2023 Annual Report
FMWF CHAMBER
A The Chamber’s mission and cornerstones.
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
s we begin our 2023-2024 fiscal year, our team would like to take a minute to reflect on the past year and thank you for the successes we have had. Your membership investment, unwavering trust and active engagement have allowed us to achieve remarkable milestones and create substantial, long-term impact for our members, community and region. We are firmly committed to you, our members and our community, and we will remain focused on promoting and protecting businesses, inspiring individuals, cultivating communities and influencing action.
We have experienced substantial growth and increased impact not only in our region, but also in our chamber. Specific areas of success have been in our public policy efforts, workforce initiatives, events and programs, and new membership structure and benefits. Your dedication to our business community was felt and heard across Minnesota and North Dakota as we worked diligently together across both states and Washington, D.C. to advocate for the vitality of our region. Your support and collaboration enabled us to significantly expand our workforce programs and secure a federal grant to address our greatest workforce needs which ultimately will place hundreds of individuals into Good Jobs within our region. Your attendance, feedback and ideas have allowed us to elevate our events and programs as we continue to curate and deliver high caliber experiences. Your active engagement has resulted in an evolution of our membership structure to a tiered benefit model, of which many members have already fully embraced and adopted. You, your team and your company have played a vital role in shaping our organization and our region. We are extremely grateful for the partnership. We look forward to continuing to work alongside you, collaborating with you and advancing our collective mission of growth and prosperity. Thank you for being a member of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber, and we wish you much success in the promising year ahead!
Shannon Full
President & CEO Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce
Follow Shannon on X @FMWFShannon
CHAMBER MISSION
The Chamber is a catalyst for growth and prosperity. We promote and protect business, inspire individuals, cultivate communities and influence action.
CHAMBER FOUNDATION MISSION
The Chamber Foundation is a catalyst for strengthening our regional workforce. We activate community partners to pioneer innovative solutions for our most pressing challenges. Our focus lies in attraction, acclimation, development and retention. Together, we’re shaping a future where our workforce not only thrives but also leads the way.
CORNERSTONES BUSINESS VITALITY
PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY
2
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ANNUAL REPORT
WORKFORCE & TALENT COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE
O
ver the past two years, we have been dedicated to restructuring and elevating our membership to provide more opportunities, flexibility and benefits to our members. Each category of membership has its own set of unique benefits and opportunities. You as the member choose which package will bring you and your team the most value and growth. We are thrilled to offer these new opportunities as they enable The Chamber to better serve our members and support your business growth and unique goals.
Firs ir, a Ch 023 2 2 202
t In
CATALYST
Strengthening our regional economy
CHAMPION
Representing your business interests
INFLUENCER
Supporting leadership development
GROWTH
Your business as a destination
ACCESS
New opportunities & relationships
MEMBERSHIP
TE ank R S ona l B E T ti PE terna
NEW MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
Enhancing Access, Engagement, Opportunities and Impact.
EM HJ Trust E N &
YOUR NEW AND IMPROVED CHAMBER MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE: oncierge Services to welcome your C newest talent and retain them public business profile on the Ignite A FMWF platform, to engage with your future talent and jobseekers
E xclusive roundtables and curated events xclusive visibility, advertising and E sponsorship opportunities Enhanced ribbon cutting services
omplimentary tickets and discounted C access to popular events and programs
public business profile on A the Ignite FMWF platform
pportunities to engage O and develop your team
And much more …
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ANNUAL REPORT
E BUSINESS VITALITY
Empowering and engaging our businesses.
mpowering businesses through impactful programs, events, connections and resources that actively engage our members. These valuable opportunities strengthen our vibrant business community.
+ 70 76 Created 372 unique pages of Bridge magazine content for our Chamber and community members. That’s 1,004,400 total pages printed and mailed to our Chamber members and community.
316,200 copies were mailed and emailed throughout the region.
147 Convened local, regional and national thought leaders for 2,327 in-person attendees and over 7,000 livestream viewers at Eggs & Issues and Midwest Summit events.
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76 Chamber ambassadors dedicated to engaging, connecting and supporting our businesses. Hosted 70+ ribbon cuttings and celebrations with our members.
372 1,004,400 316,200 Hosted 147 events, experiences and networking opportunities. (that’s one every 2.4 days)
2,327 7,000 75+ 13
Welcomed 75+ thought leaders and experts from 13 states to the FMWF area to connect with and speak to Chamber members and community leaders.
