The Bridge: July 2016

Bridge July 2016 | Vol 19 | No. 11

the

2016 State of Technology

6 Report on Community Crime 14 Corporate Cup Photos

Table of Contents

Board of Directors Jon Riewer

Judd Graham Steve Swiontek Doug Restemayer

14

4 State of Technology

19 YPN

6 Eggs & Issues

22 Member Profile

8 Public Affairs

24 Member News

Agenda and details for this year’s event focused on tech innovation

22

Upcoming event information and the YPN one to watch Take a look inside the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality

Upcoming events and a recap of June’s event on safety Highlights from our Gubernatorial Debate & Cracker Barrel

9 Business After Hours Find out our first Social Superstar winner!

Read about recognition from our member companies and latest company news

Agribusiness

30 New Members

32 Member Celebrations

Upcoming events and a look at June’s sessions

& Ribbon Cuttings

12 Women Connect

Details on upcoming events and a recap of May’s session

14 Corporate Cup

Photos and the winning teams from our day at MSUM

Which companies had recent groundbreakings, grand openings and more

35 Calendar of Events Get the rundown on Chamber and community events taking place in June

17 YEA!

Find The Chamber Online @fmwfchamber fmwfchamber @YEA_FMWF Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce For past issues of The Bridge: issuu.com/fmwfchamber.com

Craig Whitney President/CEO Jim Parsons Vice President of Finance/Operations Julie Doggett Information Systems Administrator Darren Dunlop Business Development Manager Tyler Fischbach Communications & Publications Intern Samantha Gust Professional Development Coordinator Katie Hashbarger Graphics and Publications Coordinator Amanda Hofland Marketing and Communications Manager Tracy Meckler Membership & Advertising Sales Manager Elly Peterson Government Affairs & Advocacy Coordinator Tracy Powell Director of Events & Programs Katie Ralston Young Entrepreneurs Academy Program Coordinator Mickayla Thompson Membership Relations Coordinator Sara Vollmer Administrative Services Coordinator Julie Yourczek Administrative Support Coordinator

The Chamber Mission

Ad Index

2 | July 2016

David Berg American Crystal Sugar Ambassador Cora Turner Member Relations Homewood Suites by Hilton Ambassador Jill Christopher Public Relations Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley Business Training Dennis Cooley North Dakota State University Leadership FMWF Brianne Hoffman Bobcat Company/Doosan Military Affairs Brian Shawn American Red Cross - Red River Valley Chapter Public Affairs Jim Roers ROERS Young Professionals Leslie Wood Network Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties Women Connect Pam McGee Minnesota State University Moorhead

Chamber Staff

How to get involved in this incredible program

Arvig Boulger Funeral Home Central MN Credit Union Cole Papers Cornerstone Bank Dawson Insurance First International Bank Indigo Signworks J&M Printing Knight Printing

Beverley Adams Bernie Dardis Kyle Dorow Chuck Driscoll Jodi Duncan Don Gronke Peggy Kennedy Michelle Kommer Norm Leslie Mark Nisbet Jeff Volk

Committee Chairs

Find out which organizations have recently joined The Chamber

10 Business Training

Thomas Astrup

Eventide Senior Living Communities Chair of the Board Bremer Bank Chair Elect Gate City Bank Treasurer D-S Beverages, Inc. Immediate Past Chair American Crystal Sugar Company Member at Large Sanford Health Indigo Signworks Essentia Health Red River Refrigeration Flint Group State Farm Insurance Minnesota State Community and Technical College Western State Bank National Hospitality Services Xcel Energy Moore Engineering, Inc.

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

29 17 31 26 23 21 21 30 16 17

Marco Network Center Inc. Onsharp Park Co. Realtors Pro Resources Sanford Occupational Med Starion Financial Talecris Plasma Resources Warner and Company

31 5 18 31 5 21 29 23 5

The Chamber Vision

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

The Chamber Objective

§§ Through effective public policy, foster an environment of economic growth. §§ Grow jobs and attract investment. §§ Achieve organization excellence to best serve members. §§ Provide bold and visionary leadership throughout the region.

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.

Message June Primary Behind Us. But What Lies Ahead?

My guess is that many Chamber members, like me, were tuned in to the news on the evening of June 14. The results of our June primary elections were critical for our metro and the state of North Dakota.

As the results rolled in that night, there were some surprises. Most notably, the race for governor, with many speculating that Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem would pull a victory over our own Fargo businessman Doug Burgum. Yet as the precincts started reporting, and the night went on, it became more clear that voters wanted a change, and to the surprise of some, Burgum prevailed, clinching the GOP seat for the November general election.

Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

Burgum received 59% of the vote statewide and a whopping 72% in Cass County, but he also pulled big numbers out West. While an earlier poll put Burgum largely behind Stenehjem, his heavy campaigning may be what won him over across the state.

As it now looks like Burgum will receive the title of Governor of North Dakota in November, the question for us becomes, what does this mean for the state? For the metro? For The Chamber?

That answer remains to be seen, but with Burgum’s business acumen, I have high hopes that he will lead our state in a positive direction.

In his campaign, Burgum said that his priorities will be to cut runaway spending, reform the property tax system, support term limits, oppose Obamacare and create high-paying-jobs.

One of his first challenges in office will be to unite legislators. Once the dust settles from the campaign, he’ll need to start an endless list of meetings across the state with legislators on both sides of the aisle, as well as set an agenda for a productive 2017 session. Working closely with current Governor Jack Dalrymple and others to ensure a smooth transition will also be key.

Locally, I am excited to see where fresh energy will take the new Fargo city commission. The many years of legislative experience that Tony Grindberg brings will be an added boost on important issues like the F-M Diversion and economic development. With Grindberg, who is an active Chamber member and supporter, and John Strand taking the two open seats, I see these results as largely positive for the metro and for The Chamber.

In West Fargo, the two incumbents Mike Thorstad and Mark Simmons won re-election, and in a city that is seeing phenomenal growth, this can only continue to make West Fargo even greater.

With the primary election now behind us, I thank all the candidates for running, and I applaud everyone who got out to vote.

It’s important that we as a business community express our opinions on those in elected offices and show up at the polls.

As November’s election now looms ahead, I am eager to see how both the national and local races and measures will play out.

I once again encourage everyone to research the candidates and to vote informed. As a Chamber, we look forward to providing more opportunities to do just that.

Craig Whitney President & CEO The Chamber fmwfchamber.com | 3

The Chamber and U.S. Senator John Hoeven Present

2016 State of Technology Local Innovators Solving World Challenges

#StateofTech16 Event Emcees

Camille Grade and Jake Joraanstad, Myriad Mobile

Brad Smith First company-wide president since 2002

Keynote Speaker President and Chief Legal Officer, Microsoft

Michael Chambers

Leading biotech breakthroughs

CEO, Aldevron

Neil Brackin

Making it rain on demand

President, Weather Modification, Inc.

Seth Arndorfer With an exclusive announcement

CEO, Dakota Carrier Network

Mukai Selekwa

Young Entrepreneurs Academy regional winner

Founder, Webblen Also featuring the Information Technology Council of ND Award Ceremony Stay tuned for further details – more presenters and information coming soon!

Diamond Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Tuesday, August 16

8 a.m. to noon | Hilton Garden Inn Fargo

To register, visit fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100.

4 | July 2016

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www.netcenter.net | 800.723.5353 fmwfchamber.com | 5

Eggs & Issues Unmanned Aerial Systems & High-Flying Technology

Becklund

Department of Labor Overtime Regulation

Unmanned aerial systems. This high-flying technology is truly the wave of the future, and our region is on the forefront. From utility companies to oil and gas pipelines to retail delivery service, companies from a wide range of industries are diving in to capitalize on the efficiency and high-tech power of these systems.

Brigadier General Robert Becklund, executive director of Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks will join us to share how this technology is revolutionizing commerce and how North Dakota is on the cutting-edge of development.

On May 23, the U.S. Department of Labor released its much-anticipated final overtime regulation. This final rule is a radical change from the previous rule by increasing the salary threshold under which most employees will be automatically eligible for overtime pay. The current salary level Kirchner required for the exemption is $23,660 for a full year employee, and the new threshold will be $47,475 per year.

John Kirchner, executive director of the Midwest region for the U.S Chamber of Commerce, will join us to explain the potential impacts to businesses and its employees that this rule will have.

Wednesday, July 6

Tuesday, August 2

Registration (includes breakfast) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $30 at the door Non-Members: $35 in advance | $40 at the door

Registration (includes breakfast) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $30 at the door Non-Members: $35 in advance | $40 at the door

Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

7:30 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead

7:30 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead

Please note: Due to construction in Moorhead, you may need to plan for extra travel time and find an alternate route.

