Issuu

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Community Builders are businesses committed to enhancing our community by investing in our programs and initiatives.

MiSSiON

The Chamber is a catalyst for growth and prosperity. We promote and protect business, inspire innovation, cultivate communities and influence action.

COrNErSTONES

• Business Vitality

• Public Policy & Advocacy

• Talent & Workforce

• Community Enhancement

• Organizational Excellence

Board of Directors

Amena Chaudhry Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant @FMWFAmena

Tyler Fischbach Vice President of Communications @FMWFTyler

Alyssa l akoduk Workforce & Talent Strategist @FMWFAlyssa

Tracy powell Vice President of Events @FMWFTracyP

Chamber Staff

Jenna Mueller Workforce & Talent Strategist @FMWFJenna

@FMWFMason

Abby Furchner Engagement Strategist @FMWFAbby

Katherine Grindberg Vice President of Public Policy @FMWFKatherine

Shane Olmscheid Engagement Strategist @FMWFShane

Bernt Eidsmoe Graphics & Multimedia Specialist @FMWFBernt

Kayla Koehmstedt Content Marketing Specialist @FMWFKayla

THE BRIDGE (USPS 124-430) is published monthly by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fargo, ND 58102 and at additional mailing offices. Publication No. 124430. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bridge, PO Box 2443, Fargo, ND 58108-2443; 218.233.1100. Printed by Forum Communications p rinting

A note from the president

This month, we invite you to discover or relive stories and moments from our business community’s rich history. I’ve been in this community for over a year now, and am honored to have met so many great people, listened to their stories, and become immersed in our work together, but it is truly shocking to take a step back and visualize how our community has evolved and grown into the vibrant place that we call home today. What’s most striking is not simply the advancement of technology, but the confidence, dedication and commitment that businesses and individuals have had in our region. It fills me with humility and pride knowing how many great people we have living and working here, driving FMWF and our nation forward.

I hope this also prompts us to realize how our decisions today will shape the future. Occasionally, we may take for granted our thriving schools, rewarding careers, new developments, arts and culture, entertainment, neighborhoods and more; but behind the success of our community and region are people making hard and meaningful decisions.

Someday, far in the future, our community will look back on the 2020s as an impactful and critical time in FMWF’s history. The work we are doing today is truly bigger than any one of us, and will live on for decades to come. Seventy years in the future, our residents may not think twice about having a metro that is protected from the Red River flooding, but they will experience the positive benefits in many ways. Twenty years from now, visitors might not know that tax incentives helped give rise to the vibrant community they are enjoying and exploring. Ten years from now, our high school students may not fathom a world in which career academies weren’t always a staple in student education, yet they will go on to succeed in their careers and endeavors.

The future will hold many new opportunities and challenges for our regions. We will need to continue to come together, stand together and invest together in order to prosper together. I look forward to continuing to work together to grow our community and region into an even more vibrant and prosperous community for all.

Shannon Full President & CEO

Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce

Our community and region have a rich history with interesting roots and stories, and have been intertwined since day one. We invite you to discover the history of our area and businesses, and to be proud of all that we have accomplished together over the years, decades and centuries.

Fargo’s founding dates back to 1871, when the first settlers staked out homestead claims where the Northern Pacific Railroad would cross the Red River. In fact, the city was named for William G. Fargo, a director of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and co-founder of Wells Fargo Express Company.

Moorhead was founded in 1871 and officially incorporated in 1881, and is named after William G. Moorhead, a director of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The railway provided the stimulus for economic and population growth in the area.

The story of West Fargo began with a “Whistle Stop” called Haggart. The stop was at the intersection of the Northern Pacific Railway and the Sheyenne River on land owned by John E. Haggart. Haggart came to North Dakota from New York state and laid claim along the river. He would become the first Cass County Sherriff in 1874. More settlers began arriving in the area and the community grew at this intersection.

Dilworth, originally named Richardson, was established as a station by the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883. Until 1906, Dilworth was a small station with a siding serving two grain elevators and had no depot building. In 1911, the village was formally incorporated and established its own government and law enforcement.

Horace is named after Horace Greeley, the American publisher, founder and editor of the New York Tribune during the 1800s. The first settlers entered the Dakota Territory that was destined to become Horace, ND in 1871. A post office has been in operation at Horace since 1875, and the city was officially founded in 1882.

The average American worker in the 1900s earned approximately $674.94 annually. The average salary in the ‘50s was $2,992 and increased to $7,564 in the early ‘70s.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a $50,000 salary in 2022 equates to an annual salary of $1,778 in 1915. In 1915, a gallon of gas would cost an average of 21 cents.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual average salary for an American worker was approximately $51,480 in Q2 of 2021.

As of March 17, 2022, the average cost for a gallon of gas is around $4.15. In March 2021 the cost was approximately $2.94 per gallon.

