2021 Legacy Leader Award recipient
Mark Nisbet
Community Builders
Community Builders are a level of Premier Partner businesses committed to improving the area by investing in our programs and events.
Dakota
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and learn more about our members in the community. Use this QR code to discover the great things happening around our metro this summer, and see what your fellow Chamber members are up to. Chamber
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Get to know our inspiring Chamber members and community through these unique stories.
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 full-service metropolitan marketplace.
• Be a bold voice for business through strong thought leadership and a rich policy agenda.
• Build a place of belonging to best serve members’ interests.
Board of Directors
Committee Chairs
Chamber Staff
@FMWFShannon
Katherine Grindberg Vice President of Public Policy @FMWFKatherine
Alyssa Lakoduk Leadership Development Specialist @FMWFAlyssa
Shane Olmscheid Engagement Strategist @FMWFShane
Tyler Fischbach Vice President of Communications @FMWFTyler
Malinda Olhoft Engagement Support Specialist
Kayla Koehmstedt Content Marketing Specialist @FMWFKayla
Tracy Powell Vice President of Events @FMWFTracyP
@FMWFMason
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
A note from the President
September marks a new fiscal year for The Chamber, and I want to express my gratitude to our members, volunteers and community for such a positive year. After my family and I joined the community in late 2020, it quickly became apparent to me that the people and businesses here support each other, show up for one another, and work together every day to make our community a better place to live, work, learn and experience. The past couple of years have required a lot of grit and resiliency from every one of us, and we should all be very proud of the work, progress and accomplishments our community has seen lately.
Looking ahead, your Chamber will continue to work on your behalf to be a catalyst for growth and prosperity for our metro and region. Throughout the year, you may have noticed us sharing and discussing many of the big rock issues and opportunities that we have been working on. We will continue structuring a way forward that will give us the best chance at being a leading economic market and vibrant community of the future. I also encourage you to visit our website to learn more about Fueling Our Future initiatives and what to expect in the coming months.
We are also proud to announce and honor this year’s Legacy Leader, Mark Nisbet. This award recognizes long-time local leaders for their impact on our community and region. Mark has always been incredibly passionate about his community and has touched many organizations and aided many missions throughout his career. I invite you to join us at The Chamber’s Annual Celebration in October as we celebrate our community’s successes, look to the future, and honor Mark’s legacy. Enjoy the September Bridge; it is all about giving back and the impact of supporting each other.
Shannon Full President & CEO Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce
Diversify Your Portfolio
Find New Ways to Connect with Emerging Talent in the FM Area
With a low unemployment rate and a tight talent market, particularly within industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, finance and technology, employers who work hard to increase their touchpoints with emerging talent have the best opportunity to attract and retain young professionals to Fargo-Moorhead.
Here at Campus FM, we spent a few months during this past year connecting with students to understand what’s informing their decisions to stay or leave the FM Area. Our findings were not altogether surprising—career confidence for students tended to rely on industry and/or community connections, with more positive outlooks for nursing students and those who attended high school in the area.
But for those students with less than optimistic outlooks on the FM Area, we did find ourselves surprised as to their rationale. We spoke with several students who noted they were leaving the area because of the “lack of opportunities in my field” or the perception that job openings were rare, due to a perceived lack of employee turnover or job migration.
Many of these students mentioned their lack of ability to connect with a working professional in their field in the FM Area, adding that this small detail was significant enough for them to feel that their personal and professional growth had been “plateaued” or “tapped out.” Instead, they reported forming professional connections and receiving exposure to career opportunities in other metro areas, such as the Twin Cities.
While we found ourselves disappointed in this feedback, we also knew that there were many opportunities for employers to step up and change student perception on career opportunities in the area—especially for graduates of two-year institutions, or those who have only attended some college or are still enrolled in high school.
Without a doubt, the students who are already embedded in the area continue to be the most interested in living and working locally, yet often receive the least engagement from local employers. After extending our listening tour to higher ed professionals and campus recruiters across various industries, we found that there was a fair amount of distance between two-year institutions and employers, prompting us to ask the question: What are you waiting for?
Perhaps that’s the message that we’d like to leave here for you. If you lead or work for an organization that hasn’t yet built an internship or mentorship program for students, whether at four-year or two-year institutions or even with local high schools, you’re much likelier to continue the struggle in filling your talent gaps.
Make a connection between your employees and students beyond campus job fairs. Take mentions of “four-year degree required” off your job applications. Look beyond your current job openings and begin to plan for your company’s future—where do you see the future of your organization in 10, 15, 20 years, and how will emerging talent help you get there?
Fueling Our Future supports and has invested in the Campus FM initiative.
At The Chamber, our mission is to promote a vibrant and prosperous business community through leadership in public policy and advocacy, talent and workforce initiatives, community development, education and engagement. In order to enhance our organizational excellence, leadership and service to the community, Chamber employees are excited to be experiencing and implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) facilitated by local leader Patrick Metzger.
EOS is a set of concepts and tools that has helped thousands around the world. EOS focuses on helping teams improve vision, traction and staying healthy. We sat down with Patrick to learn more about the program and the impact it has not only across the world, but also right here in our community.
What was the inspiration for getting involved with this system?
PM: I’ve always been a teacher and a coach, and really have a passion for this type of work. To me, that’s really what EOS is: being a teacher, coach and facilitator. I have the opportunity to teach organizations the tools they’ll be using, I coach them through the implementation of the tools and processes, and facilitate the process and bring in an outside perspective.
What excites you about it?