#FMWFEggs

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Beverage Wholesalers, Inc. | Cornerstone Bank | Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead KLJ | Moore Engineering, Inc. | Wells Fargo Bank 6 | July 2016

Report on Community Crime & Narcotics from Eggs & Issues At last month’s Eggs & Issues, the three area police chiefs shared a fascinating—and startling—report on recent crime and drug use in the region. Fargo Police Chief David Todd, Moorhead Police Chief Dave Ebinger and West Fargo Police Chief Mike Reitan covered lots of ground, presenting the packed audience with facts, figures, and even a few stories and heartfelt pleas.

Todd started the discussion with an overview of heroin and opioid types, uses and sources, and how in many users it can escalate to crime and cross over into a health care concern. When it comes to fentanyl, he says it’s almost impossible not to overdose as its potency is so high—50 times more so than heroin.

The Fargo police are getting serious about this issue and cracking down on offenders, recently adding more narcotics officers to do so.

Ebinger was next up and opened by saying that what we’re seeing is not a law enforcement crisis, but rather a health care crisis, and that as a community, we need to stand together and get better resources to get individuals healthy.

In Moorhead, officers do not carry Narcan, but the Good Neighbor program does, and Ebinger said they have seen a lot of success with that, as well as with F-M Ambulance.

He also touched on a big concern for his force, which is the current jail. “Our jail is just replete with problems,” he said. “It’s the oldest in the state of Minnesota. That’s a great claim if you’re wanting a museum piece, but if you want to incarcerate people in a community where crime is increasing, it’s not a very good resource for you.”

The cost of all the upgrades is estimated just under $49 million, which Ebinger acknowledges is not a small

sum, but says they have a critical need for. To pay for this, the city of Moorhead has agreed to a long-term lease with Clay County, there will be some funds from wind energy and maturing debt, and a half-cent sales tax that will be on the general election ballot this November.

Reitan also spoke to what his force is seeing in West Fargo, and the need for police to adapt to the changing times.

He spoke of new drugs coming on the scene, including W19 and shatter hash.

Reitan also addressed unintended consequences, medical marijuana and the ND Compassionate Care Act, noting that an initiated measure of the latter will be on the November ballot.

“The cheapest solution to addiction is education,” he said.

“You need to educate people to get them away from sharing narcotics amongst themselves, amongst family members, maintaining narcotics in their homes that are available for others to take. We need to educate this community on what the problem is and what your role is in overcoming what we’re faced with.”

He reported great success by partnering with the schools to proactively address the issues with students and parents. He also said some more community forums will be coming up for us to tackle the issue together.

After each presentation, several attendees were able to ask questions and share their own stories of seeing drug abuse firsthand, and it became clear that 28 days is not enough for anyone to tackle an addiction.

Visit The Chamber blog for the full slides from this event.

The cheapest solution to addiction is education.

We need to educate this community on what the problem is and what your role is in overcoming what we’re faced with. -Chief Mike Reitan

fmwfchamber.com | 7

Public Affairs Chamber, WDAY Hosts Successful Gubernatorial Debate

On June 1, we were thrilled to host an important debate in anticipation of the upcoming Primary Gubernatorial election. As part of The Chamber’s public affairs and advocacy efforts, and to help voters make informed decisions, we hosted the two frontrunner candidates for the ND governor’s race, Attorney general Wayne Stenehjem and Fargo businessesman Doug Burgum.

Held at the Avalon Events Center, we partnered with WDAY to broadcast the debate live on TV, radio and online to the whole state of North Dakota.

Once the debate opened, each candidate got 2 minutes to deliver an opening statement, to which both referenced their reverence to the state of North Dakota. In the Q&A round, Mogck and Kealy asked the candidates to answer a range of questions on topics including flood protection, transgender bathrooms, LBTQ issues, refugees, teacher shortages, the state budget deficit, and Donald Trump. All questions were chosen based off prior submissions from Chamber and community members through an online form hosted by WDAY.

WDAY anchors Dana Mogck and Kerstin Kealy served as the debate’s moderators. A crowd of about 150 people were in attendance to the event on an invitation-only basis, with tickets being evenly distributed between both campaigns.

After each candidate answered the questions and had a rebuttal, they also both got a few moments to recap and deliver closing statements in an effort to clinch the vote in the primary.

Event Sponsors

Cracker Barrel Connects Community to Commission Candidates

On June 9, a group of Chamber members gathered at the Hjemkomst Center to discuss the issues with the Fargo City Commission candidates in anticipation of the June 14 election.

As part of our public affairs efforts, the goal was to give the candidates a chance to explain their platforms to the voters in an intimate, relaxed setting.

After a welcome from Chamber President Craig Whitney, Public Affairs & Advocacy Coordinator Elly Peterson kicked 8 | July 2016

off the event. With one candidate at each table, every 7 minutes they rotated until they had met with everybody. It was a great way to learn about the issues top of their mind, and for attendees to express their own concerns, in person to the people in the race.

While the election is now over, we thank everybody who was involved. We may not all agree on the issues, but we love seeing an engaged community of people that care about our metro.

BAH

Summertime Fun at June Business After Hours

Thanks to everyone that attended last month’s Business After Hours at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead! We had a great time seeing everyone, and hope that lots of new connections were made over yummy appetizers and refreshing drinks. We look forward to seeing you again next month at the FARGODOME!

Event Sponsor

Social Superstar Congrats to Kristin Miller (@KristinL_Miller), YMCA of Cass Clay, who won our first-ever Social Superstar award for our favorite post from the evening on Twitter. See if you can be August’s Social Superstar by posting to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram from BAH using #FMWFBAH.

Save the Date!

Business After Hours

Thursday, August 18 | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

FARGODOME, 1800 University Drive North

Event Sponsor

fmwfchamber.com | 9

Business Training Of Steel and Velvet: The Two Sides of Accountability

Why does it seem that so many people in leadership positions struggle with holding employees accountable for the work they are hired to accomplish? Could it be that the organization’s culture has a part to play in this dilemma, and if so, what can be done to address culture change while staying the course as a supervisor? But what, also, is the supervisor’s responsibility and role in taking the steps to hold people accountable for their performance? Could it be that adopting the “right” approach to holding people accountable is their biggest barrier to success?

In this seminar, John E. Trombley, consulting and training manager at The Village Business Institute, will explore some of the common myths associated with accountability, uncover the roles of supervisors, employees and the organization regarding accountability, and consider practical steps to “get back on track” to ensure long term success for everyone involved.

Trombley

Attendees will learn to differentiate between the roles of the organization, the supervisor and the employee; identify common barriers to maintaining accountability; establish a plan to remove or mitigate those barriers; and have a positive impact on the morale and productivity of that portion of the organization that they influence.

Wednesday, July 20 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hjemkomst Center

Registration (includes lunch) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door Non-Members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Please note: Due to construction, you may need to plan for extra travel time and find an alternate route to the Hjemkomst Center.

Brand Architecture: Building Brand Identity and Value

Put simply, your “brand” is what your prospect thinks of when he or she hears and sees your company name. It’s everything the public thinks it knows about your name brand offering – both factual and emotional. Developing and executing your brand defines the “one thing” that makes your organization unique and prevents your service or product from being just a commodity. Do you know what your brand is? Is it time for a refresh? Attend this training to learn to build brand identity and value.

Kimberly Wold Janke, VP of client services at Flint Group, will share with attendees what a brand is, and more importantly, what a brand isn’t. They’ll hear about the common pitfalls that organizations make when building or reinventing their brand, plus action items to help kick off their own brand development and positioning.

Wold Janke

A professional branding, customer experience and one of the top health care speakers on marketing, Wold Janke is an expert at planning and successful integrated marketing communications campaigns. She has been a part of Flint Group for more than a decade, working her way up through various positions. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and her master’s from North Dakota State University.

Wednesday, August 10

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead

#FMWFTraining 10 | July 2016

Registration (includes lunch) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door Non-Members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

June Business Training: Three Sessions, One Day In June, we tried something new by offering three totally different training sessions in one day at the same time. Some attendees came alone for the session that most piqued their interest while others brought a group of co-workers to divide and conquer (and share notes!).

Check out these tweets from event attendees.

In “Workplace Conflict: Managing Awkward Moments,” with Eric Piela of Summit Group Software, about 150 attendees learned new ways to deal with challenging personalities and uncomfortable conversations on the job.

