Issuu

Mayors share news and updates from our four metro cities

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 F ARGO-MOORHEAD

MISSION

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

VISION

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

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

• Establish the region as a recognized destination marketplace

• Be a thought leader for the business community and other interests

• Promote business advancement through a bold public policy program

• Achieve organizational excellence to best serve members

CHAMBER STAFF

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

124430.

Send address changes to The Bridge, PO Box 2443, Fargo, ND 58108-2443; 218.233.1100.

Darin Feir

Tyler Fischbach Multimedia Coordinator

Amanda Huggett Communications &

Katie Mastel Public Policy Coordinator

It’s time to embrace a metro mentality

As we begin a new calendar year, I look forward to our first signature event of 2019, State of the Cities. An event that has grown over the years in interest and attendance. This year, I’m particularly interested as we have two new mayors in our metro, which is bound to set a different tone and new tenor to the event.

At The Chamber, we’re continuing to work in fostering the idea that we are a metro. And as a region, we stress the importance of thinking collaboratively together. For us to grow and prosper, we must embrace a metro mentality. The days of being divided by a river or the borders of city limits are long gone. Let’s rise above – because what’s good for one city or community is good for us all!

I see this as cities giving up competing with their neighbors. When we work with barriers and parochialism, we’re doing more damage than good for our citizens, our businesses and our entire community.

One way we help foster this mentality is by hosting the State of the Cities event. It’s important to gather our city’s leaders at the same table so they can share their visions, ideas and even challenges, in an open format. It builds relationships between these elected officials and the citizens they serve.

Teamwork across cities will help put us on the national map. It’s a vital part of our strategy to attracting residents and workers and contributing to the vitality and economic development of our region.

The FM Diversion is another example of an asset that affects us all. In a community where we all travel across cities to work, shop and eat, we have to be confident we won’t be devastated by a flood. An event that can shut an entire community down. Flood protection isn’t just one city’s responsibility; it is all of ours, and it’s a priority we won’t back down on.

You may have heard, or will soon hear, about a new regional initiative that we, along with the EDC, will partner together on. An initiative with a major component of regional decision making, requiring this mentality be accepted by our local elected officials.

As you’ve heard us say before: Together, we can do more.

Craig Whitney President / CEO

The Chamber

ND legislative leaders share preview into session: Eggs & Issues Recap

Last month at Eggs & Issues, Majority and Minority leaders of the North Dakota Senate and House reported on their recent organizational session and previewed what they’re working on and watching as they enter January’s legislative session.

We heard from…

• Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner

• House Majority Leader Chet Pollert

• Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman

• House Minority Leader Josh Boschee

The legislators in attendance all raised concerns about budget discussions and process that began on December 5 with Governor Burgum’s address to both houses of the legislature. They discussed how challenging it can be to remain fair when understanding both sides of an issue, and balancing serving the people’s best interest with a budget that doesn’t allow for everything to be funded. Other discussion surrounded Measure 1, the recent successful ballot initiative that creates an ethics commission and establishes further rules in regards to lobbyists. Other themes from the panel included comments regarding the general and legacy funds, water, health careand education.

Ag Farm Bill update

Farm Bill Passes in Congress

After months of negotiations on Capitol Hill regarding the Farm Bill, a compromise was found and the $867 billion dollar Farm Bill was advanced by Congress in mid-December. Agreements were met on issues such as stricter work requirements for those using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Package (SNAP) and sections pertaining to forestry management and conservation. Overall, the bill will provide $867 billion to assist those in the agriculture industry. President Trump signed into law the Farm Bill on Thursday, December 20.

Wardner also opened with a brief overview of what a bill exactly is and appropriations, as well as the importance of career academies for solving our state’s workforce gap. Boschee referenced mental and behavioral health, saying it’s time to stop studying and get to work investing in the crisis that affects us on many levels. Pollert touched on the dynamics of ND’s Congress right now, including how a larger seasoned Senate will work with a House in a period of metamorphosis with many new kids on the block. Finally, Heckaman put out a call for input and involvement from community members with our elected officials. We thank our legislative officials for taking the time to address our Chamber members and talk candidly about the issues, and we also thank the Courtyard for another delicious breakfast!

Wednesday, January 16

The State of the FM Diversion Project

With recent news of the MN DNR granting the permit for the FM Diversion project, many are interested to hear what the next steps are. Our speakers will go over Plan B, the conditions with the permit, the financial plan, next steps in resolving the litigation as well as the timetable going forward.

*Note: The previously scheduled Customs & Border Protection topic and speaker will be moved to a future date due to the government shutdown.

7:30 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Moorhead

Tuesday, February 5

The State of ND’s Workforce

Tony Grindberg VP of Workforce Affairs, NDSCS & Fargo Commissioner

This Eggs & Issues event will bring together two leaders to discuss one of our state’s most pressing issues – the ability to develop, recruit and retain a qualified workforce. With an estimated 30,000 job openings and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, North Dakota’s ability to address this challenge will determine the future prosperity and success the business community in North Dakota, with significant effect on the health of our communities, and our economy as a whole.

Kommer will share the report of recommendations developed by the Workforce Development Council— and how these recommendations connect with the governor’s budget, including legislative progress-to-date. Grindberg, will share legislative perspectives as well as workforce priorities for the region.

7:30 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Moorhead

REGISTRATION

(includes breakfast)

• Chamber members: $30 in advance | $35 at the door

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

Bank of the West | Beverage Wholesalers, Inc.

Bremer Bank | Cornerstone Bank | Essentia Health

Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead

Houston Engineering | Livewire Entertainment Media Services

Midwest Radio of Fargo-Moorhead

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Moore Engineering, Inc. | ROERS

Wanzek Construction, Inc. | Wells Fargo Bank

Michelle Kommer ND Commerce Commissioner

Public Policy Updates

Higher Education

In an effort to support higher education, The Chamber facilitated discussion between NDSU President Dean Bresciani and Cass County legislators. The dialogue surrounded various topics including the governance structure of higher education in North Dakota, the funding formula, the Challenge Grant fund and capital projects. The Chamber was eager to host this conversation as higher education has a large economic impact on the area and can play an impactful role in solving the workforce challenges that we face.