PM: The program excites me because I get to truly help organizations achieve more and be a true partner throughout the entire process. A lot of times, people go in to business and get so lost in the work that they don’t get to focus on why they went in to business in the first place. It’s great helping owners and teams destress and pull back from doing so much, and watching the entire team take on the ownership role.
I’m also excited about EOS because it really does work in any industry and for basically any size organization. EOS has taken the best ideas in history, and combines them all in one program. I’m always excited to partner with the organization and go above and beyond to help with whatever issues are present.
What is your favorite part about doing this kind of work?
PM: Definitely the people and teams involved! Every company has various dynamics and situations to work through. A lot of the time, teams don’t realize most of the answers they need are within their team, and they struggle to work through it on their own. I come in and know where to poke and what questions to ask to get people to open up. It’s a great feeling watching the process problem solve for the organization.
What can participants expect?
PM: Participants in EOS can expect a very open, honest and transparent process that moves quickly towards forward progress. There will be a lot of brain power used on session days, and participants usually tend to feel a bit worn out but also very fulfilled and full of clarity.
Participants can also expect proven results unlike any other program. EOS has been implemented in more than 12,000 companies and facilitators have led more than 85,000 session days. The numbers speak for themselves!
What is your favorite part of the program and why?
PM: I have two—vision building days and the annual meeting. Vision building days are so powerful. This is when we all sit down and work on the vision and goals. I love helping organizations clarify their values and focus, and find their “why”.
The annual meeting is a two-day event where we review progress. It’s powerful to see teams come together and take huge strides from where they started. We focus on team health and do an in-depth SWOT analysis. Teams always come forward from this meeting with a lot of confidence in where they are headed.
What problems do you run into/solve?
PM: One of the main problems is companies trying to tackle too much—biting off more than they can chew. One of the core sayings in EOS is “Less is More”. We help organizations focus on doing less things really well, rather than doing a lot of things not really well.
Another common problem we run into and address is organizations having team members that aren’t the right fit. The goal is to get the right people in the right seats, and to bring in the right people to fit the culture and values. This often involves playing musical chairs to get people where they need to be. We often find employees struggling to open up and be transparent. While this can of course present some tough challenges, companies generally understand this is in their best interest.
What is the biggest benefit for organizations who go through the program?
PM: The program provides real simple results and takes the complexity out of running the business. It provides continuity, clarity and accountability within the organization to help it move forward quickly and to scale and grow to reach their goals.
Why should people use this program?
PM: The EOS system is all encompassing, and makes it simple to excel. If the organization takes the necessary steps and works through the process, they are guaranteed results. The system is proven and bulletproof after more than 15 years of successful implementation.
What can our members expect to see from The Chamber and Patrick throughout this journey?
The Chamber is looking forward to sharing updates, recaps and takeaways from the EOS program throughout the following year. We will share important topics discussed, feedback and stories from The Chamber team, and what our members might expect to experience if they go through this program as well.
Developing a highly functional and effective internal Chamber team is critical to our mission, and we are proud to grow, evolve and enhance our capabilities as a catalytic leader for the community.
Mark Nisbet
2021
Legacy Leader Award recipient
Mark was born in Grand Forks and grew up on the family farmstead. He attended high school in Fisher, Minnesota, and truly enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with small-town memories. Mark went on to attend college at Moorhead State, now known as MSUM, where he played freshman football and two years of college baseball. While focusing on his business degree, he took advantage of the tri-college system and also enjoyed classes at NDSU.
Towards the end of his college career, Mark was ready to start his own business in the concrete and construction industry. This business introduced him to numerous opportunities in the industry, as well as in various business settings. This led to Mark landing a role at Xcel Energy. Starting out in the customer business office in the
company, he transitioned four times before ultimately earning the role of North Dakota Principal Manager, which is the role he retired from in January 2021 after 40 years with the company.
Mark has always been passionate about getting involved in his community. He has been highly involved with both local and state organizations including United Way, Boy Scouts, YMCA Family Center, Grand Forks Lions Club, Minot Area Development Corporation, Downtown Community Partnership, Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC, Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber, State Chamber of Commerce Board, EmPower Energy Commission and ND Renweable Energy Council. Mark is passionate about higher education and workforce development, and considers serving on the Tri-College
Board of Directors and representing the North Dakota Economic Development Foundation as the Chair of Governor Hoeven’s Centers of Excellence program to be highlights in his career.
A true family man, Mark has been married to his wife Sandy for 43 years, and has three grown sons, Jason, Matt and Alex. He has been enjoying his retirement by getting back to the golf course, fishing, flying drones with his son and spending time with family and friends. He is looking forward to getting involved in the community, and is especially interested in volunteering his time in the areas of workforce development, unmanned aerial systems and flood protection.
Join us at our Annual Celebration in October to learn more about Mark and honor him with the award.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
The Legacy Leader award recognizes long-time local leaders for their impact on the community, region and The Chamber. We are honored to announce Mark Nisbet as the recipient of the 2021 Legacy Leader award.
Since 2008, Giving Hearts Day has united area causes for one day a year in celebration of their efforts for our community. The 500 charities involved are given the resources to accelerate fundraising efforts for this event and beyond. Just as The Chamber promotes the growth and prosperity of local businesses, Giving Hearts Day does the same for nonprofits. What’s more, is the two go hand in hand – businesses and nonprofits working together will enhance the quality of life in our region.