In “Score Greater Insight into Your Bottom Line with a Weekly Scorecard,” Eric Newell of Stoneridge Software covered how businesses can begin using this document to stay organized, plan ahead, look back and analyze success.

In “Onboarding Employees: What’s My Role as a Manager?” Jane Pettinger from MSUM shared lots of tips for managers and HR professionals to help make a new employees’ training successful and fulfilling for all.

Thank you to all our attendees, sponsors and committee members that support this program!

Program Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

GOLDMARK Property Management | Network Center, Inc. | Wanzek Construction, Inc. fmwfchamber.com | 11

Women Connect Courage Under Fire

We’ve all had that moment when we have talked ourselves out of speaking up because we were afraid we did not know enough, or were worried about how others would perceive us. So how do you find the courage to push through that self-imposed sentence of Thomasson silence? How do you decide when and how to speak up? And once you do join the conversation, how do you stay true to who you are, even as others seek to redefine you?

Join a discussion with Jessica Thomasson of Lutheran Social Services about finding your voice in the midst of a noisy world.

She’ll talk about strategies for counteracting the fears and selfdoubt that have the very unhelpful tendency to come from within in the midst of trying times, as well as her observations on what it means to be real in an environment where so much of our communication tends toward the superficial.

Personal Branding to Advance Your Career

There’s only one you. So how are you promoting your unique skills, abilities and knowledge each day in order to bring your dream career opportunities into your path? Personal branding can be the key to achieving the role you’ve always wanted, or branching out and starting the business of your dreams. What is your personal brand? Your promise? Learn how to clarify, define and write your own authentic brand story.

Heilman

McGee

Join Jodi Heilman, owner of Coach My Brand, and Pam McGee, chair, Professional Management Department, Minnesota State University Moorhead and PMcGee & Co., as they share personal stories of achieving corporate executive roles through the process of building their own personal brand stories. Learn the research behind why it makes savvy financial sense to build and enhance your brand. Understand why authenticity determines its success or failure and how you can start immediately building a network of like-minded women to support you.

Personal branding is imperative for career success today, so come learn some the most valuable skills and techniques needed to build your stellar personal brand.

Tuesday, July 26

Tuesday, August 23

3:30 to 5 p.m. | Social 5 to 6 p.m.

Avalon Events Center

3:30 to 5 p.m. | Social 5 to 6 p.m.

Avalon Events Center

Registration Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door Non-Members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Registration Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door Non-Members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Please consider bringing school supplies to be donated to the United Way.

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

American Crystal Sugar Company | Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota | Bell State Bank & Trust | Bremer Bank, N.A. Discovery Benefits, Inc. | Eventide Senior Living Communities | First International Bank & Trust | Gate City Bank Heritage Homes, LLC/Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Premier Properties | Microsoft Minnesota State University Moorhead | Network Center, Inc. | Otter Tail Corporation Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center | Vogel Law Firm | Western State Bank 12 | July 2016

Want help in setting your professional and personal goals?

Looking for accountability and support in achieving your goals?

Join PUSH!

Laughter can be a great way to deal with stressful situations, so May’s Women Connect was opened with a screening of the famous Chewbacca Mom video, before we moved on to our presenter, Lisa Borgen of American Crystal Sugar.

Borgen shared her story of change, and how her career started as a nurse before she moved on to a department store, then decided to go back to school for criminal justice, then law school, leading her to open her own law office, before she ran for (and won!) county attorney, then moved on to be a judge of district court, joined a local law firm, and finally landed as VP of administration for American Crystal Sugar (all the while she also adopted several children). Using her own story of change, she was able to share her own proven tips for dealing with what life may throw at you.

Borgen said there are three types of change: inevitable, forced and initiated. While she tackled the former, she also brought up two guest speakers, Michelle Kommer of Western State Bank and Kristi Ulrich, to discuss the latter two, respectively. Both also shared their own stories of change with tips for attendees to take back for their own lives.

Borgen closed with some action steps for embracing change: • Determine what you want to change • Communicate your plan • Focus on the end goal and set timelines • Accept support • Celebrate your accomplishments With several interactive activities for the audience and a delicious dessert from the Avalon, it was another successful event!

Thanks to attendees, we were also able to collect 64 cleaning items for Habitat for Humanity and families in need that are moving into new homes.

#FMWFWC

How to get started • Find more information on PUSH at fmwfchamber.com/PUSH. • Join the PUSH Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/FMWFPush) to connect with other members and find current discussion prompts and inspiration.

• To be placed in a PUSH group, email push@fmwfchamber.com.

• To create your own PUSH group, have coffee with someone new or someone you’ve connected with and make the commitment to start a PUSH group. Plan your next meeting and invite two or more women to join. When your group reaches a number that feels right (we recommend around eight, but it’s really up to the group), get together to discuss the Rules of Engagement, complete registration, and decide if your group will meet for coffee, lunch, dinner, wine or have a theme. Decide how often you will meet (we recommend once per month) and how you will keep in touch between meetings, such as a private Facebook group, through email, etc.

“

“After hearing about PUSH at the Fawn Germer “Work Life Reset” conference,

I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of.

“

A Conversation on Change at Women Connect

Women in our community are finding success through a network of supportive women. Why wait? Join or create a PUSH group today!

I spent time reading comments and thoughts from other women on the PUSH Facebook group page and took a chance by private messaging another woman, Connie Smallarz, who stated she had attended the conference and was interested in PUSH as well.

Connie and I soon met for coffee and decided the next time we meet we would each bring one other woman, or any other Women Connect attendee that cared to join. We presently have 8 women from a variety of industries in the FM area. We meet biweekly, as we want to build a strong bond with one another. There is a good chance my path would not have crossed with many of these women, if it were not for the PUSH group!”

– Kathleen Mjolness, Concordia College

fmwfchamber.com | 13

Corporate Cup It was another spectacular Corporate Cup this year! We were once again sold out, and we commend the commitment and spirit from all of our participants. Thanks to our sponsors, committee members and volunteers that worked so hard to make this event a success.

This Year’s Winning Teams

Team Spirit: Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

Best T-Shirts: CoreLink Administrative Solutions

Rock Bottom: Widmer Roel

Competitive Division

Recreational Division

BlackRidgeBANK

TMI Hospitality

Second place: Discovery Benefits Third place: John Deere Electronic Solutions

Second place: Fiebiger Swanson West & Co., PLLP Third place: Network Center, Inc.

Presenting Sponsor

Site Sponsor

14 | July 2016

Social Media Sponsor

For dates and information regarding the 2017 Corporate Cup, watch our website and social media accounts for details to come!

Check out these tweets from the event!

fmwfchamber.com | 15

Military Affairs

2016 Military Appreciation Night at the RedHawks Thank you to all the attendees, sponsors and military families that came out for our June 30 Military Appreciation Night at the RedHawks.

We had a fantastic time, and it was an honor to once again host this event honoring those who have served our country with some familyfriendly fun, games, music and baseball. We were able to provide tickets to over 950 military families! Watch for photos in next month’s Bridge, or visit us on Facebook to see highlights from the game.

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We’ve been in business for over 50 years and are ready to help your team!

JMPRINT.NET • CONNECT FOR A QUOTE • 701-476-0311 Austin Roeder aroeder@jmprint.net 701-680-1466

16 | July 2016

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YEA!

YEA! Gears Up for Another Year After the successful completion of its first year in the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo metro, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is gearing up for its second year. Student applications for the YEA! class of 2017 are still being accepted and interviews are underway.

YEA! relies heavily on the participation and expertise of local professionals to help our students learn and grow. We are currently seeking volunteers in the following areas: Instructors to lead one of the three 10-week sessions of the program.

Guest speakers to address: • Legal business structures and patents.

• The importance of accounting and recordkeeping.

• Business insurance and potential risks that a business may face.

• How companies use e-commerce.

• Niche marketing.

• The impact an award or special designation can have on a company.

• How to construct and deliver a strong elevator pitch.

• Taxes (sales, state and federal).

• The role non-profit agencies play in our community.

• Government resources available to businesses.

• Banking specific to small businesses.

• Interviewing with the media.

CEOs to participate in a roundtable discussion, speak candidly about their unique paths to success and share advice with the students.

Mentors to work with the students one on one, and guide them through the process of writing a business plan as they prepare to present to a panel of investors.

If you are interested in influencing the future business leaders of our area, or if you would like more information on any of the roles listed above, please contact Katie Ralston at 218.359.0511 or kralston@fmwfchamber.com.

