Announcing the 2020 speaker:
Admiral William McRaven
author of “Make Your Bed” Event details p8
Community Builders
Community Builders are a level of Premier Partner businesses committed to improving the area by investing in our programs and events.
Micah J. Zimmerman, Amdak Productions
The Chamber Board of Directors Committee Chairs
MISSION
The Chamber promotes economic growth and prosperity for business and its members through leadership in advocacy, education and engagement
VISION
The Chamber is the leader in ensuring the growth and prosperity of our regional business and members
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Establish the region as a fullservice metropolitan marketplace.
• Be a bold voice for business through strong thought leadership and a rich policy agenda.
• Build a place of belonging to best serve members’ interests.
Chamber Staff
Jim Parsons Interim CEO, VP of Finance & Operations @FMWFJim Julie Doggett Information Systems Administrator @FMWFJulieD
Darin Feir Marketing Design Coordinator @FMWFDarin
Alyssa Lakoduk Professional Development Coordinator @FMWFAlyssa
Tracy Powell Director of Events and Programs @FMWFTracyP
Casey Sanders Manager of Membership @FMWFCasey
Fischbach Multimedia Marketing Coordinator @FMWFTyler
Huggett Manager of Communications & Marketing @FMWFAmanda Katie Mastel Government Affairs & Advocacy Manager @FMWFKatie
Manager
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.
Website content
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT VIDEO SERIES
Get an inside look at some of the incredible things local companies are doing. Check out our new member spotlight videos to hear straight from some of your #FMWFMembers.
• Four Star Ninja Academy
• Gate City Bank
• Elevate Human Potential
• Hebron Brick
• ByteSpeed
• Great Plains Food Bank
Watch them all at fmwfchamber.com/member-spotlight.
THE CHAMBER CONNECTION PODCAST
Our new podcast shines a light on local business and celebrates our community through conversations with movers and shakers right here in our metro.
RECENT EPISODES
• Episode 1: Bank of North Dakota on loan programs and restarting business
COMING SOON
• Colette Campbell, Bremer Bank, on diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Episode 2: DCN and wireless connectivity throughout the state
• Arlette Preston and Mandy George on their City Commission experience
Start listening at fmwfchamber.com/podcast.
Memorable moments from this past year
As our Chamber heads into the final month of our current fiscal year, it brings a time of reflection. There’s no doubt it: This was a tough year for many of us. Aside from the challenges we all faced as a nation and world, our community lost a dear leader in Craig Whitney. I am so grateful for all Craig taught us, and the legacy he left behind.
But no matter how hard things were, there were still plenty of bright spots and reasons to celebrate. We rose above, and it’s a testament to our incredible staff, board, volunteers, members and community. To help reflect on this past year, I asked the #ChamberCrew to share the moments that stick out to them from recent months. These are our stories.
Alyssa Lakoduk, Professional Development Coordinator
I am so impressed with this year’s Leadership CCI projects. The concept of the program is also amazing. We aren’t here to place skills into participants. It is great to see people become engrained in the community and create genuine connections.
Amanda Huggett, Manager of Marketing & Communications
Getting the news we were an ACCE finalist for Chamber of the Year made all our work that much more worthwhile and immensely rewarding. I was so happy I cried!
Bobbi Jo Rehder, Events Coordinator
As a Denver Broncos fan, it was an honor to hear Peyton Manning speak, not to mention going into work on Sundays to cut out footballs for the centerpieces!
Casey Sanders, Manager of Membership
Listening to Jodi Duncan speak at women connect and the irony that Taylor Swift’s song “If I were a man” came out that morning.
Darin Feir, Marketing Design Coordinator
Annual Meeting—Great energy for kicking off the new fiscal year. I enjoyed the program as a fresh Leadership attendee, and loved the special video from Gate City employees.
Darren Dunlop, Business Development Manager
My favorite thing has been doing Video Spotlights and Podcasts with our members. It’s been great diving deeper into their businesses and seeing what makes them and their companies excel.
Julie Doggett, Information Systems Administrator
I enjoyed reaching out to 296 members during our business shutdown. Connecting and listening to their needs and stories was really important.
Julie Yourczek, Office Administrator
Although the passing of Craig was a very difficult time for us, his memorial really stood out to me. Three different friends/colleagues speaking about Craig, each with their own relationship with him. Such differences in their speeches and each just fell into place. Great laughs and memories— a memorial I will never forget.
Katie Mastel, Government Affairs & Advocacy Manager
It was so fun, and such an honor to showcase our members, staff and community, in our ACCE Chamber of the Year interview. Also, I have been so proud of our Government Affairs team for pivoting amid COVID-19 to serve our members through new, exciting and socially distant ways!
Mason Rademacher, Public Policy & Workforce Development Coordinator Spearheading our first ever Eggs & Issues webinar and having some GREAT individuals part of the event! Also the Business After Hours Game of Skills (bean bag challenge).
Mickayla Thompson, Member Relations Coordinator
All the ribbon cuttings and celebrations we’ve done this past year were so memorable. Getting to learn about all of our members and helping them celebrate their accomplishments has been very rewarding.
Tracy Meckler, Membership & Advertising Sales Manager
Working from home and looking back at my calls, I reached out to 655 members! So many were just happy to talk to someone willing to listen and help them with loan and grant information. It was great to hear that they noticed the COVID information we put out during that difficult time. I also loved having my furry co-workers by my side as well!
Tracy Powell, Director of Events & Programs
The video of Roger Reierson and Tom Dawson dancing that was played at the ChamberChoice awards luncheon. It was so much fun! The part in the video when Roger does the ‘splits’ and his pants rip still cracks me up when I watch it.
