Fargo INC! June 2020

meet the fmwf chamber of commerce board of directors pg.62

greg tehven Executive Director Emerging Prairie

The Incredible Journey of

Emerging Prairie

// JUNE 2020

FEATURES

62 38 22 Sponsored Content: Transitioning to a New CEO

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30 Sponsored Content: Fargo's new Commercial Real Estate Brand 38 The Incredible Journey of Emerging Prairie 62 Meet The Chamber 96 The Pizza Review Bump 98 New American Entrepreneur Of The Month

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100 Faces of Fargo Business: Robert Jones 103 COVID-19 And Contracts 107 You Are On Mute!: 6 Tech Tips 110 Academic Insight 112 10 Questions With John Machacek

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118 Public Space is for People 122 Ladyboss of the Month: Tara Bowen 124 Letting Your Mission Drive You Through COVID-19 128 Business Events Calendar

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E d i t o r ’s n o t e

Back to the Office

O

n June 1, our company will be heading back to the office after working remotely for over two months now. With the easing of restrictions across the state, I'm sure many of you are about to or have already headed in the same direction.

What this means for us and you has yet to be seen. For us immediately it means face masks, separate elevator rides, extra hand sanitizer, Clorox Wipes and many other precautions. It is these precautions that will make employees feel safe and excited to get back to their offices. I encourage all of you to move forward with excitement as you get an opportunity to truly reconnect with coworkers and yet again work together in person but remember to do what you can to make them feel safe.

Brady Drake Brady Drake Fargo INC! Editor

Brady Drake, Fargo INC! Editor

fargoinc@spotlightmediafargo.com

EDITORIAL BOARD COVID-19 continues to alter the way we live and do business and changes by the minute. What this means for our families, friends and co-workers is still being sorted out, of course. What we do know for sure is that things will be different once we get past this crisis. And, we will get past it. The Chamber is committed to keeping you informed with helpful resources during this time.

Please visit our website, fmwfchamber.com, for the most up-to-date information.

President

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Chief Innovation Officer

Communications Manager

United Way of Cass-Clay

Greater FM Economic Development Corporation

Moore Engineering, Inc.

“Strive to support the community builders to be curious and relentless in their pursuits.”

I’m inspired by the language that Emerging Prairie chooses when they describe their work: curious and relentless. In this uncharted terrain, we must be curious to find new ways of accomplishing our goals. At United Way, we remain curious to find solutions to our community’s biggest challenges. Curiosity fuels innovation. To be relentless is to be unstoppable. As everything around us changes, those who push forward and are focused will succeed and keep our businesses and our community strong.

Hats off to Emerging Prairie for all their work instigating and planning events and initiatives here like 1 Million Cups, TEDx, Grand Farm and Emerging Digital Academy (to name a few). I’ve worked closely with them from the beginning, starting with organizing our first Startup Weekend.

The GFMEDC has been a supporter from early on as well and we appreciate all they do for our region. I know there are many cities across the country that would love to have an organization like this in their community.

As offices begin to repopulate and we all try to figure out what the near and medium term futures look like, let’s recognize how quickly and deftly many of our offices transitioned to a remote environment.

JUNE 2020

Unfortunately, remote working isn’t an option for many and, even when it is, lots of challenges remain.

But it’s a testament to the technological miracles at our disposal, as well as the gumption and self-direction from those who made it happen, that so many were able to even attempt it.

If you have a moment, celebrate the victories big and small during turbulent times.

Communications and Marketing Officer

Ozbun Executive Director of Entrepreneurship

FM Area Foundation

NDSU College of Business

The FM Convention and Visitor's Bureau, FMWF Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Community Partnership recently established the Hospitality for Healthcare Fund, with the help of the FM Area Foundation, to provide a discount on meals for healthcare workers and first responders the first week of May. This program supported nearly 30 local restaurants in our community and provided those working on the frontlines with discounted meals.

Once again, people and businesses in our community are stepping up to help one another in this challenging time.

Emerging Prairie not only brings ideas and innovation to Fargo, it brings talent.

18 months ago, my friend Greg Tehven invited me to apply for a new position at NDSU. After 7 years of having him invite me every month to move to Fargo, I finally made the leap.

The value of Emerging Prairie and similar entrepreneurial support organizations is often hidden. Making Fargo a destination and welcoming community brings talent. Talent makes the community great.

I wouldn't be here without Emerging Prairie. Many of us have similar stories, and I'm happy we can celebrate their work in this month's issue.

VP of Finance and Operations

FMWF Chamber of Commerce

Through the past few months, our community has displayed its resiliency and resourcefulness.

As businesses and the economy are beginning to reopen, we have updated our website and social media pages with new tips and resources to help businesses figure out what they need to do in this ever-changing environment. While we don’t know exactly what the future holds, we are hopeful, and will continue to serve our members. Things won’t look exactly as they once did for a while, but we will continue to adapt and innovate, and we’re looking at how to offer a variety of experiences, both in person and online, as we continue down this road. Remember that The Chamber is here for you. Reach out and tell us what you and your employees need. By working together, sharing ideas and overcoming challenges, we will become stronger and thrive once again. We can’t wait to see you again. Until then, stay strong and stay safe.

President & CEO

Dakota Business Lending

Director of Ecosystem

Emerging Prairie

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.” – Viktor E. Frankl

This is a weird colliding of worlds for me. Most of my professional career was spent at Spotlight and I helped launch Fargo INC! Now, as the Director of Ecosystem for Emerging Prairie, I get to see the work being done by EP firsthand.

Austrian neurologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor E. Frankl believed that one of our biggest strengths is our ability to choose how we respond to any given situation. Throughout his experience in Auschwitz, Frankl chose to respond with hope – and he did so by constantly reminding himself of purpose and meaning.

These are some of my takeaways on the work we're doing from my short time with Emerging Prairie.

The state of ND is filled with so many people who live their life on purpose, and it is this characteristic that will carry us through difficult times like these.

This month, let’s follow Frankl’s example and take some time to reflect on the purpose and meaning in our own lives – both personally and professionally.

Then, let’s choose to respond with hope.

• Give away our wins: I'm constantly surprised to learn about all the things that Emerging Prairie has done that nobody knows about. That's because we believe in a give first mentality and try to give away our wins as often as possible.

• Solve big problems: Our vision is literally "the relentless pursuit to improve the human condition."

Whether it's hoping to solve global hunger by focusing on ag-tech innovation or improving our community by celebrating the the risk-takers, we focus on the problem first and then figure out how to solve it.

• Community-driven: EP is an outlier across the country. While there are similar organizations in other communities, the only reason we've achieved the level of success we have is because of this community.

Founder

The Executives Club of Fargo - Moorhead

If we’re not teaching, we’re not really leading.

The BEST business leaders accept teaching as an integral responsibility of managing.

In fact, most understand that learning a new skill as if you’re going to teach it to someone else is often the mosteffective means of thoroughly understanding the topic, a.k.a. the protégé effect.

In business and in life, your knowledge, reward and longterm success will come through daily mentorship. Thank you to each of our FM-area business organizations and networking groups for providing us the platform.

Learn to live to teach to learn.

Thank you for your support and let's keep driving our community forward.

FARGOINC.COM

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June 2020

Volume 5 Issue 6

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In the upper midwest, the start of summer means one thing: lake season is here.

To celebrate this anticipated time of year, we're bringing you our annual lake life issue! In this issue, tour eight unique lake houses, learn more about lake life and even find a lake home for yourself.

Our region is sprouting with new ag businesses. From smart inventions to efficient innovations, the agriculture industry is evolving before our eyes. In this issue of Future Farmer, we will be highlighting these inventors and small business owners filling the needs of their own niche markets.

We are excited to be releasing a summer edition of Fargo Monthly, dedicated completely to giving gratitude to our community. Keep an eye out for this special edition late this summer!

Look for our next issue in September! Read all past issues at bisonillustrated.com.

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Is Now the Time to Refinance?

FIVE THINGS TO CONSIDER

3. Move Fast: Mortgage interest rates can change quickly.

A rate that may seem promising one day can be gone the next. At some lenders, rates have even been changing by the hour. What to do? Decide in advance on the interest rate you are comfortable with. When that rate becomes available at a trusted lender, jump on it.

Mortgage interest rates are hovering near historic lows. At many lenders, rates are well below four percent. For a brief period in March, rates even dipped briefly below three percent. Not surprisingly, many homeowners are asking themselves, “Is now the time to refinance?” The answer is…maybe. Before you think about refinancing your existing mortgage, consider the following:

1. Do The Math: Sure, current mortgage interest rates are attractive. But the truth is they’ve been low for several years.

Before you rush to consider a refinance, take a close look at your current interest rate. It might already be fairly low. There are many factors to consider when refinancing a mortgage.

While the interest rate is important, closing costs and how long you plan to stay in your home are important, too.

Work with a professional loan officer to understand the total costs associated with a refinance, which typically include credit checks, appraisals, origination fees and other closing costs.

Next, determine how long it will take to recoup those costs through a lower interest rate. For example, if you expect to incur $2,500 in closing costs, but will save $150 a month by securing a lower interest rate, it could still take nearly 18 months to recover your closing costs. The key is to determine how long you plan to own your home. If you plan to sell in a year or two, a refinance may not make sense. If you plan to own your home for several more years, you may want to go for it.

2. Shop Around:

Not all lenders are created equal, nor are the interest rates they offer. Rates can vary from one financial institution to the next. Do your homework and shop around for the best rate.

Interestingly, because of the spike in demand for refinances, some lenders are purposefully keeping their interest rates high as they struggle to keep up with demand. Ask lenders if the interest rates they offer are higher because of supply-anddemand issues.

4. Explore a Cash-Out Refinance: With interest

rates so low, and with many families needing an infusion of cash, cash-out refinances are seeing a resurgence in popularity. Particularly for those who are planning to do home improvements or want to pay off existing debt, this type of refinance can reduce monthly expenses considerably.

With a cash-out refinance, homeowners tap into their homes’ equity by taking on a larger mortgage in exchange for access to that equity in the form of cash. When does a cash-out refinance make sense? For homeowners who have a need for cash, and have enough equity in their home (typically no more than 80 percent loan-to-value), a cash-out refinance during a time of lower interest rates can be a good solution.

5. Has Your Home Gone Up in Value?

Eliminate Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Many homeowners, particularly newer homeowners, are familiar with private mortgage insurance (PMI). That is the insurance that many lenders require homeowners to purchase until they have paid off enough of their mortgage to reach 20 percent equity in their homes. Often, a refinance can result in the elimination of PMI. That is because homes are typically reappraised during a refinance. If a home has increased enough in value to cause the homeowner’s equity to reach the 20 percent threshold, PMI can be eliminated. With PMI often costing between .5 percent and one percent of a total mortgage loan amount, that can result in potentially saving hundreds of dollars each month.* *[Source: Investopedia]

In this low-interest rate environment, a refinance can be a great solution.

Do your research to find the best rates and work with a lender you trust to guide you through the process. At Alerus, we’re here for you every step of the way.

If you have a really good credit score (over 700) and have low monthly mortgage payments relative to your monthly income, it is more likely you will secure an attractive interest rate.

BANKING :: MORTGAGE :: RETIREMENT :: WEALTH MANAGEMENT

800.279.3200 :: ALERUS.COM

SPONSORED CONTENT

(Left) Shawn Peterson, CEO and Ron Fuhrman, Owner.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

TRANSITIONING TO A NEW CEO HOW LIBERTY BUSINESS SYSTEMS IS TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

A

fter 34 years as the company’s CEO, founder of Liberty Business Systems, Ron Fuhrman, is stepping into the Owner role and bringing on Shawn Peterson as CEO to take the company to the next level.

According to Fuhrman, this type of move is a very common move among business founders and he believes it's the right move for Liberty.

"It's very common in any business. The person who starts a company usually has a certain skill set that can get you to a certain level," said Fuhrman.

J. Alan Paul

"We've taken the company to a level of sales, operations and clients where it gets to a point that makes it hard to get past it with our existing model," said Fuhrman. "In many cases, in this situation, it takes a different individual to help surpass this milestone. I do believe you have to find the right personality and and that’s what we have with Shawn."

FARGOINC.COM

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SPONSORED CONTENT

WAS THAT DIFFICULT TO HAND OVER SOMETHING THAT YOU'VE BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP? Ron Fuhrman: I don't find it hard to do that. You can't be great at everything. You can be good at a lot of things but you can't do it all. Good companies try to surround themselves with good people and I've watched a lot of other companies over the years go through the same transition.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SHAWN TO ACCOMPLISH WITH THE COMPANY? Ron Fuhrman: I'm looking for Shawn to put together a sales team that's very good, energetic, effective, and just a company culture that will be a fun place to work.

I think we've had that in the past too, but it's a lot more fun if you're growing and getting past a milestone that we are very proud to have met.

WHAT MADE YOU FEEL LIKE LIBERTY WAS THE RIGHT FIT? Shawn Peterson: When I was speaking with Ron, he said he wanted to win in the marketplace and I'm a really competitive guy. I really love sports. I love competition. To team up with somebody who has built up this great infrastructure, is well known, has 34 years in the community, and have an opportunity to take that and build upon that base is a great opportunity to do something together.

HOW HAS YOUR TIME AT LIBERTY BEEN SO FAR? Shawn Peterson: It's fun. I think we have a lot of the same ideas. In most cases, we have the same mentality and we want to accomplish a lot of the same items, it's just a matter of how. Ron is at a point where he just wants to be the owner which allows me to do something cool without having to go through a lot of the steps that he had to go through for 34 years, 24

JUNE 2020

starting a business from nothing. There's still plenty of room to grow and double and triple the size of the organization.

The biggest thing I want to focus on is organizational health and the culture. I want people to view Liberty as an amazing place to work and I want customers to feel that from our staff and our team out in the field, that people really love being here. I think that's magnetic and I think people want to do business with people they share their core values with. Liberty is in search of trying to build the perfect team that shares those core values but is also really strong, competitive, and wants to win.

We have a pretty good idea of what we're going to try to do. We want to try to have a cohesive leadership team so we're rowing in the same direction. The first 90 to 180 days will be creating a vision of where the organization is headed. We'll get a documented plan in place and work on bringing the right talent into the organization so that we can make sure we have the right people in the right seats.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOVES YOU'RE LOOKING TO MAKE? Shawn Peterson: One of the things we want to have in our organization is even more transparency.

That means having a company-wide meeting every month. We also want to have an employee recognition program to celebrate the people that have gone above and beyond in those past 30 days to keep reinforcing what we're looking for in our core values. We also want to try and budget some funds so that teams can take trips together to do team building and bonding.

One of the things that I do with teams is personal goal setting, so that's something we'll get rolling with right away. I want to try to work with them to make sure that their goals align with them and their personal lives.

