Community Builders
Community Builders are a level of Premier Partner businesses committed to improving the area by investing in our programs and events.
ADVERTISER INDEX
AAA-The Auto Club 17 Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND 10
Boulger Funeral Home 17 Cole Papers, Inc 25
Cornerstone Bank 5 Dakota Carrier Network 22
First International Bank & Trust 21 Heritage Homes 15
Indigo Signworks 18 Knight Printing 25 Microsoft 15
Midco 22 ND Secretary of State 13 Network Center 17
Pro Resources 21 ReadiTech 21 Sanford Health Plan 9
Meet the volunteers
Letter from leadership
CHAMBER NEWS
Shop local
Membership matters
Upcoming events
Annual Celebration highlights
PROGRAM
Leadership
Young
OCTOBER 2020 podcasts
• Episode 5: Louise Dardis, 2020 ND Census co-chair on this year’s Census efforts and importance
• Episode 6: Highlight on hunger in our area with the Cass Clay Hunger Coalition and Great Plains Food Bank Ending Hunger 2.0 Initiative.
Listen at fmwfchamber.com/podcast videos
Taking Care of You and Your
Team During COVID-19 In this free video with The Village, learn helpful strategies for better mindset, routines, gratitude, balance, resources and more.
Watch at fmwfchamber.com/covid-19-updates
NEW Member Spotlight videos
• Gundersons Jewelry
• Heritage Homes
Watch these videos to hear the great things happening around our metro, and what your fellow Chamber members are up to.
Watch at fmwfchamber.com/member-spotlight
MISSION
VISION
Board of Directors
Chamber Staff
The Chamber has hundreds of volunteers giving their time and talents. Meet two of them below!
What would you like others to know about the work of your committee?
The committee members from K-12 and post-secondary education and business sectors are keenly invested in assisting students’ exposure to the world of work and basic workplace skills, as well as students’ and parents’ understanding and awareness about the vast array of career options and the pathways to pursuing careers. This should inform decisions that result in students’ preparation and employment readiness and businesses have employee hiring options—a win-win for both sides.
What do you like most about being involved with The Chamber?
Alyssa Lakoduk
Committee Chairs
Tracy Powell Director of Events and Programs
@FMWFTracyP
Mason Rademacher
Public Policy & Workforce Development Coordinator
@FMWFMason
Bobbi Rehder
The FMWF Chamber is a leader in the region as it advocates for business, education and members. This organization lives and breathes its mission, vision and strategic objectives to create and ensure growth and prosperity in our region.
What is the best professional advice you have ever received?
Be authentic, respect others and their contributions, work hard, always do your best to make a difference in your organization/business, and genuinely enjoy your career.
What do you do for fun when you are not working?
Read, cook and spend time with family and friends.
I’ve worked in higher education for nearly 40 years. Since 2014, I’ve served as the 11th president of MSUM. Prior to that, I was the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at MSUM. In addition to MSUM, I’ve worked at a large research university, small private liberal arts colleges, and comprehensive regional universities.
What do you like best about serving on The Chamber board?
Serving on The Chamber board is an opportunity to give back to a community I love and learn from other leaders as we strive to create the strongest community possible. At every board meeting, I learn more about how MSUM can partner with the business community in ways that benefit students, employers and the community at large.
How else are you involved around the community?
I serve on several other boards of directors, including Eventide Senior Living, Downtown Moorhead, Tri-College University, and the EDC. I have also served on the board for United Way.
What do you do for fun?
For me, work is fun. There is nothing more rewarding than preparing the next generation of scientists, artists, educators, leaders and entrepreneurs. I enjoy attending university events and witnessing firsthand the talent and resilience of our students. I also enjoy spending time with my dogs, running, and being the best grandma I can be.
What’s your best advice for future leaders?
THE BRIDGE (USPS 124-430) is published monthly by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber. For each issue received, $3.50 of membership dues are applied toward subscription of the newsletter. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fargo, ND 58102 and at additional mailing offices. Publication No. 124430. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bridge, PO Box 2443, Fargo, ND 58108-2443; 218.233.1100. Printed by
Louise Dardis
• Education committee, Chair
Be intentional about your leadership development. Take every opportunity to learn from other leaders, reflect on your own successes and failures, and build new skills that will help you meet the challenges and opportunities of our changing world.
A letter from The Chamber
As I write this, we have just wrapped up our Annual Celebration event. Despite moving to a virtual format, our entire Chamber team was thrilled to celebrate with you. This annual event serves as a reflection on the past year and the kickoff to what’s ahead, plus honors the accomplishments of local leaders. This year we were honored to name Steve D. Scheel the Legacy Leader.
We are gearing up for a smashing 2020-21 fiscal year, with many exciting plans in the works. While we don’t yet know what COVID-19 has up its sleeve, regardless, we will remain poised to get involved in important policy work, stay tuned to workforce development, explore educational opportunities, offer professional training, and be ready to serve our members and our region.
In this issue of The Bridge, we are diving into two important topics: area education and the upcoming election. No matter which side of the aisle—or river—you are on, we encourage you to research the issues, learn about the candidates and measures, and show up to vote. Being civically engaged is so important to exercising your rights and influencing the change that you believe in.
October 22 is national Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day. But we want to use this month to turn it around and say thanks to you. We are constantly inspired by the ingenuity and resilience of the people and organizations that call the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo area home. We truly believe that together, we can do more. And your trust and support means the world to us.
Next month, we’re fired up to support Small Business Saturday, and want to remind everyone the importance of buying local, shopping small and choosing Chamber members. We invite you to join us in visiting the businesses right here so that your dollars can stay and make a difference in the lives of the business owners and employees who share their spaces with us.
We are filled with gratitude and hope as we think about what is next. We are still searching for the next Chamber president, and can’t wait to welcome a new leader soon to share in all that is great about our Chamber and our community.
Stay tuned for more, and thank you.
Jim Parsons Interim CEO, VP of Finance & Operations The Chamber
THE importance OF buying local
Small Business Saturday is coming November 28!
When you shop local, you do far more than get items you need quickly and conveniently. Buying local actually stimulates the economy in our community, helps benefit local schools and charities— and it even helps the environment.
During these times especially, small businesses need our support more than ever. According to research conducted by American Express, 62% of U.S. small businesses reported that they need to see consumer spending return to preCOVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business. Fortunately, the Small Business Recovery Research shows that three-quarters of U.S. consumers are looking for ways to Shop Small® and support their community.
Find information and tools at ShopSmall.com, including educational resources for small business owners navigating COVID-19 and special savings on curated solutions to help owners market their business.
Next month, we will be recognizing current and local Chamber member small businesses about what your support means to them. Want to be included? Let us know if you’d like to be featured by emailing csanders@fmwfchamber.com
Buying Local Keeps Money in Our Community
When you buy local, the small business you’re making your purchase from certainly benefits, but the benefits keep growing. A small business that does well is likely to hire more people, who then spend more money in the community.
Buying locally also pours money into the local institutions who need it. Taxes are paid locally, boosting the community’s libraries, schools, and infrastructure. Local businesses are also more likely to donate
to charities in the local community, helping make improvements that all can enjoy.
