The Bridge: October 2021 by The FMWF Chamber of Commerce

October 2021 vol. 25 no. 2

Words with Exploring photo

the trades

Photo courtesy of Wanzek

A PUBLICATION FOR THE FARGO MOORHEAD WEST FARGO COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

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

advanced business methods employee owned

October 2021

Our Future Workforce

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Cultivating the Housing Industry

Keeping Commuters Safe

Member Spotlights

The Landscape of Education ADVERTISER INDEX 13 Alerus 20 BCBS of ND 33 CHI Friendship 29 Cole Papers, Inc 26 Cornerstone Bank 26 Dakota Carrier Network 32 First International Bank & Trust 28 FM Area Foundation 4 Indigo Signs

7 Midco 21 Network Center, Inc. 29 Pinnacle Pediatric Clinic 4 Pro Resources 32 Property Resource Group 33 ReadiTech 32 Sanford Health 25 Sparklight 5 Starion Bank 28 Your CBD Store

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Letter from the president MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL

Dabbert Custom Homes Legacy Plumbing Home Builders Association M State Marvin Matt’s Automotive Service Center Dakotas Chapter of NECA CHAMBER EVENTS

Upcoming events PROGRAM UPDATES

Event photo recaps MEMBER NEWS

New members Anniversaries Ribbon cuttings Company news People news

online

CONTENTS Video Member Spotlights This is where we shine a light on local business, celebrate, and learn more about our members in the community. Use this QR code to discover the great things happening around our metro this summer, and see what your fellow Chamber members are up to.

Chamber Blog Find The Chamber online @fmwfchamber

Get to know our inspiring Chamber members and community through these unique stories.

For past issues of The Bridge: issuu.com/fmwfchamber.com

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MISSION The Chamber promotes economic growth and prosperity for business and its members through leadership in advocacy, education and engagement

Board of Directors Shawn Dobberstein Hector International Chair Airport Peter Stenehjem First International Chair Elect Bank & Trust Sandi Piatz Microsoft

Immediate Past Chair

VISION The Chamber is the leader in ensuring the growth and prosperity of our regional business and members

Kevin Christianson Paces Lodging Corporation, Member at Large Property Resources Group Tina Amerman Doosan Bobcat Mike Arntson Cardinal IG Anne Blackhurst Minnesota State University Moorhead

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES • Establish the region as a full-service metropolitan marketplace. • Be a bold voice for business through strong thought leadership and a rich policy agenda. • Build a place of belonging to best serve members’ interests.

Tom Dawson Dawson Insurance Mike Dragosavich Spotlight Chad Flanagan Eide Bailly LLP Steve Halverson Heartland Trust Company William Heegaard Essentia Health Kara Jorvig Allegro Group Tami Norgard Vogel Law Firm Brittany Sachdeva Sanford Health Joanna Slominski Mortenson

Committee Chairs Roger Reierson Flint Group Agribusiness

Rachel Warren Hibu Ambassador Public Relations

Kriss Burns PRO Resources

Ambassador Member Relations

Katherine Halvorson Concordia College Business Training

Louise Dardis Retired educator Education

Mandy Zastre Rasmussen University

Leadership FMWF

Brian Shawn Midco Military Affairs

Trevor Mathew Thrivent

Professionals of Color

Tim Flakoll Tri-College University Public Policy

Ashton Hansen Allegro Group Women Connect

Erin Larsgaard Wold Johnson, P.C.

Young Professionals Network

Chamber Staff Shannon Full

President/CEO @FMWFShannon

Bernt Eidsmoe

Graphics & Multimedia Specialist @FMWFBernt

Alyssa Lakoduk

Leadership Development Specialist @FMWFAlyssa

Mason Rademacher

Vice President of Talent and Workforce @FMWFMason

Jim Parsons

Darren Dunlop

Executive Vice President @FMWFJim

Vice President of Corporate Partnerships @FMWFDarren

Tyler Fischbach

Katherine Grindberg

Malinda Olhoft

Shane Olmscheid

Vice President of Communications @FMWFTyler

Engagement Support Specialist

Bobbi Rehder

Events Specialist @FMWFBobbiJo

Vice President of Public Policy @FMWFKatherine

Engagement Strategist @FMWFShane

Casey Sanders

Vice President of Engagement @FMWFCasey

Cale Dunwoody Public Policy Specialist @FMWFCale

Kayla Koehmstedt

Content Marketing Specialist @FMWFKayla

Tracy Powell

Vice President of Events @FMWFTracyP

Julie Yourczek

Office Administrator / Support Specialist @FMWFJulieY

THE BRIDGE (USPS 124-430) is published monthly by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber. For each issue received, $3.50 of membership dues are applied toward subscription of the newsletter. 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 Printing.

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A note from the President This month’s Bridge focuses on our region’s workforce, which is by far the number one challenge we are facing. Our community, stakeholders, organizations and diverse leaders must continue to collaborate and bring representation and innovative solutions to the table. The Chamber will play a lead role in identifying a systematic approach and process that will allow our program-rich environment to be successful. As we look forward to the next year, talent and workforce will be a major focus of The Chamber. We will kick that off with our Annual Celebration on October 12, and I invite you to join us as we set the vision for the future of our organization and region. As you browse this month’s issue of The Bridge, you will see vital initiatives and talent pipelines that are already underway and advancing our community, thanks to the disruptive mindset and courageous will of many. Although we are lifting up skilled trades this month, our workforce challenges and opportunities are not limited to one area or industry. To have a vibrant and robust economy, we must be able to educate, train, attract and retain talent in every facet of our industry-diverse landscape. I am very excited that Fueling Our Future leadership has approved an action-based master talent plan, giving us major and actionable steps to take to enhance our immediate and future talent pipelines.

Shannon Full

President & CEO Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce

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MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Mason Rademacher Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Mason Rademacher, vice president of talent and workforce of The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, was selected to participate in the fifth cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges. “I’m extremely excited to learn and build a network of workforce development and education leaders

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from all across the country,” says Rademacher. “The greater Fargo Moorhead West Fargo metro has tremendous opportunities before us and I’m looking forward to learning what more our region can, and should, be doing to ensure we are even more successful.” “We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Cheryl Oldham, Senior Vice President of the Center for Education and Workforce. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”

Following a competitive application and selection process, Rademacher was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives and association leaders to participate in the fifth class of this program. The yearlong program, which concludes in June 2022, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, higher education, and workforce development. Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of 200 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.

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FUELING OUR FUTURE

OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE //

NDSCS Career Innovation Center The Career Innovation Center (CIC), located in Fargo, will provide a collaborative education and training solution to meet our region’s workforce needs. Within the CIC, NDSCS will implement training and academic programming alongside our area school districts to provide career awareness events for elementary students, career identification and preparation activities for middle and high school students and training spaces for NDSCS students and trainees. Academic programming and training options will be related to: construction, information technology, health science, manufacturing and engineering, business, arts and communication, transportation, and agriculture.

