The Bridge: November 2020

November 2020

vol. 24 no. 3

Community Builders Community Builders are a level of Premier Partner businesses committed to improving the area by investing in our programs and events.

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2020

3

Letter from Leadership

WE SUPPORT SMALL ShopBUSINESSES Small EVERY DAY. PPORT SMALL SSES EVERY DAY. NAME/LOGO HERE] [COMPANY FEATURE:

Asking the Experts: Powering the Power Grid

8 10 27 28

4

13–15 16 16 17

18 19 20 22 23–25

CHAMBER NEWS

Membership Matters CHAMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Events PROGRAM UPDATES

Leadership FMWF Corporate Cup Women Connect: PUSH MEMBER NEWS

New Members Anniversaries Ribbon Cuttings Company News People News

is proud to support #ShopSmall Member spotlight: NAME/LOGO HERE] OpGo Marketing

o support #ShopSmall Member profile: Sagency

ADVERTISER INDEX AAA–The Auto Club 5 Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND 26 Boulger Funeral Home 22 Cole Papers, Inc. 16 Cornerstone Bank 17 Dakota Carrier Network 14 Eide Bailly 14 First International Bank & Trust 19 Gate City Bank 12 Indigo Signworks 12 Knight Printing 16 ND Information Technology Dept 11 Pinnacle Pediatric Clinic 5 Pro Resources 7 ReadiTech 12 Ulteig 11 Wells Fargo 7 Your CBD Store 22

WEBSITE

CONTENTS podcasts

• Episode 6: Hunger in our region

The Cass-Clay Hunger Coalition is working to support equitable food access and address the root causes of hunger. We’re talking with Taylor Syvertson, Ending Hunger 2.0 Impact Manager at Great Plains Food Bank, to learn more about the issue of hunger in our community, what efforts exist and how you can help.

Listen at fmwfchamber.com/podcast.

videos

• Taking Care of You and Your Team During COVID-19—In this free

video with The Village, learn helpful strategies for better mindset, routines, gratitude, balance, resources and more.

Watch at fmwfchamber.com/covid-19-updates.

NEW Member Spotlight videos

Find The Chamber online @fmwfchamber

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

• Proof Artisan Distillers • Grateful Cratefulls

Watch these videos to hear the great things happening around our metro, and what your fellow Chamber members are up to.

Watch at fmwfchamber.com/member-spotlight.

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 1

MISSION

Board of Directors

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

Committee Chairs

Sandi Piatz Microsoft

Roger Reierson Flint Group

Chair

Agribusiness

Shawn Dobberstein Hector International Airport

Patti Cosgriff Northwestern Bank

Chair Elect

Ambassador Public Relations

Peter Stenehjem First International Treasurer Bank & Trust

VISION

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

Dean Krogen 702 Communications

Tom Dawson Dawson Insurance

Ambassador Member Relations

Jodi Duncan Flint Group

Wyatt Johnson John Deere Business Training Electronic Solutions

Immediate Past Chair Member at Large

Louise Dardis Retired educator

Anne Blackhurst Minnesota State University Moorhead

Education

Dan Cash Midwest Radio of Fargo Moorhead

Kevin Christianson Paces Lodging Corporation, Property Resources Group

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Leadership FMWF

Brian Shawn Midco

Kyle Dorow Essentia Health

• Establish the region as a full-service metropolitan marketplace.

Military Affairs

Mike Dragosavich Spotlight

Trevor Mathew Choice Bank Professionals of Color

Chad Flanagan Eide Bailly LLP Steve Halverson Heartland Trust Company

• Be a bold voice for business through strong thought leadership and a rich policy agenda.

Tim Flakoll Tri-College University Public Policy

Kara Jorvig Allegro Group

Kirsten Jensen Minnesota State Women Connect University Moorhead

Brittany Montecuollo Sanford Health Mark Nisbet Xcel Energy

• Build a place of belonging to best serve members’ interests.

Celine Francisco Choice Bank

Young Professionals Network

Tami Norgard Vogel Law Firm Joanna Slominski Mortenson

Chamber Staff Jim Parsons

Darren Dunlop

Interim CEO, VP of Finance & Operations @FMWFJim

Business Development Manager @FMWFDarren

Alyssa Lakoduk

Katie Mastel

Professional Development Coordinator @FMWFAlyssa

Government Affairs & Advocacy Manager @FMWFKatie

Bobbi Rehder

Events Coordinator @FMWFBobbiJo

Darin Feir

Marketing Design Coordinator @FMWFDarin

Tracy Meckler

Membership & Advertising Sales Manager @FMWFTracyM

Casey Sanders

Manager of Membership @FMWFCasey

Tyler Fischbach

Amanda Huggett

Multimedia Marketing Coordinator @FMWFTyler

Manager of Communications & Marketing @FMWFAmanda

Tracy Powell

Mason Rademacher

Director of Events and Programs @FMWFTracyP

Mickayla Thompson

Member Relations Coordinator @FMWFMickayla

Public Policy & Workforce Development Coordinator @FMWFMason

Julie Yourczek Office Administrator @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.

2 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

A note from Chamber leadership Wishing a warm welcome to a new Chamber CEO On October 13, on behalf of The Chamber’s Board of Directors, I was thrilled to announce that our Chamber named a new president & CEO: Shannon Full.

In May, we contracted with an executive search firm to work with our own search committee to recruit the next Chamber leader after the passing of Craig Whitney last December. The search committee was led by Steve Swiontek and included Anne Blackhurst, Brian Shawn, Kristi Huber, Jon Riewer, and me. As a search committee, we understood the importance of finding the next CEO; someone who could be a strong leader for our members and the FMWF community. We did not take this responsibility lightly and are grateful that our due diligence was worth the grit and grace.

Our mission was to narrow our search to a top candidate and bring that individual forward to the Executive Committee. In early October, we brought Shannon Full to Fargo. Shannon toured our community, met with the executive committee of the board, the search committee, and the Chamber staff. We were energized and excited by the enthusiasm, experience and breadth of knowledge she demonstrated. It was evident that she was the passionate leader and community collaborator we were seeking, and we were thrilled when she accepted our offer.

Shannon Full

Shannon has over 20 years of Chamber experience, most recently as president and CEO of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce in Plymouth, Minnesota. Many of her previous chamber positions represented multiple communities (like the FMWF Chamber). Shannon is a pro-business advocate, and has experience with talent and workforce development, economic development, special events, membership programming and growing organizations. Her passion for building and sustaining prosperous communities inspired our board, and we’re eager to see what innovative initiatives Shannon will use to lead The Chamber and the entire Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community forward. We are confident that Shannon will serve both well.

In Shannon’s words: “I am so honored and eager to be taking on the role of president/CEO for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber. I am energized by the vibrancy of the community, the opportunities for growth, the commitment of the leadership and Chamber team and the tremendous foundation that has already been established. The support and empowerment I’ve already received from the Board of Directors is humbling. Our family is looking forward to calling the FMWF community home.”

Shannon will begin her role here in December. We look forward to welcoming her family to the FMWF community and to our Chamber.

Sandi Piatz

2020–21 Chamber Board Chair Site Leader, Microsoft

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 3

CHAMBER NEWS

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Announcing A NEW member benefit: Go/Do mobile app We are excited to announce a new collaboration between The Chamber and the Go/Do mobile application and a new benefit for Chamber members!

What does Go/Do do for you?

• More than just an app: Go/Do is a mobile app that helps connect businesses and consumers in a clear, searchable format.

