January Bridge by The FMWF Chamber of Commerce

THE BRIDGE

Mayors share news and updates from our four metro cities

Mayor Chad Olson Mayor Del Rae Williams

Mayor Rich Mattern

Mayor Tim Mahoney

Community Builders

Community Builders are a level of Premier Partner businesses committed to improving the area by investing in our programs and events.

The Forum OF

THE CHAMBER STAFF

PRESIDENT FROM THE

An Update on the State from Drew Wrigley

Last month, we hosted North Dakota’s now former Lieutenant Governor Drew Wrigley for a special presentation. Wrigley stopped by The Chamber’s Premier Partner holiday social for a private address just two days before his final day in the office. He shared an overview of the state’s accomplishments during his term and offered commentary on what he’s observed in western North Dakota where the Dakota Access Pipeline is. We had planned to address the topic at an Eggs & Issues event, which had to be rescheduled. Because Wrigley was able to find time in his schedule, we added him to the agenda for this event—one of the year’s special events reserved for our Community Builders, Business Builders and Board of Directors.

Most of the information he shared was largely positive for the state of North Dakota. A state that is the fastest-growing state in America. Average income has increased, making the state a hospitable one for new residents, not to mention seeing through the largest tax cuts in state history and investing in a diversified economy. One major investment was seen in the education sector, including a $30 million college grant program.

One challenge he did address was the need for additional health care providers across the state and the nation.

“Don’t let anyone tell you we’re facing economic dire straits,” he said at one part. “It’s simply not true.”

Switching focus to the DAPL, Wrigley said what is happening is an assault on free enterprise and commerce in this country. The pipeline is an important project not just for America, but for North Dakota as the #2 oil producing state in the nation. The 1,200-mile long pipeline is designed to move oil out of the Bakken—an estimated 5,000 barrels in the most efficient and safest way. The project removes 2,500 tanker trucks from the interstate and 800 rail cars carrying crude oil throughout our communities a day. Wrigley mentioned the accident in Casselton as a wake up call to the importance of this. The state has spent $17 million so far paying for law enforcement officers, the National Guard to be activated and checkpoint corridors.

Wrapping up, Wrigley said the pipeline will be completed and will serve the economy of the state, the safety of the state and will remind people that you can invest in this country without being stopped by politics.

CHOICE

Nominations Now Open!

Nominate yourself or another deserving company or organization you feel has made an impact and contributed to the vitality of business in our community for the 2017 ChamberChoice Awards. You can nominate as many organizations as you want, including your own. You can even nominate more than once and in multiple categories! Nominations close on February 1 How Do I Nominate? Online: fmwfchamber.com | Email: tpowell@fmwfchamber.com |

A Preview into the Legislative Sessions

January is an important month in Minnesota and North Dakota, as it marks the beginning of both legislative sessions. After an interesting election season and with changes being made on the national and statewide level, many things will be examined. We will hear from Andy Peterson, president of the Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, as he shares what the ND State Chamber will be working toward this year and how it could affect your business. Jennifer Byers, vice president of grassroots & Chamber relations at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, will outline the Minnesota Chamber’s priorities and discuss how a local Chamber can have a key role in those efforts.

Tuesday, January 3

7:30 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriot Fargo-Moorhead

A Briefing on North Dakota’s Budget

Join us to hear a full update of the budget for the state of North Dakota from Pam Sharp, director of the Office of Management and Budget for the North Dakota Office of the Governor.

We are facing interesting times as a state economy that is dependent on commodities. Sharp will share with us where we are currently, what she sees coming out of this legislative session and what she sees on the horizon. Please join us for this informative and detailed presentation.

Tuesday, February 7

7:30 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriot Fargo-Moorhead

Registration (includes breakfast)

Chamber Members: $30 in advance | $35 at the door

Non-Members: $40 in advance | $45 at the door

PROGRAM SPONSORS

Public Policy Guide Now Available

The 2017 Public Policy Guide is now available! Put forward by The Chamber’s Public Affairs committee, this document sets the policy priorities for The Chamber in the upcoming year.

Be sure to register for State of the Cities on Thursday, January 12, to reserve your copy. Or, view it online today at fmwfchamber.com

PETERSON SHARP BYERS

State of theCities

Thursday, January 12, 2017 | 8 to 9:30 a.m. | Holiday Inn Fargo

Join us at State of the Cities! Hear from our four metro mayors and weigh in with your opinion on what issues are most relevant to our region. Emceed by Mark Nisbet, Xcel Energy, and Joel Heitkamp, KFGO Radio Host. Register online at fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100.

Registration (includes breakfast) Chamber Members: $30 in advance | $35 at the door | Non-Members: $40 in advance | $45 at the door

Presenting Sponsor

Executive Sponsors

Corporate Table Sponsors

Talecris

Wanzek

Event Production Sponsor

Military Committee

Donates to National Guard

In early December, WDAY radio personality Jay Thomas put a call out for donations to help support law enforcement officers who were in Morton county assisting with monitoring of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. At this time, members of the state’s National Guard were also being called out to assist those law enforcement officers. With the help of the Chamber’s Honor Star group, we were able to make a large donation of a pallet and a half of pop, food and hand warmers.