Moorhead High School Career Academy Moorhead Area Public Schools is innovating its approach to education and will be changing the landscape for future generations of students. The career academy and upcoming new high school will provide more relevant and personalized student programming by implementing small learning communities and career pathways across both campuses. Each student will discover their passions, explore their options, work toward industry certifications and gain real world skills. This will help our students thrive in whatever post-graduation path they choose.

Key Features • An integrated live job board Ignite FMWF is our region’s newest workforce initiative designed to drive continued success for our business community. Through the combination of a regional relationship development strategy and a robust technology platform, Ignite FMWF is a community-based approach to developing an exceptional workforce and talent infrastructure. With this fully integrated workforce system of awareness, exploration, training and development, our businesses will be able to meaningfully engage with their current and future talent pipelines. 6 THE BRIDGE

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Be an early Ignite FMWF Adopter Ignite FMWF will provide your business with additional opportunities to directly connect with your immediate and future talent pipelines. At no cost to your business, you’ll be able to: • Post jobs and internships • Increase your organization’s visibility • Directly connect with students through skill-based volunteerism • Directly connect to the workforce in our greater FMWF region • Access high-quality video training

• More than 1,200 video career cards • Skill-based volunteerism opportunities for businesses and employees • Resume-building tools • A library of training and education opportunities for students and job-seekers • A mobile application There is no cost for your business to join this platform.

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HEADER TEXT

PLUMBING What does your business do?

What does your business do?

Dabbert Custom Homes offers not only built-to-suit homes, but also move-in ready homes and rental opportunities. We also develop residential communities in the area. Our company takes pride in delivering an experience to the client that is unmatched. Exceeding our client’s expectations while building them a beautiful home created from their vision is our main focus.

Legacy Plumbing is your local & trusted plumbing professional. We specialize in service & remodel plumbing. We are a flat rate transparent plumbing company that understands the importance of communication. Raising the bar of trade excellence and perfecting the customer experience is the Legacy way.

How do people prepare themselves to work in your industry? Our team consists of many different backgrounds. Our designers and project managers have a college background in their fields. The individuals who primarily work on new home sites have an intensive background in construction. When we are looking for new team members, we search for a positive attitude and motivation, and train on site. The new NDSCS Career Innovation Center will also provide a great opportunity for individuals interested in attending schooling for various trade careers.

What are some challenges your business is currently facing? How can the community and business leaders help? The biggest challenge we have faced is the material availability and lead time. Workforce shortage in this industry is another challenge we have faced. The community and business leaders can help with this by communicating the career opportunities in the trade industry to our local high school students.

Why is your work so important to the FMWF community? The work our company does is important to the community because we are always promoting growth. By developing land into beautiful communities we are creating an area for people to live. We are proud members of the FMWF Chamber and love being able to work with so many people in the community to make a positive impact.

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What types of jobs/career opportunities exist at your business? We are always looking to add talent to the Legacy team. We are a team first company so we are looking for passionate professional plumbers who fit our culture and are committed to our customer promise. We want our team to have long successful careers, so we offer the most rewarding pay structure in the business. Our plumbing professionals train continuously and aim to master their craft resulting in tremendous customer retention.

How do people prepare themselves to work in your industry? People can prepare for this industry by attending trade school. Individuals can also just jump into the trades and gain a ton of on-the-job training.

What are some perks to working in this field? Plumbers develop a depth of general construction knowledge, create lifelong trade relationships and can also start a fantastic career without taking on large amounts of debt. Our plumbers aren’t stuck behind a desk; they are solution minded individuals and go home each day with a great sense of achievement.

Why is your work so important to the FMWF community? We help maintain the heath and safety of homes, businesses and our overall community. We have experienced many water issues in the region, such as overland flooding, expanding and contracting of pipes in the winter months and low water table basement battles. As our area’s amazing growth continues, everything needs to be serviced and maintained to keep FMWF the best community it can be for all residents and local businesses.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT HEADER SPECIALS TEXT

HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION Cultivating the housing industry

The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead (HBA) was founded in 1956 to nurture a thriving, innovative and diverse housing industry in our community. Today, approximately 750 local businesses affiliated with the homebuilding industry are HBA members. They receive professional, developmental, marketing and advocacy support daily, and the association works continuously to create and deliver the opportunities and resources required for members, the industry and, ultimately, the entire community to thrive. HBA members are vital to the overall economic wellbeing and quality of life in our community because their services support the basic human need of shelter, a place to call home. HBA supports keeping housing attainable and the industry responsible for building those homes. The Association develops and executes events and services dedicated to workforce development, education, advocacy and its own distinction as the go-to authority for media and marketing. Workforce development and education have always been paramount to the association but the urgent and increasing need for skilled labor concerns every facet of the economy.

A four-year degree does not guarantee success or employment, so HBA has developed multiple programs for students to experience the trades, determine whether the trades are a suitable career for them and then set a career path to success. Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation, a charity administered by HBA, fills that gap by organizing and supporting events and financial support throughout the year that promote the homebuilding industry to students as young as five years old. HBA and its members have contributed more than $1 million to the Career Innovation Center currently under construction in south Fargo. North Dakota State College of Science is working alongside local school districts and industry professionals to provide academic programs and experiential training for students essential to building a skilled workforce. The Herdina Camp provides a twoweek course for high school students to experience the construction industry. Working side-by-side with professionals, we introduce students to the trades, enlighten them to unrecognized skills and interests and help them understand the innumerable opportunities that accompany a career in construction.

Despite the urgent need for skilled workers, HBA does its part to strengthen and retain skilled workers by offering training and educational seminars that ensure employees understand issues and have the knowledge to prevent and overcome challenges. Enrolling in HBA also provides members representation on federal, state and local levels of government and the association advocates effectively for legislation and policies favorable to keeping housing affordable, benefitting the end buyer. HBA also works with multiple entities to ensure public officials recognize the impact of their decisions. For example, the property tax exemption for homebuyers and builders would have lost all utility had HBA not partnered with The Chamber to stop well-intended but poorly drafted legislation. Not only does HBA connect with government, it hosts landmark networking opportunities such as the Red River Valley Home & Garden Show and the Spring and Fall Parade of Homes events. These opportunities allow HBA members, homebuyers and homeowners to get know each other and develop the relations that are essential for every community to thrive.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SPECIALS

Why is your work so important to the FMWF community?

What does your business do?

As a two-year open enrollment college, M State is uniquely positioned to respond quickly to fill changing labor market needs as they arise. With demand for skilled workers growing – and expected to keep growing -- throughout the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo region, M State is prepared to fill an essential role in meeting the needs of both business and industry and of students seeking well-paying, high-demand careers.

Marvin is a family-owned and operated window and door manufacturer headquartered in Warroad, MN where the company was founded in 1912. We build windows and doors designed for how people live and work by imagining new ways to develop healthier and happier spaces.