2019 Public Policy Guide Now Available

The 2019 Public Policy Guide is now available! Put forward by The Chamber’s Public Affairs committee, this document outlines the policy priorities and our work in advocacy for the upcoming year. View it online today at bit.ly/fmwfppg19

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Eventide Senior Living Communities

What Eide Bailly wants you to know about tax reform

In December 2017, Congress passed the largest single piece of tax legislation since 1986. Now, as year-end approaches, many businesses are wondering how these new tax laws will affect them at the close of the 2018 tax year and beyond.

On December 4, Adam Sweet, Principal with Eide Bailly’s National Tax Office, shared how tax reform will affect 2018 year-end planning and beyond with a group of Chamber members.

Sweet covered many topics, including the differences between a C-corporation versus a pass-through entity, the

key provisions of Section 199A and the concept of “qualified business income,” and qualified opportunity zone investments. He also reminded that entertainment expenses are no longer deductible. This includes membership dues for a club organized for business, pleasure, recreation or other social purposes. There is also an increased compliance burden for businesses, who will now need to start tracking business meals separate from entertainment.

So how do you prepare for year-end with the 199A deduction? Sweet noted the following:

• Manage taxable income

• Remember individual owners (not the business) claim the 199A deduction.

• Taxpayers must separately track each trade or business and track the various factors that can limit the deduction.

• Partnerships and S corporations are required to provide QBI information to owners on Schedule K-1, allowing owners to aggregate and calculate various limitations.

• Beware of IRS penalties, which can be assessed at a lower threshold when 199A is involved.

Individual Considerations

Sweet reminded the audience to be aware of a few items related to personal tax planning. The following deductions and credits have been limited, lost or revised: Standard Deductions, Medical Expenses, State and Local Taxes, Home Mortgage Interest, Charitable Donations, Casualty and Theft Losses, Miscellaneous 2 percent Deductions, Child Tax Credit, Alimony and Moving Expenses.

The Moral of the Story

The new tax law is complex and has many moving pieces to consider. While some guidance has come forward since the law’s inception, there is still a great deal of gray in how this law will impact businesses and the people that own them.

“If you’re a business of any size, now is the time to meet with your business advisor,” Sweet said. “There are many items in the new tax law that can be taken advantage of now, if planning is done correctly.”

To read more information, visit the Chamber blog for an extended post.

2019 PUBLIC POLICY GUIDE

Introducing…

The Chamber’s newest program

Where did this idea come from?

After seeing the success in one of our member businesses and the various employee resource groups that connect and engage employees from a variety of backgrounds, we realized there was a need for a community organization to connect employees from all backgrounds. The Chamber saw the opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our membership and create a program to bring people together, filling a much-needed niche and fitting in with our organization’s goals and priorities.

What is the purpose of the committee?

Building a vibrant business community to support economic growth and network made up of the diverse professionals that make up business community.

Meet the committee chair

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas, an East Coast native, moved to Fargo in 1978, and in 1990, started his own State Farm Agency. Thomas has established himself in the FMWF metro and has been active in The Chamber community for 30 years. Thomas believes in creating a group that will be a viable part of the FMWF community. As chair of The Chamber’s newest committee, Thomas will steer the program and volunteers in the right direction to make The Chamber’s newest addition a valuable asset to our programming.

Stay tuned as we announce more about this exciting program, plus details of a launch event!

Thomas Jefferson kicks off a planning meeting

Highlights from the 2018 State of Technology

“The technology of tomorrow is happening today!” emcee Eric Piela of CoSchedule exclaimed as he kicked off the 2018 State of Technology. For the eighth year, we hosted this event with Senator John Hoeven, who excitedly reminded his vision for North Dakota to be as known for our tech entrepreneurship as we are for energy and ag. Throughout the event, several local innovators, plus three keynote speakers, took the stage to share the amazing developments happening around our state and nation.

Presenters included:

• Keynote: Andrei Iancu, Director, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

• Keynote: Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota

• Keynote: Linda McMahon, Small Business Administration Administrator

• Yossi Saadon, Project and Implementation Lead from TytoCare

• Dr. Jennifer Raum, Sanford Health Medical Director Clinic Services

• Anthony Molzahn, CEO/Co-Founder at Project Phoenix

• Heidi Heitkamp, U.S. Senator for North Dakota

• Zoe Bundy, 2018 YEA! winner and Founder of Brainy Ladies

• Chris Clark, President at Xcel Energy – MN, SD, ND

We heard the latest in incredible innovations in the medical industry (including virtual exams), energy (including wind, solar, and even nuclear), drone piloting, roads, data, farming and more. Heitkamp, Hoeven, Burgum, Iancu and McMahon also shared and reminded what work is being done and services are available within the government to support and fund entrepreneurs and citizens.

Seth Arndorfer, representing presenting sponsor Dakota Carrier Network, shared that gigabit Internet is rolling out to all schools across the state thanks to DCN’s fiber optic network, and we have about three times the Internet speed here than the national average.

For the full recap and highlights, visit The Chamber blog.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

“No dream is too big if we unleash the power of innovation!”

Andrei Iancu

“Every aspect of what we do is being disrupted by technology… As citizens, we’ve got to learn how to embrace and deploy technology like we never have before to be competitive.”