“Our Military Affairs committee and Honor Star group is committed to supporting the men and women in our armed forces, and when we heard National Guard members were being activated, we knew this was one way our group could support them” said Craig Whitney. “We support them in times of flood and natural disaster so there was no doubt we would support them now as they were taking time away from their daily lives and families.”

Thursday, February 9

600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck 7:30 a.m. bus departure

Please mark your calendars for our biennial event where we bring Chamber members to Bismarck for a day to connect with our elected leaders, observe the legislative process and share the priorities important to Chamber member firms. Don’t miss this opportunity to represent the FMWF business community in Bismarck.

NEW YEAR, NEW NEEDS!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: JANUARY 2017

A Preview into the Legislative Sessions

Tuesday, January 3 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriot Fargo-Moorhead

Business Training Culture Talk: Giving a Voice to Your Biggest Brand Advocates

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

Hilton Garden Inn Fargo

State of the Cities

Thursday, January 12 | 8 to 9:30 a.m.

Holiday Inn Fargo

January 27-28, 2017

Okay, admit it. You don’t hate winter as much as you say you do. Don’t we secretly find pride in the fact that we can survive a Northern winter? We are a tough and resilient group that feels like we have been initiated into a highly respected club.

So let’s have more winter fun! Why not golf, play softball or do yoga in the snow? Grab your friends, bring your spirit of adventure (and maybe some mittens) and join us for a weekend celebrating the cool of winter in one of the coolest places around.

Learn more at frostival.com.

Operation Thank You

Wednesday, January 18

Hjemkomst Center

Women Connect

Making Time for You: Secrets of The Fringe Hours

Tuesday, January 24

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

Holiday Inn Fargo

To find all of the upcoming Chamber and community events, visit fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100

Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour online giving event for more than 350 charities in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. It is the perfect opportunity to support a cause in your community that is dear to your heart.

Go to givingheartsday.org on February 9 to make your donations.

Co-hosted by Dakota Medical Foundation, Impact Foundation and Alex Stern Family Foundation.

BUSINESS TRAINING

December’s Business Training got us all a little more “linked in.” Kirsten Jensen of Next Action Digital shared tips and tricks to levering LinkedIn to help build your personal and professional network.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

What a wonderful holiday Business After Hours last month! A delicious shrimp tree, photos with Santa, great prizes kept spirits high as we mingled with business professionals. Thank you to sponsors Avis and Bernie’s, and to Northern Plains Label for donating festive name tags for all!

NOVEMBER’S

WOMEN CONNECT

We were thrilled to hold our first session of Women Connect at Sanctuary Events Center in November! Paula Klein of Smartt Interior Construction talked to the crowd about taking their own unique path to success. Thank you to all who donated toys for children!

DECEMBER’S WOMEN CONNECT

Danielle Paulus , ROERS and Tamara Anderson, Dale Carnegie Training joined us at December’s Women Connect to discuss how to create your perfect work-life blend. We also thank everyone who donated men’s socks for the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality.

LAST MONTH IN PHOTOS

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

3 to 5 p.m.

Social and book signing to follow Holiday Inn Fargo

Featuring Jessica N. Turner

“Your swimsuit does not define you,” Jessica Turner wrote in a post on her blog, The Mom Creative. The post went viral, and Turner went on to write for the Huffington Post, appear on The Today Show, and pen the book, “The Fringe Hours.” Now, she’s coming to Fargo for a special edition of Women Connect! Turner will share secrets for finding fringe hours to do the things that you love. From time managements tips to why it is so critical to pursue your passions, she’ll empower you to change your life by practicing self-care.

Please consider bringing personal care items to donate to women and children at the YWCA Cass Clay shelter.

Q & A with JESSICA

Registration

What lead you to writing your book and how have people responded?

As a full-time working mom with three children, as well as a blogger, I am often asked how I do it all. The answer is, first, I don’t do it all, and second, I use my time intentionally. The Fringe Hours is a permission slip for overwhelmed women to make themselves and their passions a priority, and the response has been incredibly positive.

What is the one biggest takeaway you hope people will leave our event with?

I hope that guests will be encouraged to make time for themselves and their passions, as well as be equipped with some practical next steps for how to do it.

Have you ever been to Fargo, and what are you most excited about?

This will be my first trip to North Dakota! Meeting people is always my favorite part of any event.

Chamber Members: $40 in advance | $50 at the door

Non-members: $60 in advance | $70 at the door

All attendees receive a FREE copy of Jessica’s book, “The Fringe Hours”!

WOMEN CONNECT

Digital Hacks to Simplify Your Life

Hacking doesn’t just refer to rogue programmers. “Life hacks” can also refer to changing the way you do things to make daily activities more efficient. In the book “Trust Agents” by Chris Brogen and Julien Smith, they define hacking as “changing the rules” or “using a system in a different way than it was designed.”

This session will look at little hacks that make life easier. Whether it’s simply thinking about things differently, finding hidden functionality in tools most of us use every day or downloading a new app, it’s about finding a way to transform an annoyance to a tiny source of daily joy.