Presenting Sponsor

@YEA_FMWF #FMWFYEA YEA Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber

701.235.1121 • 888.526.1121 16 South 16th Street • Fargo, ND Passion. Quality. Innovation.

www.knightprinting.com

fmwfchamber.com | 17

18 | July 2016

YPN One to Watch

Young Professionals Network #FMWFYPN

Jonathan Foss Globe University

Jonathan is one of those people you can always count on. A member of the YPN Professional Development committee, he continually steps up to the plate when asked to volunteer and is always down to attend one of the many events around town. He is an advocate for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community, and we are happy to return the favor.

New Member Social Wednesday, July 20 | 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

Lindenwood Park – Rotary Shelter, 1905 Roger Maris Drive, Fargo | Free, but registration is required.

New to the YPN or thinking about joining? Then this event is for you. Connect with new and current members, learn more about the program and all the ways that you can be involved. We always make time to do some networking, so don’t forget your business cards. Then stick around for our sixth annual Great American Picnic. This event is free, but registration is required.

Sixth Annual Great American Picnic Wednesday, July 20 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Lindenwood Park – Rotary Shelter, 1905 Roger Maris Drive, Fargo | Free, but registration is required.

Join the YPN, family and friends for our sixth annual Great American Picnic! Food and beverages are provided along with lawn games for those who are looking for a friendly competition. This event is free, but registration is required.

Volunteer Opportunity: Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic Thursday and Friday, July 22 and 23 | Various Times Concordia College – Memorial Auditorium, 901 Eighth Street South, Moorhead | Registration is required. Contact Sam at sgust@fmwfchamber.com for more information.

The Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic is focused on helping underserved populations of children and adults receive dental treatment that they, for whatever reason, cannot obtain. In order for this event to be successful, they need over 1,200 volunteers and there are jobs for dental professionals and non-dental personnel. There are many shifts to choose from. Contact Sam at sgust@fmwfchamber.com for more information.

Downtown Scavenger Hunt and Off the Clock Wednesday, August 24 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Drekker Brewing Company, 630 First Avenue North, Suite 6, Fargo | Free, no registration required.

Fargo is known for our fantastic downtown, so why not get to know it a little better? Starting at 5:45 p.m., teams of three (or less) will be sent on their way to find a few of the hidden gems. Arrive back having successfully found all our gems and your team will be entered to win a prize! Not into the whole scavenger hunt thing? Don’t worry! Our regularly scheduled Off the Clock will take place while the others are out.

Off the Clock Sponsor

Program Sponsors

fmwfchamber.com | 19

Leadership FMWF

#FMWFLeadership

Leaderships Grads Make a Difference Last month, one of the Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Community Change Initiative groups delivered “Kids Play Passports” to 55 families that are part of the Even Start Family Literacy program with Fargo Public Schools.

have the opportunity to go to different events and experiences in our community, which hasn’t been a possibility for some previously.

“Especially hockey,” she said. “They’ve heard about how big it is to our culture, but have never gotten to experience it before.”

The passport includes free family admission to six area attractions and MATBUS passes for the entire family to get around town.

Community Change Initiatives are meant to envision, develop and bring to fruition real and lasting community change in collaboration with others.

Members of the Kids Play Passport group include Elizabeth Worth, NDSU Graduate School, Amy Ouren, Ulteig, Anna Miller, MSUM Alumni Foundation, Kevin Jordre, Bremer Bank, and Tahralee Sauvageau, Union State Bank.

Jennifer Frueh, coordinator at the Fargo Adult Learning Center & Even Start Family Literacy, said that the families are delighted to

Frueh also said that this is also a great learning opportunity for families.

Some have never seen a coupon or perforated paper before. Upcoming classes will teach the families how to use the coupons.

We are so proud to see these Leadership grads making a difference in the metro!

SAVE THE DATE

The Chamber’s Sixth Annual Meeting and Legacy Leader Announcement

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 | NOON TO 1:30 P.M. RAMADA PLAZA & SUITES Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Presenting Sponsor

20 | July 2016

TRUST

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It’s a bond. The tie that binds us all together in mutual support, sharing the risks and rewards. It’s what defines a community. It’s an unwritten, unspoken pledge to help each other in times of need. We all seek it. We all need it. We’re honored to have been entrusted to serve this community for nearly 100 years.

Keep your workforce and bottom line healthy Sanford OccMed No matter the size of your business, Sanford OccMed will partner with you to design a plan that benefits you and your employees. Our team maintains a strong return-to-work philosophy to keep your workforce and your business healthy and productive, saving you time and money.

With the largest network of occupational medicine clinics in the region, Sanford OccMed gives your employees convenient, easy access to our expertise no matter where they live.

Contact us at dawsonins.com.

Call (888) 600-2378 for your free consultation. sanfordoccmed.com

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5 Convenient F-M Locations Internet-enabled Apple or Android smartphone is required. Message and data rates from your carrier may apply.

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www.firstintlbank.com/BusinessMobile fmwfchamber.com | 21

Member Profile Small Operation, Big Impact: The Dorothy Day House of Hospitality Helping the Homeless & Hungry

For 33 years, the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality in Moorhead has been working tirelessly to change homelessness and hunger in the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community. Staffed by a group with a passion to serve, the house represents a safe place for people to make positive changes in their lives. And for some, it’s an opportunity to change everything.

The Dorothy Day House started as an emergency shelter in 1983 and was founded on the spirit of hospitality and generosity.

Since then, it has expanded to include two food pantries to better accommodate volume, as previously they would give out food baskets from the small house kitchen.

The Dorothy Day House currently has beds for 13 men – and while this makes them the smallest shelter in town – it certainly doesn’t mean they don’t make a big impact.

With a staff of 13 employees and over 3,000 volunteers, they are able to empower people on their journey to self-sufficiency. Their food pantry serves nearly 2,000 people a month, and in the last five years, the house has helped 136 men move into homes of their own.

Sonja Ellner, executive director, was thrilled to learn that the organization was selected as the 2016 ChamberChoice Small Not-forProfit of the Year. “For us, it was exciting to provide that visibility for homelessness and hunger. It was great for our staff to be recognized for the work we’ve been doing for so long and to be able to share that with our community.”

Days at the Dorothy Day House are busy.

Visitors, volunteers, staff and the individuals they serve come and go throughout the day, but things are much more structured for those staying in the house. Wake up calls happen at 8 a.m., and breakfast and lunch is self-service from the kitchen and dining room. All current guests are out in the 22 | July 2016

community between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and are expected to be actively working on goals they have set. Come 6 p.m., a family-style dinner is served to all.

The staff at Dorothy Day House believes in each of the people they serve, and they work to provide and empower them, but also to hold them accountable. A case manager meets weekly with the guests to set – and check in about – each of their goals and talk through any issues they might be having, providing further resources when needed.

Ellner is excited at the spirit of collaboration and care that is starting to happen around homelessness in the community. Part of that is the partnerships they have with other area shelters and care providers, even furniture and grocery stores. “I think there’s a lot of work still to be done, especially in terms of affordable housing, but there’s also been a lot of progress lately.”

Goals vary for all the people they serve, but each is personalized to the individual. Some may be pursuing employment, job training, housing or battling addictions or illnesses.

While others might turn people away, the Dorothy Day House welcomes all with warmth and graciousness. Whether you need a bed to sleep in, a meal to eat, a load of dirty clothes to wash, or simply an ear to listen, you can expect to find an environment of people ready to provide just that at the house.

This is the kind of work that leaves a lasting mark on the people who see these stories day in and day out. Ellner says what’s most rewarding is seeing people make positive changes in their lives. “I think we’ve broken down what success means,” she said. “We celebrate things like being sober for a week—maybe we’ll get a cake from the food pantry—or seeing people get the key to their own place, and coming back to tell us how they’ve decorated.”

The one message Ellner wanted to deliver through this article was to help change the stigma around homelessness. “I would challenge people to look at everyone as a human being,” she said. “Homelessness or poverty doesn’t define them as a person.

Once we get through some of those layers, people can open their minds, and we can foster understanding about the issue.”

Submit for the Member Spotlight!

Know a Chamber member company with a unique story to tell? We want to hear about it!

Our Member Spotlight section White Earth Tribal and Community College of The Bridge profiles various appreciates the exceptional level of attention, professionalism and expertise Artekta has given to our newest expansion. small businesses in current good -Deb McArthur, Director of Special Projects, WETCC standing with TheWe enjoyed Chamber working with Artekta on our We would look forward to that have a specialproject. offering, working together on future projects.

-Kyle Anderson, Lexstar interesting historyVice President, or are just I appreciate the dedication and responsiveness Artekta has given to our doing something projects. spectacular.