• Budget-friendly visibility: We make it

simple. Go/Do is an app ONLY for finding things to do, eliminating the noise and distraction of other apps and mediums.

• Something for everyone: Want to get connected with local businesses? Hear about events and specials happening near you? Download the FREE Go/Do app on IOS or Android to get started!

What do I get as a Chamber member?

Questions?

EMAIL

All Chamber members receive: • Reduced pricing (25% discount) for event promotion on the app.

support@go-doapp.com or csanders@fmwfchamber.com WEBSITE

Members in the Eat/Drink or Everyday Things to Do categories will also receive:

go-doapp.com

• FREE listing of their business in the app, with interactive features that drive consumer interaction

@beyougodo

• Reduced pricing for event promotion and Eat/Drink specials on the app.

fmwfchamber.com/go/do-app.

FACEBOOK

LEARN MORE AT

MEMBERSHIP

EVENT LISTING

SPECIALS LISTING

EVERYDAY or EAT/DRINK LISTING

Chamber member

$30/event

$45/month

FREE

Non-member price

$40/event

$60/month

Membership poll

In the eBridge and social media, we asked our members to respond to a poll about their Chamber benefits. Here’s what they had to say.

Which forms of Chamber communication from us do you find the most informative and helpful?

• The Bridge newsletter: 12% • The e-Bridge email: 51% • Chamber website: 5% • Social media: 23% • Other or all the above: 9% Thanks to everyone who participated! We’ll be back with more poll questions in future eBridges. Want to get yourself on the list?

Sign up for Chamber emails at fmwfchamber.com/communication.

$30/month

Coupon Books available

The newest Chamber coupon book is now available! Packed full of savings and free items at member businesses, you can pick up your own copy now. We have books for sale for just $20, available for purchase at The Chamber offices inside the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead.

Remember, you can reach out any time to connect with a Chamber staff member or discuss how to maximize your membership. Call us at 218.233.1100 or email info@fmwfchamber.com.

4 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER FACES Meet the Chamber staff - Your Public Policy team Leading the Chamber’s public policy and advocacy efforts, I have the opportunity to collaborate with regional community and industry leaders as well as policy makers on the local, state and federal level, to advance pro-business policies. In addition, I coordinate our Eggs & Issues series, oversee our Public Policy and Military Affairs Committees and support Fueling Our Future.

What do you love about your role?

I have a passion for the pollical process as well as business. I love getting to work with so many Katie Mastel diverse people who are working Government Affairs and Advocacy Manager Years with The Chamber: Almost 3 tirelessly to make our communities, states and country a better place. No two days bring the same challenge, which is great as I enjoy learning something new each day!

How else are you involved around the community?

Currently I volunteer my time with the North Dakota Distinguished Young Women Program, as well as the Fargo National Cemetery Volunteer Committee. I’m also a part of The Chamber’s Leadership FMWF class and am politically active.

What do you love about your role?

I love that my position includes so many different areas and allows me to work on so many different things, all at once! I have a strong passion for continuous learning and professional development and my wide array of responsibilities has allowed me to constantly challenge myself and continue to learn.

How else are you involved around the community?

Before COVID-19, I regularly volunteered at the Dorothy Day Food Pantry in Moorhead.

During my senior year at NDSU (2019-20), I was an active member of Blue Key Honor Society, a service-based organization, where we worked to give back to our campus and the larger community.

What are a few fun facts you can share about yourself?

• • • •

My role with The Chamber provides me the opportunity to coordinate the Agribusiness and Education committees and the Professionals of Color program.

Working alongside educators and employers on the Education committee, we strive to cultivate connections between them to implement sound workforce policy for our region. The Agribusiness committee works to educate our metro on the importance of agriculture on our local, state and federal economies. Through the Professionals of Color program, we work to provide opportunities within our community for professionals of color to develop personally and professionally through meaningful engagement and a sense of belonging. Finally, I also work alongside Mason Rademacher Katie to advance The Chamber’s public Public Policy & Workforce Development Coordinator Years with The Chamber: 1.5 years policy and advocacy efforts.

Many around the Chamber know me as K3 I’m getting married summer of 2021 Currently I’m pursing my MBA I love traveling to National Parks

What are a few fun facts you can share about yourself?

• I have a 9-month-old golden retriever named Oakley • I served as the student body president at both NDSCS and NDSU • My favorite TV show is Friends and favorite movie is Twister

Why would you recommend businesses or professionals get involved in The Chamber?

I recommend not just joining, but getting involved in The Chamber! It is a great way to make connections with others in the community. In addition, we are stronger together. Our unified business voice can make a stronger impact on policy than one organization can on its own. Join a committee or attend an event—you won’t regret it!

Why would you recommend businesses or professionals get involved in The Chamber?

There are so many different ways to get involved and getting involved with your Chamber is a great way to learn more about your community, develop personally and professionally and make some great connections!

#ChamberCrew

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FMWFCHAMBER.COM 5

CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER FACES Meet the Committee Chair

Roger Reierson

Meet the Board Members

Kara Jorvig

• Agribusiness committee chair • Executive chair of RR46, including Flint Group, AdFarm, Super Studio, Prime 46

• Founder and CEO, Allegro Group Inc. • Year joined the board: 2020 • Other Chamber Involvement: Former Young Professional Network chair, Women Connect committee member and training and networking event attendee

What would you like others to know about your committee?

The Agribusiness committee hears updates on ag businesses, the state of ag economy, reports on seasonal ag issues, and general support of agriculture. We hosted our first agriculture-focused Eggs & Issues last year and looking forward to next year. We are looking to hold off-site meetings at ag businesses next year, play a larger role in public policy impacting agriculture and expand the committee membership.

Allegro Group is a premier consulting, organizational development and talent acquisition firm based in Fargo. I’m passionate about partnering with CEOs and executive teams to help them assemble, activate and accelerate their A-Teams. Our focus is on unlocking organizations’ potential to scale and inspiring leaders to reach new levels of success.

What do you like best about serving on The Chamber board?

I have been involved with the chamber since 1976, thanks to C. Warner Litton. I love the networking, and more importantly, The Chamber has kept me up-todate over the years on business in the area.

I enjoy the opportunity to work with a highimpact team of leaders who are all focused on supporting growth and development in the business community. I have found incredible value in the relationships that have impacted me personally and professionally.

What is the best professional advice you have ever received?

What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

What do you like most about being involved with The Chamber?

Always be kind, be a leader and be the person others want to work with. I learned the first piece of advice from my dad. The second can be misunderstood, don’t get it mixed up with authority, leadership is when people choose to listen to you. Leadership will motivate, engage and empower the people around you. Authority will simply remind them who is boss.

The third is a value of our company.

What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

Grandkids now bring the most joy to my wife and I, but otherwise I love to play golf, spend time at the lake and travel.

6 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

I love summers at the lake, cooking with family, wake surfing and running.

What’s your best piece of advice for future leaders?

Make sure your actions align with both your values and your vision for the future.

Mike Dragosavich

• Founder, Spotlight • Year joined the board: 2016

I love being an entrepreneur and building something from scratch. I try to bring my entrepreneurial spirit to The Chamber and inject ideas that are more unique and alternatives to the status quo.

What do you like best about serving on The Chamber board?

I love the mix between professional and casual. It’s one of the most professional experiences I have each month but I always feel comfortable and excited in the role. This is seriously one of the best chambers in the country and I want more people to see what I see. They would be very impressed!

How else are you involved around the community?

