dakota’s prairie pothole region as the “duck factory of North America.” Scott Ressler gave the perspective of ag producers and cattle ranchers on behalf of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. Sarah Heinrich, 14 | Chamber Connection

Program Sponsor: Binder Sponsor: Capital Trophy

Ag/Natural Resources Day Chairs: Jerry Haas Kyle Sebesta Breakfast/Lunch Sponsors: Basin Electric Power Cooperative(Energy Day) Ducks Unlimited (Ag/Natural Resources Day) Jerry Haas and Kyle Sebesta (Ag/Natural Resources Day)

www.bismarckmandan.com

CHAMBER TESTIFIES TO SUPPORT STATE DEVELOPMENT OF CLEAN POWER PLAN

On Monday, November 16, the North Dakota Health Department conducted a hearing to gather input on the EPA Clean Power Plan Rule. Issued in August, this rule mandates a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions by the year 2030. The Chamber supports the Health Department creating the outline of an implementation plan to ensure the plan meets the needs of North Dakota. In particular, there is concern about the impact on affordability and reliability for customers as the state determines how to meet the mandate. According the National Economic Research Associates released a study estimating that electricity rates in North Dakota will increase 43% higher with this rule in place.

As we all know, it is difficult for North Dakota to compete with more urban areas for employees. The lower cost for electricity is a competitive advantage the state cannot afford to lose. In addition, if a coal plant were idled, we would lose jobs; strand the investment in the plant and not utilize the remaining life of a facility. The ripple impact would impact Bismarck-Mandan through various factors such as vehicle and heavy equipment sales, an loss of service jobs and an impact on the construction industry.

In North Dakota, citizens, elected officials, agencies and the energy industry have a long history of crafting solutions that protect the environment while meeting the economic development and energy needs of our state. We are confident that a plan developed by North Dakota, for North Dakota, is the best path forward to protect our state while seeking to achieve the broader goals as outlined by the EPA. A key recommendation made by the Chamber is to develop a broad outline that allows for an application for a 2-year extension to be submitted in September of 2016.

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Chamber Connection | 15

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STUDENTS DISCUSS CURRENT ETHICAL DILEMMAS It was another successful Ethics Day as 240 area high school students packed the multi-purpose room at the BPS Career Academy on Thursday, November 5th. Thank you to our emcees, Keenan Hauff from Threefold Productions and Hannah Haynes the Startup Community Director of Start Bismarck for being wonderful emcees for the day.

It was a full house as 240 high school students from 14 different area schools attended the 17th Annual Ethics Day.

A big thank you to the members of the Ethics Day Task Force for their hard work in ensuring that the dilemmas and presentations for the day were challenging enough for the students. They are: Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, Cassie Muscha, Shane Hafner, Dave Blair and Dianna Kindseth.

Dr. Craig Lambrecht, CEO of Sanford Health, kicked off the day talking about ethics in the healthcare industry, which also led to a great discussion about ethical dilemmas he encountered while in the military.

Also doing a presentation on immigration was Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Healy from Fargo. She spoke to the students not only about immigration, but what happens when a company employs those who are in the country illegally and what the repercussions could be to that company.

Students had the opportunity to discuss hot topic issues such as gun control, immigration problems, social media dilemmas and medical marijuana.

Fourteen schools were represented during Ethics Day and we would like to thank the teachers and administrators from those schools who allowed their students to attend this great event. Students came from Solen, Dakota Adventist Academy, Shiloh Christian, Bismarck High, Century High, Legacy High, Mandan High, Standing Rock, Beulah, Hazen, Underwood, Washburn, New Salem and South Central.

This was the largest attendance we have had for this event. Thank you to Dale Hoerauf and Connie Grause from the BPS Career Academy who have always been so accommodating to us and allow us to use that great facility!

Thank you to all of the table leaders who took time out of their busy day to mediate conversation at their tables and become mentors to many students along the way.

A BIG thank you to the sponsors who have supported this program financially and made it into the amazing event it has become!

Gold Sponsor:

Table Sponsors: Aetna, American Family Insurance-Terry Kraft Agency, Bain Agency, Capital Electric Cooperative, Dickinson State University, MDU Resources Group, National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), Northern Improvement Company, Starion Financial and Wells Fargo Bank.

16 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER, CHELSE! I started with the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce in October, and it has been beyond rewarding! From a young age I knew that business was a passion of mine, and my position as Membership Sales Director allows my passion to be a career.

As a 2013 graduate from the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at the University of Mary, I earned a double major in Marketing, and Sport & Leisure Management. A highlight of my academic career was attending Global Village at the Iacocca Institute at Lehigh University. This program allowed me to live, and work in “The Village” which consisted of 119 interns from 54 countries for six weeks. During this time we did marketing projects for worldwide businesses, gained new cultural experiences, and grew our professional development. After finishing my academic career at the University of Mary, I knew that BismarckMandan was where I wanted to grow my career, and this community is the perfect place to live, work, and play!

Chelse Simon

My role as Membership Sales Director ties perfectly with my love of business, and the Bismarck Mandan community. I am fortunate enough to welcome new members, explore membership options with potential members, and to determine the perfect sponsorship to best fit the needs of the member. Along with continuing relationships with our current members, and of course… attending all the fabulous Chamber events! I’m looking forward to engaging with all our current, and future members!

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701-663-7401 - Mandan

701-235-3333 - Fargo

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 1-800-554-7077 1400 E. INTERCHANGE AVE, BISMARCK ND 58501

Chamber Connection | 17

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BRAVE

CHAMBER HOLIDAY MIXER Date: Location:

Time: Fees: Platinum Sponsor:

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Bismarck Event Center - Exhibit Hall 315 S 5th St, Bismarck 5:00PM - 8:00PM $5.00 + A business card for drawings

It’s that time of year again; I don’t know how it came so quickly, but it always does! The Holidays are upon us, and that marks a special time at the Chamber.

We get to celebrate another festive year of fun and laidback networking at our themed Holiday Mixer with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, door prize giveaways and local music!

The Holiday Mixer is one of our largest events with over 1,500 members and non-members who attend to network with over 100 local business members in our community. Not only is this a great networking opportunity, but it’s also a wonderful chance for you to showcase your business and service abilities to all of our attendees. You’ll gain exposure before, during and after the event. If you looking for something fun to do on Tuesday, December 8th get a group of friends together stop by to mingle and celebrate another wonderful season ahead.

