Annual Report 2026 by The FMWF Chamber of Commerce

FMWF CHAMBER 2026 ANNUAL REPORT

MISSION AND PILLARS

OUR MISSION

The Chamber is a catalyst for inclusive growth by protecting businesses, inspiring individuals, cultivating communities and influencing action.

OUR CORNERSTONES

WORKFORCE

REGIONAL ENHANCEMENT AND INFLUENCE

PUBLIC POLICY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

BUSINESS VITALITY

BOARD MEMBERS

TINA AMERMAN, BOBCAT COMPANY

MIKE ARNTSON, CARDINAL IG

DOUGLAS ARVIN, ESSENTIA HEALTH

KEVIN BUCHOLZ, MOORE ENGINEERING, INC.

CHAD FLANAGAN, EIDE BAILLY LLP

JT FRONING, LEGACY PLUMBING

KARA JORVIG, ALLEGRO GROUP

KRISTI HUBER, PERSPECTIVE SHIFT CONSULTING

TIFFANY LAWRENCE, SANFORD HEALTH

PAUL MATTHYS, CASS COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

TAMI NORGARD, VOGEL LAW FIRM

JENNY OLSON, CONCORDIA COLLEGE

SHAWN PASCHKE, XCEL ENERGY

JON RIEWER, EVENTIDE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES

JIM ROERS, ROERS

JULIE WHITNEY, GATE CITY BANK

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

2025 reflects meaningful progress rooted in long-term strategy.

The first full year of Innovate28 moved us from framework to execution, with the results outlined in this report showing how workforce alignment, business advocacy and regional leadership are advancing in coordinated ways.

Together, we strengthened career pathways through expanded workforce partnerships. We elevated the business voice in policy discussions with the launch of the Center for Civic Engagement. We convened leaders around infrastructure, talent and growth to ensure the FMWF region remains competitive.

This progress is the product of partnership, shared accountability and disciplined focus.

Thank you for your continued engagement with The Chamber.

Explore year one Innovate28 results and what comes next at Innovate28.com

WORKFORCE

The Chamber convenes partners and advances collaborative strategies to align employers, educators and community organizations around real-time talent needs, strengthening work-based learning, upskilling, retention and employer-driven solutions that expand career pathways and build a more aligned, skilled and resilient regional workforce.

Since launch, the Good Jobs Challenge has supported 576 individuals in completing industryaligned education and upskilling programs; backed by more than $2.02 million invested directly into workforce training partnerships.

IN 2025, THE CHAMBER REPORTED:

new residents supported through the Community Concierge program, helping talent successfully transition to the region

3,900

students gained hands-on career awareness at the Health, Tech and Trades Career Expo

The Chamber established a formal partnership with Golden Path Solutions, enhancing work-based learning participation by providing training to 124 partners.

We’re honored to collaborate with The Chamber to serve regional employers as they build stronger connections with local students. Employers are looking for meaningful ways to engage future talent, and this partnership helps make those connections easier and more impactful. The Chamber is an incredible organization to work with, and we’re grateful to partner to support more employers with their workforce development.

-Patrick Mineer

Founder and CEO, Golden Path Solutions

IN 2025, THE CHAMBER REPORTED:

The Chamber established a formal partnership with Golden Path Solutions, enhancing work-based learning participation by providing training to 124 partners.

educators engaged with 27 businesses through EDventures to align classroom learning with real workforce needs increase in women connecting through our Women Connect program increase in attendees at the annual Young Professionals Summit

PUBLIC POLICY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

The Chamber serves as the unified voice of our business community, advocating at the local, state and federal levels. We champion pro-business policies, challenge restrictive regulations and inspire civic engagement.

IN 2025, THE CHAMBER REPORTED:

Official launch of the Center for Civic Engagement to inspire civic engagement among the business community

After every legislative session in Minnesota and North Dakota, The Chamber publishes a review of the key outcomes. These reviews also include the voting records of our area legislators, and whether or not their voting aligned with The Chamber and our business community. This is extremely valuable information for our business leaders and residents.

-Jon Riewer President and CEO, Eventide Senior Living Communities

84%

businesses committed to advancing civic engagement through the newly launched Center for Civic Engagement of regional political leaders engaged with to strengthen local advocacy

The Chamber’s Center for Civic Engagement has the potential to be one of the most significant, positive forces our region has seen in decades. Its impact will come from actions that encourage strong, capable leaders to step into the arena and serve our communities.

-Rick Berg

Former

North Dakota Congressman

79% IN 2025, THE CHAMBER REPORTED:

success rate on bills advocated on in North Dakota and Minnesota elected officials were connected with outside the FMWF region to advocate for regional business priorities

bills tracked across Minnesota and North Dakota to protect and advance pro-business policy

business leader engagements facilitated with all 6 area Congressional Delegates to strengthen federal advocacy 800

business and community leaders

strengthened advocacy through four Days at the Capitol events

BUSINESS VITALITY

The Chamber strengthens regional business momentum by connecting leaders, elevating ideas and creating relationships that drive growth, retention and investment in the FMWF region.

DIVERSE BUSINESS SIZE OF MEMBERS :

employees)

The Chamber’s ribbon cutting was such a meaningful way to celebrate the opening of our new space! We were blown away by the support from the community and fellow Chamber members who came out to celebrate with us. The Chamber team was wonderful to work with. They were quick to communicate, organized and incredibly helpful in making the event feel special. It was the perfect way to kick off this exciting new chapter for our practice.

-Karisa Shuck

Marketing Director, Center for Plastic Surgery

1,595 114 IN 2025, THE CHAMBER REPORTED:

businesses in our membership base engagement opportunities advancing connection, learning and development

“ ”

The FMWF Chamber provides our team members with numerous opportunities to engage in high-quality events. Some of the many benefits for our team members include the chance to hear from outstanding speakers and build lasting relationships, as well as attend workshops, training sessions and educational events. The connections we have established with other remarkable companies in our community through Chamber events have significantly benefited both our business and our team members.”

-Carol Johnson

Vice-President Community Relations, Delta Hotels Marriott Fargo

IN 2025, THE CHAMBER REPORTED:

new businesses that joined our membership base

small business connections through Member Mingle business milestones celebrated through ribbon cuttings 116 511 84

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

The Chamber’s impact reaches beyond our members into the broader community. We provide strategic insights representing the business voice at many tables and support our area’s military through various efforts.

IN 2025, THE CHAMBER REPORTED:

1,800

military members and their families supported through recognition and connection initiatives

SOLUTIONS PERSPECTIVE CONVENED

Collaborated with partners to advance regional solutions to homelessness

Provided business perspective for Convention Center development

Convened business leaders on airport redevelopment plans

ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Organizational excellence ensures The Chamber remains financially strong, strategically aligned and operationally disciplined, allowing us to scale impact while maintaining accountability to our members and investors.

OUR DIVERSIFIED FUNDING MODEL SUPPORTS LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

20% - Membership

25% - Events

36% - Innovate28 14% - Grants

5% - Other

OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS & GOVERNANCE

We strengthened internal systems and governance through fiscal year transition, enhanced data and communication practices, and improved project and operational workflows to support accountability and execution.

STRONG INTERNAL CAPACITY

We invested in professional growth, leadership development and community engagement to strengthen both individual performance and organizational excellence.