Prairie Business December 2022

THRIVING COMMUNITIES. THRIVING CLIENTS.

THRIVING EMPLOYEE-OWNERS.

Fr omon e of fi ce in Gr an d Fo rk s to 10 ac ro ss th e co un tr y; fr om tw o fo unde rs to 19 0 em pl oy ee -o wne rs ; fr om ye ar one to ye ar 33 we th riv e, no t be ca us e we ’v e do ne it all , be ca us e we st ill ha ve mo re to do . Th ank yo u fo r su pp or ti ngou r pa ss io n to re de fi ne wo rk pl ac e we ll -b ei ng , re ig ni te rur al Ma in St re et , an d tr an sf or m all co mmuni ti es in to th riv in g co mmuni ti es .

Compassionate Care Here for You

Essentia Health to opennew state-of-the-art clinic in The Lights development

WO RD S BY KE LS EY MIX

Essentia Health is always look ing for way s to deli ver care closer to home That ’s why Essentia is set to open a new clinic in the Cit yof West Fargo’s The Lights ,a bustling development featuring residential, commercial and ac ti ve -life spaces.

Scheduled to openon Dec. 19, the Essentia Health -Wes t Fargo The Lights Clinic willhave something to offer everyone in the community. The 14 ,500 -square-foot spacelocated on thecorner of Sheyenne Street and32nd Avenue West willoffer the follow ing serv ices:

n Family medicine: comprehensi ve health care for people of all ages.

n Pediatrics: specialized care for children frombirth to age18.

n Fertility: expert care for fertility diagnosis , options and treatment s.

n Gy necolog y: care for womenof all ages.

n Obstetrics: personalized care for women during pregnanc y, labor, deliver y and postpartum.

n Midwifer y: holis tic care for women throughout theirli ves, including primary care, pregnanc y, labor, deliver y and postpartum care.

n Imaging and radiology: safe and accurate ultrasound and x- ray imaging.

n Lab ser vices: a variet y of testing options to provide bet terinsight into one ’s health.

The Cit yof West Fargois rapidly grow ing, and Essentia Health wants to grow with and meet the needsof this community Conveniently located next to several schools and neighborhoods, the Essentia Health -Wes t Fargo The Lights Clinic willoffer familiesa new location where they can seek highquality, compassionate care for every age and st ageoflife.

“Deliver ing this full -ser vice clinic to West Fargois part of Essentia’s mission to makea healthy di fference in the

communities we have the pr ivilege to serve,” said Essentia West Market ChiefOperatingO fficer Al Hurley. “We are excited to make health care more accessibleby meeting our patients ina location where they are alread yli ving , work ing and play ing.”

This clinic will have 12 provider s, along with friendly and welcoming support staff. While it isa full -ser vice clinic, it dramaticall y expands on Essentia ’s pediatric and obstetrics/ gy necology serv ices locall y.

“A s West Fargo grow s, so are it s families,” says Hurley. “We are proud that this clinic will be a place where women, children and families are surrounded by the exper ts and technology necess ar y for the highest level of care Whether you’re an expec ting mom, are hoping to become a momor you ’rea momlook ing to find the rightproviderforyour self or your child, the expert s at the Essentia Health -Wes t Fargo The Lights Clinic are here foryou.”

Essentia’s mission to makea healthydi fference ex tends beyond the walls of it s facilities Alread y serv ing as the sponsorof The Lights Plaza, which hos ts concer ts and recreational opportunities, Essentia is alsocommit ted to coordinating other health -related events at this location.

Opening December19, 2022

WE ST FA RG O TH E LI GH TS CL INI C

To sche dule an appointment: 70 1-36 4- 89 00

Clinic Hour s: Monday –Friday: 8am–5pm

Parking: is available to patients on the eas t or so ut h side s of The Lights comple x, or in the park ing garage on the nort h side.

Please join usfora ribbon cutting andcommunity open house at thenew Essentia Health –Wes t Fargo TheLights Clinic from 4-6 pm on Thursday, Jan. 19. The ribbon cutting will occur firs t, followedby the open house.