They managed design and construction services, staying on budget and meeting critical schedules Tell us who you think deserves during major renovations.

-Pam Fosse, to be featured! Director, Jamestown Civic Center

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My one reason?

Member Spotlight

Q& A

Q: Please share what your organization does and its history.

A: Family HealthCare is a comprehensive, primary health care organization that provides affordable medical and dental care to anyone in need. Family HealthCare is a private not for profit, 501c3, federally qualified health center serving Cass County and Clay County. Family HealthCare has been serving the community since 1990 and is governed by a Board of Directors.

Family HealthCare has locations in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead. Family HealthCare is accredited by The Joint Commission and is National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition Level 3. Services offered include medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, behavioral health, lifestyle medicine, homeless health services, nutrition, lab, x-ray and physical therapy.

Q: What makes your organization unique or interesting?

A: A unique aspect of Family HealthCare’s volunteer Board of Directors is that a majority of the directors are required to be patients of Family HealthCare.

Q: Are there any initiatives you’re focusing on right now?

A: Family HealthCare is excited to announce the opening of a medical clinic in West Fargo in spring 2016. The clinic is conveniently located at 726 13th Avenue East in West Fargo in a remodeled facility and offers primary health care services to new and established patients. Additional services provided at the West Fargo Clinic include well baby care and immunizations, obstetrics and gynecology, and chronic disease management. Patients can access affordable services through Family HealthCare’s Access Plan that allows patients to pay for most services based upon their income level and family size.

Q: What do you like best about doing business in Fargo Moorhead West Fargo?

A: The local community has been extremely supportive of Family HealthCare and enabling our organization to be successful through key collaborations and partnerships and financial support. Family HealthCare is appreciative of the support and extends a thank you to the community Q: What is one thing you most want our area or other Chamber members to know about you?

A: Family HealthCare would appreciate your consideration of a tax deductible donation and to become a patient of Family HealthCare to help those who are in need of access to affordable, quality medical and dental care services.

ART + TECHNOLOGY

Fill out the form at bit.ly/BridgeMS to Insuggest a business, orSection? email Interested Having Your Business Highlighted In This ahofland@fmwfchamber.com.

325 7th Street South, #300 701.526.3693

Fargo, North Dakota www.artekta.com

COMMITMENT FROM CONCEPT THROUGH COMPLETION Prairie Business Page 1 Option 4-Embed links.indd 1

5/20/2016 11:09:51 AM

The Member Spotlight section of The Bridge profiles various member companies with unique stories to tell. We’re looking for small businesses in current good standing with The Chamber that have a unique offering, interesting history or are just doing something spectacular. Tell us who you think deserves to be featured! Fill out the form at bit.ly/BridgeMS to suggest a business, or email ahofland@fmwfchamber.com. fmwfchamber.com | 23

To show I care about my community.

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New donors earn up to $150 in a week.

Bring in this ad for a $10 bonus.

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fmwfchamber.com | 23

Member News

Companies

Choice Financial Recognized by Standard & Poor’s and ICBA

KIP America Chooses Liberty Business Systems as Distributor

S&P Global Market Intelligence released its 2015 rankings of the top performing community banks in the United States with assets between $1 billion and $10 billion.

Choice Financial of Fargo announced that they were ranked #2 nationwide by the prestigious company.

Choice Financial was also recognized by Independent Community Bankers of America as the #1 community bank in North Dakota, with assets over $1 billion in regard to return on average assets and return on average equity.

Greater North Dakota Chamber Strengthens Board of Directors The Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce (GNDC) recently elected new board members to its Board of Directors.

Three new members Anderson Astrup Berg joined the 25 business and community leaders representing a broad cross-section of North Dakota’s economy: Jill Berg of Spherion; Mark R. Anderson, Mainstream Investors, LLC; and Tom Astrup, American Crystal Sugar. Berg is the owner/president of Spherion in North Dakota and West Central Minnesota. She was past president of the national Spherion Franchise Advisory Board and has served numerous terms as a regional director. She is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, having served on and chaired the Business Training committee for over 15 years. Anderson has served as chairman and chief executive officer of Mainstream Investors, LLC since September 2012. Prior to that, he spent 20 years working in the financial services industry. Astrup, serves as president of American Crystal Sugar Company. In addition to the GNDC Board of Directors, Astrup serves on the Board of Directors of ProGold, LLC, as a trustee of the United States Beet Sugar Association and on the Board of Directors of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber.

Houston Engineering Receives 2016 ACEC/ND Engineering Excellence Award The American Council of Engineering Companies of North Dakota (ACEC/ND) recognized Houston Engineering with the 2016 Engineering Excellence Award for the Lake Shure Bridge Replacement Project.

The annual Engineering Excellence Awards recognizes engineering firms for projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement and value. Several flood events in the past few years had limited or altogether cut off access to nearly 30 homes in the Lake Shure neighborhood north of Fargo. The new bridge is now well above the 100-year flood event providing safe access for residents. The award was presented during ACEC/ND’s annual meeting on May 10, 2016.

24 | July 2016

Liberty Business Systems has been chosen by KIP America to distribute their award-winning wide format printing solutions. KIP is a leader in the marketplace with their KIP 800 Series Color Systems and has a history of successful black/white products. Adding KIP to the array of wide format products that Liberty Business Systems sells was an easy choice. Liberty Business Systems, which is celebrating 30 years of business this year, is the exclusive KIP, Canon and Oce wide format dealer in the area.

MODE Recognized as Regional Finalist MODE team members attended the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Summit, where they were recognized as a regional finalist for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. In addition to attending the summit, founder and COO, Ciara Stockeland attended a U.S. House roundtable on small business to discuss the USDOL Overtime Rule and also testified at the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

NDSCS Program Receives National Reaccreditation The North Dakota State College of Science Auto Body Repair and Refinishing Technology program received reaccreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). To achieve this coveted recognition, the college’s Auto Body Repair & Refinishing Technology program underwent rigorous evaluation by NATEF. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities and equipment were used.

NDSCS Receives The College of Tomorrow Award North Dakota State College of Science has received The College of Tomorrow award from the John Deere Company. The award, which was presented during the College’s John Deere Tech Advisory Committee Meeting, serves as a ranking system for the 16 colleges in the United States that offer a John Deere Tech program. NDSCS received the highest ranking of Platinum for the second consecutive year. Among other criteria, rankings are based upon a college’s program image and professionalism, students, instructor development, facility, safety and most importantly, student learning.

NDSU STEM Building to be Renamed A. Glenn Hill Center North Dakota State University’s newest academic building will have a new name after the State Board of Higher Education approved the renaming of the STEM Building to the A. Glenn Hill Center at its meeting in Bismarck. The new name honors Professor A. Glenn Hill, a faculty member in the department of mathematics from 1927 to 1967, and chair of the department from 1943 to 1967, who had a profound impact on generations of scientists and engineers who graduated from NDSU. The gift will support students studying in fields of mathematics, engineering and science. NDSU will formally dedicate the new name during homecoming activities this fall.

People

Member News New Hires & Promotions Absolute Marketing Group recently hired Tim Fiechtner as a marketing advisor. Fiechtner previously worked at Smartsearch, BNG Technologies and most recently as a sales manager at Monitor Marketing. Fiechtner earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and business communications from Concordia College.

Buchhop Fiechtner

Aldevron announced the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Bath as global director of client relations. Dr. Bath received a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology from North Dakota State University and a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis on human genetics from the University of Kansas.

Bath Rebecca Affolter has been named unit manager of 2nd floor at Bethany on 42nd, a long-term skilled nursing unit. Affolter earned a Bachelor of Arts in nursing from the University of Jamestown. She is currently working on her master’s degree. Affolter has 20+ years of extensive experience in a variety of medical disciplines in settings.

Affolter

Border States Electric named Tony Serati corporate customer supply chain manager, Treavor Peterson Fargo branch manager, and Peterson Serati Tim Conmy integration Conmy manager. Serati has been with Border States for 13 years and most recently led the inventory team as the purchasing manager. Serati holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems with a minor in computer science from North Dakota State University. Peterson has been with BSE for eight years, most recently as corporate customer supply chain manager. Peterson has a bachelor’s degree in business from Concordia College and an MBA in management from the University of Mary, Bismarck. Conmy has been with BSE for 15 years and most recently served as the branch manager in Fargo.

His new role will be to manage large integrations and significant business process changes.

Melissa Peterson has been hired as a credit officer at Bell State Bank & Trust in Fargo. Peterson earned a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from the University of Minnesota and a graduate degree in accounting from the University of Phoenix. She has been in the banking and financial field for 15 years.

