Nathan Schneider Vice President Economic Development
Summer Sturm Workforce Development Coordinator
Adam Vogel Office Coordinator
Noah Vroman Business Development Coordinator
CONTACT INFORMATION
Advertising Frankie Barry fbarry@bmcedc.com
Content Rebecca Pelkey rpelkey@bmcedc.com
The workforce in Bismarck-Mandan, like many regions across the U.S., is influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, industry trends, and education. However, two issues stand out this month as particularly pressing: the housing market and childcare. The availability and affordability of housing and childcare are critical to the work-life balance of employees, impacting their ability to access stable employment and perform at their best.
The availability of affordable housing has become an issue for many Bismarck-Mandan residents. A home is considered affordable if a household spends no more than 30% of its income on housing expenses. When families exceed this threshold, they are classified as “housing costburdened.” In North Dakota, renters face a higher burden, with 37% of renters spending more than 30% of their income on housing expenses, compared to 34% of homeowners.
This housing crisis affects the workforce in a variety of ways. Employees may find themselves living farther away from their workplace which results in longer commutes, increased transportation costs, and less flexibility in their work schedules. Employees may be unable to commit to overtime or weekend shifts, which limits productivity for businesses.
In addition to the housing crisis, the high cost and limited availability of quality childcare is another barrier to workforce participation in Bismarck-Mandan. Parents in the region are now spending around 22% of their income on childcare expenses which increases strain on household budgets. This financial burden can be unsustainable, forcing some parents to either reduce their work hours or leave the workforce altogether.
The situation is exacerbated by the quality of care available. Parents often seek childcare providers that offer healthy meals and snacks, educational components, and ample outdoor activities, contributing to a well-rounded experience. Unfortunately, these amenities come at a premium price. As a result, many families struggle to find affordable childcare options that allow both parents to work full-time.
Together, the cost of housing and childcare create a perfect storm of financial strain for families in Bismarck-Mandan. Families are often spending upwards of 50% of their household income on these two essential expenses. When combined with other necessary costs such as transportation, food, and healthcare, the financial pressures become overwhelming. For many families, these economic burdens force difficult choices between career advancement and family stability.
This situation not only affects individual employees but also has implications for businesses and the local economy. High levels of employee stress, absenteeism, and burnout ultimately reduce workforce productivity and hinder economic growth. Furthermore, businesses in Bismarck-Mandan may find themselves struggling to attract and retain qualified employees, as the financial challenges associated with housing and childcare make it more difficult for individuals to enter the workforce or pursue career growth.
The availability of affordable housing and childcare is integral to the well-being of employees and the productivity of businesses in Bismarck-Mandan. By addressing these issues, both employers and policymakers can help create a more inclusive, equitable, and productive workforce. Whether through workplace accommodations, policy advocacy, or direct financial support, proactive solutions are essential to ensuring that Bismarck-Mandan’s workforce remains resilient and capable of meeting the challenges of today’s economy. Businesses and policymakers can create an environment where employees are supported, businesses thrive, and the region’s economy grows.
Thank you to all that attended the Annual Dinner which was a fantastic celebration. In the words of Cory Fong, “the only thing missing was the spiffy biffs and the stubble field”. Our membership support for these important events is much appreciated. Check out the calendar in the Connection Magazine for dates of upcoming events to engage in.
Respectfully
Lee Pierce, Chair Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Chair
Building Bismarck-Mandan’s Future
What if your business had to turn down growth opportunities because you couldn’t find enough workers? What if talented employees left town because they couldn’t find housing? What if parents were forced to leave the workforce because they couldn’t secure childcare?
These are not hypothetical concerns—they are real challenges affecting businesses, families, and economic growth in BismarckMandan. A thriving economy and strong community depend on three interconnected pillars: workforce, housing, and childcare. Each plays a vital role in shaping the region’s future, influencing business success, talent retention, and quality of life.
Despite these challenges, Bismarck-Mandan is home to a strong economy, a supportive business network, and leaders committed to finding solutions. By strengthening these three pillars, the region can continue to grow, attract talent, and create opportunities for businesses and families alike.
Photo Credit: LPT Images
THE CHILDCARE LANDSCAPE
Investing in Tomorrow
Reliable childcare is essential for workforce stability and economic development. North Dakota has made significant investments, including $65.6 million through House Bill 1540 in 2023, to improve affordability, accessibility, and workforce incentives. These efforts have added nearly 3,500 childcare slots statewide, addressing shortages in key areas.
Locally, the YMCA and other providers play a crucial role in early childhood education, helping working parents stay employed while fostering children’s cognitive and social development.
“Families need this for their livelihood,” said Bill Bauman, Executive Director/CEO of the YMCA. “If quality childcare becomes unaffordable, parents are forced to decide whether both can continue working.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Without flexible, affordable childcare, many parents are forced to reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely, contributing to local labor shortages.
One survey respondent summed up the challenge: “I do not have children yet, but childcare is one of the main reasons I do not have children yet.”
In 2024, infant care costs have increased by 40% since 2017, with rates now ranging from $802 to $1,065 per month for infants and $773 to $1,015 per month for toddlers.
16 of North Dakota’s 53 counties are classified as childcare deserts, meaning that for every three children under the age of five, only one licensed childcare slot is available.
Expanding Access for Working Families
Childcare shortages are an ongoing issue across North Dakota. Identifying this area of challenge, a group from the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Class of 2024 developed and deployed a Childcare Needs Assessment.
The assessment identified five major barriers to childcare access:
• Cost
• Transportation
• Hours of operation
• Availability
• Location
“Affordability is a challenge because wages, licensing, and quality standards set the cost structure, whether we want it or not,” Bauman said. “The question is: how can we support that while ensuring families can still afford care?”
The impact of these challenges extends beyond families—it directly affects business recruitment and workforce participation. A North Dakota Child Care Needs Assessment by the ND Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC and other stakeholders, found that 90% of business leaders consider childcare availability a major factor in staffing shortages.
Infant care costs have increased by 40% since 2017, causing strain to working families and making it harder for employers to retain talent.
Photo Credit: LPT Images
How Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Supports Childcare Solutions
Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is critical to workforce stability and economic growth. Without reliable childcare, working parents face difficult decisions about reducing hours or leaving the workforce entirely, contributing to labor shortages across industries.
Recognizing these challenges, the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC works alongside local businesses, policymakers, and childcare providers to explore solutions. One key initiative is the Chamber EDC’s collaboration with the North Dakota Department of Commerce, ensuring that findings from the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Childcare Needs Assessment are presented during the 2025 Legislative Assembly to inform statelevel policy decisions.
At the business level, the Chamber EDC helps connect employers with strategies to support working parents, such as costsharing childcare models and on-site childcare partnerships.