Tyler Fischbach, Multimedia Marketing Coordinator
I have enjoyed our new Member Spotlight series, which has allowed us to hear interesting stories, learn important history and get an inside look at our member businesses around the community.
Jim Parsons, The Chamber Interim CEO
Thursday, September 17
Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Delta by Marriott, Fargo
Join us for an uplifting afternoon dedicated to celebrating all that we have accomplished together! This year, we’re shaking up our ‘annual meeting’ with an exciting new format we can’t wait to share with you. Mingle with business and community leaders, give a high-five (or elbow bump) to the volunteers who contributed to the success of the past year, be in awe hearing how a local leader shaped the success of our community and region, plus more surprises in store to be announced soon!
We're thrilled to mark 10 full years of serving you. Whether you’re new to The Chamber or an active regular, the Annual Celebration will be certain to inspire you as we head in to our 11th year with energy, focus and collaboration. You don’t want to miss this!
Share your favorite moments with hashtag #FMWFCelebrate
Register online at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Thursday, October 22 | 4 to 6 p.m. | Hilton Garden Inn
Let’s celebrate being able to gather together again at this fun fall Business After Hours! Attendees, connect with your peers and visit with local vendors, where you can enter to win door prizes and learn more about some of the great businesses in our metro. Snack on spooky snacks and devilishly good drinks to boot! We’ll finally be able to share elbow bumps and exciting experiences (don’t worry though, we’ll have hand sanitizer on hand to play it safe). Test your Halloween costume here…if you dare!
Get ready for the Game of Skillz!
All Chamber members registered for Business After Hours will be eligible to win real money just by participating in the Game of Skillz at the event! This month serves as the exciting conclusion of the past year’s Game of Skillz, where the ultimate cash pot awaits one lucky attendee.
2020 Legacy Leader: Steve D. Scheel
Thursday, November 19
Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Delta by Marriott
Get ready for the 2020 Voices of Vision!
This year marks the 11th anniversary of The Chamber’s Voices of Vision series, and we’re pulling out all the stops for an incredible event.
Leadership and Risk Management: Taking Command
Admiral William H. McRaven is a retired four-star admiral, 37-year veteran of the United States Navy and the former chancellor of the University of Texas system. His empowering commencement speech, titled "Make Your Bed" at the University of Texas in 2014 went viral in 2017, and he has been one of the most requested military speakers on the speaking circuit ever since.
McRaven will draw on his experiences in the Navy and share impactful lessons and insights on authority amidst turmoil and instability, the force of teamwork and personal initiative, resilience in the face of opposition, and the unconditional importance of never giving up.
He will challenge and encourage attendees to accept responsibility, be creative within the rules, take control of their circumstances, and maintain focus during times of conflict. Attendees will be inspired to apply McRaven’s diligence, courage and risk management strategies to their own lives and put in place the tools that will help them not only succeed within their organization but also reach new levels of achievement.
“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”
Admiral William McRaven
U.S. Navy veteran and author
THIS YEAR’S SPEAKER:
Thank you, outgoing board members
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Steve Swiontek and Jeffry Volk, who have served on The Chamber board of directors since 2014. They complete their term as board members this month. We appreciate all they've brought to The Chamber and appreciate their expertise and service to us and our members.
Steve Swiontek Gate City Bank
Thank you, 2019–20 committee chairs
Jeffry Volk
We are grateful for the volunteers who serve on our committees, as well as the individuals who lead those groups as chairs and vice chairs. We appreciate your time and commitment to making The Chamber an even better organization and for your help in serving our members. Thanks to the hard work of each committee’s leadership and members, we’ve been able to grow all our events and programs and support the FMWF business community. The service from each of these individuals is invaluable to the work we do.
Agribusiness
Roger Reierson Flint Group
Education co-chair
Louise Dardis retired educator
Professionals of Color
Trevor Mathew Choice Bank
AmbassadorsPublic Relations
Jessica Broers Bremer Bank
Education co-chair
Anne Blackhurst
Minnesota State Univeristy Moorhead
Public Policy
Tim Flakoll Tri-College University
AmbassadorsMember Relations
Scott Berg US Bank
Leadership FMWF
Erica Johnsrud
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Women Connect
Katie Hutton
Eide Bailly LLP
Business Training
Cory Holen Preference Employment Solutions
Military Affairs
Brian Shawn Midco
Young Professionals Network
Danne Doering Choice Bank
From all of The Chamber staff, a sincere thank you for your work this past year.
Moore Engineering, Inc.
AUGUST CHAMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Congrats to these members for celebrating the following milestone Chamber anniversaries this month!
What’s up with ribbon cuttings?
25 YEARS
FirstLink
Hornbacher’s FoodsNorthport
Hornbacher’s FoodsSouthgate
20 YEARS
Downtown Community Partnership
Eide Bailly Fraud and Forensic Advisory
Marcus Theatres
15 YEARS Givinity
10 YEARS
J
Otter
Stantec
Superior
5 YEARS
Four
Innovative
Sure, posing with giant scissors and cutting a ceremonial ribbon in front of a crowd is loads of fun on its own, but there is more to the meaning of a ribbon cutting than you might know. This long-standing tradition is thought to have started in European weddings as a symbol of coming together and leaving an old life behind. The practice moved to the U.S., with corporations using the ceremony to mark the start of something new. One Disney executive said that “ribbon cuttings have always heralded the arrival of fresh wonders and great excitement.”
Now, ribbon cutting ceremonies are a core practice at chambers of commerce around the country, signaling new beginnings and a fresh start. For us, it’s the ceremonial opening, reopening or renovation of a member business. Ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings are a way for you to let the community know that you are excited and ready to serve them—and it’s a reason for us to celebrate with you and tell our members all about your operation.
