The Bridge: March 2016

Table of Contents

Board of Directors Jon Riewer

Judd Graham Steve Swiontek Doug Restemayer

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24

Thomas Astrup

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

4 ChamberChoice 2016

21 YPN

5 Business After Hours

22 Member Spotlight Learn more about Boulger Funeral Home

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

6 Eggs & Issues

24 Member Profile

Committee Chairs

Details on this fun awards ceremony celebrating businesses

Upcoming event information and the YPN one to watch

Photos from our February event and save the date for April

Upcoming events and a recap of February’s talk about MN legislation

8 Business Training

Find out just what makes Fargo Air Museum so special for aviation and education

26 Frostival

Upcoming events and a recap of powering up your message

Recap of the inaugural North of Normal Frostival from the FM CVB

10 Leadership FMWF

Read what good our class is doing around the community and how to get involved

13 Chamber Challenge

27 Member News

Read about recognition from our member companies and latest company news

Golf Outing

33 New Members

14 Women Connect

34 Member Celebrations

Find out which organizations have recently joined The Chamber

Save the date for the golf event of the summer…gone Hollywood!

Details on upcoming events and how to join our new PUSH program

18 YEA!

Don’t miss our first-ever Shark Tank event; plus, nominate for next year

20 Treat Your Team

Save the date for this employee appreciation event

& Ribbon Cuttings

Which companies had recent groundbreakings, grand openings and more

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

Ad Index BCBSND Boulger Funeral Home Central MN Credit Union Cole Papers Cornerstone Bank First International Bank Indigo Signworks J&M Printing Knight Printing

2 | March 2016

23 26 31 27 17 20 26 12 33

Marco 32 Moore Engineering 33 Network Center 9 Park Co Realtors 16 Pro Resources 5 Ramada Plaza & Suites 15 Starion Financial 15 Talecris Plasma Services 16 The Village Business Institute 31

Ambassador Member Relations Ambassador Public Relations

Cora Turner

Jill Christopher Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley Business Training Dennis Cooley North Dakota State University Leadership FMWF Brianne Hoffman ROERS Military Affairs Brian Shawn American Red Cross - Red River Valley Chapter Public Affairs Jim Roers ROERS Young Professionals Leslie Wood Network Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties Women Connect Pam McGee Minnesota State University Moorhead

Chamber Staff

Craig Whitney President/CEO Jim Parsons Vice President of Finance/Operations Julie Doggett Information Systems Administrator Darren Dunlop Business Development Manager Tyler Fischbach Communications & Publications Intern Samantha Gust Professional Development Coordinator Amanda Hofland Marketing and Communications Manager Stephanie Jensen Graphics and Publications Coordinator Tracy Meckler Membership & Advertising Sales Manager Gail Petersen YEA! Program Coordinator Elly Peterson Government Affairs & Advocacy Coordinator Tracy Powell Director of Events & Programs Bobbi Jo Rehder Events Coordinator Mickayla Thompson Membership Relations Coordinator Julie Yourczek Administrative Support Coordinator

The Chamber Mission

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

The Chamber Vision

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

The Chamber Objective

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

THE BRIDGE (USPS 124-430) is published monthly by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber. For each issue received, $3.50 of membership dues are applied toward subscription of the newsletter. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fargo, ND 58102 and at additional mailing offices. Publication No. 124430. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bridge, PO Box 2443, Fargo, ND 58108-2443; 218.233.1100.

Message Let’s Encourage Young Entrepreneurs

Last year, we debuted a brand-new program to the community – a program aimed at developing leadership in business to the younger generation.

We’re honored to be successfully completing the first year of the region’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). This national program teaches students in grades 6-12 how to start and run their own real businesses over the course of a full academic year.

We know this program works because of its successes so far. We even hosted the national winner from last year, Kayla Abramowitz, to the region to help us kick off the current class. Her organization, Kayla Cares 4 Kids, is a shining example of how big of an impact one kid can make.

Additionally, as of 2014, YEA! has graduated over 2,000 students who have started more than 1,700 businesses and social movements. It’s inspiring to see these YEA! graduates start as students and leave the program as CEOs of their own companies.

Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

This perfectly captures the entrepreneurial spirit of America today, and it’s a perfect fit for Fargo Moorhead West Fargo. These are the students of today that will be running the businesses of tomorrow. Investing in their education and opportunities could be paramount to their future success, not only for them as individuals, but us as a community.

This year’s inaugural class will pitch for funding in our upcoming “Investor Panel Shark Tank” event on March 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Offutt School of Business at Concordia College. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see these young entrepreneurs blossom as they start their own businesses. And just like the hit ABC TV show “Shark Tank,” our panel will feature real area investors as students present their businesses for their financial support and guidance.

I am immensely proud of the commitment and drive these students have, and their passion is inspiring. I applaud their efforts and hard work in the program. I am also incredibly thankful to the range of businesses and individuals that have made this inaugural year possible. From Josh Teigen of Crossfox Innovation, who served as class leader, to the program sponsors, guest speakers and hosts, mentors and Minnesota State University Moorhead students who helped with graphic design needs. This truly has been a community effort to pull off this great program, and we couldn’t have done it without all their support.

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating these budding entrepreneurs at the event and show them that Fargo Moorhead West Fargo believes in them and their vision.

The current YEA! class concludes soon, and we are currently recruiting new students for the 2016-17 year. If you know of a great student for the program, please encourage them to apply online at fmwfchamber.com, or contact Gail for more information at 218.233.1100.

Craig Whitney President & CEO The Chamber

fmwfchamber.com | 3

Advocacy

& Issues Eggs

The State of the Agriculture Economy in Our Community Agriculture has been the backbone of our economy for centuries. The Red River Valley has a rich history of leading the world market as an innovative and pioneering agriculture region. With that being said, the agriculture market is in an interesting state. Great crop yields but a slowdown in the agriculture market provides farmers, lenders and agribusiness institutions with a tough predicament. Please join us as we hear from panelists who will examine this issue: Lynn Paulson, senior VP & director of agribusiness development, Bell State Bank & Trust; Mike Krueger, Money Farm; and Andrew Swenson, North Dakota State University.

Paulson

Update on the Minnesota DNR Process For years, our community has been at risk for catastrophic flooding, and some years we have come close to losing that battle.

With the work of the Diversion Authority, government officials, business leaders and community members, we are getting closer to achieving permanent flood protection for our region. One of the next steps for the project is the announcement of the Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources final Environmental Impact Study of the project.

Greg Nelson, Northwestern regional director for the DNR, will be joining us to explain the process of the study and provide us with an update.

Krueger

Make sure to attend and hear all the details of The Chamber’s new Agribusiness committee!

Andrew Swenson

Tuesday, April 5

Tuesday, March 1

7:30 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead

7:30 to 9 a.m.

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

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

Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

#FMWFEggs Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

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

6 | March 2016

Advocacy

Minnesota’s Priorities Discussed at February Eggs & Issues Infrastructure needs, workforce developments and border cities legislation were all hot topics discussed at Eggs & Issues in February. The Chamber welcomed state Senator Kent Eken and Representative Ben Lien to share with us their priorities and predictions for the upcoming Minnesota Legislative session, which begins on Tuesday, March 8.

For the first time, The Chamber hosted Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith to speak on her priorities for the state and to provide us with a statewide view on what lies in front of the legislature.

One of the top priorities for local leaders is securing state funding for the intersection of Main Avenue and 20th/21st Street underpass in Moorhead. One of the busiest

rail intersections in the city, it carries an average of 85 trains per day. This unique rail crossing has caused traffic congestion and safety delays for nearly a decade.

City officials have laid the groundwork to move the project forward. With plans drawn and federal grants in place, the last step comes with securing state funding. Governor Mark Dayton has included the $42 million project in his proposed 2016 Jobs Bill, which also includes other rail safety projects.

Lieutenant Governor Smith echoed the governor’s support, stating that securing funding for this project was one of her first priorities when it comes to the state’s budget.

Attracting a strong workforce was another topic covered throughout the event. As

outlined by all three speakers, support of higher education institutions will be key in attracting the right workforce for our community. Representative Lien praised the work of our two-year institutions as they strive to partner with leading industry leaders and work hand-in-hand to best train the employees that are needed.

Senator Eken and Representative Lien pointed to continuing efforts on advocating on border cities legislation to maintain a competitive economy to neighboring communities. As a strong community in greater Minnesota, Senator Eken emphasized the importance of collaboration and working across the aisle when it comes to continuing that important program.

Public Policy Guide Available Online The 2016 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.

The annual guide is a collaborative effort that brings together stakeholders from a cross-section of our membership.