Tax incentives are a powerful tool for communities to incentivize investment, development, growth and vibrancy. The Chamber’s March Eggs & Issues event focused on the future of our region’s development. Read more about the event highlights and the positive impact of tax incentives on our community.

1. Stenerson was founded in 1889 in Pelican Rapids, MN

2. Columbus, ND in 1906

3. Melvin Grina at Erhard location in 1912

4. Ingemund Stenerson and Gordon Stenerson in front of Moorhead store in 1978.

5. In the ‘40s, Stenerson sold movable ag buildings such as corn cribs, brooder houses and granaries.

6. Interior shot of lumberyard in Felton in 1925

7. Gale Stenerson, Bob Stenerson and Jim Stenerson 1978

West Fargo Union Stockyards

The West Fargo Union Stockyards were established by the South St. Paul Union Stockyards, in cooperation with the Central Livestock Association. Over 25,000 people from across the Midwest were in attendance for the grand opening. The West Fargo Union Stockyards had been operated since 1935 and by the 1970s was the 10th largest livestock market in the United States. In 1988 the stockyards were sold to Central Livestock, and the scale of operation would begin to reduce.

West Fargo High School’s mascot, the Packer, is a nod to the former Armour and Co. meat packing plant that bolstered the city’s economy, and made West Fargo a prime location for the Union Stockyards to build and compete.

Our first store was opened in Moorhead in 1951 by Ted Hornbacher on the corner of Eighth Street and Main Avenue as “Ted’s SUPERVALU”. As our community grew, so did Hornbacher’s, adding stores following our customers to the developing neighborhoods. We now operate eight locations in Fargo - Moorhead and are known as HORNBACHER’S, our long-standing family name.

Construction began at the West Fargo facility in 1979, and started processing sunflower seeds in October of 1980. This was the first largescale sunflower processing plant in the U.S.

Flax processing was added in 1982 and canola processing in 1986.

Sunflower and Canola oils supply the edible oils used in snack foods, margarines, cooking oils, salad dressings and food ingredients.

400,000 metric tons of seeds are processed annually.

The West Fargo plant produces enough oil to make 9,625,000 1 oz bags of potato chips, and enough meal to feed 5,750 dairy cows for an entire year.

Even though Kansas is named “The Sunflower State”, North Dakota is typically the largest sunflower producing state.

Our future is fiber.

Robust. Resilient. Reliable. Revolutionary.

New technology reinvents the way we live. A better connection is required to power our way forward. That’s why Midco® is making steps to move into the world of tomorrow with our Fiber ForwardSM network expansion.

Get ready for next-gen, game-changing 10 Gig speeds.

Fred Wimmer was born in Budapest, Hungary. In his youth he studied as a jewelry apprentice, and went on to work as a jeweler in Budapest and Germany. That led him to New York and then Minneapolis. In 1919 master jeweler Fred Wimmer opened his own business known as Fargo Jewelry Manufacturing Company. In 1930, Mr. Wimmer opened a retail shop called Wimmer’s Jewelry at 2 ½ Broadway, above Woolworth’s.

In 1939 Wimmer’s relocated to 610 Main Avenue. This was a

On September 9, 1927, Martin Hector leased a quarter-section of land at the northwest corner of Fargo to the city for five years at $1 per year, which would become home to today’s Hector International Airport.

Northwest Airlines briefly scheduled weekly flights into Fargo on February 1, 1928. This was a Minneapolis to Winnipeg flight with a stop in Fargo.

In February 1931, a “giant” six passenger Hamilton Metal plane settled down on the new Fargo Airport to inaugurate

family business - Fred’s son Art began working with his dad at age 12. Art’s younger brother Andy returned to Fargo in 1947 and joined the business. In 1967 Andy and his wife Florence became co-owners. Their sons, Randy and Brad joined them in business and became the new owners in 1980. In 1981 the brothers moved the store to the corner of Main Ave and Broadway, and in 1985 a second location was added at West Acres mall. Wimmer’s Jewelry became Wimmer’s Diamonds in 1998.

Brad’s son Aaron joined Wimmer’s Diamonds in 2009 and began the plan for a fourthgeneration owner. Late last summer, Wimmer’s Diamonds closed both the downtown and West Acres locations and on

September 1, 2021 opened a brand-new showroom at 4582 32nd Ave S in Fargo. Little bits of history are displayed at the new location, including the door from the original retail store on Broadway.

Northwest Airways air service from Minneapolis to Grand Forks and then on to Winnipeg.

In 1982, Hector Field became Hector International Airport and U. S. Customs opened an office on the field in 1985. The present terminal was built in 1986.

2019 was the busiest year for total passengers for the airport. Almost 940,000 total passengers either enplaned or deplaned at Hector International Airport. The airport is served by Delta, United Express, Frontier, American Eagle and Allegiant.