My whole business has revolved around our community in the past 10 years. We find, tell and show over 60 community stories and resources each month. Over 400 magazines focused on our community.

What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

I love golf and hanging with my wife, daughter and son. I am also passionate about NDSU Athletics!

What’s your best piece of advice for future leaders?

Set a goal daily and accomplish these two things daily: 1. Research and learn how to be more technically resourceful in your craft 2. Do something impressive to the standards of your target/employer/customer and not your own standards.

CHAMBER NEWS

Announcing:

Building Successful Internship Programs Launching January 2021!

Session topics 1.

Introduction to Total Internship Management

2.

Organizational Readiness & Team Commitment

3.

The Intern Work Plan

4.

Effective Recruiting & On-Boarding

5.

Selection & Training Mentors/Supervisors and Performance Management

6.

Transitioning to “What’s Next” & Assessment

Have you thought about hiring an intern but don’t know where to start? Do you have an internship program but want to enhance it?

Regardless of your organization’s size or where you’re at in the internship development or enhancement process, this program is for you!

7.

Wrapping Up: Putting it all together

Through equipping yourself and your organization with the right tools, you can expect this nineweek, seven-part, highly interactive training series to teach you a data-driven approach as you develop, or enhance, an internship experience within your company.

•

The training series will be offered live, with virtual options available.

What you’ll receive •

Access to video recordings for a year

•

A supplemental training webinar:

· · ·

Internship Legal Update

Two supplemental books: Total Internship Management, Supervisor’s Handbook Total Internship Management, The Employer’s Guide to Building and Sustaining the Ultimate Internship Program

Member price: $215

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Buy local, shop small,

choose chamber

& the state of small business in our region

Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 28 this year, and The Chamber wants you to know that we support our small businesses and local members! Over 85% of our members classify as small businesses, with fewer than 50 employees. These members represent the heart of our organization and are vital to our local economy.

You might not realize it, but every time you choose to shop small, you’re making a big difference. For every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the community. So when you shop small on Small Business Saturday—and all year long—you can help create a big impact.

Did you know?

Fast facts*

• Percent of U.S. GDP generated by small businesses: 44%

• Total number of small businesses in America: 31.7 million.

• Dollar amount of GDP generated by small businesses in 2019: $9.4 trillion.

• Percentage of all American businesses that are considered small: 99.9%.

• National Veterans Small Business Week is November 2 to 6. Each year the U.S. Small Business • North Dakota’s Women’s Administration (SBA) celebrates, Business Summit will be held connects, and empowers service virtually on November 10 and is members, veterans, National designed to help women connect Guard and Reserve members, and with others and find training military spouses. Follow along in the business community. on social media using #VetBiz. Learn more at ndwbc.com.

• The North Dakota Small Business Development Centers advised 1,062 individual clients in 2019.

• According to AmEx, in 2019, shoppers came together to support their local communities more than ever. The 10th Annual Small Business Saturday hit a record high with an estimated $19.6 billion in reported spending.

• U.S. Small Business Administration lending continues to reflect strong economic trends during the period October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019. In North Dakota, the SBA approved 183 7(a) and 504 loans worth $76.1 million to North Dakota small businesses.

32.5%

Small Busin ess

Growth in number of women-owned firms in ND from 2007–18

NORTH DAKOTA EDIT

STAR GROWT E

ION 2020

resour

ce guide

XPAND BUSIN

YOUR

ESS

Find the 2020 North Dakota Small Business Resource Guide at sba.gov.

1

8 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

• Percent of employer small businesses that are minority-owned: 18%.

• Percentage of total employees in the U.S. that work for a small business: 47.1%. Percentage of all Americans that work for a small business: 18.59%.

• Minority-owned businesses contribute $1 trillion to the economy annually.

*According to the inforum.com article “Small business means big business across region” published on September 21, 2020.

What does your support mean?

I think the best “part of being a

Living and working in Fargo is the “first time I’ve felt a true sense of

small business owner is that I can really connect with my customers who shop in my store.

My patients are like family to me and their support means the world to me.

I love to shop local also and support my neighbors and my community!

”

— Dr. Melissa McCulley, McCulley Optix Gallery

community, and a lot of that is attributed to the small business environment. Spending the bulk of my adult life working for small businesses in Fargo, I’ve both supported and been supported by so many amazing companies and individuals, and it never feels transactional. We have a genuine desire to raise one another up because when our business community is thriving, we all stand to gain.

”

— Jack Yakowicz, AdShark Marketing

Organizations that can help

How we can help

If you are a business owner looking for support, or are trying to start your own business, there are many organizations in our area that can help! From business advising to mentoring, to funding and trademarks, there’s a great team of professionals here ready to help you succeed.

Check out any of the organizations below to get started!

We also want to support area business owners and budding entrepreneurs! We can act as a connector, and even if we don’t know the answer to an issue in your industry, we probably know someone who does! Let us know what you need help with, and we’ll do our best to help you reach an organization, individual or program that can step in.

• Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corp. for help relocating, expanding or starting your business • Moorhead Business Association for advocacy, networking and information • Small Business Administration, with a Fargo office, to start, grow, expand, or recover after a disaster, find lowcost business advisers or federal funding, certifications and more • Fargo SCORE for mentoring

• North Dakota Small Business Development Center for advising • North Dakota Women's Business Center for training, advising and more • Veterans Business Outreach Center for service members and military spouses to start or grow a business • Emerging Prairie for tech and startup support

• Our PUSH program through Women Connect offers mentorship and support for professional women.

And, a POC mentoring program is in the works!

• NDSU's Startup Incubator at the Research & Technology Park

Did we miss someone? Let us know the great business support organizations you recommend!

• Use our Member Information Center (an online members-only tool through our website) to send or respond to RFPs, collect web leads, get referrals and connect with other members.

Check out what local businesses said: most rewarding part of our business is to support local business “The “isChoosing hearing our customers’ stories when they come an investment back into your own community. The return experienced from this investment is having a community filled with unique dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences that you won't find anywhere else. Even more than that, our region’s small business community often bands together to raise money, or donate their time to local non-profits in an effort to ensure a healthy community for all.

”

— Skyler Dutton,Thunder Coffee

” — Rinda Norberg

and Jenna Larson, Nothing Bundt Cakes M.Schleif Photography

• Check our Business Directory for organization or categories that you’re interested in to partner with, or reach out if you need a referral.

• Hiring or need help?

Members can submit their job openings on our website!

• 1 Million Cups for weekly events to get connected

into the bakery and getting to be a small part of their celebrations and special events. With everything currently going on in the world, it’s even more important to offer that personal touch to bring a smile to their face. Being a Chamber member has helped us connect with other small business owners, giving us a genuine feeling of being part of the FMWF community. The support from people shopping locally is the key to our success and has made us feel very blessed.

Plus, shopping local just makes you feel good!

• Our public policy committee or advocacy coordinator can help you monitor issues affecting your business, understand legislative issues or connect you with elected officials to share your voice and take a stance.

Being a Fargo local for over 20 “years, Fargo truly is home. The people of Fargo are so welcoming, and there is such a sense of community. I feel very lucky to be a part of a new small business to Fargo and absolutely love when I can support others. With our location being open almost two years, it is exciting to see how Fargo has opened its arms to us and our customers have become our family. We cannot wait to grow our business in Fargo for many years to come!

” — Katie Goetz,

Going shopping?