Giving Hearts Day 2021 presented the community with a bold goal: to become the most generous region in the country by 2025. Such an ambitious goal came with new ways to uplift charities. In addition to monetary donations, donors were also given the option to donate goods or volunteer their time and talents.
The giving day broke its own record, as it has done so every year since its beginning.
This continuous growth is due in part to the expanding involvement of businesses with charities. While it may seem counterintuitive to combine the nonprofit and for-profit worlds, uniting for a cause brings major benefits for both. Charity missions are supported and businesses develop more positive environments.
One particular Giving Hearts Day charity, Lend A Hand Up, has been greatly impacted by business involvement in the program.
Prior to its launch in 2008, the idea for Lend A Hand Up was conceptualized by program director Jeana Peinovich, along with the help of The Chamber’s Leadership committee, comprised of area business representatives. Together, they drafted the first fundraiser hosting guide, which has now become a comprehensive guide and giving platform.
The Lend A Hand Up program is certainly in touch with the community, primarily serving area families in medical crisis. Individuals nominate neighbors in need and Lend A Hand Up helps to host benefits and auctions with 100% of the proceeds going back to the families in need.
Since then, the program has substantially grown, making it clear to Peinovich that more community involvement is needed. The program is currently hosting 28 family fundraisers, the most it has seen at one time. Lend A Hand Up also hosted its first-ever Rally Month in July to recruit more ambassadors to build awareness. Peinovich notes, “It’s great to have some connection to local businesses when hands-on help is needed.”
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Let’s get started North Dakota. We’ve got big plans for you.
150,000
What was your reaction to winning at this year’s ChamberChoice Awards?
Our team was surprised and very honored. CAPLP has been called ‘the best kept secret’ for many years and we are so happy that the secret is out!
“We are truly honored to be recognized by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce and our community! Our CAPLP team has been making our communities a better place to live for all for 55 years, and it feels absolutely amazing to be recognized as the 2021 Not-for-Profit of the Year! Thank you!”
In 1965 CAPLP was born out of the Economic Opportunity Act as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s unconditional war on poverty. The first program offered was a summer Head Start program offered in local elementary school classrooms.
Lori Schwartz, CAPLP Executive Director
What does the award mean to you and the organization?
This award means our community supports us and believes in our mission. This past year has proven to be exceedingly difficult for our most vulnerable populations; these are the populations that CAPLP primarily serves. CAPLP is so honored to be recognized in this capacity because we know our team is extremely dedicated and passionate about the wellbeing of the individuals who reside in our community as well as the community itself.
ABOVE : Drive-thru Head Start graduation
BELOW: Barry Houglum, 2021 Clay County Outstanding Senior Award Winner
Delivering food to seniors Senior Bus Driver & Career Connect Coach
Today, our Head Start program offers classroom and home-based services and serves 288 children annually. In the 1970’s CAPLP expanded to include a senior’s program, Women, Infants, & Children (WIC), legal services, and the broadening of rural library services (Lake Agassiz Regional Library). Many programs and services were started at CAPLP out of community need and found their permanent home after they were established. In the 1990’s CAPLP had an established office in Wilkin County and added a housing and self-sufficiency program. Today CAPLP offers homeless prevention, supportive housing, and outreach to people experiencing homelessness. The CAPLP self-sufficiency program has been renamed Economic Empowerment and includes assistance with taxes, financial fitness, insurance navigation, homebuyer education, and early learning scholarships so parents can afford quality care for their children. CAPLP also helps early childhood educators find trainings and improve the quality of their programs. CAPLP Career Connect links low-income families with skills training to obtain high demand careers such as nursing, welding, and manufacturing. Our coaches work with families every step of the way to overcome personal barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment. CAPLP has also recently added a Refugee Resettlement Program and New American Child Care Project.
What makes your organization so important for the community?
CAPLP responds to the needs of the community. Every 3 years we conduct a Community Needs Assessment which identifies the strengths and resources available in the community to meet the needs of children, youth, seniors, individuals, and families. The assessment helps guide our programming and services to best meet the needs of those within our community. The highest areas of need identified are transportation, child care, education/training, living wage employment, and affordable housing. CAPLP aims to address people’s needs by working with the entire family to overcome any barriers they may face.
What values are most important to the organization? What do you believe in?
Eliminating poverty by empowering families and engaging the community.
What is one thing you most want others to know about you?
CAPLP gives the gift of transformation to those we serve. We provide a hand up (not a hand out) and truly work with families to overcome barriers so they can defeat generational poverty.
Anything else you’d like to mention: Our team is our most valuable resource. All our work is impossible without our dedicated and caring team.
PHOTO: Financial Fitness for Career Connect CNA class RIGHT: Drive-thru birthday celebration
PHOTO: CNA graduates, July 2021
The Birthing of a Diamond is a community grassroots organization that serves families and single parent families that are employed or unemployed, underserviced and underheard.
It is our belief that cities and communities must connect and work together to meet the needs of all our citizens to build a healthy, inclusive and diverse metro.
It is our mission to create a unified community that will be a shining example for other cities and citizens. It is our goal to connect with our residents to learn about barriers and concerns, build relationships, and address homelessness.
We need everyone’s voice and input to create a happy and healthy city.
Welcome
Eric Hardmeyer
Corporate Board of Directors
Hardmeyer dedicated 35 years of his career to BND with the last 20 years serving as President/CEO. As the longest-serving President in BND’s 102-year history, he navigated times of great economic change with oil booms and busts, drought and natural disasters to ensure the Bank remained relevant and played a critical role for the residents of North Dakota.