More than 90 percent of M State graduates choose to live and work in the college’s communities, meaning M State alumni have a long-term and significant impact on business, industry and the future of communities throughout the region.

What does M State offer students who may be looking into the trades? Students in our technical and trade programs get hands-on training in highly specialized skills using state-of-the-art equipment that prepares them to move seamlessly into the workforce. Courses combine problem solving, communication skills and applied technology, making M State graduates highly sought out by regional employers. Placement rates for our graduates are an impressive 91 percent.

What types of related jobs/career opportunities exist in our community? M State’s Career Services office is seeing increased calls for workers from a host of businesses and industries whose workers are trained by M State, including healthcare and dental, transportation, construction management, electrical and plumbing. The number of job openings in these fields typically exceeds the number of program graduates, and many students have job offers well before graduation.

What might a typical process or timeline look like for a student wanting to go to school and then work in a certain field? Each year, more than 800 M State students graduate with certificates, diplomas and degrees in programs that can be completed in six months to two years. Many programs offer the flexibility of online classes to meet the needs of students, and we offer more than a dozen short-term programs that can be completed in a year or less to give workers the skills and experience to move ahead fast in their current job or into a new career.

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What types of career opportunities exist at your business? There are a variety of career paths and opportunities at Marvin. In Fargo, some of these careers include engineering, human resources, maintenance, production supervisors, forklift operators, trainers, and production associates. At Marvin, we promote career development and opportunities for advancement internally. Our tuition assistance program encourages fulltime employees to go back to school if they are interested in pursuing a degree or certification.

How do people prepare themselves to work in your industry? A career in manufacturing is rarely linear and there are many paths someone could take to pursue a career at Marvin. Soft skills are often more important than a specific skillset, education or work history. We train new employees and have developed a robust safety and training program for both onboarding and continuous education. Marvin will be hosting events in the community throughout October to celebrate Manufacturing Day. If you are curious about learning more about manufacturing, join us at our West Fargo facilities (1512 9th St NE) on October 14th from 4-7 p.m. for tours, on-site interviews, and complimentary fall treats with hot cider. We are excited for the future growth of Marvin. In early 2022 we will be opening a new Distribution Center in West Fargo. Marvin will continue to invest in the community while partnering with other local businesses and non-profit organizations.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

MATT’S AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTER Keeping commuters safe What does your business do? We are a full-service automotive facility. We provide auto, light & medium truck and diesel repairs to all makes and models of vehicles. We have a full service autobody facility as well that provides auto glass, chip repair, body work, collision work, and custom restoration projects.

How do people prepare themselves to work in your industry? For the technical positions, a lot of people in those areas go to some sort of trade school for 1-2 years with a degree in a specific area. From there, they enter the workforce in an apprentice type or above role and learn how to apply the skills they learned in school at the workplace. We also have an inhouse apprenticeship program that we take people that have interest in the field and train them instead of them going to trade school to allow them hands on learning while earning a wage as well.

What are some perks to working in this field? The automotive field is very rewarding. You get to work in a

field that is changing daily and has very complicated and complex technology in it. The automotive field is a community of peers working together to improve the industry and that is exciting. You get to take things that are broken and make them work again, and you get to see satisfied guests as the result of the work you do. You also get to be involved in a business that keeps the entire world moving.

What are some challenges your business is currently facing? How can the community and business leaders help? There is a large shortage of skilled workers in most trades, but the automotive industry is really hurting. For every one tech that comes into the field, five are leaving, and the workforce is getting older and we need young people to have

interest in this great industry. Most automotive shops are looking for help, so if you know someone who has interest in the field, please encourage them to get involved.

Why is your work so important to the FMWF community? The work we do keeps our friends and neighbors safe on our roads and provides a stable and fun work environment for our team members. It has been our mission to give each guest a great experience and to set a new standard for automotive repair.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

DAKOTAS CHAPTER NECA The voice of the electrical construction industry The Dakotas Chapter of the National Electrical Contractor Association (NECA), located in Fargo, is one of 119 NECA Chapters throughout the United States. Founded in 1901, NECA is the voice of the $171 billion electrical construction industry bringing power, light and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S. It recognizes the need for qualified skilled workers—apprentices and journey workers—to keep the industry workforce pipeline flowing. “During the 10-year period between 2018 and 2028, employment of electricians is projected to grow 10% faster than the average for all occupations,” said Curt Kasper, Career Development Manager at Dakotas Chapter NECA. “Nationwide, 7,000 electricians join the industry each year, but 10,000 retire.” There is a great need for skilled workers across all the trades.

DAKOTAS JOINT APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING More than 70 years ago a joint training program sponsored by NECA, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) was formed to train the best electrical workers for the industry. The Dakotas Chapter NECA and its local IBEW partners offer the apprenticeship training program at seven training locations in North and South Dakota: Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Sioux Falls, and Rapid City. “If you qualify for our apprenticeship program, there is no cost for tuition, however there is a nominal book fee,” Kasper said. The apprenticeship consists of a five-year program with classroom learning and on-the-job training. The goal of apprenticeship is to earn your journey worker license after you complete the apprenticeship. Apprentices must accumulate 8,000 hours of on-the-job work experience and 900 hours of classroom learning.

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BECOME AN ELECTRICIAN? • Must be at least 18 years of age • Must be a high school graduate or have a GED • Completed one full year of high school or post high school algebra with a C or better grade • Must pass a pre-employment drug test • A friendly attitude and willingness to learn • An electrician’s job involves cooperation and teamwork 12 THE BRIDGE

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“You get a tuition-free electrical education, but you have to have some skin in the game, too. You have to show up every day ready to go to work safely, you have to dress properly, you have to work hard,” he said. For more information: dakotasneca.org or dakotasjatc.org

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Focus on investments that pay long-term dividends Talk to your banker earlier rather than later It’s important to explore financing at the same time you are considering purchase agreements, ownership stakes, equipment investments, or other strategic discussions. What you are doing, how you finance it, and how you structure a deal can have a major impact on the bottom line because of tax impacts or loan terms.

Pay attention to the “5 C’s” lenders and investors look for Character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions are the things that indicate if your business is a strong candidate for credit – and they are also things you need to work on every day. Pay debt on time, don’t take on too much debt, keep a cash reserve, keep assets in good condition, and borrow intelligently for good reasons, and you’ll have a much easier time raising needed capital.

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Don’t be shy asking for help or advice Business capital is complex, and it’s not something most business owners need to deal with on a daily basis. It’s worth building a relationship with an advisor who knows banking and finance, the same way you do with legal experts and accountants so you can move quickly and correctly when opportunity arises. Whatever your need for capital may be, a business advisor at Alerus is ready to help you. We have a long history of helping businesses through all stages of development and all kinds of transformations, and our professionals will get to know you and your goals so they can recommend and help execute the best financial solution. Reach out today and learn how we can help your business.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

WHAT’S MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK? We really started in the event space, producing event recap videos, concerts, festivals, and touring gigs. Fast forward to today, we now have five full-time employees and have worked with four fortune 500 companies. Our growth strategy remains the same: develop quality connections with meaningful thought leaders in the industries we are looking to move into. We are hyperintentional about the people we partner with, basing everything off of our value system. We also realize we are not experts at everything in life, so we find some awesome partners to help us in those areas! We now offer the highest quality video production available, as well as a beautiful way to deliver that content: social media ad campaign creation and management.