Programs like the Working Parent Child Care Relief initiative offer cost-sharing models for employers, helping them subsidize childcare expenses for employees. These innovative approaches reduce turnover, increase workforce participation, and provide more stability for working families.
“If we invest in quality early learning today, we see long-term benefits in education, workforce readiness, and overall economic strength,” Bauman said.
Through continued advocacy, collaboration, and public-private partnerships, Bismarck-Mandan is taking proactive steps to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare—ensuring parents can stay in the workforce while children receive the early education that sets them up for success.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s partnership with Missouri Valley Family YMCA helps attract top talent by providing reliable childcare solutions for employees, removing a key barrier to employment. This benefit gives employees peace of mind, ensuring access to quality childcare even in unexpected situations. Beyond supporting its workforce, the initiative strengthens the BismarckMandan community by addressing childcare needs and contributing to a sustainable workforce.
Photo Credit: LPT Images
THE HOUSING LANDSCAPE
A Market with Momentum
Bismarck-Mandan continues to be an attractive place for homebuyers, renters, and businesses, offering a strong economy, high quality of life, and ongoing residential development.
“We have a good building community, lending and realtor community, and great programs–like ours for first time home buyers,” said David Flohr, Executive Director of NDHFA.
In recent years, residential expansion in both Bismarck and Mandan has increased housing availability, with new subdivisions, multi-family complexes, and mixed-use developments helping to accommodate a growing population.
“It seems like everywhere you turn, there are new houses going up in our communities,” said Wendy Spencer, Executive Director for Bismarck Mandan Board of Realtors (BMBOR). “There is a great variety of houses available right now and at different price points.”
Despite these strengths, Bismarck-Mandan still faces challenges in affordability and availability, which impact economic growth and workforce retention.
Keeping Up with Demand
The Chamber EDC identifies workforce housing shortages as a top concern for business growth, as employers struggle to find housing options for incoming employees. Interns and new hires in particular face challenges in securing short-term or affordable housing. These challenges can delay relocation and, in some cases, prevent companies from filling open positions.
Compared to other states, North Dakota has unique housing challenges, including higher construction costs, limited land availability, and infrastructure expansion constraints. These factors contribute to a more competitive housing market, making it harder for first-time buyers and lower-income families to secure affordable housing.
“The reality is, it is taking people longer to get to the dream of homeownership. The age of the first-time homebuyer is starting to go up nationally,” Spencer said. “It is taking more time for people to save up or be in a position in their career to take home more.”
Without continued investment and collaboration between local government, developers, and businesses, addressing these issues will remain a challenge.
According to North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA), 72.7% of BismarckMandan residents own their homes. That’s higher than both the North Dakota average (63.4%) and the national average (65.0%).
How Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Supports Housing Solutions
Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC collaborates with policymakers, developers, and business leaders to address housing shortages and affordability. Through its Economic Development Committee, the Chamber EDC is actively involved in policy discussions aimed at expanding workforce housing options—ensuring that employees at all income levels can find suitable housing.
A key component of these efforts is advocating for state and local policies that encourage housing development. The Chamber EDC works closely with the NDHFA, BMBOR, and other housing partners to support funding programs, tax incentives, and initiatives that increase housing supply.
“The Chamber EDC brings great value by being an advocate,” said Flohr.
What the Chamber EDC is doing:
• Testifying before the state legislature to advocate for funding programs that expand housing availability.
• Supporting incentives for developers to build workforce housing, ensuring that new employees moving to the region have access to affordable homes.
• Providing businesses with housing data and resources to help recruit and retain talent.
“If you don’t have enough housing and people come up here and can’t find a place they can live, they aren’t going to move here and our workforce stays stagnant,” Flohr said. “Housing costs can also affect people moving here. If they aren’t improving their financial situation by relocating, it may deter them.”
- David Flohr
Beyond advocacy, the Chamber EDC works with local government and private-sector partners to identify barriers to development, such as land availability, infrastructure costs, and regulatory challenges. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring that housing growth keeps pace with workforce demand.
As housing demand continues to rise, sustained collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and developers is essential to ensuring Bismarck-Mandan remains an attractive place to live and work. By leading strategic growth and supporting initiatives that make housing more accessible, the Chamber EDC is helping strengthen the region’s long-term economic vitality.
THE WORKFORCE LANDSCAPE Driving Growth
Bismarck-Mandan’s workforce is fueled by diverse industries, strong higher education institutions, and workforce development initiatives. Key sectors driving job growth include healthcare, energy, manufacturing, retail, and professional services.
Higher education institutions play a crucial role in preparing a skilled workforce.
• Bismarck State College (BSC), North Dakota’s only polytechnic institution, offers technical and transfer degrees, career certifications, and corporate training programs to meet local industry needs.
• United Tribes Technical College specializes in hands-on workforce training, preparing students for skilled trades, healthcare, and business careers.
• The University of Mary develops professionals in many disciplines, including business, healthcare, and leadership, connecting graduates with strong career networks.
By working with local businesses and economic leaders, these institutions ensure graduates are job-ready, strengthening BismarckMandan’s economy.
MAKING BISMARCK-MANDAN HOME
Bismarck-Mandan is not just a place where businesses grow—it’s a community that fosters career development and provides opportunities for individuals to build their futures. While workforce recruitment often focuses on attracting new talent to the region, investing in education, housing, and childcare is just as critical in retaining local talent and strengthening the labor force.
For some, like Corey Lauer, that means having the opportunity to transition into an entirely new industry. After working as a kitchen manager at Kroll’s Diner for 18 years, he returned to school at BSC to pursue a degree in cybersecurity and computer networking. He graduated in 2018 and secured a job at National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) in Mandan that same year.
For Danica Newburg, the community itself is what encouraged her to stay. A Minneapolis native, she chose to attend the University of Mary not just for its academic offerings but because of the strong sense of community that BismarckMandan provides. Now serving as an HR Specialist at the YMCA, her experience highlights how the region’s education institutions serve as direct talent pipelines into local businesses.
Both Lauer’s and Newburg’s experiences demonstrate that Bismarck-Mandan is not only attracting students from out of state but also ensuring they have career pathways to remain in the community after graduation. However, to continue strengthening the education-toemployment pipeline, additional investments in housing, childcare, and workforce development are necessary.
Both Lauer ’s and Newburg’s experiences demonstrate that Bismarc attracting students from out of state but also ensuring they have ca the community after graduation However, to continue strengthenin education-to-employment pipeline, additional investments in housin development are necessary.
When businesses, policymakers, and community leaders collabora areas, Bismarck-Mandan strengthens its ability to retain talent, dev and ensure long-term economic success.
When businesses, policymakers, and community leaders collaborate and invest in these key areas, Bismarck-Mandan strengthens its ability to retain talent, develop a resilient workforce, and ensure long-term economic success.
Photo Credit: Bismarck State College
BSC’s Great Plains Promise provides free tuition to eligible students, strengthening our community’s workforce pipeline.