At the FMWF Chamber, we offer ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, anniversaries and relocation celebrations for any member business that:
• Opened its doors within the past year
• Changed ownership or is under new management
• Moved to a new location due to expansion
• Has remodeled or expanded its current location
• Is celebrating a milestone anniversary
• Is breaking ground on a new site
Ribbon cuttings are reserved for members only as a way to promote and welcome others to celebrate their business. Members often invite other companies that were instrumental in building, renovating and supporting the business during the build. Additionally, community dignitaries, Chamber Ambassadors, as well as staff are encouraged to attend to learn about what this business brings to the community. Ribbon Cutting Enhancement packages are available to members to gain additional visibility for their celebration.
To find out more, visit fmwfchamber.com/ribbon-cutting-request or contact Mickayla at mthompson@fmwfchamber.com or 218.233.1100.
Join us for Chamber 101!
Tuesday, August 18 at 4 p.m. | Thursday, August 20 at 9 a.m.
If you’re not familiar with The Chamber, are a new member, new contact, new hire, or just want to re-engage 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. Casey Sanders, The Chamber’s manager of membership, will walk you through events, programs, discounts, online tools and more, so you can begin maximizing your membership right away.
Jade Presents plans and produces live entertainment events. From booking the act, marketing, overlooking the ticketing process, to on-site execution, Jade Presents is a full-fledged event producer. What started as a hobby by founder & president Jade Nielsen in 1990 is now a company that manages 150 events annually in FMWF. Venues such as Bluestem Amphitheater, Fargo Theatre, Sanctuary Events Center, Fargo Brewing Company, Happy Harry’s Ribfest, and others use its booking services.
Fast Facts
Total employees: 11
Year founded: 1990 as Ram Promotions, reincarnated as Jade Presents in 2000
Office location: 302 North University Drive, Fargo
Leadership: Jade Nielsen, Carly Bishoff & Courtney Ficek
What do you like best about doing business here?
“In addition to concerts, we have been proud to produce events such as The Bacon & Beer Festival, Roughrider Ink & Iron Expo, The Pig & the Pint and more throughout the years, and we look forward to dreaming up more innovative events in the future,” Nielsen said.
What makes your organization unique?
Our organization is unique because we are local to FMWF, our employees are individuals who have passion for our mission, and we spend our time creating unique experiences for the community. No day is the same. Some days the “office” is sitting at your desk, other days it could be spending the day working behind the scenes producing a world-class concert at Bluestem Amphitheater.
Are there any initiatives you’re focusing on right now?
2020 marks the 30th year I have been in the promoter business. With a milestone such as that, it makes you reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go. We are working on a refresh of our brand, crafting a tagline of ‘Live & Local.’ Our mission is to set the stage for local audiences to experience exceptional live events, enriching the community and making it a better place to live.
We particularly enjoy establishing relationships with others that have the community’s best interest at heart.
What is one thing you most want others to know about you?
Like most other businesses, COVID-19 has greatly impacted Jade Presents. Our entire industry is feeling the standstill. Independent promoters such as ourselves have the responsibility to keep the vibrant local music scene alive, and we intend to continue contributing to it for as long as we can. Although we have been knocked down, we haven’t been knocked out. Our team has learned to pivot to face the challenges a “new normal” presents. With the support of our community, the collaboration of our partners and our drive to celebrate live music, we will press through this challenge.
Jade Nielsen, Founder & President
Micah J. Zimmerman, Amdak Productions
ASKING THE EXPERTS
U.S. Senator John Hoeven on ag, tech and federal initiatives
This month, Senator Hoeven took the time to chat with us about federal programs and efforts to support farmers, ranchers, producers and ag tech in our region and country.
You’ve prioritized building a pro-growth business environment, and there has been significant progress toward this goal under the current administration. How has this approach benefitted agriculture?
North Dakota truly is a leader in agriculture, and we have worked to ensure our tax and regulatory relief efforts help our producers succeed. Through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we lowered rates across the board for families and provided significant relief for small businesses, directly benefitting farm families and their operations. Further, we helped broker an agreement to maintain the Section 199 deduction for cooperatives. This is a vitally important policy for producers in the Red River Valley, and we continue our efforts with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to ensure the final rule works for farmers.
At the same time, we’ve eased the burden of federal rules on farmers and ranchers, as well as many other industries, like construction and energy production. For instance, we worked with the administration to replace the 2015 Waters of the U.S. rule and pressed for the new rule to protect private property rights and provide certainty to producers.
Between natural disasters, trade uncertainty and COVID-19, farmers have faced widespread difficulty. How has the federal government assisted producers in overcoming these challenges?
Natural Disasters
• We helped secure presidential disaster declarations for North Dakota, which makes federal resources available to impacted counties.
• We also ensured our state’s producers are eligible for the $4.5 billion in disaster funding passed by Congress and worked to provide coverage for blizzards, excessive moisture and quality losses under the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus.
• This includes $285 million in disaster assistance for sugar cooperatives that we funded through the Agriculture Appropriations Committee. We then worked with the administration to reach agreement on this assistance, which covers 100 percent of eligible losses for 2018 and 2019.
COVID-19
• As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, we secured nearly $25 billion to assist agriculture producers through the pandemic.
• Following this, we facilitated feedback from local producers to USDA to inform the implementation of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.
Trade Uncertainty
• We have been pressing the administration to finalize its trade negotiations as quickly as possible. We are encouraged by the U.S.Mexico-Canada Agreement going into effect and continue to advance additional market access with China, the EU, Japan and others.
• We have provided trade assistance through Market Facilitation Program payments, among other efforts.