AT TEN DE ES WI LL BE AB LE TO:

n Tour the new clinic

n Learn more aboutprov ider s, ser vices and care options

n Enjoy free ice skating and skate rent als at The Lights Rink at Essentia Health Plaza. A compliment ar y hotcocoa bar will be available.

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Balance FOr success

Three years ago when I arrived to take the helm of Prairie Business, I wrote my first editor’s note for the December 2019 issue. As a newbie to the Dakotas and Minnesota, I was excited to see the high-caliber people in business who make the region a great place to live and work.

Now, in 2022, I am just as excited to see that business – and business leadership – remains strong in the region. How can it not be with such exemplary, and often young, professionals leading the charge?

December is when Prairie Business honors 40 of the region’s young and ambitious leadership, those who have, are and, by all counts, will continue to make an impact in their careers and communities.

There is something I have learned from the leadership we have recognized over the years since I’ve been here: Ambition, good work ethic, innovation, community service, family … success. To achieve and be good at any of it, let alone all of it, takes balance.

The young professionals in this issue, all under the age of 40, have learned how to balance everything on their full plates. Of course, there is always trial and error, but success doesn’t come easy – nor does achieving the standard to be named as a Prairie Business 40 Under 40 recipient.

Read on to see who made this year’s list and some of the things they’ve accomplished in their careers to date. We look forward to the future of the region, knowing these professionals will continue to do great things in their careers and communities. In turn, such efforts have a trickle-down effect and impact us all in some way.

And next year Prairie Business will honor another group of young, under the age of 40 professionals. PB staff looks forward to that.

For now, a big congratulations and hearty thank you to all of the 2022 award recipients!

With best wishes, Andrew Weeks

I look forward to hearing from you at aweeks@prairiebusinessmagazine.com or 701-780-1276.

RELIABILITY BA SINELECTRIC

PO WER YO UC AN AL WAYS DEPENDON

ReliableEnergy

Benefit packages, insurance trends

what’s on the minds of those in the know

By Andrew Weeks

As winter deepens in the region, people’s thoughts often turn to warmer climes. But for those in business, wintertime prompts another topic of thought: insurance.

Prairie Business spoke with an insurance specialist to see what’s on top of mind currently in the industry, as well as a few individuals at companies who shared some new things their businesses are doing with regard to employee benefits.

“A lot of times insurance is just a component of daily activity for a business,” said Casey Holland, senior insurance and risk advisor with Vaaler Insurance. It is a critical component to one’s peace of mind, especially during a catastrophic loss “or even a simple loss,” he said.

Wintertime (and springtime) woes

As trends evolve, some things remain the same.

“One of the key factors for businesses is workers compensation insurance,” Holland said. “Where we live, the slip and falls are big issues that take place for employers; wet floors, the icy conditions. For those driving in vehicles, that’s a concern too. It is one of those areas where you just have to be cognizant of talking to your maintenance staff and ensuring that the proper de-icer, salt or gravel is put in the proper places to prevent injuries to these very important employees.”

In short, make sure insurance covers mishaps – and Mother Nature’s other onslaughts. Even before the snow melts, there’s another item to consider.

CASEY HOLLAND

“We recommend flood insurance, and the most important thing to remember when you’re buying flood insurance is when it comes springtime – and here in the Red River Valley as we want to say it – we have to start thinking about flood insurance in January.”

The reason, he said, is because the National Flood Insurance Pro gram has a 30-day waiting period.

“If you want to buy insurance and know it’s a big concern, make sure you’re planning ahead 30 days before the event actually takes place, because you can’t call in and say I want coverage now. … If you’re calling in on March 15 and the flood actually occurs on March 31, then you would not have coverage because there’s that 30-day waiting period.”

What companies are offering

Jessica Jackson, senior business advisor and retirement specialist with Alerus, has a question.

“As I’m meeting with clients, I’m asking a lot of questions,” she said, noting one of the main ones is, “What can I do to help you?”

It’s a good question that sparks a lot of answers.

She said as she reviews with individuals their employee benefits, items often discussed are financial wellness, which may entail employee education plans, health savings account, and flexible savings accounts, among other items.

“We talk about what’s working, maybe what’s not working with their existing providers, those types of things,” she said.