Tag us in your small biz shopping pics on social media this year so we can see where you shopped and what sweet swag you walked away with! Don’t forget to wear your mask! @FMWFChamber #shopsmall #FMWFMembers

“loverAs aoffierce this community, a self-proclaimed serial volunteer, I couldn’t be prouder of the work we are doing.

As I listen to stories nationwide, I continue to believe North Dakota is the best state to start your business and raise a family. It’s incredible to see the network of support, small businesses lifting one another up or sharing resources, and our community thriving, especially during Covid-19. I have seen many innovative ideas born during the pandemic and partnerships formed, it makes my heart smile!

”

— Christy Dauer,

ND Women's Business Center

Gunderson’s Jewelers

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 9

ASKING THE EXPERTS:

Powering the Power Grid

As winter approaches and the debate continues on regarding the best approach to powering a future electric grid, we sat down with Marshal Albright of Cass County Electric to learn more about what role fossil fuels and renewable energy have in our power supply. Visit our blog to read an extended version of this article with Marshal’s perspective on the future of electric vehicles.

Marshal Albright

President/CEO Cass County Electric Cooperative

Cass County Electric utilizes various power sources. How do these compare in terms of cost and reliability?

What do you think the energy sector will look like in both the near and distant future?

There appears to be a lot of uncertainty within the energy industry. Moving forward, what can provide the industry with certainty?

Of the various energy sources that supply power to the regional transmission grid, coal, natural gas and nuclear are the most reliable because they can be scheduled to operate as needed. Annually we receive about 40% of the rated capacity from wind energy. “Remember, we need power 100% of the time…California is moving away from fossil-fuel baseload sources (i.e., coal), and toward more renewable energies (i.e., wind and solar), and at times, they have had to implement rolling blackouts to keep their grid from collapsing.”

In the near-term, there is ample power supply to meet our needs over the next decade.

If we are forced to shutter existing coal-fired power plants because of new federal regulations or taxes, we will need to invest in other sources.

For nearly two decades, Congress has failed to address federal energy policy for electric utilities to provide certainty for long-term planning. Until we know what the rules will be, it is difficult to plan.

Fortunately, we currently have adequate resources to meet our needs. “Between 2007 and 2011, we invested over $425 million to add emission controls to our existing coal-fired powerplants and are in full compliance with all federal and state air quality standards. The challenge is if a new administration decides that we can no longer use coal, we have a large mortgage on our power plants that we need to pay off from adding emission controls, and that requires time. If we are forced to invest in new energy sources sooner than planned, the cost of electricity will increase significantly.”

Looking at the production cost, both coal and natural gas are similar, while wind energy is at a lower price because of massive federal subsidies (i.e., production tax credit). From 2008-2019 the PTC for wind energy was $61.9 billion and is projected to cost taxpayers another $13 billion from 2020-2023. “Renewables are often added as an energy source so the developer can harvest the federal tax credit and not always because we need more energy.”

Can renewable energy sources be considered a real alternative?

Currently, 34% of Cass County Electric’s generation capacity comes from wind farms; however, because the wind does not always blow, the net energy from wind is around 18%. The solar farm produces power around 14% of the rated capacity.

“Obviously, solar does not produce power at night and is not very beneficial in the winter—with fewer hours of daylight, more clouds and panels occasionally get covered in snow. Solar, in my opinion, is not a practical source of power in our region.”

From a broader perspective, Albright said that because of the variability in power production from renewable energy sources, they are not an alternative to fossil-fuel baseload supply or peaking plants, but rather are a supplement.

10 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

Looking long-term, federal energy policy will dictate what the energy sector will look like.

The future will likely include more renewable energy and natural gas peaking plants and less coal and nuclear.

It is believed that someday energy storage will play a larger role in the power supply. Still, it is not currently a viable option due to cost and the inability to supply energy for days, not a few hours.

“In January of 2020, there were about nine days in a row where our wind resources were limited because of icing conditions, and we cannot feasibly store enough energy to cover the shortfall, so we must rely on our baseload (fossil fuel) resources.”

One of Cass County Electric's electric vehicle charging stations

What do you want people to know most about the energy sector?

It is complicated. Several factors determine the cost of power supply; transmission availability and constraints, surplus production because of too much wind energy, wholesale market price volatility, power source availability, our climate and the political environment. Our number one goal is to provide affordable and reliable power to our member-owners.

If someday there is a transition to alternative power sources, they must be affordable and reliable. We can go down that road, but “the biggest thing we need is time (decades).”

If you could only operate off of wind and solar, what would that look like for consumers?

“In January, it wouldn’t look very good. We would be out of power, nearly 67% of the time. It’s different in other parts of the country where they don’t have cold weather to deal with as we do in North Dakota; fundamentally, it is a life-safety issue. In our climate, we need power sources that are available 100% of the time. If we were without electricity for a day, the damage would be devastating… water doesn’t flow, gas doesn’t flow, food spoils and you don’t have communications. It becomes a very dire situation when you are dealing with the safety implications of having electricity or not.”

ARE YOU DOING THIS ONLINE? There are common mistakes people make that leave the door wide open to online intruders. You can defend your computer and accounts by learning some basic guidelines.

Never overshare personal information, never click unexpected attachments and don’t reuse your passwords.

To learn more visit DEFEND.ND.GOV

ENGINEERING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS IS OUR JOB. BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES IS OUR PASSION. ULTEIG ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS Ulteig works in the Lifeline Sectors of power, renewable energy, water, and transportation, but our passion lies in strengthening the communities we serve. Whether it’s a new roadway or windfarm, substation or water treatment facility, we take our commitment to improving, maintaining, and revitalizing essential infrastructure seriously. Because we don’t just engineer sophisticated infrastructure solutions, we help to build stronger, safer, cleaner, and healthier communities. START YOUR NEXT PROJECT WITH ULTEIG.

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 11

With You Every Step of the Way. From business checking and savings accounts to loans for your dream venture, Gate City Bank will be by your side.

A better way of life awaits: Begin your financial journey at GateCity.Bank/Business.

43 locations in 22 communities across North Dakota and central Minnesota 701-293-2400 • 800-423-3344

Member FDIC

THANK YOU, TEACHERS Education has undergone a dramatic transformation this year, and at the forefront of that transformation has been technology. At ReadiTech we work with schools to make sure their technology is working for their teachers, rather than against them.

For all of the hard work you put into educating our youth: we thank you, teachers! To learn how ReadiTech can support your school

today, visit readitech.com/education.

Readi Tech A DRN COMPANY

4870 Rocking Horse Circle S., Fargo

12 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS — Thank you to the sponsors that make these events and programs possible. Find them on page 29. —

Building Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces

Business Training Treating Your Customers Like NonProfits Treat Their Donors

Enhancing Your Employer Brand:

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

Livestream

Strategies through a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lens Thursday, November 5 | 10 to 11 a.m.

Recruitment, retention & engagement strategies have always been central to any employer’s success, but with the current fierce competition for talent, the stakes are high. This employment climate creates a great opportunity to cast a wider net to expand the talent pool. The fifth webinar in this series will help you with strategies to recruit diverse talent, as well as retain and engage this talent, all while building your employer brand.

Creating a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scorecard: How to Define and Measure Success Thursday, November 12 | 10 to 11 a.m.

You’ve heard the phrases “what gets measured gets managed” or “what gets measured matters.” These statements couldn’t be more true for DE&I efforts in workplaces. A DE&I scorecard defines an organization’s goals and creates a roadmap. While providing direction, it also provides for accountability, and ultimately, helps define success.