The last Farm Bill was passed in 2018. What were your key priorities in helping craft this bill, and what should be considered in the future bill?
For the 2018 Farm Bill, we worked to maintain a strong crop insurance program, which is the primary risk management tool for producers, and to improve the counter-cyclical programs. Other key achievements in the 2018 Farm Bill include:
• Maintaining a strong sugar policy.
• Increasing the Farm Service Agency’s direct and guaranteed ownership and operating loans.
• Supporting agriculture research, including at land-grant institutions like NDSU.
• Protecting private property rights and making wetlands regulations more farmer-friendly.
The current Farm Bill expires in 2023. We continue to engage our state’s producers, commodity groups and the administration to ensure the existing programs work for farm country, and we will advance many of these same priorities in the lead-up to the next Farm Bill.
In the Red River Valley, we’ve seen rapid growth in the tech industry. In what direction are tech developments taking agriculture, and what are the benefits?
The convergence of technology and agriculture is a natural evolution for North Dakota’s economy. Accordingly, we have worked to leverage our universities as engines of innovation, and we continue advancing legislation to support entrepreneurs in their ventures. Further, we’ve helped build the infrastructure, like broadband, that we need to support our growing tech sector. Across the past three fiscal years, we provided $1.6 billion for rural broadband development through USDA’s ReConnect Program and passed bills into law to ensure adequate broadband coverage in rural areas.
Through these and other efforts, we have helped lay the foundation for initiatives like Grand Farm, led by Emerging Prairie. This makerspace supports the development and testing of autonomous technologies for the ag sector, toward the goal of improving producers’ efficiency and yields while reducing operating costs. To this end, we have secured $8 million for rural innovation initiatives at USDA and are supporting Emerging Prairie in securing federal funding to help realize these exciting possibilities.
PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.
Moore Engineering
2020 Chamber Challenge Golf Outing
We had a ton of circus-themed fun at this year’s golf outing last month at Edgewood Golf Course. Thank you to all our teams, participants, and a special shout-out to sponsors Avis Rent A Car and Consolidated Communications, and Pix Squad for capturing everything on film. Can’t wait to see you all again next year!
Congratulations to this year’s winners!
1st Place
Cass County Electric Cooperative
Marshall Albright, John Kuhn, Steve Ratti, Chad Sapa
2nd Place
Safety-Kleen
Brian Larson, Heath Davis, Preston Brown, Tim Krile
Closest to the pin women
Kelly Edwards
First International Bank & Trust
Closest to the pin men
Jay Evans
Strata Corporation
Best themed team
Guaranty & Title Co.
LEADERBOARD SPONSOR
702
Cass County Electric Cooperative Inc. D-S Beverages, Inc. Eide Bailly LLP
Express
3rd Place
First International Bank & Trust
Brian Hagen, David Johnson, Peter Stenehjem, Jeremy Helgoe
Longest drive women
Lacie Olson RamJack North
Longest drive men
Preston Brown
Safety-Kleen
Best themed tee box sponsor
702 Communications
REGISTRATION SPONSOR
SPONSOR
S&S Promotional Group
Western State Bank
Young Professionals Network
Workplace Wellness and Addiction
Tuesday, August 4 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. | Virtual webinar (Link will be sent to attendees after registration)
One in seven adults and one in 25 adolescents in the U.S. are battling addiction. It is important to recognize the effects addiction has on our community and businesses, and how we can work to address it. Every year, drug abuse and addiction cost the American society more than $740 billion in lost workplace productivity, health care expenses and crime-related costs. Join us to hear how some local employers are fighting against addiction and what steps you can take to make an impact for your company and employees.
K-12 Update with Our A+ Superintendents
Tuesday, September 1 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. Courtyard by Marriott, Moorhead and online
This year, school is going to look different. As we know, the pandemic has impacted all aspects of our, and our kids' lives, and their K–12 education is no exception. Join us to hear from the superintendents of our three largest school districts in the metro—Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead—for an update on how teaching styles, classroom activities and expectations have adapted amid the pandemic and for updated information about enrollment numbers, district growth and long-term plans.
Choose how you attend this session! Join us in person, or tune in for the live-stream webinar.
REGISTRATION
(In person with breakfast)
Chamber members: $32 in advance | $42 at the door
Non-members: $52 in advance | $62 at the door
STREAM IT ONLINE
Chamber members: $15 | Non-members: $25
Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100
Beth Slette West Fargo Public Schools
Brandon Lunak Moorhead Area Public Schools
Rupak Gandhi Fargo Public Schools
Mary Locken Bell Bank
Scott Holdman Impact Foundation
Mary Beth Traynor JPII Catholic SchoolsMatto Foundation
Oil's impact on our region
Just one day before July’s Eggs & Issues on the oil industry’s economic impact on our region, news broke that a federal judge had ordered the Dakota Access Pipeline to shut down and be drained—making this discussion even timelier. In response to the judge’s ruling, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer commented that, “It’s absurd both technologically as well as from a policy standpoint...I believe the judge has grossly outpaced his jurisdiction and his authority.”
Cramer also provided an overview of the oil and gas industry, noting that we’re in for a rough ride for a while, but good news is on the horizon as we start to see an upswing for our general economy and crude oil prices make a modest recovery. “It’s really important in places like North Dakota and the Bakken, just like our family farms, for us to maintain our diversity of smaller companies,” he said. “It’s important to our national security, our own [state] economy and the environment.”