Kirsten Jensen, founder and digital strategist of Next Action Digital, will share her favorite digital hacks: tips, tricks and apps that you can use anywhere to simplify your life. Learn practical tips and an action plan to simplify your life using technology and apps, how to make more of tools you already use, and find a new tool or app to simplify your life

Please bring new or gently used gloves, mittens and scarves for 16 to 26 year olds for Fraser’s Stepping Stones Resource Center.

Thursday, February 23

3:30 to 5 p.m. Sanctuary Events Center

Registration

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.

PROGRAM SPONSORS

American Crystal Sugar Company

Bell Bank | Bremer Bank, N.A. | Choice Financial

Consolidated Communications

Dabbert Custom Homes | Discovery Benefits, Inc.

Eventide Senior Living Communities

First International Bank & Trust

Gate City Bank | Heritage Homes, LLC/Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties | KLJ

Minnesota State University Moorhead | Network Center, Inc. | Otter Tail Corporation

Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center

Vogel Law Firm | Wanzek Construction Inc.

Western State Bank

JENSEN

Stevie Ray

Join us for a special Business Training session with a national speaker!

February 8 | Hjemkomst Center

9 to 11 a.m.: Next Stage Networking

Over 90% of new business is gained through face-to-face interaction, but most people—even high-level executives—are awkward at networking. Learn how to take the fear and stress out of working the room in this high-energy, interactive session that will you feeling confident next time you need to mingle.

1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Next Stage Communication

We’ve all been there – that awkward moment with a co-worker or a stressful situation working with a different personality. Learn how to best handle every moment in this exciting course. Stevie Ray will energize the crowd with simple steps to take your communication skills to the next stage, improving your life and career.

Stevie Ray is a successful keynote speaker, corporate trainer, entertainer, talented writer, lucky husband, and worn-out stepdad. He is equal parts entertainer and educator.

BUSINESS TRAINING #FMWFTraining

Culture Talk: Giving a Voice to Your Biggest Brand Advocates

Companies often focus their efforts on building brand ambassadors outside their organization. And while remaining dedicated to client and customer satisfaction is vital to any company’s success, it’s important that organizations don’t overlook their biggest, most accessible brand advocates in the process. By investing in company culture and empowering employees to advocate for your brand, you can tap into some of your most influential brand ambassadors. When the people at your company become champions of your brand, your employees, clients and customers benefit.

Hear from Stephanie Schroeder, vice president of marketing for Discovery Benefits, as she discusses the importance of building brand advocates both inside and outside the organization. She’ll also explain the role company culture plays in turning employees into brand ambassadors and cover methods for encouraging employees to vocalize their advocacy.

Schroeder is a brand evangelist, content strategist and design enthusiast. Her passion is in building relationships as a mechanism for brand engagement, and she personally believes employees are the biggest untapped potential for building brand champions in most organizations.

This training qualifies for 2 CPE credits for the ND CPA Society.

Wednesday, January 11

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn

Registration (includes lunch)

Chamber Members: $27 in advance | $32 at the door

Non-Members: $40 in advance | $45 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

PROGRAM SPONSORS

Edgewood Vista & Village | GOLDMARK Property Management Network Center, Inc. | Walmart | Wanzek Construction

Upcoming Business Training Sessions

March April June August Three sessions to choose from:

- Get a Grip on Your Business

- Intellectual Property and Business Law Basics

- Culture: Mixing the Right Ingredients for a Best Place to Work Recipe

Re-recruiting Your Top Performers Why Millenials are Leaving You Active Shooter Response Plans

Learn more and register for these sessions at fmwfchamber.com

PROGRAM SPONSORS

YPN: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK

New Member Social Thursday, January 19 | 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

Barbacoa, 3241 42nd Street South, Fargo FREE, registration required.

Off the Clock

Thursday, January 19 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. Barbacoa

3241 42nd Street South, Fargo FREE, no registration required.

Beyond the Blue Links

Tuesday, January 31 | 3:45 to 5 p.m.

D-S Beverages, 201 17th Street North, Moorhead FREE, registration required.

New to YPN? Thinking about Joining the YPN? Then this event is for you! Connect with new and current members, learn more about the program and how to get more involved. We will be doing a little speed networking, so don’t forget your business cards. Then stick around for our Off the Clock immediately following!

Join us for our January Off the Clock at Barbacoa, where they bring the flavors of the south a bit further north. As usual, apps and networking are provided, but drinks are on your own.

Did you know that the blue “links” in The Chamber logo are actually C’s that represent the three major cities in the metropolitan area? If you’ve ever wanted to know more about what The Chamber does, the services and programs it offers and how to get more involved, this event is for you! Hear from Chamber staff, committee chairs and the Board of Directors about how you can make the most of your membership and get to know your Chamber better.

MEET THE VOLUNTEERS

Learn more about some of our dedicated committee members. These are just two of the many people who help us do all that we do. We thank them for their support and service.

JODI HEILMAN

Women Connect Committee Chair

Owner, Coach My Brand

What do you do when you’re not working?

I’m golfing at Moorhead Country Club, enjoying a live music concert (mostly classic rock), creating art in my studio, or cooking with my husband Jim.

What is best about Fargo Moorhead West Fargo? The people!

What do you like most about being involved with The Chamber?

It’s a friendship multiplier! And not just in numbers. The quality people I’ve met, and business connections I’ve made through my involvement with The Chamber, are some of the relationships I value most in my life today.