If you have further questions on attending, or representing your business at our Holiday Mixer, please contact Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com or call the Chamber at 701-223-5660.

BRATS FOR THE BRAVE Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Friday, December 18, 2016 University of Mary McDowell Activity Center 6:00PM - 9:00PM Free to Attend

The Military Affairs Committee invites Military and Chamber members to their annual Brats for the Brave.

To show appreciation, our Military men and women plus one guest will get into the University of Mary Marauder basketball games free with military ID. Chamber members and Military are invited to mingle and eat brats with all the fixings during the games. In addition, cheer on the University of Mary Marauders basketball teams as they take on the Minot State University Beavers. The women hit the court at 6:00pm with the men to follow shortly after.

PERMIT #5007

2015

You can register to attend this evening event online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events.

Thank you to all our sponsors who make this wonderful event a possibility!

You can’t win if you don’t play!

New this year at the Chamber Holiday Mixer, 50/50 Raffle!

Tuesday, December 8th • Bismarck Event Center • 5:00pm - 8:00pm 18 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Thursday, January 14, 2016 Bismarck Event Center - Hall B 315 S 5th St, Bismarck 5:00PM - 9:00PM $65.00 for Members $75.00 for Non-Members

Bring in the New Year with the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and celebrate our 2016 Chamber Comedy Night at our Annual Dinner!

This year’s spectacular line-up, will be incorporating an honorary 1940s feel (with 1940s black – tie encouraged). We’ll be transporting our guest back to a 1940s comedy parlor to enjoy the Upright Citizen Brigade Touring Company for an evening of improvisational and sketch comedy. This unscripted, totally improvised performance will leave you rolling off your seats!

This event is always a night for outstanding entertainment, fine dining and a wonderful opportunity to network with nearly 1,000 members!

The social begins at 5:30 PM and dinner will be served promptly at 6:30 PM. Program will began at 7:00pm sharp. RSVP by visiting our website at www.bismarckmandan.com or by calling 701-2235660.

2015

Platinum Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bismarck/Mandan

Bronze Sponsors

Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND Cellular Communications Epic Sports Leingang Home Centers Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation

Hors D’oeuvres Sponsors Baymont Inn & Suites Lady J’s Catering

Networking Lounge Sponsor I. Keating Furnature World

Booth Sponsors Agency MABU Allstate Insurance - Vanessa Monteith Agency Anytime Fitness - Mandan Aspen Group Bain Agency BAM Aware Marketing Bartlett & West Inc. Baymont Inn & Suites Be Mobile BEK Communication Biolife Plasma Services Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck-Mandan CVB Bismarck Parks & Recreation The Bismarck Tribune Bobcat Hockey Bremer Bank Broadway Centre Spa & Salon Capital Credit Union Capital Trophy Coldspring Cloverdale Foods Coaches Choice CPA State Society Dakota Adventist Academy Dakota Carrier Network Dakota Foot & Ankle Dakota Pharmacy Dunn Bros. Coffee EAPC Architects Engineers Eide Bailly LLP Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Fundamental Furniture Gate City Bank Gateway to Science Golder Associates Harlow’s Trailways Hirsch Floral & Gifts Holiday Inn of Bismarck

iHeart Media KFYR TV Kirkwood Mall KK Bold Lacey’s Custom Jewelry Legacy Storage Solutions Liberty Business Systems McQuade Distributing Inc. Missouri River Pages MOJO/ Big Rig My Place Hotel NDAREC - North Dakota Living New Vision Security The Network Center Northern Lights LASIK Northwest Tire NRG Technology Services Open Road Honda Prairie Zen Botanicals Pride Inc. Proximal50 Life Center Rainmaker Group Rasmussen College S&S Promotional Group Sanford Health Occupational Medicine SEH Inc Shiloh Christian School Slip Solutions, LLC Starion Financial Thrifty White Drug Touchmark TLC Vision Bismarck Transworld Business Advisors of Bismarck University of Mary United Printing United Tribes Technical College Vogel Law Vue Community Credit Union Your Home Improvement Company

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 5:00pm - 8:00pm • Bismarck Event Center, Exhibit Hall Admission: $5.00 + Business Card

Chamber Connection | 19

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STATE RANKED TOP IN NATION FOR ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE North Dakota has been ranked first in the nation on its economic performance and the talent in its pipeline by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

In addition, the state was ranked sixth in overall business climate, according to the foundation’s sixth annual “Enterprising States: States Innovate” study released Oct. 20.

The study highlights the states best poised for the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focused economy.

North Dakota is at the top in STEM job growth but is still low in the actual number of STEM jobs per capita, according to the study.

“There’s still plenty of room to catch up,” said Mark Schill, vice president of Praxis Strategy Group.

Schill said the chamber study took into account a variety of businesses, ranging from software companies to engineering firms to research and development companies and a few select manufacturers. It also counted workers at the technician level as well as those with four years or more of education.

The data came from various research foundations and government entities and measured long- and short-term job growth, export growth, creation of new companies, lending and higher education rates.

Schill said one bright spot of the study was that North Dakota ranked third, behind Massachusetts and Minnesota, highest for 25- to 44-year-olds with at least a two-year college degree. Of that population in the state, 51 percent have degrees.

Schill said that story was true across the Great Plains.

“With one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates, North Dakota is a pillar of economic stability,” Carolyn Cawley, managing director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, said in a statement. “Much of North Dakota’s success can be attributed to its stable foundation of solid economic programs and strategies designed to bolster entrepreneurship while also positioning the state to deftly weather recent declines in oil prices, slower growth and lower-than-projected budget surpluses.”

The study also highlighted unique state programs and those that potentially could be applied in other states.

Among those was North Dakota’s state-owned bank with its loan guarantees of up to $200,000 for small business.

Research ND was another highlight. The program provides matching grants for biotechnology projects involving collaboration between the private sector and universities.