—Doug Burgum

The winners of TechND’s 2018 North Dakota Technology Awards are:

• PREMIER TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS: TrueIT

• TECHNOLOGY INNOVATOR: Xcel Energy

• NORTH DAKOTA TECHNOLOGY

CHAMPION: Barry Batcheller, Appareo

SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS

CORPORATE TABLE SPONSORS

Moorhead 800 30th Ave S (218) 359-2100 Fargo North 3101 N Broadway (701) 232-6508 Osgood 4501 40th Ave S (701) 277-8558

Fargo South 3001 25th St S (701) 232-1700

West Fargo 1350 13th Ave E (701) 281-2700

Caring about a place goes hand in hand with taking care of it: volunteering, giving back, helping others, and trying to make the neighborhood better for everybody. That’s how we feel about this community, because we live here and we work here, just like you. And that’s why we do what we do. For details, visit xcelenergy.com.

Chamber

Small Business of the Year

Business of the Year

It’s time to honor and celebrate the best of the best in our community. We are excited to highlight this year’s most visionary and communitydriven businesses and individuals that are leading the way and contributing to the vitality of our community.

Nominations are now OPEN!

Small Not-for-Profit of the Year

Not-for-Profit of the Year

Entrepreneur of the Year

Young Professionals Best Place to Work PRESENTED BY

Nominate whoever you feel has made an impact on business in our community. You can nominate as many organizations as you want (psst...including your own!) Nominate more than once and in multiple categories!

Nominations close on Thursday, January 31

HOW to nominate

Online: fmwfchamber.com

Email: tpowell@fmwfchamber.com

ABOUT the awards

The ChamberChoice Awards recognize the best of the best when it comes to businesses in the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo area. These organizations make a significant impact, drive economic growth and help make this region a better place to work, live and do business. Winners exemplify excellence through proven growth or stability, innovation, creativity, community leadership and achievements.

See you at the awards luncheon Friday, May 17 | Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Delta by Marriott Learn more at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

James Cunningham will return as emcee. Join us; it’ll be a party!

“You live half your life working. Love it, embrace it and constantly challenge yourself to be better.”

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: Tyrone Leslie

Tyrone Leslie is a family man. When he’s not playing dad to his two teenage girls, he’s living out his entrepreneurial dream of running a successful business. And actually, he’s running five.

Tyrone is owner of Fargo-based homebuilder Heritage Homes, real estate company Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties, as well as Total Home Services, DT Holdings and RM2 Developments.

His roots though didn’t start here. Growing up, the Leslie family visited Fargo often, and eventually moved here from Canada. Tyrone tried many jobs, including bus boy, coat check attendant, front desk clerk, and bartender at the family hotel, and line cook at their A&W restaurant. It was then he realized sales was what he wanted to pursue.

When Tyrone turned 18, he got a real estate license and started selling condos to people more than three times older than he was. (Not to mention he grew a mustache to look older so clients would take him seriously.) It took him 3 months and 10 days to make his first sale, and he credits his father for teaching him how to work hard and persevere to make it in the end. “One of the most important lessons he taught me was that selling for a commission is not why you’re in this business,” he recounted. “Instead, it’s the fact that you are selling what most likely will be a life-altering decision. Therefore you need passion, respect, trust and the ability to have tremendous care when selling such an emotional purchase.”

“On a personal note, the birth of my two girls has leveled my being to what really matters in this world, and I thank God for them every day. They make me want to be a better dad and a better person. Meeting Christina, my love, has been a very powerful thing for me personally. Being able to love someone is so important but feeling it back is equally rewarding. She has shown me that feeling and I can’t thank her enough for that. My oldest brother Norman Leslie is my truly my motivator, I have looked up to him all my life. I say that figuratively because really I look down physically at him. He is a beautiful soul that has the heart of an angel and the tenacity of a lion. He is my go-to person when I need help in pretty much every way. I thank him for everything he has done and continues to do for me.

Lastly, my mom is my angel that reminds me that there is more to this world than working, and that love, integrity, passion and empathy is what truly make a man or a woman. She believes you shouldn’t be head strong, controlling or disrespectful to anyone, but be thoughtful, caring and most importantly, love. To truly listen and understand one another is important. Life isn’t about winning an argument; it’s about truly hearing one another, collaborating with one another and walking away loving each other and growing together.”

PHOTOS (clockwise)

Parade of Homes celebration

HBA End of Year Gala Giving Hearts Day ChamberChoice Awards

When he moved from Winnipeg down here to Fargo, Tyrone had a vision and pursued it by partnering with the right people to build Heritage Homes and Prudential Real Estate, which is now Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties, now sitting as owner of both. “With determination, passion and the right team, we have become the number one builder in our league of homes and one of the top real estate companies in our market,” he said.

It’s clear that his vision is paying off, as he’s built the businesses up to see great successes and growth, earning many accolades along the way. He takes pride in every aspect of his work, believes in building relationships around the community and giving back whenever possible. In fact, he’s participated in Extreme Home Makeover three times!

But he is careful to not take all the credit for his own success, instead turning to his team. “Our company is not about

any one person but a team of people that genuinely love what they do. Their passion ignites my passion to always continue to do better, continue to grow and learn from our mistakes.”

Tyrone views owning real estate as one of the top ways to achieve wealth, but notes the importance of remembering the customer journey. “The journey homebuyers have throughout the process will always be a beautiful memory that they deserve to have. After all, everyone deserves to live the American dream of homeownership,” he says.

A phrase he often references is “to whom much is given, much is required,” and he lives his life and runs his businesses with that at the forefront. All the while crediting his family for teaching the lesson of the importance of respect, integrity, passion and love, and his team for success.

Entrepreneur of the Year

What a fun time we had at last month’s Business After Hours! While no one drove home in a new car, the five contestants from Avis’ Mustang giveaway received gift cards and wine from Avis & Bernie’s. To add to the holiday fun, PixSquad hosted a photobooth that gave visitors a commemorative photo and a slow-mo video to share with their friends, and MSUM carolers closed the night with sweet songs. Thanks to all our attendees, vendors, members and supporters!

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Thursday, February 7 | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Holiday Inn Fargo SAVE THE DATE for next month!