Kathy Neset of Neset Consulting explained some of the technical and geological components of the Williston Basin Deposition and Bakken Formation. As it relates to the capture of natural gas in the drilling state of the operation, “North Dakota is making a lot of progress capturing this natural gas… we’re at 88% capture of that gas,” Neset said. “There is a lot of work to be done in utilizing that gas right here in North Dakota, whether in power production or something different, but it’s significant and important.”
Ron Ness of the ND Petroleum Council shared just how much ND depends on the oil industry, stating, “For every dollar less that we receive per barrel of oil in North Dakota, [it’s a negative impact of] $40 million a year to the state’s budget…oil and gas production taxes alone account for 50% of our state’s revenues.”
Regarding DAPL, Ness commented that the pipeline transports 570,000 barrels of Bakken oil to the Louisiana gulf coast, and at $40 a barrel, it is the safest, most reliable, state-of-the-art technology in the country.
Discussing the future of the Bakken, Ness stated: “I think what this has taught us is that the world is our competitor; it’s not just
Texas…we have to continue to get better, lower our costs, value the technology, and we’re going to need the brain power of the entire state of North Dakota, workforce training programs, the energy industry…we’re in a battle for survival as an energy industry and really as a producing state.”
Rich Wardner, ND Senate Majority Leader, broke down the new oil production forecasts, which occurred before the ordered shutdown of DAPL, and how the decrease in price per barrel is estimated to have a $1.56 billion loss in revenue to the state of North Dakota. “The new projects have us looking at about $2.7 billion [in revenue] and we are looking at about $1.5 billion in loss to the state of North Dakota in revenue,” he said. “If this goes on for a long period of time, that differential loss is going to get larger and going to affect us more negatively.”
Due to the revenue decline, it’s estimated that the oil-based constitutional funds (Legacy, Common School, Foundation Aid Stabilization and Resources Trust) will experience a drop of roughly $769 million, political subs and oil producing counties will receive an estimated drop of $237.4 million, smaller dedicated funds will experience a differential loss of roughly $24 million. Additionally, the dedicated funds are expected to fill, at least prior the DAPL decision, with other dedicated funds not expected to fill, leading to an estimated differential loss of $535.1 million. Ultimately, Wardner said, “The state is going to be hustling as far as revenue losses because of the oil tax decrease.”
Talent Optimization: Four Forces of Engagement in a Virtual World
Wednesday, August 12
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Virtual webinar (Link will be sent after registration)
Today’s reality: Leaders are navigating uncharted waters. They ask: How do we preserve culture and engagement amid change and uncertainty? How will this impact employee retention? In this session, we will explore strategies to prevent burnout and continue fostering a winning team in our current circumstances.
Employees waste countless hours “going through the motions” while struggling to remain engaged. Using real-life case studies, we will highlight the four forces of disengagement and their impact on our work in changing times. For this workshop, you will have the opportunity to take the Predictive Index, a behavioral assessment tool, to learn more about what motivates you. This will allow you to develop strategies for yourself and your teammates in real time throughout the presentation.
The more you understand yourself, the more you will thrive in your career and working relationships. You will learn how to foster increased self-awareness, which will help you communicate more effectively, strengthen team dynamics, and improve manager-direct report relationships within both in-person and remote workplaces.
These events qualify for 1.5 CPE credits through SHRM
Developing a Resilient Workforce: How Organizations Thrive in the Face of Adversity
Wednesday, September 9 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Courtyard by Marriott, Moorhead and online
Today’s business environment is filled with unexpected challenges and setbacks. Few of us are in a position to change the environment in which we operate; we can only control how we prepare and respond to it. Creating a resilient organization that can successfully ‘bounce back’ and grow from adverse experiences has become increasingly critical. For leaders who hope to accelerate performance and capitalize on change and uncertainty, it’s moved from highly desirable to absolutely crucial.
A recent survey found that only 46% of employees demonstrate the attitudes and behaviors that characterize a high level of resilience.
Join us for this session to learn how to develop resilience in your people, teams and across your organization.
What will you learn?
• Consider the topics of stress and resilience in light of current events.
• Discuss practical tactics for reducing stress and unleashing the power of resilience to overcome adversity.
• Examine related evidence by Dale Carnegie and others.
Choose how you attend this session! Join us in person, or tune in for the live-stream webinar.
(In person with lunch)
Chamber members: $32 in advance | $42 at the door
Non-members: $52 in advance | $62 at the door
IT ONLINE Chamber members: $15 | Non-members: $25 Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100
Kelsey Joy Buell
Motivational Speaker &
Talent Consultant
Kelsey Joy LLC
Coaching is a Game Changer
Tuesday, August 25
3:30 to 5 p.m.
Delta by Marriott and online
Do you find yourself desiring more? Have you ever felt stuck and had no idea how to get from where you are to where you want to be?
Coaching is a common term, but is often undefined. Coaches are present throughout your life to help you achieve your goals. They guide you to reach deep within yourself to unleash those untapped resources. Specifically, a coach helps you identify what you want and why, and creates a plan on how to achieve it. They can help you gain clarity and acceptance of who you are, where you are today and what it will take to get you to where you want to be. Coaching is an effective tool providing you the skills to help you achieve your desired results.
What you will get out of this session?
Light Consulting & Coaching LLC
1. A deep analysis to identify whether coaching would be of value to you.
2. A coaching tool to move you out of overwhelm into action.
3. Self-assessment in what areas coaching may change your life.
Why NOT me? Overcoming Self-Doubt
Tuesday, September 30 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Avalon Events Center and online
There is an old saying that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Self-doubt is often a primary driver for not taking that shot. This session will explore key motivators of self-doubt, and challenge women to get out of their own way and feel confident that they deserve success, happiness and fulfillment.
This discussion will:
Jessica Fyre
SVP General Counsel
AgCountry Farm Credit Services
/jessica-fyre-674773a
• Explore the key motivators of self-doubt.