It is rewarding to see our clients grow and succeed, to be a part of that journey, and to share victories with the people who share our values and goals! Enjoying life’s riches is only meaningful to us when we are surrounded with the people we love and care about. HOW ELSE IS OFF COLOR INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY? We encourage our employees to take part in local organizations that will better our communities and themselves. Taking Dale Carnegie courses, learning personal skills, mentoring in nonprofit organizations, and finding ways to become leaders in all aspects of their lives.

WHAT VALUES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO OFF COLOR MEDIA? 1. Unbridled Creativity 2. You First 3. Cultivating Communities 4. One Thing 14 THE BRIDGE

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WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT DOING BUSINESS IN FMWF? “This area has the small town feel but the big city opportunities that allow a business like ours to grow. The PEOPLE! The people here are the best that I’ve found in the entire country. In my time spent touring 48 states and Canada with music artist NF, and my hundreds of flights, I always come back here. Time and time again it’s because of the amazing people. They are so accepting and willing to help, listen, and cheer you on,” says Owner/CEO Jay Evans.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE AS A COMPANY GOING FORWARD? WHAT CAN THE COMMUNITY EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU? Our main goal is to get more involved in every way we can. We want to be thought leaders and become individuals that leave a massive impact on this region. Not just by our work, but by changing lives along the way with our thoughts and actions. If we can inspire one person to take control of their life, or take that chance, or get introduced to someone who can change their life, then we will have been successful. Not only leaving our legacy but helping others do

the same. The community can expect to see us continuing to push the boundaries of creativity while making the Upper Midwest known for creativity and innovation. We are so grateful for everything that this community has done for us by believing in us and giving us an opportunity. We are so excited for what the future has in store and can’t wait to keep leaving our mark!

WHAT’S A SURPRISING OR FUN FACT ABOUT YOUR COMPANY? We are one of three companies in North Dakota that own a RED Digital Cinema camera, which are prominently used to film Hollywood blockbuster movies.

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BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

What was your reaction to winning at this year’s ChamberChoice Awards? Our team was thrilled to be one of the finalists for the ChamberChoice Business of the Year Award. It was both a surprise and extreme delight to be named the 2021 Business of the Year. Our talented team members are passionate and committed to doing their best work, and the announcement was an exciting way to recognize the contributions of our entire team. What does the award mean to you and the organization? It’s been an incredible year at Enclave as we celebrate a decade in business and move to our new home office in West Fargo. To be business of the year celebrates our team and fuels our drive to reimagine spaces with the goal of enhancing the communities we serve. In your own words, briefly share your organization’s history, how you’ve grown throughout the years and what you offer the community today. In 2011, Co-Founders Austin Morris and Ben Meland were a two-person start-up with a desire to grow their business by a single project each year. Since then, they have grown to a fully integrated development, construction and management company with more than 100 team members in three markets specializing in multi-family, commercial, industrial and retail spaces across the Midwest. Today, Enclave has completed more than 70 builds and manages more than 4,500 apartment

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homes. Through the support of the community, sound fiscal management and a mindset that continues to challenge the status quo, the team has set large goals which we’ve been able to achieve. Through every interaction, we start by thinking of space differently than before, maximizing value through ingenuity, and ensuring a timely, budgetminded delivery. This approach has allowed us to truly create spaces that inspire people to do their best work and live their best life.

What makes your organization so important for the community? As placemakers, our focus is centered around the talents of our team and contributions to community that result in enhanced places to live, work and visit. As an organization, it starts with the quality of the work we do and extends to modeling good corporate citizenship by dedicating our time, talent and treasure to the communities in which we live and work. As we’ve continued to grow, this has always been at the core of who

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Enclave is called to be, and it’s been incredible to see the impact we’ve made through the growth of our team.

What values are most important to the organization? What do you believe in?

At Enclave, we value people for who they are and take an immense amount of pride in relationships with our team members, clients and partners. Putting it simply, we care for each other. We always do the honorable thing, we encourage true autonomy among employees, and we promote innovation within our team and our partners to deliver an exceptional product and experience. It’s why our four foundational values are: Care for Each Other, Do the Honorable Thing, Be Empowered and Promote Innovation.

What does a typical day look like at Enclave?

Whether you’re working in the field on a construction site, or in a leasing office, or fulfill a role in IT, HR or accounting at our home office, a typical day at Enclave is fast-paced and people-based. Our team members each bring a unique perspective to their role, while being united by the drive to accomplish something great. All team members are empowered to seize opportunities and trust that they will have support to continue breaking new ground.

Any fun or touching stories from your work you want to share with us? How else are you involved in the community?

In 2021, Enclave launched our Giving Hearts Day campaign with a year-long Down Home partnership announcement. Throughout the year, we’ve committed $50,000 to support the mission of Down Home and support individuals in our community emerging from homelessness. Our team stepped up and volunteered their time to organize the Down Home warehouse, write thank you notes and helped with family move-ins, in addition to holding a donation drive in May as part of the non-profit’s Good Night Sleep Challenge. Our aligned values and desire to enhance the communities in which we live was complemented by the talents of our team who create inspiring spaces for others to live, work and play.

What is one thing you most want others to know about you? Anything else you’d like to mention:

We feel very fortunate to be able to call this region home. It’s an incredible place to raise a family, start a business and so much more. The generosity of the community, strong economy and accessible business network have undoubtedly contributed to Enclave’s success. We are extremely grateful for the support our community provided us, and are committed to its continued vitality.

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 17

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARD WINNER

What does the award mean to you and the organization? This award validates the great team assembled here at Cardinal IG. It’s a reflection of how 300+ individuals born on five separate continents, in 34 different countries, practicing several different religions, raised under different cultural norms, speaking many first languages can rally together around a shared value-set and work as one cohesive team to accomplish a common mission.

In your own words, briefly share your organization’s history, how you’ve grown throughout the years and what you offer the community today. We built the plant in 1998 to supply Marvin Windows with glass and grew rapidly, expanding the plant in 2001, 2003, 2005, and most recently 2021. We didn’t have a masterplan to build such a diverse team; since we hire using a non-biased approach and base hiring decisions on the bestqualified applicants, before we knew it, we had built quite a diverse team. Our thought process was: Does this person have the will to do the job? Can we train this person the necessary skill? Will this individual be a good teammate? Will they show up for work every day? If we could answer these questions to the affirmative, they’d get the job.