From Untapped to Optimized:

How to Engage, Lead and Inspire Today’s Workforce

Andrea Hochhalter Founder Beyond Facilitation

We’ve long known that employees tend to prefer to work toward the top of their skill set, and they want to be engaged and have a sense of purpose at work. What’s different now? The lion’s share of today’s workforce (68%) is comprised of Gen Xers and Millennials, who value these elements even more than previous generations.

This generational shift is putting a different demand on leaders and managers. In fact, approaches that have worked in the past may have the opposite effect now: causing tension, stifling innovation, and driving turn-over. The good news is there is an approach that can improve morale and performance: facilitative leadership.

In this presentation, learn trends driving the change, a practical approach to the facilitative leadership style, and why and how it works.

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

Holiday Inn Fargo

REGISTRATION (includes lunch)

HIGHLIGHTS

from last month

Lots of us have experienced failure, but as Dan Klug, Blue Cross Blue Shield North Dakota, taught us last month, it’s all in how you recover and learn for next time. He took attendees through examples and exercises to examine our failures and evaluate what drove it.

Wednesday, February 13

Foundation for Consultative Selling

Tamara Anderson

VP - Team Performance Strategist

Dale Carnegie of ND & MN DCNDMNTamara

When customers have completed 70% of the buying process without engaging with a single person and can complete many purchases online without ever interacting with a sales person, traditional, transactional sales tactics simply no longer work. High-performing sales people are doing something that the internet cannot: building relationships.

New and seasoned salespeople will learn the fundamentals of a consultative selling approach that creates win-win outcomes for their organizations and customers. This session will offer an overview of consultative selling and then dive deeper into vital sales skills like managing time effectively, focusing on priorities, and creating a compelling personal vision.

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

Delta by Marriott

• Chamber members: $30 in advance | $35 at the door

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

EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR

SAVE THE DATE for Chamber Day at the Capitol

Wednesday, February 6 | Bismarck, ND

Please join us for this biennial event where we bring Chamber members to North Dakota’s capitol for a day to connect with our elected leaders, observe the legislative process and share the priorities important to you. Don’t miss this opportunity to represent our community in Bismarck! We will travel there in the morning and return in the evening on buses. Before we hit the road back, the day will end with a reception with legislators. Stay tuned for more details on fmwfchamber.com.

Corporate Cup Registration Opens Soon

Registration for all teams wanting in the 2019 Corporate Cup opens February 4 at 10 a.m. at

Directory now available

2019 METRO PROFILE & DIRECTORY

The Chamber’s 2019 Directory is now available! Each member business will get a copy in their Operation Thank You packet, and you can also find a digital version online at fmwfchamber.com now.

Frostival

Teambuilding doesn’t have to stop just because of a little snow! On January 26, get your co-workers together to compete in one of the many outdoor events during Frostival.

You can see the full schedule of events at frostival.com .

Tuesday, January 22

ANNUAL CELEBRATION featuring Rachel Hollis

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Tuesday, February 26

It’s Complicated: Leading Yourself through a Relationship with Change

Rachel Hollis Author msrachelhollis

Rachel Hollis, author of the best-selling book Girl, Wash Your Face will headline Women Connect’s fifth anniversary event! This incredible woman has been taking the best seller lists and speaking circuit by storm, and she recently premiered a documentary, Made for More, nationwide, including two local showings! Hear from her first-hand, live in Fargo this January as we celebrate another year of Women Connect. Gather your girlfriends and help us ring in a new year at this afternoon outing!

All attendees receive a free copy of her book!

3 to 5 p.m.

Sanford Health Athletic Complex

NEW LOCATION WITH MORE SEATING

REGISTRATION

HIGHLIGHTS from last month

In November, Trina Michels with Eide Bailly Technology Consulting taught us how to find gratitude in our lives. Attendees loved the message, perfect to go along with the Thanksgiving timing! And, we collected 50 new toys for tots for FirstLink!

Kimberly Busch Regional Director of Sales Aimbridge Hospitality

Change is the only constant in life. How many times have we heard that? But it’s so hard! We go through these changes at home or work and sometimes we end up hurting ourselves, our companies, and the ones we care about because we don’t know how to get through it or help each other. Sometimes as a solution, we hear “suck it up and deal with it,” but the truth is, it’s complicated. People feel, think, and act in different ways going though transitions. By understanding where you are in the relationship with change, you can be aware of how to navigate through it by managing feelings, leading yourself, and inspiring others to follow.

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

DoubleTree by Hilton & West Fargo Conference Center

• Chamber members: $25 in advance | $30 at the door

• Non-members: $35 in advance | $40 at the door

Thursday, January 10

8 to 9:30 a.m. Holiday Inn Fargo

With the election now in the rear view and eyes on the future, where is our region headed? What challenges do we face and what successes can we celebrate? What is our plan as a community?

PRESENTING SPONSOR

EXECUTIVE

CORPORATE TABLE SPONSORS

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services

Alerus

Apex Engineering Group

Bank of the West

Bell Bank

Bethany Retirement Living

Beverage Wholesalers

Bremer Bank

Cass County Electric Cooperative

Choice Bank

City of Fargo

Concordia College

Consolidated Communications

Cornerstone Bank

Dawson Insurance

Delta by Marriott

Eide Bailly LLC

We’ll conduct live polls again to let you engage in the event and share your opinion. Last year, we learned that workforce was the most important community issue for our members. Will it stay the same?

Eventide Senior Living Communities

Fargo Moorhead Area Association of Realtors

Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau

Fargo Public School

District Number One

First International Bank & Trust

Flint Group

The Forum of Fargo Moorhead

Gate City Bank

Heartland Trust Company

Heritage Homes

Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead

Houston Engineering

Kilbourne Group

Midco

Midwest Radio of Fargo-Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Mortenson Construction

ROERS

Starion Bank

Talecris Plasma Resources, Inc.