For some, like Corey Lauer, that mea industry After working as a kitchen m at Bismarck State College to pursue graduating in 2018, he secured a job Mandan
Corey Lauer and family
For Danica Newburg, the community she chose to attend the University of strong sense of community that Bism “I
Corey Lauer and family.
Danica Newburg and fiance.
Keeping Up with Demand
Despite a strong labor market, workforce shortages continue to impact key industries, particularly healthcare, skilled trades, and service sectors.
Impact on Bismarck-Mandan:
According to January workforce data from the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, sourced from JobsEQ, key industries continue to face labor shortages across the region:
• Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations had the highest number of openings in Burleigh County (712) and Morton County (117).
• Healthcare and Social Assistance remains the industry with the most job openings in both counties (589 in Burleigh, 99 in Morton).
• Skilled trades and agriculture-related industries, including farming, forestry, and fishing, also report hiring challenges.
With nearly 2,500 job openings in Burleigh County alone, local businesses struggle to fill positions, creating a competitive hiring environment. “The biggest factor in economic growth is workforce. It’s not the availability of capital or land. It’s workforce,” said Nathan Schneider, Vice President of Economic Development at Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC.
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A thriving workforce, diverse housing opportunities, and accessible childcare aren’t just business priorities—they are the foundation of a sustainable, prosperous community for years to come.
Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Supports Workforce Solutions
The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC works with businesses, educators, and policymakers to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline and help employers attract and retain skilled workers.
To connect students, job seekers, and employers, the Chamber EDC supports workforce initiatives, including:
• Student Leadership Network: Introduces high school students to local industries and career pathways.
• Internship Network: Connects students with businesses for hands-on experience.
• New American Leadership Network: Helps new Americans integrate into the workforce.
The Chamber EDC provides workforce data and hiring trends, helping businesses make informed recruitment decisions. Additionally, it advocates for policies and education initiatives that align training programs with employer needs, working closely with Bismarck State College, the University of Mary, and United Tribes Technical College to develop apprenticeship programs and industry-driven training opportunities.
“Businesses don’t succeed in isolation. They need a strong workforce, a supportive community, and the right infrastructure to grow. The more we invest in these pillars, the stronger our region becomes,” said Schneider.
By working together—employers, developers, educators, and policymakers—Bismarck-Mandan can create a balanced, forward-thinking approach to workforce development. A thriving workforce, diverse housing opportunities, and accessible childcare aren’t just business priorities—they are the foundation of a sustainable, prosperous community for years to come.
By working together, we can move business forward.
Photo Credit: LPT Images
WELCOME INITIATIVE COMMITTEE
TO HOST PRESS CONFERENCE FOR WELCOME MONTH
The Welcome Initiative Committee will hold a press conference on May 1st at 10:00am at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC office (1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck) to officially declare May as Welcome Month. Bismarck Mayor, Mike Schmitz, and Mandan Mayor, Jim Froelich, will make the announcement, highlighting the importance of welcoming new residents to our community.
“As our community grows and more businesses open, the demand for workers continues to rise,” says Chamber EDC Workforce Development Coordinator, Summer Sturm. “Making new residents feel welcome helps connect them with people, places, and activities in Bismarck-Mandan, ensuring they become an integral part of our thriving community.”
The press conference is free to attend, and no RSVP is needed. Chamber EDC members are encouraged to come and show their support for this important initiative.
WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES SET 2025 INITIATIVES
The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC’s Workforce Development and Economic Development Committees have set their 2025 goals to grow the local economy and support businesses. These committees help guide the Chamber EDC’s efforts in workforce programs, business resources, and economic development.
The Workforce Development Committee will focus on helping businesses attract and retain employees by improving workforce pipeline programs including the Internship Network, Student Leadership Network, Educator Experience, and Job Shadow Week. Making New Americans feel welcome in BismarckMandan is also a priority, with efforts to connect them to the community. To support employers, the committee is working on better ways to share programs and resources that help businesses strengthen and grow their teams.
The Economic Development Committee will focus on housing and land development to support business expansion. Ensuring there are quality housing options and available space for businesses is key to a thriving economy. Supporting local startups and small businesses is another priority, with efforts to connect them to helpful programs and funding opportunities that encourage growth and success.
With these 2025 goals, the Chamber EDC and its committees remain committed to keeping Bismarck-Mandan a great place to live, work, and do business. By supporting employers, workers, and entrepreneurs, they are helping the local economy and creating more opportunities for everyone.
STRONG RETAIL AND CONSUMER DEMAND
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE MONTH
The cost of moving can be a significant barrier to relocating for work. Relocation assistance can be a highly effective tool for employers to fill in-demand jobs.
The RELOCATION OPPORTUNITY FOR OUTSTANDING TALENT (ROOT) Grant Program allows employers to access up to $5,000 of matching funds for each candidate the business is eligible for. Candidates found through the Find the Good Life Candidate Marketplace are eligible for an additional $500.
Connect with VP of Economic Development, Nathan Schneider at nschneider@bmcedc.com to learn more.
Based on information given by Kirkwood Mall and the chart of Sales Tax Collections below, we can see that the Bismarck-Mandan community continues to experience strong retail activity and consumer demand.
Kirkwood Mall continues to be a major driver of local economic activity, attracting approximately 6 million annual visits—a 2% increase from last year, 6.8% higher than in 2022, and 19.9% growth compared to 2021. The mall is steadily closing the annual visit gap with West Acres, now trailing by only 500,000 annual visits. Two neighboring properties, Caribou Coffee and Lucky’s 13, rank #2 within their companies, showcasing the area’s strong consumer draw and its role as a key retail and dining destination in the region.
MANDAN HIGH SCHOOL CAREER & COLLEGE FAIR
Mandan High School will be hosting a Career and College Fair for high school juniors and seniors on Wednesday, April 16th from 8:30am1:30pm.
This event will give students the opportunity to connect with college recruiters, learn about careers available in the region, and interview for available summer and parttime employment.
SCAN TO REGISTER
ECONOMY
SHARE YOUR VOICE: CHAMBER EDC MEMBER SURVEY NOW OPEN
The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC membership survey is now open, and we’d love to hear from you, our members. Your feedback helps us better support our member community.
This short survey covers important topics like networking, professional development, business advocacy, and economic growth. Members can share thoughts on current Chamber EDC events, programs, and communications while suggesting ways we can improve.
This year, we encourage all employees of members to take part. Whether you’re a CEO, manager, or team member, your perspective matters. Your input helps us understand our impact and how we can better serve you.
The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open to anyone working for a Chamber EDC member. All responses are confidential and will help guide our future plans.
To take the survey, scan the QR code below or visit www.bismarckmandan.com/membersurvey. Thank you for sharing your thoughts to help us Move Business Forward in Bismarck-Mandan.
LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN
Media Day
The Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class participated in Media Day. This session provided participants with valuable insights into the role of local journalism and communication.
The day began with a welcome and a tour of Dakota Media Access, led by Mary Van Sickle. A panel of media professionals, including editors and news directors from The North Dakota Monitor, KX News, The Bismarck Tribune, and Prairie Public Radio, discussed the changing media landscape.
Attendees also explored emerging trends in communication and marketing with Jade Scherr of HexaHive and the Bismarck Police Department’s success with social media with Officer Lynn Wanner. The event concluded with a behind-the-scenes tour of KFYR-TV, giving participants a firsthand look at newsroom operations.
Faith, Values, and Ethics Day
The recent Faith, Values & Ethics Day brought together community leaders and residents for a thoughtful discussion on values-driven work, faith diversity, and ethical decision-making.
Hosted at Heaven’s Helpers Soup Café, the event featured engaging panel discussions with experts from nonprofit, religious, and governmental sectors. Attendees explored the role of faith and ethics in shaping community initiatives through insights from leaders in the Bismarck-Mandan Community.
The day concluded with a discussion lead by Sister Kathleen Atkinson on servant leadership and social advocacy, leaving participants inspired to work towards greater understanding and ethical engagement in their communities.
Closing Session
The closing session was held at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, bringing together participants to reflect on their journey and future commitments.
The session featured a guided debrief on key topics covered throughout the program, discussions on field projects, and voting on the class graduation speaker. Participants also wrote commitment letters, outlining how they plan to apply their leadership experience in the community.
The day concluded with field project work and final reflections, marking the end of an impactful program dedicated to developing the next generation of local leaders.
Presenting Sponsor:
Gold Sponsor:
Scholarship Sponsors:
Gate City Bank, Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Alumni Association, Western Central North Dakota SCORE
Program Sponsors:
Bartlett & West, Inc., Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Media Day Co-Chairs:
Tammy Langerud – ND Health & Human Services
Trish Helgeson – NISC
Faith, Value and Ethics Co-Chairs:
Ellie Shockley - North Dakota University System
Kara Geiger - North Dakota Community Foundation
Tiffany Eckroth - HexaHive
Meal Sponsors:
Dakota Media Access
Heaven’s Helpers
LBMAA
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
The Leadership Bismarck Mandan co-hort standing in front of the green screen during a behind-the-scenes tour of KFYR-TV during Media Day.
In March, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak hosted a roundtable discussion with members of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Board of Directors and major employers.
Fedorchak expressed her gratitude to speak to members of the Chamber EDC and business community and she shared some thoughts about her first few months in Congress. She’s working on building relationships with fellow members of Congress and gaining an understanding of how she can best serve ND in Washington DC.
Those in attendance shared concerns and insight into their workforce challenges and labor shortages facing the energy, manufacturing, and health care industry. The potential impact to education standards with the pending dismantling of the Department of Education were also discussed.
The Chamber EDC strives to provide opportunities for our membership to interact with our DC delegation and this was a great opportunity to interact with Congresswoman Fedorchak. We look forward to future conversations.
OUR INSURANCE TEAM IS
Congresswoman, Julie Fedorchak, led a roundtable discussion with members of the Chamber EDC on March 18th.
JOIN THE CHAMBER EDC AT THE LEMONADE DAY KICK-OFF!
Join us for the 2025 Lemonade Day Kick-Off event on Tuesday, May 27th, from 3:00pm6:00pm, hosted by one of our Main Squeeze sponsors, Tilt Studio at Kirkwood Mall.
Lemonade Day is a youth entrepreneurship program that challenges participants to start their own lemonade stand. This program teaches young entrepreneurs and their mentors or parents essential business skills. By attending this Kick-Off event, participants will have the opportunity to register in person and receive their FREE business kit. Inside this kit, they’ll find an attraction voucher to Tilt Studio and other fun goodies provided by our Lemonade Day sponsors.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to nurture the talents of future business leaders in the community! To get your child or youth program involved in Lemonade Day, contact Tatelyn Houle at thoule@bmcedc.com. Interested in sponsoring Lemonade Day? Reach out to Frankie Barry at fbarry@bmcedc. com for more details.
Visit our website to register your young business leader today: https://lemonadeday.org/bismarck-mandan
Main Squeeze Sponsor:
Fresh Squeeze Sponsors:
Lime Light Sponsors:
Lemon Head Sponsors:
Bismarck State College, Bobcat, Dakota Fence, Huck Financial, Scheels, VUE Community Credit Union, University of MaryGary Tharaldson School of Business
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LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN FIELD PROJECTS
Each year the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class breaks into multiple groups to work on field projects addressing community needs. The class will be presenting their projects Wednesday, May 7 at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC from 9:00am - 12:00pm. These presentations are free to attend and all are welcome.
Paw Patrol
This project’s purpose is to obtain a therapy K9 for the Bismarck Police Department to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community, enhance officer morale and wellness, and support students in Bismarck Public Schools who would benefit from emotional support that can be provided by K9. Group Members:
Jennifer Greuel
Jordin Leier
Kristyn Steckler
Retiree Rewind
Laura Henkelman
Lindsey Rath-Wald
Retiree Rewind is a podcast centered around local retired individuals and their stories about living and working in Bismarck-Mandan. The goal of the podcast is to learn more about the retiree population and continue to expose listeners to opportunities in the community. Group Members:
Bert Cline
Raquel Richter
Jessica Shaw
Welcome to Bismarck Signs
Joel Land
Jon Schroeder
Lisa Siems
This group aims to remove and replace the current Welcome to Bismarck signs. This effort will assist in better welcoming individuals to the city of Bismarck. Group Members:
Isak Johnson
Sarah Miller
Kim Weismann
Alex Lund
Christine Nelson
If you would like to attend any of these presentations, please RSVP to Summer Sturm at 701-223-5660 or ssturm@bmcedc. com
Presenting Sponsor: Gold
Sponsor:
Scholarship Sponsors:
Gate City Bank, Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Alumni Association, Western Central North Dakota SCORE
Program Sponsors: Bartlett & West, Inc., Basin Electric Power Cooperative
CALENDAR OF Events
APRIL MEMBERSHIP MIXER
Thursday, April 10, 2025
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Terry Kraft American Family Insurance & Feil Orthodontics
2610 Old Red Trail, Mandan
Join Terry Kraft American Family Insurance and Feil Orthodontics for the Chamber EDC’s April Membership Mixer.
LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN FIELD PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
8:30am – 12:00pm
Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC
1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck
Hear proposals from the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class on how they plan to make an impact on our community.
MAY MEMBERSHIP MIXER
Thursday, May 8, 2025
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Legacy Financial Partners
125 Buckskin Ave, Bismarck
Join fellow CEDC members for some business after hours and networking opportunities hosted by Legacy Financial Partners.