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20 | Chamber Connection

Brad Legried

Melissa Pinks

Steve Zottnick

Justin Weninger

Kevin Dykema

401 N 4th St, Bismarck | 258-2611 weareamerican.com

www.bismarckmandan.com

TESORO CONTRIBUTES $5.3 MILLION TO HOUSING INCENTIVE FUND

Tesoro Corporation announced Nov. 6 a substantial contribution to the North Dakota Housing Incentive Fund (HIF). Company representatives presented Gov. Jack Dalrymple with a check for $5.3 million, the singlelargest contribution in the program’s history, to support affordable housing projects in Bismarck, Mandan, Dickinson and Watford City. Tesoro’s contribution has pushed the state program to more than 70 percent of its $30 million capitalization goal.

The check was presented during an event at the state Capitol by Tesoro executives, including Executive Vice President of Operations Keith Casey; Senior Vice President of Refining Brian Coffman; Vice President, Mandan Refinery, Todd Dixon; and Government and Public Affairs Director Ron Day. Dalrymple was also joined by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) Executive Director Jolene Kline.

“Thank you to Tesoro Corporation for this generous contribution and for their support of affordable housing development across North Dakota,” said Dalrymple. “The Housing Incentive Fund is an important tool for ensuring the availability of affordable housing for essential service workers and those on fixed incomes, and Tesoro’s contribution will make it possible for additional development projects to move forward.”

The HIF provides low-cost financing to developers of affordable rental housing. The Industrial Commission, consisting of Dalrymple as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees NDHFA, the fund administrator.

“We are proud to support North Dakota Housing Finance Agency and its mission to make housing safe and affordable for the state’s workforce and its aging population,” said Casey. “We believe this initiative will make North Dakota communities stronger and will help spur continued economic growth in the state.”

“We are very appreciative of Tesoro’s support and pleased that we’ve had such great progress in reaching our capitalization goal,” said Kline. “Fourteen of the 24 projects that received conditional commitments from the agency this summer are now fully funded thanks to Tesoro’s and our other partners’ contributions to the HIF.”

NDHFA began accepting HIF contributions in July. To date, the agency has received $21.5 million.

“It would be wonderful to say that we are done, but we aren’t,” added Kline. “We have projects in communities large and small, in the east and in the west that still need support.

For many individuals and families, this program is their opportunity to have a place that’s not just affordable, but also safe and secure. A place they can call home.”

While NDHFA has until Dec. 31, 2016, to reach its goal, agency officials continually stress that the sooner the HIF is fully capitalized, the sooner the housing it supports can begin construction.

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120 N 3rd Street, Ste 25, Bismarck (in the lower level) www.prairiezenbotanicals.com Chamber Connection | 21

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MARCO NAMED GREAT PLACE TO WORK® 2015

PERKS

Marco was named by Great Place to Work® as one of the best small and medium workplaces in the United States on their annual 2015 Best Small & Medium Workplaces list, published today in Fortune magazine.

Ranked #14, this is the second consecutive year Marco has received this honor. Divided into two categories, Small (25-250 employees) and Medium (251-999 employees), the list has recognized companies with exceptional workplace cultures for the past 11 years.

Competing against hundreds of companies across the country, Marco participated in a rigorous selection process, which included an employee survey and an in-depth questionnaire about benefits programs and company practices. Great Place to Work® evaluates each application using its unique methodology based on five dimensions of a great workplace: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.

In compiling the list, Great Place to Work® has found that employees believe they work for great organizations when they consistently trust the people they work for, have pride in what they do and enjoy the people they work with.

An Old Fashioned

Country Christmas Join us for Dakota Adventist Academy’s Celebration of Praise Weekend

Celebration of Christmas Concert Saturday | Dec. 12, 2015 | 7:00 pm Doors will be open at 6:00 pm We invite you to bring a donation of non-perishable food items for the Ruth Meyers Hospitality House. *There will be light refreshments following the concert

For more information please call 701-258-9000 22 | Chamber Connection

GRANT HELPS BSC BUY HIGH-TECH WELDING EQUIPMENT Bismarck State College has acquired a new welding system and a mobile computer lab with a $646,000 workforce training grant from the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education matched with local industry contributions.

The Apex 2100 orbital welding system made by Lincoln Electric is the only one in North Dakota. BSC is the first state college to obtain the high-tech, programmable equipment, said Ken Paulus, BSC professor of welding.

Lightweight, portable and built tough, the Apex 2100 is about the size of a desk and designed for ease in the field. Operators can program the machine and store weld programs on a flash drive.

“This is the most advanced system on the market today,” Paulus said. “Once programmed, the machine takes all human error out of a weld.”

Paulus said no North Dakota industry has the welding system yet – the closest Apex 2100 is in Monticello, Minn. – but several companies visited BSC to look at it.

“There is industry demand for people to operate this equipment,” Paulus said. “Operators can be trained, but industry wants to hire a welder because a welder knows what to look for in a good weld.”

A potential 75 students in three programs could learn machine operation – Welding and Mechanical Maintenance program students, and those enrolled in Apprenticeship Training through BSC’s Continuing Education, Training and Innovation Department (CETI).

CETI also will offer training for company employees in various industries.

The mobile computer lab is for CETI instructors to teach computer, software and other technology courses offcampus and outside Bismarck.

BSC’s Workforce Training Grant consists of $321,000 from the Department of Career and Technical Education, and a college match of $325,000 in cash, in-kind services, and welding consumables donated by industry.

www.bismarckmandan.com

A MAGICAL MUSICAL MEDORA CHRISTMAS

The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF) announced that three best of the west entertainers are bringing Medora-style, family entertainment to the four corners of the state with 13 shows in 10 communities between Nov. 28 and Dec. 13, 2015.

Left to Right: Emily Walter, Jared Mason and Bill Sorensen.

A Magical Musical Medora Christmas variety show will feature three of the top performers to have graced the stage of the Burning Hills Amphitheater, including Medora Musical co-hosts Bill Sorenson and Emily Walter. They will be joined by yodeler extraordinaire Jared Mason.

“We can’t think of a better way to thank all those who helped make 2015 the Medora Musical’s most successful season ever than to bring some holiday entertainment to their hometowns,” said Randy Hatzenbuhler, TRMF president. “We’re excited to cap our 50th anniversary season with this travelling, home-style variety show.”