U.S. Bank

Wanzek Construction

Warner and Company Insurance

Wells Fargo Bank

Western State Bank

Chad Olson Mayor of Dilworth

Johnathan Judd Mayor of Moorhead

Rich Karlgaard

Publisher and Futurist

Joe Morrissette

Director

ND Office of Budget and Management

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM

Wednesday, February 20 Noon to 1:30 p.m. Delta by Marriott

Our annual economic event is back! This year, presenters will provide a report on a national, state and local level.

We’ll also do some live polling to find out where our attendees fall.

Learn more and register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100

OPERATION THANK YOU

January 16–17, 2019 PRESENTED BY

OPERATION THANK YOU SPONSORS

The Chamber’s Operation Thank You (OTY) has one mission: to say THANK YOU to our members! This special event allows us to share with our membership new information and materials. This is our biggest ambassadordriven event of the year, and volunteers will be stopping by all member businesses on January 16 and 17 to deliver new packets with our 2019 Metro Profile & Directory, new window cling, flyers and more.

For more information or to become involved and volunteer, contact Mickayla at mthompson@fmwfchamber.com

Mobile Pro, short for mobile production, specializes in portable production solutions for any sized show, any place, and any time. We provide lighting sound video and LED big screen production. Our team of experts focus on telling the best story possible to our client’s audience with the best technology on the market. We use new LED production lights, digital wireless microphones and broadcast video equipment at every show.

Brian Bestge, President

What makes your organization unique?

Mobile Pro has positioned itself as a video communications company. We are constantly improving and adding new technology to our line of video resources. We are the first company in the market to bring mobile LED screen rentals, along with our state-of-the-art mobile production studio truck built for livestreaming and multi-camera production.

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

Starting last June, Mobile Pro made a significant investment into the LED screen market. Our signature product, MAX, is a 16 x 9 feet LED screen mounted on a mobile trailer that has Dish Network, Blu Ray, and video playback on board. Mobile Pro uses this technology to add a visual component to any festival, concert or live event happening in our area.

What do you like best about doing business here?

The best part of my job is that we get to be a part of many unique events that connect our community to many really good businesses and causes.

What do you want others to know about you?

Many people may not know that we provide full corporate event production that includes lighting audio video services.

What’s your best business tip?

One tip I would give to other businesses is to make sure you have good communication with your community through great storytelling. Tell your story on social media and be sure to be genuine and sincere to your core company values.

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

I love being able to expand my network of business partnerships by engaging through many of the opportunities The Chamber provides to us.

Announcing this year’s Community Change Initiatives

For a decade, the Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo class has partnered with Junior Achievement to teach handson, experiential lessons to local students. This year was the first year our participants entered high-school classrooms in West Fargo, Fargo and Moorhead and spoke to business and marketing classes in the schools. The Leadership class participated in Junior Achievement’s Launch Lessons, where each participant had the opportunity to teach students about their career and the organizations they work for. When our participants weren’t at a high school, they were at NDSU’s Barry Hall learning about the business school and the ways students are being connected to the local business community. Business professors Joshua Marineau and Onnolee Nordstrom presented their research on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the FMWF area.

After our morning focused on education, the class headed to NDSCS Fargo for an afternoon focused on media. Brian Kingsley, Midco and The Chamber’s Public Relations committee chair, spoke to the class about our Chamber Ambassadors program, and Ashley Aubitz, Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, shared the different ways the CVB can help individuals and organizations promote their events that bring people into our area. Dan Cash, Midwest Radio, gave a presentation about how media has evolved

over time. We ended the day with a panel focused on how people and organizations create good working relationships with the media. Thank you to Al Aamodt, Valley News Live, Bonnie Amistadi, KFGO Radio, Brad Thom, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, and Joel Vettel, Fargo Parks District, for their insight into the value of a positive relationship with our local media outlets.

PROGRAM SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Midwest Radio of FM

safeTY jacket

Plant a Tree for You and Me

Second Hand

Program to provide emergency information about individuals with autism to local first responders. This voluntary program aims to assist first responders during encounters with individuals with autism by giving them the important information such as emergency contact, known routines and communication preferences.

Darcy Kasprowicz, North Dakota Autism Center; Stephonie Broughton, Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau; Roxanne Mullenberg, Cornerstone Bank; Jason Nelson, Sanford Health; Jarred Nygaard, Blue Cross Blue Shield North Dakota

Working with the Fargo Park District to plant 30 additional trees in Woodhaven Park. Tree planting education and care tips will be shared during an event with neighborhood where attendees will have an opportunity to ‘adopt’ a tree.

Tyler Brandriet, Zerr Berg Architects; Amber Blomberg, Blue Cross Blue Shield North Dakota; Rob Hall, Midwest Radio; Kristen Lotvedt, Houston Engineering; Whitney McDaniel, First International Bank and Trust; Pan Shao, Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co, PLLP

A program designed to educate and raise post-secondary funds for at-risk children. Money raised, primarily through a special event and an awareness marketing campaign, will be designated for post-secondary scholarships for at-risk students in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Plans are in the works to partner with area school counselors and homeless coordinators to help identify at-risk students as well as collaborate with Seeds for Hope, which would assist in housing the funds for future collegiate use.

Coiya Tompkins, Jeremiah Program; Courtney Getzloff, Wanzek Construction; Staci Holzheimer, Bank of North Dakota; Shannon Lang, Valley Senior Services; Jodi Stende, Discovery Benefits, Inc.

Cake and Coffee

Job Shadow Program

Mental Health Workshop

Digitally Paired

Spring event to encourage the community to spend time with local senior citizens with a pancake meal and activities.

Erik Kiesz, CoreLink Administrative Solutions; Kayla Cash, Sanctuary Events; Bob Miller, Cass County Electric Cooperative; Shannon Stetz, GOLDMARK Properties; Abby Tow, Lutheran Social Services

Through partnership with a career counselor at West Fargo High School to provide job shadow opportunities for 10th grade students. By creating a catalog of business professionals from various industries, the CCI will give students the chance to choose the person and profession they will shadow.