LEADERSHIP BISMARCKMANDAN GRADUATION
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
3:00pm – 5:00pm
University of Mary - Chick’s Place
7500 University Drive, Bismarck
Toast the graduates of the 36th cohort of Leadership Bismarck-Mandan!
JUNE LUNCH ON THE PATIO
Thursday, June 5, 2025
11:30am - 1:00pm
Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC
1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck
Join us for networking, team bonding, and lunch on the Chamber EDC out on our beautiful outdoor patio!
CEDC GOLF SCRAMBLE
Monday, June 9, 2025
10:30am - 4:00pm
Riverwood Golf Course
725 Riverwood Drive, Bismarck
Bring your staff for a day out of the office at the Chamber EDC Golf Scramble, filled with networking, prizes, and of course, golf!
MEMBERSHIP MIXER: COLDSPRING
Thursday, June 12, 2025
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Coldspring
13700 Trail Boss Way, Bismarck
Join the Chamber EDC and Coldspring for business after hours, along with great appetizers and refreshments!
JULY LUNCH ON THE PATIO Thursday, July 10, 2025 1:30am - 1:00pm
Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC
1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck
Join us for networking, team bonding, and lunch on the Chamber EDC out on our beautiful outdoor patio!
LEMONADE DAY
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Bismarck-Mandan
Support our young budding entrepreneurs by registering your kiddo for Lemonade Day or visiting a stand on July 19.
JACOB BARTH
401 N 4th Street Bismarck, ND 58501 701-221-4762
What makes merchant card processing through a community bank different from other providers?
Merchant card processing through a community bank like Bravera offers unique benefits that larger, national providers might not provide. Our team of Treasury Solutions Consultants will provide a level of personalized service that helps your business thrive.
Our team works closely with you to understand your specific needs and provide tailored solutions, whether you’re a small retail shop, a healthcare provider or a food service establishment. With merchant card processing services from Bravera, you can expect competitive rates and transparent pricing—often lower than other national providers.
In 2014, Microsoft announced the Windows 10 operating system to replace Windows 8.1 and be the last “version” of Windows, meaning they would continually build and improve upon it instead of a major overhaul. In 2021, Microsoft made another announcement for Windows 11, replacing Windows 10. This new operating system has different hardware requirements than its predecessor, requiring users and businesses to purchase new equipment.
Microsoft has continued to provide critical updates, such as security patches, for Windows 10 with an end date of October 14, 2025. What does this mean for businesses? No more software updates, technical assistance or security fixes. It’s time to either migrate to Windows 11 or replace your aging hardware. Sure, your systems may continue to function, but they will be vulnerable to security exploits without further updates. You may also notice degraded performance and compatibility with other programs.
Not sure how to make the change? Contact your IT provider for assistance.
500 N 8th Street Bismarck, ND 58501 701-222-6100
How can I lower my risk of cancer through nutrition?
While no diet guarantees cancer prevention, these strategies can help reduce your risk:
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess body fat increases cancer risk.
• Focus on plants. Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
• Limit red and processed meats. Enjoy in moderation, as high consumption is linked to cancer. Choose healthier proteins like fish, beans, or poultry, and limit to no more than 18 ounces a week.
• Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods. Choose water and whole foods.
• Choose healthy fats. Favor unsaturated fats like nuts and olive oil.
• Drink less alcohol. The American Cancer Society recommends the limit to one drink daily for women and two for men.
• Reduce salt. High sodium intake may raise your cancer risk.
Pair good nutrition with regular exercise and routine cancer screenings for the best protection.
AMANDA CRANE AMBER SCHRIOCK
2840 Valley Forge Bismarck, ND 58503 701-255-7727
I am a small business owner who is thinking about building a new building or doing a remodel, what do I do?
A building project can feel like a big undertaking for a small business Owner. We are here to help you through the process to make it as easy as possible. Our initial meeting will be to make introductions and understand what your goals are. From there, we will recommend next steps for you to make your dreams a reality. Our in-house designers help draft your floor plans and building elevations, working through multiple iterations to get it just right for you. Following this process, we would work through a pricing exercise to give you a building or scope that meets what your budget allows. We work with some of the best subcontractors in BismarckMandan, who partner with us to provide high quality products at a competitive price. We keep you involved throughout design, bidding and finally construction to give you a new or remodeled space that exceeds expectations. Finally, as a true local Bis-Man contractor, we are here for you for any warranty or future needs that may arise. Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible, providing a turnkey solution for your company so you can focus on growing your business; leave the rest to us!
200 E Main Ave, Ste 101 Bismarck, ND 58501 701-319-0402
Ready to Unlock Your Brain’s Full Potential?
First synthesized in 1876, Methylene Blue has a fascinating history in medical science. Originally used to treat infections and even malaria, it has evolved into a powerful nootropic known for enhancing cognitive function and cellular energy.
Today, Methylene Blue is gaining attention for its ability to boost memory, focus, and mental clarity. It supports mitochondrial function—the energy powerhouse of your cells—enhancing stamina, brainpower, and overall cognitive performance. As a potent antioxidant, it also protects brain cells from oxidative stress, promoting longterm brain health.
Troscriptions brings this science-backed compound to life with Tro Blue and Tro True Blue. These precision-dosed, pharmaceutical-grade troches are designed for fast, effective absorption, helping you feel the benefits quickly and consistently. Whether you’re tackling an intense workout, powering through work, or seeking sharper mental clarity, these troches are designed to support peak performance.
Now available at NE Wellness, it’s time to experience the next level of cognitive enhancement. Unlock your brain’s full potential with Methylene Blue.
811 E Interstate Ave, Ste B, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-409-0488
How can I get real results from my marketing emails?
If you’re struggling to get ROI from your marketing emails, a few strategic changes can turn them into a powerful tool.
Provide value. Readers should be able to tell immediately what’s in it for them. Instead of focusing on what you do, make it about them. Address their challenges and goals, then show how you can help.
Let your personality shine! Provide value in a way that is inviting and shows your company’s personality. Your emails should sound like they’re coming from a real person, not a robot. Creating a human connection helps build interest and loyalty.
Use clear calls to action. Clearly label buttons, and make sure they’re easy to see. Make it easy for readers to decide where to click. Too many links can overwhelm readers, making them more likely to delete your email.
NATHAN TODD
CHRISTIANNA SCHMIDT
NOAH FROHLICH
MEMBERProfile MOORE ENGINEERING
What’s your professional journey, and how did it lead you to Moore Engineering?
Many members of our Bismarck team have roots in this area of the state, making us a proud group of employee owners with a passion for this area. Bismarck-Mandan and western North Dakota offer a diversity of engineering opportunities and beautiful, interesting land that challenges us to bring our best every day.