CCRI has been enhancing and enriching the lives of people with disabilities, ensuring our community’s most vulnerable have the support they need, since 1977. We stay true to our values, vision and mission by leading with heart and strategy. Across our six programs, we support more than 450 people of all ages and their families in Clay and Wilkin Counties.
We have seen the progression from institutional living to community living, from fear to acceptance, and the continued importance of inclusion in the lives of people with disabilities.
We have worked diligently to scatter the 35 homes we operate 24/7 throughout typical neighborhoods
within our community. The simple bringing together of people who would not otherwise interact results in unanticipated relationships and wonderful benefits to the neighborhood. People develop a greater understanding and respect for people with disabilities and get the opportunity to build a stronger sense of social responsibility.
CCRI is one of four agencies in the state of Minnesota providing sensing technology to promote independence. Our program is called Independent by Design and uses technology rather than 1:1 staffing to keep people safe. The service is cheaper than traditional care and lets us use our staff in other programs- which is important during a workforce crisis.
We are grateful to be part of such a generous community. We couldn’t provide the opportunities we do without their support.
WANT VESTED INTEREST IN YOUR WORK?
HOW DOES EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP SOUND?
At a Ulteig, a great career isn’t the only thing you’ll build. Because we are deeply committed to making the communities we serve stronger, safer, healthier, and cleaner. Because we’ve found that when you spend your days working to improve the lives of others, the universe tends to take care of improving your own. If this sounds like a mission you can get behind, your road to building a successful, rewarding career begins at Ulteig.
ULTEIG ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS:
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christ-centered residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. At the Ranch, we help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids in our community by providing best-inclass psychiatric therapy and traumainformed care, looking kids in the eye, walking with them, and helping them become their best selves.
The Ranch’s outpatient clinic, Dakota Family Services, provides Outpatient Psychiatric and Psychological Services for children, adolescents, and adults. Our on-campus school, Dakota Memorial School (DMS), provides a personalized education for kids who have psychiatric, behavioral and trauma issues. In addition to educating the children
The formerly incarcerated and those suffering from addiction have limited resources available to them due to an unfair stigma. F5 Project serves by connecting people to meet their basic needs, gain employment and find safe and reliable housing. We are criminal justice reform warriors who offer grace without question and create change for those who hustle.
Felons and addicts don’t “serve their time.” Their entire life is affected, and it is referred to as a permanent record for a reason. Everyone deserves grace and a chance to refresh their lives. Like the function key on a keyboard that refreshes your computer screen, F5 Project provides hope, grace and a custom approach to each individual.
in residential treatment at the Ranch, DMS has a Day Program for students in the community who need a different environment to be successful in school.
The Ranch also operates six thrift stores in the Fargo Moorhead area that underwrite the Ranch ministry, provide employment opportunities, distribute clothing to families in need, give people access to the basic living supplies they need at reduced prices, and contribute to a healthier by providing a place for people to donate items they no longer need or want.
We do this work because we are helping kids that no one else can. Our unparalleled care, expertise, and presence in the name of Christ keep today’s troubled kids from becoming tomorrow’s troubled adults.
The kids who come to the Ranch are not “bad kids.” Many have survived
The F5 Project is a reflection of its community’s kindness, generosity and overwhelming commitment to people. Through donations, our organization is able to expand community outreach efforts and impact lives. Together, we can make a difference.
trauma the rest of us can’t even imagine, and others are dealing with serious mental health issues. At the Ranch, we wrap them in the care and love they need and give them a safe place to live, learn, heal, and find hope. Our psychiatrist, psychologists, therapists, teachers, occupational therapists, nurses, and direct care staff are experts in providing cutting-edge care and treatment based on the latest research in trauma and brain science.
Homeward Animal Shelter was established in 1966 by a concerned group of citizens that wanted to reduce the number of pets that were euthanized at the local pounds. Today, our organization rescues over 60% of the pets from the three local pounds in the FargoMoorhead area and works with other rescues to ensure that no adoptable pets are euthanized in pounds. Since 2012, every adoptable dog and cat has been rescued and rehomed from the three pounds.
Each day we strive to provide the best care possible for the cats, dogs, puppies and kittens that
40 million people around the world are enslaved. One out of four are kids. Human trafficking is the fastestgrowing criminal industry in the world, and it generates $150 billion annually. How do we even begin to tackle this worldwide problem right here in North Dakota?
The good news: we’ve already started. For the last 10 years, Unseen has been accelerating the fight against human trafficking and its root causes in the US and around the world.
come through our doors. Kittens like little Milo who was in very rough shape when he arrived and needed to undergo surgery for a ruptured eyeball, dogs like Camo who wait a full year to find the perfect family they deserve, and all of the others who have their own unique stories. Every animal deserves a second chance, and we work diligently to fulfill our mission to Rescue. Shelter. Protect. Rehome. each one that comes through our doors, until their journeys Homeward are complete.
We certainly couldn’t do what we do without the help of our amazing volunteers and fosters, and the generous support of the community that keeps our doors open; we are truly grateful.
Our primary method of attacking this problem is through partnership. Because trafficking is complex, it requires the collaboration of participants worldwide. These include governments, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, social service providers, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, philanthropists and like-minded funders. Many of these participants are making big strides in fighting trafficking, but their reach is limited by being notoriously underfunded. Unseen bridges this gap.
We vet, select and invest in partners to help build their capacity and accelerate their portfolios to help them grow and assist more vulnerable people. Today we work with 27 partners in 34 countries.