In fact, when independent think tank The New Economics Foundation compared similar purchases made at chain stores vs. those made with local businesses, the experts determined that buying locally puts double the money into the community than occurs when you make a purchase at a chain store.
Buying Local Results in More Diverse Choices for Customers
When you go to one big box store after another, you’ll see the same product choices, over and over. The only real difference is in price — and often that difference is a matter of pennies.
Buying locally is a whole different experience. Each small business in our community is unique, offering a true connection with customers and a real understanding of their visitors’ needs. Think about the diversity of stepping into a local boutique to do some clothes shopping versus perusing
the offerings at chain stores, which all seem to look the same. Local artisans and craftspeople can show off their wares and build a following when you shop locally.
In addition, local businesses are typically far more flexible, adjusting to meet the immediate needs of customers much more quickly than giant national chains can do. They can also do a better job of stocking the products our community members want, since they’re part of the community.
Buying Local Is Better for the Environment
Whether you buy online or from a major chain store, it typically requires some major effort to get your item to you. Trucks have to haul products across the country, burning up fossil fuel and contributing to pollution.
In addition, products that have to be packaged for shipping typically end up requiring extra packaging to survive the journey intact. Compare buying, say, a pre-packaged set of
nails at a big box store — with your purchase sealed in one of those packages that practically require power tools to open — to picking out just the nails you need at your local hardware store, with the friendly local owner popping them into a simple paper bag (or even into the bag you brought yourself). All that extra packaging typically ends up in landfills or the ocean, adding to environmental damage.
Buy Local to Help Keep Our Community Unique
Related to the previous reason to buy locally is the idea that those unique products lead to a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. No one goes to a big box store to browse or to enjoy recreational shopping. But when your local shopping district is filled with local retailers, you create a sense of self-image that help defines our community. Our unique businesses are something to be proud of, and when we all support them, they create a reason for other shoppers to come visit our community.
By supporting local businesses, we can also help entrepreneurship thrive, which adds to
local prosperity and innovation. Every local retailer is one of our neighbors who has taken a risk to try to make our region a better, stronger place, boosting the economy and helping lift friends and neighbors into the middle class.
When we all look for ways to buy local, we tell all our neighbors that we believe our community is worth investing in. We put our money into things we care about, including our local schools, and we enjoy a better purchasing experience overall personally. Shopping and buying locally is a win-win for you, for small businesses, and for our community as a whole.
Membership poll
In the eBridge, we asked our members to respond to a poll about member benefits. Here’s what they had to say:
Poll question: Your Chamber membership includes many benefits. Of the three listed below, which do you find most valuable?
16% Use of the MIC (job postings, deals and member connection)
28% Access to Chamber publications
56% Member pricing at Chamber events
Thanks to everyone who participated! We’ll be back with more poll questions in future eBridges. Want to get yourself on the list? Sign up for Chamber emails at fmwfchamber.com/communication
Write for us!
All members of The Chamber are invited to submit guest articles to be published in Chamber communications! These may appear on our blog or in The Bridge newsletter. To find out guidelines and how to submit, click the “write for us” button at fmwfchamber.com/bridge-archives
Save with Chamber hot
deals!
Did you know that you can redeem deals from Chamber member businesses on our website? And, if you’re a member, you can submit your own deal to share with the community!
Check out these current deals:
• Patrick Metzger Professional EOS Implementer, Coach & Speaker: FREE 90-Min EOS® Leadership Team Meeting
• Gunderson’s Jewelers: 15% off your purchase with code
• Puzzled Escape Rooms: $4 off with code
See them all at fmwfchamber.com/hotdeals
Remember, you can reach out any time to connect with a Chamber staff member or discuss how to maximize your membership. Call us at 218.233.1100 or email info@fmwfchamber.com
Accessible Business Expertise
K–12 Education Overview
We are lucky to have a strong educational system for both K-12 and higher ed in our region. Our schools continue to have high standards, receive national attention and are seeing incredible growth. Our educational community has proven a vital link to filling area workforce needs, preparing students today for the jobs of tomorrow and readying them for success.
This month, we’re looking at the school districts other than the three largest (Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo, which you’ll find on the Eggs & Issues recap page).
We asked each district to answer a series of questions about challenges, successes, plans, growth and goals. Find all of their answers on our blog, or keep reading to see how they answered the following question:
Central Cass
Superintendent: Morgan Forness
Current enrollment: 999
Central Cass is committed to making data-driven decisions to ensure continuous improvement and accountability. To achieve this, we have developed a strategic plan that serves as a compass to maintain the priorities, goals, and achievements of the school district. Engaging community stakeholders about what is the most comprehensive approach to providing educational experiences for students we serve is essential to understanding what is critical to the community. This plan responds to growth and opportunity, sustainability of programs, and community needs.
Grace Lutheran School
Superintendent: Bryan Thygeson
Current enrollment: 1,570
Employees: 240
As a district, we align our district goals to support student needs. We are excited to have successfully passed our referendum in Fall of 2019 that will provide many additional opportunities to students.
Interim Principal: Susan Jahnke
Current enrollment: 80 students, K-8
Grace Lutheran School is owned and operated by the Red River Lutheran School Association, ministry of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and serves students pre-K through 8th grade in a Christ-centered, family atmosphere. Grace Lutheran School is committed to assisting parents in educating their children in the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Students at Grace are nurtured individually according to their unique talents, with emphasis on building Christian character, allowing them to reach their highest potential academically, socially, emotionally and physically.
Northern Cass School District
Superintendent: Dr. Cory J. Steiner
Current enrollment: 665 Pre-K to 12
We are a district in the midst of a major transformation to a personalized competency-based learning (PCBL) system. We have eliminated letter grades and grade levels, and have begun building in learner agency (voice and choice) in all our learning centers. The traditional model of ‘sit and get’ no longer is a norm in our district.
We are a small school with big school opportunities. Our learners earn college credit that our district pays so every learner has a chance to reach their goals. We have provided paid internships for our learners in partnership with businesses in the metro area. We believe every learner can change the world; therefore, we will provide a world-class education.
Oak Grove Lutheran School
Park Christian School
President: Chris Nellermoe
Current enrollment: 400
President: Mike Slette
Academic Dean: Aimee Zachrison
Current enrollment: 726 Pre-K to 12
The learning experience for students at Oak Grove is grounded in strong academics, faith formation and service to others. While satisfaction levels with distance learning last spring were high, we know that students thrive best in a face-to-face setting. The profession of teaching is a connection of heart and mind, and that is what we see coming through in our classrooms between teachers and students. The resiliency and the adaptability of our kids is amazing—their energy and the excitement for school has not diminished in spite of students being spread out, wearing masks and not having a “normal” school routine. Our teachers are in the classrooms, working hard, navigating new scenarios every day with students both face to face and synchronously with students online. Our teachers are doing things we have not yet perfected as part of our pedagogy, and all are doing it with great success.
Since 1981, Park Christian School has been educating the next generation of leaders in the Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo region. PCS’s core values embrace a biblical worldview while partnering with Christian parents and the local church to equip students to be a Christ-like influence and to develop Christ-like character. Park Christian’s thoroughly Christian education, veteran teaching staff, 14:1 student to teacher ratio, and commitment to academic excellence has resulted in a confident tradition of student success. Students graduate from PCS strong in their faith and well prepared for the rigors of college, career and relationships.