1. West Acres will celebrate its 50th Birthday this year on August 2nd!

2. Local tenant Creative Kitchen celebrated their 45th anniversary at West Acres last year.

3. Local men’s retailer Halberstadt’s originally opened in 2,040 square feet and has had several expansions at West Acres. Today they are over 13,500 square feet.

4. When West Acres first opened 13th avenue was a gravel road and the mall was surrounded by fields.

American Beet Sugar Company was a consolidation of four factories in 1899, and it continued to expand its holdings, adding its first Red River Valley factory in 1926 in East Grand Forks, MN.

American Crystal Sugar Company is the largest beet sugar manufacturer in the United States, accounting for more than 20% of total U.S. sugar production. In 1972, sugarbeet growers in the Red River Valley proposed purchasing the privately held American Crystal for $86 million. In 1973, following this landmark purchase, 1,300 RRV farmers successfully transformed the company into America’s very first grower-owned cooperative. Today, there are 2,600 shareholders, 2000 employees, and 420,000 acres of sugarbeets.

Prohibition

On November 2, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison approved the admission of North Dakota to the United States. In that same year, a state Constitutional prohibition of alcoholic beverages was enacted. For the next 43 years, alcoholic beverages were illegal in North Dakota. Fargo saloon owners quickly moved across the river to Moorhead where the sale of liquor flourished for nearly 30 years until national prohibition took effect on January 17, 1920.

Moorhead’s peak saloon era was 1890 to 1915, which saw “saloon row” crammed with 48 different bars. An underground revival of this era continued throughout the ‘30s during prohibition.

The Pink Pussycat Lounge started in downtown Fargo in the 1960’s. It served as a local bar for busy people to meet after a long day at work. Frank’s Lounge opened in April 2015, and brought back that signature Pink Pussycat Lounge neon sign to revitalize a piece of Fargo history.

1. This iconic sign hung at the corner of NP Avenue and 4th Street North in the Cole Hotel Building.

2. A street view of the entrance to the Pink Pussycat Lounge circa 1960.

Eide Bailly has proudly called FargoMoorhead home for more than 100 years.

In 1917, Bishop, Brissman & Co. opened an office in Fargo. In 1944, Oliver Eide becomes a partner and the firm name changes to Cull, Eide & Co., and later transitions Eide, Helmeke, Boelz & Pasch, and then to Eide Helmeke & Co.

In 1950, Charles Bailly moves to Fargo, and opens an office for Broeker Hendrickson, eventually founding Charles Bailly & Co. in 1978.

In 1998 Eide Helmeke & Co. merges with Charles Bailly & Co. to form Eide Bailly LLP.

• ABM started business with the West Fargo location and has grown into six locations state-wide

• The company started out selling typewriters, and today sells full computer systems and multi-functional machines

• ABM is now 100% employee owned

Local Innovation

In 1956, brothers Louis and Cyril Keller of Rothsay, Minnesota, built a machine for a local turkey farmer that would help him clear manure from the second floor of his barn. Standard tractors of the time were far too big and heavy to safely navigate such areas. After a lengthy process of tinkering, testing and learning, the Keller brothers built the first three-wheeled compact loader. It wasn’t long until other farmers learned of the machine and wanted one of their own. The brothers eventually partnered with Melroe Manufacturing Company

Red River Valley Speedway:

RRVS was reconfigured from the original ½ mile to a smaller 3/8 of a mile track in the spring of 2010. In the fall of 2021 concrete was added to the north side to make for a better concert experience but with the ability to be multipurpose and still have a fully functional track.

out of Gwinner, North Dakota, to produce the machines, and soon a compact equipment industry was born. The machines would be branded as ‘Bobcat’ equipment, a brand that would become a global enterprise and industry leader. Today, Bobcat Company’s North American headquarters are located in West Fargo, North Dakota.

Farming has changed significantly over the centuries and decades. On the cutting-

Red River Valley Fair:

We are not just Big Iron and The Fair, we have added a Corn Maze, Weddings, an exciting new Youth Livestock Program, along with several other events with more to be announced soon!

Our concerts are also getting bigger and better. For example, Tim McGraw for this year’s fair! Tim was here as an opening act in 1994 and again as the main act in 1998. He is now a bigger name than ever, with his many hit songs and starring role in the television show 1883. We are looking forward to this year’s fair and hoping it’s the biggest year yet!

edge of the future of farming, is Grand Farm. Grand Farm, led by Emerging Prairie, aims to capitalize on our region’s potential in the agriculture and technology industries. The Grand Farm Test Site will create the farm of the future by 2025 as the global example in solving challenges to farming worldwide.