What is one thing you would like other people to know about your committee? As a committee, we value the women attending our Women Connect events, and want to provide programming and topics that are most relevant and important to the challenges they are facing in today’s business environment. I’m truly blessed to have an amazing committee of dedicated women who care about making Women Connect a thriving program in our community.

What is the best professional advice you have ever received? Leadership is not a position or title, it is action and example.

KRISTEN BURBANK

Women Connect Committee Member

Owner, Mojo Fit Studios

What do you do when you’re not working?

I have two little kids Mia (4) and Ava (11 months), so most of my non-working time is spent with them and my husband Kyle. Along with being a mom, I really enjoy cooking and probably spend way too much time looking up new recipes I won’t cook until my children are much older.

What is best about living and working in Fargo Moorhead West Fargo? I absolutely love how supportive the Fargo community is of each other. Even as Fargo grows, it still maintains a positive and collaborative energy that is unlike other places I have lived.

What do you like most about being involved with The Chamber? Being a Chamber member has enhanced the community support I enjoy so much about Fargo. It has given myself and my business many opportunities to meet clients and business mentors in Fargo.

What is one thing you would like other people to know about your committee? The Women Connect committee works hard to bring event topics that professional women in Fargo Moorhead find inspiring and relevant to their day to day professional and personal lives.

What is the best professional advice you have ever received? Allow yourself to fail.

This month, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy class will wrap up at NDSU and move to MSUM. Starting now, our classroom will have a revolving door with guest speakers and mentors coming in to work with the students each week.

Our January lineup of speakers includes Tim O’Keeffe from O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss Attorneys, Ashley Cossette and Jim Ramstad from Eide Bailly, Ryan Hoffman from Dawson Insurance, and Nick Schommer from Hash Interactive.

The students have been drafting their business plans on their own since November and now their mentors will help them finetune and complete these documents in preparation for the investor panel event.

Thank you to Spicy Pie for hosting a field trip for our YEA! class last month! Owner Todd Berning shared some fascinating insight into the restaurant business and even donated a few pies to our class!

real work begins....

Join the Shark Tank Investor Panel We are so thankful for the business community’s support of YEA! and have had a lot of interest from individuals looking to get involved. If you are interested in serving on our investor panel, please contact Katie Ralston at 218.359.0511 or kralston@fmwfchamber.com to learn more about the sponsorship involved. -

PRESENTING SPONSOR

#FMWFLeadership LEADERSHIP FMWF

The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community is known for many things, but two qualities that we take the most pride in are our innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, which is exactly why the LFMWF class spent their day focusing on these topics. Graciously hosted at the FARGODOME, we started our December session off flexing the innovative parts of our brains with Max Kringen, CEO of Tellwell. He guided us through interactive activities that were not only entertaining, but also allowed the participants to think creatively to solve a new problem and think about things in creative ways – skills that are imperative to being a successful leader.

We switched gears to entrepreneurship in the afternoon where we heard from Katie Ralston, The Chamber, on the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Next came a panel of local entrepreneurs who shared how they are thinking big. Dan Hurder, Great Plains Hospitality, Paula Klein, Smartt Interior Construction, Nathan Severson, Severson, Wogsland & Liebl PC and Andy Maier, Maier Farms, shared their entrepreneurial stories and answered questions from the class on taking the leap, building a customer base, creating a team of employees and what success really means to them.

2016-17 Leadership Class Community Change Initiatives

One major component of the Leadership class is for groups to collaborate on Community Change Initiative projects. Check out what this year’s participants have been busy working on, and how it will help the metro below!

Home for Good: Donna Block, Enclave; Erik Stenehjem, First International Bank and Trust; Jenna Studt, Flint Group; Jordan Cook, Choice Financial; Rob Riness, Mortenson Construction

The focus of our initiative is to help those who are vulnerable to being homeless find a “home for good.” We will work on bridging the gap from social/non-profit organizations that focus on homelessness and the housing industry. We will create a presentation and panel for the Greater Red River Valley Apartment Association to educate the property management companies on the benefits of working with the FM Homeless Coalition. In the presentation, we will ask for those interested to join a network of those committed to reducing homelessness in the F-M area. Our goal is to also provide a pamphlet as a resource to those in the systems of jail or treatment centers that would provide contacts from different property management companies and give them hope of finding their home for good.

Foster Kids: Chad Brousseau, Cass County Electric Cooperative; Chelsey Agather, Discovery Benefits; Dave Bietz, Fargo Park District; Jennifer Swenson, TMI Hospitality; Sam Wheeldon, John Deere Electronic Solutions; Tim Stokka, Gate City Bank

Our project is focused on foster children and the families that care for and love them. We have been meeting with foster parents, non-profit groups, and government organizations on what the needs are for these families and what is currently provided. We are exploring a couple of avenues where a need has been identified.

The first idea is to provide a duffle bag that the children can put their belongings into when they are removed from the home. This bag could also contain clothing items, socks and underwear, toys, a blanket, toiletries, etc. The second need is a refresh of the Cass County visitation room where the children visit their birth families, and provide new paint, furnishings, games and toys. Our goal over the next two weeks is to decide where we can make the most impact and successfully help the children and families.