To view this publication online, visit us at fmwfchamber.com.

fmwfchamber.com | 7

Business Training Learning to Lead The vast majority of individuals in leadership roles have never had any formal training in leading people. While many in leadership positions are born with some leadership qualities, most lead by what comes naturally, but never develop into the leader they could be.

Scheel

At this session, Steve D. Scheel of Scheels will share with attendees proven leadership habits that Scheels works hard to teach each of their 450 leaders.

The Power of Being a Social Employee

As employees, it’s time to connect our professional goals to social media. We each have unique roles and voices in our organizations. Social media can amplify our voices and help us achieve our professional goals in new and exciting ways. Kirsten Jensen, director of digital Jensen marketing at Onsharp, will present at this Business Training session that will be packed with examples to demonstrate the powerful voice of the social employee.

Get inspired to unlock the content unique to your role and experience. As employees, we interact with customers every day.

There are lots of little moments to be thankful for in partnerships and teamwork. Lending your voice to social media unlocks content at the moment of experience. You’ll walk away from this session with a list of “tweetable moments” to look for in your everyday work.

You’ll also learn how to enable social employees in your organization and what the important questions to consider to create a culture that supports social employees, with tips for listening to your team and sharing what they’re saying, and providing a framework for what should be included in a training program.

Wednesday, March 9

Tuesday, April 12

Registration (includes lunch) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door Non-Members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door

Registration (includes lunch) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door Non-Members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door

Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

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

Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center

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

Holiday Inn Fargo

#FMWFTraining Program Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

GOLDMARK Property Management | Network Center, Inc. | Wanzek Construction, Inc.

8 | March 2016

Business Training

6 Tips for Communication Shared at February Business Training Attendees heard Dawn Kaiser, inspirational speaker and author, loud and clear at February’s Business Training session. Presenting on “Power Up Your Message: What to Say, How to Say it & When to Shut Up” at the Hilton Garden Inn Fargo, Kaiser shared practical tips for communicating clearly and effectively to a packed house.

Miscommunication can not only be frustrating and uncomfortable, it can also be detrimental and take down a team or company. One way to prevent that is by effective communication from the get-go.

And as Kaiser said, “Information is giving out; communication is getting through.”

Kaiser gave attendees six specific mistakes that can muddle communication and offered plenty of additional tips, examples and inspiration for each, as well as a few group activities.

The six mistakes include: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Getting in your own way.

Not building relationships.

Lack of listening.

Not adapting your style to others.

Avoiding giving and receiving feedback.

Meltdown with technology.

She reminded that a lot of times, good communication is all in the approach. And to change your perspective, try thinking “I get to do this” versus “I have to.”

Thank you to Kaiser for sharing such great tips with the crowd, to the Hilton for hosting our group, and to all our sponsors and attendees!

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Leadership FMWF

College Scholarship Database

Faces of Fargo-Moorhead

Kids Play Passport

Anti-Bullying Education for Parents and Caretakers

Workforce Connections

Leadership Class Announces Community Change Initiative Projects Throughout the past year, our Leadership participants have been busy on their Community Change Initiative projects. Check out what they’ve been up to and how it will help the metro below!

College Scholarship Database

Ann Schoenberg, Cornerstone Bank; Sandi Piatz, Eide Bailly; Zach Herrmann, Houston Engineering; Adam Martodam, TMI Hospitality; Jason Carrier, Park Company; Lexi Oestreich, FM Area Foundation This group has partnered with the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation to connect students in Cass and Clay counties to scholarship opportunities through an efficient primary web-based resource that lists all of the scholarships available to them in one location.

Faces of Fargo-Moorhead

Hannah Goodmanson, Goldmark Property Management; Kristen Anderson, Wimmer’s Diamonds; Stephanie Maier, City of Moorhead; Jay Strucel, Trail King Industries; Jodie Schreier, Gate City Bank; Neil Roesler, Vogel Law Firm This group has partnered with the WE Center (New American Consortium Wellness & Empowerment) to help build and grow the center, and connect local companies to new Americans in the region. The Fargo Moorhead area is bursting with jobs and opportunities, and they aim to help the center reach new Americans and help them become even more integrated members of this community. A Facebook page, Faces of Fargo-Moorhead, highlights success stories from refugees, new Americans and employers in our area that understand the importance of diversity in our communities and workplace.

Kids Play Passport

Elizabeth Worth, NDSU Graduate School; Amy Ouren, Ulteig; Anna Miller, Minnesota State University Moorhead; Kevin Jordre, Bremer Bank; Tahralee Sauvageau, Union State Bank Kids Play Passport is a project with a mission to serve FMWF area low-income families and children by providing increased access to local activities and attractions that offer social, recreational, educational and other stimulation opportunities for growth and development of the whole child.

Mental Health Awareness and Screening Colleges/Universities

Leah Deyo, Essentia Health; Martha Leidholm, Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC; Chad Lystad, Rasmussen College; Heather Ostrowski, Preference Personnel; Nick Weisbeck, John Deere Electronic Solutions This college mental health awareness and screening week is for all colleges and universities in the FMWF area (with a piloting program

10 | March 2016

at Rasmussen College). It is composed of a fact-based awareness campaign, a screening event, a mental health fair and a referral system to local mental health agencies. Partnering with FirstLink to provide materials and referral information.

Anti-Bullying Education for Parents and Caretakers

Justin Dunn, Gate City Bank; Ashley Petersen, Ronald McDonald House Charities; Jenna Miosek, Hospice of the Red River Valley; Tyler Zierke, John Deere Electronic Solutions; Todd Bollinger, Cass County Electric In collaborating with administrators from Cheney Middle School (CMS), this group identified that the biggest gap is a lack of community awareness and parental engagement in anti-bullying efforts. A partnership with CMS will get the word out to parents and the community about an anti-bullying curriculum. With CMS’ resources, this will be done by building a social media website to highlight their curriculum.

At Ease

Michele Berg, American Crystal Sugar Company; Joseph Volness, TMI Hospitality; Melissa Cameron, Discovery Benefits; Lee Beauvais, Moore Engineering; Sarah Mastera, Bell State Bank & Trust; Brenda Ostlie, Flint Communications At Ease is a time to connect monthly with other spouses and families of deployed military at a family-friendly outing where there’s no agenda other than to have some fun and lift each other up. Some participants are full-time military families. Some are reserve. Some are Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines. All have this in common—they are living apart from someone they love because of deployment. Every non-deployed family member needs a reminder that they will learn to live through this. They will get strong. But for a few hours today, they’re simply At Ease.

Valley Workforce Connections

Bob Bartelt, Midco; Melissa Fluge, Robert Gibb & Sons; Laura Trosdahl, Central Minnesota Credit Union; Riley Rude, Western State Bank; Leslie Wood, Heritage Homes/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties This group is focused on educating high students about career opportunities in the Fargo-Moorhead metro and surrounding areas and providing a connection to local businesses career opportunities by breaking down barriers. Valley Workforce Connections will partner with area high schools, post-secondary institutions and businesses related to the skilled trades in need. A website, Facebook page and YouTube channel are in the works to host videos and share links to articles about trades available in the area. These sites will serve as resources for high school students, parents and counselors.

Leadership FMWF

#FMWFLeadership

Leadership Class Discusses Company Culture & Emotional Intelligence Company culture, the generational divide and emotional intelligence. All things that leaders need to gain a firm understanding of in order to create a workplace that their employees are proud to be a part of, so at the February Leadership session, we took a deeper look at each of those topics.

Starting off the day at Family Wellness, Amanda Korynta, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, informed participants of what makes each generation tick. Whether you’re working with a baby boomer or an office full of millennials, understanding their leadership preferences and work styles can make a world of difference in their satisfaction with their work environment.

We then headed over to Discovery Benefits to hear from Julie Klein, Bell State Bank & Trust, Kirsten Jensen, Onsharp and Kurtis Klein and Stephanie Schroeder, Discovery Benefits, on their unique company cultures. We learned that creating a great company culture can be as simple as employee recognition or celebrating one of the many holidays—national flannel day for example—or as elaborate as a company-wide awards ceremony, red carpet and all. Everything you do counts when trying to take your company culture to the next level.

To finish our day, Pam McGee, Minnesota State University Moorhead, led a workshop on emotional intelligence. Our participants learned the importance of being able to recognize and understand emotions in themselves and others, and in turn have the ability to use this awareness to manage their behavior and relationships. These are pertinent skills needed to be a successful leader.

Looking for Leaders!

LFMWF Program Applications Open in April If you want to grow both personally and professionally, and believe in giving back to your community, then we invite you to join the Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo program! This 10-month program runs August through May and meets once per month at various locations throughout the community, along with other special events. You’ll participate in fun events, special talks and tours and work on team projects, all while building lasting connections, learning more about FMWF and developing your own leadership role.