These virtual trainings are available to all at no charge.

Sign up at fmwfchamber.com/diversity-training.

We’re in a bizarre new reality where there is an expectation and desperate need for personalization from clients Patrick Kirby and customers. So how do you, as a Do Good Better Consulting business, transform the way you interact with those you serve? Look to the non-profit world.

How to Diagnose and Solve Performance Issues in Your Workplace Wednesday, December 9 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Livestream

If you work with people, chances are you have encountered your share of performance issues. It may even seem like you are Jess Almlie addressing the same issue over and over.

Discovery Benefits, a WEX company Maybe you have thrown multiple resources at a problem, only for it to reappear. Stop the madness! There is a way that you can systematically identify, diagnose and address these issues for good.

State of the Cities

Save the Date

Thursday, January 14, 2021 | 8 to 9:30 a.m.

Join us at this annual event that brings our community together to ask questions of our local city’s leaders and talk about our region’s growth, goals and priorities.

FEATURING

Mayor Kory Peterson Horace

Mayor Bernie Dardis West Fargo

Mayor Johnathan Judd Moorhead

Mayor Tim Mahoney Fargo

Mayor Chad Olson Dilworth

#FMWFCities

PRESENTED BY

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

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 13

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Eggs & Issues

Women Connect

Homelessness & Hunger: Impacts on Our Community

You Failed? Just Get Up. Again and Again and Again.

Tuesday, November 3 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. | Livestream

Tuesday, November 24 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. | Livestream

Failure. It’s not a word that most of us are comfortable with. It’s certainly not something most of us would choose to experience. Nobody likes to fail, but women seem to be particularly terrified of it. Perhaps that’s because we get so Thomas PASTOR COMMISSIONER Melissa Joel many fewer chances to take risks than men do.

Sue Arlette Hill Sobolik Thomsen But we all will fail. How do you pivot to get past United Way Koesterman Preston Great Plains Goldmark and the failure to discover the joy that can come of Churches United City of Fargo Food Bank Sterling Management the new path you find yourself on, the joy that It is estimated that more than 1,000 individuals in our community can only happen because of the failure? experience homelessness each night. For many, homelessness is just one of many concerns. And this issue runs much deeper than what many of us can see or imagine. At this session, we will explore the impacts homelessness and hunger have on our community, possible solutions, and why it’s so socially and economically critical.

Dayna Del Val The Arts Partnership

From Tribulation to Triumph: Local Stories of Success Tuesday, December 15 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. | Livestream

Sometimes life throws you a curveball. Sometimes, that ball turns your life upside down and shakes everything you thought you knew. Sometimes, you silently struggle through a battle that no one else even knows you’re fighting.

No matter what trials you’ve faced, there is hope.

Area Higher Education Update Tuesday, December 1 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. | Livestream

PRESIDENT

Anne Blackhurst MSUM

PRESIDENT

Dean Bresciani NDSU

PRESIDENT

Carrie Brimhall M-State

PRESIDENT

William Craft

Concordia College

PRESIDENT

John Richman NDSCS

With the significant impact the five largest higher education institutions in our region have on our community, it’s important to hear from those who lead them. Join us for this Eggs & Issues as each institution’s president provides a recap on the first semester and how their institutions have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will learn more about their enrollment, retention and placement rates, their outlook on the upcoming legislative sessions, local partnerships and key collaborations, plus their perspective on the future landscape of higher education.

At this special session, a panel of local women who have overcome the odds will share their inspirational stories of success, survival and pushing on. Their powerful voices will uplift you and provide tools and tips to find your strength and lead into a new year with purpose and positivity.

Finding Joy in the Muck Tuesday, January 26 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Avalon Events Center and livestream

In a time where your attention is being pulled in all directions—primarily negative—take a moment to create and find joy in the ordinary.

You’ll also be encouraged to take your ordinary to extraordinary, in the easiest way possible!

Erica Johnsrud Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley

At DCN, our main priority is keeping our customers connected. During COVID-19, that connection has been more important than ever before.

-- Seth Arndorfer, CEO of DCN

WEBINAR Year-End Planning Update November 17 | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CST 701.239.8500 eidebailly.com/Inspired-Perspectives

14 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

Carrier Ethernet | SD-WAN | Data Center Cloud Computing | Dedicated Internet Access 800-814-3333 | DakotaCarrier.com

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Chamber 101 • Tuesday, December 15 | 4 p.m. | The Chamber office • Thursday, December 17 | 9 a.m. | Virtual If you’re not familiar with The Chamber, are a new member, new contact, new hire, or just want to reengage with us, this session is for you! Chamber 101 is a laid-back discussion designed to share some of the great benefits of Chamber membership and what opportunities exist that you need to know.

Professionals of Color Networking Before 9

Friday, November 6 | 8 to 9 a.m. | Zoom Join us for another great Virtual Networking Before 9 this month! Our local speaker will share their personal and professional story; come prepared to ask questions and learn! Bring your own breakfast and cup of coffee. Attendees will receive the Zoom link and instructions following registration. Stay tuned to find out who this month’s speaker is!

Discuss, Connect & Reflect: Walking with the Wind by John Lewis Friday, November 20 | Noon to 1 p.m.

Join us as we continue to read and discuss “Walking with the Wind” by John Lewis! After a great discussion on the first half of the book, we are excited to welcome more in as we focus on the second half of Congressman Lewis’s book!

For the second meeting, please start reading at Part V (Chapter 13, “Feel Angry with Me”) and complete the book, then be prepared to discuss!

Young Professionals Network November Book Club: Welcome to Adulting by Jonathan Pokluda Tuesday, November 17 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Zoom

Looking to find your footing as an adult? Join YPN as we discuss the book, “Welcome to Adulting” at November’s YPN Book Club.

This book helps young adults navigate the obstacles that we may face as we navigate life as professionals, covering topics including friendships and dating, career and money management, interpersonal conflict, controlling anxiety, recovering from addiction and discovering your purpose.

December Book Club: Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen Thursday, December 17 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Zoom Join YPN as we transform our emotions and outlook by taking control of our thoughts. Let’s end 2020 by blocking out all the negativity that exists in our minds and jump into 2021 with a more positive outlook! “Get Out of Your Head” is a New York Times bestseller.

Giving back at the food bank In October, a group of YPN members spent a few hours at the Great Plains Food Bank. It is a great reminder that during this time, our non-profit organizations still need volunteers to continue to make a positive impact in our community. Great Plains Food Bank offers three different volunteer times a day for up to 10 people per time slot, and takes time to sanitize between each shift. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and grow as a professional!

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

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 15

PROGRAM UPDATES

Leadership class learns about local government October’s Leadership session was focused on local government entities and civic engagement. Thank you to Bonanzaville for hosting our session. We kicked off the day with Lieutenant Chris Helmick (a graduate for the 2019-20 LFMWF class) of Fargo Police Department discussing the hot topics in law enforcement right now.

Following the presentation from Lieutenant Helmick, we had small group roundtable discussions. Thank you to Jenny Mongeau, Clay County Commission; Malachi Peterson, City of West Fargo; Joe Heilman; and Joe Duetsch, Fargo Parks, for the great discussions with our participants.

To end the day, the participants were sorted into their Community Change Initiative groups. Stay tuned to next month’s Bridge where we will announce this year’s initiatives and groups!

Highlights from the 2020 Corporate Cup

Thank you to all of our Corporate Cup | Amazing Race edition participants last month! We had a great time “racing” through the FMWF community and completing some of our Corporate Cup challenges. Thank you again to our participants for braving the chilly weather to compete. Congratulations to BNG Team for completing all challenges in the fastest time and being named this year’s champions!