What makes your organization so important for the community? Our story is important. Organizations who might be anxious about potential challenges that might come with building a diverse team can look to 18 THE BRIDGE

October 2021

Cardinal IG as a successful case study. While we might sound and look different from each other, we all share similar needs and desires. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or where you are, we all desire a workplace where we have an opportunity to learn and grow our skills, feel connected to & valued by those around us, and understand how our work impacts the greater mission.

What values are most important to the organization? What do you believe in? Our Plant Values are Family, Safety, Teamwork, Excellence, & Respect. Six years ago, we conducted an exercise to refresh our plant values. All of our teammates were asked, through an anonymous, computerized survey, what their personal values are, what values they believe make Cardinal IG special, and what values they desire in their optimal workplace. These five values—Family, Safety, Teamwork, Excellence, & Respect—overwhelmingly rose to the top. We all agreed that this was a pretty good value-set and committed to holding each other accountable

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT to these values. Ever since then, all candidates who apply to Cardinal IG take a similar values survey, and we use the results as one of the indicators as to whether they’d be a good fit within our team. We’ve found that if a candidate’s personal values mesh well with our Plant Values, they’ll integrate onto our teams more seamlessly. The very first thing we do in our onboarding process is training on our plant values. New teammates then have immediate ownership & stewardship of our Plant Values, just as the initial team that developed them do. Each of our five values applies to diversity & inclusion, especially the values of Family & Respect.

What does a typical day look like at Cardinal IG? The first thing we do is a daily safety huddle to ensure we’re centered around safety. The team leader then summarizes the plan for the day, and we all get after it!

Any fun or touching stories from your work you want to share with us? How else are you involved in the community? Our team has been involved with the United Way for many years, and for the past twelve or so we’ve had 100% participation in our annual United Way campaign. Our team has also been asked on occasion to talk to others about our experience with diversity & inclusion, which we’re always happy to do.

What are your long-term goals and vision for Cardinal IG? Our Cardinal IG Company vision is to be the most admired glass company in the world—admired for our integrity, the way we take care of our customers and our people, and for the positive, lifechanging, life-lasting experiences we create.

What is one thing you most want others to know about you? We are aggressively growing our team in order to keep pace with customer demand. If you think you have what it takes to be a valued member of our winning team, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 19

A TOUCH OF

Blue

Because strong employee benefits matter. Your employees can live life to its fullest with coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. Our experts will help customize an employee benefits package that works for you today—and lets employees get back to doing what they do best. Start building your perfect employee benefits plan.

Contact an agent today.

Derek Van Dyke Fargo/Jamestown 701.282.1446

Jo Hatfield Fargo/Jamestown 701.282.1153

EmployerPlansND.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Human Aspect of Human Space Flight LEADERSHIP IN LIFE AND IN SPACE

Thursday, November 4 | 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Delta by Marriott The Chamber is excited to bring this special event to our members and community in November. Join us to hear from two inspiring former NASA astronauts with local ties who will share lessons learned and challenges overcome as they’ve journeyed through life and space. Attendees will be inspired to learn how we can all overcome our personal and professional challenges.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

TH T H E F U TU TURE S TAR T A R TS T S N OW OW. 10.28.2021 JOIN US IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY. Holiday Inn, Fargo, ND. nVision is back again and it's better than ever. Don't miss your chance to gather with regional leaders to collaborate, strategize and sicsuss discuss what's new in technology.

#nVision2021 FMWFCHAMBER.COM 21

UPCOMING EVENTS

BUSINESS TRAINING Mind your Mind and It will Mind Your Business

EGGS & ISSUES Law Enforcement: An Evolving Environment Tuesday, October 5 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead and livestream

Wednesday, October 20 | 11:30 to 1 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead and Livestream

We take the classes, we hire the Jodee Bock BNG Team coaches, we attend the workshops. We tell ourselves that when we learn enough or know enough, we will be growing and our businesses will follow suit. But if we are honest with ourselves, chasing training and learning doesn’t always produce the results for the bottom line. If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional training events, Jodee will have insights to point you in a different direction than you may have believed you needed to go.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK YPN Business Tour - Marvin Wednesday, October 13 | 4:30 to 7 p.m. 1616 43rd Street North Fargo

Crime has consistently been front and center in the news, both locally and nationally. Is crime on the rise or have policing incidents become more heavily observed? As our region continues to grow and evolve, it is vital that the police force stays ahead of the curve. With a nationwide push for policing reform, a heightened coverage of criminal activity, and our continued growth, it is important to understand our region’s policing landscape. Attendees will discover how the national and state narratives, as well as potential policy changes, impact our local police force and what steps are being taken to reduce crime and promote public safety in our metro. Local expert Jeff Bumgarner will walk us through the national policing trends, and our local law enforcement leaders will provide insight into our metro’s plan for reducing crime and bolstering public safety.

YPN members only | FREE but registration required

Looking Toward the Future

Join us as we tour our local Marvin location. Founded in the Midwest, Marvin is a family-owned company focused on putting people first. YPN is excited to see the facility and learn about this great organization whose service area extends far beyond the valley! Spots are limited.

Tuesday, November 2 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead and livestream

It’s no secret that our region has recently seen a lot of success! With the diversion being fully funded, career academies well on their way in both Cass and Clay counties, and the metro gaining national recognition, many are wondering what’s next. The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo metro must continue to grow, evolve and innovate. Hear from past Chamber Legacy Leaders as they look toward the future and share their excitement for what’s to come.

PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR Discuss, Connect & Reflect

Networking Before 9

Wednesday, October 13 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Virtual

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

Join us for what is sure to be a great Discuss, Connect & Reflect as we dive into one of the latest episodes of The Diversity Gap podcast. Our conversation will revolve around the 45-minute episode, “Racism is the Problem–What Equity and Justice Require of Us with Tamice Spencer”.

Join this virtual networking event to grow your personal and professional networks; make sure to invite someone to join this conversation too! Throughout the 60 minutes, you’ll be able to connect with multiple individuals and get to know everyone on the call – we look forward to you joining us.

REGISTRATION Register for these events at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100. 22 THE BRIDGE

October 2021

UPCOMING EVENTS

WOMEN CONNECT Leaving Your Lane

Negotiate Like You Mean It

Tuesday, October 26 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. Avalon Events Center and livestream

Tuesday, November 23 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. Avalon Events Center and livestream

Have you heard the phrase, “Stay in your lane”? According Sally Erickson to Merriman-Webster, the phrase Microsoft “Stay in your lane” is a rebuke or advice against those who want to express a thought or opinion about a subject they’re not an expert on, or perhaps don’t have a lot of experience with. I’m not a fan of this phrase. I want you to know that it’s OK to leave your lane and try new things. I’ll share some stories about how I’ve left my lane at work and at home...and how it’s changed my life.

Small negotiations are woven through the fabric of our lives, personally and professionally. Negotiations require listening to others carefully, and observing their actions and reactions. Katie Bethany Munion Berkeley Understanding which issues are the Dale Carnegie Training most important to your client or of ND & NW MN colleague is critical in developing a solution that is acceptable to both parties. With a clear understanding of the other person’s desires, you can partner to develop a solution that builds trust and lasting relationships.