The show will feature the musical talents of Mason and Walter and the comedy and magic talents of Sorensen, all who have appeared as featured performers of the Medora Musical.

Jared Mason performed as a Burning Hills Singer and featured vocalist in the musical where many remember him for his yodeling abilities. Since his time in Medora, Mason has become an award-winning recording artist, composer, actor, and most recently, has starred on Broadway as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Tony Award winning musical, Million Dollar Quartet.

Over a number of years Emily Walter has performed in the Medora Musical as a Burning Hills Singer, co-host, and host. While serving her country, Walter was the lead vocalist in the US Air Force Strategic Air Command Band.

She then starred in Patsy Cline shows across the United States and Canada, and as a featured vocalist performing on cruise ships all over the world.

Bill Sorensen has served as co-host of the Medora Musical for three years. As a magician, juggler, and public speaker, he has performed over 5,000 shows nationwide.

He produced and appeared in The 4M Review variety show in Medora for 30 years. Sorensen is a former city commissioner and mayor of Bismarck, ND. He also served as a North Dakota State Representative and is a past President of the North Dakota League of Cities.

All evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of Dec. 5 in Medora, which will be at 1:30 and 7 p.m. to allow for an evening fireworks show. There will also be an afternoon matinee in Mandan on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Chamber Connection | 23

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SCHOOL SPACE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED Submitted by Tamara Uselman

A Community Facility Task Force will meet through this spring to review space related to educational needs in Bismarck Public Schools; 75 parents, school staff, business leaders, community members, and planners are expected to serve in this big work.

This fall, 371 more students registered on the first day of school than the year before, another record enrollment for Bismarck Public Schools at 12,410.

School planner Rob Schwarz says medical and service industries are bringing people to the Bismarck-Mandan area, driving the demand for adequate K-12 educational space.

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At the task force’s first meeting in November, enrollment projections for the next four school years through 201920 were reviewed. Next year, Highland Acres, Liberty and Lincoln Elementary Schools will be over capacity. A four classroom addition opened at Liberty this fall and one is planned for Lincoln by next school year. Aging elementary buildings is another one of our concerns.

Additional pressure is seen at the middle level. All three public middle schools in Bismarck are currently over capacity and enrollment in grades 6-8 is expected to grow from 2,734 this year to 3,379 by fall of 2019—an increase of 645 students or 215 per middle school. That would create middle schools of 1,000-1,200, which is similar in size to current high school enrollment.

High school enrollment in BPS is managed with the addition of Legacy this fall. The three public high schools should level out between 1,200-1,300 students each in the next few years.

The Facility Task Force will review space and educational needs throughout the district, as well as building conditions, equity, and district finances before proposing solutions to the community. Public hearings are planned for the evenings of January 27-28. Based on public input, the group will refine the solutions and seek more feedback. A community survey is also planned before the Bismarck School Board would take action on a long-term facilities plan.

www.bismarckmandan.com

UNIVERSITY OF MARY OFFERS A NEW CYBER SECURITY PROGRAM

The University of Mary announced Nov. 4., all students will be able to receive a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a cyber security concentration at the Gary Tharaldson School of Business starting fall (August) 2016. Through this new program students will have the education and training to develop software applications and operating systems that run computers and devices.

It’s no secret that Information Technology (IT) is the number one job market in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the job outlook for areas within computer science will continue to grow between 15% and 25% through the year 2022 in different areas of employment. The Information Technology Council in the state of North Dakota has seen a 20% increase in information technology jobs throughout the last decade and predicts a 45% increase over the next decade.

More specifically, in the latest 2013 Job Market Intelligence report published by Burning Glass Technologies, an online job market analytics firm that identifies gaps and needs in the workforce, there were 209,749 national postings for cyber-security jobs with an average salary of $93,028.

“I can’t put too fine a point on it, but this job sector is booming because entities at all levels —government, financial institutions, health care providers, energy, retail and any organization with sensitive data — whether they realize it or not, are under attack by hackers,” stated University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea.

“Whether in the field of cyber security or database administration, employers locally and globally are scrambling to create special departments to protect their sensitive data and infrastructure. This new program at Mary will be a huge windfall for companies in North Dakota and across America.”

One such proactive company in North Dakota is KLJ, a nationally renowned and reputable engineering firm based in Bismarck. KLJ identified early on the need for information security services and has since launched CyberNet Security Solutions. One of their cyber security team members is Tim Swartz, who gets paid to find flaws in systems via penetration testing for KLJ and customers.

Swartz generously and graciously began volunteering his free time at Mary two years ago after Fennewald and the three students witnessed first-hand his expertise.

They were so impressed that they asked him to come back once a week for the 457-level class called Advanced Programming Topics.

When you talk to people who know Swartz, without hesitation they use words like prodigy, genius and brilliant.

Those same people are quick to add that Swartz would never use those words to describe himself, noting his humble and soft-spoken demeanor.

“While a large portion of the security knowledge I have is directed towards breaking into systems, the students have shown a greater desire to gain knowledge about creating protection tools,” commented Swartz.

Protection software is where the three students have taken their programming skills to an advanced level that is off the charts thanks to Fennewald’s teaching and Swartz’s mentoring. The three students are designing a program now that remains nameless, probably because it is not yet finished, but Dubiel refers to as the USB Locker. In laymen’s terms, it requires a user to have an USB drive inserted into the computer for a login. When the drive is removed it locks the computer. Dubiel credits Fennewald and Swartz for continually trying to poke holes into their idea to help make it better and more refined — and it’s working. The students are now taking their idea one step further by creating a program that doesn’t require a USB drive, but simply allows a user to walk away from the computer or device to break the connection thus locking the computer.

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BASIN ELECTRIC ANNUAL MEETING FOCUSES ON THE CO-OP’S STRENGTHS IN THE MIDST OF REGULATORY CHALLENGES Focused on people, working to deliver power, with one purpose – to serve. “People. Power. Purpose.” That was the theme of Basin Electric’s 2015 Annual Meeting of the Membership. It’s the how, what and why Basin Electric exists.

Basin Electric’s 2015 annual meeting brought in more than 1,000 member co-op employees, directors, public officials and utility representatives, and featured several updates on complex issues and developments, but woven throughout the entire two-day meeting was a reminder to all member cooperatives that they own Basin Electric.