Sixty-seven percent of employees are not currently engaged in their jobs. We need to make sure that we're reminding people that what they're doing is to benefit themselves in their personal lives.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Liberty Business Systems' new state of the art show room.

GET TO KNOW LIBERTY Liberty Business Systems focuses on providing solutions to business problems or opportunities.

With over 35 years of experience, Liberty has built an organization around its core values to ensure the best possible experience for clients.

With 3,000 valued clients spread throughout North Dakota and Minnesota, Liberty is large enough to be backed by world-class vendors, yet local enough to have a family touch.

In recent years Liberty has been honored as a Circle of Excellence Award winner for the number one imaging provider in the world.

Liberty is leveraging Traction, which is also known as the Entrepreneurial Operating System or EOS. This helps give organizations a step-by-step road map to be successful. This brings the vision of the CEO into execution-able steps for the organization.

FARGOINC.COM

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SPONSORED CONTENT

GET TO KNOW SHAWN Shawn Peterson is the recently named CEO of Liberty Business Systems. He comes with extensive experience in the technology services industry as an executive. He realizes that great people in the right seats are the most important ingredient to business success. Because of this, Shawn joined the John Maxwell team in 2017 to work on his leadership skills and prides himself in the intentional effort he puts forth to develop himself as a leader. When Shawn isn’t working on growing organizations, he enjoys spending time with his family. Other hobbies include: traveling, running, boating, and yoga.

Shawn is originally from South Dakota, where he graduated from the University of South Dakota.

WHAT ARE YOU READING? Some of my favorites include: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

by Patrick Lencioni

Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive

by Patrick Lencioni

A personal invite!

I welcome any executive who would like to go to lunch and discuss leadership or organizational health. I love these topics and know that iron sharpens iron.

Email me at: Speterson@libertybusiness.com

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Traction

by Gino Wickman

SPONSORED CONTENT

EXPLAIN YOUR ROLE My role within the organization is to cast a vision for Liberty to grow exponentially over the upcoming years.

As the CEO, it is imperative that I communicate this clearly to the organization and ensure we live it out on a daily basis. Relationships with internal and external clients play a massive role in being successful as a leader. Much of my time is spent in five areas: Vision, People, Data, Issues, and Processes. When these are all in alignment, success is inevitable.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROVIDERS & PARTNERSHIPS We team with only world-class providers. This makes a huge impact on our service. Furthermore, Liberty has a huge focus on Customer-Centric Teams. Really, I prefer the word client as our goal is to build true partnerships that last the test of time with clients. We want to operate in your best interest to improve your organization and be a trusted advisor. Even if we do not offer the solution, we want to be the team you call to help with all business issues.

WHAT MADE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE ROLE? Liberty has a tremendous reputation and has everything in place to experience exponential growth. Many nights, it is a struggle to sleep because of the excitement I feel about the opportunity in front of our organization. The sky truly is the limit.

WHEN YOU THINK OF PRESENT, COMPETITIVE & DOMINANT - WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT HOW LIBERTY IS OR COULD BE DOMINANT IN NORTH DAKOTA IN YOUR INDUSTRY? Liberty has 34 years of positive client relationships. Our ability to add offerings that truly bring efficiency and add to the bottom-line of our clients will allow us to be dominant. Our understanding of business acumen will be what sets us apart moving forward. We don’t sell products, we sell solutions to business issues. Allowing ourselves to think outside of the current box or even industry box will be the biggest difference.

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS AN AVERAGE NORTH DAKOTA BUSINESS OWNER MIGHT FIND INTERESTING OR SURPRISING ABOUT LIBERTY?

When I do business I always look for local ownership and local company structure first. Liberty is rare in our state in the fact that it’s always been locally owned and not made up of venture capital firms or transferred ownership. We really are your local providers. Most would not know that, in my opinion, we have the most beautiful showroom in the state of North Dakota.

An average owner may not realize that we can take over your entire print fleet and most likely save you money on your investment by doing it.

Most may believe we only sell or lease copiers. We actually offer many solutions that can literally automate a large percentage of your workflows.

As a direct sales company what does Liberty do to ensure they are not “selling” prospects but providing a solution oriented experience?

Many people are resistant to sitting down and looking at the options because they do not want to feel pressured. We only expect you to do business with Liberty if it can be a win-win partnership. Take the time to sit down and do a painless analysis and in a majority of cases we can improve your situation. If not, we will help educate you.

FARGO OFFICE 3431 4th Ave South Fargo, ND 58103 701.241.8504 www.Libertybusiness.com

TIME TO CLUB UP?

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Explore the Many Membership Options Available! contact mattie@oxbowcc.com for more information

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JBC Commercial:

Fargo’s new Commercial Real Estate Brand n the Summer of 2019, a group of veteran commercial real estate professionals, led by Jim Buus and Lori Ibach, left GOLDMARK Commercial Real Estate to form JBC Commercial Real Estate. Jim Buus had been serving as GOLDMARK Commercial’s President and was also a part-owner. Buus, Ibach and five other veteran agents and administrative staff left together.

Additionally, Dovetail Development LLC, owned by Elissa Novotny, which had been collocated within GOLDMARK Commercial, left to collocate with JBC Commercial.

JBC Commercial is owned by Jim Buus and Lori Ibach; the two have a combined 50 years of experience. For a variety of reasons, the team felt there was an opportunity in the market to conduct commercial real estate in a different way than they had been doing, a style that

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(Left to Right) Jim Buus (Co-Owner of JBC Commercial), Lori Ibach (Co-Owner of JBC Commercial), and Elissa Novotny (Owner of Dovetail Development LLC).

Kayleigh Omang

features less conflicts of interest, more collaboration amongst the stakeholders and more integration with the overall brokerage, design and development process.

In addition to being commercial real estate leaders, the JBC Commercial team prides itself on active community involvement and leadership.

Team members are involved and participative in a myriad of local organizations such as the West Fargo Youth Hockey Association, North Dakota State University, Bison Football Players Association, NDSU Team Makers, TNT Kids Fitness, Vitalant Blood Services as well as respected business groups such as various chambers of commerce, Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, Moorhead Business Association and the Executives Club of Fargo Moorhead.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Woman Entrepreneurs

Lori Ibach

Jessie Evanson

Kayleigh Omang

Elissa Novotny Kayleigh Omang

The story of JBC Commercial and Dovetail Development has a distinct woman entrepreneurial angle. Opportunities to own and run their own businesses were limited for Lori and Elissa in their previous work environments, so these entrepreneurs decided to take destiny into their own hands. Both have actively embraced the risk, thrill and opportunity of being female entrepreneurs in a competitive and maledominated industry. This storyline also

extends to the recruitment of new talent: JBC Commercial actively recruited for a female commercial agent to join the team and was delighted to secure Jessie Evanson, who is already an owner of two local businesses.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Commercial Property Brokerage The JBC Commercial team.

From left to right back row: Jessie Evanson, Brent Kuehne, Anthony LaVoy, Garett Smith, Logan Carney, Dylan Urbach Photo by Hillary Ehlen

From left to right front row: Laura Sobolik, Jim Buus, Lori Ibach, Tony Paul

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The JBC Commercial brokerage team had already been market leaders in regional commercial sales and leasing activity, but now with new team members and a new brand and style, the team is poised to continue its market share and leadership in commercial brokerage. Whether it’s a business owner who needs help finding a new location or a property owner or developer needing marketing help or collaborative partners, the JBC Commercial team is open to discuss how and what we can do for that business. jbccommercial.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

Architectural Services

Through JBC Commercial’s inhouse partner company, Dovetail Development, LLC, they offer fullservice architectural design, construction management, development services and project consulting.

Elissa Novotny, AIA, serves as President of Dovetail Development, and has over 15 years of diversified experience and holds an M.Arch degree (Masters in Architecture) from the University of Minnesota. dovetail-dvpt.com

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Development Projects

SPONSORED CONTENT

A key goal with the JBC Commercial and Dovetail Development collaboration is to be better positioned to act not only as sales and leasing brokerage leaders but leaders in the regional development and construction scene. While the team had already been active and growing its development presence in recent years, especially in the Detroit Lakes, MN community, they are now better positioned to actively promote and market these services regionwide.

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By Brady Drake Photo by J. Alan Paul

The Incredible Journey of

Emerging Prairie 38

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greg tehven Co-Founder and Executive Director of Emerging Prairie

FARGOINC.COM

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From what started in 2012 as a blog, the entrepreneurial ecosystem advocate that is Emerging Prairie has made huge s t r i d e s i n a s h o r t t i m e . To l e a r n more about the journey of one of o u r a rea 's m o s t i m p a c t f u l organizations, we sat down with E m e r g i n g P ra i r i e Co - fo u n d e r, G r e g Te h v e n .

Why was Emerging Prairie originally started?

The first inklings of Emerging Prairie can be traced to 2012, when Jake Joraanstad, Miguel Danielson, Andy Christianson, and I were discussing the momentum of entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Twin Cities, Omaha, and throughout the Upper Midwest — fondly called the “Silicon Prairie”. We realized that there weren't any organizations committed to telling the stories of local entrepreneurs that were part of this movement. We wanted to create an online content blog to help tell those stories and keep up the momentum.

The challenge was, none of us were journalists by training.

Our original content work resulted in a total of five articles written by the four of us combined. All of us were working on Emerging Prairie on the side; at the time, I was a Fellow at the Kilbourne Group and we had just finished organizing the first TEDx event in North Dakota. However, in the fall of 2012, I started putting more time into Emerging Prairie. As we developed the organization, we continued to develop our original idea of the online blog — but ultimately realized our strength was in launching events that bring entrepreneurs together.

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From the beginning, our “why” behind Emerging Prairie has been to connect and celebrate the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This was our mission then, and it is today — but what that looks like is constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of our community. In the early days, we started building momentum by creating world-class local experiences for national movements — such as TEDxFargo, 1 Million Cups, and Startup Weekend. We also started creating other ways for local entrepreneurs to meet and build community, such as our monthly Startup Drinks event.

In 2015, following our “why” meant opening up a co-working space — a truly unanticipated (but fun) addition to the Emerging Prairie organization. As our startup community continued to grow, we saw a need for a space where local startup founders, independent workers, and engaged community members could meet up and work. A coworking space run by CoCo opened up in Fargo, but it didn’t quite catch. So, a year later, Emerging Prairie decided to continue the co-work space concept and opened up the Prairie Den. Over the years, our vision of the relentless pursuit of improving the human condition guided us to new, original events focused on specific industries and communities — Founder’s Retreat, Drone Focus, Cultivate, and Cart Summit.

Today, Emerging Prairie continues to brainstorm meaningful ways to bring our community together and build our entrepreneurial ecosystem — whatever that looks like. Most recently, it’s led to starting Emerging Digital Academy and launching the Grand Farm initiative — something Miguel, Jake, Andy, and I could have never imagined when sitting around talking about launching a blog all those years ago.

Yet while our work may look different, our core mission and vision have remained the same: to connect and celebrate the entrepreneurial ecosystem, with an ultimate vision of improving the human condition. Watching our community, both local and beyond, rise to support us in that mission over the past 8 years has been an incredible journey. We are constantly filled with gratitude for the countless folks that contribute time, talents, and treasure to support our work.

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When did Emerging Prairie start branching out from the event space?

In March of 2018, Barry Batcheller, Founder of Appareo, spoke at 1 Million Cups Fargo and asked, "What is Fargo's major? What are we inherently good at that we can contribute to humanity?"

"Our community needed a moonshot to inspire and challenge our region to use our gifts to do something for others. That's why we are committed to the Grand Farm effort."

I was inspired and challenged by his questions and followed up with him to work on the answers. The conversations lead to a moonshot concept called the “Grand Farm Initiative”. Could we create the world’s first 100% autonomous farm? We wanted to consider this possibility.

We started by focusing on: 1.

A robust ecosystem for agriculture technology

2.

An innovation platform to connect startups, academia, and corporations

3.

A physical test site for research, demonstrations, and connectivity

4. Upskilling the workforce through accelerated learning opportunities 5.

Engaging with policymakers to support innovation

As that idea came into focus, Barry introduced the concept in July of 2018 at TEDxFargo. Shortly thereafter, Kevin and Stacy Biffert gifted 40 acres of land for the beginning of a test site. In March 2020, Plug and Play North Dakota was launched and Emerging Digital Academy enrolled 13 learners in April as part of North Dakota’s first accelerated learning program for software. In May, 20 projects on the Grand Farm Test site are active with academic leaders, corporations, and earlystage companies.

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A better return comes from knowing you better.

Tax and Accounting

The organization has changed a lot in its short time. Do you see changes with the structure coming down the line?

Well, certainly every organization needs to evolve. The three-division structure is the current thinking that works well for us. In addition, we're upgrading the Prairie Den and moving it to the Black Building, which allows us to design the space for the future.

Part of the history of Emerging Prairie has been building a connection between the local and the traveler. I think part of the magic of Emerging Prairie has been the intersection that happens when someone from out of town comes here — we help them build relationships and they help provide opportunities for people in our community. We continue to think that's a priority, as well as the intersection between entrepreneurs, technologists, and innovators. We think these intersections will continue to provide opportunities for both our community and the country as a whole.

WHAT SEPARATES US FROM OTHER ACCOUNTANTS? EVERYTHING BUT THE MATH. You’ve got a business to run, and so do we. So everything we do is designed to keep things running smoothly. And you can count on that.

Jamie Passanante, CPA Aimee Schwartzwalter, CPA

(701) 365-0319 • balancecpa.com

J A M E S B U R G U M S AT M E D O W N O N E D AY A N D S A I D , ‘ T h i n k of Fargo as a whiteboard with a lot of open space. Each of us has an opportunity to help create the future of this state and this region.’

I W A S R E A L LY I N S P I R E D B Y T H A T. - G R E G T E H V E N Emerging Prairie can be broken down into three distinct departments 1. Entrepreneurial Ecosystem- Community building, conferences, and CoWorking 2. Technology Ecosystem- The foundation of this is the Emerging Digital Academy.

3. Innovation Ecosystem- Grand Farm test site, support of Plug and Play North Dakota, and other activities that encourage innovation.

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You talked about how the new location of the Prairie Den should give you increased access.

Can you tell me what you mean by that a little bit?

Emerging Prairie is inspired by the Black Building; its history, its design, and the tenants that are there. Pre-COVID, we were really busy at the Prairie Den and we needed more space to include the Emerging Digital Academy. We're very thankful to work with the Kilbourne Group and the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation, and together we created a financing package that is allowing us to improve the space and serve more community needs.