Final rankings: 1.

BNG Team

8.

2.

First Community Credit Union

Razor Consulting Solutions

9.

Cornerstone Bank

3.

CNH Industrial

10. Northwestern Mutual

4.

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

11. S&S Promotional

5.

First International Bank & Trust

6.

Costco

7.

Red River Commodities

12. Widmer Roel 13. BC Contracting 14. Blue Cross Blue Shield

of North Dakota

Four-Color Printing Specialized Coatings Foil & Embossing Die Cutting

Fulfillment Center Variable Data Printing Direct Mailing Service I-printNow Storefront

Fargo, ND 58103 USA ph: 701.235.1121 knightprinting.com

16 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

PROGRAM UPDATES

PUSH for connections even in a virtual world The importance of intentional connection has never been more important, especially in these times of social distancing. Women Connect continues to evolve during this pandemic, the PUSH program is providing a unique way for women to continue to meet amongst the challenges we are facing currently.

PUSH stands for Pursue dreams, Unite women, Shatter barriers, and Have heart. PUSH has a history of success, with having placed over 75 groups since its inception (2016). In addition, we have seen an increase in women interested in connecting now that our monthly events have transitioned to virtual events.

Attention PUSH Facebook members!

Our page is moving!

The Women Connect and PUSH committee have decided to merge the PUSH Facebook group with the Women Connect Facebook group, effective the first of the year. We hope this will provide you with one great place for all things Women Connect.

If you aren’t yet part of the Women Connect page, please join us there, as all updates will be shared here in 2021: facebook.com/groups/FMWFWC.

Your PUSH committee

As we look ahead to 2021, we are most excited to organize a “Vision Board” event, host virtual pop-up PUSH sessions, and continue to expand our ambassador program.

If you are interested in joining a group or becoming an ambassador, please email push@fmwfchamber.com for more information.

Rylee Wznick

Razor Consulting Solutions

Nicole Jacobson

State Farm Insurance David Eggers

Jill Steinhaus Sagency

Accessible Business Expertise No matter your business. No matter your balance.

www.cornerstonebanks.net | 701-364-9630

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 17

MEMBER NEWS

NEW MEMBERS American Solutions for Business ome.americanbus.com h

arketing Services M SB was founded in 1981 and is a leading distributor of print, A

apparel, promotional products and marketing solutions. As a customer-driven company, their mission is to provide solutions that streamline business processes, enhance productivity and increase creativity while reducing client costs.

Center for Plastic Surgery c fpsfargo.com Medical - Physicians – Surgeons

At the Center for Plastic Surgery, they are committed to restoring and enhancing form and function for each patient through a personalized and curated approach. They provide the highest quality of care and results through innovative techniques and a warm and welcoming environment. They take a 360-degree approach to patient well-being and satisfaction and take pride in developing and maintaining lifelong relationships. They strive to become the premier plastic surgery destination in the region by improving the lives of their patients through innovative techniques and exceptional care.

Dakota Family Services akotafamilyservices.org d

S ocial Services akota Family Services is a group of compassionate, practiced D

experts providing outpatient care in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting for children, adolescents and adults with behavioral health issues.

Fix It Forward xitforwardautocare.com fi Providing quality auto repair and service isn’t their sole

objective. Through volunteer labor, discounted parts, and charitable donations to cover the costs of repairs, the Fix It Forward Ministry helps the neediest people in the community by providing free car repairs and giving away donated vehicles.

All work is done at Fix It Forward Auto Care after hours and on weekends. As of 2020, they have given away over 225 vehicles and repaired over 600. The name says it all!

Northern Neurosurgery & Spine nspine.com n

edical - Physicians - Surgeons M orthern Neurosurgery & Spine is a boutique spine care N

practice focusing on minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Broadway is focused on providing you with a customized treatment plan to get you back to doing the things you love.

Railyard Offices r ailyardoffices.com

ffice Suite Rental O ailyard is a unique coworking space designed to meet all your R

workspace needs. They provide the space, furnishings and equipment. Railyard Offices is located near downtown Fargo in a remodeled industrial building that was once part of an early railyard complex. With a variety of membership types, and no long term commitments, you can find the fit that works best for you and your business.

Robin Swanson Agency, Inc nfuia.com/robbin-swanson-insurance-agency-moorehead-minnesota m Insurance

Robin Swanson and her team are licensed insurance producers that are here to help you protect your nest! Contact them today to chat about your coverages and to obtain a comprehensive insurance proposal.

Self Storage Solutions s elfstoragesolutionsnd.com Storage - Self

Referred by Sue Skavlem, Skavlem Designs Self Storage Solutions is a self-storage facility serving the Fargo-Moorhead area!

Silver Spike Bar & Grill s ilverspikedilworth.com Restaurants

Nailtique nailtiquend.com

S pa Services - Beauty & Day eferred by ambassador Mitch Taralson, Bremer Bank R

ailtique is a clean and beautiful nail spa with experienced N nail technicians, that provide services such as dip, gel polish manicures, acrylic, five different pedicures, eyelash extensions and waxing.

Niche Marketing Solutions 01.212.9387 7

arketing Services M iche Marketing Solutions makes the most of your advertising N

budget by creating a custom plan to reach your target market with the right media at the right time.

18 THE BRIDGE

Welcome to the following businesses who have invested in joining The Chamber. We encourage all our members to do business with each other.

NOVEMBER 2020

Referred by Peyton Mastera, City of Dilworth Restaurant and bar located in Dilworth, Minnesota.

Soup, salad, pizza, appetizers, steaks, burgers, you name it!

Want to find all our members?

Search our online directory at fmwfchamber.com.

MEMBER NEWS

CHAMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Congrats to these members for celebrating the following milestone Chamber anniversaries this month!

20 Years

Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Baseball

15 Years

A&B Business Solutions, Inc. Red Trail Vineyard

10 Years

Aqreva Medical Billing and Consulting

Wastweet Appraisal & Consulting, Inc.

BC Contracting

5 Years

Cognosante, LLC

North Dakota Grain Growers Association

Dr. Heather L. Skari Family Dentristy

Haaby Real Estate

Porter Creek Hardwood Grill

Gate City Bank

Legendary Capital

Precision Plumbing, Inc.

KLJ

Proof Artisan Distillers

Southpointe Dental

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 the load, taking the work out of managing your accounts.

BANKING | MORTGAGE | INSURANCE* | TRUST & INVESTMENTS*

See Us First.

FIBT.com 0455_8-20

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

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 19

MEMBER NEWS

RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUNDBREAKINGS SEPTEMBER 2020

Cass County Electric Cooperative GRAND OPENING OF LEVEL-3 ELECTRIC VEHICLE FAST CHARGING STATION

2001 44th Street South, Fargo casscountyelectric.com

City of Fargo

MAIN AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION

225 Fourth Street North, Fargo fargond.gov

Fargo DIY Garage

Fargo Jet Center

901 Westrac Drive, Suite E, Fargo fargodiygarage.com

3802 20th Street North, Fargo fargojet.com

GRAND OPENING

25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

First Community Credit Union

Full Circle Pediatric Solutions

1404 12th Avenue North, Fargo myfccu.com

4725 Amber Valley Parkway South Suite B, Fargo fullcirclepediatric.com

GROUNDBREAKING

GRAND OPENING

Furniture Mission of Red River Valley

Jade + Jasper

1301 39th Street North West, Fargo furnituremissionrrv.org

3150 Sheyenne Street, Suite 180, West Fargo shopjadeandjasper.com

GRAND OPENING

20 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

GRAND OPENING

MEMBER NEWS

Make-A-Wish North Dakota

Moore Engineering Inc

4143 26th Avenue South Suite 104, Fargo northdakota.wish.org

925 10th Avenue East, West Fargo mooreengineeringinc.com

35-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Park Co. Realtors RELOCATION

4170 41st Avenue South Suite 102, Fargo parkcompany.com

Spotlight Media 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

15 Broadway North, Suite 500, Fargo spotlightmediafargo.com

Want your own ribbon cutting?