490 member businesses have already transitioned to our enhanced membership tiers and are utilizing their new benefits, further heightening their engagement, impact and return on investment.
490
BREAKDOWN OF MEMBERSHIP Working to serve our businesses of all sizes % Large Businesses 6 (200+ employees)
15,133 65+
415,946 views on our website, providing enhanced visibility and exposure to our members, advertisers and sponsors on fmwfchamber.com.
We brought 15,133 people together across 65+ unique locations and venues in FMWF – creating lifelong professional development, business connections and friendships.
BUSINESS VITALITY
8% Small Businesses 6 (25 or fewer employees)
Empowering and engaging our businesses.
6% Medium Businesses 2 (25 to 200 employees)
415,946
CONNECTING MORE BUSINESSES AND LEADERS ACROSS THE REGION TO NEWS, RESOURCES AND INITIATIVES ridge magazine emailed to B 40,000 more inboxes.
e Bridge weekly e-newsletter gained 2,854 new subscribers.
etro Profile magazine distributed in FMWF, M the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
6 67,461 people reached on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram with 2,258 new followers.
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Promoting and protecting our businesses and influencing action.
PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY 6
A
dvocating for policy, convening public officials and business leaders, inspiring civic engagement and leading critical efforts to represent our business community’s interests at all levels of government. A strong, business-friendly climate is essential for economic growth and prosperity.
180
The Chamber convened and engaged over 180 businesses across ND, MN and Washington, D.C. for critical policy-related roundtables and discussions.
202
202 business leaders engaged in our Public Policy, Military Affairs and Agribusiness Committees.
Over 88.8% success rate on bills advocated for in ND & MN.
23
08 businesses signed our 1 opposition letter for Paid Family Leave in MN. 13 other MN communities used our letter of opposition in their public policy efforts.
88.8%
361,377,000
$
Played an integral role in securing $361,377,000 in MN and ND funding for critical regional projects & initiatives.
100+ 12,300 20
ANNUAL REPORT
108 13
100+ FMWF area business and community leaders joined us at the Minnesota and North Dakota Days at the Capitol and the Washington, D.C. Fly-In to advocate for our region with a strong presence.
12,300 miles traveled by Chamber staff across the region and country to advocate for and advance policy issues for our region.
2,000 10,000 38,123 114 35 23
Published and distributed our 2023 Legislative Review and Voting Report to over 2,000 area businesses and 10,000 area leaders and professionals.
Hosted 23 organized opportunities for Chamber and community members to meet, hear from and interact with local candidates and elected officials. (That’s a curated opportunity roughly every 2 weeks)
WHAT’S NEXT?
TO ESTABLISH A REGIONAL CENTER OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Why will this exist? To cultivate business-friendly candidates. To promote non-partisan business and community member engagement throughout the election process. To educate the community and increase civic engagement and business representation throughout government. To provide employer and employee candidate toolkits in an effort to reduce barriers to entry for those looking to serve their community. To provide resources, information and forums necessary to engage at all levels of the election process.
What are The Chamber’s goals? T o cultivate business-minded candidates to seek elected office. T o inspire a business environment that embraces public service and encourages election engagement.
PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY
Launched East meets West to strengthen connections across North Dakota. Hosted 35 business, community and state leaders from across the state to convene in Bismarck and Watford City.
Promoting and protecting our businesses and influencing action.
38,123 views on Vote FMWF website with 114 local candidates featured.
T o educate community members on elections, candidates and ballot information.
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E COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
Dedicated to the growth and prosperity of our entire region.
stablishing and accomplishing largescale initiatives that strongly position our region for the future and extend our impact far beyond only Chamber members. We are dedicated to the growth and prosperity of our entire region and those within it.
40 1,300+ 7
Leadership FMWF welcomed 40 new leaders in 2023 to our network of 1,300+ program alumni. This newest cohort launched 7 Community Change Initiatives to address and enhance various aspects of our community.
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1,415 27 104
Honored 1,415 military members and their families at Military Appreciation Night with the RedHawks. 04 Honor Star businesses made additional 1 investments to directly support our military.
e actively advocated for our military, W supporting the $128+ million economic impact the military has in the FMWF region.