Basin Electric board president Wayne Peltier, representing District 9 of Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power, Montevideo, MN, underscored the importance of always remembering why Basin Electric was created – to serve. “Our purpose is to take care of each other, solve problems in our community and indeed power our communities. Basin Electric must never lose sight of that. … There was no bigger proof of our commitment than this year, when we faced many monumental changes in the way we do business. While some may think it’d be easy to lose sight of who we are and focus more on the market and the bankers, Basin Electric carefully, diligently and purposely, continued to make all decisions based on what is in the best interest of our members.”

26 | Chamber Connection

This past year marked a number of history-altering shifts in the way the cooperative operates. Basin Electric joined Southwest Power Pool, a regional transmission organization; changed its relationship with the Rural Utilities Service; and was dealt a mighty blow from the Environmental Protection Agency with its Clean Power Plan. Through it all, Basin Electric remains firmly grounded in its values and mission – its cooperative members.

“The Clean Power Plan is far worse than the proposed rule,” said Paul Sukut, Basin Electric CEO and general manager, during his Nov. 4 address to the membership.

“Eight of the 12 states hit the hardest are in our service territory. This one is ugly for Basin Electric.

“This rule is a threat to our members. We are fighting it with all we’ve got – legally, legislatively and publicly.

If we can’t beat this rule, we must meet it with a plan that doesn’t severely impact our member-consumers.

This will involve close work with our membership, other states in the region and our congressional delegations.”

www.bismarckmandan.com

DECEMBER TELEVISED LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

Tuesday, 1st 5:30 pm Mandan City Commission Monday, 7th 5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission Monday, 7th 5:30 pm Mandan School Board (recorded) Tuesday, 8th 8:00 am Burleigh County Water Resource District Tuesday, 8th 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission Wednesday, 9th 5:15 pm Burleigh Planning Commission Thursday, 10th 5:30 pm Morton County Commission (recorded) Monday, 14th 5:15 pm Bismarck School Board Monday, 14th 5:30 pm Mandan Park Board (recorded) Tuesday, 15th 1:00 pm Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board Tuesday, 15th 5:30 pm Mandan City Commission Wednesday, 16th 5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission

Thursday, 17th 3:30 pm Burleigh County Social Services Thursday, 17th 5:15 pm Bismarck Park Board Commission Monday, 21st 5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission Monday, 21st 5:30 pm Mandan School Board (recorded) Tuesday, 22nd 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission Tuesday, 22nd 5:30 pm Morton County Commission (recorded) Monday, 28th 5:15 pm Mandan Planning Commission Meetings can be viewed LIVE (unless otherwise indicated) and are replayed several times on Government Access, cable channel 2 and HD602. Government meetings are also available for online viewing (LIVE and Video on Demand) at www.freetv.org.

To learn more about our rehabilitation therapy services, call (701) 255-0184.

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

Chamber Connection | 27

COMMUNITY

NEWS

ASK-A-PRO

Perks

Ask a Pro with

with

with

at

at

DR. RUSSO

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

MARK SCHWEI

1355 Airport Road, Bismarck, ND 58504 701-557-3698

Q: HOW DOES SITE SELECTION Q: NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL AFFECT CONSTRUCTION? CAREGIVERS MONTH: WITH SO MUCH EMPHASIS A: Greater than the design and scope UNDERSTANDABLY PLACED of the building itself, the single biggest decision in the construction process ON THE NEEDS OF CANCER PATIENTS, WHAT DO WE NEED is the acquisition of an appropriate site. In this stage, the objective is to TO KNOW ABOUT CARING ensure that the selected site meets your FOR THE CAREGIVER? requirements now and in the distant A: The most important thing to realize is future. This requires some careful

DAVE SAXON, MD at

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

Q: HOW CAN I KEEP MY EMPLOYEES SAFE WHEN WORKING OUTDOORS THIS WINTER? A: In this part of the country, the winter

months will bring a unique set of challenges for your workers who spend part or all of their days outside. Cold temperatures can have hazardous effects on your employees and their ability to that cancer affects the entire family, examination of factors such as operating work well. not just the patient. Even though estimates, labor needs, growth potential, Two of the most common cold injuries caregivers don’t have a diagnosis of transportation and infrastructure your employees can face are frostbite and cancer, they suffer with the emotional, development. In addition, funding hypothermia. social and spiritual aspects of the arrangements should be considered, disease. They must face their own Frostbite: When a body appendage (ears, including future tax implications and challenges in addition to what the nose, fingers and toes) drops below 32 public incentives. degrees Fahrenheit, the tissues freeze patient is facing. Many resources exist On a more tangible level, the building and cause cellular damage and eventually for the caregiver but the first step is tissue loss of portions of the appendage. to recognize that the issue exists and site determines access, egress, and discuss with your healthcare provider. utility provisions. In some cases, these If they begin to feel numbness or tingling costs can exceed those of the rest of the in any body part when working in project. Topography and soil conditions below-freezing temperatures, they must can also affect costs significantly. Direct immediately get inside to warm that part. costs to deal with wetlands, rock, or Wear the correct clothing, gloves, scarves, difficult soils are obvious, but indirectly socks, boots and face protection. Dress these conditions dictate the type of construction necessary to conform to the in multiple layers, cover the face with site and how much of the site can actually appropriate material, wear gloves and boots with wool socks that meet the be used for building. temperature conditions.

Performing site due diligence and a SWOT analysis, including the involvement Hypothermia: When body temperatures drop below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, of site consultants and engineers can leading to the cooling of internal organs mitigate the Owner’s risk and provide such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and recommendations for development. intestines. As the body cools, muscles Working in tandem with the design/ shiver, organs begin to malfunction and builder, a solid development plan and thinking becomes confused. This is a budget can be established early. medical emergency.

28 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

Ask a Pro with

PAT BRUNELLE with

STEVE KELSCH at

1661 Capitol Way, Suite 102, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-250-9400

Q: WHEN MOVING TO A NEW OFFICE, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT? A: 1. Not doing a checklist—make sure

it is detailed, especially for the IT portion of things. Make sure the new location has the appropriate wiring in place for phones and data. Make sure the wiring is in the correct locations that you need it to be. There is nothing worse than trying to line up a contractor to do wiring on short notice after you have moved in.