Katie Ralston, The Chamber; Deb Balzer-Plagemann, University of Mary; Travis Cleem, Mortenson Construction; Samantha Hultin, Rasmussen College; Drew Hushka, Vogel Law Firm; Rob Remark, JLG Architects

Focuses on creating a half day workshop for supervisors/managers to increase mental health awareness and outline strategies for supporting staff by building healthy and productive teams.

Brain Standridge, Midco; Althea Bain Fick, Gate City Bank; Rebecca Darling, AgCountry Farm Credit Services; Tracey Klobuchar, PATH; Nicole Wischnak, Job Service ND

Creating a self-sustaining network of volunteer experts in technology and marketing fields to assist local non-profit organizations with their technology-based needs such as social media, data analytics, website creation and more. An event will be planned to facilitate meaningful connections between professionals from these sectors and local nonprofits.

Joe Hoffman, NAU Country Insurance; Amy Dubois, Flint Group; Chelsey Ewen, The Arts Partnership; Adam Massie, Doosan Bobcat; Matthew Walstad, North Dakota National Guard; Calley Campbell, Ohnstad Twichell

Q4 One to Watch: Thad Swanson

Thad Swanson has been an Associate Attorney at Nilles Law Firm for 2 and a half years. Thad is a part of the transactional practice group, focusing on estate planning, trust and estate administration, corporate transactions and real estate. He is licensed in both Minnesota and North Dakota. Thad’s professional goal for 2019 is to continue to grow his legal business and pursue further opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills needed to best serve his clients.

Thad says YPN has given him the opportunity to build relationships and get more involved in the community through volunteer activities, local events and committee

participation. Outside of YPN, Thad is involved in a variety of professional organizations, serves as the Alumni Chapter President and on the Chapter Advisory Board for NDSU’s Sigma Chi Fraternity and is on the planning committee for Big Band Night, an event supporting CHARISM on Giving Hearts Day. Thad also enjoys golfing, snowboarding, playing hocking and tailgating at Bison games.

Thad’s favorite part of living in the FMWF metro is how easy it is to get involved in the community. He says people are eager to encourage involvement and are welcoming when a person wants to join a committee or event.

GET MORE DONE

. Efficiency is just the beginning. With cloud computing, businesses can invest their resources in their business rather than their technology infrastructure. Choose private cloud for the ultimate in control, public for the most speed and flexibility, or hybrid options that give you the best of both. Focus on what matters with Dakota Carrier Network’s cloud services, delivered from our Fargo and Bismarck locations. Secure,

800-814-3333 | www.DakotaCarrier.com

Off the Clock

Tuesday, January 15 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Hi Ho Burgers and Brews

3051 25th Street South, Fargo

Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to YPN we go! We hope to see you at the first Off the Clock of the year! The YPN will be gathering this month at Hi Ho Burgers and Brews for fun networking in a relaxed setting. Connect with your peers while checking out one of the great organizations in our region. Apps will be provided; drinks are on your own. Don’t forget your business cards! Must be 21 to attend.

Lattes with Leaders | President Anne Blackhurst

Thursday, January 17 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Luna Fargo, 1545 South University Drive Free | Registration Required

Kick of the new year by joining YPN for our first Lattes with Leaders. We will be connecting with local community and business leaders to learn about their leadership journeys. Networking will start at 7:30 and our conversation with January’s Leader: President Anne Blackhurst of Minnesota State University Moorhead will begin at 8 a.m. This will take the place of our January Morning Buzz. Come to network, learn and get your morning caffeine boost (coffee on your own).

Reminder: Corporate Cup Registration

Registration for all teams wanting in the 2019 Corporate Cup opens February 4 at 10 a.m. at fmwfchamber.com

HIGHLIGHTS from last month

YPN has been busy! Thank you to all that joined us last month at for the YPN Holiday Party! We had a great turnout and Drekker Brewing Company —Brewhalla was a great host for this year’s celebration. Thank you to all those who attend our Networking to Business in November, and to Scott Holdman for facilitating our discussion about giving back to our community!

Business and Baskets

NDSU Men’s Basketball vs. Omaha

Saturday, February 23 | Tour begins at 3 p.m.

Game begins at 4 p.m. | Sanford Health Athletic Complex 1300 17th Avenue North | Registration Required | $25

YPN is teaming up with NDSU athletics for a young professional’s day at the SHAC! Join us on for a behind-thescenes tour of the SHAC before heading up to the Arena Suite for NDSU Men’s Basketball against Omaha.

A Call for YPN’s One to Watch

YPN is looking for nominations for our One to Watch Award. Recipients of this award will be featured in The Bridge, and on our social media outlets.

To nominate an employee, team member or peer that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in their workplace and our community, visit bit.ly/FMWFOTW or email aralston@fmwfchamber.com with the nominee’s name and company and a brief explanation why you think they should be YPN’s next One to Watch.

It’s hard to believe we’re already well into the second segment of our program. We finished our first segment at the Concordia College Offutt School of Business and are well underway at NDSU’s Barry Hall. We’ll finish our program at MSUM later this spring, which will be here in no time! We continue to be thankful for the support and resources provided by each of our tri-college universities and the students enjoy experiencing what it’s like to attend a class on a college campus.

Our YEA! students have been making tremendous progress on their businesses. We have a lot of product-based businesses this year, so in addition to writing business plans, our students are also working hard to create their products and build up a small inventory so they’re ready to start making sales. Ideas coming out of the class this year include a bakery, baseball caps, shampoo, unique rakes, an aquarium cleaning device, essential oils, vacuum repair, an electronic lint roller and a social movement dedicated to creating awareness of mental health resources for teens.

Follow YEA! on Instagram!