As a real estate redevelopment firm focused on historic renovation and mixeduse urban infill projects in downtown Fargo, Kilbourne Group aims to breathe new energy into downtown residential, commercial, and retail spaces, and the spaces in between. Here are just a few notable transformations downtown Fargo has seen in the recent years.

1. 300 Broadway

2. Roberts Alley

3. RDO Tower

The Forum

• The Forum was purchased by Norman Black in 1917. Shortly after the purchase, Norman Black wrote a letter to his brother Alex saying “I believe I have picked up the best newspaper property in the United States for the money invested.”

• Nine years after Norman B. Black purchased the Forum, construction started on what is still the Forum building today, at the corner of first avenue north and fifth street in downtown Fargo. It was hailed locally and across the nation as one of the most well-designed and attractive newspaper buildings in the country. The iconic Forum rooftop sign was added in 1938.

1. The Forum is still operating out of its downtown Fargo location. This photo was taken in July 2020 by W. Scott Olsen, highlighting a billboard just outside of the Forum building.

In 1948, newlyweds Bob and Phyllis Litherland were brainstorming ideas on how to use a piece of land they had purchased in downtown Moorhead during the war. They couldn’t help but notice the long lines that were always in front of the newly opened Dairy Queen near Fargo’s Island Park. They decided to take a leap of faith, purchase the franchise, and began planning its opening in Moorhead on their small piece of land.

The Moorhead Dairy Queen opened in 1949 as one of the original stores in the Dairy Queen system. Bob and Phyllis combined their passion for ice cream and handmade treats with their love for the city of Moorhead, MN and her people.

In the early years, the Litherlands lived in the back room of the Dairy Queen to help make ends meet. In 1951, Bob, a veteran of World War II, was recalled to active duty during the Korean Crisis. During Bob’s time away, Phyllis ran the Dairy Queen while raising their newborn daughter.

In 1995, rather than closing the doors upon their retirement, the Litherlands opted to sell the Historic Moorhead Dairy Queen to Troy and Diane DeLeon. Following a period of rigorous training, the Litherlands’ secret recipes and techniques were entrusted to the new owners, and the Moorhead Dairy Queen lives on.

With the knowledge of great food, appreciation for their customers, and a sense of adventure imparted to them by Phyllis and Bob, the DeLeons are proud to continue the custom of opening Dairy Queen’s walkup window for the season every March 1st. Regardless of the weather in Moorhead that day, smiles are being served under the world’s largest Dilly Bar at the corner of 8th Street and Main Avenue!

Marketing solutions for businesses serious about growth.

We believe in the strength of our community. We are proud to help local businesses reach their goals. Our business and marketing consultants have years of experience helping local businesses grow utilizing a multimedia approach.

Working together, we create strategies that will attract your target audience and get them to convert. We customize each and every campaign based on your goals and unique business needs.

The Fargo Fire Department has learned from its past and evolved. The modernday Fargo Fire Department is working each day to carry out is mission of reducing the rate of emergencies through public education and code enforcement; protecting lives and property from fire and other emergencies; and responding to emergencies in a professional and courteous manner.

The Fargo Fire Department has been granted accredited agency

status by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, making it one of only 218 of the nation’s roughly 32,000 fire departments to be accredited. The Fargo Fire Department has also attained an ISO (Insurance Services Organization) Class 1 rating. ISO rates communities on the ability to provide fire response, which includes equipment, staffing, response times and station locations, strength of the community’s water distribution system, the ability of the local emergency dispatch center to receive and process emergency calls, and community risk reduction efforts. The Fargo Fire Department is one of 112 fire departments to hold Accredited Agency Status and an ISO Class 1 community.

1. Knight Printing building (NP Ave 1958-59)

2. Frank Eago and Dick Moug

3. Harold Hanson, Leorne McGinnis and Joe Miller in the bindery

4. Joe Miller and Herb Seabold in the Press room

The Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo area has seen enormous change over the last several years, and one of the driving forces behind the positive impact is an organization called Fueling Our Future (FOF). In 2018, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Fargo Moorhead Development Corporation launched FOF to help businesses and public sector leaders advance initiatives that impact our region’s future.

Since the organization’s inception, FOF leadership has been busy at work. The long-term initiative prioritizes the people and prosperity of the Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo areas and is led by dozens of private and public investors, including Sanford Health, Gate City Bank, Microsoft, the cities of Fargo and West Fargo, and others. Some of FOF’s most high-profile and successful projects include career workforce academies, document-ready sites, engaging and retaining recent college graduates and Ignite FMWF, which is our region’s workforce program.

The Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo region has experienced many hardships in the last five years. It has also experienced tremendous growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics*, our labor force has grown by 20,000 individuals from 2011 through 2021. Additionally, the unemployment rate has largely stayed low at around 3%, with the exception of a more than 8% unemployment rate at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and since dipping below 2% at the end of 2021. FOF’s main points of attention to find solutions to these unemployment rates include

attracting a more skilled workforce, providing more affordable housing and addressing a lack of daycare.