Peterson

Ebensteiner

Holt

Janke

Choice Financial has promoted Heather Renfrow to frontline specialist, Jenaah Nyhof to client account executive/claims manager for the insurance department, Amy Ebensteiner to a virtual banker, Lindsay Buchhop to frontline operations Nyhof Renfrow manager and Karla Janke to mortgage processor I, and hired Staci Holt as an accounting specialist and Brynn Fischer and Alex Hagen as frontline customer service representatives. Renfrow joined the Choice Financial team in November 2015 as a CSR – frontline for the Fargo branch. Nyhof joined Choice Financial as a client account manager in September 2014. Ebensteiner joined Choice Financial in February 2014 as a frontline specialist for the Fargo location. A few months later, she was promoted to the frontline operations manager for both Fargo and West Fargo locations. Buchhop joined Choice Financial in July 2015 as a frontline specialist for the Fargo branch. Janke joined Choice Financial as a CSR- frontline in August 2002 in Petersburg.

She was promoted to a virtual banker in Fargo in 2014.Holt has a degree in corporate and community fitness and is active in her community. Fischer is attending North Dakota State University for finance and agribusiness an is a ACHA Nationals participant. Hagen is a student at NDSCS working toward a degree in business administration.

Jordon Dethlefsen has joined Cornerstone Bank as a mortgage loan processor in Fargo. Dethlefsen majored in sales and marketing business management at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead.

Dethlefsen has previous customer service experience in the financial industry.

Jill Schneider has been accepted into the partnership of Eide Bailly LLP. She joins 13 other new partners added to the firm on May 1. This brings the total number of partners to 238. Schneider is a CPA with more than 14 years of public accounting experience. She is a graduate of the University of Mary in Bismarck and the Dakota School of Banking.

Nurse Practitioner Andrew Hamilton has joined the Neurology department at the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo. Hamilton earned a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Wyoming in Laramie. He is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a family nurse practitioner.

Dethlefsen

Schneider

Hamilton

Flom Property Group hired Tara Hjermstad as a buyer’s agent. Hjermstad has been in real estate for two years and resides in Fargo.

Hjermstad

fmwfchamber.com | 25

Member News

People

Fargo Glass & Paint, Co. has hired Matt Spessard as a senior project manager for its contract glass department and Mitch Rumple as safety director. Spessard has 18 years of contract glass experience. He has been employed by Fargo Glass & Paint Rumple Spessard since October. Rumple attended Minot State University and retired in 2014 from the North Dakota Highway Patrol after more than 36 years as a police officer. He has been employed by Fargo Glass & Paint since November.

Houston Engineering, Inc. hired Aaron Young as a civil engineer and Chase DeVine as a survey technician in their Fargo office. Young earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University.

DeVine Young He previously worked for BNI Coal, North Dakota State Historical Society, and City of Fargo. DeVine is a recent graduate from North Dakota State College of Science, where he earned his degree in land surveying and civil engineering technology.

Enkers

Fetsch

Gaffney

McDougall

High Point Networks has hired Nicole Enkers as marketing coordinator, and promoted Meagan McDougall to sales associate, Steven Gaffney to procurement specialist, and Garth Fetsch to inside sales. Enkers graduated from M-State Moorhead with AAS degree in graphic design technology. She was previously employed by Sanford Health in Fargo. McDougall has been with High Point Networks for two years. She is a 2013 graduate of Concordia College with a BA degree in public relations and multimedia journalism.

Gaffney spent the past year and a half in a service dispatch position at High Point Networks. He has over eight years of experience in IT purchasing.

Fetsch has been a procurement specialist with the organization for three years.

John Deere Electronic Solutions announced the addition of two new employees. Paul Schroden started in accounting and Amie Northagen in marketing. Both are part-time students.

Northagen

Schroden

Your complete distributor for all your paper, plastic, janitorial, packaging, equipment & supply needs since 1918.

www.colepapers.com 26 | July 2016

Casey

Ensrude

Esling

Opat

Moore Engineering, Inc. hired Dana Casey as a project manager assistant, James Stenseth as a survey technician and Dylan Ensrude as a graduate engineer, and promoted Tracy Eslinger, Michael Opat and Dustin Scott all to senior Scott Stenseth project manager. Casey worked at the Minnesota Department of Transportation before joining Moore. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and mass communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Stenseth recently graduated from the North Dakota State College of Science with an associate’s degree in land surveying and civil engineering technology. He was a summer intern at Moore in 2015. Ensrude received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University. He gained experience as an intern for KLJ. Eslinger has been at Moore for 15 years, Opat has been at Moore for seven years and Scott has been at Moore for nine years. They were all project managers prior to their promotions.

Karl ‘Khaow’ Warner has been named associate partner of the North Dakota General Office of New York Life. Warner has worked at New York Life’s North Dakota General Office for the past two years with past positions including financial services professional. He is a part of many organizations in the area including the Leadership committee for The Chamber’s Young Professionals Network. Warner received a B.S. in finance from NDSU.

Warner

The North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. has hired Dr. Mary F. Collins as certified therapist, Samantha Stewart as quality Reiser Stewart assurance analyst for the Collins Family Support Services program and Jennifer Reiser as Training Manager/ QDDP for the Family Support Services program. Collins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Master of Science degree in clinical psychology from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University. Stewart earned her Bachelor of Arts in biology education – secondary middle school endorsement from Valley City State University. Reiser earned her bachelor’s in child development and family science and coursework for a master’s in human development and family science from North Dakota State University.

National Hospitality Services announced Michael Khan as regional director, overseeing six full-service hotels throughout Colorado, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Khan’s 25+ year hospitality industry career includes extensive experience in management and corporate multi division responsibilities.

Khan

Zac Hofmann and Stephanie Overgaard both recently joined Park Co. Realtors as a REALTOR®. Hoffman earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from North Dakota State University. He was previously employed Overgaard with U.S. Bank. Both are members of the Hofmann National Association of REALTORS® and the North Dakota Association of REALTORS®.

The RLE Group has hired Michael Betlock as an interior designer. Betlock earned a degree from The Art Institutes International in Minneapolis. Previously, he worked as a designer at Target Corporation and at RSP Architects in Minneapolis.

TMI Hospitality hired Megan Surdo as director of Total Rewards. Surdo received a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and long-term care from Concordia College, and a master’s degree in healthcare administration management from University of Saint Mary.

Surdo Jay Lies has been named business banking manager and market president for Wells Fargo in Fargo-Moorhead and Grand Forks. Lies began his Wells Fargo career in 2003 as a credit manager for Wells Fargo Financial in Jamestown. Lies has a bachelor’s degree from Jamestown College.

Lies

Betlock Spherion Staffing has hired Cody Klug as a business development associate, Jennifer Fatz as a social media and marketing coordinator Fatz Klug Witzel and promoted Karen Witzel to director of sales and marketing in the Fargo office. Klug earned his Bachelor of Arts in communication with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in sociology from University of North Dakota. Fatz earned her Bachelor of Science in public relations and advertising with a minor in journalism from North Dakota State University. Witzel earned her Bachelor of Science in marketing from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Spotlight Media has hired Jenny Johnson as account manager, Nicole Houseal as office manager and Rylee Wznick as a Houseal Johnson Wznick sales intern. Johnson graduated from MSUM with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with an emphasis in advertising and public relations. Houseal graduated from UND with a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in human resources. Wznick is currently studying at NDSU, majoring in strategic communication with an emphasis in advertising and a minor in art.

Starion Financial has promoted Melea Telste to commercial pre-closing specialist and Loretta Wall has to administrative assistant, Lattimore Telste Wall and hired Kimberly Lattimore as a business banking representative. Telste joined Starion Financial in 2008 as a business banking representative. She earned an associate degree in office administration from North Dakota State College of Science. Wall began with the bank as a teller in 2011 in Bottineau. She earned an associate degree in accounting from Minot State University–Bottineau. Lattimore earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities in political science and Minnesota State University Moorhead in paralegal/legal assistant.

All are located at the Fargo Urban Plains branch.

Mathew Warsocki joined Western State Bank as a customer service representative. Previously, he worked as a server at Applebees. Warsocki is currently attending North Dakota State University in Fargo, where he is pursuing a degree in accounting.

Warsocki

Certifications Joseph Rizzo of Beyond Shelter, Inc., earned the designation of Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and NAHB Multifamily. Rizzo is one of a select group of industry professionals nationwide who have attained the HCCP certification.