It's going to be really good for us for a couple of reasons; we're going to have a dedicated space for Emerging Digital Academy, and we're going to have increased room for event space, conference rooms, and gatherings. We're also going to be in a building that already has Bobcat's innovation team, as well as early-stage companies that are going into the fifth floor, with a food hall on the main level. The building connects to the skyway, which connects to Block 9 — home of the new RDO headquarters, a world-class hotel, and a plaza that's going to bring people together. So, for us, it makes sense to move to meet the needs of our evolving community, and help attract companies to do business in downtown Fargo.

Emerging Prairie has been well known for the Prairie Den, a co-working space that has 92 active members. However, they're about to move into a much bigger space at the historic Black Building in downtown Fargo.

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At many of their events, Emerging Prairie displays an "unlikely artistic performance".

Tehven believes this helps the events have a big-time event feeling.

HILLARY EHLEN

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Don’t overreact to market swings.

Get a second opinion.

Investors have survived market swings and corrections before. But a twinge of uncertainty may have you wondering if you should get another opinion to help confirm your wealth is in the right place. That’s why we’ve made it as easy as we can to have a complimentary, face-to-face meeting with a Financial Advisor.

Maybe you just want to know if you’re really on track for retirement or if your investments could be better aligned to your goals. Or in the process of working hard for your money, you worry you’ve overlooked some necessary steps to transfer your wealth.

Whatever’s on your mind, we’re here to listen, and we’ll help you evaluate your plan. It’s free, and there’s no obligation. Then you can decide if your wealth is getting the care it deserves.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT | INVESTMENT PLANNING | RETIREMENT

Tim Graveline Senior Financial Advisor Senior Vice President – Investments 406 Main Ave, Fl. 2 Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 293-4917 Tim.M.Graveline@wellsfargo.com https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/Tim.M.Graveline

Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2015 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

97772-v1b A1952

Matt Watson Senior Financial Advisor First Vice President – Investments 406 Main Ave, Fl. 2 Fargo, ND 58103 Direct: (701) 293-4322 Matthew.R.Watson@wellsfargo.com https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/Matthew.R.Watson

CAR-1018-02667

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced with Emerging Prairie early on?

Early on, it was funding. Money is always a challenge. For a long time, I was operating out of scarcity. When you're living in fear — questioning if you're going to make payroll, or if you're going to exist — it doesn't always bring out the best in a person. I think I was taking on a lot of stress and pressure and that impacted a lot of my personal and professional relationships.

Another challenge was the team. Emerging Prairie has always been fortunate that we can attract high-quality teammates. However, having teammates that have to adapt and adjust to new environments and move quickly causes a level of fatigue. I think one of the things that I struggle with is that our staff hasn't always been treated to the best of my ability. There have been some great people that have left the organization because things didn't go well for them. That's challenging for me to think that great folks didn't appreciate their time here. I was young and they were young and I think we lacked the maturity to have difficult conversations with each other.

I found additional challenges around culture and technique. In order to get attention nationally with a business or community, I needed to be more aggressive than the generally accepted culture in our region. A lot of my time was spent bringing attention to our community and our startups. The challenge arose when I would use the techniques that worked nationally yet were rarely appreciated locally. In Fargo, most folks refrain from leading with their accomplishments when getting to know someone from a business perspective.

We kind of try to get to know each other at face value and then work from there. I learned quickly that I needed to adjust and adapt more quickly to my audience.Â

HILLARY EHLEN

How have you learned from some of those things?

I think one of the things about going through hard times is it helps you get better and helps you grow stronger. We've been able to work with more resources and more experience on the team. I think my role is as a visionary with a high level of entrepreneurial skill. However, I'm limited in managerial experience. Now, we have folks with more managerial experience that can help navigate a relatively young and small organization.

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digital experiences. We are doubling down on our efforts to gain momentum with Emerging Digital Academy and we are building additional partners to push the Grand Farm efforts forward, faster.

What do those events in the face of COVID-19 look like so far?

TEDxFargo in July is going to be a smaller experience outside at the Fargo Air Museum and folks will have the ability to drive-in and stay in their vehicles to watch the speakers.

We've also got some surprises under our hat to help those people learn, connect, and experience the magic at TEDxFargo while social distancing.

As we look to 1 Million Cups Fargo, Lunch and Learns, our Hackathon, and Founder’s programming, we’ll be experimenting with models that allow for folks to participate in person (safely) and online. We are designing our efforts to build and strengthen community.

Where does Emerging Prairie make the greatest impact?

What still drives you with Emerging Prairie?

I love the people here. I love the values. I think of airline flights; when you get off a flight to Fargo, everyone helps each other get their bags off. That doesn't necessarily happen in other places. There's a subtlety about this place that I appreciate. I'm drawn to the values of resilience in the community, and the desire to leave a place better than we found it. I love the possibility. I think it's the optimism of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives me. We get knocked down, but we’re betting on the next opportunity to contribute and make an impact. I love that we get to support folks with Emerging Prairie and be champions for risk-takers.

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What is the goal for 2020?

Let's keep kicking butt in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Let's put on events that matter.

Let's keep attracting entrepreneurs and creatives from around the country to be part of the community. Let's bring energy into the core of our community and get people excited.

We were dedicated to a strong launch of Emerging Digital Academy, to greater form around the Grand Farm Test Site, and to launch Plug and Play in North Dakota.

As COVID has shifted the world, we are committed to rebuilding our events and programming with blended world-class events that allow for both in-person and

We have a philosophy of giving our wins away. We try to lead through others, partner with our elected officials, and engage with leaders to create change. I think the biggest impact Emerging Prairie makes is in the things people don't see. We help make micro-connections. We help entrepreneurs get connected. We challenge ourselves to be better and hope others copy and steal our best practices to improve their work.

I think the greatest impact of Emerging Prairie has been helping people discover and fall in love with our community. We’ve helped elevate the voices of people in our region and have shared some of the magic of this place with others. I’m often most excited about the work of others — the artists that are creating, the vendors that are making, and the folks that are doing what they can, with what they have, to improve the lives of others.

Goals of Emerging Prairie Accelerate Entrepreneurs. We believe entrepreneurs need things; access to each other, platforms to share their work, and customers.

Our events and activities are designed to increase the likelihood of all three areas coming together.

Educate our Region. By bringing ideas to the region and challenging the status quo, we are moving our community forward.

Through events, programming, and using our influence to convene leaders, we are able to move ideas to action and impact.

Infuse the Arts. We create opportunities for the arts and artists to be incorporated into our events and programs. We believe artists are the vital culture creators in a community and culture is a key factor in building community.

Build on our Bright Spots. We are cheerleaders and champions of the people who are doing great things in our community. Working from the idea of “a rising tide lifts all boats,” we celebrate those who are making progress and positively impacting our community. We strive to be the “First Fargo” vs. a replica of somewhere else.

Practice Radical Inclusivity. As the fabric of our community becomes richer, we need to create an environment that welcomes people from a variety of backgrounds, faiths, lifestyles, etc. We firmly believe we have a responsibility to reduce barriers, increase the comfort level of new folks, and actively engage folks in our community.

EVENTS

Prairie Capital Summit: HILLARY EHLEN

This summit connects investors, founders, and ecosystem builders to talk about risk capital and angel investing. It gives each network a space to share, learn, and promote business growth in the region.

The lifeblood of Emerging Prairie is its events. In 2019, Emerging Prairie: Hosted 135 events at various venues across Fargo-Moorhead and North Dakota.

Had 11,579 people attend those events.

Spent $382,786 on local goods and services, 53% more than in 2018

Hackathon: This is a weekend-long event offered in partnership with AT&T for people across the technology spectrum to engage in collaborative projects, typically centered around building tools to better understand a data set.

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HILLARY EHLEN

Possibility Symposium on Social Business: This symposium is a gathering of community leaders, foundations, and social entrepreneurs, exploring how social entrepreneurship applies business models and strategies to solve unique social challenges in our community.

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TEDxFargo: Each year, Emerging Prairie has an all-day event filled with speakers, performances, adventures, and smaller events around Fargo.

These events showcase the best of innovation, research, and discovery. They work to accelerate our community and social impact through the power of big ideas, transformative live events, and empowered communities.

TEDxFargo 2019 2,027 attendees 28 speakers and performers 40 event day sponsors 29 musicians and artists performed 155 event volunteer 36 auxiliary events hosted 25 TEDxFargo talks produced Since 2012 Emerging Prairie has Produced 189 TEDxFargo talks 7,062,928 views of all TEDxFargo talks Hosted 11,079 TEDxFargo attendees.

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J. ALAN PAUL

Auxiliary Events: During each TEDxFargo event, the team connects speakers with community partners for private events. Events have ranged from a technology accessibility summit to female founders gathering connecting investors with entrepreneurs.

Founders Programming: Facilitated learning groups and social gatherings held for entrepreneurs to gather, learn, and connect.

Founders Drinks: An opportunity for founders and entrepreneurs to come together for connection in a casual and laid back setting.

Founders Only Retreat: A retreat that encourages founders to invest in themselves, create a support network, and have time away.

Lunch and Learns: Monthly gatherings that allow community members to meet over lunch while sharing their skills and industry expertise with each other.

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1 Million Cups Fargo: This program is a free, national program developed by Kauffman Foundation, and designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs. 1 Million Cups Fargo is one of the most successful in the nation and features men and women who are building their ideas, launching products, and starting companies — with an emphasis on innovative technology.

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MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER BOARD It's no secret that the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce makes a huge impact in our local region with many of the area's top business leaders, paving the way for the direction of the organization.

Let's take a look at some of the outstanding leaders that currently serve on the FMWF Chamber Board of Directors.

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IN 2018-2019 THE FMWF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Held 102 events in 365 days Secured 80% of $5 million for Fueling Our Future Hosted their biggest event to date, Women Connect with Rachel Hollis where they collected 2,500 donations to local non-profits Started programming and efforts through their new committees—Education and Professionals of Color Hosted a press conference on the importance of the Diversion

NEW IN 2019 Young Professionals Week A relaunched website Professionals of Color Fueling Our Future Education committee Job postings board

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MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

S

hawn Dobberstein is originally from the Herman, MN - Wheaton, MN area where the family operated a grain farm with cattle and hogs and he graduated from Wheaton High School. Dobberstein then went on to attend North Dakota State from 1982-1986 where he participated in Cross Country/Track and Field and graduated in 1986 with a degree in Animal Science Business and a minor in Agricultural Economics.

Professionally, Dobberstein began his career as a Program Intern for the USDA-ASCS now known as the Farm Service Agency. In 1985, Dobberstein began working for the City of Fargo Public Works Department as a Public Works Analyst. He then left the City of Fargo in April 1991 to work for the Municipal Airport Authority as the Assistant to the Executive Director. Six years later, in 1997, Dobberstein was named Executive Director of the Municipal Airport Authority.

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Shawn Dobberstein

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

Treasurer Credentials

The Municipal Airport Authority

• 2006-2007 Past Chair of The Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead • 2017 Honorary Chair of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign • Past Member NDSU NCAA Certification Committee • Past Member of NDSU Wellness Center Advisory Board • Past Member of Olivet Lutheran Church Foundation • Past Member of Xcel Energy Advisory Board • Past President of NDSU Team Makers • Current Honorary Commander of the North Dakota Air National Guard • Charter Member of the Fargo Air Museum • Co-Chair Bison Bidders Bowl 30/31 • Current Member of the Airport Association of North Dakota • Current Member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Policy Review Committee • Current Member of Betta Gama • Current Member of Cass County Career and Technical Education Aviation Advisory Board • Current Member of Chamber Military Affairs Committee • Current Member of FMWF Air National Guard Support Group • Current Member of Governor 's Military in North Dakota Advisory Group • Current Member of National Association of Foreign Trade Zones • Current Member of the NDSU College of Business Advisory Board • Current President of the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives • Current Trustee Member of the NDSU Foundation Board

Hobbies: Attending NDSU athletic events, hunting, fishing, New York Jets football and Philadelphia Phillies baseball.

Family: Wife Darla is employed by Sanford.

Daughter Kayla and husband Matt; son Mike and wife Katy.

Four grandchildren: Hannah, Hailee, Mason and Wes.

Employees: 26 full-time and 5 part-time Website: fargoairport.com Awards: 2003 Outstanding MBA Alumnus; 2005 FM CVB Community Service Award; 2006 Greater FM EDC Community Service Award; 2008 ND Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Award; 2019 Airport Professional of the year for the Great Lakes Chapter of AAAE Certifications: Accredited Airport Executive (AAE); Certified USA Track and Field Official ••◦•• Favorite Chamber events: Voices of Vision Eggs & Issues ChamberChoice Awards

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

The Chamber staff is committed to advocating for businesses of all sizes. They are also known as a credible voice with a stellar reputation at local, state, and federal government levels.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

Please review the portfolio of programs offered by The Chamber. Contact Chamber members and ask them how their membership investment benefits their business.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

The staff's ability to sustain a constant level of enthusiasm to meet the needs of the membership and prospects.

The Chamber staff is engaged each day.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

The entire Chamber staff deserves a standing ovation.

Their ongoing dedication to service is commendable during this time of transition to a new CEO and the current COVID-19 pandemic.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

The Fargo Airport Authority benefits in a number of ways.

The Chamber's advocacy on behalf of the members at the local, state, and federal level is a significant benefit when an issue needs to be addressed.

The networking opportunities are excellent.

The training programs provide an opportunity for our employees to advance their knowledge and skills.

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MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

C

had specializes in valuing intangible assets including technology, patents, and contractual agreements. Flagan also specializes in countless business valuation services for estate and gift tax purposes, litigation, as well as purchasing and selling businesses.

When working with Chad, clients can expect an advisor that will help them navigate through various stages of their business. He plays an integral role in the early stages to understand value and proper capitalization. Chad continues to stand by as businesses mature by increasing value as he helps to develop strategies for growth and risk management.

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Chad Flanagan Board Member Eide Bailly Employees: 2500 Year Founded: 1917 Website: www.eidebailly.com Awards: ChamberChoice Business of the Year and Young Professionals Best Place to Work ••◦•• Hidden FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known: The Chamber allows for relationship building, networking, the impact of advocacy and the pro-business advocacy, and support for entrepreneurship and start-ups.

••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

ChamberChoice-highlight great businesses in the area Economic Outlook Forum Voices of Vision

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

I think the greatest benefit of The Chamber is how it brings businesses together, creates opportunities to share, and brings strong advocacy for pro-business initiatives.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

Join and check it out, You'll be surprised how much The Chamber can offer.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

I didn't realize how much advocacy happened through The Chamber or the in-depth knowledge its staff has on business issues and how to get things done.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

The staff is truly impressive.

These are really talented people working hard for our best interests.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

We send a lot of people to events to learn and network. We also benefit from opportunities to connect with business leaders to hear what's driving their business's growth and risk factors.