One of the solutions to the workforce need is Ignite FMWF, which is supported by FOF, the FMWF Chamber and other organizations across the community. It’s a comprehensive, streamlined and systematic approach to addressing our regional workforce and talent needs.

As of February 2022, ignite FMWF has:

• 350+ business organizations on the platform

• 1,200+ video career cards showcasing “day-in-thelife” videos as students and job-seekers explore careers

• 8,300+ jobs posted

• Hundreds of active job seekers

Last month, our community welcomed several regional and national industry leaders, policymakers and economic experts to take part in a timely and critical discussion with our members and business leaders. The summit, co-hosted by over 20 regional chambers of commerce, directly addressed our major challenges and opportunities as a region and nation, and provided an understanding of how our businesses, policymakers, and individuals can stay agile and respond to this evolving environment.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Neel Kashkari President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Kristie Fiegen Public Utilities Commissioner, State of South Dakota

Dr. Scott Beaulier Dean of Business, North Dakota State University

Tiffany Lawrence Interim President & CEO, Sanford Fargo

Rachel Lolmasteymaugh Executive Director, Midwest Manufacturers Association

Steve Grove Commissioner, MN Department of Employment and Economic Development

Bruce Nustad President, MN Retailers Association

James Leiman Commissioner, North Dakota Department of Commerce

Shawn Riley Chief Information Officer, State of North Dakota

Robert Sinner Partner/President, SB&B Foods, LLC

Covered

•

— Jason Schoolmeester, HR Vice President, Lifescape

2022 ChamberChoice Awards Candidates

The following businesses and organizations have successfully submitted applications for this year’s ChamberChoice Awards, and are now considered candidates in their respective categories. All of these candidates are in good company and should be proud of their accomplishments and dedication. Help us congratulate them all!

Emcee: Joe Schmit

Business of the Year

◊ Beyond Realty, Inc.

◊ Bushel

◊ Christianson Companies

◊ Connect Interiors

◊ D-S Beverages, Inc.

◊ EPIC Management

◊ Fargo Center for Dermatology

◊ First International Bank & Trust

◊ Horsch LLC

◊ JLG Architects

◊ Moore Engineering, Inc.

◊ National Hospitality Services

◊ Onsharp

◊ The Title Company

◊ Thomsen Homes, LLC

◊ TrueNorth Steel

Resilient Business of the Year

◊ Bodyworks Physical Therapy and Bliss Massage Therapy

◊ EPIC Management

◊ Fargo Brewing Company

◊ Fargo Center for Dermatology

◊ Marvin

◊ Noridian Healthcare Solutions

◊ Regency Title

Small Business of the Year

◊ AdShark Marketing

◊ Converdia Health Staffing

◊ Dabbert Custom Homes

◊ Dale Carnegie of ND and NW MN

◊ Harmon Entertainment

◊ Legacy Plumbing

◊ McCulley Optix Gallery

◊ MINT Brand Marketing

◊ O’Keeffe, O’Brien, Lyson & Foss

◊ OpGo Marketing

Emerging Business of the Year

◊ Burian & Associates, LLC

◊ Center for Plastic Surgery

◊ Chezy

◊ Core Property Group

◊ Light Consulting & Coaching

◊ Prime Realty

◊ Step by Step Accounting

Non-Profit of the Year

◊ American Gold Gymnastics

◊ Boys & Girls Club

◊ Eventide Senior Living Communities

◊ Fraser, Ltd

◊ GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo

◊ HERO, Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization

◊ Hospice of the Red River Valley

◊ Jeremiah Program

◊ Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Dakota

◊ Red River Children’s Advocacy Center

◊ Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley

◊ TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics

◊ YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties

Young Professionals Best Place to Work

◊ AdShark Marketing

◊ Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

◊ Bolton & Menk, Inc.

◊ Construction Engineers

◊ Dabbert Custom Homes

◊ Doosan Bobcat North America

◊ EPIC Management

◊ Harmon Entertainment

◊ Noridian Healthcare Solutions

◊ O’Keeffe, O’Brien, Lyson & Foss

◊ Regency Title

◊ The Title Company

People’s Choice Award

Vote for the People’s Choice Award online from April 18 to April 29.

Presenting Sponsors

Applications for the 2022-23 class are open from March 14 to April 29

Are you, or colleagues of yours, looking to grow personally and professionally, make new connections, learn about the community and drive positive change for the region? Apply for the next Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo class! This 10-month program kicks off in August, and we are looking for current and emerging leaders to join this year’s group of community leaders. This program has been a flagship program for The Chamber, and in its over 30 years has provided over 1,300 graduates the opportunity to build a diverse network of like-minded people with a shared commitment to the community and personal growth.