2021 marked our 10-year anniversary. That’s 10 years of serving vulnerable people all over the world through meals, aftercare, advocacy, generous giving and countless other ways. We will celebrate this milestone year at
Unseen’s Fall Fire event on Friday, September 24 at The Lights in West Fargo. We invite our community to join us to enjoy food, music from Remedy Drive, celebrate antitrafficking wins and reignite the fire to continue this fight, together.
STRATEGIC BUSINESS INSIGHTS FROM ALERUS
SHOULD YOUR BUSINESS OFFER A RETIREMENT PLAN BENEFIT? HERE’S WHAT TO ASK YOURSELF.
Retirement benefits are among the best known and most desirable employee benefits offered. So why don’t more businesses offer them?
Not all tools are right for every situation, but there also can be a lot of misunderstanding about complex company-sponsored benefits. Owners who are leery of getting in over their head or who aren’t sure if the effort will be worth it may hesitate to make such a big change. If you like the idea of offering retirement benefits but aren’t sure where to start, ask yourself:
Will it provide a recruiting or retention edge, and what is that worth?
Many businesses struggle to hire and keep good people. A retirement plan can help you stand out from the competition or keep an employee from walking (especially with options that reward longevity). Depending on how hard it is for you to find good people, this could tip the scales.
How will a retirement benefit affect my bottom line?
Nothing in life is free, but some things are a better value. That includes retirement plans. Your business could benefit from tax advantages the government offers to encourage more employers to provide retirement benefits.
And business contributions to employee retirement are tax-advantaged, which can help your business come tax time.
What kind of plan makes the most sense for my business?
401(k), SIMPLE IRA, SEP – it’s a regular alphabet soup. But behind all those acronyms and numbers, each option offers unique features, benefits, and opportunities more than can be explained in a few words. Talk to an expert who can help you understand, unravel, and evaluate your options, which are probably more extensive than you realize.
What will it take to offer and manage a plan?
You’ve got a lot on your plate, so figure out how a retirement plan fits. Maybe your business has a person who can manage the plan, or maybe they’ll need training. Do you run everything yourself? A benefits partner can handle administration, communications, enrollment, and support for a reasonable cost.
There are lots of reasons to offer retirement benefits, including the help it provides your valued employees in preparing a solid future for themselves. With the right guidance from an Alerus business advisor, you may find that offering a retirement plan makes more sense that you would expect.
Meet the 2021–22 Leadership class
For more than 30 years, Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo (LFMWF) has connected and developed leaders who greatly impact the community through dedication and service. You will find these participants and alumni holding prominent leadership roles within our community and a host of others who actively serve the community every day as board members, diligent volunteers and dedicated employees. Each year, LFMWF selects 40 emerging and existing leaders from all sectors of the community to participate in the ten-month program.
Tori Benders Essentia Health
Allison Bergquist Sanford Health
Jamie Brown Lillestol Research
Katie Burington Concordia College
Amanda Buth Allegiance Group
James Cailao Vogel Law Firm
Jana Davis Vaaler Insurance
Tayler Draeger Legacy Financial Partners
Melissa Drewing Marvin Destinee Ensrude WEX
Brandon Erickson O’Keeffe, O’Brien, Lyson Attorneys
Ryan Erickson Fargo Fire Department - City of Fargo
Laura Gariano United Way of Cass-Clay
Christopher Girodat Doosan Bobcat
Adam Guy Wanzek
Stacy Heidenreich Gate City Bank
Jace Holm First Western Bank & Trust
Andrew Honeyman Obernel Engineering
Jennifer Johnson Park Co., REALTORS
Emily Karkoska Border States Electric
PROGRAM SPONSORS
Sabrina Olsen Alliance Management Group
Sarah Peltier Downtown Community Partnership
Jordan Rostad Bell Bank
Melissa Sampson Hornbacher’s
Heidi Schultz North Dakota Autism Center
Hannah Kogler Town & Country Credit Union
Grant Kuper Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Michael Little Dakota Medical Foundation
Juan Martinez Widmer Roel PC
Reid Mattson Eide Bailly
Tyler Strand Minnesota State Community & Technical College
Thomas Stromme First International Bank & Trust
Sarah Tokar Enclave Companies
Brittaney VanderHagen JBC Commercial Real Estate
George Vinson Fargo Police Department
Mitchell McWilliams Allegro Group
Cole Mercier Aldevron
Karli Moch BIO Girls
Danyel Moe Kilbourne Group
Joseph Ness State of North Dakota
BUSINESS TRAINING
How to Avoid the Top 10 Mistakes Employers Make
Wednesday, September 15 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn and livestream
They’re back! Sisters-in-law Michelle Kommer and Martha Velasco Suarez (real life sisters) are labor and employment attorneys who practice law from two different vantage points, inside and outside counsel, in two different parts of the country. They join together to present this session on the most common mistakes made by employers AND how to avoid them. Kommer and Velasco Suarez base their presentation on “real life” issues, with practical solutions. If you are a business owner, office manager, or HR professional, this session is for you!
Mind your Mind and It will Mind Your Business
Wednesday, October 20 | 11:30 to 1 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead and Livestream
EGGS & ISSUES
The Landscape of Education: A K–12 Update
Thursday, September 9 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead and livestream
We take the classes, we hire the coaches, we attend the workshops. We tell ourselves that when we learn enough or know enough, we will be growing and our businesses will follow suit. But if we are honest with ourselves, chasing training and learning doesn’t always produce the results for the bottom line. If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional training events, Jodee will have insights to point you in a different direction than you may have believed you needed to go.