Our Bismarck team thrives on seeing the impact we’re making as we implement our mission: “Improving lives by building strong communities.” The goal is to develop our team and serve our clients to make lives better here by designing the infrastructure that make the economy hum, while we do our part to build the kind of community where we all want to work and live.
MEMBER SINCE 2016
Can you share a pivotal moment, decision, or challenge that shaped the history of Moore Engineering?
Employee ownership in 1998: That was the pivotal moment at Moore Engineering.
Since then, the company has grown at historic rates, expanding geographically and in the services we offer.
Employee ownership brought new energy and purpose to the company, as each of us and all of us knew that our success depended on each other, and that we would all be rewarded for it.
At Moore Engineering, employees act like owners because we are owners. It shapes our culture, the way we treat each other, and our approach to client service.
It’s amazing what can happen when you give people a stake in their own success.
Moore Engineering is located at 4503 Coleman St Suite 105 in Bismarck.
How has Moore Engineering adapted to the changing landscape of Bismarck-Mandan over the years?
We opened this Bismarck office a few years ago because we saw a dynamic region where we thought we could make a difference.
Obviously, the North Dakota Department of Transportation and other key state agencies are headquartered here, and Moore Engineering serves dozens of cities in this region. We don’t chase projects or fads. We seek to form long-term partnerships with clients because we believe that’s how to form trust and that’s how to deliver the best solutions to our clients: by understanding their needs and resources.
Moore Engineering is proud to be a partner in the metro area’s growth, as we help cities, developers, counties, and the state manage growth in a smart, economical manner.
We’ve helped communities manage their growth since 1960, and we plan to be in this region for many more decades.
What’s the most exciting innovation or trend you’re currently seeing in your industry?
We are doing some really interesting things with reality capture technologies. The ubiquity and increasingly economical costs of drones and imaging tools like 3D scanners, altered reality, and virtual reality, allow us to do things that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago.
We used a 3D scanner to model the interior of a cathedral, and we’re using reality capture for transportation projects and street renovations in urban areas. With the synthesis of drones, cameras, software, AI, altered reality, and more, this is an exciting time in the industry.
We’re absorbing the impact of AI on engineering, as it quickly evolves. It’s up to our industry to understand the legal and ethical consequence of AI adoption. Right now, we’re in the beginning stages and we’re staying on top of it, because it’s going to be highly impactful.
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for Moore Engineering ‘s future?
Our vision is growth while staying true to who we are. We’re always aware we are only successful when our clients feel like they are being served with the utmost care. So, we strive to create trust, understand needs, respect available resources, and complete projects that make sense for them.
To provide this level of client care, we will continue to focus on our people – our employee owners. It’s vital we continue to hire for cultural fit, which fosters our habits of collaboration, communication, and caring for one another. More than ever, we’re working to support our people through professional development and other opportunities.
Our employees made us a certified Great Place to Work® this year, and we plan to build on our history of caring for one another, having fun, and working hard toward common goals.
How does Moore Engineering contribute to the local community beyond its products/services?
Giving back is a very important part of Moore’s identity. Many people who work at our Bismarck office grew up in this part of the state. They are passionate about improving the community and making it a great place to live.
We have people engaged in higher education, the Chamber, nonprofits, volunteer activities, and more. We’re part of this community and intend to make an impact with our work and with our lives.
What’s one thing about Moore Engineering that might surprise people?
Moore Engineering hired the first civil engineering graduate from the University of Mary program: Michael Gorder.
Michael is now a professional engineer and Municipal Team Lead in our Bismarck office. He loves making a difference in the city where he moved to pursue his education. Engineering runs in Michael’s family, so this was an ideal fit for him.
We’re proud of our support for higher education across our company. We sponsor several engineering-related scholarships at multiple higher education institutions. And we’re proud we can create relationships with wonderful people like Michael.
How is technology changing the way you do business, and what innovations are you most excited about?
Surveying has always been a big part of engineering. It’s the first thing you do when starting a project. You have to know the slopes, the distances, the heights, the contour of a piece of land so you can start designing an engineering project on it.
The field evolved from mechanical tools to GPS. Now, we’re in a new era of drones, enhanced spectral imaging, extreme high definition, robotics, and AI. Innovations are continuous as experts strive to perform survey work from the sky, with an AIgenerated model, or with a GPS-guided robot.
Moore Engineering is embracing technology as it becomes available, and we invest in our people to ensure they have opportunities to grow in these spaces. Right now, the newest technologies are imperfect and demand that a human check their accuracy.
We know technology will improve and do things that will amaze us probably sooner than we expect. However and whenever it evolves, Moore Engineering will be ready to use it for our clients’ benefit.
BISMARCK TO NOTIFY PROPERTY OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE VALUATION INCREASES
The City of Bismarck’s Assessing Division has mailed notices to property owners with a 2025 real estate valuation increase of 10% or more and $3,000 or more of the prior year’s assessed value per North Dakota Century Code. This notice is not a tax estimate, but only a statement of the current market value of the property.
North Dakota Century Code also requires all property to be valued annually based on market values. Property valuations are annually adjusted based on prior year sales of comparable properties in the City. Other reasons for an adjustment may include properties with a new structure, remodel, structure addition, situations involving the expiration of an exemption, or any combination thereof.
“If you have received a notice and have questions or concerns about your home’s market value in the notice, please call our office and ask questions,” said Bismarck City Assessor Allison Jensen. “The only way we can recommend a potential valuation change at the April 1 meeting is if we have reviewed the property and spoken with the individuals who would be impacted by the valuation increase.”
Property owners who have questions can contact the City of Bismarck Assessing Division at 701-355-1630 prior to the meeting in April with questions, or to initiate a review of the property valuation.
After the Assessing Division’s review, property owners that want to appeal the valuation may do so to the City of Bismarck Board of Equalization on April 1 at 5:15 p.m. at City/County Building, 221 N 5th St., in the Tom Baker meeting room.
VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS TO HELP IMPROVE PEDIATRIC CARE AT SANFORD BISMARCK
The Sanford Health Foundation has announced a new donation to Sanford Bismarck that will create immersive and therapeutic experiences to children facing medical challenges. K&L Homes and the Moldenhauer family are donating virtual reality (VR) headsets to improve the experience for pediatric patients.
The VR headsets are being integrated into Sanford’s Child Life program, with a focus on pain management, anxiety reduction and mental stimulation. Pediatric patients will have access to these advanced technologies, which provide a range of virtual experiences from calming nature scenes to interactive simulation of MRI scans.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of K&L Homes and the Moldenhauer family and their commitment to improving the lives of our youngest patients,” said Sara Haugen, Sanford Health Foundation Vice President. “These VR headsets will offer pediatric patients an innovative tool to relax, escape and focus on healing, whether it’s through a calming meditation, an exciting virtual journey or therapeutic simulations. This addition to our patient care will make a meaningful difference in their overall recovery process.”