• Discover the inner workings of our community, and the challenges we face.

• Develop long-lasting relationships with other leaders.

• Define your individual role and responsibility as a leader within our community.

• Contribute to our community during the program and after graduation.

• Positively promote your organization through connections and relationships.

The program application can be found at fmwfchamber. com/leadership. The application will have you answering questions about your current role in your organization and the community, past experiences and accomplishments, your interests and strengths, and how you would like to grow in the future. Two letters of recommendation are also a part of this process. After successfully applying, you will meet and interview with LFMWF committee members and alumni to further discuss and explore your journey and future goals. After interviews, the committee will select the top 40 candidates for the program and the adventure for the class of 2022-23 begins!

Business After Hours

Are you ready to have some fun this spring at the first Business After Hours of 2022? Get ready to enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere where you will meet top business leaders, mingle among trade show booths and connect with your peers to forge powerful partnerships for yourself and your organization. This is the relationship-building and connection-making event that you do not want to miss. Some things you can expect at April’s event:

• Giveaways and door prizes from our vendors

• Snacks, appetizers, two drink tickets and cash bars

• Meeting the people behind your favorite brands and businesses

• Forming connections and friendships

• Friendly games and competitions

Wednesday, April 27 | 4 to 6 p.m.

Avalon Events Center

Fargo and West Fargo Mayoral City and Commission Debates

Fargo Mayoral Forum

Monday, April 25 | 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Fargo City Hall

The Chamber, in partnership with the Downtown Community Partnership, will be hosting a 2022 Fargo Mayoral Candidate Forum on Monday, April 25. This forum will serve as an opportunity for community members to hear directly from the 2022 mayoral candidates.

Fargo City Commission Forum

Wednesday, May 4 | 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Fargo City Hall

The Chamber, in partnership with the Downtown Community Partnership, will be hosting a 2022 Fargo City Commission Candidate Forum on Wednesday, May 4. This forum will serve as an opportunity for community members to hear directly from the 2022 commission candidates.

West Fargo Mayoral & Commission Forum

Thursday, April 28 | 4 to 5:30 p.m.

West Fargo City Hall

The Chamber will be hosting a 2022 West Fargo Commissioner Candidate Forum on Thursday, April 28. This forum will serve as an opportunity for community members to hear directly from the 2022 commission president and commission candidates.

CHI Friendship is a nonproﬁt organization that supports people with disabilities. We provide the full spectrum of developmental disability services which include individualized comprehensive residential and vocational supports, allowing for full community participation.

Thank you to the community for embracing our mission by supporting all people to have meaningful employment, integrated environments, and community inclusion.

You can get involved with CHI Friendship by volunteering, donating and/or applying for employment

June 28 | 8 to 11 a.m.

Agriculture is a fundamental sector of the Midwestern economy. The Midwest Agriculture Summit will take an in-depth look at key industry facets across multiple states while exploring and discussing agriculture. Together, our communities are leading the industry by creating innovative solutions to address some of the world’s largest problems. The Midwest Agriculture Summit will highlight local and national ag legislation, ag tech and innovation, and the ag economy including markets, trends and more.

BUSINESS TRAINING WOMEN CONNECT

Inside Out:

Reflecting on ourselves so we can better see

others

Wednesday, April 13 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott and livestream * Diversity, equity and inclusion session

What does it mean to be seen? This is a human desire that is important to all. It might look different to each of us, but it speaks to “belonging” and ultimately inclusion. Much of the conversation around diversity and inclusion is noticing the “differences,” and while differences do make a differencethere is something compelling about being known and the shared hope of belonging.

Intentional Collisions

Tuesday, April 12 | 3 to 5:30 p.m. Avalon Events Center

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK

2022 Corporate Cup

Thursday, May 26 | 1:15 to 6:30 p.m.

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Catalytic Leadership

Wednesday, May 11 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Delta by Marriott and livestream

Shannon Full became the president and CEO of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce in December 2020, bringing over 20 years of experience with chambers across four states. Full is an experienced relationship and community builder. Many of her other positions represented multiple communities. Full is a catalytic leader and believes that chambers should take risks, embrace change, and be bold in serving their communities.

This year marks Women Connect’s first-ever Intentional Collisions event – a highly engaging and interactive experience to connect attendees with the influential women of our great community. During the afternoon, each attendee will have the opportunity to select up to 15 ‘collisions’ they would like to make. This will give Women Connect attendees direct access to our influential leaders, and a more intimate setting to share insights, experiences, journeys and advice, as well as answer any questions that may arise during the collision. This interactive experience will be extremely rewarding for all that participate, and we look forward to seeing the blossoming of lasting relationships.