2. Not giving your ISP enough lead time to get the move done--make sure you call your ISP well in advance to ensure the service is up and running before you move in.

3. Trying to save money by moving your own network—hire a qualified IT firm to make the move for you. There are certain things that need to be done when moving a network and all of its equipment to prepare in advance that need to be planned by someone with network experience.

4. Not planning for disruptions—no matter how much you plan, there will be issues that you should be prepared for. No move goes 100% smoothly. Be prepared for some down time or sporadic phone services for at least the first 3 days after the move, and have backup plans in place to keep the business running.

with

&

at

at

CHAD MOLDENHAUER

PO Box 7188, Bismarck, ND 58507 • 701-220-1821

JANEL S., RPh

3101 North 11th Street Bismarck, ND 58503 701-224-9521

Q: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS Q: MANY OF MY DIABETIC TO CONSIDER WHEN FRIENDS ARE TAKING A PURCHASING A LOT TO BUILD MEDICINE FROM A NEWER ON? CLASS OF DRUG. IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM THE A: The neighborhood is typically the first thing to think about when STANDARD “DIABETIC deciding where to build including the PILLS”? demographics, school district zoning A: Traditionally, the most common and proximity to parks, walking trails or other desired amenities. Your future home is probably the largest investment you will make which is why it is important to choose an area that has homes with similar prices, styles and quality for both the appraisal of the new home and its eventual re-sale. Finally, you will want to check the covenants and restrictions for the development to make sure they allow for the type of home and landscaping you have in mind.

Once you have determined the development you want to live in, you can decide on a particular lot. The most important factor is typically the view the lot offers, followed by the desired sun, snow and potential wind exposure. If you are looking to build a home with a walk-out basement, you will need 5’ to 7’ of drop in the grade from the curb to the back of the home or 3’ to 5’ of drop for a home with daylight basement windows. If you find what you are looking for, be prepared to act fast because the most ideal lots are usually sold quickly, sometimes even before the development is completed.

diabetic agents have consisted of members of two classes of drugs. The first class contains the most prescribed medication called Metformin and the second class are sulfonylureas (including glipizide, glyburide, and glimepiride).

Recently, two more classes of drugs have been added to the market. The first new class is referred to as the SGLT2 inhibitors, which were discussed in a previous Ask-A-Pro segment. The second new class- DPP4 inhibitors- includes Tradjenta, Januvia, Nesina, and Onglyza.

These medications are responsible for increasing the levels of a hormone called incretin resulting in increased insulin production in response to meals and decreased amount of glucose (sugar) that the liver produces. They are generally well-tolerated with common side effects being stomach discomfort and mild upper respiratory issues.

Chamber Connection | 29

COMMUNITY

ASK-A-PRO

NEWS

CHAMBER Perks

PERKS

Goldsack and Snow Join KK BOLD

Bridget Goldsack and DeVonna Snow have joined KK BOLD advertising agency in Bismarck.

As a media buyer, Goldsack plans and places traditional and online media campaigns for Bridget Goldsack KK BOLD clients. Her prior work Sherman Named experience includes 10 years as Director of Medical a marketing consultant for the Bismarck Tribune. A Mandan Staff Services native, Goldsack received an Tammy Sherman has been associate degree from Bismarck promoted to director of medical State College. staff services for the Bismarck As an administrative assistant, region of Sanford Health.

Tammy Sherman Snow provides support services Prior to her new role, Tammy DeVonna Snow for many agency functions. worked as the performance Prior to joining KK BOLD, she improvement/peer review coordinator. She has also worked at Bone & Joint Center and the Missouri Valley worked as a clinic nurse manager and director of case Montessori School.

A native of Glendive, Mont., Snow management during her time at Sanford Health. earned an associate degree in education from Dawson Tammy has been with Sanford Health for 10 years.

Community College in Glendive.

Thompson Joins AE2S

AE2S (Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.) has hired Nick Thompson as a Construction Services Representative in the firm’s Bismarck, ND office. He will Nick Thompson be working on several utility construction projects for the Cities of Bismarck and Mandan, ND. Thompson brings more than 13 years of professional experience in construction services.

Before joining AE2S, he was a Project Manager of commercial construction at Northwest Contracting, Inc. Some of Thompson’s significant past projects include work on the University of North Dakota Center for Family Medicine and Sanford Health Administrative Building in Bismarck.

30 | Chamber Connection

Bakkum Earns Advisor of the Month

Securian Financial Advisors of ND, Inc. is pleased to announce that Mark Bakkum has been named Advisor of the Month for October. Mark has been a Mark Bakkum Financial Advisor with Securian since April 2015 and is located at 4431 Memorial Hwy in Mandan.

Gallagher Presents at CEO Convention

Deb Gallagher, Capital Credit Union president and CEO, was a featured presenter recently at the 2015 Directors & CEO Leadership Convention. The convention is the largest independent conference for credit union leaders, drawing approximately 1,500 top credit union leaders.

Gallagher presented in the session, “Top Credit Union CEO’s Explain Nuts-to-Bolts Strategies for Success – Top Credit Union Leadership Explained.”

She was selected as a presenter by conference Credit Collections Bureau Promotions organizer Aaron Steinberg after his group conducted an analysis of credit unions and finding Capital Credit Credit Collections Bureau is proud to announce Union on the top of their list of demonstrating a long Kandy Wagner to collection associate. history of sustained financial performance for its credit union members.

Gallagher’s expertise comes from years of Sanford Health experience in the credit union industry. She joined Welcomes Capital Credit Union in 1974 and progressively Obstetrician/ advanced until being named CEO in 1994. Under her Gynecologist leadership and vision, the credit union has expanded

Kristin Gray, MD, obstetrician/ to five additional communities across the state and gynecologist, recently joined grown by $350 million in assets. She is actively Sanford Obstetrics and Kristin Gray, MDinvolved in various credit union organizations, is a Gynecology. Dr. Gray is a North member of the Credit Union Executive Society and Dakota native. She graduated served as a director for the Midwest Corporate Federal from the University of North Dakota School of Credit Union for fifteen years. She is also a graduate Medicine and Health Sciences in Grand Forks and of CUNA Management School, is a Certified Credit completed her residency from St. Joseph Mercy Union Executive, and holds a Certified Chief Executive Hospital in Ypsilanti, Mich. designation from the Credit Union Executive Society.

www.bismarckmandan.com KLJ Hires Senior Information Security Engineer

KLJ, an engineering, surveying and planning firm, hired Sean Wiese in its Bismarck office. Wiese is a senior information security engineer in the CyberNet Security group. He has been Sean Wiese a technology professional for more than 30 years, including 17 years of information security experience working in the utility and telecommunications industries, local government and private sector. Wiese is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified in Risk Systems Control (CRISC).