• Challenge individuals to have the courage to risk disappointment. We often look at others and think “they got lucky.” People don’t achieve sustained success through luck, although it may appear that way to others. Achieving success requires the willingness to take a chance and risk disappointment. Although it can be scary, taking a risk is often necessary to move to the next level.
• Discuss how to overcome disappointment. We all face disappointment. Disappointment is how we grow as leaders, individuals and team members. Don’t let disappointment define or hold you back.
• Explore the importance of sponsorship. Sponsors are those people who are actively advocating for your next promotion or raise. These people are just as important as mentors, but are not often identified.
Choose how you attend these sessions! Join us in person, or tune in for the live-stream webinar.
REGISTRATION (In person)
Chamber members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door
Non-members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door
STREAM IT ONLINE
Chamber members: $15 | Non-members: $25
Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100
Melissa Marshal
General Manager, Residential Property Management Roers Companies
Sarah West Owner
Announcing the new Leadership class
We are thrilled to announce and welcome the following individuals into our 2020–21 Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo class. Please help congratulate these participants, and watch next month's Bridge for their class photo!
Alex Kizima
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley
Alex Lacey Gate City Bank
Amanda Keller SCHEELS
Andrew Smith Vogel Law Firm
Ashley Parsons WEX Health Inc.
Audrey Charchenko Rasmussen College
Brady Blomberg HUB International
Chelsey Steinlicht Bright Futures Learning Center
Christopher Deery Cass County Government
Darin Underhill S&S Promotional Group
Donn Groth Midwest Radio of Fargo-Moorhead
Dustin Ulmer PRO Resources
Gabriel Bladow Houston Engineering, Inc.
Jenae Ste. Marie Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company
Jessica Kappes Gjesdahl Law
John Holten Zerr Berg Architects
Jonathan Eisert Bell Bank
Kailey Boraas First Western Bank & Trust
Kari Stenger Light Consulting & Coaching
Kathryn DelZoppo Ohnstad Twichell, PC
Katie Larson TrueNorth Steel
Katie Mastel Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce
Kayla Christensen Brady Martz & Associates, P.C.
Kaylyn Stroh Wanzek Construction, Inc.
Kellie Daley Rejuv Medical Aesthetic Clinic
Kelly Collins Kilbourne Group
Kelly Edwards First International Bank & Trust
Kenneth Bartholomew Saving Smiles Dentistry
Kristin Nelson Jeremiah Program
Kyle Voltin Starion Bank
Matthew Hallaway Oak Grove Lutheran School
Matthew Welle Moore Engineering, Inc.
Megan Strese Discovery Benefits, Inc.
Michael Detloff Moorhead Police Department
Morgan Sabbe Lux Communities
Ricky Pallay F5 Project
Samuel Grantham OK Tire Store
Scott Steinmetz Microsoft
Trevor Deyo BC Contracting
Troy Knutson Cass County Electric Cooperative
Virtual Networking Before 9
Friday, August 14 | 8 to 9 a.m. | Online
Free; registration required
Join Professionals of Color for another virtual Networking Before 9! This month, we are excited to host Smita Garg, NDSU’s Assistant Director, Employer Engagement for the Career and Advising Center. Smita will share her personal story on her transition to the FMWF region – what went well, what didn’t go well – and changes she has witnessed as it relates to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Come prepared to ask questions and learn! Attendees will receive the Zoom link and instructions following registration.
Virtual Networking Before 9
Friday, August 28 | 8 to 9 a.m. | Online Free; registration required After hearing from Smita, join us with Dr. Earnest Lamb for another virtual Networking Before 9! Dr. Lamb serves as the Dean of the College of Arts, Media and Communications at Minnesota State University Moorhead, and after living in Arkansas and North Carolina for most of his life, considers himself a “transplant” to our community when he moved here a little over three years ago. Dr. Lamb is excited to share with us his story, experiences and reflect on his perspective as an academic.
Rupak Gandhi shares his purpose in education
In July, POC sat down with Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi for a Networking Before 9. While sharing his personal and professional journey, he talked about his path to Fargo and how he and his family fell in love with our community because of the people and our pride in public education. He also mentioned his passion for education, saying, “My mission is that one day all children will have an opportunity to receive an excellent education,” and how he doesn’t feel as if he has a job, but instead a purpose.
Recommended resources
Looking for resources around the topic of diversity and inclusion? Take a look at our initial list of books to read, FMWF black-owned businesses, and learning opportunities presented by Microsoft and LinkedIn. Visit fmwfchamber.com/ poc-resources.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota | GOLDMARK Property Management | Midco | Minnesota State Community and Technical College
One to Watch
John Fisher, Executive Director, Friends of the Children
YPN INVOLVEMENT:
Member
at Large on the YPN Leadership Committee
YEARS IN YPN: Six
Outside of serving on YPN’s Leadership committee, John serves as a pastor at Sojourn Church, is active with Park Christian School and a member of Fargo Kiwanis. John also serves on the board for Fargo Kiwanis, Badges of Unity and Youth Investment Boards. “I love living in FMWF because of the community vibe,” he said. “My wife and I chose to live here. We had our choice of almost anywhere in the U.S., and we chose FMWF. Cost of living, family friendly, job opportunities, active NPO environment, and tons of good eats/activities. There is an extremely welcoming and neighborly feel.”
John joined YPN to grow his professional and personal networks and has seen this benefit through his involvement. John says he has found his chiropractor, a future board member and some of his best friends from this organization “It all came from me stepping out, signing up for an event and striking up a convo (back in 2014)
PROGRAM SPONSORS
— UPCOMING EVENTS —
YPN Book Club
Join YPN monthly for our newest event, Book Club! Each month, we will read and discuss a different book, usually focused on professional or personal development.