Rizzo

The North Dakota Association of Builders announced that Don Dabbert, Jr., president of Dabbert Custom Homes, has met the required standards and criteria to become a certified North Dakota Professional Builder. Dabbert has been building custom homes in our community since 1992.

Dabbert Eide Bailly LLP congratulated Thad Collier, John Jones and Eric Thiem on becoming Salesforce Certified Sales Cloud Collier Jones Thiem Consultants. This certification recognizes one’s knowledge and experience in the design and implementation of Salesforce sales and marketing solutions to meet client needs, scaling over time to drive long-term customer success.

Steve Strack and Jun “Jay” Yang earned their professional engineer (PE) registrations for North Dakota after successfully completing the eight-hour Principles and Practices of Engineering exam. Strack and Yang both work out of Strack Yang HEI’s Fargo office. Strack has been with HEI since 2011 and works in the transportation group. Yang has been with HEI since 2013 and works in the water resources group.

fmwfchamber.com | 27

Park Co. Realtors announced that Jill Carlson has earned the Global Relocation Professional (GRP) designation from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®; and that Connie Carlsrud has earned the Senior Real Estate Specialist Carlson Carlsrud (SRES®) designation from the National Association of REALTORS®. REALTORS® who have earned the SRES designation are qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+ and have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients through major financial and lifestyle transitions in relocating, refinancing and selling homes.

Leif Schonteich was named a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

Certification is awarded to people who meet academic standards, satisfy professional safety experience requirements, and pass two rigorous examinations.

Schonteich has worked for Terracon Consultants, Inc. for approximately two years as the environmental department manager.

Chairman’s Circle Diamond: JK Property Partners. The award recognizes the network’s top half of 1% percent of residential sales professionals who in 2015 exemplified great sales measures in closed residential GCI, commercial GCI or closed residential units. The team consists of John Knosalla and his eight team members.

Draeger

JK Property Partners Team

Heritage Homes Sales Team

Chairman’s Circle Gold: Sabrina Anderson. The award recognizes the network’s top 2% percent of residential sales professionals who in 2015 exemplified great sales measures in closed residential GCI, commercial GCI or closed residential units.

Anderson

28 | July 2016

Leading Edge Society: Tyler Rebrovich, Rod Richter, Mark and DeAnne Mason. This achievement award recognizes residential Mason Rebrovich Richter sales professionals in the BHHS network who in the past year reached the network’s top 7% sales thresholds in closed residential GCI, commercial GCI or residential units.

CCRI caregiver Amanda Noyes has been awarded the 2016 Minnesota Direct Support Professional Recognition Award

by The American Network of Community Options and Resources. Noyes also was one of six professional caregivers in the state of Minnesota awarded the ARRM Cares Award, which recognizes professional caregivers who provide exemplary services to people with disabilities.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties announced that six real estate agents and two real estate teams have been recognized and awarded by the national BHHS franchise. Agents received their awards during the national sales convention in Dallas, Texas.

Top 100: JK Property Partners Team.

This award recognizes the Top 100 real estate individuals or teams in the BHHS network. The JK Property Partners Team ranked 51 on this prestigious list. The team consists of John Knosalla and his eight team members.

Kelsh

Schonteich

Awards & Recognition Dennis Draeger, CFP®, a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial, qualified for the company’s Circle of Success annual recognition program. To earn this achievement, Draeger established himself as one of the company’s top advisors achieving high levels in production, client service and client satisfaction.

President’s Circle: Team Heritage and Kim Kelsh. The award recognizes the network’s top 3% of residential sales professionals who in 2015 exemplified great sales measures in closed residential GCI, commercial GCI or closed residential units. Team Heritage consists of Jenna Nygaard, Kim Meyers, Steve Larson, Mari Santoyo Perry and Brianne Rome.

Noyes

Holly Scott, tobacco prevention coordinator at Fargo Cass Public Health, (FCPH) was selected for the Outstanding Service award. The award honors an individual who has exhibited continued excellence in the field of public health.

Scott has worked in her position at FCPH for over 13 years.

Scott Pam Gibb, communications coordinator for Moorhead Public Schools, has been named the North Dakota Professional Communicators (NDPC) 2016 communicator of achievement. The communicator of achievement is the highest honor NDPC bestows. Gibb has been an active member of NDPC for 17 years and has served in Gibb numerous positions. She will be NDPC’s nominee for the communicator of achievement award at the National Federation of Press Women conference in September in Wichita, Kansas.

Bothum

The Steve Lunde Team

Johnson

RE/MAX Realty 1 in Fargo has recognized three associates for their sales achievements in 2015. Robb Johnson, The 100% Club; Steve Lunde (The Steve Lunde Team), The Platinum Club; and Luke Bothum, The Executive Club, were recognized at the RE/MAX Mountain States regional awards celebration in March. The Platinum Club level is the third highest regional honor for sales in a single year, which honors successful agents who have earned at least $250,000 in annual commissions. The 100% Club Award honors successful agents who have earned at least $100,000 in commissions in the past year. The Executive Club level honors successful agents who have earned between 50,000 and $99,999 in commissions in the past year.

DO IT’S SO

The Boschee Team

Kvamme

Johnson

RE/MAX Realty 1 in Moorhead has also recognized three associates for their sales achievements in 2015. Del Boschee, The Boschee Team, The Platinum Club; Bruce Johnson, The 100% Club; and Jo Kvamme, The 100% Club were recognized at the RE/MAX INTEGRA Midwest regional awards celebration in February. The Platinum Club level is the third highest regional honor for sales in a single year. The Executive Club level is the fifth highest regional honor for sales in a single year.

EASY TO CUSTOMIZE BUSINESS > PHONE SYSTEMS

> THE POWER OF CHOICE Britt Selbo, Rebecca Sundeen and Lorrie Thoemke, all leaders at the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties, won respectable awards at the annual YMCA Alliance event in April. Selbo, who serves as aquatics director, and Thoemke, who Selbo, Sundeen, Thoemke serves as the vice president of youth and child care services, received the Program Achievement of the Year Awards.

Sundeen, who serves as the custodial director, received the Professional Achievement of the Year Award.

Want to see your news here? Submit your company’s announcement to thebridge@fmwfchamber.com.

Your communications system is more than the lifeline to connect with colleagues, customers and vendors. It also projects an image, sending a message about the organization’s efficiency, productivity and professionalism. With an on-premise or cloud-based telephone solution from Toshiba, every location, every branch office—from a handful of users to thousands of users—can present an enterprise-class face to the world.

CUSTOM PHONE SYSTEM SOLUTIONS FOR ANY SIZE BUSINESS. 701.373.1001 | arvigbusiness.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©Arvig 2016

2017

Metro Profile & Member Directory

1

Our 2,100 members and new community members use the profile and directory to find out what’s going on in the community and find the organizations where they want to do business.

Reserve your ad space today by emailing Tracy at tmeckler@fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.359.0527. fmwfchamber.com | 29

New Members The Chamber encourages all members to conduct business with each other. Those listed below recently have made an important investment in their businesses and their professional careers by joining The Chamber. Please consider them for your personal and professional needs. When you do, let them know you learned of their business through The Chamber!

AAction Movers

New Perspective Senior Living

Moving ‑ Storage AAction Movers is North Dakota’s largest moving company. They provide a full array of moving and storage services. From DIY moving to full‑service, they offer solutions for all.

Health Care Services New Perspective Senior Living is a leader in the development, investment and operations of senior living communities in the Midwest. Its portfolio of 21 Lighthouse and Keystone Communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and North Dakota provide best-in-class service allowing seniors to live life on purpose through its 4‑pillars programming that include: physical fitness, brain fitness, social/spiritual involvement and the dining experience. NPSL’s state-of-the-art communities offer spacious apartments with a vast array of amenities in the town center including a bar, bistro, dance hall, salon spa, warm water therapy pool, a Biodex and HUR rehab/ fitness gym, restaurant style dining, library, multiple activity centers and game rooms, neighborhood living room areas, underground parking, and outdoor green spaces and walking areas.

aactionmovers.com

Bill’s Gun Shop & Range billsgs.com

Retail Stores Bill’s Gun Shop & Range provides retail firearm sales, indoor shooting range and gunsmith. They buy, sell and consign firearms.

Edward Jones‑Russ Boyle edwardjones.com

Financial Services As a financial advisor, Boyle holds his Series 7, Series 66 and North Dakota Life, Health, Accident and Annuity licensure. He is aspired to organize, grow, protect and transfer your assets via superior service while educating you as his client.