Discuss, Connect & Reflect
With widespread growth across our metro, a high level of education is essential to fulfilling workforce demands. This September, we are convening area superintendents and presidents for a K–12 education update. You will hear how teaching styles, classroom activities and expectations have changed due to the pandemic and how classrooms are getting back to normal. Additionally, the superintendents and presidents will provide updated information about enrollment numbers, district growth and long-term plans.
Law Enforcement: An Evolving Environment
Tuesday, October 5 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead and livestream
With a nationwide push for policing reform, a heightened coverage of criminal activity, and our continued growth, it is important to understand our region’s policing landscape. Local expert Jeff Bumgarner will walk us through the national policing trends, and our local law enforcement leaders will provide insight into our metro’s plan for reducing crime and bolstering public safety.
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR
Networking Before 9
Wednesday, September 15 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Virtual
Join us for a professional conversation focused on how to create social change through inspiring people, powerful stories and compelling design. This will be a Discuss, Connect & Reflect you won’t want to miss!
Thursday, September 30 | 8 to 9 a.m. | Virtual
Grow your personal and professional network by joining this Networking Before 9 socializing opportunity. Make sure to invite a friend to join us as well! We look forward to you joining us.
Michelle Kommer HighRoad Partners
Martha Velasco Suarez Worner Velasco Suarez, PC
Jodee Bock BNG Team
Success is Not Defined by The View from The Top
Tuesday, September 28 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Avalon Events Center and livestream
WOMEN CONNECT
We seem to have this illusion that success is only achieved when reaching the top of the ladder, but that just isn’t true. Women often have this perception that if we can get to the next title, the next step on the ladder and the opportunity to be at the top looking down; then we have truly succeeded.
I am passionate about debunking this perception and giving others the courage to do self-evaluation as to what success truly looks like to them and how they can get there.
Leaving Your Lane
Tuesday, October 26 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Avalon Events Center and livestream
Have you heard the phrase, “Stay in your lane”? According to MerrimanWebster, the phrase “Stay in your lane” is a rebuke or advice against those who want to express a thought or opinion about a subject they’re not an expert on, or perhaps don’t have a lot of experience with. I’m not a fan of this phrase. I want you to know that it’s OK to leave your lane and try new things. I’ll share some stories about how I’ve left my lane at work and at home...and how it’s changed my life.
Business After Hours
Karli Moch BIO Girls
Sally Erickson Microsoft
Women Connect
Kat Perkins delivered an inspiring message to our Women Connect attendees in July at the Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights. Kat spoke on the importance of taking risks and living a fearless life, and followed her talk with an impressive concert.
Eggs & Issues
Attendees heard from Paul Taylor, Interim Director of the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department, followed by a panel of local parks and recreation officials and leaders, and members of the business community who operate in this space.
Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo all provided updates on the importance of parks and recreation, and what the future looks like.
The Urgency of Cybersecurity
On August 19th, we hosted The Urgency of Cybersecurity event. More than 300 attendees heard from local and national experts as they shared their knowledge on current cybersecurity trends and how businesses can protect themselves from these threats. Speakers included:
• Art Bakke, Starion Bank
• Jesse Heck, Dakota Carrier Network
• Michael Nouguier, Eide Bailly
• Dan Hanson, Marsh & McLennan Agency
• John Bonhage, FBI Minneapolis
• Peter Martinson, Blue Team Alpha
“YPN is such an easy way to grow your professional network, build personal connections and immerse yourself in the community. There are so many fun ways YPN can help you grow as a business professional, if you’re willing to put yourself out there. YPN has opportunities to fit everybody’s needs, whether you’re a morning person and enjoy talking over coffee or you’re more of a happy hour person, preferring to chat over a cold drink.”
Drew Sannes, CoreCounts, Light Consulting & Coaching
Young Professionals Network
Last month, our Young Professionals Network (YPN) hosted a fun and very eventful 2021 YP Week. From dog parks to business tours, new and established YPN members took part in over a dozen networking, educational and professional development events throughout our community.
Welcome
Door Stud LLC
thedoorstud.com
Construction Equipment – Supplies
Each of us should use whatever gifts we have to serve others. Mission: Provide innovative products and enriched experiences to our customers. Purpose: Connect people with innovative products and services along with creating opportunities to improve lives. The Door Stud is a door installation tool that revolutionizes how builders install pre-hung or slab doors.
Edward Jones – Jacob Thielges
edwardjones.com
Financial Services
When it comes to your financial future, it’s important to work with someone who takes time to understand you and your situation. We take a step-by-step approach to identify your goals and develop specific strategies to help you achieve them. Contact me today to see how personal service can make a difference.
R&J Broadcasting
rjbroadcasting.com
Radio Stations
Providing video broadcast services throughout the Fargo Metro and Red River Valley with prep sports.
Say Cheese Mac & Melt Co.
saycheesefargo.com
Restaurants, Caterers
Say Cheese Mac & Cheese Co. is the first of its kind in the F-M area! It is a locally owned, family-oriented restaurant, specializing in savory comfort foods including mac and cheese, melts, lavosh and salads including gluten-free options. Take out and catering services available.
Webblen INC
webblen.io
Computer/Mobile App Software & Services
Webblen is a platform that pays people to be engaged in their communities and for small businesses to connect with their local audiences. We are pushing for a purposedriven economy that rewards us for engaging with the world around us. With Webblen, cities and communities across the globe will have a way to improve their triple bottom line (revenue, environmental impact, and social life).