Applications open on April 4 and close on May 26. You can apply at fmwfchamber.com/LFMWF.

For More Information For more information, contact Sam Gust at sgust@fmwfchamber.com or 218.359.0529.

Joanna Slominski Mortenson Construction Class of 2014-15

“

“

The program is about opportunities, opportunities, opportunities! It’s also about meeting people in the community as well as the community and all the things I didn’t know the Fargo-Moorhead area had to offer. It’s about awareness and opening my eyes to the opportunities and community.

Program Sponsors

fmwfchamber.com | 11

Metro in the News The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community continues to receive recognition nationwide for its high quality of life and standard of living.

Here are just a few of the acknowledgements from recent months.

Fargo America’s Tech Hub

A December 2015 Fortune article called Fargo America’s most undervalued tech hub. Stating “It gets 50 inches of snow a year and is so cold that its bikeshare moves inside for the winter, but its homegrown tech community is on fire,” the article went on to reference 1 Million Cups, hyped drone startup Botlink, Emerging Prairie and Kilbourne Group.

ND’s Population Surging

It’s pretty evident that this area is rapidly growing, but new numbers back it up.

A December 2015 Forum article stated that North Dakota’s population grew by 16,887 to reach an estimated population of 756,927 as of July 1, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The state grew at a rate of 2.3% for the 2015 year, the highest percentage gain in the nation, and a distinction the state has held for four years.

Minnesota Second Strongest State

WalletHub released a list of “2015’s States with the Best and Worst School Systems.”

North Dakota was ranked #7, and Minnesota was #8. The report also claimed North Dakota having the #1 best average SAT scores and second lowest pupilteacher ratio. They compared the quality of education in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia by analyzing 13 key metrics that range from student-teacher ratios to standardized-test scores to dropout rates. “By shining the spotlight on topperforming school systems, we aim to encourage parents to help their children realize their maximum potential and to call the attention of lawmakers on the work that remains to be done to improve America’s schools.”

Metro #2 U.S. Mid-sized City with Shortest Commute

Politico magazine compiled an annual head-to-head competition to find out which state is most “strong.” The results put Minnesota in second place, according to their January 2016 article. To pull the list together, Politico consulted 14 existing rankings from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and the FBI. The list claims basis “on the simple idea that education, health and wealth generally make us better off, while crime, unemployment and death do not.”

Fargo in Top 10 Best Cities for Young Entrepreneurs

ND and MN States with Best School Systems

A SafecoInsurance.com post summarizes a recent report putting the Fargo metro area second in U.S. mid-sized cities with the shortest commute to work, referencing a 17-minute average commute and a population of 213,718. It goes on to say: “Ranked as the United States’ fourth fastest-growing small city by Forbes in 2014, Fargo still manages to keep its small-town feel. And the distinct “Minnesota nice” accent, made famous by the movie “Fargo,” isn’t the only thing that makes this metro area a great place to live and work. Fargo’s downtown area has been going through revitalization, with an emerging dining, arts and entertainment scene. And for those living on the North Dakota side of the metro area, making a living in this part of the country looks pretty attractive, due to low unemployment and crime rates, combined with a rise in income and jobs.”

Fargo was placed in the top 10 list of Best Cities for Young Entrepreneurs by NerdWallet. This list analyzed 181 metropolitan areas in the United States and was determined from data like how easy small business financing is in various cities to their local economic factors, such as unemployment and age.

YOUR SEED TO SUCCESS J & M Printing has strong relationships with those in the ag industry—farm equipment dealers, leasing and seed companies, and more. We have what you need to move your business forward.

• Catalogs (seed books) • 2 and 3-part forms • Signage

• Trade Show materials • Brochures • Promotional Products

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

JMPRINT.NET • CONNECT FOR A QUOTE • 701-476-0311 Rich Maras rmaras@jmprint.net 701-730-1623

12 | March 2016

Austin Roeder aroeder@jmprint.net 701-680-1466

A Top 400 U.S. Printing Company for 2015 in Printing Impressions.

Women Connect

#FMWFWC

Women in Business

Shattering Gender Barriers

How to Embrace Being Dubbed a Mean Girl

Growing up with four older brothers, Jodi Duncan never clearly understood the world of sisterhood and women. Embarking on a career Duncan in communications and finding herself more comfortable with direct and concise communication, she often was categorized as cold and unemotional. That served well in business, but did not make her a favorite among other females. Duncan has seen women tear each other apart as well as lift each other up.

Duncan, who is president of Flint Communications, will present on why assertive women are inappropriately pegged as “mean girls,” what that means and what to do about it. Learn how to put a stop to the mean girl label in your office and use it to your advantage!

Duncan will cover how we can build a business culture that allows both men and women to have direct, fruitful conversations without being interpreted as mean or callous and still show that we are caring, connected human beings.

Four Generations of Women In Our Community

A significant body of research shows that for women, the subtle gender bias that persists in organizations and in society disrupts the learning cycle at the heart of becoming a leader. It’s not enough to identify and instill the “right” skills and competencies as if in a social vacuum. The context must support a woman’s motivation to lead and also increase the likelihood that others will recognize and encourage her efforts—even when she doesn’t look or behave like the current generation of senior executives.

Anderson

Join us for an interactive panel discussion led by Tamara Anderson, team performance strategist at Dale Carnegie Business Group of ND, that will feature four generations of women in our community who have successfully shattered gender barriers to become successful by standing for what they believe, charting their own path and supporting other women to help them do the same.

Panelists will share what it takes to break through gender barriers, how to go confidently in the direction of your dreams and take a stand for what you believe in and support others along the way.

Tuesday, March 22

Tuesday, April 26

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

Avalon Events Center

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

Avalon Events Center

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

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

Please consider bringing protein bars/granola bars to donate to Fraser.

Please consider bringing stuffed animals to donate to the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center.

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

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

14 | March 2016

Women Connect

#FMWFPush

Push Yourself Further with a PUSH Group!

Last month, we announced a new Women Connect program called PUSH, and we’re thrilled to see so much interest! PUSH groups are just getting started, so there’s still plenty of time and room for you to join a supportive network of women. You can either start your own group or join an existing group to begin meeting and achieving goals.

How to Start Your Own PUSH Group ▪▪ Join the PUSH Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/FMWFPush) to connect with other members and find current discussion prompts and inspiration.

▪▪ Have coffee (at Women Connect we call this a Coffee Connect) with someone new or someone you’ve connected with and make the commitment to start a PUSH group.

▪▪ Plan your next Coffee Connect and invite two or more women to join. When your group reaches a number that feels right (we recommend around eight, but it’s really up to you), get together to complete registration and decide if your group will meet for coffee, lunch, dinner, wine or have a theme. Decide how often you will meet. Do what works for you.

▪▪ Discuss the Rules of Engagement. When your PUSH group is complete, fill out the Registration Form and submit online.

▪▪ Cheers! Clink those coffee mugs together; here’s to your new PUSH group and all that it will bring!

For More Information or Sign Up To learn more and sign up, visit fmwfchamber.com/PUSH or email push@fmwfchamber.com.

Sunday Brunch March 27, 2016 10am – 2pm

Adults $21.95 Children (6-12) $8.95 (plus tax and gratuity) 5 Years & Under: Complimentary Reservations recommended for groups of 6 or more.

Please call Basies 701-281-7105

Easter Bunny will have special treats for the children.

Breakfast Salads Carving Station Lunch Chef’s Assorted Dessert Table Special Buckaroo Table

Kids Coloring Contest with a Giant Easter Basket Prize!

1635 42nd St S, Fargo, ND • 701-277-9000

fmwfchamber.com | 15

Corporate Cup

#FMWFCorpCup

Save the Date for This Summer’s Competition!

Thursday, May 26 | 3:15 to 8 p.m.

Alex Nemzek Hall, 649 17th Street South, Minnesota State University Moorhead

Calling All Volunteers!

Not competing but still want in on the action at Corporate Cup? Get the best seats in the house by volunteering! Not only will you get prime spots for spectating, but all volunteers also receive a free T-shirt, and extra points are awarded to competing teams that send volunteers. To join the fun, contact Sam at sgust@fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100.

Join the Facebook page at facebook.com/fmwf.corpcup to stay up-to-date on event announcements.

Presenting Sponsor

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Bring in this ad for a $10 bonus.

Relocation Services 701.237.5031 | 1.800.288.7316

ParkCompany.com

16 | March 2016

Talecris Plasma Resources 218-287-2700 800 Holiday Dr., Ste. 140, Moorhead grifolsplasma.com

YEA!

YEA! Class Works on Launching Their Businesses The YEA! class continues preparation at Minnesota State University Moorhead to launch the businesses they have been working hard on developing during the year.