ANNUAL REPORT
elebrating and honoring C another lifelong Legacy Leader in our community, Tom Dawson. He now joins the roster of 19 other committed Legacy Leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving and shaping our FMWF community and the greater region.
Military Affairs & Military Appreciation Night
27 business and military leaders joined us at our annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In.
8
19
128,000,000+
$
6
26
Showcasing our impressive region with the Metro Profile magazine, with distribution spanning from Eastern North Dakota to Minneapolis, Minnesota, creating thousands of opportunities for travelers, visitors and jobseekers to discover the FMWF area and keep us top of mind. hroughout our region T MSP Airport stands, lounges and common areas Hotels between Fargo and Minneapolis 50,000 individual inboxes across MN, ND and SD
26 co-hosting chambers of commerce 6,724 unique livestream viewers 1,387 in-person attendees 38 influential speakers and experts from across the region and nation
38 FMWF
MPLS
50,000
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
1,387
B roadcast live across 6 states
Dedicated to the growth and prosperity of our entire region.
6,724
Quarterly Midwest Summits
CONTINUING TO ENGAGE IN CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS REGARDING THE FUTURE OF OUR METRO, SUCH AS: C onvention center space C hildcare access, quality and affordability D eveloping our downtowns C ritical Infrastructure
Regional comprehensive growth plan
R egional workforce initiatives
FARGODOME Reimagined
H ousing accessibility and affordability
Hector International Airport Transformation
C ommunity safety and security
Education innovation
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Strengthening, inspiring and maintaining a vibrant workforce ecosystem.
WORKFORCE & TALENT
E
ngaging in innovative approaches and partnerships helps strengthen, inspire and maintain a vibrant workforce ecosystem. Efforts range from curated professional development opportunities to large-scale acclimation, development and retention efforts. Intentional, integrated and impactful workforce development is critical to the economic success of our businesses and region.
BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE: SHAPING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE FOR INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH he Chamber Foundation was awarded a $9.62 million Good Jobs Challenge (GJC) Grant by T the Economic Development Administration to place 900 individuals into high-quality regional jobs within 3 industries: Agriculture, cybersecurity/IT and manufacturing in the region. GJC PHASE 1: ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM Data Collection
Identifying Training Programs
Business Engagement
Partnership Building
8/115/81 Emerging Prairie Emerging Digital Academy* Grand Farm* Ignite FMWF North Dakota State College of Science*
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Hosted 8 Ignite Visioning Summits with 115 leaders and 81 businesses.
3 36 17
Established 3 industry sector partnerships to serve our 3 target industries. Good Job Challenge partners
nhance Accessibility to Upskilling E and Training Opportunities
3 Created a taskforce of 36 partners and 17 wrap-around service providers.
49 respondents to a survey exploring the workforce challenges in our local Kurdish American population. 1 86% of respondents are working in positions that don’t match skills, training or degrees. 7 major challenges were identified, and an equitable toolkit developed, as a pathway toward equitable credentialing solutions. WE ARE NOW ENTERING GJC PHASE 2 * Backbone organizations
A COMPREHENSIVE WORKFORCE PROGRAM The IgniteFMWF Online Platform Since its soft launch, IgniteFMWF has played a vital role in our comprehensive workforce initiative. This FREE resource is licensed in Cass and Clay Counties and in late 2023 will be fully launched to all Chamber members. Start connecting and engaging with jobseekers and your future talent!
2023 growth and adoption of IgniteFMWF: T rackable applications: 186 (90.2% increase)
I nteraction with job posts: 1,898 (162.57% increase)
U nique courses taken: 129 (3,125% increase)
200+ Courses available
156 video shoots completed at FMWF businesses
C ourse participants: 953 (18,960% increase)
41 33
dult learner A Registrations: 1,134 (37.27% increase) ew business and N nonprofit profiles: 119 (38.76% increase) 0,000 students in 4 the region have access to IgniteFMWF
Second Annual EDventures
Partners: Cass County Career and Technical Education Center, as well as Cass, Clay and Richland Counties
1,694
41 area educators 33 area businesses 1 ,694 total hours spent learning and engaging with area business
WORKFORCE & TALENT
L ogins: 22,483 (431.42% increase)
Strengthening, inspiring and maintaining a vibrant workforce ecosystem.
953
In 2023, IgniteFMWF has provided development and upskilling for 953 individuals in our region.