We want to help your business celebrate its important milestones! Chamber ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings are available FREE to any member business. If you have opened your doors within the past year, changed ownership, relocated, remodeleed, expanded or are celebrating a milestone anniversary, we would love to help commemorate the occassion.

60-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Peoples Home Equity Mortgage Lending GRAND OPENING

3575 45th Street South, Suite 100, Fargo peopleshomeequity.com

Tile Masters, Inc. Fargo Flat Inc. Dahl’s Mini Storage RELOCATION/NEW OWNERSHIP

1715 27th Street South, Moorhead tilemastersfargo.com | fargoflatinc.com | dahlministorage.com

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

For more information or to schedule, contact Mickayla at 218.359.0517 or mthompson@fmwfchamber.com, or fill out the form at bit.ly/FMWFRibbonRequest. *One ribbon cutting per year per member

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 21

MEMBER NEWS

COMPANY NEWS

A&B Business Solutions announced the expansion of a relationship with Ricoh into the state of North Dakota. This expansion is a direct result of the 27-year relationship that A&B Business Solutions. The partnership delivers products, services and solutions to assist companies to make the most of their productivity.

Dacotah Paper Co. has received an Excellence in Business Award from Spartan Chemical Company, Inc., a manufacturer with headquarters located in Toledo, Ohio, and a recognized leader in the formulation and manufacturing of sustainable cleaning and sanitation solutions in the industrial and institutional market. The award was presented to Dacotah Paper Co. for achieving one of the highest worldwide distribution standards in performance.

Dakota Carrier Network was named to Prairie Business magazine’s 2020 50 Best Places to Work. The honorees were announced in the September issue of the magazine. Earlier this summer, 1,476 employees nominated their companies, highlighting the reasons they believe their business is a great place to work.

Nominations included information about company culture, benefits, job satisfaction, and opportunities to learn and grow. View all winners at prairiebusinessmagazine.com.

Edward Jones was ranked No. 5 on the 2020 Best Workplaces for Women list by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE magazine. Rankings are based on employees’ feedback and reward companies that best include all employees, no matter who they are or what they do for the organization.

The ranking considered feedback representing more than 4.9 million employees working at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations.

Essentia Health earned its best-ever quality score in the Medicare Shared Savings Program. By meeting quality and cost goals in 2019, Essentia saved Medicare $13.2 million, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Essentia scored 95% for quality. To score that high, Essentia had to meet performance standards for 23 quality measures across four categories — patient/caregiver experience, care coordination/patient safety, preventive health and at-risk population.

Essentia Health also received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2020. Essentia is one of only 140 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. The award recognizes their success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that they have reached an aggressive goal of strict adherence to clinical guidelines and recommendations.

The B2B ratings and reviews platform Clutch named Spotlight a Clutch Leader on their annual list of the most highly recommended companies in North Dakota and the United States for 2020.

The Clutch research team selected these companies based on their ability to deliver high-quality work for their clients.

Each company is grouped into one of four categories based on their specific services, and then organized by their Clutch rank. Spotlight is listed in the Best B2B Companies in the USA under the Marketing Services Category.

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

ONLY STORE

IN AREA WITH USDA CERTIFIED ORGANICS

1650 45th St S, Fargo | 701-532-0416 22 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

MEMBER NEWS

PEOPLE NEWS

ZIEGLER

PREISLER

ASKVIG

DRYER

GUSTAFSON

KRETCHMAN

SCOLES

BAILEY

FISCHBACH

NAGLE

PAHL

SCHUH

SPELHAUG

DAWSON

PROMOTED

PROMOTED

PROMOTED

HOFFMAN

PROMOTED

ZAHARIA

YEADO

New Hires & Promotions Appareo Systems

Christina Ziegler, Material Handler

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties Kate Preisler, REALTOR®

Brady Martz & Associates, P.C.

Marcus Askvig, Manager Jessica Dryer, Senior Outsourcing Associate Christy Gustafson, HR Consultant Carter Kretchman, Associate

Capital Credit Union

Sabrina Scoles, Financial Services Representative

CCRI, Inc.

Kim Bailey, New Board Member Tyler Fischbach, New Board Member James Nagle, New Board Member Deanna Pahl, New Board Member Troy Schuh, New Board Member Taya Spelhaug, New Board Member

Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company Alex Dawson, Select Business Unit and Private Client Team Leader Ryan Hoffman, Managing Director Fargo Operations Lydia Zaharia, Business Insurance Marketing Manager Caitlin Yeado, Business Insurance Client Representative

Want to see yourself here?

Email your company or people news to us at thebridge@fmwfchamber.com or visit fmwfchamber.com/member-news.

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 23

MEMBER NEWS

PEOPLE NEWS

PROMOTED

AUNE

PROMOTED

PROMOTED

COTE

PROMOTED

PROMOTED

CURRY

PROMOTED

PROMOTED

DAHL

PROMOTED

GILDERHUS

PROMOTED

PROMOTED

HASBARGEN

PROMOTED

MERTZ

MONTPLAISIR

NESS

SAMUELSON

TEUBNER

DOBIS

FAILING

GRIESS

JOHNSON

KIM

VANDEBERG

LECOMTE

CAMPBELL

GRUBER

SOGGE

ENGBERG

HRON

Eide Bailly LLP

Summer Aune, Tax Senior Associate Devon Cote, Audit Senior Associate Cody Curry, Audit Senior Associate Markus Dahl, Audit Senior Associate Preston Gilderhus, Tax Senior Associate Hannah Hasbargen, Tax Senior Associate Shayna Mertz, Tax Senior Associate Justin Montplaisir, Audit Senior Associate Mason Ness, Audit Senior Associate Carly Samuelson, Audit Senior Associate Kelsey Teubner, BOS Senior Associate

Essentia Health

Dr. Jennifer Dobis, Family Medicine, West Acres Clinic Dr. Christopher Failing, Pediatric Rheumatologist Dr. Michael Griess, Ophthalmology, South University Dr. Colin Johnson, Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Daniel Kim, Dermatology, South University Dr. Mahmoud Soliman, Pathology (no photo provided) Becky Vandeberg, DO, Optometrist, South University

Gjesdahl Law

Alexa Lecomte, Associate Attorney

GOLDMARK Commercial Real Estate Paul Campbell, Commercial Agent

ICON Architectural Group Emily Gruber, Marketing Coordinator David Sogge, Project Manager

KW Inspire Realty Cynthia Engberg, Realtor Spencer Hron, Realtor

24 THE BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2020

MEMBER NEWS

BECKER

BRIMM

RADERMACHER

SWENSON

CARLSON

JELLEBERG

SCHUMAKER

HRUBY

BAHN-SANYANG

HAGEN

RORVIG

LITCHE

Park Co. Realtors

Alisia Becker, REALTOR® Mackenzie Brimm, Marketing Technology Coordinator Grant Radermacher, REALTOR® Nick Swenson, REALTOR®