The VR sessions, designed by health care professionals, will not only serve as a distraction, but will also aid in reducing stress levels with blood draws, accessing ports and other procedures. They also offer an interactive MRI experience to determine if a child could navigate that experience without sedation. Child Life specialists at Sanford are trained to use the VR headsets and receive ongoing support.
“It is important for me as both a member of this community and as a father, to be able to help children during a difficult time in their life or when they are in need of care,” said Chad Moldenhauer, donor. “We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on both patients and health care professionals.”
In 1878 the Benedictine Sisters were invited to come to Bismarck to open St. Mary’s Academy. As is always true for those who have hearts to serve, the Sisters responded to another request, this time from local business leaders who recognized the serious need for health care among the ranchers, cowboys, railroad workers and local families. Bismarck marked the end of the railroad line and seemed the logical place to build a hospital.
Although the Sisters had no experience or preparation in health care, seven Sisters came from Minnesota to Bismarck to open a hospital. For them, joyfully caring for the sick was another way of living their commitment to St. Benedict’s admonition to “Receive all as Christ.”
In 1885, the Sisters, with the assistance of Abbot Alexius Edelbrock of St. John’s Abbey in Minnesota, purchased the newly built Lamborn Hotel and named it the “Lamborn Hospital.” The hospital was renamed “St. Alexius Hospital” in 1887 in honor of Abbot Alexius and Sister Alexia Kerst, the first administrator.
Much has happened over the years with growth in population, technology advancement and a continued commitment of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery in serving the healthcare needs of western North Dakota.
On Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, the community is invited to a day of celebration. We will begin with Mass with Bishop David Kagan at 10:30am in the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary. Then we will move to St. Alexius for a presentation/program at 11:45am and a free lunch in the hospital cafeteria. We will serve birthday cake and have a display of several items from the hospital archives.
Please join us as we celebrate the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, St. Alexius Medical Center and the long tradition of receiving all as Christ.
HOMELESS CONTINUUM OF CARE RECEIVES COMPETITIVE GRANT
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded a $3.3 million competitive grant to North Dakota’s Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC) to support the work of nonprofit providers, public housing authorities and government agencies that provide housing and support services to people experiencing homelessness.
“North Dakota is fortunate to have, through our Homeless Continuum of Care, a coordinated effort led by local agencies and government partners committed to not only providing shelter but that have a real focus on addressing the issues that cause homelessness,” said North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) Executive Director Dave Flohr.
The HUD grant supports:
• Twenty-one projects that provide housing and services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including seven projects at domestic violence agencies, and seven projects for youth under the age of 25.
• A Homeless Management Information System used to collect housing and services data to help guide CoC efficacy.
• Funding for CoC planning to support coordination and system development as well as administrative activities.
“While homelessness is a complex challenge with various contributing factors, housing is the essential first step,” said ND CoC Coordinator, Shawnel Willer. “Thanks to these grant dollars, agencies can continue their tireless efforts to meet the immediate needs of our unhoused neighbors, while also strengthening long-term housing solutions. These essential federal resources enable our local initiatives to thrive, ensuring that more people have the support they need to succeed.”
HUD requires CoCs to rank projects into tiers. Ranking is based on capacity, quality, priorities, and performance. The tiered approach prioritizes funds based on local needs and funding gaps. Higher ranked projects are assigned to Tier 1 and lower ranked projects are assigned to Tier 2. All of ND CoC’s Tier 1 projects were funded; no Tier 2 projects received funding. HUD’s funding notice, the CoC’s collaborative application, priority listing and funding results are available online.
The goal of HUD’s CoC program is to promote a community wide commitment to ending homelessness. The program provides funding to support efforts to end homelessness, promotes access to and effective utilization of programs, and optimizes the self-sufficiency of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
ND CoC’s geographic area encompasses all 53 of North Dakota’s counties, its cities, towns, and unincorporated areas, as well as the state’s five federally recognized tribes. More information about the CoC and the state’s homeless service providers is available on the continuum’s website. Individuals and families in immediate need of assistance should call FirstLink’s 2-1-1 helpline.
A self-supporting and mission-driven state agency, NDHFA is dedicated to making housing affordable for all North Dakotans. The agency staffs the CoC and is the collaborative applicant, developing the grant application on the CoC’s behalf. The North Dakota Industrial Commission, consisting of Governor Kelly Armstrong as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley, oversees NDHFA.
TOTAL TAX SOLUTIONS
Celebrates their Grand Opening at 1915 N Kavaney Drive, Ste. 4 in Bismarck. Phone: 701-498-1829.
HIT INC.
Celebrates their new office at 600 S 2nd Street, Ste. 105 in Bismarck. Phone: 701-663-0379. Member.
MEDALLUS URGENT CARE MANDAN
Celebrates their Grand Opening at 2705 Sunset Drive, Unit B in Mandan. Phone: 701-253-0568. Member.
ASPEN GROUP
Celebrates 25 year anniversary at 424 S 3rd Street, Ste 2 in Bismarck. Phone: 701-223-2450. Member.
BISMARCK CITY COMMISSION APPOINTS MEES AS CITY ATTORNEY
Julie Mees has been unanimously appointed by the Bismarck City Commission to become the next City Attorney for the organization. She verbally accepted the offer made by the City of Bismarck, following the conclusion of the special meeting held to conduct interviews on February 11. Mees has served as the acting City Attorney since early December. She has also been the Assistant City Attorney since early 2021.
Four individuals applied for the position initially. Two withdrew from the pool during the process. With the Legal Department’s director position filled, a search is expected to be forthcoming for a new Assistant City Attorney.
LIGNITE ENERGY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE OF PRESIDENT & CEO
Lignite Energy Council President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Bohrer has announced plans to leave the Lignite Energy Council and continue his career in Washington, DC.
During his 12 years of leadership, Bohrer also served on the National Coal Council, an advisory body for the U.S. Secretary of Energy, and the Empower North Dakota Commission, which was created by the North Dakota Legislature and charged with developing comprehensive energy policy recommendations for the state. He was also elected Chairman of the Lignite Research Council, an industry/ government panel that advises the North Dakota Industrial Commission on funding of lignite-related marketing, environmental, and development projects.
BIANCO REALTY 2024 AWARDS
Bianco Realty Top Producers
Amber Sandness and Shirley Thomas have been named Bianco Realty’s 2024 Top Producers! Amber and Shirley had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty in 2024. Amber has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2010 and Shirley has been licensed REALTOR® since 2001. Congratulations Amber and Shirley!
Bianco Realty Diamond Award
Judy Maslowski, Tori Meyer, Darcy Fettig and Amy Asche are Bianco Realty’s 2024 Diamond Award recipients! These four full-time REALTORS® have a combined total of 72-years real estate experience. Great work everyone!