PCS is accredited through Cognia (formerly AdvancED) and ACSI and is guided by these governing bodies to continue to enhance student learning within our Christ-centered academic community.
St. John Paul II Catholic Schools
President: Mike Hagstrom
Current enrollment: 1,147
The mission of St. John Paul II Catholic Schools is “to inspire excellence by teaching the total person and fostering the following of Christ, as taught by the Catholic Church.” JPII Catholic Schools serves the families of its eight sponsoring Catholic parishes in the Fargo-West Fargo area as well as Catholic families from Moorhead with that holistic, faithintegrated approach to education. We also welcome non-Catholic families who seek to be a part of our tradition of excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, and service. From the first Catholic school in Fargo in 1882 to our five schools today (Shanley High School, Sullivan Middle School, Holy Spirit Elementary School, Nativity Elementary School, and Trinity Elementary School), we have been teaching and forming good citizens for this world and the next. Currently, we have more than 6,700 living alumni.
Want to get involved in area education efforts?
The Chamber has an Education committee focused on connecting educators and employers together as we seek to address the workforce needs of our community and region. This committee is open to any Chamber member employee, and meets the second Wednesday of each month. For more information, contact Mason Rademacher at mrademacher@ fmwfchamber.com or 218.233.1100
EDUCATION SUPPORTING SPONSOR
St. Joseph’s
School
Principal: Andrew Hilliker
Current enrollment: 225
An independent school in Moorhead, St. Joseph’s School is the oldest school in the Red River Valley. Opening in 1880, St. Joe’s has experienced significant change in the last 140 years, but the constant has been an exceptional academic and spiritual option for families in the Fargo-Moorhead area. St. Joe’s is blessed to be the Parish School of both St. Francis de Sales’ Parish and St. Joseph’s Parish. Currently, St. Joe’s School serves students in preschool through 8th grade with a total enrollment of about 230 students.
For the full answers and more information on each school district, visit The Chamber blog at fmwfchamber.com/blog
About Campus FM
Campus FM is an initiative to grow our area’s workforce capacity and capability by retaining college students in the metro. It follows the collective impact philosophy, aimed at coordinating previously unconnected efforts to maximize each of their end results. Campus FM will serve as the backbone organization to converge the work already being done to engage students, creating one system of student engagement. Campus FM is currently in the coalition-building and context discovery phase. Folkways has been hired to meet with and bring to the table staff focused on student engagement from the Tri-College University system with the intent to create a coordinated network of student engagement professionals. Slotted for the future is the development of an index to serve as a leading indicator of student engagement and the creation of additional networks from areas outside of the higher education system.
Fueling Our Future is proud to have contributed funding to Campus FM.
— Jason Schoolmeester, Vice President of Human Resources, LifeScape, Sioux Falls, SD
K–12 update with our area superintendents
EGGS & ISSUES RECAP
This year’s school session started out a bit differently than usual. As schools across the country debated in-person versus virtual learning and considered safety precautions amidst a pandemic, parents were also faced with deciding what path to put their family on. In early September, we sat down for a livestream Eggs & Issues discussion with the superintendents
of our three largest school districts to talk about what plans looked like across our metro schools and how they are prepared for protecting the health and safety of staff and students. Each district is still seeing signs of growth in terms of increasing enrollment and the need for new buildings.
Rupak
Gandhi Fargo Public Schools
“As we get ready to reopen schools, it’s important to us to make sure that regardless of which school you attend, you have an opportunity for an equal and equitable education,” Gandhi said. “What that means to us, is to be successful in not only in academics, but around the whole child, and focusing on social-emotional learning as well.”
“Recognizing that we are going into this school year without a vaccine and potentially fluid instructional models, it was important for us to invest our CARES dollars into bridging the technology gap and bought a learning device for all students in K-12. The remainder of funds were used for PPE and professional development needs.”
MISSION: Achieving excellence by educating and empowering all students to succeed.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
• Student achievement and growth
• STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts & mathematics
• Positive school culture & safety
• Engagement and experiences in co-curricular activities
• Community outreach and communication
• Equitable resources and planning
• Continuous improvement and accountability
NUMBER OF SCHOOLS: 23
ENROLLMENT: 2020–21: 11,376
2019–20: 11,410
STAFF: 3,179 employees
Beth Slette West Fargo Public Schools
Slette echoed many of the same sentiments Dr. Gandhi shared, adding that while they did not have a 1:1 device initiative in their elementaries, they did in secondary levels, to ensure that all children had access to devices in the case of moving to a fully distanced model.
Mentioning that many of the same measures are being taken in Moorhead, Lunak talked about limiting contact. In K-4 and 5-8 buildings, music and various rooms have been converted to classrooms, and lunches will be served in those rooms.
“We want zero close contacts,” Slette said. “We know we will have students and staff that come down with COVID-19, so when it does, we want to ensure that they are able to physically distance, and wear their masks to reduce the likelihood of infection. We are listening to medical experts and trying to understand what people’s needs, hopes and fears are for their children, and give them the best experience we can. Our goal is to have 100% of students in school full time, while doing everything we can to mitigate spread and be strong and healthy.”
MISSION: Educating today’s learners for tomorrow’s world.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
• All students will be empowered to continuously develop, improve, and connect 21st century skills and academic proficiency in all content areas.
• All students will graduate ready to pursue lifelong learning, find their passion, and contribute to society.
• All students will be engaged in nurturing and safe learning environments that allow them to grow and develop their physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.
NUMBER OF SCHOOLS: 21
ENROLLMENT: 2020–21: 11,931
2019–20: 11,443
STAFF: 2,796 employees
“Our motto is we never want to let a crisis go to waste,” Lunak said. “This will force us to think differently in terms of how we deliver education in the future. We will continue to move forward and make the changes necessary as this pandemic moves through.”
MISSION: Develop the maximum potential of every learner to thrive in a changing world.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
• Support the needs of the 21st century learner
• Build responsive communication systems
• Provide equitable educational facilities and technology tools
• Provide equitable programs and services to all students
• Create a safe and caring environment for all students
NUMBER OF SCHOOLS: 8
ENROLLMENT: 2020–21: 7,081
2019–20: 6,836
STAFF: 1,637 employees
Brandon Lunak Moorhead Area Public Schools
November 2020 General Election Preview
The Chamber is dedicated to providing election resources to our members and the community. We encourage you to take advantage of these materials and opportunities as you prepare to cast your vote. Below you will find what is
NORTH DAKOTA
President & Vice President of the United States
• Joe Biden & Kamala Harris (D)
• Jo Jorgensen & Jeremy “Spike” Cohen (L)
• Donald Trump & Mike Pence (R)* Representative in Congress
• Kelly Armstrong (R)*
• Steven James Peterson (L)
• Zach Raknerud (D)
Governor & Lt. Governor
• Shelley Lenz & Ben Vig (D)
• Doug Burgum & Brent Sanford (R)*
• DuWayne Hendrickson & Joshua Voytek (L)
State Auditor
• Joshua C Gallion (R)*
• Patrick Hart (D)
* indicates incumbent
State Treasurer
• Thomas Beadle (R)
• Mark Haugen (D)
Insurance Commissioner
• Jon Godfread (R)*
Public Service Commissioner
• Casey D Buchmann (D)
• Brian Kroshus (R)* Superintendent of Public Instruction (Non-Partisan)
• Kirsten Baesler*
• Brandt J Dick
Legislative Races (One Senator and two House members will be elected)
DISTRICT 16 LEGISLATORS
State Senate
• Kari Breker (D)
• David A Clemens (R)*
on your ballot, information about North Dakota’s statewide constitutional measures, opportunities to get to know the candidates and how to vote early or on election day.