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

S

andi Piatz is a Sr. Director at Microsoft. She serves as the Site Leader for Microsoft ’s Fargo campus and also Community Program Manager Leader for Real Estate and Facilities across the Americas. Sandi has been in the technology industry for almost 20 years with a background working in startup software companies and national technology firms.

Sandi has a Master ’s in Business (MBA) and a Masters in Leadership. She and her husband have two children, Alexis (23) and Peyton (18).

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Sandi Piatz

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

Chair Elect

Microsoft The roots of the Microsoft in Fargo site started with Great Plains Software. This year was the 19th anniversary since the acquisition and the 20th anniversary since the first building was constructed in Fargo at the campus we are at today.

••◦•• Three "hidden" FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

1. The number of committees making an impact 2. The advocacy efforts benefiting local businesses 3. Employee development or training resources offered ••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

Women Connect Professionals of Color Networking FMWF Leadership Development program

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

The Chamber curates speakers and content to educate and support key initiatives across our region for businesses. In addition, it creates avenues for connecting and networking across all business sectors and all sizes of businesses.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

The advice that I would have is to look at your organization holistically when you consider becoming a Chamber member.

Many times business leaders only look at it from a marketing and sales perspective. An organization should look across their organization to see what the core priorities are as a business and for its people, and how The Chamber can support them.

They will see from marketing and sales to employee development, recruitment, policy lobbying, developing our youth (future talent), etc. The Chamber can really support a whole organization across many facets.

Also, align team members by role to be involved throughout the whole organization from HR to sales to operations to senior leadership.

Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Community. In the past 10 years, it has created new programs and launched new initiatives to truly impact businesses and the region.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

The Chamber team. They work extremely hard to connect and serve our community.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

Policy support, networking, training and development, education on issues or trends in the region, and most recently new support for our changing diverse region with Women Connect and POC.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

How far we have come over the past 10 years. The Chamber has always been strong in the

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MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

S

teve Halverson was born in Fargo and attended Fargo Central High before eventually graduating from North Dakota State University with a Master's in business. Halverson went on to start Heartland Trust Company in 1990.

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Steve Halverson Director Heartland Trust Company Employees: 22 Year Founded: 1990 Website: heartlandtrust.com Awards: 2013 Chamber Small Business of the Year ••◦•• Three "hidden" FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

1. Leadership training for future business leaders 2. Legal and business updates (both local and national) 3. Strong advocation for a positive business climate ••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

The Economic Outlook The State of Cities State of Technology

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

It brings knowledge, experience, and energy to local and national issues that are too big for most businesses to research and process.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

• The cost is modest • It's great for recognition and marketing • One ribbon cutting and you break even • Low cost nurturing for your young leaders What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

How small the staff is and how much they get done without any glitches. Also, the young staff are direct recipients of the numerous leadership exposures

and experiences that are available to all members.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

Jim and Tracy seem to be the team that makes everything click.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

We participate in events that help our senior staff stay in touch with issues that they may be too busy to learn about and ask our younger staff to participate in programs and events that will allow them to grow into the best leaders they can.

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

A

s president of Flint Group, Jodi’s belief in the business is grounded in, “Together, we are all in." At Flint Group, being all in means living the values of – do the right thing; take initiative; stay curious and open-minded; love what you do; go where you are needed most; be the person you want to work with; give back.

Well-versed in brand strategy and planning, Jodi has helped companies of all sizes and in many industries effectively tell their story. Her experience spans technology, insurance, manufacturing, and government.

Jodi has become an advocate for women in business. Guided by a strong desire to help women develop their own voices, build confidence and understand obstacles, Jodi writes a Women in Business blog and speaks on women empowerment topics.

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Jodi Duncan

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

Board Member

If you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.”

- Brene Brown

Flint Group Employees: 100+ Year Founded: 1946 Website: flint-group.com Two of Flint Group's longest clients have been with us for nearly 75 years. This is highly unusual for the average agency/client relationship which is around 18 months.

Roger Reierson was part of the agency through the MadMen era when three martini lunches were part of the gig. He currently serves as our Executive Chairman and is an incredible role model ••◦•• Three "hidden" FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

1. Depth of knowledge of local businesses 2. Membership and business promotional opportunities 3. Fueling our future 4. Political engagement ••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

Voices of Vision - Interesting speakers Leadership program - I went through this in the 90's YPN - Good opportunity for young people

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

Information and training events. I also appreciate the active involvement in political issues that impact business.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

We have one of the strongest and most active Chambers in the region, good networking opportunities, and are dedicated advocates for business success.

women play a large role in The Chamber.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

It grants us access to many businesses and business leaders. In addition, it gives us insight into how we can help when it comes to challenges for other local businesses.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

The strength in membership numbers.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

Craig Whitney was a great advocate for women and made it a priority to have

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MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

A

nne Blackhurst became the 11th President of Minnesota State University Moorhead on July 1, 2014 after serving three years as MSUM’s Provost and Senior Vice President. She is known on and offcampus as a leader, collaborator, connector to the greater community, strategic thinker, marathon runner, and social media user. In her signature red blazer, she is a visible presence on campus and in the Fargo-Moorhead community, where she serves on the Boards of Directors of the FMWF Chamber of Commerce; Downtown Moorhead, Inc., and Eventide Senior Living Communities. Anne lives in Moorhead with her dogs, Sadie and Roscoe. She has completed 11 marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2015.

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Anne Blackhurst

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

Co-chair of The Chamber Education Committee

Minnesota State University Moorhead Employees: 630 Year Founded: 1887 Website: mnstate.edu Awards: MSUM's students regularly win honors and distinctions. A recent sampling of student honors is available at linkedin.com/feed/update/ urn:li:activity:6661969036475191298/ Certifications: Many of our academic programs have prestigious accreditations or certifications. Our Paseka School of Business, for example, is accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which accredits only 5% of business schools worldwide.

MSUM is the second largest employer in Moorhead.

Approximately 40% of our graduates live and work in Fargo-Moorhead after graduation. We are a purposedriven organization committed to transforming the world by transforming the lives of our students. Our culture is defined by our core values of grit, humility, and heart.

••◦•• Three "hidden" FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

1. Strong support for K-12 and higher education 2. A strong network of diverse businesses 3. Collaboration with other business and community organizations ••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

Education Committee Women Connect Professionals of Color

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

There is a common misperception that The Chamber has a narrow focus.

In reality, Chamber leaders understand that a strong community is a prerequisite for a strong business environment. To that end, The Chamber builds partnerships with education, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies with the goal of strengthening the social and economic fabric of FargoMoorhead.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

When you join at a membership level, you are comfortable with and take advantage of as many Chamber events and services as you can. The benefits far outweigh the membership fees.

business and every business professional.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

The Chamber staff are extraordinarily talented and dedicated. And, of course, Craig Whitney was a visionary and transformational leader.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

As a higher education institution, we benefit from building partnerships with local businesses that ultimately benefit our academic programs and our students.

We also benefit from keeping our pulse on the needs of the business community so we can be as responsive as possible in our programming.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

The diversity of businesses and vast array of programs and member services.

There's something for every

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MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

K

evin was born and raised in Mandan ND. He graduated from Mandan Highschool and continued his education at Moorhead State University Moorhead pursuing a degree in accounting and computer science. In 1983 Kevin founded Viking Home Improvement. After a decade, he sold that business, and Paces Lodging Corporation was formed. In 1993 PACES was primarily a developer of hotel properties in North Dakota, Montana, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Arizona. Since then, PACES has grown into the areas of land development, architecture, construction management, commercial contracting-known as Design Resources Group (DRG), as well as providing a fullservice real estate sales/leasing/brokerage team and property management company known as Property Resources Group (PRG). All companies work out of their corporate headquarters in Fargo, ND. They pride themselves in their ability to take projects through every step of development from land acquisition to signing tenant leases and managing properties.

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Kevin Christanson

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

Board Member

Paces Employees: Approximately 150 Year Founded: 1993 Website: propertyresourcesgroup.com ••◦•• Three "hidden" FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

1. Member Directory 2. Marketing Materials and Advertising 3. Referrals ••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

I appreciate a number of events hosted by The Chamber, but my favorite events include those that celebrate individuals in our community who are working hard, thriving, and contributing to the overall big picture of comradery and economic success in our community.

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

I believe The Chamber does a wonderful job in providing resources and networking opportunities for new and upcoming businesses and entrepreneurs, while at the same time continuing to support established businesses through a variety of means such as continuing education and networking events.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

I would respond with the follow-up question of, “Why wouldn’t you become a member?” To live in a community that has such an active Chamber that not only spans across one, but two states and 3+ cities is remarkable. Not only does The Chamber provide resources and endless opportunities, it provides a built-in family who will support you, help you through the difficult times, and celebrate with you in the successful times.

and businesses in our community that make it what it is today.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

I would like to thank The Chamber as a whole for their continued support and dedication to businesses throughout the FMWF area.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

There are many ways our company benefits from The Chamber. This year, specifically, we had an employee participate in the FMWF Leadership Program. Through this program, the employee was exposed to a variety of different professionals and companies all while learning skills and information that could be brought back to continue the betterment of our company. It is important to never stop progressing and improving current protocols and company methods.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

I have continued to be pleasantly surprised by the consistent “fire” behind The Chamber. It never waivers in maintaining the excitement, support, and encouragement of upcoming entrepreneurs

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MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

J

oanna is a market executive with Mortenson and has been a leader in the construction industry for 16 years. She recently managed the new Sanford Fargo Medical Center —Fargo-Moorhead’s largest construction project and one of the top 10 largest healthcare construction projects in the nation. As market executive, Joanna plans, organizes, staffs, and oversees construction and manages operations across the state of North Dakota and central and northern Minnesota.

As a Glyndon resident, Joanna is very involved in the local community. She participates and fosters support for organizations like United Way, Habitat for Humanity – Women Build. In addition to serving on the FMWF Chamber Board of Directors, she is on the Advisory Board of Construction Management and Engineering and Architecture/ Landscape Architecture at NDSU, of Trustees for United Way of CassClay, mentors students at local universities and is involved in outreach to local schools for the construction industry and STEM fields.

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Joanna Slominski Board Member Mortenson Employees: 20+ Locally 7000+ Nationally Year Founded: 1954 Website: mortenson.com Awards: Mortenson has won over 100 awards during their time in business.

••◦•• Anything else about your company you can share?

Any stories, interesting tidbits, fun facts, etc?

As a family owned company, our culture is unique and our people are our biggest asset.

••◦•• Hidden FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

Unique Opportunities to Network Unique Opportunities for Advocacy ••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

Voices of Vision Chamber Challenge - Fun golf outing Leadership FMWF program

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

Creates connections for people to become more engaged in community affairs and build networks.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

The Chamber is a great opportunity to be more informed about community issues and for leaders to have opportunities for team member engagement.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

The amount of opportunities to be engaged in, add value to community efforts, and meet

new people is tremendous!

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

Kudos to The Chamber team that creates the ideas and brings the opportunities and events to life!

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

Our organization benefits through team member engagement opportunities and information provided about community issues.

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

A

s Vice President of Operations for Sanford Fargo, Brittany Montecuollo is responsible for the management and operations of the Fargo market for Sanford Health.

Montecuollo has more than 20 years of experience in the health care industry as a leader in nursing, regulatory, accreditation, emergency management, infection control, policy management and clinical operations. She joined Sanford Health in 2009 and became Vice President of Nursing and Clinical Services at Sanford Fargo in 2017 and Vice President of Operations in 2019.

Montecuollo has a degree in nursing from the University of South Dakota. She also holds a Master ’s degree and a Doctorate of nursing practice in leadership and development from Walden University in Minneapolis.

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Brittany Montecuollo Board Member Sanford Health Three "hidden" FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

1. The vast network of colleagues you gain access to 2. Broader perspective of the FMWF communities 3. Bringing credibility to your business ••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

YEA! - Young Entrepreneurs Academy Eggs & Issues State of the Cities

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

I believe our chamber does an amazing job of bringing together community members and a wide variety of businesses.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

Do it! The Chamber team is ferociously committed to supporting the needs of your business in the FMWF community. The offerings and benefits are endless. Regardless of your size or industry, The Chamber has benefits for you.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

Our chamber is dynamic and progressive. The sheer number of offerings was surprising to me as I entered the community 3 years ago.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

I would like to recognize the entire Chamber team for their leadership, resiliency and dedication over the last year. They have done an amazing job keeping the mission moving forward while honoring their late leader, Craig Whitney.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

Sanford Health has grown and strengthened many meaningful relationships throughout the community through The Chamber.

We appreciate all they do to support Sanford and the broader community.

GOLDMARK COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE IS ONE OF THE MOST EXPERIENCED COMMERCIAL BROKERAGE FIRMS IN THE REGION SERVICES INCLUDE: • Sales and Leasing Brokerage • Business Brokerage • Site Selection and Tenant Representation • Data-driven Property Analysis • Investment Services • Build-to-suit and Leaseback • Ag Land Sales and Auction Services • Partnership Ventures • Project Consulting

goldmarkcommercial.com

701.235.2900 | commercialinfo@goldmark.com 1711 Gold Drive, Suite 130, Fargo, ND 58103

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

First International Bank & Trust Employees: 680 total, 211 FMWF area Year Founded: 1910 Website: FIBT.com Awards: Prairie Business 50 Best Places to Work; Extraordinary Banking Hall of Fame ••◦•• Three "hidden" FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

1. Advocacy: In local, state, and national issues 2. Influence: Opportunity to amplify voice 3. Unique marketing opportunities ••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

Voices of Vision Leadership FMWF Corporate Cup

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Peter Stenehjem Board Member

P

eter Stenehjem, a fourth-generation community banker, has been with First International Bank & Trust for nearly two decades. Well-versed in business and personal banking, Peter first started as a teller in 2000, helping customers with their routine account transactions, moving on to serve in multiple departments ranging from Credit Review to Commercial Banking. Before being named President, Peter held the positions of Chief Retail Banking Officer and President/Fargo Market Manager, overseeing the operations of five offices.

In addition to his current role, Peter is a director of Watford City Bancshares, Inc., and is a member of the FIB&T Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee. Peter is involved in several entrepreneurial ventures, including Alati Energy, Stenehjem Holdings, Stonehome Brew Pub, and Stonehome Brewing Company, Outlaws Bar & Grill, and JL Beers. He’s also managing partner of Stenehjem Development.

As a leading member of the North Dakota business community, Peter is on the FMWF Chamber Board of Directors, the Sanford Health Medical Board of Directors (Fargo Region), and the Dakota Medical Foundation Governance Committee. He is also part of Fueling our Future, a longterm imitative focused on large-scale economic and community solutions for the Fargo region, serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Formerly, Peter co-chaired the UND Game Day Experience Committee and served on the Sanford Health Foundation committee. He was named Prairie Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in 2016 and Independent Community Bankers of America’s 40 Under 40 in 2020.