Business After Hours Thursday, October 7 | 4 to 6 p.m. | Hilton Garden Inn

#FMWFBAH

SPONSORED BY

SAVE THE DATE!

HOLIDAY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS, DECEMBER 2

Thank you to the sponsors that make these events and programs possible —find them on page 37.

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 23

PROGRAM UPDATES

VOICES OF VISION On Wednesday, August 25 we hosted Admiral William McRaven for the 11th annual Voices of Vision event. McRaven, a retired four-star admiral, 37-year veteran of the United States Nay and former Chancellor of the University of Texas System, shared impactful lessons and insights on authority amidst turmoil and instability; the force of teamwork and personal initiative; resilience in the face of opposition; and the unconditional importance of never giving up. Attendees were challenged and encouraged to accept responsibility, be creative within the rules, take control of their circumstances, and maintain focus during times of conflict. They were inspired to apply McRaven’s diligence, courage and risk management strategies to their lives and implement tools to help them be successful not only within their organization, but also to reach new levels of achievement.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

DIAMOND SPONSORS

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

October 2021

PROGRAM UPDATES

WOMEN CONNECT

BUSINESS TRAINING

Beth Nelson encouraged August Women Connect attendees to live fully alive. She drew from her own experiences and those around her as she discussed the important of experiencing real joy, surrounding ourselves with authentic people and having more influence and impact with the people who matter most.

Sisters-in-law Michelle Kommer and Martha Velasco Suarez (real life sisters) joined together to present a session on the most common mistakes employers make and how to avoid them. Attendees included business owners, office managers, HR professionals and more who left with actionable takeaways to take back to their businesses.

LEADERSHIP FMWF

BUSINESS TRAINING

EGGS & ISSUES

LEADERSHIP FMWF

WOMEN CONNECT

WOMEN CONNECT - P.U.S.H.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK

YPN - corporate

BUSINESS TRAINING

cup

EGGS & ISSUES

WOMEN CONNECT

WOMEN CONNECT - P.U.S.H.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK

YPN - corporate

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FMWFCHAMBER.COM 25

it’s

RELIABLE CONNECTIVITY, A RESPONSIVE TEAM, AND A PARTNER YOUR BUSINESS CAN TRUST. As a commercial account executive in Fargo, Valerie Schwantes is dedicated to matching each customer’s unique needs with the right tools and services for their business. Call Valerie today at 701-364-1304 for a free consultation.

With more than 42,000 miles of fiber across the state, DCN and its 14 owner companies operate North Dakota’s most robust fiber optic network.

26 THE BRIDGE

October 2021

DIVERSE DATA CENTERS I CLOUD COMPUTING DEDICATED INTERNET I DISASTER RECOVERY SD-WAN I SECURITY SERVICES

PROGRAM HEADER UPDATES TEXT

EGGS & ISSUES

LEADERSHIP FMWF

Attendees of the September Eggs & Issues session heard an education update from superintendents and presidents from across the metro, representing both public and private schools. They discussed growth trends in the schools, plans for expansion, goals for the future and student activities and involvement.

BUSINESS TRAINING

EGGS & ISSUES

With widespread growth across our metro, a high level of education is essential to fulfilling workforce demands. We recently connected with school leaders from Northern Cass Public School and DGF Public schools to learn how teaching styles and classroom activities have changed due to the pandemic; plans for this school year; and a general overview and update on enrollment numbers, district growth and long-term plans.

WOMEN CONNECT

WOMEN CONNECT - P.U.S.H.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK

YPN - corporate

learners to be engaged in internships, job shadows and presentations in alignment with their chosen pathway. According to superintendent Cory Steiner, he envisions a change in the layout of the school year. “I envision this happening by breaking down the school year into six-week-long mini courses, tying student passion areas to standards, such as science fiction and English or fantasy football and math.

Northern Cass is a 400 square mile rural school district serving students in the communities of Arthur, Argusville, Gardner, Grandin, Hunter and Erie. The district is seeing record enrollment with 685 learners in the district. DGF Public Schools consists of three communities in Minnesota: Dilworth, Glyndon and Felton. Together, these schools are home to just under 1600 students. Looking toward the future, both districts have implemented creative strategies and believe many educational opportunities will emerge. Northern Cass is excited for

High-school learners could spend as much as half the day at internships, jobs or college classes. It is time to rebuild a new system of education which finally values learners as individuals who can change the world.” The district hopes that in doing this, learners will graduate

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choice-ready while developing the skills necessary to become generous, kind and loving human beings. DGF has always had a strong bond between staff, students, communities and stakeholders. They’re excited to use these bonds to solidify partnerships, which in turn will create additional opportunities for students. The district is also in the process of laying out a clear, strategic plan which will encompass everything from buildings and grounds to student achievement. DGF is also excited about having access to the Career Academy in Moorhead. Through a partnership with Moorhead Public Schools, DGF students are able to attend the Academy which opens up countless possibilities. When students exit the DGF School District, they will leave with a skillset that will allow them to continue their educational path onto a successful career. To read the full story, visit fmwfchamber.com/blog

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 27

NEW MEMBERS Welcome to the following businesses who joined The Chamber in August! 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.

Vesta Real Estate Brokered by eXp

Blue Cypher Bookkeeping

Through a high level of service, Vesta Real Estate strives to go beyond the transaction. Your mission is our vision; Let’s get moving!

We are a bookkeeping firm designed around our firm belief that finances don’t have to be scary, confusing, and stressful. By embracing technology and improving internal processes around the day-to-day tasks, we bring a higher level of quality bookkeeping. We are certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisors and specialize in accounting for service-based businesses and nonprofit organizations in the United States.

701.261.8730 Real Estate

Thryv

thryv.com Business Services

Our end-to-end client experience platform for growing small business helps you get the job, manage the job and get credit. Reach more customers, stay organized, get paid faster and generate reviews anytime, anywhere and on any device.

Prairie Heights Community Church prairieheights.com Churches - Synagogues

Prairie Heights exists to connect those apart from God with Christ and a church family.

Mountain State Financial Group msfg.us Financial Institutions

We’re a proactive lending firm offering all types of residential mortgage solutions to real estate professionals and individual home-buyers. We honed our expertise in the world of corporate banking and finance, and embrace the entrepreneurial energy and focus that come with running our own business. We take pride in the firm we’ve created and are committed to giving our clients the attention, knowledge and follow-through they deserve.

bluecypherbooks.com Accounting - Accounting Services

Lyman Executive Search LLC lymanexecutivesearch.com Consultants

We will find the best people to fill your company’s critically important roles. Our firm takes pride in providing excellent solutions to your C-level executive and board member recruitment needs.

American Family Insurance - Tanner Bittner Agency LLC amfam.com Insurance

Insurance provider for American Family Insurance. We specialize in home, auto, life and business insurance.