Find more information at fmwfchamber.com/local-elections.
Candidates on the Ballot
State House
• Hamida Dakane (D)
• Ben Koppelman (R)*
• Andrew Marschall (R)*
• Tracey L Wilkie (D)
DISTRICT 22 LEGISLATORS
State Senate
• Laetitia Hellerud (D)
• Mark Weber (R)
State House
• Michael Howe (R)*
• Jodi Meisch (D)
• Brandy L Pyle (R)*
• Will Thompson (D)
DISTRICT 44 LEGISLATORS
State Senate
• Tim Flakoll (R)
• Merrill Piepkorn (D)*
State House
• Joshua A Boschee (D)*
• Karla Rose Hanson (D)*
• Scott Wagner (R)
DISTRICT 46 LEGISLATORS
State Senate
• Terri Hedman (D)
• Jim Roers (R)*
State House
• Ben M Hanson (D)
• Ben W Hanson (D)
• Jim Kasper (R)*
• Shannon Roers Jones (R)*
Cass County Commissioner
District 1
• Chad Peterson*
• Lydia Tackett
District 3
• Jim Kapitan
• Ken Pawluk*
District 5
• Marty Johnson
• Mary Scherling*
MINNESOTA
President & Vice President of the United States
• Joe Biden & Kamala Harris (D)
• Jo Jorgensen & Jeremy “Spike” Cohen (L)
• Donald Trump & Mike Pence (R)*
U.S. Senator
• Jason Lewis (R)
• Tina Smith (D)*
Representative in Congress – District 7
• Michelle Fischbach (R)
• Collin C Peterson (D)*
DISTRICT 4 LEGISLATORS
State Senate
• Mark Larson (R)
• Kent Eken (D)*
State House – 4A
• Edwin Hahn (R)
• Heather Keeler (D)
State House – 4B
• Brian Anderson (R)
• Paul Marquart (D)*
Note: Other races may be on your ballot for judgeships, district roles, school board and more. Check your state’s sample ballot for an accurate full listing of races (vote.nd.gov or myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us).
North Dakota Statewide Ballot Measures
NORTH DAKOTA MEASURE 1
— State Board of Higher Education amendments
This measure would amend the North Dakota Constitution in regards to the State Board of Higher Education. Some of the noteworthy changes include expanding the board, increasing the term length of members, prohibiting consecutive terms and disallowing legislators and state employees from serving.
The Chamber Board of Directors voted to oppose this measure as expanding the board will only compound the foundational issues the board faces. A one-size-fitsall model doesn’t work for such varying institutions that the board oversees, and the pool of candidates would slim to a concerning extent due to the requirement of only two individuals holding a bachelor’s degree from the same institution.
NORTH DAKOTA MEASURE 2
— Constitutional amendments approval process amendments
This measure would amend the North Dakota Constitution in regards to the process of approving citizen-initiated constitutional amendments. The measure would require any voter approved initiated constitutional amendment to be approved with a majority vote by the legislature in the following legislative session before becoming enacted. If the legislature failed to
Moorhead Council Members (One from each ward will be elected)
Ward 1
• Matthew Gilbertson
• Ryan T. Jensen
• Alexa Dixson-Griggs
• Kristine A Thompson
• Quindlynn Overland
Ward 2
• Laura Caroon
Ward 3
• Larry Seljevold*
• John Bell
Ward 4
• Steve Lindaas*
• Dave Anderson
• Jeremiah Jones
CLAY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
District 1
• Benjamin Hammer
• Jenna Kahly
District 2
• Frank Gross*
District 5
• David Ebinger
approve the constitutional amendment, it would be placed on the ballot at the next statewide general election and would be enacted only if approved by voters again. Currently, after being approved at a statewide election, a constitutional amendment becomes effective.
The Chamber Board of Directors has not voted to take an official stance on this ballot measure.
Virtual Candidate Forums
The Chamber does not endorse candidates for political office; however, we are dedicated to sharing educational opportunities for our community to be educated engaged citizens when they head to the polls. This year, for the safety of the candidates, Chamber members and community, instead of an in-person option, we will be going all virtual with our election resources!
The week of October 12, we will hold five separate candidate forums for the legislative districts in the region.
CASS COUNTY
• Mail-in/absentee voting: Request your ballot at vote.nd.gov. USPS recommends returning a ballot at least a week before the election.
• Early voting begins October 19 at 9 a.m.
• Vote in person at any of the six voting sites in metro Cass County or Casselton.
Meet the Candidates
These virtual events will allow all candidates to provide opening and closing remarks, as well as answer prewritten questions, and live questions from you. Joining these forums is easy. Watch the eBridge or our website for a link to join live, or check our social media and website for recordings. We will post forum times on our website, social media, eBridge and evites. Have a question for the candidates? Email Katie at kmastel@fmwfchamber.com
Candidate Questionnaires
We are again providing you with written questionnaires from the candidates. Check our webpage to learn more about the candidates across our metro!
Moorhead City Council Candidates
Just as we did with Fargo and West Fargo City offices, we will be releasing a video featuring our Moorhead City Council Candidates. Check our virtual election resources in late October to find this resource.
All candidates will be invited to participate in their respective race resources; however, resources will be published excluding those that wish not to participate or fail to meet deadlines.
How to vote
Check the Cass County election page for early and election day voting times and locations.
Note: Voting locations may have changed due to COVID-19.
CLAY COUNTY
• Mail-in/absentee voting period September 18 to November 2: Request your ballot at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us USPS recommends returning a ballot at least a week before the election.
• Vote in person at your polling location on election day.
Find your polling location and times on the City of Moorhead’s election page.
Note: Voting locations may have changed due to COVID-19.
Thank you to the sponsors that make these events and programs possible. Find them on page 29.—
Business Training
Workforce Transformation: Navigating the New Normal
Wednesday, October 14 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Livestream
Not since the advent of the Industrial Revolution has the workplace undergone greater transformation than it has in the last 25 years. Beyond the not insignificant impacts of economics, technology and demographics, the workplace is influenced by the rising power of workers whose demands have gone well beyond traditional concerns about pay and benefits, work/life balance and community outreach.
Lynn Billing Spherion Staffing Services
Treating Your Customers Like NonProfits Treat Their Donors
Wednesday, November 11 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Livestream
We’re in a bizarre new reality where there is an expectation and desperate need for personalization from clients and customers. So how do you, as a business, transform the way you interact with those you serve? Look to the non-profit world.