Peter graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2007 with a degree in Banking & Financial Economics and earned his graduate in Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2017. He has professional memberships with ICBA as a Certified Commercial Lender, Dakota Medical Foundation, and the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber Leadership Program. Peter is actively involved in both the FargoMoorhead and Watford City communities where he volunteers with organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Great Plains Food Bank, United Way, and the Salvation Army.

Peter and his wife Stacey are parents to 18 month-old daughter, Evelyn.

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

The Chamber is amazing at framing and selling the FMWF area as one of the best areas to live, play, and work in the United States. Our cities are regularly garnishing national recognition for being among the most livable communities and the hottest job markets. The Chamber plays a significant role in bringing in and keeping top employers in our area by creating favorable environment for them to live and thrive. The adage, "you are what you attract," applies in the best possible way to our area.

Thanks in part to The Chamber, great businesses are headquartered here and because of this, we see consistent, quality growth in our business community.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

The biggest concern for a lot of business owners deciding whether or not to become a Chamber member is the time commitment. We all have hectic schedules, and being an active member of The Chamber can fill up your calendar; However, I don't know of a more time-effective way to increase your business's credibility and visibility. Also, consider the time and effort membership will save you when it comes to staying on top of policies that could impact your business. Your returns will well-outweigh the time invested.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

No matter how many Chamber events I go to or programs I participate in, I am consistently and pleasantly surprised by the quality of both production and presentation. From speaking events to annual celebrations, The Chamber's functions feel like an experience you could have in a much larger community. I'm so thankful they invest the time and dollars to bring these functions.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

Craig Whitney. He was a great man with a great vision. His leadership and business advocacy through The Chamber shaped the FMWF business community into what it is today. He had a knack for networking that brought people from all sectors of business and government together.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

The Chamber helps FIBT continue to build a strong network of contacts and develop leads. The Chamber does more than introduce you to others; it provides networking tools and opportunities. Workshops and programs offer opportunities for our people to hone in on their networking skills. Chamber mixers and celebrations can be a great place to connect with a potential client. Online networking is great, but it doesn't hold the same power as connecting with someone face to face.

These functions are critical to hiring, learning about opportunities, and landing more accounts.

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MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

M

ark Nisbet is the North Dakota Principal Manager for Xcel Energy, the fourthlargest combination natural gas and electricity company in the nation; serving 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers in eight Western and Midwestern states.

In 2019, Xcel Energy completed construction on the Foxtail Wind Farm in Dickey County which will bring Xcel Energy to 500 MW of owned wind plus 112 MW of purchased wind power in North Dakota. Mark has shown a personal commitment to renewable energy by installing 40 KW of solar panels on his farm and purchasing the all-electric Chevy Bolt.

Xcel Energy has numerous national firsts for its work with Unmanned Aerial Systems. Mark has been a team member on several of those projects and has served as a connection to the Northern Plains Test site located in Grand Forks ND.

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Mark serves on the board for the North Dakota EmPower Commission, North Dakota Renewable Energy Council, the West Fargo Economic Development Authority, and was the 2019 Chair of the Board for the Fargo Moorhead Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he served as chairman of the governor ’s Centers of Excellence Commission and was the 2016 United Way of Cass Clay Campaign Chair. He now serves as a United Way Board member.

Mark received a bachelor ’s degree in business administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He is a graduate of the Minnesota Management Institute at the Carlson School of Business, University of Minnesota. Mark lives in Fargo with his wife Sandy. They have three sons.

Mark Nisbet

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

Past Chair of the Board

I am very proud of the fact that over the last 5 years we have invested over 1 billion dollars in building out 500 MW of wind in ND." Three "hidden" FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

Time with local, state and national leaders.

••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

State of the Cities Eggs & Issues Public Policy Committee

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

The Chamber helps rally support for the issues that are critical to the long term growth of our business and community.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

I think it is a great opportunity to have your business become known by the larger business community. The number of programs and opportunities to learn from other businesses is unmatched.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

It doesn't surprise me but it impresses me how hard The Chamber is working to stay relevant for small businesses by attracting younger and minority members.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

I think The Chamber is a great place for young people to go to work. We are seeing spectacular success from a generation that some people have worried about. We see dedication as they start to work at The Chamber. This same dedication follows them in their careers in the region as other business opportunities arise.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

I work at Xcel Energy and we try to do the right things in the community. The Chamber serves as an early sounding board for policy changes.

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MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

O

nly days after graduating from NDSU with a civil engineering degree, Jeffry Volk went to work for Moore Engineering as a graduate engineer.

Forty-plus years later, he’s still there; only now he’s the CEO. If you asked him what ’s had the biggest impact on Moore Engineering during that time, Jeff would tell you it ’s the company ’s transition to an employee ownership structure. The company went 100 percent ESOP in 2004, just a year after winning The Chamber ’s prestigious Business of the Year Award.

The second biggest impact, he’d tell you, was the region’s remarkable growth over the past 25 years.

Jeff was the lead engineer and project manager for the Sheyenne River diversion, a project that allowed the City of West Fargo to expand its territory south of Interstate 94 by reducing the risk posed by nearly

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annual floods. That stability was a catalyst for historic population and economic growth.

In addition to his Chamber board service, Jeff and his wife Jeanie are passionate Bison boosters, with Jeff serving on the NDSU Foundation’s executive governing board. In addition to The Chamber board, he also serves on the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation board & executive committee and the FargoDome Authority building committee.

Jeffry Volk Board Member Moore Engineering Employees: 135 Year Founded: 1960 Website: mooreengineeringinc.com Awards: Chamber Business of the Year Numerous ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards ENR Top 500 Design Firms PSMJ Circle of Excellence Employer of the Year Metro Area Mayors Committee for People with Disabilities ACEC Young Professional of the Year (national) – Kurt Lysne, West Fargo Office Manager ••◦•• Hidden FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

YEA - business education for our Youth Fueling our Future - planted and nurtured the seed ••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

Voices of Vision - diverse national speakers Eggs & Issues - variety of current relevant topics Fueling our Future - economic growth support

What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

The Chamber coordinates with other business interest advocates to improve business and economic development with local, state and national policymakers.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

The return on your Chamber investment is directly proportionate to the time and effort provided by the member firm and their staff in numerous Chamber events and programs.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

How much is accomplished with relatively few staff.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

I'd be remiss to not acknowledge the significant impact Craig Whitney had leading The Chamber during his tenure. That said, the many Chamber successes are a result of a very dedicated Chamber staff.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

The Chamber provides opportunities for staff to receive leadership and business development skills. It allows company leadership to engage with other business and community leaders and develop critical business advocacy positions.

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

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Steve Swiontek

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

Board Member

S

wiontek has created a legacy of innovation, servant leadership, community giving, empowerment and fun.

During his more than 42 years at Gate City Bank, Executive Chair Steve Swiontek has been on a journey to create a better way of life for customers, communities and team members. Gate City Bank is the only company he’s worked for since college, and he’s set to retire June 30.

Swiontek became President in 2000, and in 2001 was named President and CEO, as well as Chair of the Board.

Starting July 1, 2020, Swiontek will remain on the board of directors as Chair.

Throughout Swiontek’s time, Gate City Bank has grown from 16 locations, 140 team members and $490 million in assets into an organization with 43 locations, 770 team members and $2.4 billion in assets – all while helping provide a better way of life in the community. Thanks to his innovative leadership, the Bank has become the region’s leading financial institution.

Throughout his life, Swiontek was encouraged by his father ’s homegrown philosophy, “Just do your job and things will come along.” When he graduated from college in 1978, there were many challenges in the banking industry.

But applying his father ’s philosophy, Swiontek began working for Gate City Bank because it was – even then – locally focused and community-driven.

Swiontek has spent his entire career managing change and implementing his innovative ideas at Gate City Bank. He started as a Management Trainee in 1978, working his way up to experience banking from nearly every position and perspective. From running mortgage payments on his first day, to earning his current role of Executive Chair, Swiontek has witnessed nearly half of the bank’s 97-year history.

Steve lives in Fargo, ND, with his wife Mary Anne, and is the proud father to two daughters.

Swiontek is a proud North Dakota native who was born and raised in Edgeley. He later attended North Dakota State University, where he met his wife, Mary Anne, served as Student Body President and gained his enthusiastic support of Bison athletics and academics.

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MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

Gate City Bank Employees: 770 team members Year Founded: 1923 Website: gatecity.bank ••◦•• Three "hidden" FMWF Chamber advantages you don't believe are fully appreciated or known.

1. Being part of The Chamber is a wonderful opportunity because it enhances the voice of local businesses and organizations that care about serving our community.

2. The Chamber is a great way for fellow members to support one another through activities like community giving, networking and professional development.

3. By being a Chamber member, you are part of an organization that helps stimulate the local economy and supports other businesses.

••◦•• What are your favorite events, programs or offerings from The Chamber?

Women Connect: At Gate City Bank, we believe in empowering people to lead, and I’m incredibly proud that 70% of our leadership positions are held by women.

Women Connect is a wonderful opportunity for talented, hardworking and courageous women to come together in a unique forum to explore leadership.

Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo: It’s amazing to think this program has been around for more than 30 years. It’s a great way for local professionals to learn from one another and get involved in their community through service and learning.

Young Professionals Network (YPN): Local young professionals are the future of our community. YPN is truly an amazing resource that helps them network, volunteer and learn while also having fun.

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What do you believe The Chamber does best for our business community?

The Chamber is exceptionally good at recognizing the incredible talent in our community, as well as empowering local professionals to leverage their expertise in a way that benefits the entire region.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of The Chamber itself you would like to show praise or highlight?

I would like to express my deep appreciation for everyone at the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. The work you do is so inspiring, and you play a vital role in the advancement of our community.

What advice do you have for businesses wondering about becoming a member?

Becoming a Chamber member opens up the door to countless opportunities to learn, grow and give back to an amazing community.

On a special note, I’d like to also express my appreciation for the late Craig Whitney, former Chamber President and CEO. He most definitely left his fingerprint on this community, and he is very much missed.

What is something about The Chamber that surprised you?

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee has surprised me in the most wonderful way. It has a total economic impact to the region of more than $100 million.

Military support is something I strongly believe in, as well. Gate City Bank created a program to continue paying and providing full benefits for team members who are active service members while they’re on duty. They also get an extra two weeks of paid time off when they come off active duty to rest and relax before coming back to work.

How does your company or organization benefit from The Chamber?

Gate City Bank benefits from The Chamber in many ways. We’ve had team members participate in opportunities like Women Connect, the Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo program and Young Professionals Network. The Chamber gives us the pulse of the community, allowing us to stay up to date on the needs of our neighbors so we can continue to help them create a better way of life.

MEET THE FMWF CHAMBER

Kyle Dorow Board Member

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we were unable to conduct an interview with Kyle Dorow for this issue. Stay tuned for more information on Dorow in a future issue.

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By Brady Drake

"This is pretty good. Better than I thought it was going to be to be honest. There's that crunch. It has that cardboard outside. This is pretty good.

Pretty good pizza from the Rhombus Guys! I wasn't expecting much out of North Dakota because when I think of North Dakota I think Ice Hockey, I think winter, I think Fargo even though that could be South Dakota and I think like I don't know, cold weather and like cows... Pretty good Rhombus Guys. I'm gonna go 6.8. I think this is a really good pizza. It could've even been a 7.1."

-Dave Portnoy's review of Rhombus Guys pizza.

Dave Portnoy Founder of Barstool Sports

Many restaurants throughout the country rely on reviews to boost their businesses' reputation, however, few reviews can boost a business like Dave Portnoy's pizza reviews. Rhombus Guys, a pizza company located in Grand Forks and Fargo, North Dakota, found that out after receiving a positive review from the Barstool Sports founder on May 3, leading their website to crash that evening due to an influx of visitors. To learn more about how Rhombus Guys pizza ended up in Portnoy's review, we sat down with Rhombus Guys Owner Matt Winjum.

How did the idea come about to send the pizza to be reviewed

by Portnoy?

Matt Winjum: I'm familiar with who Dave is and I was familiar with his pizza reviews prior to COVID-19. However, I was not aware that he started doing frozen pizza reviews until it was brought up to me by a few different friends of mine in a short period of time. They urged me to send him something, but I didn't, originally, think that I had very much time with the way things had been changing due to the pandemic.

But, by the third or fourth person, I decided I have to check it out. After watching some of the previous frozen pizza reviews, I decided I should give it a try, but I didn't know where to go from there.

How do you send a pizza that quickly without it spoiling?

Winjum: I had no idea where I was supposed to send this pizza or how to get in touch with Portnoy. There was nothing on the Barstool Sports website about how to get him the pizza. So, I asked a friend who had told me that I should do this how to send it and he was able to find the address off of a package during one of Portnoy's unboxing.

Once I had the address, I had to figure out how to send it. I called FedEx and UPS to find out if they had any sort of frozen shipping solutions, neither of them did. So, I reached out to my friend, Jeff Tellman, who owns Red Pepper. Tellman has a contract to ship things overnight at an accelerated rate, so, he was able to help me out. It got to the address and was signed for about 18 hours later and I didn't know what was going to happen from there?

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"This is a personalized package," said Portnoy.

"Major points." Rhombus Guys named their frozen pizza "Barstool Cheese" and addressed the pizza in the video to "El Presidente" one of Dave Portnoy's nicknames.

Portnoy's Frozen Pizza Rankings Since the Beginning of the Pandemic

Rhombus Guys Owners Aaron Hendricks and Matt Winjum.

How realistic did you think it was that your pizza would be reviewed?

Winjum: My friends didn't think there was a chance and they knew more about him than me. As the days, went by we thought there was absolutely no chance of it being done. After two weeks, I assumed it was a no go.

Was there any hesitation in sending the pizza? Portnoy has been known to be brutally honest if he doesn't like a pizza.

Winjum: Right, the people who were telling me to send it were telling me to watch the review of Jack's frozen pizza before sending it. And, if you're familiar with that review, you know he just destroys them. So, I did have a little preparation to send it with not know what would happen.

Also, I didn't know what the quality of the pizza would be after shipping.

But, in this bizarre time, I thought it was worth a shot. If anything, it could be some good publicity and if he tears us apart, how much worse could it possibly get. Our store is closed down anyways.

country asking them to ship pizzas to them. Since then, we've created a Shopify account to allow us to ship our pizzas all over the country. We've gotten a bunch of orders from all over. We're still trying to figure it all out in order to capture some of the publicity and some of the positive hype.

We have an agreement with UPS to reduce some of the shipping cost in order to help as well.

Do you have any tips for other businesses for unique marketing during these times?