AUGUST BOOK: "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer
Johnson
Virtual Meet-Up
Thursday, August 27
Noon to 1 p.m.
SEPTEMBER BOOK:
“Getting Naked: A Business Fable About Shedding the Three Fears That Sabotage Client Loyalty”
by
Patrick Lencioni
Stay tuned to next month’s Bridge for more information about the September discussion! Remember, if you don’t want to buy each book, please check your local public libraries to borrow the books.
ABOUT YPN
It is our belief that a community influenced by young professionals is a community that attracts and retains them. Core to the Young Professionals Network’s strategic agenda is the belief that the more informed, involved and connected young professionals are, the more influence they will have on the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community.
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Delta by Marriott
We welcome the following businesses who have invested by joining The Chamber. We encourage all members to conduct business with each other. When you do, let them know you learned of their business through The Chamber!
Bison Plains Lodge
bisonplainslodge.com
Hotels/Motels
Bison Plains Lodge is a 60-room hotel located four blocks south of I-94 at (Exit 1A) on Highway 75/8th Street in Moorhead. They offer a complimentary hot breakfast, a new exercise room and an infrared dry sauna for their guests. All rooms also include: in-room coffee, microwave and refrigerator and comfortable beds. They also provide on-site guest laundry and ample space for large trucks and trailer parking. They are new local owner/operators and have been conducting many upgrades at their hotel.
Blooming Baby Ultrasound
bloomingbabyultrasoundhd.com
Health Care Services
Blooming Baby HD Ultrasound is the only ultrasound studio in the area to offer the new Samsung HD Live Ultrasound. Their 3D, 4D & HD ultrasound packages are affordable for all expecting parents, and can provide you with timeless videos and photos as keepsakes of your baby. At Blooming Baby HD Ultrasound, you will experience their experts capturing those priceless first moments of your baby’s life. They offer the most advanced 3D/4D & HD ultrasound image quality available so that you have the opportunity to bond with your baby at every stage of prenatal life. At Blooming Baby HD Ultrasound, you are able to watch how they bring phenomenal images of your baby to life!
Lumen Vision, P.C.
lumen.vision
Medical - Ophthalmologists/Optometrists/Opticians
Their mission at Lumen Vision is to provide the best eye care in south Fargo for children and their families. From eye emergencies to contact lens exams, they are your one-stop solution for compassionate care and optical products that make a difference in our community.
Moore Holding Company
mooreholdingco.com
Holding Company
A 100% employee-owned holding company seeking to expand its family of growing, successful companies. Parent company of Moore Engineering, Inc. headquartered in West Fargo.
RAKA
rakagrp.com
Forklifts
RAKA is a full-service dealer with a multi-state reach, delivering reliable, cost-effective, and energy efficient forklift, aerial equipment and material handling solutions since 1970.
Soma Employment Solutions
somaemployment.com
Employment Services
Soma Employment Solutions is a top-notch New American recruitment company. The company is on the outlook for creating an immensely successful global network of highly skilled and competent workforce and bridge the prevailing gap between New American talent and the industry. The company has invested in cutting-edge technologies to provide customized solutions and automated the process of talent acquisition through employing data analytics interventions to devise recruitment strategies for your businesses with a focus on finding the top New American talent to best fit your business needs.
Spicy Pie (one West Fargo & two Fargo locations) pizzagrindersbeer.com
Restaurants
As a locally owned business, Spicy Pie takes pride in serving up a variety of menu items for the past 10 years! They boast a large menu that allows you to choose and customize any item on the menu from pizza to tacos to delicious, sweet desserts. Spicy Pie can also help you take the guesswork out of your next catering event. Spicy Pie is a locally owned restaurant offering New York style pizza by the slice. They also serve grinders, tacos, beer and so much more! Spicy Pie: For when you want just a slice of pizza...that isn’t JUST a slice of pizza!
Vanne
epiccompaniesnd.com/properties/vanne
Apartments
Vanne is a proposed mixed-use building on First Avenue in Moorhead. It is a combination of residential and commercial, creating a community within a community. Located next to Moorhead’s own Junkyard Brewing and Sol Ave. Kitchen and more! This active space will be out your front door. The community of Moorhead is currently working on a downtown study that will create a downtown location to enhance the lives of its residents.
WE Ortho we-ortho.com
Dentists & Orthodontists
At WE Ortho, Dr. Ryan West and Dr. Everson Ehlis and their team love giving patients of all ages something to smile about, with the state-of-the-art orthodontic care in a fun and friendly environment, using the most advanced techniques available.
MEMBER NEWS: COMPANIES
The AmericInn by Wyndham Fargo Medical Center announced it has been awarded the annual “Best of AmericInn,” which recognizes the brand’s top performing hotels and their staffs. In celebration of the achievement, Nick Klaers, one of the hotel’s owners, accepted the award from AmericInn and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts leadership.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties is proud to announce that its public relations, communications and marketing team has been recognized and awarded by the North Dakota Professional Communicators as well as the National Federation of Press Women organizations.
For the second year in a row, Capital Credit Union has been named North Dakota’s best credit union in a nationwide survey conducted by Forbes and market research firm Statista. For the survey, more than 25,000 customers in the U.S. were surveyed for their opinions on their current and former banking relationships.
Financial-services firm Edward Jones ranked No. 1 among investment firms for customer experience in The US Customer Experience Index, 2020. This is the fifth consecutive year the firm has received the highest spot on the CX Index among investment firms from Forrester Research. Edward Jones also finished highest in the categories of Customer Service and Clear Communications among investment firms.