The students had an exciting event in February featuring a CEO roundtable, which included Kirk Anton, Heat Transfer Warehouse; Ryan Fritz, Office Sign Company; Amanda McKinnon, MSPIRE; Mark Ostlund, Sandy’s Donuts and Coffee Shop; Kim Pladson, TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics; and Jim Roers, ROERS. It was an eye-opening experience for the students as the roundtable discussed what they were doing when they were the ages of the YEA! students, what they would do differently or the same, what they love about their roles as CEOs, what their biggest failure and biggest success was, and what advice they had to give the students.

The class also began work designing logos for their businesses. Students from Minnesota State University Moorhead’s graphic design department met with the YEA! students to hear about their businesses and design ideas. The YEA! students hire the graphic designer, including it in their business plan and budget, to design their company logos.

Heather Ostrowski, Preference Personnel, helped the class with their elevator pitches. A lot of fun was had as each student actually got in an elevator and practiced their pitch in preparation for the Investor Panel Shark Tank event, on March 16 at the Offutt School of Business.

Do You Know a Young Entrepreneur?

Have them apply today! Student applications are now open for the 2016-17 Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) class.

As a business leader, you have insight to students who are passionate about business and would excel in the YEA! program. Please consider nominating creative, motivated students who pursue their goals with tenacity. Nominated students should have a strong work ethic and should demonstrate high levels of effort on a consistent basis. Although prior experience in business is not required, nominees should have a strong interest in business and/or starting their own company or social movement.

Applications from creative, determined and enthusiastic middle and high school students interested in social or business entrepreneurship are currently being accepted. Interviews will begin on April 15.

To Nominate or More Information Nominate a student and find more information at fmwfchamber.com or call Gail Petersen at 218.233.1100.

18 | March 2016

Investor Panel

YEA! Wednesday, March 16 | 5:30 to 7 p.m.

#YEASharks16

Offutt School of Business, Barry Auditorium at Concordia College Attendance is free. Registration required.

Why You Won’t Want to Miss This Special Event!

As business professionals in the metro, have you ever wondered what our community’s middle school and high school students are up to?

Look no further.

On March 16, students from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) will be sent into the “Shark Tank” with a panel of investors from local businesses. The young presidents and CEOs will pitch their unique business plans to the panel of investors in an attempt to receive funding for the launch of their company. Yes, these students are starting real businesses and real funding is on the line!

The YEA! students have been working on their business plans and presentations since September, and during that time have been individually mentored, attended events and have met with local CEOs and franchise owners to discuss and learn about legal services, accounting, insurance and many other important aspects regarding business ownership in the real world.

In the end, only one new business will be selected for the national finals at America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., where the students will compete for business start-up packages and college scholarships worth up to $50,000.

Don’t miss this new and exciting event! We have no doubt that these budding business owners will inspire all who attend.

So join us! The place to be is Concordia College Offutt School of Business on March 16. Plus, this event is totally free of charge (just register in advance)!

Register at bit.ly/FMWFSharks or by calling 218.233.1100.

Presenting Sponsor

Program Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Barbacoa | The Boiler Room | Concordia College | Eide Bailly LLP | The Forum of Fargo Moorhead | Gate City Bank La Quinta Inn & Suites | Mezzaluna | Microsoft | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moore Engineering, Inc. North Dakota State University | Radio FM Media | Sazerac Alley | Starion Financial | TrueNorth Steel | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

fmwfchamber.com | 19

Treat Your Team

Save the Date for Treat Your Team Luncheon!

Join us in celebrating those who make our everyday work so much easier and more organized. Treat your staff to lunch at the annual Treat Your Team Luncheon on Administrative Professionals Day. You can enjoy great food and a relaxing atmosphere, without the wait!

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). Seating is limited, so register early at fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100 for more information.

Wednesday, April 27

Seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Barbacoa, The Boiler Room and Sazerac Alley $17 per person

Sponsored by

For All Your Business Banking Needs Scott Selzler, Commercial Loan Officer 3001 25th St S • Fargo, ND sselzler@firstintlbank.com

701-499-7590

0188_02-16

www.firstintlbank.com 20 | March 2016

YPN Program Sponsors

Young Professionals Network Events

Networking to Business Lunch: Coaching Up and Down the Ladder

Tuesday, March 15 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, 4510 13th Avenue South, Fargo Are you stuck on a one-way highway when it comes to feedback? Do you bite your tongue thinking that it’s not your place? Stacey Nathan, corporate facilitator with Blue Cross Blue Shield ND, will polish your coaching skills and empower you to lead personal-performance based conversations within all levels of an organization.

Registration Required YPN Members: $15; Non-members: $25 Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Off the Clock

Thursday, March 24 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Sazerac Alley, 220 Broadway North, Fargo Join the YPN for an exclusive opportunity to see downtown Fargo’s newest restaurant, Sazerac Alley before it’s open to the public! Inspired by the flavors of New Orleans and the Southeast, Sazerac Alley will boast a unique fusion menu unlike anything available in the region. As per usual, appetizers and networking will be provided, but drinks are on your own.

Free. No registration required.

One to Watch Off the Clock Sponsor

Stephanie Blair Marketing and Sales Support, TCI Insurance Do you ever wonder why the Corporate Cup is such a successful event?

Well, it is in large part because of the awesome leadership of Stephanie Blair, chair of the committee. Organized, positive and dedicated, Blair is a prime example of what top-notch young professional should be like.

The Corporate Cup Committee, the Young Professionals Network and our community are very luck to call Blair one of our own.

#FMWFYPN

Volunteer Opportunity: Corporate Cup

Thursday, May 26 | 2:30 to 8 p.m.

Minnesota State University Moorhead, 1104 Seventh Avenue South, Moorhead Whether your company has a team, or you just want to get involved, we have a spot for you! Volunteers are needed to help with events to keep score, referee and keep the event moving smoothly. It is one of the most fun events of the year, so don’t miss out! Contact Sam Gust for more information at 218.359.0529 or sgust@fmwfchamber.com.

fmwfchamber.com | 21

Member Spotlight

There are several area funeral homes that are members of The Chamber, but the longest-standing one is Boulger Funeral Home of Fargo. Here’s what Jim Boulger, owner and licensed funeral director, shared with us.

Q& A

Q: In your own words, briefly share your company history and what you offer today.

A: Boulger Funeral Home was founded in 1897 by John V. Boulger and Ed Hughes. The first location in Fargo was a storefront in the 100 block of Broadway. In 1922, the funeral home moved to its current location at 123 10th Street South and has gone through three major construction projects over the years, culminating recently in the addition of our “Celebration of Life Center,” which adds the ability to host luncheons seating 150 people in addition to our spacious chapel that already seats 250.

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center currently specialize in offering pre-need and at-need services to families in Richland, Cass, Traill and Clay counties. We also offer funeral, memorial, cremation and celebration of life service options. The funeral home is currently owned by Larry and Jim Boulger, third and fourth generation family members. Our goal has always been to serve the needs of all of our community members while providing caring and affordable services.

Q: How many employees do you currently have?

A: 20 Q: Are there any initiatives you’re focusing on right now?

A: With our recent remodel of both our Fargo and Kindred locations, we are currently trying to bring more women, which currently accounts for over 50% of mortuary science graduates, and a diversity of backgrounds to our staffing and the kinds of services we offer. We are concentrating on our Grief Support Program, which offers pre and at-need support to families who have experienced a loss throughout the Red River Valley.

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

A: We value the trust that the community has put in our family over the last four generations and will always strive to respect and honor the needs of every segment of our community.

Q: What is your best business tip?

A: If you truly listen to the people that have put their trust in you as a care provider in whatever industry you work in, you will always make the right decision.

Interested In Having Your Business Highlighted In This Section?

We’ve redone the Member Spotlight section of The Bridge! This section now profiles various member companies with unique stories to tell. We’re looking for small businesses in current good standing with The Chamber that have a unique offering, interesting history or are just doing something spectacular.

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

22 | March 2016

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Member Profile fundraisers and an annual Celebrity Dinner and Auction, the region’s Gun Show and a host of weddings. But perhaps most importantly, they also host a monthly Coffee Hour in which our region’s veterans can gather together over coffee, donuts and friendly conversation.

“

Our success is through honoring the past, which represents the incredible people that make our country so great. The reminders are visible to all and allow us to share the moments of triumph and grief that often accompany the privilege of our freedom.