Fargo Entertainment Company fargoentertainmentcompany.com

Event & Meeting Planning Fargo Entertainment Company is an event experience and entertainment provider of photo events that incorporate print, social media and immersive entertainment that include balloon twisting, face painting and murder mysteries. They have been trusted for 26 years.

Goosmann Law Firm goosmannlaw.com

Attorneys Goosmann Law Firm is a full service law firm with experienced attorneys in estate planning and business law. They are located in Fargo, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Sioux City, Iowa.

Harmon Entertainment harmonentertainment.biz

Event & Meeting Planning Harmon Entertainment is the premier DJ service in the FM area. The #1 compliment they get from their clients is how they engage their guests and family throughout the night! They coordinate all events from the time the guests arrive at the reception hall until the last song of the evening.

Loren Lee’s

npseniorliving.com

Olympic Sales Inc. olympicsalesinc.com

Industrial Distributors Olympic Sales is the FM area’s new and used waste equipment distributor. They distribute New Way (Packer Bodies), SP Industries (Compaction Systems) and Ampliroll (Roll‑Off Hooklift Systems). They also provide customized dumpsters and roll‑off containers.

Sanctuary Events Center sanctuaryevents.com

Event ‑ Conference Center Sanctuary Events Center is a full‑service wedding, concert and private event venue in downtown Fargo’s historic St. Mark’s building. Sanctuary Events Center provides a unique space for cultivating memories, sharing experiences and contributing to the cultural growth of downtown Fargo.

Stray Media Group straymediagroup.com

Marketing Services Stray Media is a passionate group with a reputation for providing good stuff. They are big on service, with a focus on strategy, creative ideation, implementation and building relationships between their clients.

Taylor Made Living tmpfargo.com

Home Care Services Taylor Made Living offers another choice for adults with disabilities and their families. These living arrangements are designed to accommodate work placements and provide appropriate assistance with daily living skills.

701.212.5319

Restaurants Loren Lee’s is West Fargo’s only establishment with an extensive wine list. They have 36 beers and 16 wines on tap with a full bar offering casual and fine dining. It is all-age friendly plus patio seating. Lunch menu runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and their fine dining time is from 5 p.m. to close. They have a beautiful atmosphere.

www.indigosignworks.com Lighted Signage | Pole & Monument Signs | Awnings Vinyl Graphics | Neon | LEDs | Interior Signs | ADA Interior & Exterior Digital Displays | | Digital Printing Express Graphics 1622 Main Ave | Fargo, ND | 701.297.9696 | fargo@indigosignworks.com Additional locations in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Alexandria & St. Cloud

30 | July 2016

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taking technology further marconet.com

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fmwfchamber.com | 31

Celebrations May Ribbon Cuttings

BEANS COFFEE BAR Grand opening celebration 2550 University Drive South, Fargo

AMERICINN SOUTH Remodel celebration 1423 35th Street South, Fargo

TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC. Grand opening/relocation celebration 860 Ninth Street Northeast, Unit K, West Fargo

WEST FARGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS PROJECT

Groundbreaking for Hulbert Aquatic Center 631 Fourth Avenue East, West Fargo

32 | July 2016

MOORHEAD PUBLIC SCHOOLS Groundbreaking celebration for k-4 elementary 4400 24th Avenue South, Moorhead

LOCALS LOVE US FARGO Grand opening 1100 19th Avenue North, #112, Fargo

BERGSETH BROS. CO Grand opening/relocation celebration 1211 47th Street North, Fargo

NORTHERN PLAINS LABEL New ownership/relocation celebration 16 16th Street South, Fargo

STRAUS TAILOR SHOP Grand opening celebration 3301 13th Avenue South, Suite 106, Fargo

SABIN GENERAL STORE Grand opening/new ownership celebration 23 Main Street, Sabin, Minnesota

CLUBHOUSE HOTEL & SUITES Grand opening celebration 4400 15th Avenue South, Fargo

ANNE CARLSEN’S TAYLOR MADE LIVING

Groundbreaking 3781 56th Street South, West Fargo

SHUR-CO OF NORTH DAKOTA Grand opening/relocation 1746 Fourth Avenue Northwest, West Fargo

VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Grand opening celebration 2532 University Drive South, Fargo

Ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings are led by the Public Relations Ambassadors, a group of dedicated volunteers who help Chamber members celebrate their business accomplishments. If you would like more information on ribbon cuttings, visit fmwfchamber.com or call Mickayla at 218.233.1100.

VALLEY IMPORTS Grand opening of Audi facility 402 40th Street South, Fargo

fmwfchamber.com | 33

“

Being a member of the FMWF Chamber is a huge value to any area business.

“

Their events are welcoming, fun and there are so many ways you can network with other businesses and professionals in the community.

-Whitney Deterding, Onsharp

With over 2,100 member businesses, we’re proud to represent a community where businesses connect with one another, learn from each other, and grow together. Join these businesses and become a member today. fmwfchamber.com

34 | July 2016

Calendar of Events

July 2016

Chamber Eggs & Issues: Unmanned Aerial Systems & High-Flying Technology Wednesday, July 6 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriot Fargo-Moorhead

Unmanned aerial systems are the wave of the future, and our region is on the forefront. Brigadier General Robert Becklund of Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks joins us at Eggs & Issues to share how this technology is revolutionizing commerce.

YPN New Member Social & Great American Picnic

YPN

Wednesday, July 20 | 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

Lindenwood Park – Rotary Shelter

Young Professionals Network engage

develop

New to YPN? Thinking about joining YPN? Then this event is for you. Connect with new and current members, learn more about the program and all the ways that you can be involved.

Then stick around for our sixth annual Great American Picnic.

connect

Chamber Challenge Golf Outing

Women Connect: Courage Under Fire

Wednesday, July 13 | Noon to 7 p.m.

Edgewood Golf Course

Tuesday, July 26 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Social 5 to 6 p.m.

Avalon Events Center

One of the most fun summer events is back, and it’s going Hollywood! Join us for a day of Hollywood glam and golf for the 2016 Chamber Golf Tournament. Teams are currently sold out.

We’ve all had that moment when we have talked ourselves out of speaking up because we were afraid we didn’t know enough, or were worried about how others would perceive us. So how do you find the courage to push through? Join a discussion with Jessica Thomasson of Lutheran Social Services about finding your voice in the midst of a noisy world.

Of Steel and Velvet: The Two Sides of Accountability

Wednesday, July 20 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hjemkomst Center

Find all of our upcoming events online at fmwfchamber.com.

Why do so many in leadership positions struggle with holding employees accountable? In this Business Training, John E. Trombley from The Village Business Institute will explore common myths associated with accountability, and uncover the roles of supervisors, employees and the organization.

Community Events Nisswa Firecracker 5K and 10K

26th Annual PAWS WALK

The Nisswa, MN Firecracker 10K, 5K and Kidz Run is the lake country classic!

Known for its laid back atmosphere with super comfy event shirts, amazing crawfish boil, Free Pabst, and the Red, White and Blue Snow party with a Slip’N Slide finish line.

Join us as we Stride for Strays at the 26th Annual PAWS WALK! This is a fundraising event for the homeless cats & dogs of Homeward Animal Shelter. All proceeds directly benefit the shelter animals, providing them with food, shelter and veterinary care. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise the most.

Sunday, July 3 | 8 a.m.

Nisswa, Minnesota

Downtown Fargo Street Fair July 14-16

North Dakota’s largest free outdoor event in downtown Fargo with arts & craft vendors, food trucks, entertainment and more.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid by Trollwood Performing Art School July 14-30 | times vary Bluestem Amphitheater

Join us for Trollwood’s 38th annual mainstage musical production attracting thousands of audience members each summer to the beautiful Bluestem Amphitheater for an evening of entertainment under the stars.

Tuesday, July 19 | 6 p.m.

Rheault Farm, Fargo

TEDxFargo 2016 Thursday, July 21 Fargo Civic Center

TEDxFargo 2016 will accelerate our community, moving Fargo foward faster.

Through a day of speakers, ideas, experiences and connections, TEDxFargo activates our city in new ways. Inside the Fargo Civic Center, you’ll find a world-class event with opportunities to experience locally roasted coffee, arts and speakers sharing ideas worth spreading.

Mission of Mercy

July 22-23 Concordia College, Moorhead

Looking to serve? Consider volunteering at Mission of Mercy. Events are focused on helping underserved populations of children and adults receive dental treatment.

fmwfchamber.com | 35

Bridge the

Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Post Office Box 2443 Fargo, North Dakota 58108-2443 fmwfchamber.com

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