Twin Peaks Fargo twinpeaksrestaurant.com Restaurants

The Ultimate Sports Kitchen.

Messiah Lutheran Church messiahfargo.com Churches - Synagogues

Find all #FMWFMembers at our online directory at fmwfchamber.com/list.

Our mission is to be messengers of God’s grace. We seek to connect people with the heart of God through worship, education, fellowship and service.

125+ PRODUCTS OILS, TOPICALS, WATER SOLUBLES, PET, BEAUTY, AND EDIBLES

ONLY STORE

IN AREA WITH USDA CERTIFIED ORGANICS

MAXIMIZE

Your Philanthropy Support the causes you care about by setting up a charitable fund at the FM Area Foundation.

1650 45th St S, Fargo | 701-532-0416 28 THE BRIDGE

October 2021

701.234.0756 | areafoundation.org

CHAMBER ANNIVERSARIES HEADER TEXT Congrats to these members for celebrating the following milestone Chamber anniversaries!

5 YEARS

15 YEARS

Homewood Suites by Hilton

BeMobile - Verizon Authorized Retailer

Sign Badgers

Courts Plus Community Fitness

T. F. Powers Construction Co.

Fargo Tractor

10 YEARS

Games Galore Party Rental Titan Machinery - Ag Division

5foot20 design lounge

Titan Machinery - Construction Division

Alliance Management Group

Titan Machinery - Shared Resource Office

BeMobile - Verizon Authorized Retailer Fargo Brewing Company

20 YEARS

Gehrtz Construction Services, Inc.

Altel - Alternative Telecom, Inc.

Metro Tournament Committee

Eide Bailly Technology Consulting

Mezzaluna

F-M Human Resource Association

OK Tire Store, Inc.

InterOffice

Rhombus Guys Pizza Taco John’s Tronsgard & Sullivan Dental

25 YEARS Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons

Wingate by Wyndham

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 29

RIBBON CUTTINGS & CELEBRATIONS

Advanced Business Methods

Anne Carlsen Center

50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

REMODEL/EXPANSION

Bremer Bank

CBRE, Inc.

REMODEL/EXPANSION

GROUNDBREAKING

Dakota Carrier Network

First Community Credit Union

25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

GRAND OPENING

FM Area Foundation

Great North Insurance

60-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

RELOCATION

1515 13 Ave. E., West Fargo abmnow.com

1444 45th St. S., Fargo bremer.com

3901 Great Plains Dr. S., Fargo dakotacarrier.com

409 7th St. S., Fargo areafoundation.org

4152 30th Ave. S., Fargo annecarlsen.org

4060 37th St. N., Fargo cbre.us

1404 12th Ave. N., Fargo myfccu.com

3220 4th St. E. Ste. 201, West Fargo greatnorthinsuranceservices.com

Want to see your company here? Chamber ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings are available free to any member business. For more information or to schedule, contact Casey at 218.359.0528 or csanders@fmwfchamber.com, or fill out the form at bit.ly/FMWFRibbonRequest. *One ribbon cutting per year per member 30 THE BRIDGE

October 2021

RIBBON CUTTINGS & CELEBRATIONS HEADER TEXT

InterOffice

Midco – NDSU RTP

20-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

RELOCATION

Mosaic

PAM Rehabilitation

GRAND OPENING

GRAND OPENING/NEW OWNERSHIP

Prime Realty

Railyard Offices

RELOCATION

GRAND OPENING

Thomsen Homes

Widmer Roel

GROUNDBREAKING

RELOCATION

1630 1st Ave. N., Fargo interofficend.com

312 11th St. N., Fargo mosaicapt.com

3243 Oak Ridge Loop E., West Fargo primerealtyfm.com

Maple Lake Estates, Horace thomsenhomesllc.com

1854 NDSU Research Circle N., Fargo midco.com

4671 38th St. S., Fargo postacutemedical.com

1630 1st Ave. N., Fargo railyardoffices.com

4220 31st Ave. S., Fargo wr.cpa

Thank you to Nothing Bundt Cakes for donating a sweet treat to each of our ribbon cuttings!

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 31

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Covered Your Business

“The Sanford Health Plan team is a reliable partner and is leading the charge in finding new and innovative ways to deliver services and control costs.”

— Pam, Summit League Sioux Falls, SD

At Sanford Health Plan, you get the expertise you need from a trusted health insurance provider, which makes finding the right plan easy. Our plans come with benefits to help your bottom line, including: • Affordable options • No cost COBRA administration • HRA, HSA and FSA services • Dedicated local client service

CONTACT TOM DEACON TODAY! 701-499-3937 PropertyResourcesGroup.com

Live Life Covered. Call (888) 535-4831 or visit sanfordhealthplan.com/business At participating providers only; certain restrictions may apply. 000-000-000 6/21

Life is for taking chances What do you live for? Success is about progress and is founded on hard work. First International Bank & Trust can bear some of that load by taking the work out of managing your accounts. Our experts can custom tailor banking solutions to best suit your operations, so you can get back to business. BANKING | MORTGAGE | INSURANCE* | TRUST & INVESTMENTS*

See Us First. FIBT.com *Not FDIC or any federal agency insured | No bank guarantee | May lose value

See Us First. 32 THE BRIDGE

October 2021

COMPANY NEWS

Alerus Performance Earns Spot Among Top 10 Banks in U.S.

BCBSND receives SQM First Call Resolution Improvement Award

Alerus is pleased to announce Bank Director magazine has named it the #9 overall performing bank out of the 300 largest publicly traded U.S. banks. Bank Director’s annual Bank Performance Scorecard ranks publicly traded banks based on their previous year’s performance using five metrics that reflect a bank’s profitability, asset quality, and capital adequacy. Metrics include return on average equity, return on average assets, tangible common equity to tangible assets, nonperforming assets, and net charge offs. Metrics are compiled and calculated by Piper Sandler & Co., using data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Fargo, N.D. — Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) is proud to announce they are the recipient of SQM’s 2020 Contact Center Industry Customer Experience Awards of Excellence. SQM’s FCR Customer Experience awards are considered the most prestigious and sought-after in the North American contact center industry, and they recognize organizations that have demonstrated excellence for Customer Experience (CX), Employee Experience (EX) and FCR Best Practices.

Town & Country Credit Union Named in Top 200 Healthiest Credit Union List Town & Country Credit Union recently received an A+ financial health grade and was named one of the Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in America for 2021. DepositAccounts.com, a subsidiary of LendingTree, analyzes financial institutions nationwide and publishes the Top 200 list for healthy banks and credit unions

each year. DepositAccounts.com evaluates the financial health of every federally-insured bank and credit union in the United States once per quarter. To determine ranking and recognition, each institution is graded on a number of factors including capitalization, deposit growth and loan-to-reserve ratios. Town & Country Credit Union

received a ranking of #162 out of 200 in the Top Healthiest Credit Unions list, one of only three North Dakota credit unions to make the list.

Nurturing Abilities, Achieving Dreams.