At this annual YPN event, Chamber members go head-to-head in several games and activities to determine who gets to take home the trophies and have bragging rights for the next year! From human foosball to ultimate frisbee, this day of fitness and friendly competition is one that your team will not want to miss! Contact The Chamber to see if there are any team slots still available.

PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR

Discuss, Connect & Reflect

Thursday, April 14 | noon to 1 p.m. | Virtual

The focus of this month’s podcast will be mentoring. We will be discussing an episode of The Duct Tape Marketing podcast titled “Empowering Women and People of Color in the Workplace”. In this episode, Kimberly Brown shares how mentorships and sponsorships can help arm and propel women forward in a world full of challenges that women of color particularly face as they navigate their corporate careers and life.

Networking Before 9

Friday, April 22 | 8 to 9 a.m. | Virtual

Join us for our Networking Before 9 event for April. This event will celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month and Jazz Appreciation Month. Your hosts Alexa and Earnest have prepared fun activities that will surely inform, inspire, and engage!

We plan to open our virtual door at 7:45am. Feel free to join us to enjoy some music and as always, we invite you to bring a friend!

Colette Campbell Bremer Bank

Shannon Full The Chamber

Voices of Vision

Thursday, April 21 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Sanford Health Athletic Complex

Talent and workforce attraction, development and retention efforts are among our community’s top priorities. Mike Rowe’s impressive resume, invaluable experiences, and unique perspective and message are sure to inspire our business and community leaders.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Agricultural Summit

Tuesday, June 28 | 8 to 11 a.m.

Delta by Marriott and livestream

Women Connect Celebration

Wednesday, June 1 | 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Sanford Health Athletic Complex

Mel Robbins registration is now open. Join us on the eighth anniversary of Women Connect at this special event with the mostbooked female motivational speaker in the world! Delivering this year’s keynote message is Mel Robbins, serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, internationally recognized social media influencer, and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the world.

2022 ChamberChoice Awards

Friday, May 20 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Delta by Marriott and livestream

It’s time to honor and celebrate the incredible organizations that are leading the way and contributing to the vitality of our community. Attendees will be the first to hear the year’s honorees at this upbeat luncheon, have the opportunity to connect with other area professionals, and kick back at this fun awards show.

pr ESENT i NG S p ONSO r S

pr ESENT i NG S p ONSO r

Mike Rowe

Mel Robbins

Welcome to the following businesses who joined The Chamber in February! We thank each of them for their support in our mission and investment in their business and community. Please consider doing business with Chamber members first.

Adams Investment

Limited Partnership

Real Estate – Investment

Adams Investment Limited Partnership has ownership interest in multiple properties in Fargo, North Dakota, including 45th Street Marketplace, Dakota Park Apartments, Park Avenue Apartments and West Park Plaza. The properties are managed by an entity owned by the majority owner of Adams Investment LP, John Adams, called JDA, Inc. dba Adams Development Management Division.

American Waterworks

american-waterworks.com

Business/Residential Remodeling American Waterworks has over 33 years of experience solving problems for thousands of homeowners throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, western Wisconsin, and northeast Iowa. Our priority is to provide homeowners with lasting solutions for a wide array of problems. We’re experts in basement waterproofing, foundation repair, concrete lifting, crawl space repair, radon testing & mitigation.

Mahana Fresh

mahanafresh.com

Restaurants

Eat Well, Live Better. Build your own bowls with healthy, chefinspired, gluten-friendly ingredients that you can feel good about.

Northarvest Bean

Growers Association

northarvestbean.org

Agriculture Products

Northarvest is the largest supplier of dry beans in the United States representing 2,400 farmers across North Dakota and Minnesota providing quality beans for consumers to enjoy. Northarvest Bean Growers Association promotes market development, provides research, educates consumers, and promotes consumption of 10 classes of dry beans.

Pinnacle Chiropractic and Rehab

pinnaclechirowestfargo.com

Chiropractors, Wellness

Husband and wife team with over 20 years of combined experience. Certification in Flexion DistractionDecompression, Soft Tissue Techniques, Pregnancy and Postpartum Chiropractic Care. Our goal is to have patients leaving our office feeling better, moving better and doing better than when they came in.

Redfield Media

redfieldmedia.com

Media/Video/Audio Production

Our goal is simple: to provide agencylevel quality on a budget that makes sense. Whether it’s photo, video, animation, drone work, or editing, we provide top-level content to tell our partners’ stories. With more than eight years’ experience in the Fargo-Moorhead area, we know what matters to them.

Red River Valley Alliance

asnconstructors.com

The Red River Valley Alliance (RRVA) is a group of world-class developers that was contracted by the Metro Flood Diversion Authority to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the FargoMoorhead Area Diversion. RRVA and ASN Constructors consist of ACCIONA, Shikun & Binui USA and North American Construction Group – large, experienced developers that specialize in projects of this size and nature.