Essentia Health has received the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Trailblazer Award for its nation-leading efforts to improve access to virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 crisis encouraged Essentia Health teams to provide an opportunity for patients to receive care from their health care provider virtually using a phone, tablet, laptop or PC from the comfort of their home a full month ahead of a planned launch.
Fargo Jet Center’s (FJC) Part 145 aviation repair station has received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), via a recommendation by the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office.
Leann Wolff of Great Outcomes Consulting, LLC published an article titled “How You Frame A Situation Matters—Especially Right Now” on Forbes.com, as part of the Forbes Councils Member.
Inna Portraits’ work was featured on the cover of May 2020 issue of Professional Photographer Magazine, along with the feature story. The cover of Professional Photographer shows oil on canvas painting. This is a self-portrait by Inna Sumra.
The North Dakota Safety Council announced its Safety & Health Award Winners. Chamber members making the list, and the category in which they won, are: John Deere Electronic Solutions, Safety Improvement, given to member companies who have shown a 50% decrease in their OSHA incidence rate from the previous year.; John Benard, Ellingson Companies, Kerri Gortmaker, BNSF Railway, and Tammy Moreno, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Outstanding Safety Instructor; and Bayer U.S. Crop Science and John Deere Electronic Solutions, Workplace Safety Merit Award, given to member companies showing an Experience Modification Rate below 1 for 2019.
Cornerstone Bank is proud to announce the following promotions:
NORTH DAKOTA BUSINESS GRANTS AVAILABLE
ECONOMIC RESILIENCY GRANT
The North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Economic Resiliency Grant (ERG) Program has been created to help restore consumer confidence in the marketplace while reducing the spread of COVID-19.
The ERG is a grant – not a loan.
North Dakota businesses can apply for grant funding up to $50,000 (up to $100,000 for businesses with more than one location) for investments with the purpose of reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Use your mobile device to scan the QR code or go to BeLegendary.link/ERG for more information!
Apex Engineering Group
Jacob Gunderson, Graduate Engineer
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley (no headshots available)
Mark Peterson, Program Coordinator PROMOTED
James Nagbe, Community Relations Specialist
Courtney Quist , Program Coordinator
Cass County Electric
Jocelyn Hovland, Manager of Communications
Tyler Lynnes, Journeyman Lineman
Alison Sizer, Member Service
Representative Supervisor
Collins and Krank | Raymond James
Sam Mandan, Financial Advisor
Cornerstone Bank
Craig Ehrmantraut , SVP/Chief Credit Officer
Ryan Grussing, SVP/Business Banker & Cash Management Services
Jim Hambrick , Fargo Market President
Jeff Thomas, President/Chief Executive Officer
Do Good Better Consulting
Abby Furchner, Special Project & Media Manager
Fargo Air Museum
Ryan Thayer, Executive Director
Heartland Trust Company
Heather Jung, Retirement Services Associate
Missy Zarak , Trust Officer
Houston Engineering, Inc.
Victor Gronvold, Engineer I
Justin Kassen, Engineer I
KW Inspire Realty
Katherine Butler, Realtor
Christina Troy, Realtor
Moore Engineering
James Stenseth, Survey Technician
Network Center, Inc.
Chris Johnson, Account Executive
Onsharp
Larry Finch, Python Developer
Erik Kantrud, Technical Project Manager
Spectrum Aeromed
Holly Jorud, Controller
Wallwork Financial
Adam Niedermeier, Controller
GUNDERSON HOVLAND LYNNES SIZER
EHRMANTRAUT GRUSSING
MANDAN
FURCHNER
THAYER
THOMAS
GRONVOLD KASSEN
ZARAK
HAMBRICK
JUNG
BUTLER
FINCH
TROY STENSETH JOHNSON
Kenny Capouch is supported by CHI Friendship and is their Giving Hearts Day Chairman. In June, Giving Hearts Day announced that Kenny was the 2020 recipient of the Awesome Ambassador Award, recognized for a person who goes the extra mile with Giving Hearts Day.
First International Bank & Trust President, Peter Stenehjem is named among the Independent Community Bankers of America® annual 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders list. The award recognizes the nation’s upand-coming community bank innovators and influencers representing the future of the industry.
Heartland Trust Company announced that Shara Fischer has received her Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation. This designation is an industry-benchmark for retirement planning credentials and is encouraged by top firms in the financial services industry.
Tim Flakoll, provost for Tri-College University and Chamber public policy committee chair, has been awarded the national Phi Kappa Phi Dr. Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award, which honors an individual who has provided sustained, noncompensated volunteer service to others beyond the realm of academia. Phi Kappa Phi cited that they were particularly impressed with his “record of statewide public service and youth mentoring.” Flakoll was nominated for the national award by the NDSU Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.
Ribbon cuttings are back!
After putting a pause on ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies for a few months due to COVID-19, we are excited to announce that we are again offering in-person celebrations— with new guidelines in place to follow state guidelines and ensure the health and safety of our businesses and ambassadors. Let us know if you’ve got a milestone coming up that we can celebrate with you, whether a grand opening, relocation, remodel or expansion, major anniversary, new ownership or groundbreaking.
To maximize your exposure and marketing, opt in to the Enhancement Package for $125 and receive extra promotion and opportunities (regular ribbon cuttings remain free!). If you're too busy or aren't sure how to spread the word on your own, this is a great way for us to help you.
Want to celebrate but aren’t ready for in person?
We are still offering the option of virtual ceremonies, too! Learn more at fmwfchamber.com/ribbon-cutting-request or contact Mickayla at mthompson@fmwfchamber.com.