RANSOMWARE ATTACKS A COMPANY EVERY 14 SECONDS. - KnowBe4

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.

801 Page Drive in Fargo

Apply on-line at

Supporting People with Disabilities

chifriendship.com

(701) 235-8217

Is your network effective in blocking ransomware when employees fall for social engineering attacks? ReadiTech can help secure your network & train your employees on what to look for.

800.279.4796

PEOPLE NEWS

ANDERSON

CARPENTER

KUBAS

AKIN

HAGEN

KOSTER

MURPHY

RODRIGUEZ

BOOHER

CARTER

BARTHOLOMAY

DWYER

HIRCHERT

HUDSON

LAYNE

PIEPER

DEGGES

DENNISON

KOUNOVSKY

MARI

WILM

Want to see yourself here? Email your company or people news to us at thebridge@fmwfchamber.com or visit fmwfchamber.com/member-news.

NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS Apex Engineering Group

Chloe Anderson, Graduate Engineer Colin Carpenter, IT Manager Zach Kubas, Graduate Engineer

Appareo

Paul Akin, Test Technician Cameron Hagen, IT Help Desk Specialist Brandon Koster, Senior Engineer, Embedded Software Patrick Murphy, Product Software Engineer Connie Rodriguez, Manufacturing Assembler

Audubon Dakota

Amanda Booher, Communications Coordinator Meghan Carter, Engagement Coordinator

34 THE BRIDGE

October 2021

CCRI, Inc.

KyLee Bartholomay, Options Residential Coordinator Julia Dwyer, Mental Health Practitioner Ashley Hirchert, Direct Support Professional Grace Hudson, Independent by Design Residental Coordinator Caylie Layne, SLS Residential Coordinator Natalie Pieper, HR Generalist

EPIC Companies

Edwin Degges, Art Coordinator Cindy Dennison, Accountant Sarah Kounovsky, Office Intern Jarett Mari, Financial Analyst Nathan Wilm, Finance Intern

PEOPLE NEWS

PROMOTED

ASLAM

CAMPAGNOLI

PROMOTED

GRONDAHL

LINDEMEIER

ROSTAD

PROMOTED

SORENSON

HALL

MYERS

SYVERSON

WUTZKE

LANDSEM

RUED

SCHAEFER

MOLINA

RIPPLINGER

EMETERIO

KLUBBEN

KRODEL

LACHOWITZER

GILLESPIE

KELLY

REINHILLER

RUFTY

Essentia Health

Dr. Awais Aslam, Hospitalist Dr. Ruela Campagnoli, Retina Surgeon Dr. Brian Grondahl, Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Stephanie Grondahl, Pediatric Hospitalist Dr. Samual Lindemeier, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Mark Rostad, Hospitalist Kayla Sorenson, Nurse Practitioner

Fargo Jet Center

Darren Hall, VP of Business Development Whitney Myers, Customer Service Supervisor Nick Syverson, Flight Instructor Jon Wutzke, Charter Pilot

First Western Bank & Trust

Cheryl Landsem, Senior Credit Analyst Jacob Rued, Fraud Investigator Michael Schaefer, VP Ag Lender

NetCenter Technologies

Kenny Molina, Low Voltage Technician Clyde Ripplinger, Purchasing Manager

Orange Property Management Kortney Emeterio, Eastern Area Manager

Roers

Ronda Klubben, Executive Assistant Paige Krodel, Property Ambassador Brenna Lachowitzer, Marketing Coordinator

Sterling Management, LLC

Amber Gillespie, Senior Financial Accountant Casey Kelly, Financial Accountant Maria Reinhiller, Construction Project Coordinator Cellina Rufty, Director of Investor Relations

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 35

PEOPLE NEWS

AGRIBUSINESS PROMOTED

JOHNSON

PROMOTED

NEWMAN

NELSON

PROGRAM SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Choice Bank

BUCHOLZ

EMINETH

EVIN

EDUCATION PROGRAM SPONSOR

SAKRISMO

STEELE

Town & Country Credit Union Danielle Johnson, Branch Manager

MILITARY AFFAIRS PROGRAM SPONSOR

Village Family Service Center David Newman, Director of Development

West Fargo Public Schools

Nicole Nelson, Curriculum Coordinator

Widmer Roel

Eric Bucholz, Senior Tax Associate Krista Emineth, Tax and Client Accounting Service Manager Nick Evin, Audit Supervisor Tanner Sakrismo, Audit Manager Troy Steele, Senior Tax Associate

OTHER NEWS

PROGRAM SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties

Amber Carlton, Real Estate Agent - Named 2021 REALTOR® of the Year by The Fargo Moorhead Area REALTORS® (FMR) Maureen Bartelt, Broker and Real Estate Agent - Elected as the Vice President of the Fargo Moorhead REALTORS® (FMR).

Flint Group

Madison Hausauer, Public Relations Manager - Earned a certificate in crisis communication from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

36 THE BRIDGE

PUBLIC POLICY

October 2021

AE2S Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Bremer Bank Cass County Electric Cooperative Essentia Health First International Bank & Trust Moore Engineering, Inc. MWC Advertising of Fargo Moorhead Sanford Health Xcel Energy

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

BUSINESS TRAINING

EGGS & ISSUES

WOMEN CONNECT

PROGRAM SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PROGRAM SPONSORS

PROGRAM SPONSOR SUPPORTING SPONSORS SUPPORTING SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Forum Communications Printing Minnesota State Community and Technical College WEX Health, Inc.

Bremer Bank | Choice Bank Cornerstone Bank | First Western Bank & Trust Houston Engineering | KLJ Engineering Minnesota State Community and Technical College Moore Engineering MWC Advertising of Fargo Moorhead ROERS | Ulteig Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR

DESSERT SPONSOR

EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR

LEADERSHIP FMWF

PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR

PROGRAM SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSORS

PROGRAM SPONSOR

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK PROGRAM SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Gate City Bank

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency Essentia Health | Midco Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Post Office Box 2443 Fargo, North Dakota 58108-2443 fmwfchamber.com

Tuesday, October 12 | Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Delta by Marriott Join us for an uplifting afternoon as we set the vision for the future of The Chamber and our region, celebrate all that we have accomplished together and honor our Legacy Leader, Mark Nisbet. We will also be unveiling a significant talent & workforce initiative for our region. We’ll see you there! Share your favorite moments at the event with hashtag #FMWFCelebrate Learn more and register at fmwfchamber.com.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

CHAIRMAN SPONSOR

LEGACY SPONSORS

ANNUAL CELEBRATION VIDEO PRODUCTION PARTNER

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Alerus | Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota | Cass County Electric Cooperative Choice Bank | Cornerstone Bank | Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau | First International Bank First Western Bank & Trust | Minnesota State University Moorhead MWC-Advertising of Fargo Moorhead | Western State Bank EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR

Current sponsors at the time of printing

The Bridge: October 2021

Articles inside

Midco

Starion Bank

Alerus