Congrats to these members for celebrating the following milestone Chamber anniversaries this month!
5 YEARS
Monitor Marketing Bank of North Dakota
Everything Amish Vance Thompson Vision
Heritage Insurance Services
15 YEARS
Bernie’s West
Best Western Premier
The Lodge on Lake Detroit
The Spa Within
Avalon Events Center
Merry Maids
Thank you to our Deacon Partners:
American Family Insurance- Ken Kraft Agency Bell Bank
Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services
Border States Electric
Boulger Funeral Home Fargo Jet Center, Inc.
First International Bank & Trust Forum Communications hoedl’s haven productions Hurley’s Religious Goods
Luther Family Buick GMC
Moore Engineering, Inc. Network Center, Inc. Off The Wall Advertising Real Presence Radio AM1370
Saint Sophie’s Psychiatric Center Sanford Health Scheels
SMP Health System
Sweeney Controls Company
Thank you to all of our Deacon Partners for supporting our JPII Catholic Schools! If you’d like to be visible to our Catholic school families through our events and new digital sign, contact:
Joelle Shewey 701-893-3225
joelle.shewey@jp2schools.org
Charlie Lindberg
702 Communications announces new Fargo Moorhead Internet Exchange (FMIX)
702 Communications of Fargo-Moorhead announces the establishment of a new Internet Exchange, the Fargo Moorhead Internet Exchange or FMIX, in its hybrid data center in Fargo. Connection to the FMIX will allow partners to directly exchange traffic or “peer” bypassing long Internet routes, reducing latency, and improving end-user experience.
“We’re excited to have the FMIX switch in our data center,” explained Brian Crommett, CEO of 702 Communications. “With Hurricane Electric, 702 Communications, Paul Bunyan Communications and Park Region Telephone already connected to the exchange, our users are all essentially right next door.”
Want to see your news here?
Email your company news to us at thebridge@fmwfchamber.com or visit fmwfchamber.com/member-news
Please note: All submissions are published two months after they are received.
BCBSND awarded Best Place to Work in IT
IDG Insider Pro and Computerworld named Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) to 2021 list of 100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology. BCBSND was recognized number 23 among small organization on the Best Places to Work in IT list. This award recognized the 100 top organizations that challenge their IT staffs while providing great benefits and compensation.
Insider Pro and Computerworld from IDF conduct an annual survey to identify the 100 best places to work for IT. Nominees were asked to provide statistical data on employment as well as benefits and program information for the IT department and entire organization.
NDSCS Career Innovation Center construction begins North Dakota State College of Science Alumni/Foundation, along with numerous partners and donors, broke ground for the career workforce academy today; and the official name ‘Career Innovation Center’ was announced. The Career Innovation Center (CIC), located at 4230 64th Avenue South in Fargo, N.D., is scheduled to open late 2022. Within the CIC, NDSCS will provide training and academic programming alongside Fargo Public Schools, West Fargo Public Schools, Central Cass School District, and Northern Cass School District. This centrally located education and training center will provide career awareness events for elementary students, career identification and preparation (including early-entry College classes) activities for middle and high school students, and training/ learning spaces for NDSCS students and trainees.
ReadiTech invests $30 million to construct
a
fiber optic network in Casselton, Horace and Mapleton
ReadiTech, a DRN company, has begun construction of a $30 million fiber optic infrastructure capable of providing 10 Gig Internet within the city limits of Casselton, Horace, and Mapleton. This advanced telecommunications network will be the tool that fosters innovative economic development, education, telemedicine, and other vital services for these rural communities.
The fiber optic construction project includes building a Central Office (CO) in Horace which will house the state-of-the-art technology equipment needed to provide telecommunication services to local subscribers.
NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS
Apex Engineering Group
James Fulgham, Engineering Technician
Dylan Pearson, Survey Technician
Beyond Realty
Jocelyn Davis, REALTOR®
Taylor Herhold, Administrative and Marketing Assistant
Zane Hildreth, REALTOR®
Tera Walker, REALTOR®
Concordia College
Stephanie Ahlfeldt , Ph.D, Associate Provost
Susan Larson, Ph.D., Provost
Dakota Plains Realty
Erin Soderstrom, REALTOR®
Essentia Health
Saeed Hamidi, MD, Neurologist
Robyn King, Nurse Practitioner
Bassim Kobrossy, MD, Hematology and Oncology
Dhilhan Marasinghe, MD, Pediatrician
Boyd Marts, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Fargo Jet Center
Riley Bourdon, Customer Service Supervisor
Andrew Fisichella, Flight Instructor
Tate Russell, Lead Flight Instructor
Ben Thornton, Aviation Maintenance Technician Lead
Heartland Trust Company
Kayla Kranda, Operations Officer
Naomi Schempp, Human Resource Officer
Kari Skauge, Compliance Officer
JLG Architects
Jill Winkler, Principal-in-Charge
KW Inspire Realty
April Dennis, REALTOR®
SODERSTROM
BOURDON
SKAUGE
HERHOLD
HAMIDI
FISICHELLA
WINKLER
HILDRETH
KING
RUSSELL
DENNIS
WALKER KOBROSSY
North Dakota Safety Council
Mike Hutchens, Safety Consultant
Macy Lorinser, Office Coordinator
Sarah McKenna, First Aid Manager
Alex Redmann, Workplace Safety Manager
Edon Willis, Safety Consultant
John Woutat , Safety Consultant
Park Co. Realtors
Alyson Brenna, REALTOR®
TNT Kids Fitness & Gymnastics
Jenny Hoaby, Human Resource Coordinator
The Village Family Service Center
Kaitlin Doyle, EAP Counselor
Kenny Hodem, EAP Counselor
West Fargo Public Schools
Teresa Ekren, Behavior Specialist
Cory Herrmann, Activities Director
Elicia Hofmann, Assistant Principal (not pictured)
Tracy Meckler, Public Relations & Resource Development Director
Town & Country Credit Union
Hannah Kogler, Marketing Specialist
Matt Voltz, Vice President Member Services
HUTCHENS
BRENNA LORINSER HOABY
McKENNA
MECKLER
REDMANN
KOGLER
WILLIS
VOLTZ
WOUTAT
DOYLE
HODEM EKREN
I stumbled backwards into working for nonprofits right out of college. And what could have been interpreted as an accidental misstep from my personal employment game-plan, I have found it to be an absolute blessing from day one.