@FMWFYEA

YEA! Gr A du AtE Spotl IG ht

In November, Zoe Bundy, founder of Brainy Ladies spoke at our annual State of Technology and she stole the show! Zoe graduated from YEA! in 2018 and has continued to work with her mission of fostering girls’ interests in STEM. She has been asked to speak at local events, such as 1 Million Cups and the nVision conference, and was even invited to be a part of a STEM camp for girls at the Career Academy in Bismarck! Zoe is an 8th grader at Discovery Middle School and she is making a big impact with her message. We can’t wait to see what she does next!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Friends of YEA!

American Crystal Sugar | Dabbert Custom Homes Office Sign Company

PROGRAM SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Aldevron | Bremer Bank | Concordia College

Dawson Insurance | Eide Bailly | LaQuinta Inn & Suites

Minnesota State University Moorhead | National Hospitality Services

North Dakota State University | Radio FM Media | TrueNorth Steel

A&B Window Cleaning, LLC

aandbwindowcleaning.com

Window Cleaning -

Residential/Commercial

A&B Window Cleaning is a full aesthetic maintenance company specializing in high rise, commercial and residential window cleaning. They provide an all-around aesthetic and functional maintenance including post construction cleaning, gutter cleaning, power washing and caulking.

Boyle Landscape Architects

boylelandscape.com

Landscape - Contractors & Designers

BOYLE Landscape Architects provides landscape architectural services to developers, engineers, and business and home owners. They specialize in commercial and residential landscape design, along with irrigation design, tree planting and project and construction management. They provide stormwater management, custom landscape maintenance, construction documents, master planning, and city and county permit submissions. By balancing creative innovation with construction pragmatism, they initiate and execute the boldest, longest lasting, most valuable landscape projects possible for their clients.

Caliber Home Loans

caliberhomeloans.com

Mortgages

Caliber Home Loans is Fargo Moorhead’s newest mortgage company. They are high touch and high technology, making the mortgage process easy and twice as fast. They get you approved fast.

Want to find all our members? Search our online directory at fmwfchamber.com

Chrysalis Behavioral Health Services and Training Center

chrysalispc.com

Counseling Services

Chrysalis Behavioral Health Services and Training Center provides behavioral health services including therapy/ counseling and psychological assessment/evaluation to children, adolescents and adults. Common presenting problems include: ADHD, autism, behavior, mood/anxiety and trauma/attachment.

ImmunoPrecise Antibodies ND immunoprecise.com

Pharmaceuticals

ImmunoPrecise is a global operating company offering custom antibody discovery, characterization, engineering and manufacturing to aid pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with the generation of novel diagnostics and therapeutics.

J&K Marine jkmarine.com

Marine Sales & Services

J & K Marine’s mission is to be a respectable member of the community, by providing their customers with boating equipment sales and service in an honest and professional manner. They exist to keep customers happily on the water by providing the best boating experience.

KFNW Radio Life 97.9 life979.com

Radio Stations

Life 97.9 provides uplifting music designed for their large and loyal audience of adult women. Non-commercial 24/7 Christian music. Call for information about business underwriting spots.

Slumberland Furniture

slumberland.com

Furniture - Home

Slumberland Furniture hopes to share their experience and good fortune and to remain focused on what counts: friends, family and happy healthy homes. Slumberland Furniture carries home furniture for your living room, dining room and more! Also, has design tools available for your next project and financing available. They carry brand names such as Ashley Furniture, Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster, Tempur Pedic, La Z Boy and Broy Hill.

Both Bethany on 42nd and Bethany on University have been rated High-Performing nursing facilities by USNews, earning the BEST NURSING HOME designation. More than 15,000 nursing facilities across the country were rated. Nearly all nursing homes received one of five overall ratings—High Performing, Better than Average, Average, Worse than Average, or Poor. The ratings are based on USNews’ in-depth analysis of data from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including data not factored into CMS’s star ratings.

Marco announced that it has acquired Phillips Office Solutions, a leading provider of copiers/printers and document management solutions. This represents Marco’s largest acquisition with the addition of 10 locations.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Northern Plains Chapter presented the Corporate Leadership in Philanthropy Award to Choice Bank. This award recognizes and celebrates excellence in corporate citizenship. Only those organizations that have made significant contributions toward meeting a community need are considered for nomination. Taking their People First philosophy beyond the bank, Choice and its employees dedicate much of their time to volunteering within their communities. In one year, Choice helped raise $176,092 for hospice care, over $40,000 for local food banks, and donated 5,288 hours volunteering their time and talent to their communities.

The City of Fargo received the results of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification evaluation. The report indicated the Fargo Fire Department would improve from an ISO Class 2 to an improved rating of ISO Class 1. With this new rating, the City of Fargo is in the top ½ percent of all communities nationwide for their fire suppression delivery system.

First International Bank & Trust was named the top extraordinary bank in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™ at the Best Banks in America™ Super Conference. The bank was recognized as the 2018 Extraordinary Bank of the Year, a national honor for exemplary performance in five areas of banking: philanthropy, customer service, thought leadership, workplace culture, and financial literacy education. The Extraordinary Banking™ Awards highlight the vital, yet often overlooked, role that community banks play in our economy. The Banky™ recognizes the top 1% of banks: The Best Banks in America™.

Want to see your news here? Know of a Chamber member with news worth sharing? Tell us about it at thebridge@fmwfchamber.com. For info and rules, visit fmwfchamber.com/member_news.

Smartt Interior Construction won best small business and sales person at DIRTT Environmental Solutions’ annual Partner event in Scottsdale, Arizona, for 2018. DIRTT stands for Doing It Right This Time. The company is the leader in the digital construction field. DIRTT’s leadership team awarded Smartt for their fearless approach and success in bringing clean, safe and fast custom construction to the Dakotas region. DIRTT is a $300+ million business with clients all over North America and is producing hospital interiors for the Middle East. They are so far the only player in the design and construction industry able to make prefab infinitely customizable while delivering a complete project in less than four weeks. Their employees refer to themselves as DIRTTbags.