Roasted Rail Coffee House

roastedrailcoffeehouse.com

Coffee & Tea

Our goal is to provide our local community access to a high-quality coffee house that connects our community to our history. Our main goal is to provide high-quality coffee with exceptional service. As the market for coffee continues to grow, as well as the demand, we intend to capitalize on the location to provide a source that fits the need.

Rough Rider Ventures

roughrider.ventures

Consultants

Rough Rider Ventures is a full-service political consulting firm providing campaign strategy and services to conservative candidates and causes. We provide clients with winning strategies and the best team of creative political vendors in the nation. Our team of experienced campaign operatives have a history of winning many of the toughest races in North Dakota.

Scooter’s Coffee

scooterscoffee.com

Coffee & Tea

Scooter’s Coffee, best known for its amazingly fast drive-thru, specialty coffee, and baked-from-scratch pastries, was founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue, Nebraska. The Scooter’s Coffee Brand Promise, often recited to franchisees, customers and employees is: “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast!®” It represents the company’s business origins from 1998 and reflects a steady commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to loyal and new customers.

The Grove Coffee and Wine

thegrovecoffeeandwine.com

Restaurants, Coffee & Tea

We are a coffee shop and wine bar. We have a large space with a rentable conference room that comfortably seats 24 people.

The Vanity Bar

thevanitybar.com

Health Care Services

The Vanity Bar provides truly customizable and specialized treatments in our boutique medical aesthetic clinic. We believe there is nothing selfish about self-care.

Amy Wolf, Vice President, Human Resources Manager

Eric Christians, Realtor Kailer r iedman, Realtor

Tori Benders, Associate

Julie peterson Klein, Chief of Staff, Executive Vice President

ALLEGRO GROUP ASPIRE BANK BELL BANK

BEYOND REALTY

Daniel Sampson, Realtor

Chandler Gramm, Business Insurance Sales Associate

Stephanie BehrensBerg, Neuropsychologist

MOUNTAIN STATE FINANCIAL GROUP OFFICE SIGN COMPANY

Megan Spence, Administrative Assistant

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Clarence Zimmel, Civil Construction Technician

Aubree Leiser, President/Owner

Jackson Boyd, Line Technician

Kory Johnson, Mechanical Design Engineer Brandt Norwood, Line Technician

Jeff Bentz, Civil Construction Technician

Beverly Jung, Administrative Assistant

Jackson Kamrud, Civil Engineer

Matt Gehrtz, Principal Construction Manager

Emerson Rice, Harmon Films Manager

Michael Eback, Entertainment Director

HARMON ENTERTAINMENT

Brittany Jackson Hayer, CDC Director

Steve Rowe, Mortgage Loan Officer

Kent Flagtwet, General Manager

Tara Schwan, Operations Analyst

Tina Anim, Community Based Lead

Scott Heck, Senior Vice President

Brita Fagerlund, Marketing and Client Strategist

Sarah Hansen, Designer – Interiors

VILLAGE FAMILY SERVICE CENTER

Kathryn Dahlstrom, Clinical Supervisor

Kathryn Tidd, Clinical Supervisor

Arnold Bolland, Senior Audit Associate

Shauna Erickson, Regional Program Supervisor

Jenny Smith, Development Events Coordinator

JoDee Knipfer, Regional Program Supervisor

WIDMER ROEL

Welcoming our newest Community Builders

Community Builders are a group of leading corporate citizens dedicated to the economic prosperity and progress of the region. Community Builders represent the highest level of Chamber investment, and their commitment enables The Chamber to innovate and shape a region that recruits, retains, protects and grows businesses. We are proud to welcome these businesses that have joined this group in the recent months. Thank you for your investment in The Chamber and our community.

PROGRAM & EVENT SPONSORS

Thank you to all of our sponsors that make The Chamber’s regular events and programs possible.

EGGS & iSSUES

WOMEN CONNECT

Advanced Business Methods | Bell Bank

Dale Carnegie of ND & MN

Enclave

Forum Communications Printing

Minnesota State Community and Technical College SU

Bremer Bank | Choice Bank

Concordia College | Cornerstone Bank

First Western Bank & Trust

Home Builders Association of FM

Houston Engineering, Inc.

Moore Engineering, Inc.

MWC Advertising of Fargo Moorhead

ROERS | Ulteig | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Bremer Bank | Choice Bank | Concordia College

Dale Carnegie of ND & MN | Delta by Marriott

Eventide Senior Living Communities

First Western Bank & Trust

Gate City Bank | Microsoft

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Otter Tail Corporation | Rasmussen University

Sanford Health | Vogel Law Firm | WDAY Western State Bank

Bobcat Company Gate City Bank

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

Concordia College | Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency

Essentia Health | Midco

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.