Walth Recognized for Network Center, Inc. Announces New 30 Years of Service Hires and Certifications

Howard Walth, trauma coordinator at CHI St. Alexius Health’s Emergency & Trauma Center was recently recognized by the Board of Directors of the Howard Walth National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for achieving 30 consecutive years as a Nationally Registered EMT. This distinction is an honor held by few EMTs. To maintain his status as a Nationally Registered EMT, Walth completed, on a biennial basis, the most comprehensive recertification program for Emergency Medical Technicians in America. He not only completed courses to refresh his fundamental Laducer Joins MABU knowledge and skills but also attended a minimum of two hours per month of additional continuing as Communications education courses to advance his knowledge on new Intern lifesaving skills.

Maggie Laducer recently By maintaining his Nationally Registered status joined Agency MABU for and completing regular continuing education courses, a 12-week marketing and Walth is among the few elite EMTs with the most communications internship. training in pre-hospital emergency medical care in the Maggie Laducer Laducer, an enrolled member nation. of the Turtle Mountain Band Walth was Nationally Registered as a paramedic of Chippewa, will be working on projects involving in 1985. He started at CHI St. Alexius Health’s various Native American clients served by Agency Emergency & Trauma Center in 2002 and has served MABU, including the North Dakota Indian Business as trauma coordinator since 2004. He is a flight nurse Alliance, the National Congress of American Indians, for Bismarck Air Medical and is a certified emergency the Center for Indian Country Development, and the nurse, certified flight nurse, certified critical care nurse Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. and certified legal nurse consultant. He is a member As part of her pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree of The Emergency Nurses Association and The Society in Communications Studies from Minnesota of Trauma Nurses.

State University (Moorhead), Laducer has also The National Registry of Emergency Medical completed internships with the U.S. Social Technicians serves as the national EMS certification Security Administration in Baltimore MD, Senator organization by providing a valid, uniform process Heitkamp’s office, and the North Dakota Indian Affairs to assess the knowledge and skills required for Commission. competent practice by EMS professionals throughout Agency MABU is a full service marketing, their careers and by maintaining a registry of management and multimedia production firm certification status. headquartered in Bismarck, with an affiliated office in the Washington DC area.

Bianco Realty Sales

Sanford Health Welcomes Nurse Practitioner

Camille Meyhoff, cardiology family nurse practitioner, recently joined Sanford Health in Bismarck. She graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and Camille Meyhoff a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from the nurse practitioner program at the University of Mary. In addition to seeing patients at Sanford Health, she also teaches at NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health.

Meyhoff is a Mandan native and has cared for patients in the community for more than 15 years.

Shirely Thomas

Darcy Fettig

Cornerstone Bank Welcomes Nelson

Cornerstone Bank is pleased to announce that Philip Nelson has joined Cornerstone Bank as a Junior Mortgage Loan Officer in Bismarck. He will be Philip Nelson working with Jon Leet on the Cornerstone Mortgage Team.

He comes to Cornerstone Bank with over five years of customer service experience and recently earned his MBA in finance from the University of Mary.

Credit Collections Bureau Announcements

Credit Collections Bureau is pleased to announce Kristie Bauer has been named client services Bianco Realty has named Shirley Thomas and Darcy Fettig representative and Luann Nygard has been named employee of the month for September 2015.

“REALTORS® of the Month”!

Thomas and Fettig had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty Sanford Health Welcomes Physician for the month of October 2015. Assistant Thomas has been a licensed Jody Bauer, PA-C, general REALTOR® since 2001 and Fettig surgery, recently joined has been a licensed REALTOR® Sanford Health in Bismarck. since 1993.

Bauer is a native of Beulah, North Dakota. She graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck with a Bachelor of Jody Bauer, PA-C Science degree, and received her Master’s degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Grand Forks.

Awards

Technology solution provider Network Center, Inc. announces the addition of Help Desk Technicians Mike Lehmberg and Dustin Kremer.

Lehmberg graduated from Minnesota School of Business Mike Lehmberg with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Prior to Network Center, Inc., Lehmberg worked for Dell Services as a Systems Analysis Senior Associate. Lehmberg joins Network Center, Inc. with over four years of IT experience.

Kremer graduated from MSCTC with an Associate Dustin Kremer Degree in IT Systems Support and the University of Mary with a Bachelor Degree in Business Management. Prior to Network Center, Inc., Kremer worked as the Director of Technology and Administration for Catholic Charities North Dakota.

Kremer joins us with over 2.5 years of experience.

Bruce Donarski achieved Cisco Express Foundation for Account Managers certification.

Chamber Connection | 31

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 Amanda Schwieters at 701-223-5660 or email aschwieters@bismancc.com.

COMFORT INN & SUITES Maria Walen, General Manager, and Lisa Owen, Assistant General Manager, at their Grand Opening for their new business on 1516 27th St. NW Mandan. Phone: 751-7484. Member.

FIRESIDE OFFICE SOLUTIONS Marcel Bourgois, Mary Hulm and Chris Whalen, President, along with staff celebrate their newly completed remodel store at 1713 E Bismarck Expy, Bismarck. Phone: 258-8586. Member.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK & TRUST Steve Stenehjem, CEO & Dave Mason, President at their Grand Opening for their new business on 1533 N 12th St. Bismarck. Phone: 751-8500. Member.

32 | Chamber Connection

LEGACY TALENT BUSINESS Jeanne Masseth, CEO, of her new business in Bismarck- Mandan.

Phone: 701-400-2239. Member.

METLIFE PREMIER CLIENT GROUP Greg Shephard, Keith Haider and Mike Stein, Financial Services Representatives, at their new business on 425 E Ave C, Bismarck. Phone: 223-8090. Member.