Sterling Management, LLC

The Village Family Service Center

Superior Insurance Agency

Widmer Roel

Michael Carlson, Assistant General Counsel Sam Jelleberg, Director of Acquisitions and Investments Kira Schumaker, Financial Accountant Taylor Hruby, Vice President

Cecilia Bahn-Sanyang, VBI Client Service Associate Gabby Hagen, EAP Counselor Lisa K. Rorvig, Outpatient Counselor Cyrille Litche, Audit Associate

Recognitions & Endorsements Beyond Realty

Gretchen Hagemeister, National Association of Realtors Commitment to Excellence Endorsement Kristi Kasprick, National Association of Realtors Commitment to Excellence Endorsement Gloria Palm Connor, National Association of Realtors Commitment to Excellence Endorsement Ryan Mullikin, National Association of Realtors Commitment to Excellence Endorsement Sharon Weber, National Association of Realtors Commitment to Excellence Endorsement Shari Zimbelman, National Association of Realtors Commitment to Excellence Endorsement

Town & Country Credit Union

Jeremiah Kossen (President/CEO), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Credit Union Advisory Council member

Write for us!

All members of The Chamber are invited to submit guest articles to be published in Chamber communications! These may appear on our blog or in The Bridge newsletter. To find out guidelines and how to submit, click the “write for us” button at fmwfchamber.com/ bridge-archives.

TOPIC SUGGESTIONS:

• How-to articles on sales, marketing, customer service, lead generation, etc.

• Break down complicated/relevant current events, new industry rules or emerging technology • What you have learned about business or leadership, or a list of best resources

• Respond to FAQs about your industry or business niche • Relevant community information and area highlights • How your industry has grown or changed • Feel free to pitch us any other topic you think is interesting!

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 25

N O R T H D A K O TA S T Y L E

Let our experts help you custom-design an employee benefits package that works for you today and helps you get to where you want to be tomorrow.

Let’s get started on your employee benefits plan.

EmployerPlansND.com

Jo Hatfield Fargo • 701.282.1153

Mitch Kudrna Fargo • 701.282.1446

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

OpGo Marketing OpGo is a local small business that focuses on measuring marketing effectiveness. Our business was founded with the idea that all marketing should be an investment, not an expense— so we set out to make marketing prove itself.

The first service we provided was custom dashboards that connected data into one place so business owners can see performance in one place. Data comes from several sources such as Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Salesforce, MailChimp, or basically any software that has an API

allowing us to connect. We are able to easily see and compare marketing channel performance, return on ad spend, sales by territory or manager, number of leads, and of course cost per lead and cost to acquire a customer.

Over the last five years, we have expanded to provide full-service marketing on a retainer basis that is month to month. The typical marketing support included in the mix involves reporting, branding/logos, website development, digital marketing, SEO, media buying, competitor research and annual planning.

Tiffanie Honeyman, CEO/Consultant

What makes your business unique?

What are you focusing on right now?

What do you like best about doing business here?

Accountability is what we’re known for first. Our team is young and built to perform right out of the gate. We are able to work with startups as well as large companies that have been around for decades.

We have been partners of Google since day one, but are now focused on our partnership with Microsoft Power BI. The other big focus is building out the startup marketing ecosystem that brings marketing interns experience and startups affordable marketing.

Having lived on the West Coast for 11 years, I appreciate the forward thinking this community has developed. People are truly supportive of small business. I love seeing the face of downtown evolve and the openness of the people within the networks available. Without the support of organizations like Emerging Prairie, the Downtown Community Partnership, The Chamber and NDSU Research and Technology, I’m not sure OpGo would exist.

Fast Facts

Tiffanie speaking at Eggs & Issues

Graduation from Innovate ND

What is one thing you most want others to know about you?

What do you like about being a member of The Chamber?

I don’t like to be in the spotlight. I want to put others in the spotlight— so marketing is the perfect fit. I dive deep into metrics to uncover opportunities. It’s almost like a game.

A client win is a score for us!

My first interaction with The Chamber was very interesting.

I postponed the first meeting with my Chamber ambassador at least three times, not really sure what benefit I would get.

Turns out, the meeting ended up creating two key connections that put OpGo on the map in California, New York, and Ohio!

Tiffany served in the U.S. Navy

Total employees: 8 Year founded: 2015 Office locations: Fargo Completed the Innovate ND program in 2018 Online: opgomarketing.com

FMWFCHAMBER.COM 27

MEMBER PROFILE

Mike presenting at Business Training in 2018

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

and earning trust. Team members have prior leadership experience in Fortune 500, nonprofit, agriculture, healthcare, higher education, heavy equipment, and technology from local, national and international perspectives.

The Sagency team lives out their core values of being curious, owning it, winning as a team, and earning trust. These values drive their day-to-day interactions together and with clients.

Sagency is a leadership coaching and executive search firm. The Sagency team is comprised of experienced professionals united around a mission of helping leaders, teams and organizations achieve their greatness. Their track record as trusted guides span across various sectors including healthcare, biotech, non-profits, real estate, engineering, construction, agriculture and food, and professional services.

Sagency was founded in 2011 by president and CEO Mike Meagher with the belief that healthy, growing organizations help people and communities flourish. They have since grown from a one-man band to a small-butmighty team of seven, with clients across the U.S. and even South Africa, impacting more than 300 leaders.

Since its inception, Sagency has guided leadership teams and boards to increase organizational health and growth.

Early on, Sagency also saw and met a market need for executive search services designed to help organizations find and select the very best talent to drive their future strategy. Sagency provides leaders with individual and team coaching to accelerate growth and success. Investing in its own capabilities through various partnerships and world-class training with organizations such as The Hudson Institute of Coaching, Center for Executive Coaching, Team Coaching International, John Maxwell Team, Franklin Covey, and others. Sagency is committed to continued growth and its experience and preparation help them understand how to recognize and maximize the potential of others.

Sagency’s staying power comes from their flexibility, relentless focus on bringing value to clients,

SERVICES

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28 THE BRIDGE

Executive and Team Coaching

NOVEMBER 2020

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Beyond full benefits, employees are supported in taking time off to volunteer, participate in civic organizations, and continue their personal and professional development.

Lions Club volunteering Employees give their time to local non-profits and groups, serve on boards, and participate in charity events, many of which Sagency sponsors.

Because of Sagency’s purpose, all employees take part in ongoing individual coaching, training, personal development, and can do so in an open, collaborative and supportive environment.

Struggles, effort, and learning are embraced as key elements of personal and professional growth. All employees have a voice in what and how they can contribute to the firm’s strategic vision.

Sagency has strong partnerships with their clients and community.

One example is how they partner with specific clients to design, develop, and deliver multiple custom Leadership Academies.

These are one-to-two-year customized programs to develop and enhance leadership skills and create engaging and growth-oriented environments for teams. Over 200 leaders have committed to these academies, and clients maintain they are a key investment for advancing their organizations, enhancing productivity, and preparing for future leadership succession.

All these reasons and more is why their team can be your secret weapon, and why they are this year’s Small Business of the Year.

Online: sagencytalent.com @SagencyTalent

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

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69 cents of every dollar spent at a U.S. small business remains in that local community.*

*Estimate from data on businesses with under 100 employees, as reported in Amex-commissioned 2018 Small Business Economic Impact Study, amex.co/another-reason-shop-small.

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