- Scott Fletcher The Air Museum also makes a point to cater to kids. Museum staff frequently works with both the Eagle Scouts and Boy Scouts, offering fun and educational summer camps, and hosts hundreds of children a year to the museum through school tours. In fact, located in the second hangar, one corner is solely dedicated to teaching kids aviation hands-on. Children have access to a real flight simulator, a replica of the Fargo air tower for educational purposes, and a simulator of the Fargo Airport replicating the taxi and landing lights. Fletcher strongly believes that our children are the future of aviation and should be invested in to share the historical highlights and future development of technology in aviation.

Expansion & Accreditation Plans

One exciting new initiative at the Fargo Air Museum is what they’re calling their capital campaign. Outlined in three distinct phases, with the second phase (being the second hangar) now finished, they’re on to phase 3, which will be the construction of a new building that connects the two hangars together. This expansion will better serve the facility by eliminating the need to move planes in and out of the hangars each time they host a large event as the new area will be able to accommodate events and will also enhance the entrance with the addition of an atrium. It’s a $5 million campaign that is just being initiated with completion date contingent on successful donation funding.

The museum plans do not stop there – other plans involve achieving accreditation through the National Alliance of Museums. Once achieved, the accreditation will allow the museum that ability to lend and lease assets and exhibits with other museums. “That’s one of our key strategic goals to achieve accreditation in the near future to enable us to leverage our ability to better serve our community and region,” Fletcher said.

Another thing that Fletcher wanted to share with other Chamber members is that they’re looking to get more involved with other businesses in the region, and would encourage the community to partner with the museum, including corporate support and funding along with utilizing the key capabilities of the museum’s ability to host corporate events.

You can also look forward to their annual fundraiser, the Celebrity Dinner and Auction, on April 1, 2016! Learn more at fargoairmuseum.org.

fmwfchamber.com | 25

Frostival 2016

Frostival a Major Success Thanks to the CVB Last year, we told you about a workforce study that evaluated reasons and resolutions for solving our region’s workforce gap. Just one of the many things that came out of this study was the idea to create a winter carnival that would allow residents of FMWF to “embrace the cold.”

The Fargo-Moorhead Visitors & Convention Bureau took on the challenge and created the inaugural North of Normal Frostival, and it was a great success. To get the inside scoop, we asked Stephonie Broughton from the CVB to report on how the event went. Here’s what she told us!

As you may or may not know, the inaugural North of Normal Frostival was held January 29 to 31, 2016. Now, I would be lying if I said everything went perfect to plan (but that is to be expected in event management).

A fun-filled weekend was planned by committee members from all three communities and featured something for everyone. Friday night’s opening kickoff at US Bank Plaza featured live music from local talent. The Front Fenders and hosted about 1,500 attendees, more than 500 s’mores were consumed, and endless samples of cocoa were handed out from six local restaurants and coffee shops all competing for the coveted “Golden Mug” award! Not to mention, free carriage rides around downtown.

I know that all sounds like a lot of fun, but we didn’t stop there. Saturday started with the North of Normal Games and included tournaments for kickball, softball, golf and disc golf, an Almost 3K through the Red River Zoo, cross country ski race, and the ever popular cardboard sled races. If individuals were not in the competitive mood, there were other activities around town such as Snowga (yup, yoga in the snow), Polar Plunge, Winter Rocks Skating event and Frostville, the event headquarters for the day that included both indoor and outdoor activities for everyone. Some of my favorites include the giant mobile sauna, create your own dippin’ dots, and a make your own slime station.

Sunday rounded out the event with the B-B-BRRR Winter Classic Bike Race with Great Northern Bicycle.

Overall, the event went very well. The partnerships that support the foundation of the event were crucial to its success and we will continue to work with each other to develop the Frostival for years to come. It is a nice feeling to work so hard on something and see the reward in the faces of individuals that participated. I can’t wait to start planning next year’s Frostival. Wait...I already am!

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26 | March 2016

Member News

Companies

Choice Financial a NDYP Best Place to Work Runner-Up

The Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Launches New Smart Move Ambassador Program

Choice Financial was recently recognized as 2015 Best Place to Work RunnerUp by the North Dakota Young Professionals (NDYP). This marks the third year in a row Choice has received this award. NDYP recognizes businesses that provide high quality jobs and a work environment enticing to and in support of young professionals. In addition to this award, Choice Financial was also named one of America’s ‘Best Banks to Work For’ in 2015 by American Banker Magazine, received top place as the Young Professionals Best Place to Work by The Chamber’s 2015 ChamberChoice Award, and Best Place to Work recipient

by The Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals Network in 2011.

Choice Financial Announces Acquisition & Merger Choice Financial announced the acquisition of Fremling & Associates through an ownership agreement jointly approved by the leadership of both organizations. This partnership will bring together two organizations with a shared commitment to their employees, customers and communities.

Choice Financial also announced their merger with Great Plains Financial Group, official as of January 1, 2016, through an agreement jointly approved by the leadership of both organizations. This partnership will unite two organizations with shared devotion to their employees, clients and community.

Dakota CDC Earns SBA District Director Award The Small Business Administration (SBA) presented Dakota Certified Development Corporation (CDC) with the SBA District Director Award on January 6, 2016. The award recognizes Dakota CDC as the top SBA lender in the state of North Dakota. Dakota CDC received the award, leading in dollar amount and number of loans approved. This is the fifth consecutive year that Dakota CDC has been awarded the top honor.

Fargo Library Circulates Record Number of Items in 2015 The Fargo Public Library announced that area residents borrowed over 1 million items from the library in 2015. This is the second year in a row, and the second time in the library’s history for that to occur. The library’s total circulation last year was 1,004,966 items with books and magazines accounting for the majority of items circulated. The total circulation for the Fargo Public Library in 2014 was 1,000,024 items. E-book checkouts continue to increase, with more than 70,000 e-books and e-audiobooks checked out in 2015, which is a 32% increase over 2014.

HCSCC Receives Grants for New Art + History Project The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County has been awarded grants from Lake Region Arts Council and ExhibitsUSA to fund a new art + history project. The two newest exhibits at the Hjemkomst Center museum focus on the concept of Manifest Destiny and use art as a means to explore it and provide alternative understandings of it. Imprinting the West: Manifest Destiny, Real and Imagined uses potent imagery to explore this concept and will feature 48 hand-colored engravings and lithographs put together by the Mid-America Arts Alliance. The second exhibit, Manifestation, showcases the work of Minnesota artist Laura Youngbird and features 34 works including works from the past 20 years. The collection, which includes a new work, provides a response to traditional definitions of the notion of Manifest Destiny. A $3,000 project grant by the Lake Region Arts Council helped fund Youngbird’s exhibition, which opened on January 8. Youngbird also received an individual artist award from The Arts Partnership.

The Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (EDC) just launched a new Smart Move Ambassador program. Through the program, Fargo Moorhead fans can sign up to be an ambassador. Once a person signs up, they can link their account to the available social media platforms of their choice.

Once a week, the EDC will send out content that each ambassador can share on their chosen social platforms. Each ambassador can earn points and win un prizes.

The Ambassador program is in response to the great need to recruit more people to our metro community. The Fargo Moorhead region continues to experience a low unemployment rate and a large number of open jobs. When you factor in the misperceptions or lack of perception about the area, recruiting can be a challenge.

Ambassadors earn points by adding social networks and sharing messages through the program. The EDC will give out big prizes like a staycation along with other small prizes like gift cards to favorite local coffee shops and other businesses.

To sign up, go to smartmovefm.com/ambassador.

Houston Engineering Receives Awards The American Council of Engineering Companies of North Dakota (ACEC/ND) recently recognized Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) with the 2016 Engineering Excellence Award for the Cass County Lake Shure Bridge Replacement Project in the structural systems category. The annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition recognizes engineering firms for projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement and value.

Additionally, the North Dakota Ready Mix & Concrete Products Association (NDRMCPA) recognized Houston Engineering, Inc. and partners with the 2015 Excellence in Concrete Gold Star Award for two projects: 1) 25th Street South and Interstate 94 reconstruction and 2) Bismarck Ace Hardware parking lot. The NDRMCPA recognizes architects, engineers, contractors and producers each year for accomplishments in concrete design and construction.

The winners were announced during the NDRMCPA’s annual meeting and awards banquet on January 21.

Stoneridge Software Named to List of 2015 VAR Stars Stoneridge Software has been included in the 2015 list of Bob Scott’s VAR Stars. Stoneridge Software is a Microsoft Dynamics AX & Dynamics NAV Value Added Reseller (VAR). Industry expert Bob Scott selected the top 100 mid-market financial software VARs to receive this honor. Members of the VAR Stars were selected based on growth, leadership, recognition and innovation. Selection was not based on revenue and those firms chosen represent a wide range of size and many different software publishers of accounting software.

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

www.colepapers.com fmwfchamber.com | 27

Member News

People

Benson

AE2S (Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.) has hired Kris Benson as a proposal/marketing coordinator in the firm’s Fargo office. Benson brings 19 years of experience in marketing and communications.