Winjum: We started up 20 years ago and we've always tried to be creative. Creativity is important to get people to check us out and it's even more important now. More so now than ever you need to try to get creative and try to find some fun unique things to do. So be creative.

The review seemed to help you out quite a bit though.

Winjum: Yeah, I was working that night when he put it out and my phone just blew up. That whole night I had over 100 people that I knew texting me the whole night. Clearly a lot of people watch him, so, I knew there would be some sort of bump for us. That night, our website crashed and I got calls from both my Fargo and Grand Forks stores telling me that they've been getting phone calls from people all over the

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Similoluwa Kasakwe

New American E N TRE P R E N E U R OF THE MONTH

By Brady Drake 98

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T

he Challey Institute for Global Innovation & Growth and Emerging Prairie worked together this past year to empower 10 New American entrepreneurs as part of The Challey Institute’s New American Entrepreneur program. The six-month program aimed to accelerate their growth in the Fargo-Moorhead area by connecting them to capital, community and technology resources. In order to further champion the program’s participants, we will be featuring members of the program and their stories.

Similoluwa Kasakwe founder of Motherland Health, a company working to increase access to mental health care started her company in August of 2018. Her journey to entrepreneurship started much earlier in Nigeria. We sat down with her to learn more about why she does what she does.

Q: What did you do prior to starting the business?

A: Before, and currently, I work for the State of ND.

Q: Tell me about Motherland Health.

A: Motherland Health is my

passion project and something I've always wanted to do. I struggled with mental health as a child and my family struggled more with finances and I never felt like my mental health was worth my mom having to choose between that and feeding me and my siblings. I felt like nobody should have to make that choice.

Q: What was going on in your life when you started the business?

Was it a snap decision or was it something you were building to?

A: I was definitely building up

to it. When things were coming together, I was on maternity leave from work so I was able to focus on getting things set up, filing the right documents, begin thinking about who I wanted on my team, and start working on spreading the word about the project.

Q: How did the lack of access to mental health services affect your family?

A: The lack of access to Mental

Health was crippling for me as a child. I found solace in a school counselor that saw me before I ever saw myself and told me the things I needed to hear about in order to better myself. With working with someone in the school system, I didn't need to bring my family into it unless I was ready. It gave me time to figure out what I needed to say and to be comfortable with the process of seeking professional help. By the time I got to college, I was able to do it on my own.

My high school counselor saved my life.

misconception that small towns don't need that much help.

We think because they have a population of 500, one of every specialty should be sufficient.

But rural areas need variety just as much as big cities, if not more, because they are miles away from bigger towns and might feel trapped. That can do a lot of damage to mental health.

To learn more visit motherlandhealth.org

Q: One of your dreams is to have an office open in rural North Dakota and Minnesota, why is it important to you to support our rural areas?

A: There is so much focus on

bringing much needed help to populated areas because of the FARGOINC.COM

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ROBERT JONES The Village Business Institute EAP Trainer

GARY USSERY

I joined the Village Family Service Center as an Employee Assistance Program Trainer for the Village Business Institute in 2015. In this role, I train on a variety of topics that can be used to strengthen an organization and develop leaders. Some examples of topics that I cover are leadership development, self-care, organizational culture development, and diversity-related issues.

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I hold a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and a Master’s in Education with a dual emphasis in leadership and counseling from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. I am currently working on my Educational Doctorate in Leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. My doctoral research is considering the concept of belonging and how institutions of higher education

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can aid in the development of a sense of belonging among domestic students of color.

In my free time, I am a volunteer district advisor for the Kappa Sigma Fraternity working with chapters at Minnesota State University Moorhead, University of North Dakota, and The University of Minnesota. I have also been a member of the Board of Directors for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and continue to support the efforts of that organization to provide affordable housing to people in Cass and Clay counties.

I have recently become an adjunct faculty member of the Leadership and Integrative studies program with Kennesaw State University. I teach an online course on Leadership and Social movement.

Faces of

Fargo Business

What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Being married to a former therapist and spending my day with counselors at the Village Family Service Center I don’t get a whole lot of advice. But one thing that I hear people say that I struggle with is “just deal with it." Sometimes when someone tells us to just deal with it they are trying to minimalize what a person is going through because we don’t know what to do or don’t want to deal with it.

Instead of telling someone to mask their struggles we should be offering support through a kind ear or know referral sources that a person can be sent to. Another thing to consider when making the statement “just deal with it” is some people may not have the resources or the ability to deal with whatever they is struggling with. There are several people that don’t have the social and psychological approach that is needed to handle a stressful situation.

3 media recommendations 1) Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni – This book is key to developing a culture because it outlines how an organization needs to create an environment based on trust which can lead to the ability to have positive conflict, better levels of accountability, and greater results for the organization.

2) The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle – This book looks at how to build a strong and sustainable culture. What I appreciate is that he doesn’t just outline ideas but uses real-life applications from real organizations such as the Navy SEALS, the comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade and the San Antonio Spurs.

3) The Work by Wes Moore this book examines the decisions made and the opportunities taken that led to the discovery of his life purpose. These chances can inspire and motivate us if we are open and

willing to step out of our comfort zone. I had the opportunity to meet Wes Moore as part of the Common Read Program at MSUM and having the opportunity to hear him speak and the authenticity of his message was truly inspirational.

The ability to demonstrates vulnerability also opens the leader up to the opportunity to show compassion, respect, and value for their employee which can create a sense of belong that solidifies the team or organization.

What’s your “why”?

My why is the “Ah ha” moment. When I work with a client, I am attempting to reach the needs of the individual both while they are at work and potential life outside of work because the two have a symbiotic relationship. I thrive on looking out a group and seeing people nodding their head in agreement or the person after a training who is grateful for what I said. It is looking out at the crowd and seeing the metaphorical light bulb come on above their head as I make a connection with them or their situation. The connection made in my opinion can be a changing event and while I know that I may never see how that presentation affects them in the long term I know that I have planted a seed for potential change and growth which leads to improvement.

What’s one way you foster creativity within your organization?

I think there are two ways that I can foster creativity in my and any organization. First is internally recognizing that everyone has a different perspective based on life experience. Our experience growing up shapes how we look and things and determine how we respond to situations.

The experience can shape how we respond.

What’s one characteristic you believe every great leader should possess?

Vulnerability, too often people in power are afraid to lose power and that is why they close themselves off. The problem is that leading by power does nothing more than push quality people away.

The second way to foster creativity is to ask questions. Ask questions of the people who are doing the work, ask for their perspectives, and then have a conversation to understand their thought processes. A true leader is comfortable with the knowledge that they do not know everything and because of this they are able to ask for input.

By adopting this approach to fostering creativity a couple of things can happen.

First, you create a sense of ownership and belonging with the employee because they are part of the process and not just a cog.

Second, you can empower employees so as an organization you can get away from the mentality of “this is how we have always done it”.

Vulnerability allows a leader to admit that they don’t know everything and that they need people to help them even if the person is at a different level in the organization’s hierarchy. Being vulnerable tell employees that it is okay to make mistakes which means that the staff can be comfortable asking questions and making mistake without fear of being scolded or ridiculed.

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COVID-19 AND CONTRACTS: IS THE PANDEMIC CONSIDERED AN ‘ACT OF GOD’?

By Michael S. Raum and David B. Tibbals

I

n its most basic form, a contract is a promise to perform. By entering into a contract—whether a personal lending arrangement or a complex commercial acquisition—parties subject themselves to the negotiated terms of their agreement.

Ideally, the contract anticipates the consequences of a party breaking that promise. But what if a party fails to perform because of an unlikely or entirely unexpected circumstance, such as a devastating tornado, a work stoppage, or even a governmentmandated shutdown during a pandemic?

What is a force majeure clause?

Fredrikson & Byron Attorney Michael Raum focuses his practice on commercial law, with a specific emphasis on tax matters. He works with public and privately-held companies on business transactions, including structuring, financing and advising on general corporate matters. He can be reached at mraum@fredlaw.com.

Enter the force majeure or “act of God” clause. Often treated as one of the standard “boilerplate” contract provisions skimmed just before signing, a force majeure clause is intended to allocate between contracting parties the risk of non-performance in the midst of extraordinary events. Typical force majeure clauses will modify a party’s obligations under the contract if it is prevented from performing as anticipated due to specific events, such as natural disasters, war, governmental actions, and strikes.

Especially now, with the nation continuing to grapple with the COVID-19 crisis, it is especially important to understand how the

concepts underlying the force majeure clause may affect your contracts. For instance, some force majeure clauses include pandemics as specifically-listed events—a practice sure to become more widely-adopted in the future.

More common now, though, is for parties to identify an “act of God” as a triggering event.

What is an Act of God? The concept of the “act of God” can be viewed from multiple perspectives. First, with reference to the specific force majeure language included in the contract at issue.

Although it has not created a list of “acts of God” for these purposes, the North Dakota Supreme Court has stated that the “types of events consitut[ing] force majeure depend on the specific language included in the clause itself.”

For instance, consider a force majeure clause that appends a list of specific events, such as “earthquakes, terrorist activities, and labor interruptions,” with “and other acts of God.” In interpreting that language, a court may consider whether any given event is an “act of God” by evaluating whether it is an event similar in nature to one of the three events specifically listed.

Alternatively, consider that same force majeure clause, modified to read: “Acts of

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God, limited to earthquakes, terrorist activities, and labor interruptions.”

In that case, a court would likely conclude that any event not specifically included in the clause would not be an excuse, since the language is limited.

There are an almost infinite number of variations of such clauses. The examples above are intended merely to make the point that the first place to start is, as always, with the actual language in your contract.

Does force majeure or an Act of God excuse failure to perform under contract?

Whether force majeure or an act of God excuses a party’s breach of a contract depends on a number of factors. The most important of these is, as noted above, the exact language of the contract at issue.

For instance, even if the contract includes a force majeure clause and a specific triggering event or an “act of God” has occurred, the clause may only relax the breaching party’s obligations—for example, extending a payment deadline—rather than excusing a breach outright.

In addition, a party looking to avail itself of a force majeure clause in court will be required to prove a number of facts. The North Dakota Supreme Court has stated that a breaching party in these circumstances generally “bears the burden of proving that the event was beyond its control and without its fault or negligence,” and that the clause “must be accompanied by proof that the failure to perform was proximately caused by a contingency and that, in spite of skill, diligence, and good faith on the promisor’s part, performance remains impossible or unreasonably expensive.”

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Can you claim an Act of God without having a specific clause in your contract?

A party without a force majeure clause may still try to argue the issue as a legal defense. Where a party seeks to assert an “act of God” defense in a contract without force majeure language, the excuse of its breach or damages tends also to depend on the exact circumstances of the event. For instance, in North Dakota, the successful defenses have come in situations involving flooding and rainfall, rather than wind events or temporary economic adversity.

The North Dakota Supreme Court has broadly described an “act of God” for these purposes to be “any accident, due directly and exclusively to natural causes without human intervention, which by no amount of foresight, pains, or care, reasonably to have been expected, could have been prevented.” This requires proving an event to be unprecedented and extraordinary, not reasonably anticipated, not reasonably provided against, and the sole cause of damage. This is a high threshold, with the unprecedented and extraordinary nature of the event and its being the sole cause of damage especially difficult to establish.

Similarly, under North Dakota statute, a party’s failure to fulfill an obligation may be excused in whole or in part when its performance is “prevented or delayed by an irresistible superhuman cause… unless the parties have agreed expressly to the contrary.” For these purposes, the North Dakota Supreme Court has stated that an “irresistible superhuman cause is an ‘act of God’ which operates without any aid or interference from man.”

Is COVID-19 an Act of God? Whether the COVID-19 crisis is a triggering event under a force majeure provision or an “act of God” is greatly dependent on the language of the contract at issue and the nature of the disruption.

The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 crisis a “pandemic” on March 11, 2020, so to the extent the contract specifically identifies pandemics, it may well prove a triggering event.

With that said, the specific nature of the breach will be key. For example, a supplier who was forced by government action to close may well have a good excuse for not performing. On the other hand, simply being unable to meet financial obligations presents a much harder case, since it will be difficult for parties to prove that such a breach was caused solely by the pandemic and also that the general phenomenon of a business slowdown could not have been anticipated.

David Tibbals is an associate at Fredrikson who assists clients with a variety of commercial, corporate, and state and local tax law matters. He can be reached at dtibbals@ fredlaw.com.

YOU ARE ON MUTE!

By Bethlehem Gronneberg

6 Tech Tips for a Secure & Efficient Remote Working Experience

D

During these past few months, I have hosted a virtual uCodeGirl graduation, a virtual family game night, a virtual coffee connect, was a virtual welcomer for 1 Million Cups and was on an international virtual panel on innovative education with over 500 people in attendance. It has become my new normal. And yours too, I surmise.

Virtual spaces are here to stay as millions of people continue to work and study remotely during this COVID-19 pandemic. I would hazardly guess that you have been told, “You are on mute!” during online conferencing. Maybe more than once? At least it is better than the alternative, when you are NOT on mute and the world gets to hear what you didn’t intend to broadcast.

Technology has forever changed the way we live, work and interact with each other. Did you know you could enter any video conference with a mute mic and a mute video by default? Go to Settings>Audio>Mute microphone when joining and Settings>Video>Turn off my video when

About uCodeGirl

The vision of uCodeGirl is to inspire and equip young women to become the future face of innovation in technology. uCodeGirl is uniquely designed to inspire, engage and equip young women with computational design thinking skills, leadership traits, and an entrepreneurial mindset. uCodeGirl strives to remove roadblocks and bridge the gender gap in technology so that young women can confidently pursue opportunities suitable for the 21st century. By building confidence, enhancing skill sets and tapping into their intellect and curiosity, uCodeGirl helps young women chart a pathway to the T of STEM careers.

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joining, respectively. It will save you from diving in for the mute audio/ video button as your virtual mates watch. Did you know you could just press and hold the spacebar to unmute yourself when you are called upon to speak so you don’t have to scramble? Did you also know you could just press Alt+M (Windows) or cmd+crtl+M (macOS) when you are the meeting host and want to mute everyone else on the line? It will save you from calling out people and asking them to mute themselves.

Yes, you always have options. Good video conferencing apps can do more than merely enable a virtual face-to-face meeting.

Here are some six tech tips to help your virtual working experience a little more seamless and a little less awkward.

1. Security First.

You might have heard of online threats to remote working environments. It is real. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks, PCs without antivirus protection, home router without strong password, virtual conferences without meeting id or password, lack of backup tools are all targets for malware attack and malicious scammers. Use encrypted communications with VPN to protect your privacy and keep prying eyes at bay, set up two-factor authentication (2FA) and two-step verification (2SV) to add an extra layer of protection. Always use strong passwords and use password managers such as LastPass or KeePass to create, remember and autofill passwords for you. Invest in a good antivirus software and data backup tools such as CrashPlan and Carbonite. Make sure you install your PC updates regularly.