Women Connect
Eggs & Issues
The Lowdown on the Downtowns
Wednesday, October 7 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. | Livestream
Fortitude & Resilience in a Time of Extraordinary Change
Tuesday, October 27 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. | Livestream
Undoubtedly, COVID-19 is one of the most extraordinary events of our lifetime. It has generated exceptional financial, social and economic challenges for individuals, families and corporations. Women’s roles as professional, parent, spouse and caregiver, have become ever so demanding. At this session, we will address the many ways in which women are being called upon to work harder due to COVID-19.
You Failed? Just Get Up. Again and Again and Again.
Tuesday, November 24 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. | Livestream Failure. It’s not a word that most of us are comfortable with. It’s certainly not something most of us would choose to experience. Nobody likes to fail, but women seem to be particularly terrified of it. Perhaps that’s because we get so many fewer chances to take risks than men do. But we all will fail. How do you pivot to get past the failure to discover the joy that can come of the new path you find yourself on, the joy that can only happen because of the failure?
At this session, get the lowdown on our downtowns. Our speakers will share about the current business, entrepreneurial and cultural spirit of their downtowns and the successes they are most proud of! We plan to cover infrastructure updates, strategic plans, and, of course, current and predicted future effects of COVID-19.
Homelessness & Hunger: Impacts on Our Community
Tuesday, November 3 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. | Livestream
It is estimated that more than 1,000 individuals in our community experience homelessness each night. For many, homelessness is just one of many concerns. And this issue runs much deeper than what many of us can see or imagine. At this session, we will explore the impacts homelessness and hunger have on our community, possible solutions, and why it’s so socially and economically critical.
Building Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces
Unconscious Bias: Self-Awareness Leads to Organizational Awareness
Thursday, October 8 | 10 to 11 a.m.
As individuals, each of us has unconscious biases, and if they remain unchecked, these biases show up in our organizations in our hiring practices, policy development and workplace culture. Here, we will talk about unconscious bias from an individual and an organizational perspective, and how these biases become barriers to innovation, differentiation and employee engagement.
Webinar 4: Cultural Competencies: What They are & Why They are Important
Thursday, October 22 | 10 to 11 a.m.
As employers step into becoming a diverse, equitable & inclusive organization, they start thinking differently about talent attraction. They become intentional about recruiting talent with diverse worldviews. It’s important for businesses to equip themselves with cultural competencies to set everyone up for success. Learn the skillset and mindset of cultural competency and strategies for its development in your workplace.
Antonio Concordia College
Dayna Del Val The Arts Partnership
Melissa Brandt Downtown Community Partnership-Fargo
Derrick LaPoint Downtown Moorhead Inc.
Tim Solberg City of West Fargo
Chamber 101
Tuesday, October 20 | 4 p.m. | The Chamber
Thursday, October 22 | 9 a.m. | Virtual
If you’re not familiar with The Chamber, are a new member, new contact, new hire, or just want to re-engage with us, this session is for you! Chamber 101 is a laid-back discussion designed to share some of the great benefits of Chamber membership and what opportunities exist that you need to know.
Professionals of Color
POC Discuss, Connect & Reflect: Walking with the Wind by John Lewis
Wednesday, October 7 | Noon to 1 p.m.
Join us for Professionals of Color’s book club, where together we will discuss readings, connect on topics and reflect on how content resonates with you! For our first meeting, please read to the end of Part IV or Chapter 12 of “Walking with the Wind” by Congressman John Lewis and come prepared to discuss. Don’t forget to check with your local library if you’d rather borrow the book! POC Members: Free | Non-Members: $10
October Networking Before 9
Date TBD | 8 to 9 a.m. | Zoom
Join us for another great Virtual Networking Before 9 this month! Our local speaker will share their personal and professional story; come prepared to ask questions and learn! Bring your own breakfast and cup of coffee. Attendees will receive the Zoom link and instructions following registration. Stay tuned online to find out who this month’s speaker is!
Young Professionals Network
YPN Service Opportunity:
Great Plains Food Bank
Thursday, October 15 | 4:30 to 6:15 p.m.
Great Plains Food Bank, 1720 Third Avenue North, Fargo
Looking to give back during this time? Join YPN at The Great Plains Food Bank! *Masks are required *
Lattes with Leaders
Friday, October 30 | 8 to 9 a.m. | Zoom
Start your day with networking and learning from a prestigious local business leader, all while and getting your morning caffeine boost. This month’s Lattes with Leaders welcomes Tom Dawson, president of Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company, and The Chamber’s immediate past chair of the board! Tom will share his story and life lessons, and take questions from attendees.
YPN Book Club: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”
Thursday, October 29 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Zoom
Enjoy reading and discussing books on leadership and professional development with like-minded individuals? Join us for YPN Book Club! Each month, YPN will select a book and meet over lunch to discuss it. Amazon says, “In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” author Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems.” More details about this book discussion to come soon!
Save the date for November’s book, “Welcome to Adulting” by Jonathan Pokluda on November 17.
Tom Dawson
Highlights from our 10th Annual Celebration
It was a virtual party last month as we rang in our 10-year anniversary as a merged chamber and celebrated with a new format for our ‘Annual Meeting,’ where we shared laughs, reflections and inspiration and honored some of the amazing individuals in our community.
Taking a look at the last fiscal year, we all were hit with challenges, but are so proud of our region for pulling together to overcome and still have much to celebrate. After opening comments from our staff, Justin Forde representing presenting sponsor Midco shared remarks. Past president Tom Dawson took the stage to talk about the work of Fueling Our Future, public policy efforts, pivoting through COVID, and event and program accomplishments.
Looking ahead, new board chair Sandi Piatz, shared a few sneak peeks into our plans for the next year and introduced special keynote speaker, Governor Doug Burgum.
Leadership class hits the ropes
Burgum talked to attendees about navigating a crisis and uncertainty. “It’s an opportunity for all of us during these times of great challenge to embrace change, shift gears, press ahead with a newfound purpose and take the opportunity to reinvent ourselves and our businesses,” he said. He also talked about servant leadership, the importance of putting people first, and the four values he thinks are most important for leaders today: curiosity, humility, gratitude and courage. He challenged us to grab hold of these values in our daily work.
We also recognized Steve D. Scheel as the 2020 Legacy Leader through a touching video tribute with stories from his friends and colleagues. “I feel like I’ve never gone to work a day in my life because I so enjoy our business and our people,” he said. “I enjoy kicking off our leadership trainings and to impress upon our next generation of leaders how important culture is to a business.”
The Leadership FMWF class took our annual trip to Wesley Acres in September, where the participants were able to participate in a number of team-building activities, and of course, tackle the ropes course. Thank you to Matt Weis, Edgecraft, for leading this year’s class through a safe and socially distanced event!
We want to give a huge thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors, Board of Directors, and members. We couldn’t do what we do without you. Thank you!
Check out more moments by searching hashtag #FMWFCelebrate
And visit our blog to view all the videos from the event.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Takeaways from MSUM’s Dr. Earnest Lamb
We want to thank Dr. Earnest Lamb, MSUM’s Dean of the College of Arts, Media and Communications, for dropping by a late August Networking Before 9. Dr. Lamb shared his personal and professional journey and reflected on how experiences and history has shaped opportunities and access to education for him and his family. He recounted his moves across the country based on following music and academics, the instances of racism encountered along the way and the teachable moments that followed.