Team Go Green: Adam Ruud, Houston Engineering; Andy Erickson, Kinetic Leasing, Inc.; Kelly Napoli, Obermiller Nelson Engineering, Inc.; Kelsey Erbes, Eide Bailly LLP; Kevin Mehrer, Boy Scouts of America; Matt Gruchalla, Bell Bank

Team Go Green will support the city of Fargo in marketing and informing city residents of the upcoming conversion to single-sort recycling. Single-sort recycling is a system in which all paper fibers, plastics, metals and other containers are mixed in one collection truck, rather than having to be handled separately. Single-sort recycling will take place in the city of Fargo starting in July 2017. Team Go Green will collaborate with the city in their effort of educating Fargo residents of this conversion through town hall forums, billboards, social media, literature and other forms of communication.

Experience F-M: Amanda Even, Dress for Success Red River Valley; Amanda Maslowski, U.S. Bank; Caitlin Stoecker, The Village Family Service Center; Chantel Carlson, United Way of Cass-Clay; Mitch Johnson, Minnesota State University Moorhead

We learned through our research that the Fargo-Moorhead area currently retains on average 30% of graduates from the three major institutions: Concordia, MSUM and NDSU. The Regional Workforce Study projects over 30,000 job openings in the area in the next five years. There is a huge opportunity to leverage the 70% of students that leave our community post-graduation. Our goal is to increase the area workforce by retaining local higher-education students through community engagement. Our objectives include creating an enrollment-based program for students, presenting them with meaningful volunteering and community-based opportunities and providing a communication platform for the group to disseminate and receive information. We are excited to partner with local community organizations and schools to kick off this program in 2017.

The World’s Table: Allyson Peterson, NDSU Development Foundation; Cortnee Jensen, Mind Shift; Maria Steen, Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership; Nikki Berglund, Bernie’s Wine & Liquors/Luna Fargo; Sarah Arntson, Dakota Medical Foundation; Teran Germscheid, Wimmer’s Diamonds

The World’s Table project aims to unite our community through one thing we all love: food. We are inviting leaders of various New American communities as well as long-time FMWF residents, to come together in the dining room. We’ll share a meal, experience cultural foods and get comfortable with each other in a safe environment. Hosts at each table will guide and encourage conversation and help develop relationships between groups of people – neighbors who live and work in the same cities but in different worlds – whose paths may not otherwise cross. We believe these connections will bring mutual benefits to everyone at the table, as well as the community at large. We strive to build bridges, one plate at a time.

Financial Planning: Jamie Grant, Microsoft; Kurt Lysne, Moore Engineering, Inc.; Paul Jarvis, United Capital; Shane Cullen, Park Company Realtor; Thomas Loegering, Wanzek; Toby Krone, Moorhead Police Department

Our CCI project is designed to provide financial training from well-qualified professionals to citizens in our area. Recognizing that financial planning is essential but often inaccessible, our goal is to educate community members on basic finance-related topics such as budgeting, estate planning, retirement, insurance, home buying and others. We will be offering up to six different classes during this one-day event with a keynote speaker to be determined. Certified Financial Planner™ professionals, along with other professionals, will be available for one-on-one advice on a variety of topics, and best of all, it’s free and there are no strings attached. Volunteering financial planners will not sell products or services, give out business cards or follow up with participants after the event. The financial planning day event will work in partnership with the Foundation for Financial planning, a non-profit organization specializing in pro bono financial planning. The event is set to take place in April.

Project

‘Welcome Home’: Brandon Haney, Midco; Jenna Frost, American Crystal Sugar Company; Kayla Gefroh; Mark Honzay, JLG Architects; Melissa Rystad, Rasmussen College; Vanessa Lystad, Vogel Law Firm

This exciting project is designed to help at least 10 families in 2017 transition into permanent housing. Our goal is to gather donations and prepare kits for families so they have all the necessary supplies needed for their new home. These kits will include basic needs like toilet paper, shower curtains, sheets and kitchen utensils. We are even trying to provide bigger items like a mattress or small couch. Barb Grabar, public relations administrator at Fraser, Ltd., has been a big help in defining our project and will help us place these kits in the next year. We feel very fortunate to be able to support this need in our community.

PROGRAM SPONSORS

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Please share what your organization offers today.

Today we have three service centers in the Fargo Moorhead community performing most any service that your car might need. We pride ourselves on having the latest equipment and the best technicians to get the job done right. We employ ASE-certified technicians. Many are master certified.

What makes your organization unique?

I think we’re unique in that we’re a fourth-generation business that’s been taking care of our customer’s automotive needs for over 90 years! I’m guessing that probably makes us the longest continuous automotive repair business in the area.

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

The automotive repair business is continually evolving, not only in the sophistication of the vehicles, but also in the sophistication of our customers. In our business, communication is so important to customer satisfaction. We’re constantly looking for new ways to communicate with our customers throughout the repair process.

What do you like best about doing business in this community?

Fargo Moorhead West Fargo is a great place to do business. Not only are people generally friendly, but I think in this part of the country, if you treat the customer with respect and operate your business with honesty and integrity, there is still some loyalty.