Take security very seriously.

2. Freshen Up Your Video Conferencing.

Pretend you are in a tidy room or virtually transpose yourself on a beach or a beautiful vista by just swapping your default camera lens with a ,you guessed it, a virtual background. Simply go to Settings>Virtual Background and select the default images or upload a photo of your choice. While you are at it, you can turn on the beauty filter and select Zoom’s Touch up My Appearance feature.

And voila! There is also a snap chat integration to add more quirky filters for non-work related fun meetups.

3. Block that Background Noise.

Have you ever been suddenly interrupted by a neighbor mowing the lawn while you are presenting? I have.

That is when I went hunting for something to cancel background noise. Krisp is an app you can use to mute background noise during your video conferences when a headphone and a mic doesn’t just cut it.

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4. Get that Project Done.

SelfControl is a free open-source app that lets you put on hold all of your favorite social media, websites or mail servers that you frequent but robs you of your productive time. You can set a schedule for the app to temporarily block those sites. It is terrific when you have a deadline to meet and need a deep focus. You might say you don’t need it but it has been downloaded 400,000 times from MacUpdate alone.

5. Hack Yourself a Second Monitor.

Have you wished you could duplicate the office environment complete with a second monitor for your laptop? Or felt the need to haul your office monitor?

Rest easy. You can use your TV as your desktop or second monitor. All you have to do is connect your laptop and the TV with an HDMI cable. If you want to be fancier, you could use a Chromecast, AppleTV or other streaming devices. When video conferencing, make sure you position your laptop in front of the TV instead of off to the side. Your webcam will still be on your laptop and you don’t want your coworkers to see only the side of your face for an entire meeting.

6. Brainstorm. Retrospect.

Collaborate Better.

Are your teams spread across cubicles, towns or oceans? Ideaboardz and PinItTo.Me are two great tools that allow teams to collectively brainstorm, gather inputs, reflect and retrospect ideas just like you would use Post-It notes on a board.

Academic Insight

I

n 2015, the Gallup Corporation released a report called State of the American Manager that provided insights on what separates great managers from the rest while giving advice to organizations on how they could find, hire, and develop more great managers. This report was based on over 40 years of talent research, a study of approximately 2.5 million manager-led teams across 195 countries and engagement measures of 27 million employees. One of the sections of this report was titled: “Why Women Are Better Managers Than Men.” What does the Gallup report say on this topic? I promise I’ll get to that in due time. In the meanwhile, keep reading!

BY Shontarius D. Aikens, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management at Offutt School of Business at Concordia College 110

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GARY USSERY

The Need for More Female Managers As I was preparing to write this month’s article, I reflected on my past job experiences. And it occurred to me that over the course of my career, the majority of the managers that hired me and that I have worked for as a direct report were female. And while I have learned and benefited so much from both female and male supervisors throughout my career, here is what I noticed: During some of the most critical and formative times in my life and career is when I reported to a female supervisor.

And it was during those times in which key originating events and anchoring events occurred that no doubt played a vital and positive influence in shaping my personal and professional development. I do realize that my work experiences may not be as common to others, since on average, men typically hold more manager positions than women. This is especially true in corporate America especially in the

C-suite where only 23% of these positions are held by women.

So as part of my research for this article, I reached out to Shelly Gompf who has an extensive background that includes over 20 years of experience working in various industries (Technology, Healthcare, and Professional Services) with both public and non-profit organizations. She also happens to be my colleague here at the Offutt School of Business at Concordia College. I asked her the following question: Based on your professional experience, what advice and recommendations would you give to organizations to create a culture or structure that would lead to the hiring and promotion of more female managers? Here was her response: “Organizations need to begin by acknowledging that there is a value for hiring and/or promoting

To see all of Aikens’ sources and references, read the article at fargoinc.com.

women. Many of us have heard the point that people don't leave companies; they leave managers. I believe that good people managers demonstrate high levels of emotional intelligence. They not only understand how their actions impact others, but also place a high value on strong relationships with members of their teams. The focus on others builds trust, credibility, and ultimately respect that produces high levels of engagement and in the end retention.”

What stood out to me in Professor Gompf’s comments was the word engagement. Why? Well, as promised, let’s go back to Gallup’s State of the American Manager report I referenced at the beginning of this article. In addition to acknowledging the value of hiring and promoting more women to managerial positions, one of the findings of this report is that engagement is a key reason why women might make better managers than men. This finding has been suggested by others as well. Gallup’s summary statement on this topic is as follows: “While there are many highly successful female and male managers, female managers do have a slight advantage when it comes to engagement. And it’s an advantage leaders should consider when deciding who to name manager”.

Research studies indicate a significant correlation between

gender diversity at the executive level of an organization and better financial performance which is additional evidence to support the need for more female managers.

So then the next question is, what are the next steps to make this happen? There are two responses or approaches to this question.

The first response or approach is to focus on providing general tips, guidelines, and insider advice for members of minority groups (i.e. race, gender, etc.) on how to go above and beyond at the workplace in order to stand out and to reach their managerial career goals sooner rather than later. While individual efforts are important and key, that’s only one half of the equation. The second response or approach focuses more on the roles that organizations should play in advancing this initiative. In other words, what best practices have organizations utilized to help increase gender diversity in executive positions at their respective companies? Below are three recommendations and company examples: Hire Managers using Talent Analytics: According to Gallup, “companies fail to choose the candidate with the right talent for management positions 82% of the time.”

Thus, they suggest that hiring organizations should use talent as a criteria for selection decisions, and that this can close the gap between the number of male and female

managers in the workplace. US Bank is a company that successfully utilized Gallup’s CliftonStrengths talent assessment tool for this purpose.

Networking Groups: Principal Financial Group (Des Moines, IA) established three women’s networks for those in leadership, technology, and sales roles. At Principal Financial, women hold 42% of executive roles and 45% of board seats.

Professional Development and Mentoring Programs: As a result of their professional development and mentoring programs at Penn Medicine (University of Pennsylvania), women hold 55% of the company’s executive positions and five out of seven CEO roles at the system hospitals.

To submit questions you would like answered in future editions of “Academic Insight”.

Email Dr. Aikens at: saikens@cord.edu

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WITH JOHN MACHACEK

Questions J

ohn Machacek, Chief Innovation Officer for the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, has worked with countless startups throughout our community over the past seven years. He knows their ups, their downs, but most of all, he knows the questions to ask them.

Here is John Machacek’s 10 questions for DonorDock's Founder Matt Bitzegaio, who runs a CRM company specifically designed for nonprofit fundraising.

BY John Machacek PHOTOS BY J. Alan Paul and Hillary Ehlen

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1 Tell us your DonorDock elevator pitch?

DonorDock is a relationship management platform that equips nonprofit organizations with the tools they need to cultivate deeper-impact donor relationships. Many nonprofits struggle to have a holistic strategy when it comes to donor relationships. DonorDock’s innovative nudge technology encourages meaningful, personalized donor engagement based on fundraising best practices.

While many competing tools are over-complicated, difficult to adopt, and costly, DonorDock takes a reductionist approach in the solution. By providing software that is prescriptive, intuitive, and cost-effective, DonorDock relieves the challenges and burdens of traditional donor management and CRM software and enables nonprofits to align their time around their purpose.

2 Time and money resources are precious to nonprofits and some may worry about the cost as well as the effort, because many may not even have any type of nonprofit management software. How do you dispel those worries?

The truth is, many nonprofits have had negative experiences with donor software. That makes our job harder to convince them DonorDock is different.

When we say it is intuitive, that is not simply lip service. When we say we provide the highest level of customer service we can, we mean it. When we say the implementation time and cost will be significantly lower than other solutions they have considered, that is based on consistent experience and feedback from other customers.

Many of our customers can’t believe there isn’t a long implementation or training requirement, but once they get into the platform, they understand it just makes sense and really works. Our 30-day trial is one way we can show them firsthand, with zero risk.

3 Your product is a subscription-based service (SaaS) and I know those SaaS models can be difficult in generating revenue fast enough to recoup the frontend development costs. How has that process worked out for you?

This is a relatively common concern for SaaS startups, which is why many are forced to take on debt or give up equity early. We were fortunate in that we created and built the DonorDock product ourselves, allowing us to get to market without the requirement of a large capital investment to complete the software development. We have also been able to follow the pattern of other successful startups in our area and perform services work to self-fund the growth of DonorDock. Companies like Bushel and Co-Schedule have been great examples to follow from that perspective.

4 With the product now on the market for two years, during that time, did you use customer feedback as a way to refine DonorDock capabilities?

Yes, customer feedback is an incredibly important part of our process for identifying areas of the product to invest our resources in. There must be a balance, however, as all customer requests won’t make sense to add to the product. We typically analyze each request against a set of questions: 1. Does this idea provide value to a large number of our customers?

2. Does the idea align with our business goals and strategies?

3. Is this technically feasible to do, and does it add unneeded complexity to the product?

If we are able to satisfactorily answer those questions, the idea is a good candidate for the product.

5 How do you effectively ask for this feedback?

Some feedback is organic, coming in from customers as they come across needs or questions. We typically encourage customer feedback in many avenues and opportunities, however.

One way is through our monthly user group meetings. These have become a great way for us to spend time with customers and catalog their ideas, questions and concerns. We also leverage a tool called Feature Upvote that allows us to have an idea board. Customers are able to submit ideas and vote on ideas. This lets us compare ideas and requests in a more scientific, analytical way. This way, we answer the question of whether a suggestion, feature or improvement will positively impact a large portion of our customers.

We also just started doing customer engagement calls on a regular interval with the hope of acquiring feedback from our less vocal customers.

About John: John Machacek has been helping local startups with the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation since Prior to his position with the GFMED, Machacek was the VP of Finance & Operations at United Way of Cass-Clay and a business banker at U.S. Bank.

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6 Speaking of easy-to-use, you and I were talking earlier about mutual experiences in the past of using software platforms that were robust but they also required many hours and thousands of dollars for one-on-one training to understand how to use the platform. How and why you are taking a different approach with DonorDock user integration?

Unfortunately, it is pretty common for CRM software implementations to be lengthy and extremely costly. Most enterprise type CRM solutions are monolithic and complicated. They can usually solve many business problems, however, with that flexibility often comes complexity. While that approach may work for some nonprofits, many don’t have the resources or staff to undertake such an investment of time and money. In addition, that complexity often leads to a lack of true organizational adoption, so you end up with expensive solutions being used at a fraction of their capabilities, that don’t provide a great deal of value. With DonorDock, we built a CRM specifically designed for small to midsize nonprofits to reduce a lot of that burden – a tool that has the features they need, but in a package that is intuitive and fosters adoption. I will always remember, shortly after launching DonorDock we had a customer who moved from a product built on one of the larger CRM tools. After the first day, she commented through social media that she already felt more comfortable with DonorDock in one day than she was with their previous solution after over a year. I have always felt that was a great testament to our approach and the value DonorDock provides.

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You’ve mentioned to me the personal satisfaction you and your team has had with helping nonprofits better manage themselves. What is the most rewarding aspect?

Our team members all have a passion for unlocking greater impact for nonprofits through our products. That really begins with building a product that functions the way nonprofits function.

Our work has a direct impact on our customer’s ability to further their missions. We especially love seeing small nonprofits realize DonorDock is a tool to help them find new efficiency and success.

Many of our customers are single-person organizations run by someone who is passionate about their cause. The reality is many of those people have never fundraised before, but realize it is a necessity to keep their mission moving. For us to be able to see how DonorDock uses our nudge technology to help them know where to start and coach them through learning to fundraise is extremely rewarding.

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Can you explain what you mean by “nudge technology”?

One of the things many nonprofit professionals struggle with is to know what to do and when to do it to improve their fundraising. In DonorDock we have a tool called the “Action Board” that is constantly analyzing data and nudging users to take certain actions based on fundraising best practices. I can’t count the number of times I have been told by our customers they read articles or attend training and hear great ideas – then they get back to their desk and can’t figure out where to start or how to actually implement the ideas. DonorDock’s nudge technology helps to fill those gaps and coaches them on how to implement fundraising strategies, by providing timely reminders and action items.

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If you could go back in time to Matt from a few years ago, what hindsight advice would you give yourself?

Don’t focus too much on the product and not enough on the go-to-market strategy. I think it is far too common for entrepreneurs to want to build the best product possible, and they don’t launch early enough, and they don’t have a solid growth strategy defined up front. Essentially, “perfectionparalysis”. One thing I have learned over the last few years is it is not enough to build a great product. Having a strong plan for marketing and sales is a key piece to building a successful SaaS product.

What can we do as a community to help DonorDock succeed?

Like most SaaS startups, we need to continue to grow our customer base.

Referrals and introductions are especially helpful when trying to have meaningful conversations with prospects. There are approximately 1,800 nonprofit organizations in Cass and Clay counties alone and we would love to continue to move as many of them to DonorDock as we can. This local and regional growth will help us continue to build a solid foundation as we strive to establish DonorDock as a national brand. So, introductions and referrals would be a tremendous help as we continue down this path.

More than a to-do list, the Action Board responds to important events as they happen. DonorDock’s nudge technology helps you know your priorities, next moves, and what needs to be reviewed.

Never miss a chance to engage more deeply with your donors.

DonorDock puts key information easily in focus to help organizations make the best decisions possible.

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BY Adrienne Olson, Kilbourne Group

Public Space Streets Alive Fargo Photo by FMCVB

is for People

W

e’re staring down the business end of a summer of canceled togetherness.

The state and county fairs, concert festivals, even rummage sales look to be taking a hit. For now, we aren’t gathering in large crowds to experience art and music, to support our makers and crafters, or to cheer on our favorite teams. But all is certainly not lost.

Since the dawn of cities, people have set aside places for the community to gather, not always for an organized purpose, rather just a place to exist – together.

We see community plazas springing up throughout the Fargo-Moorhead region and

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excitement is building as very visible work begins on the downtown Fargo plaza space on Broadway. Inspired by Main Street Square in Rapid City, South Dakota, the plaza will be heavily programmed by Fargo Park District and includes a band shell for outdoor live performances, interactive water features for kids (and, adults, of course), and will double as a groomed ice skating rink in the winter.

Each of our region’s new open-air public spaces has its own personality, reflective of the community building it, and promising a wide variety of events for all interests and ages.

We are also seeing a resurgence of planting community in the spaces in between.

Last summer, the City of Fargo and the downtown Fargo Business Improvement

District (BID) created a way to dedicate part of the planting bed along Broadway as a lovely place to sit. A few tables and chairs, planter boxes built by the Vocational Training Center, a bit of turf, and a sprinkle of mulch later, and we have a parklet oasis in the middle of downtown Fargo’s shopping and entertainment district.