Student Engagement A ctively supporting Folkways’ CampusFM initiative, which exists to strengthen the connections between our students, campuses and community. 1 25 student interviews conducted with 29 interns successfully placed 8 0% social media growth with 289,000 impressions P artnered with the Home Builders Association on the Health, Tech & Trades Career Expo, welcoming 55 schools and over 3,800 9th graders from our region to connect with businesses, experience interactive exhibits and explore future career options.
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UpSkilling the Community
WORKFORCE & TALENT
Strengthening, inspiring and maintaining a vibrant workforce ecosystem.
We hosted the first UpSkill-a-Thon, which spanned the state of North Dakota and five counties in Minnesota.
126
126 individuals completed the competition.
12
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9
417
10,050
ENGAGING AND INSPIRING PROFESSIONALS
279
279 cups of coffee served at YPN Morning Buzz and Lattes with Leaders events.
417 certificates earned.
9 learning pathways.
$
780 12
45%
Our region accounted for 45% of all certificates and micro-credentials earned across all participating states and communities nationwide.
This competition saw 12 winners and a total of $10,050 in cash prizes.
420 256
420 careers and lives enriched through engagement with the YPN. 256 area businesses have team members involved in the YPN program.
780 professional and personal connections made with mentors at Women Connect’s Intentional Collisions event.
260
260 individuals and community members engaged with Professionals of Color opportunities and experiences.
Pioneering AgTech Innovation to Address Global Food Challenges Food Systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security (FARMS)
Concierge: Welcoming Newcomers to Our Region The Community Concierge Program is dedicated to welcoming newcomers and their families to our region, offering three distinct levels of service to ensure a smooth transition: ll Access: Our oneA stop shop empowers individuals to quickly establish roots and forge meaningful relationships, connecting newcomers with comprehensive information, resources and introductions to everything our community has to offer. Local amenities Organizations Events Opportunities
C ustomized Concierge: Collaborating with companies, we tailor information and services to meet the interests and needs of new members. This personalized approach fosters a sense of belonging and aids in the acclimation process.
remier Concierge: P At the highest level, we provide a specialized approach for C-suite level individuals and their families, enhancing their experience and commitment to our community.
P ersonalized introductions to community leaders A ccess to networking events
ersonalized P assistance with housing, schooling, healthcare, recreational activities Cultural immersion
R ecommendations for local service providers
WORKFORCE & TALENT
WHAT’S NEXT?
Strengthening, inspiring and maintaining a vibrant workforce ecosystem.
In collaboration with North Dakota State University, Grand Farm and the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, we are spearheading a groundbreaking initiative in AgTech innovation, aimed at addressing global food challenges and enhancing agricultural economic development while attracting, integrating, developing and retaining our AgTech workforce. Out of 188 proposals nationwide, our NSF Engines FARMS proposal was selected as one of 16 finalists, highlighting its significance in addressing key technological, societal and economic challenges.
Workforce Summit A full-day inaugural workforce summit dedicated to navigating our workforce climate. Ignite FMWF Platform Launching region-wide career fairs. E xpansion of platform to our five surrounding counties. Goal: 25% increase in platform engagement over the next year.
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A
Core to our success, service and impact.
ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE
dvancing our mission to be a catalyst for growth and prosperity for the region requires The Chamber to have a high standard of excellence related to the internal team and organizational health. Maintaining a strong financial position, continually developing team members and enhancing our vibrant organizational culture are core to our success, service and impact.
100% 31 22%
Adopted the Entrepreneurial Operating System and now have the system, structure, processes and highperformance team to accomplish our greatest organizational goals. 31 critical, quarterly company rocks successfully completed.
he Chamber team T grew by 22%.
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Established core Chamber values: Live with Integrity Be Intentional Strive for Excellence
T he Chamber relocated to a new location, centrally located in Fargo, ND, marking another chapter founded on continued collaboration and regionalism.
Chamber team members actively serve on 51 boards and committees throughout our community.
14
100% of Chamber team members have engaged in professional development opportunities and pathways.
Embrace Curiosity Celebrate Success
51
7.7% growth in Community Builder investment.