Before joining AE2S, she was an inside sales manager at Jacobs Engineering in Oakland, California. Originally from Fargo, Benson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with an emphasis in writing from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Brown

Aldevron announced the appointment of James Brown, Ph.D., as vice president, corporate development, effective immediately. Dr. Brown most recently served as vice president, technical operations at REGENXBIO Inc., a leading gene therapy company. Prior to that, he was director of relationship management at MedImmune, AstraZeneca’s global biological development arm. Dr. Brown holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University and a B.S. in chemistry from Butler University.

Mohagen

Breanna Mohagen, RN, BSN, has received board certification in gerontological nursing. She is nurse manager at Elmwood Square at Bethany Retirement Living. Mohagen received her associate degree in nursing from Minnesota State Community and Technical College. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from North Dakota State University and is completing a degree in community health at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Mari Kvam was recently awarded the highly acclaimed national Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation.

In completing the required curriculum, Kvam, of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties, joins other top REALTORS® in the residential real estate industry from across the nation who hold this designation. Kvam earned the GRI designation by attending a specific, intensive series of classroom instruction. The Institute is designed to educate practitioners about local, state and national real estate Kvam practices that affect them, their clients and customers.

Kvam brings more than 25 years of successful sales experience to BHHS. CSM announced that Brian Swites was promoted to vice president of operations and Bob Albanese was named senior vice president of strategic development. Swites joined the CSM team in January 2015. He was the former director of GMP operations at Teva Pharmaceuticals. Albanese joined CSM in 2011 and held various leadership positions within the organization, most recently as vice president of operations.

Peterson

Paulus

Runsvold

Schultz

Booysen

Lam

Lance

Johnson

Pederson

Kornreich

Appareo has hired Tyler Peterson as a mechanical design engineer, Ken Paulus as a software development manager, Jordan Runsvold as an inside aviation sales specialist, Samantha Schultz as an account executive, ag in the Paris location, Nathan Booysen as a software test engineer, Yip-Ho Lam as an embedded software engineer in the Paris location, Eric Lance as a senior embedded software engineer in the Tempe location, Trevor Johnson as an accounts receivable associate, Pete Pederson as a senior staff engineer, mechanical and Geremy Kornreich as territory manager. Peterson earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from UND and is finishing his master’s in mechanical engineering. Paulus earned his master’s in engineering from Iowa State University. He previously worked at HERE and served with the ND Army National Guard - Detachment 42 as a pilot. Runsvold previously worked at Border States Electric. Schultz earned her master in business administration from University of Alberta and her bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

She previously worked at General Electric. Booysen earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Stellenbosch University in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

He previously worked at EMSS in Stellenbosch. Lam previously worked at Videmus in Cachan, France. Lance earned his bachelor’s of science in electrical engineering from New Mexico State University. He previously worked at Garmin. Johnson is pursuing a bachelor of science in accounting from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is expected to graduate May 2016.

He previously worked at Real Truck. Pederson earned his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota. He previously worked at Amity Technology/AGCO. Kornreich earned his bachelor of arts from Clark University. Kornreich previously worked at TWS Consulting.

Matt Gruchalla has been promoted to VP/business banking officer at Bell State Bank & Trust in Fargo. In his new position, Gruchalla will originate commercial loans and assist businesses with their banking needs.

Gruchalla

28 | March 2016

Josh Schonert has joined Cornerstone Bank’s information technology specialist help desk in Fargo. He comes with over three years of IT experience.

Schonert

Corporate Technologies, Fargo has hired Rolland (Raliegh) Porter as a systems engineer and Stephanie Grondahl as accounts receivable specialist. Porter graduated from MSCTC in Moorhead with an AAS degree in computer and network technology. He was previously employed as a tech support specialist at Border States Electric. Grondahl graduated from Porter Grondahl Ridgewater Community and Technical College in Willmar, Minnesota, in the photography program.

Hennebry

Grossman

Mike Hennebry of Fargo and Jake Grossman of Moorhead have been named financial representatives for COUNTRY Financial. Both recently completed the organization’s extensive training about the solutions COUNTRY offers to help clients become financially secure. The training also focuses on guiding clients toward successfully setting and achieving their goals.

Greg Burd has joined Dawson Insurance, Fargo, as a life & benefits insurance advisor. Burd graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in radio and TV broadcasting. His previous work experience includes advertising sales at Cableone and for The Flag/Eagle radio stations, as well as advertising sales manager at WDAY Radio and sports announcing.

Burd

Member News

People

Regional CPA and business advisory firm Eide Bailly LLP congratulates Trina Michels on becoming a NetSuite Certified Administrator, Jeff Karlsson on becoming a Salesforce Certified Sales Michels Karlsson Hendrix Cloud Consultant and Travis Hendrix on becoming a Salesforce Certified Platform Developer.

Michels successfully passed the exams to become a NetSuite Certified Administrator, which recognizes one’s expertise in the configuration of robust NetSuite ERP implementations. Karlsson successfully passed the necessary requirements to become a Salesforce Certified Sales Cloud Consultant, which recognizes one’s knowledge and experience in the design and implementation of Salesforce sales and marketing solutions to meet client needs, scaling over time to drive long-term customer success. Hendrix successfully passed the exam to become a Salesforce Certified Platform Developer, which recognizes one’s expertise in building custom applications using the Force.com platform.

First International Bank & Trust named Erik Stenehjem to the Board of Directors. Stenehjem began his career in 2004 as a credit analyst. He has worked his way through various roles in the bank, where he is now a commercial loan officer at the Fargo Southwest office. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Stenehjem

Zink

Sell

Hockett

Blanchard

Sorensen

Essentia Health has hired physician assistant Jamie Zink in the Occupational Medicine department and Dr. S. Mark Sell in the Family Medicine department at the West Fargo Clinic, nurse practitioner Stephanie Hockett in the Gastroenterology department at the 32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo, nurse practitioner Janet Blanchard in the Neonatology department at Essentia Health-Fargo, and Dr. Christian Sorensen in the Internal Medicine department at the South University Clinic. Zink earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Sell earned his medical degree at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. He completed a residency in Family Medicine at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis and also served as a general medical officer in the U.S. Army. Hockett earned a master’s degree in nursing from North Dakota State University School of Nursing. She is certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Blanchard has more than 30 years of experience caring for newborns in the intensive care unit. Blanchard earned a master’s degree in nursing from Stony Brook University in New York and a doctorate degree in nursing from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is certified as a neonatal nurse practitioner by the National Certification Corp. Sorensen earned a medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha. He completed a residency in internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Hummel

The Great Plains Food Bank, a program of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, has hired Gary Hummel as director of finance & administration. Hummel’s broad background in both the private and non-profit sectors provides a solid base to support the mission of the Great Plains Food Bank. Hummel is a certified public accountant and holds a degree in accounting from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Dylan Walton has recently joined Heritage Homes. Walton is a home designer. Originally from Ramsey, Minnesota, Walton graduated from Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes with an architectural technology degree. Before joining Heritage Homes, he worked at LJA Architects in Fargo.

Walton

Aakre

Rud

Ruud

Schmidt

Zimmerman

Brent Aakre, Ted Rud, Adam Ruud, Aaron Schmidt and Bret Zimmerman—civil engineers with Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI)—all recently earned their professional engineering registrations after successfully completing the eight-hour Principles and Practices of Engineering exam. Aakre, Rud, Ruud and Schmidt earned their registrations for the state of North Dakota, and Zimmerman earned his for the state of Minnesota. The exam measures a candidate’s academic and practical knowledge of technical engineering. Candidates become eligible to take the exam after meeting statutory requirements that include a minimum of four years of acceptable work experience. All five engineers earned a B.S. in civil engineering from North Dakota State University.

Houston Engineering, Inc. added Rachel Hove as proposal assistant and Sarah Walker, EI, as civil engineer, both serving out of the Fargo office, and transitioned Donna Jacob from part-time to full-time status. Hove is originally Hove Walker Jacob from Britton, South Dakota, and earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communications with emphasis in public relations and advertising from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She previously worked for Animal Supply Company in the Twin Cities area. Walker is originally from Lino Lakes, Minnesota, and earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and natural resources management from North Dakota State University. She previously interned with the Ottertail County Highway Department. Jacob joined HEI during the summer of 2014 to assist with wetland delineation fieldwork and reports. She grew up in Chicago, earned her B.S. degree in environmental biology from Beloit College and her MSc and PhD degrees in botany from University College Dublin, Ireland.

Houston Engineering, Inc. also announced the addition of three employees as company shareholders: Zach Herrmann, Alan Kemmet and Joe Lewis.