ODNEY Pat Finken President & Lori Finken, along with staff celebrate their new location at 117 W Front Ave, Bismarck.

Phone: 222-8721. Member.

www.bismarckmandan.com

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

RHINO CONTRACTING

CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY & BUSINESS

Andrew Lamourexu, Owner, along with Dion Crane and Jackie Hince, at their new business on 3131 East Broadway, Bismarck.

Phone: 772-6935.

Deb Eslinger, Executive Director & Ellyn Brannan, along with staff celebrate their merger with The IDEA Center at 2720 E Broadway Ave Bismarck. Phone: 223 – 0707. Member.

A & I DISTRIBUTORS

LEGACY STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Jayson Deyle, Manager, at his new location on 3601 30th Ave NW, Mandan. Phone: 222-8790.

Dave Heilma, President and Phil Gisi, CEO at their new business in Bismarck on 3320 Hamilton St. Phone: 751-7511. Member.

The Science of Sales Talent

TM

/th uh•sī’əns•uhv•sālz•tal-uh nt/ noun

1. an objective, data-driven sales hiring strategy 2. a sales hiring process matching the best salespeople to the unique

needs of the sales role using Key Accountabilities and assessments

3. objectively identify true selling potential using a multi-science sales personality test with validity backed by brain research

synonyms: significantly-improve sales profits, reduce sales turnover, increase customer retention, increase job satisfaction

WWW.THERAINMAKERGROUPINC.COM

Chamber Connection | 33

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.

My Sunshine Shoppe 1300 Tacoma Ave. Bismarck, ND Chris & Lisa Hustad (701) 751-1608 Hair accessories, children’s hair clips, hats and headbands, crafting supplies, elastics, hair hardware, kid’s boutique clothing, etc. There is truly something for everyone at the Sunshine Shoppe!

Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 600 South 2nd. Street Suite 150 Bismarck, ND Mark Limpert (701) 388-3257 Professional consulting in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics.

Matrix Design 120 N. 3rd Street Suite #25 Bismarck, ND Paul Breiner (701) 425-8582 Full service architecture and interior design firm. We specialize in residential and commercial projects, including new construction and remodels. We also offer consulting and planning services.

On The Spot Carpet Cleaning Bismarck, ND Brian Stuhlmiller (701) 400-5738 Residential & Commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning.

Proximal50 Life Center 1151 W. Divide Ave Bismarck, ND Tana Trotter (701) 751-7797 Proximal 50 Life Center is focused on providing the community with injury prevention and treatment as well as overall health and wellness.

Just You Studios Bismarck, ND Katie Enockson (701) 516-6410 Family photographer located in downtown Bismarck.

Specializing in a more photo journalistic approach to photography. Some posing, but mostly just going with the flow and capturing personality.

Rusty’s Saloon & Grill 2331 County Road 136 St. Anthony, ND Alvin Leingang (701) 445-2022 Old western saloon with excellent food and unique atmosphere & decor.

34 | Chamber Connection

Gordmans 1449 East LaSalle Dr. Bismarck, ND Rocky Reddig (701) 204-0927 Gordmans is an everyday value priced department store featuring a large selection of name brands and the latest fashions and styles at up to 60 percent off department and specialty store prices.

Legacy Storage Solutions 3320 Hamilton St. Unit 6 Bismarck, ND Tricia Zinke (701) 751-7511 Secured site. Climate Control and Standard storage. 523 units. 5x5 to 14x35. Great location with easy access. Onsite Management.

Marathon Oil Company 1661 Capital Way Bismarck, ND Zac Weis (701) 456-7524 Marathon Oil is an exploration and production company with operations here in ND, across the US and internationally.

www.bismarckmandan.com

More Than A Bank

First International Bank & Trust, a name trusted for generations.

Full-Service Financial Institution

We don’t just sell you a list of one-size-fits-all products. Whether you’re looking for a personal or business loan, mortgage, insurance*, or effective wealth management advice*, our wide array of service offerings and experienced professionals will provide personal attention to help you find the right solution for any financial situation.

Banking Built for Business

First International Bank & Trust has been helping businesses succeed for generations. We offer a variety of business banking solutions including: business online banking, business credit cards with score points, ACH transactions, wire transfers and remote deposits.

Dave Mason

Dean Thiery

Brad Thompson

Brittany Lenertz

Bismarck President 701-751-8584

Mortgage Loan Officer 701-751-8507 NMLS #631942

Commercial Loan Officer 701-751-8583

Private Banker 701-751-8582

1533 N 12th St Bismarck, ND 58501 701-751-8500

Visit Us Online:

www.firstintlbank.com

* Not FDIC Or Any Federal Agency Insured

No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value

Chamber Connection | 35

Bismarck-Mandan ChamberConnection 1640 Burnt Boat Drive P.O. Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502

Upcoming Chamber Events

Lim ite dB oot hS pac e

CHAMBER HOLIDAY MIXER

Date: 12/8/2015 Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Bismarck Event Center, Exhibition Hall

2015

BRATS FOR THE BRAVE

Date: 12/18/2015 Time: 6:00pm - 9:30pm Location: McDowell Activity Center - U-Mary

CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER

Date: 1/14/2016 Time: 5:30pm - 9:30pm Location: Bismarck Event Center, Hall B

LUNCH AND LEARN FEATURING SISTER KATHLEEN ATKINSON

Date: 1/26/2016 Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: Gary Tharaldson School of Business, Rm 212 – U-Mary

Tuesday, December 8th

Bismarck Event Center - Exhibit Hall from 5:00pm - 8:00pm.

Register for this event online at www.bismarckmandan.com or by calling the Chamber at 701-223-5660.

Presented by:

Bismarck/Mandan

Jeff Gau CEO Marco, Inc.

strong culture Loving what you do is a powerful thing and at Marco, it shows. We are proud to have been named by Great Place to Work as one of the Best Small and Medium Workplaces in the United States. Employees consistently say Marco is a fun, flexible and family-friendly place to work. Our unique culture empowers our employees to dream bigger, reach further and feel more fulfilled. Learn more and get empowered at marconet.com.

taking technology further marconet.com

#mpowering