United Way of Cass-Clay has announced the participants of the 2019 United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program. The participants represent a range of diverse backgrounds and industries and were selected to participate in this competitive leadership development program. This year marks the 11th annual program. Since the program began in 2009, 350 local women have participated. The 35 young women invited to participate in 2019 will meet monthly to focus on various issues pertinent to young female leaders. Each session is led and presented by local leaders and includes topics relating to goal setting, communication, public speaking, and community leadership. The program is sponsored and coordinated by United Way of Cass-Clay. For a full list of the 2019 participants and their employers, visit unitedwaycassclay.org

Allegro Group

Allison Wilson, Associate

Beyond Realty

Kelsey Drayton, Administrative & Marketing Assistant

Dakota Business Lending

Preston Braathen, Commercial Loan Officer

Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co., PLLP

Rachel Jenson, Supervisor

Jordan Marschke, In-Charge Accountant

John Reimer, Managing Partner

Kaylee Ward, In-Charge Accountant

First International Bank & Trust

Jeremy Helgoe, Mortgage Loan Officer

FirstLink

Jennifer Holtz, Community Navigator for Addiction

KW Inspire Realty

Jordan Douglas, Realtor

Zachary Erickson, Realtor

Michael Kowalski, Realtor

Teresa Kuvaas, Realtor

Allie Lott , Realtor

Amy Paul, Realtor

Abby Smidt , Realtor

Nexus Innovations

Jordan Aaberg, Solutions Developer

Terry Palmer, Software Development Team Lead

Shane Pilon, Senior Software Engineer

North Dakota Safety Council

Jenn Ackert , Development Coordinator

Lindsey Dockter, Marketing Coordinator

NorthStar Technology Group

Brandon Haggerty, Director of Security and Professional Services

Pifer’s Auction & Realty

Erika Stanley, Chief Operating Officer

Sanford Health (pictured on the next page)

Teresa Frey, D.O., Pediatric Hospitalist

Daniel Hoffman, M.D., Dermatology

Amna Masood, M.D., Psychiatry

Eric Schommer, M.D., Urology

Amanda Skiftun, M.D., Anesthesiology

Priyanka Tiwari, M.D., Gastroenterology

Sir Speedy

Dan Helm, Sales Consultant

MARSCHKE REIMER WARD HELGOE

HOLTZ DOUGLAS ERICKSON KOWALSKI

KUVAAS LOTT PAUL SMIDT

AABERG PALMER PILON ACKERT

DOCKTER

HAGGERTY STANLEY

WILSON DRAYTON BRAATHEN JENSON PROMOTED

Chamber hires Sanders

Spherion Staffing

MacKenzie Dahl, Client Service Supervisor

Connor Engel, Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

Elijah Jones, Branch Manager, Fargo

Sterling Management, LLC

Wayne Carlson, General Counsel

Rebecca Hoerth, Financial Analyst

Tina Schmitz, Financial Accountant

The Village Family Service Center

Brittney Hogan, Development Officer

Town & Country Credit Union

Greg Peterson, Vice President Agriculture Lending

Venture Chiropractic

Dr. Matt Casperson, D.C.

OTHER NEWS

Andrea Hochhalter, owner of Beyond Facilitation, has been re-elected to the Board of the nationally recognized accrediting organization Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Andrea was first elected in 2015 and will begin her second term in 2018.

Fargo Police Chief David Todd received Oak Grove Lutheran School’s 2018 Living the Mission Award. Todd is the 39th recipient of Oak Grove’s highest honor.

Starion Bank President Arnie Strebe has graduated from the Executive Development Institute for Community Bankers®, a rigorous 19-month leadership development program for up-and-coming executive officers of community banks. It is a program of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.

The Chamber recently welcomed Casey Sanders as Manager of Membership. In this role, Sanders is responsible for membership growth, engagement, retention and fostering connections between chamber members.

Sanders has a bachelor’s degree in communication and leadership from the University of North Dakota. Previously, she worked as the Membership and Retention Director at the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties, and served for eight years in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

How to submit for this section

Want to see your company’s news here? We run employee announcements from all our member businesses in the region—free of charge! Just email thebridge@fmwfchamber.com, or to find the criteria, guidelines or to fill out the form go to bit.ly/FMWFNews, and we’ll publish it in the next available edition of The Bridge. All we need is the individual’s name, title, company and a headshot if you have one. We run new hires, promotions, board appointments, national awards and certifications. We reserve the right to edit submissions for space and run announcements at our discretion. Note: All news is run two months from the month of submission

DAHL

ENGEL JONES CARLSON HOERTH

PETERSON CASPERSON

HOGAN SCHMITZ

HOFFMAN FREY

MASOOD SCHOMMER

HELM SKIFTUN TIWARI

Avalon

Events Center

20-year anniversary/new ownership 2525 9th Avenue South, Fargo avaloneventscenter.com

Remodel 1601 32nd Avenue South, Fargo dakotaranch.org

Games to Go

Relocation 1655 SE Main Avenue, Moorhead gamestogofm.com

Grand opening 2249 55th Street South, Fargo marriott.com/hotels/travel/farcfcourtyard-fargo

Expansion/grand opening of data center 3901 Great Plains Drive South, Fargo dakotacarrier.com

Grand opening 2511 Kirsten Lane South Unit 103, Fargo mathnasium.com/fargo

Want your own ribbon cutting?

We want to help your business celebrate its important milestones! Chamber ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings are available FREE to any member business. If you have opened your doors within the past year, changed ownership, relocated, remodeled, expanded or are celebrating a milestone anniversary, we would love to help commemorate the occasion. For more information or to schedule, contact Mickayla at 218.359.0517 or mthompson@fmwfchamber.com, or fill out the form at bit.ly/FMWFRCRequest

*One ribbon cutting per year per member

Courtyard Fargo

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Store

Dakota Carrier Network

Mathnasium of Fargo

Panda