Fargo took a bigger step last year in turning the space between city hall and the Fargo Public Library into a verdant refuge of walking paths and resting benches. The refurbished Sod Buster sculpture serves as a public art centerpiece surrounded by native prairie grasses. This redesigned city plaza invites you to stroll through or find your perfect spot to sit and be part of the city.

By Downtown Fargo BID

Photo by Jennifer Peters

For years, we’ve seen privately owned surface parking lots in downtown transformed into temporary mini town-squares. Neighbors have joined forces to fill these spaces with the Red River Market, the Folkways Night Bazaar, outdoor concerts, food trucks, and more. Fargo has proven that any open space can become an irresistible place to spend time with friends and family.

Why not more?

As a prolonged pandemic threatens our ability to keep our congregational way of life and our small businesses viable, why not turn the lessons we’ve learned through placemaking on private property loose on the public realm?

What potential do our streets, sidewalks, boulevards, and alleys have if we turn them in to truly shared spaces?

It’s happening across the nation and across the world. As indoor commerce is severely limited by slashed capacities, cities are turning streets into car-free zones, opening them to people as public spaces for people

to enjoy while allowing for social distancing.

In this unusual time, walkability is more than just a transportation choice, it’s necessary for physical wellbeing. It most certainly should be accessible to every resident.

Outdoor dining districts are popping up in creative ways. Sidewalk shopping is having a new heyday. On a Sunday afternoon in May, people were #feelinfly when Fly Fitness moved its stationary bikes outdoors into an alley to boost capacity while following social distancing rules. If you happened to catch the video on @FargoFeelsFly on Facebook, it was clear that while they stayed apart, those cyclers definitely felt pulled together.

For a couple of Sundays of every summer, Great Rides, a local non-profit dedicated to building health by encouraging the use of bicycles, closes blocks of streets downtown to cars, and opens them to all other forms of transportation and fun. A family bike ride is an entirely new experience when the worry of car traffic is removed. Imagine if we could do it every Sunday?

While many of these examples are taking place in downtown Fargo, you can likely think of a good-sized parking lot or the perfect section of street near you. What would make sense for your neighborhood and what could you do to help make it happen?

While a virus has forced us to take up more space per person, let’s allow people in more spaces. Perhaps the new environment we create will be so special we won’t want to let go of it, even when we’re back to socializing with no thought of distancing.

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Tara Bowen Q. In a brief summary, what do you do?

A. My non-COVID role mostly consists of seeing patients and assisting providers.

My afternoons are typically spent doing outreach at other facilities, on the street, or at encampments. I also bring clients to the food bank, take them to run errands, go with them to appointments outside of our facility, help them clean their place if they get housing, and pretty much anything else they may need help with.

Because of this pandemic, I am currently taking care of and monitoring homeless clients who are COVID-positive or those that have had close contact with a positive person at a temporary shelter.

Q. What do you find most rewarding about what you do?

In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, state and federal officials have repeatedly urged residents to stay at home and quarantine as much as possible. But what about those who have no home to turn to?

With limited access to sanitation and space to properly social distance, those experiencing homelessness face a higher risk for worse outcomes from the virus. As the RN Homeless Health Case Manager and Outreach Nurse at Family HealthCare, Tara Bowen has spent the past several months working to mitigate that risk.

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A. Some of my clients come from very traumatic backgrounds and have a hard time trusting people. Nothing is more rewarding than being able to break through their walls, helping them to see that they matter, bonding with them, and gaining their trust. I have met some of my favorite people in the world through my role.

I believe everyone is one traumatic event from being in the same situation. Nothing we have is guaranteed. I was raised by an amazing single mother who worked insanely hard to provide for my sister and me. We did not have much, but we had family who helped take care of us while she worked. Without family support, things could have turned out very different for us.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have that support. I also have family and friends who

struggle with addiction and know that they could end up in some of the situations my clients do. My hope is that there will be someone there to help and care for them instead of judging them. I want to be that person for others when they need it.

Q. How has the homeless population in Fargo-Moorhead been impacted by COVID-19? What challenges do they face?

A. The homeless population in the area has been hit hard by COVID-19. Many of our clients have a routine each day that allows them to get meals and clothes and stay safe from harm, and that routine has been upended by the pandemic. A lot of services and facilities they count on have been closed or the availability of their services has changed drastically.

As of May we have lost three members of our community, and at this time we have several more fighting for their lives in the ICU. Like the rest of us, they are scared and hurting.

Q. How is Family HealthCare supporting folks experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic?

A. One big change during this pandemic has been the use of telehealth appointments.

This is a great service, but it can also be a hurdle for people who don’t have access to smartphones or are experiencing homelessness. FHC is still allowing these patients or others who need it to come into the clinic for essential visits.

FHC has been immensely supportive of this

population by allowing me to step away from my duties at the facility to support and care for our clients at the temporary shelter. FHC provides me with any of the supplies that I need and assists with supplying medications, as well as overthe-counter medicine that may be helpful.

The administration is very good at checking in with me to be sure I am doing well and making me feel supported when I need it.

Q. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted you and the nurses you work with?

A. This has been a time of change, learning, and challenge. We have had to take on new roles, adapt quickly, and support each other more than ever before.

embodies grace, and never gives up on anyone. She taught us to be strong, independent, resilient women who can overcome any hardship we are faced with.

Q. What’s the best career advice you have to offer?

A. The best advice I have to offer to my fellow nurses is to meet patients where they’re at. The majority of the population that we serve have experienced negative interactions within the healthcare system so it is our duty to do what it takes to rebuild that relationship with them. It’s important for us to realize that what works for one person may not work for another, so it is vital that we are able to adapt to each patient to the best of our ability.

Q. How are you practicing self-care during this time?

A. While working during this current pandemic is quite challenging, I take great pride in knowing that I am helping those most at risk in our community. In addition to this personal satisfaction, I have taken up various hobbies outside of work. Some of these include gardening, reading, spending time with my husband and kids (and fur babies!), as well as tending to our new home.

Q. Who is your hero and why?

A. My mom is my hero. She raised two kids on her own while never letting us know that we were struggling. She loves unconditionally, helps whoever she can,

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BY STEVE DUSEK PHOTO BY HILLARY EHLEN

LETTING YO U R M I S S I O N

DRIVE YOU THROUGH COVID-19

T

hey say that a mission statement is one of the most important aspects of a business and, as a missiondriven company, we cannot help but agree. For over 38 years, our mission has been our trusty guide through it all. When times are tough, it has carried us through.

When things are going well, it has helped us soar. However, with all the uncertainty and instability that the COVID-19 pandemic brings, remaining mission-driven is not always easy. It can be tempting to divert our attention to an immediate need and lose track of the reason we exist.

Throughout this time, we have worked tirelessly to fight this temptation and rely on our mission. By constantly bringing it to our attention, we have come to better understand its power and abilities. Not only that, but we have had the privilege of working with hundreds of innovative and inspiring entrepreneurs throughout the state who have shown us just how critical a mission statement can be. Taking what we have learned, we want to share with you a few of the ways your mission can help drive you through this pandemic as well.

1. Set it as your foundation – Your mission

statement acts as a solid foundation that holds everything together. It summarizes who you are and what you are

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designed to do and, in times like this, it can be used to your advantage. You can use your mission statement as a template to decide how you react and respond to everything that is thrown your way. Say yes to the ideas that align with your mission. Pass along the ideas that may steer you in a different direction. Whatever comes your way, be sure to stay on track, remain disciplined, and keep your mission at the forefront of everything you do. It may just be the one thing that gets you through to the other side.

2. Use it to guide you forward – Not only can your

mission statement help you stay on track when times are ever-changing, it can also help you determine how you can move forward. Take time to dissect your mission statement and discuss what it truly means. Then, get creative in how you execute that mission.

• Own a coffee shop or pub with a mission to foster community? Offer online “happy hour” events.

• Run a dog-training company with a vision to help your clients’ pets grow? Make videos to teach your clients how they can continue to train their dogs at home.

• Have a photography business with a mission to capture some of life’s most memorable moments? Try out Zoom or frontporch photography sessions to document this crazy time.

You may not be able to carry out your mission the way you always have, but do not let that stop you from continuing to do what your company does best. Allow your mission to show you how you can continue serving your customers in a different way.

3. Share the vision – Each and every one of your

employees plays an important part of your mission in some way. Whether they are on the frontlines making sales and providing services or doing some of the critical background tasks that makes those sales and services possible, your company’s mission statement is just as much theirs as it is everybody else’s. Take time to regularly dissect your mission as a team and discuss what it looks like in practice. Ask your employees and coworkers to hold each other accountable in keeping the mission at the forefront of everything you do and pick their brains for new opportunities in which you can execute that mission during these uncertain and unprecedented times.

Allowing them to take part in this process helps them connect with the mission and drives the company forward.

Staying focused on your mission, especially in times like this, can be a difficult task. But whether you have been mission-driven from the start or today is your first day, know that it is never too late to start focusing on who you are and what you are made to do. Let your mission drive you during this time and see where you end up!

J U N E / J U LY

BUSINESS EVENTS

2020 CALENDAR

Fargo & Moorhead Events JUNE 2

JUNE 4

Webinar: Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace

YPN Off the Clock Virtual Trivia Night

Tuesday, June 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Thursday, June 4 from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

As our community’s demographics continue to evolve, it is fundamental to the growth and sustainability of our metro and our businesses, that we work together to create an inclusive environment that engages all individuals. Join The Chamber for this important discussion where speakers will reflect on where the business community may be falling short and ways that businesses can best support a diverse workplace through their missions, strategies and practices. The Chamber will host a diverse set of individuals representing different ages, ethnicities and genders, who will share their personal experiences as well as professional advice. fmwfchamber.com

YPN is re-igniting our social calendar! Join us Thursday, June 4 at 5 p.m. for a virtual trivia!

Grab a snack and your favorite after-work beverage and log on for some networking and trivia fun! Questions will be around some of our favorite workplace sitcoms, including The Office and Parks and Rec. fmwfchamber.com

JUNE 10 1 Million Cups Wednesday, June 10 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

JUNE 10 JUNE 3 1 Million Cups Wednesday, June 3 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

It's YEA! Day at 1 Million Cups Fargo! Emerging Prairie will be featuring two student entrepreneurs from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. emergingprairie.com

JUNE 4 Founder's Drinks Thursday, June 4 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Founders Drinks is a space for founders to meet, network, learn from each other and collaborate. A gathering of founders, community builders, and industry experts to discuss the challenges of being a founder in our region. emergingprairie.com 128

JUNE 2020

Webinar: How to Lead From Any Seat

Featuring Elizabeth Orme from Creatively Focused. emergingprairie.com

Wednesday, June 10 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

So often we think that in order to be a leader, we must have a certain title, “this many” years of experience, or a particular level of knowledge. How often does this belief stop you from speaking up, sharing ideas, politely pushing back, or asserting yourself day-today?

Leadership is not a position, it’s a mindset – and the mindset of leadership can be adopted by anyone regardless of position, tenure or expertise. At this session, attendees will learn how to assert their own leadership within their current position, and walk away with practical tips on how to lead up, down and across their organization.

Speaker: Amanda Brannan, Learning and Talent Management Specialist at WEX Inc. fmwfchamber.com

JUNE 16 Chamber 101: Connect. Engage.

Maximize.

Tuesday, June 16 from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

If you’re not familiar with The Chamber, are a new member, new contact, new hire, or just want to re-engage with us, this session is for you! Chamber 101 is a laid-back discussion designed to share some of the great benefits of Chamber membership and what opportunities exist that you need to know. fmwfchamber.com

BUSINESS EVENTS

CALENDAR

Fargo & Moorhead Events

JUNE 17

JUNE 23

1 Million Cups

Lattes with Leaders: Dr. Rupak Gandhi

Wednesday, June 17 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Featuring Kevin Murphy from Money Ability, and Max Brock-Aronson from Breath 99 emergingprairie.com

Tuesday, June 23 from 8 a.m to 9 a.m.

Start your day with networking and learning from a prestigious local business leader.

This month’s – and the first virtual – Lattes with Leaders welcomes Dr. Rupak Gandhi, superintendent of Fargo Public Schools.

Rupak will share his story and life lessons, and take questions from attendees. Bring your own coffee! Registration required. This event is free for YPN members. Non-YPN members: $10. fmwfchamber.com

JUNE 18 Chamber 101: Connect. Engage.

Maximize.

Thursday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

If you're not familiar with The Chamber, are a new member, new contact, new hire, or just want to re-engage with us, this session is for you! Chamber 101 is a laid-back discussion designed to share some of the great benefits of Chamber membership and what opportunities exist that you need to know. fmwfchamber.com

JULY 7 JUNE 23 Webinar: The CEO Mindset: Be the Leader in your Life No Matter Your Title Thursday, June 23 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

JUNE 19 Networking Before 9

The brain is the most powerful muscle we have; an The Chamber wants to help you put it to work in your favor!

Friday, June 19 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Join your Professionals of Color friends and special guest Moorhead Mayor and Director of Diversity and Inclusion at M-State, Johnathan Judd! This is not only a second networking opportunity, but also a chance to hear from one of the strongest leaders in our region! Tune in to hear from Mayor Judd on his personal and professional journey, his experience as a candidate for mayor, his transition into his new role with M-State, and how we can continue to grow into a diverse community. Come prepared to ask questions and to learn from his expertise! fmwfchamber.com

There is this little thing called the cognitive thought model. It’s based on research and science, and it is a game-changer. When you use it, you’ll see a huge difference in your results and personal happiness—at work, at home and everywhere else. Together at this session, you’ll leave with a tool that you can use right away and forever.

Presenter: Chris Thompson fmwfchamber.com

Webinar: The Oil Industry's Economic Impact Tuesday, July 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Impacts to the oil industry have always been a prominent international story and have consistently have global economic effects, but with North Dakota being the second largest oil producing state in the U.S., and one of our largest basic-sector industries, the impacts are also profound on our economy.

Join us for a conversation with political and industry experts to explore how COVID-19, price wars, and other factors have created instability within the industry and how it impacts our national security, workforce, state budget and much more. This important and timely discussion and panel conversation will also dig into what we may expect for the future of this industry, both on an international and regional scale. fmwfchamber.com

JULY 15 When North Dakota/Minnesota Nice Meets the Difficult Conversation Wednesday, July 15 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Almost every single day, we find ourselves facing tough conversations, whether it be personally or professionally. Unfortunately, most people don’t always do the best job of handling these conversations. In fact, the majority of people would prefer to avoid them altogether. There’s a reason they are called “crucial” and “difficult;” if they were easy everyone would have them. But is it possible to be assertive and still be nice? Of course! It just takes some self-awareness and listening skills. fmwfchamber.com FARGOINC.COM

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