What is one thing you most want others to know about you?

We have great employees! Many of our staff, even though they work on cars all day, are true “car people.” Some of them restore old vehicles in their spare time and many of them are involved in the car hobby in one way or another. The company sponsors an annual “cruise in” in the summertime, where anyone is welcome and all proceeds from sale of food and a silent auction go to Kamp Kace, a camp for children with cancer.

What do you like most about being a member of The Chamber?

All of the programs, speakers and benefits that The Chamber provides are great! It’s nice to know that there is an organization out there that supports independent businesses and has our back.

A long-time Chamber member, United Automotive Tech Center goes back to 1923 when A.L. Peterson, a Winger, Minnesota native, started the A.L. Peterson Electric Company. When his halfbrother Oscar Larson graduated from Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, Oscar joined the firm and the name was changed to Peterson – Larson Electric. In 1928, the company was incorporated as United Electric Service and Supply Inc. As cars changed, so did the business. Here’s what else Steve Larson, president, shared with us.

Interested in Having Your Business Highlighted Here?

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 deserves to be featured! Fill out the form at bit.ly/BridgeMS to suggest a business, or email ahofland@fmwfchamber.com.

If there’s one thing Healing Arts Chiropractic wants you to know, it’s that there is hope. If you have chronic pain, it’s not something you have to live with.

The team at Healing Arts Chiropractic has success story after success story, and the positive changes they’ve been able to make for their clients’ lives is nothing short of amazing. “That’s what chiropractic can do for you,” Melanie Paape, operations manager, said.

One client there was a 60-year-old woman in a wheelchair who doctors said would never walk again. After visits to their office, she eventually was able to use a walker, and now she can walk with a cane.

Healing Arts truly believes in the work they do for the health of people of all ages, and their inclusive approach to care is likely why they’ve grown so popular—and won the

People’s Choice Award at last year’s ChamberChoice luncheon.

President Dr. Kevin Paape first founded it in 2003 after practicing chiropractic with his father in Bismarck. Their clinic has seen a steady increase in the number of patients, growing on average by 11% over the last three years. They have also gone from 900 square feet with 1 doctor and 1 part-time employee to over 3,000 square feet, 3 doctors, 8 full-time staff and several part-time employees.

The team strives to give all patients a 5-star service experience. They have even been honored with the prestigious 5 star office award from Integrity Doctors. Excellent reviews

from customers show that Healing Arts Chiropractic is doing a great job. Consistent feedback mentions their above-and-beyond care, and friendly and knowledgeable staff.

One of Dr. Paape’s goals is to bring more chiropractic awareness to the community. They want 80% of the population to be reached with chiropractic care, and they work with other practitioners to help realize that goal. “We see the value of everyone that works in this area,” he said. “Everyone knows you should go to the dentist to keep your teeth healthy. Our mission is to make sure everyone understands that it is as important to maintain your spine so that you can continue to enjoy life.”

Dr. Mark Gunderson, left, and Dr. Kevin Paape, right

Aside from the education component of their public outreach, Healing Arts gives back to the community through organizations like Hope Inc., Firstlink, Brave Hearts for Kids, Cystic Fibrosis and more. Their employees are encouraged to volunteer, and they often allow students to come in and job shadow.

Over the next three years, they have more plans for growth, including adding more doctors, more employees, and even new locations.

“It’s not just a back pain kind of thing. Chiropractic keeps your body well. Sometimes we’ve even been able to fix things we didn’t know were wrong.”

- Melanie Paape

MEMBER NEWS: COMPANIES

Arvig announced that they are now officially a Google Partner, having earned the distinction by passing Google AdWords product certification exams and maintaining upto-date product knowledge. The Google Partner badge shows that Arvig’s digital media team has demonstrated advanced knowledge in Google AdWords advertising products that help deliver results and build long-lasting relationships to their clients. Arvig’s digital team has grown steadily and becoming a Google Partner falls in line with their efforts to demonstrate how committed they are to assisting clients with their goals in advertising their services online.

Bell Bank plans to add an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to its employee retirement benefit, president and CEO Michael Solberg announced. Through the ESOP, a portion of each employee’s qualified retirement funds will be invested in the stock of State Bankshares, Inc., the parent company of Bell Bank. Citing locally headquartered sporting goods giant Scheels as an outstanding example of a high-performing ESOP, Solberg said Bell’s ownership is excited to bring on employees as co-owners in the company.

Border States Electric (BSE) was awarded the 2016 Giving Back Award by Affiliated Distributors (AD) at AD’s North American Marketing Meeting near Washington, D.C. AD presents the Giving Back Award annually to an AD member or supplier that makes the success and health of their community a priority. BSE was recognized for their work with TNT Kid’s Fitness and Gymnastics.

J&L Harley-Davidson and the Entenman family received the 2016 Boyd Hopkins, Sr. Excellence in Family Business Award at a dinner held in their honor in Sioux Falls in November. Each year, the Prairie Family Business Association and the Hopkins Family recognizes an area family business through criteria such as being multigenerational, contributing to their community financially, planning for strong family governance and a growth in sales, locations, etc., and more. J&L HarleyDavidson, Inc. was started in 1975. Today, headed by Jim Entenman, the family has four locations, including in Fargo and West Fargo.