Dr. Lamb talked about the questions we should be asking as we consider other populations and how to prevent educational inequality. For those finding themselves as the lone person of color in a place or organization, he advised them to think of it as being a trailblazer. And as we build diverse and inclusive communities, we should look at resources already out there and find ways to come together for a common goal and create a pipeline for future opportunity.
YPN committee spots open!
Looking to get more involved in YPN? Would you like to help guide YPN and our future programming? Apply to be on one of our committees!
• MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
Greet new members and connect with current members. Keep our members engaged in the program!
• SOCIAL Coordinate YPN’s social events (both virtual and future in person events).
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Select monthly book club picks, as well as the topics for our professional development trainings.
• CORPORATE CUP
Plan the annual Corporate Cup Event to be held in May.
Plus, we have two new committees that are just beginning!
• MEMBER RECRUITMENT
Help identify new and exciting ways to get new members interested in YPN.
• MARKETING
Help guide the marketing strategy for YPN.
Learn more at fmwfchamber.com/YPN or contact Alyssa at alakoduk@fmwfchamber.com
Final agenda and event links are coming soon!
Follow #nVision2020 on Twitter for updates and info.
Naming the Ambassador of the Year and announcing the new teams
2019–20 Ambassador of the Year: Larry Olson
This year, Larry Olson of Talent Productions was chosen by his fellow ambassadors to receive the Public Relations Ambassador of the Year award. Talent Productions has been a 28year member of the Chamber! This particular award is named after long-time ambassador Wayne Saar, to honor someone who lives up to Wayne’s leadership, integrity, Chamber involvement and ribbon cutting attendance.
2020–21 Member Relations Committee
Larry is one of our most dedicated ambassadors, serving on the committee for 15 years and making almost every meeting and ribbon cutting. Larry’s passion for this role is evident, as he is always a smiling face and enthusiastically gets to know every member he meets. Thank you, Larry for your dedication and hard work!
U.S.
Erica Johnsrud, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley; Dean Krogen, 702 Communications; Sheila Neuleib, Vitalant formerly United Blood Services; Kriss Burns, Pro Resources-Fargo; Dan Helm, Sir Speedy; Theodore Swiontek, Thrivent Financial-RFO; Kenneth Rosson, Arvig Media; Paul Balega, NAI North Central; Jody Rurup, Country Financial. Not pictured: Andy Streiff, Brokers Commercial Property; Lorelle Olson, Bremer Bank, N.A.; Sara Granger, Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley; Karleen Anderson, Midwest Radio of Fargo-Moorhead; Matt Nagel, HealthPartners.
2019–20 Team of the Year: BROOKS & FUNN
Left to right: Scott Berg,
Bank (on screen);
Front row: Captain Brooke Coauette, NAI North Central; Billy Nustad, Bell Bank. Back row: Dave Dondoneau, Midco; Nicole Birnbaum, Radio FM Media; Brandon Geffre, Aspire Bank; Angie Heil, Fargo VA; Patty Mastel, FM Area Foundation; Brad Aune, Job Service of ND; Nick Nupdal, Bank of the West. Not pictured: Michelle Donley, Bushel; Brenda Cornell, Job Service of ND; Jessica Hed, Fargo VA
2020–21 Public Relations Teams
A big thank you to the C’Mon Inn for hosting the Public Relations Ambassadors as they kick off the new fiscal year!
Front row: Brooke Coauette, NAI North Central; Brandon Geffre, Aspire Bank; Scott Steinmetz, Microsoft; Addie Long, City of West Fargo; Brittney Weber, Preference Employment Solutions; Captain Cora Turner, Homewood Suites by Hilton; Patty Mastel, FM Area Foundation. Back row: Aaron Hill, Fargo Brewing Company; Cody Klug, Network Center; Steffen Isane, Preference Employment Solutions. Not pictured: Amy Hannaher-Overby, Connect Interiors
HANSONATORS
Jerry Christiansen, Freedom Resource Center; Shara Fischer, Heartland Trust Company; Chloe Reichel, First International Bank & Trust; Alisha Jacobson, Bottle Barn Liquors.
First row: Brian Heger, 702 Communications; Nick Nupdal, Bank of the West; Brad Aune, Job Service of ND. Middle row: Jace Holm, BlackRidgeBANK; Kathy Skramstad, AVI Systems. Back row: Captain Mitch Taralson, Bremer Bank. Not pictured: Brenda Cornell, Job Service of ND; Michelle Donley, Bushel; Kevin Spaulding, True|IT; Melissa Paul, Advanced Business Methods; Meredith Pittenger, American Gold Gymnastics; Jill Christopher, Ronald McDonald House.
Left to right: Nicole Birnbaum, Radio FM Media; Captain Jill Mattson, Western State Bank; Lori Hager, JP Catholic Schools Network; Donn Groth, Midwest Radio; LuAnn White, Dakota Plains Realty; Brady Hersch, Starion Bank; Jessica Broers, Bremer Bank. Not pictured: Bryan McClean, BeMobile; Jamie Odegaard, Griswold Home Care of ND; Jodi Buchholz, Stoneridge Software; Julie Halverson, iDigital Media; Lindsey Gunderson, Dakota Plains Realty.
Left to right: Scott Peters, Farmers Insurance; Dave Dondoneau, Midco; Captain Candice Ahmann, Express Employment Professionals; Angie Heil, Fargo VA; Larry Olson, Talent Productions. Not pictured: Barb Sizer, Eide Bailly; Dustin Long, Eide Bailly; Bryan Shinn, SaveCoin; Carol Seefeldt, Wired Up!; Taylor Danielson, iDigital Media; Trish Enger, HUB International Insurance; Jessica Hed, Fargo VA.
Seated: Captain Levi Hanson, InterOffice. Left to right: Steve Asche, Thrivent Financial; Mitch Kudrna, Bell Insurance; Billy Nustad, Bell Bank; Alex Lacey, Gate City Bank; Tom Thompson, Freedom Resource Center; John Ross, Tri-City Storm Soccer. Not pictured:
Burian Associates, LLC
burianassociates.com
Engineering
Burian & Associates, LLC is an engineering consultant with emphasis in planning, program management, project management, financial consulting, public relations, and government relations. We strive to provide our clients with best-in-class engineering and consulting services to ensure great opportunities are not missed, complex challenges are overcome, and infrastructure investments are smart and sustainable.
DakMinn Technologies, LLC
dakminntech.com
Contractors - General
35 Years Combined Experience: We have been servicing and installing business solutions in the Red River Valley of the North since 1997. Diverse Yet Focused: We maintain a Power Limited Tech license, fully complying with Minnesota rules and regulations. We have maintained industry certifications from Mitel, Panasonic, and Symetrix. Over the years we have obtained manufacturer certifications from Toshiba, Ruckus, Panduit, AT&T Systimax, and Polycom. Serving Schools, Churches, Small and Medium Business: We are a small shop that provides a uniform presence and a one-on-one experience. Despite that we have managed systems with 99 sites in nine states and nearly 2,000 end points.
Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley
furnituremissionrrv.org
Furniture - Home
The Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley, a North Dakota non-profit corporation and 501c(3) tax-exempt organization, became a reality when a group of compassionate men and women discovered a vital need in the West Fargo/Fargo/ Moorhead area and surrounding communities to provide gently-used furniture and household items at no cost to people in crisis. These people in crisis include, but are not limited to, individuals or families who have suffered loss of their household belongings due to fire, storms, or flood or people starting a new life after homelessness, significant financial loss, abusive situations, or even incarceration. This organization is Christianbased and serves the needs of people regardless of religion, race, or sexual preference.
Henson Group
hensongroup.com
Computer/Mobile App Software & Services
The Henson Group is an award-winning Gold Certified Partner focused on the deployment of Microsoft technologies for U.S. and international companies. For over 17 years, Microsoft and its partners have recommended the Henson Group for licensing, consulting, and managed services to corporations large and small. From cloud and on-premise support to licensing the Henson Group consistently delivers world-class results for its clients worldwide.
Welcome to the following businesses who have invested in joining The Chamber. We encourage all our members to do business with each other.
Jade + Jasper
shopjadeandjasper.com
Retail - Stores/Ecommerce
Jade + Jasper is a women’s clothing and accessories boutique based in West Fargo.
JEM Coaching
joshmarineau.com/leader-coaching.html
Executive Coaching
We help successful people or teams achieve a positive, measurable, long-term change in leadership behaviors. Real change takes discipline, courage, and humility. We are certified in the Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching process. This process involves these steps: 1) the leader develops a clear leadership goal they share with their stakeholders; 2) the leader builds an action plan based on stakeholder input; 3) the leader follows up with stakeholders regularly seeking feedback and suggestions for improvement; 4) results are formally measured over time with mini-surveys. Stakeholder Centered Leadership Coaching is designed to provide measurable results. This is unique to the coaching world and is why we chose this process over all the others to best serve leaders who desire real, lasting change. Dr. Marineau is also a tenured professor of Management at North Dakota State University College of Business.
Health Support Systems, LLC
healthsupportsystems.us
Business & Professional Services
Healthy Food Ingredients is an on-trend specialty ingredient supplier bringing food safety and supply assurance to protect your brand promise. We start with a sustainable supply chain, backed by IntegriPure®, our innovative micro reduction process, to offer a full portfolio of ingredients including non-GMO, organic and gluten-free pulses, grains, seeds, flax, expeller oils, and signature product Suntava Purple Corn™, with unique processing capabilities for milling, flaking and blending and consumer-ready products. Looking for a private label brand? We can help with that too! We are dedicated to delivering safe, healthy, premium-quality ingredients in partnership with our diverse grower network.
Nature of the North natureofthenorth.co
Recreation
Nature of the North exists to build the outdoor community in the Fargo/ Moorhead metro area. We do this by breaking down the barriers that prevent people from going out into nature. We break down those barriers through education, gear rentals, trip planning, indoor rock climbing, and regular outdoor events/gatherings.
Northland Vapor Company
northlandvapor.com
Retail – Stores/Ecommerce
We are a retail vape shop and sell several different things such as a large array of CBD products, vapor products to get people off cigarettes, candles and much more. Northland Vapor Company was started by two brothers in efforts to help smokers quit. The eldest brother quit and their father quit using electronic cigarettes.
OCTOBER CHAMBER ANNIVERSARIES
The Piggy BBQ Restaurant
thepiggybbqofwestfargo.com
Restaurants, Food & Beverages
The Piggy BBQ West Fargo opened in May 2020. Legendary BBQ from Walker, MN. Featured in The New York Times, Minnesota Monthly, Lake Bride Magazine & More.
Congrats to these members for celebrating the following milestone Chamber anniversaries this month!
20 Years
Lignite Energy Council
Susan Mathison MD Ltd
ADESA Fargo
Arvig Media
Bethel Church
Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley / Youth Commission
Busek Olson and Associates
Cargill, Inc. – North American Multiseed Division
Choice Financial Health Savings Accounts
City of Mapleton
City of West Fargo
Cornerstone Bank
Dave’s West Fargo Tire & Service Center
Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill
Edward Jones Investments –Matthew De Vries CFP
Bank of the West
10 Years
Elmwood Family Dentistry
Family Fare Supermarket
Goldstar Services
Ihry Insurance, Inc.
Jemco/Max Air
Kava Construction, Inc.
Kinder Kloset
M.J. Dalsin Co of N.D.
MTW Towing
15 Years
Town & Country Credit Union
Trader Law Office
Trane
Sanford West Fargo Clinic
Sherwin Williams
State Farm InsuranceDavid Eggers
Taxman
The Clinic: Family Health & Sports Chiropractic
The UPS Store (13th Ave Location)
Thrifty White Pharmacy #046
Northern Bag and Box Company
NorthStar Safety, Inc.
Payroll Express, Inc.
Petro Serve USA (North)
Red River Drywall & Decorating Services, Inc.
Sandy’s Doughnuts and Coffee Shop
5 Years
Center for Special Surgery Jacobs Kennelly Business Law
Total Imaging
Visto’s Trailer Sales
West Fargo Exchange Club
West Fargo Fire Department
West Fargo Park District
West Fargo Police Department
West Fargo Public Library
Senator Tom Campbell
TCF Home Loans
Inc. magazine revealed that AdShark Marketing is No. 1179 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, a prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. AdShark Marketing makes its debut on the list with a 3-year revenue growth rate of 384% and ranks #1179 out of 5000 U.S. based companies. AdShark ranks No. 3 in North Dakota and joins this list with 9 other North Dakota companies this year.
Hannaher’s Workplace Interiors announced that Paul Hannaher, CEO, and Joe Stanger, CFO, have sold their commercial furniture business to a group of long-time executives of the company, along with female investors from Atmosphere Commercial Interiors. Omni Workspace Company is a minority investor and Atmosphere’s parent company—both are headquartered in Minneapolis. The new company, known as Connect Interiors, will continue operating three locations in Fargo and Grand Forks, and Detroit Lakes, and has applied for a women-owned business certification.
The Fargo Air Museum received an MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft, which was originally a North Dakota Air National Guard aircraft, on loan from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The 119th Wing, known as the Happy Hooligans, operated the MQ-1 Predator from 2007 until 2018, when it was replaced with the MQ-9 Reaper. You may have seen the MQ-1 Predator flying around town for training purposes in years past, but now you can see one up-close and personal. The MQ-1 Predator is operated by a crew, consisting of a pilot and a sensor operator, from a ground control station (GCS). The aircraft stands 7 feet tall, measures 27 feet in length and has a wingspan of 48 feet 7 inches. Although equipped with surveillance technology for the primary purpose of reconnaissance, the Predator can also be armed for light attack in warzones.
Fargo has won the 2020 Most Educated Cities Award for the state of North Dakota from Insurify. The Most Educated Cities Award recognizes communities across the United States that have proven their dedication to quality education. Fargo was also the recipient of Insurify’s 2019 Most Educated Cities Award.