7.7%
COMMUNITY BUILDERS
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fmwfchamber.com
CALENDAR OF SIGNATURE AND MONTHLY EVENTS
For updated information on all Chamber events, including Young Professionals Network, Professionals of Color, Leadership FMWF and more, please visit fmwfchamber.com SEPTEMBER 2023
JANUARY 2024
MAY 2024
9/12: Eggs & Issues,
1 /11: State of the Cities, Delta by Marriott, 8 to 9:30 a.m. 1 /16: Eggs & Issues, Courtyard by Marriott, 8 to 9:30 a.m. 1 /30: Women Connect, Armory Event Center, 3:30 to 5 p.m. P OC events: 1/11, 1/24 Y PN events: 1/9, 1/18, 1/23
5 /7: Eggs & Issues, Courtyard by Marriott, 8 to 9:30 a.m. 5 /23: Corporate Cup, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Noon to 5 p.m. T BD: ChamberChoice Awards, Delta by Marriott P OC events: 5/9, 5/22 Y PN events: TBD
Courtyard by Marriott, 8 to 9:30 a.m. 9/26: Women Connect Celebration, Sanford Health Athletic Complex, 3:30 to 5 p.m. POC events: 9/7, 9/20 YPN events: 9/13, 9/19, 9/28
OCTOBER 2023 10/3: Eggs & Issues,
Courtyard by Marriott, 8 to 9:30 a.m. 10/19: Halloween Business After Hours, Scheels Arena, 4 to 6 p.m. 10/24: Women Connect, Armory Event Center, 3:30 to 5 p.m. POC events: 10/12, 10/18 YPN events: 10/5, 10/17
2 /22: Midwest Economic Outlook Summit, Delta by Marriott, 8 to 11 a.m. 2 /27: Women Connect, Armory Event Center, 3:30 to 5 p.m. P OC events: 2/8, 2/21 Y PN events: TBD
NOVEMBER 2023
MARCH 2024
11/3: The Chamber’s
3 /5: Eggs & Issues, Courtyard by Marriott, 8 to 9:30 a.m. 3 /28: Women Connect Intentional Collisions, Delta by Marriott, 3 to 6 p.m. P OC events: 3/14, 3/20 Y PN events: TBD
Annual Celebration, Delta by Marriott, Noon to 1:30 p.m. 11/13: Washington, D.C. Fly-In, Washington, D.C., Two-day event 11/28: Women Connect, Armory Event Center, 3:30 to 5 p.m. 1 1/29: Midwest Energy Summit, Delta by Marriott, 8 to 11 a.m. POC events: 11/9, 11/21 YPN events: 11/6, 11/14, 11/30
DECEMBER 2023 12/7: Holiday Business After Hours, Delta by Marriott, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
12/12: Eggs & Issues,
Courtyard by Marriott, 8 to 9:30 a.m.
TBD: Community Builder Holiday Social, 4 to 6 p.m.
12/19: Women Connect
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FEBRUARY 2024
Jingle Mingle, Armory Event Center, 3:30 to 5 p.m. POC events: 12/14, 12/20 YPN events: 12/1, 12/12
APRIL 2024 4 /2: Eggs & Issues, Courtyard by Marriott, 8 to 9:30 a.m. T BD: Voices of Vision, Sanford Health Athletic Complex, 3 to 5 p.m. 4 /25: Spring Business After Hours, Delta by Marriott, 4 to 6 p.m. 4 /30: Women Connect, Armory Event Center, 3:30 to 5 p.m. P OC events: 4/11, 4/17 Y PN events: TBD
JUNE 2024 6 /11: Midwest Ag Summit, Red River Valley Fair – Butler Arena, 8 to 11 a.m. T BD: Military Appreciation Night, Newman Outdoor Field, 5 to 10 p.m. 6 /25: Women Connect Field Trip, location TBD, 3:30 to 5 p.m. P OC events: 6/13, 6/19 Y PN events: TBD
JULY 2024 7 /9: Eggs & Issues, Courtyard by Marriott, 8 to 9:30 a.m. 7 /17: Chamber Challenge Golf Outing, Edgewood Golf Course, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 /30: Women Connect, Armory Event Center, 3:30 to 5 p.m. P OC events: 7/11, 7/17 Y PN events: TBD
AUGUST 2024 8 /5 - 8/9: YP Week 8 /15: Midwest Cyber & Tech Summit, Red River Valley Fair – Butler Arena, 8 to 11 a.m. 8 /27: Women Connect, Armory Event Center, 3:30 to 5 p.m. P OC events: 8/21, 8/29
3312 42nd St S Ste 101, Fargo, ND 58104 701.365.3440 | fmwfchamber.com | @fmwfchamber