MATBUS has released a new mobile application, currently available for download on the Google Play and Apple stores. The MATBUS app provides passengers with access to many features including live bus tracking, real-time detour information, digital brochures, how to ride information and fixed route trip planning with Google Maps integration. In addition, MATBUS will now be able to quickly notify passengers of essential system announcements such as weather-related service delays or cancellations, emergency situations and security concerns via push notifications.

North Dakota State University’s College of Engineering and the University of North Dakota’s College of Engineering and Mines and School of Medicine and Health Sciences have received approval to offer joint graduate programs in biomedical engineering. The programs, which were approved by the State Board of Higher Education, will begin being delivered oncampus and via distance delivery in fall 2017.

The Plains Art Museum will receive $500,000 as part of the 2016 Bush Prize for Community Innovation. The Plains was the only organization in North Dakota to be rewarded. A press release from the Bush Foundation said that all recipients “respond to complex social challenges by making great ideas happen.” It also praised the museum for being more than just a collection of visual art and working to creatively interact with the community.

Starion Bank earned a five-star “superior” rating for second quarter 2016 from BauerFinancial, the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating firm. Star ratings are assigned quarterly on a scale of zero to five stars, with five being the strongest, and are based on the overall financial picture of the financial institution. The ratings are independent, meaning no institution is able to pay to be rated or excluded.

The Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences held the 2016 Emmy Awards Gala on October 29 at the Radisson Blu-Mall of America in Minneapolis. Video Arts Studios, of Fargo, received three Emmy® statuettes at the Emmy® award ceremony. “Fargo’s Silent Secret – Student Homelessness”, an educational video produced by Video Arts Studios for the Fargo Public Schools, won an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® in the Education/Schools Category. A public service television commercial entitled, “Lock Up for a Safer Community” produced for the Fargo Police Department by Video Arts Studios won an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® in the Community/Public Service(PSA)-Single Spot category. In the Writer – Short Form (Promos, PSA’s Commercials, Opens, etc.) category Video Arts Studios won an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® for the public service television commercial “Lock Up for a Safer Community” for the Fargo Police Department.

MEMBER NEWS: PEOPLE

Aldevron

Rojin Abdullah, Biomanufacturing Operator

Cindy Ackerland, Quality Assurance Specialist

Allison Busta, Biomanufacturing Operator

David Bye, Biomanufacturing Operator

Matt Krusen, Client Relations Coordinator

Neil Larson, Director of Quality and Regulatory

Lindsey Lipp, Biomanufacturing Operator

Brian Samuelson, Biomanufacturing Operator

Christopher Sebastiano, Biomanufacturing Operator

Apex Engineering Group

Craig Tschida, Graduate Engineer

Appareo

Alakiir Nhial, Manufacturing Assembler

John Parisien, SMT Operator

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Premier Properties

Karena Carlson

Matthew Crawford

Carlita Dietz

Tom Houglum

Justin Kolling

Paul Krabbenhoft

Tyler Nelson

Stephanie Sarabakhsh

Better Business Bureau

Gary Johnson, Senior Outreach Programs Manager, Fargo

BlackRidge Bank

Ron Lee, VP & Director of Marketing

Nicole Rouser, AVP & Retail Services Manager

Jaramie Schoepp, AVP & Credit Manager

BlackRidge Insurance

Justin Staehr, Sales Executive

Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Andrew Krog, P.E., Transportation Project Engineer

Steven Wahler, P.E., Transportation Project Engineer

MEMBER NEWS: PEOPLE

Essentia Health

Andrew Bader, Physician Assistant-West Fargo Clinic

Dr. Sreejith Gopi, Walk-In Care-52nd Avenue Clinic

Dr. Mena Morgan, Hospitalist

Stephanie Jacobs Uselman, Physician Assistant

Sara Schafer, Nurse Practitioner-West Acres Clinic

Eventide Senior Living Communities

Nathan Johnson, Executive Director, Eventide on Eighth

Barb Kramer, Director of Senior Housing Operations

First International Bank & Trust

Sean Elsner, Moorhead Office Manager

Cal Perleberg, AVP

Ross Perleberg, Officer

First International Insurance

Amanda Craft, Insurance Agent

Lakin Morrow, Customer Service Representative

Gate City Bank

Evan Kooiker, Controller

Giddings and Associates, Ltd.

Kayla J. Christensen, CPA, Senior Accountant

Houston Engineering, Inc.