A special report by 24/7 Wall Street has named West Fargo the best city to live in North Dakota. The report gives the City of West Fargo high marks for population growth, median household income and median home value. West Fargo is the second fastest growing community on the list and is adding jobs rapidly, with the unemployment rate in the city 75% lower than the national rate. The report also notes West Fargo’s poverty rate is nearly half the 14.1% national rate. “It’s an honor to have the City of West Fargo named the best city to live in North Dakota,” said Commission President Bernie Dardis. “We know our residents, schools, parks and businesses make us an amazing place and it’s great to have that nationally recognized. It also shows the dedication our staff has for the community to continue to make West Fargo the best city possible.”
The Career Development program at Sheyenne High School has received the Director’s Award of Excellence from the North Dakota Department of Career & Technical Education. The award is an acknowledgement of superior career and technical education programs in the state. The Sheyenne High School program was selected for providing and promoting service-learning experiences, offering timely occupational information to students concerning employment and labor market data, promoting gender equity, and the supporting nontraditional students.
New Hires & Promotions
AdShark Marketing
Jack Yakowicz, Business Development Manager
Beyond Realty
Chelsea Adams, REALTOR®
Brady Good, REALTOS®
Ally Rheault , REALTOR®
Cass County Electric Cooperative
Dr. Tom Seymour, Board Member
Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company
Alex Dawson, Private Client Team Leader
Ryan Hoffman, Managing Director
Fargo Operations
Lydia Zaharia, Business Insurance Marketing Manager
Eide Bailly LLP
Dawn Balsdon, Health Care
Reimbursement Manager
Matt Honea, Marketing Operations Manager
Heather Huotari, BOS Manager
Abby Lee, Tax Manager
Sam Olson, Health Care Consulting Manager
Shari Samek , Administrative Manager
Barb Sizer, Tax Manager
Kari Strube, Administrative Lead (not pictured)
Justin Wallin, Health Care
Reimbursement Manager
Mackinzie Wilson, Audit Manager
Emerging Prairie
Mike Derheim, Grand Farm Board Member
Jay Schuler, Grand Farm Board Member
Taya Spelhaug (Microsoft), Grand Farm Board Member
Essentia Health
Dr. Michaela Heller, OB/GYN 32nd Avenue Clinic
Dr. Jennifer Kovatch, Pediatric Hospitalist and Pediatric Oncologist
Dr. Celestine Mkpozi, Hospitalist
Dr. Jessica Munro, Optometry South University Clinic (pictured on next page)
Dr. Mario Rivera Bernuy, Endocrinologist South University Clinic
Andrea Solberg, CNP, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 32nd Avenue Clinic
First International Bank & Trust
Jason Johnson, Chief Financial Officer
H2M
Adam Wiedman, Art Director
KLJ
Jordan Benning, Help Desk Team Lead
KW Inspire Realty
Benjamin Paul, Realtor
Andrea Reynolds, Realtor
NetCenter Technologies
Bailey Anderson, Marketing Manager
Onsharp
Kevin Bosak , Senior Python Developer
Krystle Herz, Client Success Manager
Spotlight
Emma Bonnet , Social Media Content Specialist
Brady Sprague, Senior Leader Digital Solutions
Sterling Management, LLC
Michael Carlson, Assistant General Counsel
Samuel Jelleberg, Director of Acquisitions & Investments
Kira Schumaker, Financial Accountant
Town & Country Credit Union
Amber Andersen, Assistant Branch Manager
Danielle Sanger, Assistant Branch Manager
Awards and Recognition
O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss
Sean Foss, Super Lawyers, Top-Rated Litigation Attorney in Fargo
Tatum O’Brien, Super Lawyers, Top-Rated Personal Injury Attorney in Fargo
Morgan Reinke, Super Lawyers, Rising Star
Dean Rindy, Super Lawyers, Top-Rated Real Estate Attorney in Fargo
West Fargo Public Schools
Dr. Denise Jonas, North Dakota Career & Technical Education Association, Administrator of the Year
Lila Subba, North Dakota School Nutrition Association Employee of the Year Award
Wanda Miller, North Dakota School Nutrition Association Manager of the Year Award
WIEDMAN BENNING PAUL
SPRAGUE
Not-for-Profit of the Year
For some senior citizens, getting to and from appointments, keeping up with friends, and eating healthy meals, can be a challenge. That’s where Valley Senior Services steps in. Since 1971, this organization has helped thousands of seniors each year in a variety of ways.
Most notably, they manage our local Meals on Wheels program, delivering hot meals to over 1,200 people a day. In 2019, they served more than 250,000 meals across six North Dakota counties.
But Valley Senior Services is more than just Meals on Wheels. Their mission is to promote independence and better health for seniors 60 years and older by reducing malnutrition and isolation. They also help clients find a sense of community by fostering friendships at senior centers, providing transportation services and connecting them with supportive resources.
They do this through the strength and generosity of volunteers and businesses. Respect, sincerity, solution engineers, kindness and compassion, guide their staff, volunteers and supporters.
As with many non-profits, flexibility and partnerships help them continue to meet demand. Valley Senior Services takes part in the Coalition of Service
Providers for the Elderly in Cass and Clay Counties. They collaborated with low-income housing facilities to provide community dining options for seniors and individuals with disabilities. They partnered with the YMCA to create a Pen Pal program, as well as additional community dining options at the Fercho branch. And, the cities of Fargo and West Fargo helped secure annual donations that provide vehicles to accommodate the growing number of seniors using the Metro Senior Ride program.
But that’s not at all. Valley Senior Services assisted nearly 400 clients enroll in Medicare
Part D, saving them money by switching their prescription plans. And in 2019, their Secret Santa for Seniors program provided Christmas gifts to 150 low-income seniors.
Illustrating their incredible community impact, one letter of recommendation said this:
“I could inundate you with a mountain of statistics that show how VSS has assisted many people in our region. But, when you peel back the data and delve into personal stories, you will quickly become enveloped in one heartwarming story after another. Each demonstrating how VSS has truly made a difference. One individual at a time, for our entire community.”
Metro Senior Ride Service
Program & Event Sponsors
Thank you to all of our sponsors that make The Chamber regular events and programs possible.
BUSINESS TRAINING
PROGRAM SPONSORS
EGGS & ISSUES
PRESENTING SPONSOR
WOMEN CONNECT
PROGRAM SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Forum Communications Printing
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Bremer Bank
Houston Engineering
KLJ Engineering
Midwest Radio of Fargo Moorhead
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Moore Engineering
ROERS | Super Studio
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
LEADERSHIP FMWF
PROGRAM SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Bell Bank | Eventide Senior Living Communities
Gate City Bank | Microsoft
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Otter Tail Corporation | Rasmussen College
Vogel Law Firm | WDAY
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. | Western State Bank
EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR
PRESENTING SPONSORS
PROGRAM SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency Essentia Health | Midco Minnesota State Community and Technical College
AGRIBUSINESS
PROGRAM SPONSOR
EDUCATION
MILITARY AFFAIRS
PROGRAM SPONSOR
PUBLIC POLICY
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Bremer Bank
First International Bank
Moore Engineering, Inc.
PROGRAM SPONSOR Gate City Bank
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Sanford Health