All serve critical roles that have aided in the success Herrmann Kemmet Lewis of HEI. Herrmann, PE, and Kemmet, PE, are civil engineers in HEI’s Fargo office and Bismarck office, respectively, and have both been with HEI since 2008. Lewis, PE, is a civil engineer in HEI’s Maple Grove office and has been with HEI since 2004.

fmwfchamber.com | 29

Member News

Capron

Hospice of the Red River Valley has named Tracee Capron, RN, BS Edu., MAOL, as its new executive director. Most recently, Capron served as vice president of care innovations at Community Hospice in Ohio, where she worked to develop community partnerships and implemented consultative services in the health care community, hospitals and nursing homes. Capron holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership, and undergraduate degrees in nursing and education.

Marco announced that Fritz Wensel was promoted to senior director of IT service. Wensel has over 33 years of experience in the IT industry. He joined Marco in 2009 and will be responsible for Marco’s IT service initiatives and strategies.

Wensel is based in Marco’s Fargo location.

Wensel

Koiner

North Dakota State University’s Information Technology Division has hired Daniel Koiner as a help desk consultant.

Koiner began his career at NDSU in September 2013 as a member of the Information Technology Division’s Desktop Support team. In September 2014, he was promoted within Desktop Support. Koiner earned an associate’s degree in information technology from Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead.

The North Dakota Corn Utilization Council announced the addition of Katelyn Blackwelder as the communications coordinator. Blackwelder graduated from North Dakota State University with bachelor’s degrees in agricultural communication and public relations & advertising. She was most recently employed at the Red River Valley Fair Association as the agriculture education coordinator.

People Tatum O’Brien, partner in O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss attorneys of Fargo, will be featured in the 2016 Global Directory of Who’s Who. O’Brien will have her biography listed among the thousands of men and women who have demonstrated the hard work, dedication and perseverance necessary to achieve success and upward mobility.

O’Brien

Park Co. Realtors hired Kimberly Neisen as a top producer services associate and promoted Kristi Hardy to vice president of marketing & technology. Hardy graduated from Mayville State University with a degree in business administration and has more than 17 years of marketing and technology experience. She has obtained a Broker’s license as well as the Graduate, Neisen Hardy Realtor® Institute designation. Neisen graduated with a graphic design degree from MSCTC Moorhead and was recently employed with Short Printer as a customer service representative.

Mary Killoran has joined RE/MAX Legacy Realty in Fargo as a licensed Realtor in both North Dakota and Minnesota.

Killoran has been a full-time licensed agent since 2012 and has experience in working with first time home buyers to clients who are downsizing, new construction, investment property, lake property and commercial property. Prior to her real estate career, Killoran was a social worker.

Killoran

SK Food International announced Sheila Sauve has joined its team as account representative in which she will assist in exports and domestic sales of non-GMO and organic premium quality ingredients. Sauve attended the University of Minnesota at Crookston for agricultural business management and agronomy. She brings extensive experience to SK Food with a strong agricultural and administrative background.

Blackwelder

Scott Wadeson and Josh Colville have been hired by the North Dakota General Office of New York Life as agents for the company.

Wadeson earned a graduate certificate in personal financial planning from Kansas State University, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kentucky, and a bachelor’s degree from NDSU. He previously worked as a financial Wadeson Colville counselor, and is retired from the United States Army. Colville earned a sociology degree and a minor in anthropology from North Dakota State University.

Lorsung

Bartsch

Johnson

Rector

30 | March 2016

Northstar Technology Group has hired Jason Lorsung as a systems engineer and technical account manager and Curtis Johnson as an onsite support technician.

Lorsung was most recently a systems administrator for Forum Communications.

Johnson will be working on location at several Fargo businesses. He holds a degree in electronic engineering from SDSU. Obermiller Nelson Engineering (ONE) has promoted Andrew Bartsch and Ned Rector to principal in the Fargo office. Bartsch has been an electrical engineer at ONE for seven years but has been involved in the electrical construction industry since the age of 14. Since graduation from NDSU, he has been employed full time as an electrical engineer. Rector is a mechanical engineer with over 30 years of experience.

Sauve

TMI Hospitality announced the following new hires at its Fargo corporate office: Lydia Gilbertson as digital content specialist, Gretchen Johnson as HRMS analyst and Ann Christenson as chief Gilbertson Johnson Christenson people & culture officer.

Gilbertson’s experience is in implementation and execution of web strategies for magazine websites. She has a degree in English and writing from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and web development from Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Johnson’s experience ranges from HRMS analyst to information systems analyst, IT developer and computer technician.

She holds a degree in management information systems from North Dakota State University. Christenson previously worked as executive vice president of human resources and support services in the health care industry, and has nearly 20 years’ experience in human resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from Concordia College, and a master’s in public health, health care and human service administration.

Manly

Rob Manly has been elected president of Vogel Law Firm.

He succeeds Steve Johnson, who was president of the firm for nine years. Manly has been with the law firm since 2001 and served as chair of the firm’s recruiting committee from 2007 to 2014. He is a litigation attorney with an active trial practice handling a wide variety of disputes throughout North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of North Dakota School of Law.

Member News

People

Vogel Law Firm announced that Joshua Swanson, Kevin Mason and Peter Welte have become shareholders in the firm. Before joining the firm, Swanson served as a law clerk to the seven judges of North Dakota’s Swanson Mason Welte Northwest Judicial District based in Minot and Williston. Swanson graduated as one of the McGrath North scholarship recipients from the Creighton University School of Law. He received undergraduate degrees in political science and history from North Dakota State University. Mason was educated at the University of Iowa, Case Western Reserve University School of Law and at the Georgetown University Law Center. Before he joined Vogel Law Firm, he worked in Washington, D.C., in Poland and Ukraine. Welte joined Vogel Law Firm in 2015, establishing the firm’s presence in Grand Forks County. Prior to that, Welte had been in private practice, and had most recently served as the elected state’s attorney of Grand Forks County since 2002. He received his undergraduate degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University.

Business lending centered on you.

You have a lot of work ahead of you.

We can help make things easier with customized lending packages to meet your business’ needs.

Talk to Angie Baumann about your options today: 218.779.4563 | mycmcu.org |

Jelinek

Peterson

Lee

Johnson

Dudley

Wanzek Construction, Inc. has announced Arnie Jelinek as vice president of operations; promoted Bryce Peterson to vice president of construction, Rob Lee to vice president of construction, Randy Johnson to vice president of human resources; and hired Jim Dudley as vice president of construction.

Jelinek joined Wanzek in 2006 as a project manager/project engineer before being promoted to director of business development, managing director and vice president. Peterson joined Wanzek in 2007 as an assistant equipment operations manager before being promoted to equipment operations manager and director of equipment operations. Lee joined Wanzek in 2005 as a project manager before being promoted to senior project manager and operations manager. Johnson previously held the role of director of human resources at Wanzek. Dudley previously held the position of vice president of operations at Northstar Agri Industries.

Western State Bank has hired Allie Sannes as a mortgage loan processor and promoted Josh Schwarz to credit officer and Dallas Breberg to a mortgage loan processor.

Prior to joining Western, Sannes worked at Bell State Sannes Schwarz Breberg Bank & Trust as a customer service representative and mortgage loan processor. Originally from Hawley, Sannes attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Schwarz has been with Western since April 2014. He has over 11 years of experience in banking. Originally from Jamestown, Schwarz earned his bachelor of science degree in business management from Northern State University. Breberg joined Western in 2014 as a customer service representative. Prior to her promotion, she was a mortgage sales assistant.

Originally from Dawson, she attended NDSU and earned her degree in finance.

Karina Ragan, certified public accountant, has joined the tax department of Widmer Roel. Ragan has three years of experience providing tax and consulting services. Prior to joining Widmer Roel, Ragan worked in a public accounting firm in Great Falls, Montana. She has a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University.

Ragan

Centered on you.

Equal Opportunity Lender | Federally Insured by NCUA

Improve the Health and Productivity of Your Employees and Your Organization Sign up for the Affinity Employee Assistance Program for Chamber Members provided by The Village Business Institute (VBI).

EAP benefit services include: • Free personal counseling • Counseling regarding workplace issues • Financial and legal counseling • Supervisor tools and resources Implementing VBI’s Employee Assistance Program in your company will increase employee productivity, job satisfaction, and wellness.

For more information, call The Village Business Institute at 701-451-4900.

www.TheVBI.com

fmwfchamber.com | 31

Announcements Welcome to the Newest Community Builder

Call for Training Presenters

The Chamber is proud to introduce a new Community Builder into our Premier Partner program. This company, and all other Community Builders, have made a commitment to improving the area by investing in our programs and events. Through partnership with The Chamber and their fellow members, these businesses make a positive impact on the metro.