Melissa Benda, HR Generalist

Keller Williams Roers Realty

- Flom Property Group

Tina Kraft, Buyer’s Specialist

New York Life

Jason Gregory, Agent

Karl Warner, Partner

North Dakota Autism Center, Inc

Jasmine Herringer, Behavior Therapist

NDSU Research & Technology Park

Callie Klinkmueller, Communications & Program Coordinator

Onsharp

Jacob Dahl, Director of Business Development

Pedigree Technologies

Sally Cin, Human Resource Generalist

Tyler Klein, Market Development Specialist

Megan Ridl, Customer Support Specialist

gopi

johnson

perleberg

benda morgan kramer

craft

kraft

uselman

morrow

bader

schafer

perleberg

christensen

kooiker

gregory warner

herringer

klinkmueller

dahl

klein cin

ridl

elsner

Kenneth “Drew” Sturdivant, Customer Service Lead

Plains Art Museum

Lisa Sluke, Board of Director

Katie Itterman, Board of Director

Christine Hoper, Flint Group, Board of Director

Michael Raum, Fredrikson & Byron, Board of Director

Posterboard

Kara Meslow, Digital Marketing & Special Events Intern

Sanford Health

Adam Currier, M.D., Anesthesiologist

Heidi Currier, M.D., Pediatric Neurologist

Rohit Mahajan, M.D., Pain Management

Erica Martin-Macintosh, M.D., Radiologist

Shannon Peters, M.D., Pediatric Anesthesiologist

Aaron Robertson, M.D., Internal Medicine Hospitalist

Elizabeth Roeber, M.D., Emergency Medicine

Fnu Sonia, M.D., Internal Medicine Hospitalist

ShareHouse

Cara Christenson, Outpatient Program Director PROMOTED

Marvis Doster, RN, CARN, Director of Clinical Services

Jeremy Traen, Program Director PROMOTED

Starion Bank

Angie Baumann, Business Banking Officer, Vice President

Scott Green, Fargo Market President

TMI Hospitality

Bev Fox, Hotel Accountant

Marshall Hendricks, Treasury Specialist

Heather Link, Hotel Accountant

Adam Osowski, Accounts Payable Specialist

VISIONBank

Charlie Sayers, Mortgage Lender

Jessa Schneider, Customer Service Representative

Western State Bank

Kashalyn McKinster, Customer Service Representative

Widmer Roel

Randy Heller, CPA, CGMA, Partner

Mike Misheski, CPA, Partner

martin-macintosh

itterman

currier

robertson meslow

sturdivant

raum

roeber

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!

Cyclebar fargo.cyclebar.com

Fitness Centers

Cyclebar is a premium indoor cycling boutique that fuels each ride with amazing music, energy-enhancing video graphics and rider-specific performance data in a state-of-the-art cycle theatre. Every Cyclebar ride is an unparalleled multisensory, intoxicating journey!

Fargo Stuff fargostuff.com

Gifts & Candy

Fargo Stuff designs and manufactures apparel, art, gifts and more; all focused on the great Red River Valley. It is their mission to provide one-of-a-kind Fargo merchandise to the community they love so dearly.

First Financial Equity Corporation ffec.com

Financial Services

First Financial Equity Corporation’s (FFEC) primary objective is to provide personalized customer service with comprehensive financial solutions to meet their diverse clients’ financial goals.

fmballet

fmballet.org

Arts & Entertainment

FM Ballet is a regional professional dance company recognized and respected nationally for its original choreography, employment of quality artists, and the continuing creative development of the company’s educational and outreach programming, under artistic direction of Matt Gasper.

Gasper’s School of Dance & Performing Arts gaspersschoolofdance.com

Dance - Instruction

GSDPA provides the community of the F-M area with dance and theatrical training of the highest quality in a healthy, nurturing and passionate environment, where you can grow as a performing artist. All classes at Gasper’s School of Dance are held in the newly renovated state-of-the-art-facility.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Fargo hawthorn.com

Hotels/Motels

Welcome to Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Fargo hotel located across the street of the West Acres shopping center. Their pet-friendly accommodations are ideal for extended stay travelers, with suites offering a fully-equipped kitchen, stove top cooking, refrigerator,microwave, pots, pans, and Keurig.

Heather’s Housekeeping

701.306.0201

Cleaning Supplies/Services

They specialize in residential and commercial cleaning, as well as move-in/out and new construction in Fargo, Moorhead and the surrounding area.

Ivan’s Drywall and Painting ivansdrywall.com

Contractors - Drywall & Plastering

Their mission at Ivan’s Drywall is to be a recognized leader in the drywall industry, providing the highest quality to their customers. They are committed to building long-term relationships with clients, subcontractors and employees based on integrity, value and satisfaction.

Little Jungle Childcare Center

littlejunglechildcare.com

Child Care

Little Jungle Childcare Center aims to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for children six weeks to 12 years old. Little Jungle focuses on the individual needs of each child while providing quality and reliable childcare. The goal is to support children as lifelong learners.

Reddometta

reddometta.com/professional-services

Accounting - Accounting Services

Reddometta is an accounting and tax services firm and also an online portal for retailers and artists to sell their products, while giving back proceeds to non-profit organizations.

Resolve Behavioral Health, LLC resolvefargo.com

Counseling Services

Resolve Behavioral Health strives to be an organization that works to help build healthier individuals, stronger families and safer communities; they offer individual, addiction and marriage and family therapy services.

Skate City skatecitynd.com

Recreation

Fargo’s very own roller skating rink. Skate City offers many activities from public skating, hosting birthday parties, arcade games and private parties. Great for families, groups and organizations looking for a fun activity that everyone can participate in. Have your next party at Skate City!

Woodrow Apartments

woodrowapartments.com

Real Estate - Property Management

Woodrow Apartments: Past meets present. The Woodrow’s mix of historic and new construction features, community presence and ideal location make it a perfect candidate for downtown living.

CELEBRATIONS: November Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings

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.