After being lucky enough to work for national and regional organizations serving individuals and families who rely on the generosity of others for financial support (and witnessing businesses of all sizes, and people of all walks donating their time, talent and treasure to), what I can say with utter certainty, that nonprofits are the lifeblood of our community.
They exist to fill gaps in services the government won’t, can’t and shouldn’t do, and whether nonprofits are born out of frustration or unbridled enthusiasm to make the world a better place, these organizations, and their leaders, board members and volunteers who run them, are a force to be reckoned with.
As this region expands, and the needs for social services and programs grows, nearly everyone is certainly affected by the nonprofits in our region. From animal shelters, to food banks, to special education facilities and disability advocacy groups, the nonprofit community serves those who are served the least.
Better yet, these organizations help individuals and businesses to make positive impact through charitable giving, volunteering and sharing stories of triumph they helped facilitate through philanthropy.
I started Do Good Better Consulting 4 years ago to help our small and medium sized nonprofits raise more money effectively and have more fun doing it. Figuring out how to manage the 10,000 things on their plates while working with a skeleton staff that provides critical
services to our community is not an easy task. But no matter the size of these mighty organizations, they push ahead undeterred whatever their financial situation is.
No other businesses strive to solve critical social and societal issues the way nonprofits do.
And it’s a blast to be a part of their success, be there for them when the stresses are overwhelming, and to be a cheerleader when they are so close to making incredible impact for others.
We’re hell bent on helping our nonprofit community and clients tell better stories to more people and position their potential supporters to ask how they can assist in making the world a better place. I think the fundamental misconception of how to fundraise effectively, is that folks think it’s about only solicitation.
When in fact, fundraising is essentially sitting next to an individual who shares your passion for doing good, is aligned with what your organization does, and can envision with you a path to make a positive impact.
Luckily, that skill is a teachable one. And we’ve found a pretty fantastic niche to help in that capacity.
As every entrepreneur knows, running a business is not an easy task. The hustle, the grind, the sacrifice of time away from family and friends to ensure the company
grows and moves forward. But it sure helps to have an entire sector of our community to look to as inspiration to keep pushing ahead.
I’m often asked what nonprofits need to be successful from those looking to help. My answer is always the same: Time, Talent & Treasure.
Time, which is seemingly more valuable than money nowadays, to listen to an organization’s story, and to send a few introduction notes to individuals who may be able to help their nonprofit is priceless.
Talent, which varies on expertise or connections, to provide a member of a board of directors, mentorship of the leadership team or assistance with a program or service they provide to the community.
Treasure, the most needed of all, in unrestricted and not-at-allconstrained capacity to organizations who need funding to pay staff, keeping the lights on, and other not-so-sexy but oh-so-needed gifts.
Seeing the community step up to provide this to the organizations who provide a societal safety net for individuals and families in our region, is the best un-paid benefit a person could ever get.
On behalf of nonprofits everywhere, thanks to those who give so generously and make our community as awesome as it can be. Even if you too, stumbled accidentally into the nonprofit world.
Patrick Kirby, Do Good Better Consulting
Program & Event Sponsors
Thank you to all of our sponsors that make The Chamber regular events and programs possible.
BUSINESS TRAINING
PROGRAM SPONSORS
EGGS & ISSUES
PRESENTING SPONSOR
WOMEN CONNECT
PROGRAM SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Forum Communications Printing
Minnesota State Community and Technical College WEX Health, Inc.
EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Bremer Bank | Choice Bank
First Western Bank & Trust
Houston Engineering | KLJ Engineering
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Moore Engineering
MWC Advertising of Fargo Moorhead ROERS | Super Studio | Ulteig
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
LEADERSHIP FMWF
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Bell Bank | Choice Bank Eventide Senior Living Communities
First Western Bank & Trust | Gate City Bank
Microsoft | M State | Office Sign Company
Otter Tail Corporation | Rasmussen College
Sanford Health | Vogel Law Firm | WDAY
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. | Western State Bank WEX Health, Inc.
EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR DESSERT SPONSOR
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR
PRESENTING SPONSORS
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK
PROGRAM SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSORS PUBLIC POLICY
PROGRAM SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Gate City Bank
PROGRAM SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency
Essentia Health | Midco
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
MILITARY AFFAIRS
PROGRAM SPONSOR
The Human Aspect of Human Space Flight
Thursday, November 4
Learn more about this special event:
Discover how two former NASA astronauts, Doug Hurley and Karen Nyberg, navigated through a marriage, raising a son and the challenges of multiple space flights and long duration missions on board the International Space Station.