Do you have expertise that other businesses would benefit from?

Do you like speaking to groups?

Want to make more connections and build credibility? Then we want to hear from you!

Western State Bank is an employee-owned, community bank that offers superior full-banking services, investments, real estate financing to personal and business customers, as well as nationwide equipment financing services. Please visit westernbanks.com for more information.

For More Information If you are interested in learning more about how to become a Premier Partner, contact Darren Dunlop at 218.359.0514 or ddunlop@fmwfchamber.com.

Apply to be a presenter at either a Business Training or Women Connect session for The Chamber’s 2016-17 fiscal year.

Fill your application out online at fmwfchamber.com, or contact Bobbi Jo with questions at 218.359.0525.

APPLICATIONS OPEN APRIL 1 AND CLOSE MAY 31!

Jeff Gau CEO Marco, Inc.

smarter technology Marco puts the power of top-notch technology expertise to work for your business. We’ll help you choose the right technology and keep it running smoothly day in and day out. Our performancedriven approach empowers you to make the most of your technology investment.

That’s working smarter. Learn more and get empowered at marconet.com.

32 | March 2016

taking technology further marconet.com

#mpowering

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!

Code Zero Car Audio & Electronics

Safety Shoppe

Electronics Code Zero Car Audio & Electronics is focused on providing friendly, informative car electronics services at reasonable prices. They offer a variety of products and services including AstroStart remote car starters, backup cameras and sensors, LED and HID lighting, DVD player installation and car audio equipment.

Retail Stores The Safety Shoppe is Fargo‑Moorhead’s only permanent, year-round, full service inspection station offering car seat safety checks, bike helmet inspections and child injury prevention safety supplies.

codezerofargo.com

Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre fmct.org

Arts - Entertainment The mission of the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre is to provide theatrical and educational opportunities to engage and enrich the greater community. Their vision for Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre is to be the premier performing arts facility and performing arts education program in the area.

sanfordhealth.org/Locations/963829690

Tubs of Fun! tubsoffun.com

Pools - Spas - Saunas They sell and repair family recreation equipment including but not limited to hot tubs, pools, swim spas, endless pools, pool tables, shuffleboards, game tables, patio furniture and gazebos.

Wenck Associates, Inc. wenck.com

Grindberg & Associates Business Services Grindberg & Associates is a strategic consulting business specializing in economic and workforce development, government affairs and business services.

Consultants Wenck Associates is dedicated to providing innovative solutions through their strategic services. Wenck’s four operating divisions within the company provide their clients a united team of engineers, scientists, business and construction professionals to deliver the exceptional outcomes you need.

J. Hilburn Custom Menswear

West Central Initiative

701.261.4691

ng.jhilburn.com

Clothing - Accessories J. Hilburn provides made‑to‑order shirts and suiting made from the finest Italian fabrics. J. Hilburn also offers luxury ready‑to‑wear items, Allen Edmunds shoes and exquisite accessories to complete your look.

Locals Love Us Fargo localsloveus.com

Advertising - Direct Mail Locals Love Us Fargo provides a trust based advertising program for local businesses that are voted the best in the area by the local residents. They distribute 100,000 directories throughout the community with 60,000 direct mailed to the most affluent zip codes annually.

Proseed

wcif.org

Foundations West Central Initiative is your regional community foundation in west central Minnesota. WCI serves nine counties in west central Minnesota: Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin. They invest and help leverage resources in their communities for regional success.

When I Work wheniwork.com

Computer/Mobile App Software and Services When I Work is the easiest way to schedule and communicate with employees. More than 13,000 customers with over half a million users rely on them for scheduling, time clock and communication. It’s a simple, mobile‑first solution that owners and managers can implement and start using in five minutes.

proseed.net

Agriculture Products Proseed provides wholesale corn, soybeans, canola, sunflowers and wheat in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.

It’s EASY being

GREEN!

PAPER IS...

Recyclable, Renewable & Sustainable!

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

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www.knightprinting.com

fmwfchamber.com | 33

Celebrations Ribbon cuttings 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.

RED RIVER COFFEE CO.

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON

Grand opening on January 6 2600 52nd Avenue South, Fargo redrivercoffeeco.com

Grand opening on January 26 5064 23rd Avenue South, Fargo fourpointsfargo.com

AE2S Relocation celebration on January 27 4170 28th Avenue South, Fargo ae2s.com

What are our members saying about their Chamber membership?

Being a part ber has Th of e Cham is a an helped us d tool ng ki great networ e are w ho w to share do. and what we

- Kim Pladson

r The Chambe real gets me the sues facts on real is on gi re r ou affecting line. om tt and my bo

The Chambe r has been a d riving force in the bu siness climate of ou r communities over the year s and continue s to be a prom oter and visionary orga nization as we move forw ard.

202 1st Avenue North; Moorhead, MN 56560 218.233.1100 fmwfchamber.com

34 | March 2016

Calendar of Events

Chamber - March 2016

Eggs & Issues: Update on the Minnesota DNR Process

YPN - Networking to Business Lunch: Coaching Up and Down the Ladder

You may be hearing buzz about the F-M Diversion project, and at Eggs & Issues, we’ll going highlight exactly what has been developing. Greg Nelson, Northwestern regional director for the DNR, will provide an update of the Minnesota’s DNR final Environmental Impact Study.

Stacey Nathan, Blue Cross Blue Shield ND, will help polish your coaching skills and empower you to lead personal-performance based conversations within all levels of an organization at this YPN event.

Tuesday, March 1 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Courtyard by Marriot Fargo-Moorhead

Business Training: Learning to Lead Wednesday, March 9 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ramada Plaza & Suites, Fargo

While many in leadership roles are born with leadership qualities, most lead by what comes naturally, but never develop into the leader they could be. Here, Steve D. Scheel of Scheels will share proven habits that Scheels works hard to teach their 450 leaders.

Tuesday, March 15 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, 4510 13th Avenue South, Fargo

YPN - Off the Clock

Thursday, March 24 | 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sazerac Alley, 220 Broadway North, Fargo

Join the YPN for an exclusive opportunity to see downtown Fargo’s newest restaurant, Sazerac Alley before it’s open to the public! Inspired by the flavors of New Orleans and the Southeast, Sazerac Alley will boast a unique fusion menu unlike anything available in the region.

Women Connect: How to Embrace Being Dubbed a Mean Girl

YEA! Investor Panel Shark Tank

Tuesday, March 22 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Avalon Events Center, Fargo

Wednesday, March 16 | 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Offutt School of Business, Barry Auditorium Concordia College, Moorhead

Women that are more comfortable with direct and concise communication can be categorized as cold and unemotional. Here, Jodi Duncan will present on why assertive women are inappropriately pegged as “mean girls,” what that means and what to do about it. Learn how to put a stop to the mean girl label in your office and use it to your advantage!

Come support the event of the year for the inaugural YEA! class. A panel of 12 investors will hear pitches from area students vying for real funding in a competition based on ABC’s “Shark Tank” series.

Community Events - March 2016 Fargo Kiwanis Pancake Karnival

United Way Annual Meeting

Tickets are available for the 58th Annual Fargo Kiwanis Pancake Karnival fundraiser. Admission includes all you can eat pancakes and Games Galore.

Join United Way to learn how our investments and work together can improve lives and change our community.

Saturday, March 12 FARGODOME

Knowledge is Power: An Evening of Educational Possiblities for Women Tuesday, March 15 | 5:45 to 8 p.m.

NDSU Memorial Union – Prairie Rose Room

This free one-night event includes dinner and child care and preview what a college course is like for those interested in starting or returning to college.

Cyber Security Conference

Thursday, March 17 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

North Dakota State University Memorial Union

Bringing together community members to share strategies, best practices and innovative solutions to address today’s challenges in cyber security.

Thursday, March 24 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center

24th Annual Aldrich C. Bloomquist Lectureship Tuesday, March 29 | 7 a.m.

Holiday Inn Fargo – Dakota Room

This annual lectureship will feature President and CEO David Berg of Crystal Sugar, who will speak about ‘The Sociology of a Cooperative.’ Lecture and breakfast are free; RSVP to Gregory.mckee@ndsu.edu by March 22.

Global Business Connections Conference Wednesday, March 30 & Thursday, March 31 Avalon Events Center

Connecting North Dakota businesses with international trade professionals from around the world, this conference and trade show features keynote speaker Peter Zeihan, geopolitical strategist and author of The Accidental Superpower. It also includes the presentation of the North Dakota Exporter of the Year and the North Dakota Service to Exporters Award.

fmwfchamber.com | 35

Bridge the

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

Community Builders