Bianco Realty Titanium Award
Kathy Feist is Bianco Realty’s 2024 Titanium Award recipient! Kathy, Broker-Owner, is ready to make your home selling & buying dreams come true!
Bianco Realty Platinum Award
Greg Gerhart, Jim Jeromchek, James Jeromchek, Stephanie Stevens, Duane Bentz And Kyle Niess are Bianco Realty’s 2024 Platinum Award recipients! These six top notch, hardworking REALTORS® are ready to help with your real estate journey!
Bianco Realty Emerald Award
Kim Olson, Phyllis Rittenbach, Heidi Stein and Justin Sackman were presented with Bianco Realty’s 2024 Emerald Award! These four REALTORS® have been with Bianco Realty since the start of their Real Estate careers, they help make the home selling & buying process easier!
Bianco Realty Rookies Of The Year
Alexa Kingery has been awarded Bianco Realty’s 2024 “Rookie of the Year” Award! Alexa have been in the real estate business for over a year now and she’s rockin’ it! Nice work Alexa!
KOPER JOINS INTERSTATE ENGINEERING AS MARKETING DIRECTOR
Interstate Engineering is thrilled to announce the expansion of our marketing team and the addition of Angil Koper as our new Marketing Director. Angil graduated from Dickinson State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has 25 years of marketing experience. She has skills in management, leadership, strategic planning, marketing, content writing, and design. Her knowledge and expertise will make her a valuable addition to the firm.
MART ACCEPTS CITY OF BISMARCK OFFER TO BECOME NEXT PUBLIC WORKS UTILITY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
The City of Bismarck is hiring its next Public Works Utility Operations Director. Michael Mart has accepted the City’s offer and is scheduled to begin working in Public Works later this month.
Mart has worked for the City of Bismarck’s Engineering Department since 2012, first as an Engineering Technician from June to November 2012, then a Project Engineer from 2012 to 2020, and finally as a Senior Project Engineer from January 2020 to present.
Mart will succeed Michelle Klose, who announced her intentions to retire in March. Klose has served as the Public Works Utility Operations Director since 2016.
A graduate of North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering, Mart earned his Professional Engineering License in 2016.
Julie Mees
Angil Koper
Jason Bohrer
Michael Mart
FORTNER NAMED INTERIM
PRESIDENT & CEO
The Lignite Energy Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Fortner as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 17, 2025. Fortner has served as the Vice President of Government Relations & External Affairs since 2018. He assumes this role following the announcement of the departure of Jason Bohrer, who has served the Council with distinction since 2013.
Fortner brings more than 14 years of experience in politics and government affairs in North Dakota and Minnesota to the interim position. Through his current leadership at LEC, he advocates for pro-coal policies, engages with industry leaders and policymakers, and hosts the Lignite Energy Council Podcast. He has been involved in federal regulatory matters, analyzing administrative rules and promoting
balanced regulations. Previously, he served as a legislative assistant and researcher for the Minnesota House of Representatives and played key roles in legislative and gubernatorial campaigns. He holds master’s degrees in business administration (MBA) and public administration (MPA) from the University of North Dakota and is a Policy Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
As Interim President and CEO, Fortner will continue to advocate for the lignite industry and lead its efforts during the North Dakota Legislative session. He will also continue the legal coordination necessary to ensure the regulatory challenges that began under the Biden Administration are litigated to successful conclusions.
DCN HIRES HERREID Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) has hired Jon Herreid as a transport technician. In this role, Herreid supports DCN’s high quality, state of the art transport network as a member of the Network Operations Center (NOC) team in the Bismarck office.
As a transport technician, his key responsibilities include monitoring network performance, setting up and maintaining services, and troubleshooting technical issues to ensure seamless connectivity. In addition, he works with advanced telecommunications technologies, works with local and national providers to manage network operations, and installing and maintaining critical equipment at NOCs and remote locations to ensure reliable communication infrastructure.
April Live Government Meetings
Live and On Demand on channels 2, 602HD, and FreeTV.org or the Dakota Media Access app, available on all devices! * Also available on Radio Access 102.5FM & RadioAccess.org
5:15pm Bismarck School Board 5:30pm Mandan Park District Board
Tues, 15th 1:30pm MPO Policy Board 5:30pm Mandan City Commission* Wed, 16th 3:00pm Bismarck Historic Preservation Comm. Thurs, 17th 5:15pm Bismarck Parks and Recreation District
Mon, 21st 5:00pm Burleigh County Commission* 5:30pm Mandan School Board
Tues, 22nd 5:15pm Bismarck City Commission*
Wed, 23rd 5:00pm Bismarck Planning & Zoning*
Thurs, 24th 4:00pm Bismarck Vision Fund Committee
Mon, 28th 5:15pm Bismarck School Board 5:30pm Mandan Planning & Zoning Commission
Jonathan Fortner
Jon Herreid
The Chamber EDC congratulates all of our members on their anniversaries. The following companies and organizations have reached a special milestone with the Chamber EDC.
To find a complete listing of Chamber EDC members, view the online Member Directory at BismarckMandan.com
45 YEARS D & E Supply Fireside Office Solutions
40 YEARS Heartview Foundation Prairie Public PRO FORMS
Glass Concrete Construction, Inc. HERE TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS
GROW GROW
Tailored financing, expert advice, and a commitment to help local entrepreneurs succeed. If you’re ready to do more for your business, let’s talk.
The Chamber EDC encourages all members to do business with each other. The following companies and organizations have recently made an important investment in their business by joining the Chamber EDC. Please consider them for your professional and personal needs.
To find a complete listing of Chamber EDC members, view the online Member Directory at BismarckMandan.com
Heartland Law Office, PC
418 N 2nd Street
Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 751-1744
Patrick Waters Legal Service
GOGO Charters Bismarck (855) 826-6770
Alexa Thomas
Traveling in North Dakota’s capital city has never been easier! GOGO Charters partners with different charter bus companies in order to bring you a variety of Bismarck charter buses.
Inspire Grants
Steele, ND 58482 (270) 978-0122
April Rutledge
Grant consulting and grant writing services. Specializing in foundation grants for community development and youth development.
Missouri Valley Payroll LLC
Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 400-2520
Tyler Gaugler
From payroll, HR and timekeeping, to hiring, onboarding, and background checks, we tackle the back-end tasks while you grow your business.
Kempix
Mandan, ND 58554 (320) 232-9485
Adam Kempenich
Kempix crafts engaging live productions and captivating events throughout the midwest.
ND Hypnosis
705 E Main Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 941-0623
Dominique McFall Buchholz
Hypnosis for weight management, quit smoking, and stress management.
We offer in-house wealth management services including investment management, estate planning, trust services, tax planning and preparation, and personal insurance solutions.
Swaddles and Support Doula Care
Bismarck, ND 58504 (701) 391-6482
Kristen Nelson Birth and Postpartum Doula, Fertility Doula, Bereavement Doula