Among the discussions, they’ll review “different contribution plans, defining features, different vesting schedules. Long story short,” she said, “we will sit down and review compliance data – and what I mean by that is, we will review average deferral percentages and participation rates in the plan. We’ll talk about employee education and what that looks like, and what they’d like it to look like in the upcoming year. We’ll review their investment report and talk through those parameters.

She said since the pandemic, employers are asking more about what they can do for or offer their teams in the way of financial wellness options.

A big topic is retirement options.

Jessica Jackson

Retirement benefits

“We are seeing new team members come on board, and they are more financially savvy, if you will,” Jackson said, noting more people are asking about retirement options these days. “Different industries may experience that more prevalent than others, but overall, I would agree that I have been hearing that feedback from employers that their people are asking about it.”

Brenna Grossbauer

Brenna Grossbauer, chief human resources officer with Starion Bank, said Starion was in the middle of open enrollment when she spoke with Prairie Business on Nov. 10, and noted some changes.

“This year, for example, we added another holiday to our roster of holidays,” Grossbauer said. “A lot of the changes with our 401k program is to make it more competitive in the market and a better benefit overall for our employees, and so we did change the matching contribution.”

The company also changed the vesting schedule and is implementing auto enrollment – a nice feature, she said, but which doesn’t take options away from the employee.

“When we have a new hire start with us, they are automatically enrolled into a 401k program,” she explained. “They still have the option, they’re in complete control if they don’t want to contribute for whatever reason, or they can opt out; but we automatically enroll them and that’s just to encourage people to participate.”

She said the company goes “about middle of the road,” enrolling employees at 3% so they get that match on their money. They can increase or decrease the amount they contribute, if they’d like.

Starion Bank also offers a profit sharing program.

“Contribution there is up to a maximum of their 6% discretionary contributions into people’s 401K plans and it’s based on the bank’s performance,” she said. “At the beginning of each year, we set what our goals are; we build out and depending on the different milestones or hurdles or financial goals that we set, wherever that lays out, determines what the profit share is as well.”

Emergency savings accounts

Something else employers may consider offering employees is an emergency savings account.

“That is something actually that’s relatively new for Alerus and that we’re pretty proud of,” Jackson said. Essentially this account is another option to help employees save or earmark money.

And why is that important?

“Well,” Jackson explained, “it’s important because if an employee is not confident that they have a decent emergency fund set aside, they’re going to be less likely to contribute to their retirement plan. I know because I’ve met with literally thousands of employees as I’ve provided employee education, and I repeatedly hear that feedback. They’ll say, ‘I know I need to contribute to my plan, but I don’t have a decent enough (amount) put away. I don’t have an emergency account set up or things like debt management. I have this loaded debt I need to address and then I can contribute to my plan.”

Basically, an emergency savings account allows the employee to simply complete the payroll deduction. “They can set up that automatic deduction from their payroll into an emergency savings account,” she said. “It’s super simple, easy, and they can change the amount at any time.”

continued on page 14

CH RISTIN FINE

Direc torofEnv ironment ,Health, andS afety

“B eS afe”isthe first of theEERC’sCoreValues, and Christin work stirelessl ytocreateaculture whereas afe work spaceisthe expe ct ation, notthe exception.Workinghand in hand with scientists,engineer s, and suppor ts taff, sheenact ss afety initiatives that areanasset to ourjobs, notahinderance.Weareso very proud of your well -deser ve drecognitionand grateful foryourcommitmenttous.

Congratulations to 2022’s 40 Under 40 award winners!

One, two, three … 40. 40 Under 40, that is – and Prairie Business couldn’t be more pleased with this year’s award recipients. Turn the pages and look at all of them – 40 of the region’s young professionals who continue to impact their careers and communities.

The magazine’s 40 Under 40 award recognizes individuals from a wide range

of industries who have made significant impacts in their chosen professions and communities. They are business owners, community trendsetters, entrepreneurs, executives, industry experts, nonprofit leaders, and more.

They are, in a word, exceptional. Congratulations to all of the 2022 award recipients!

Health savings plans

Nancy Bjorndahl is going on a quarter century with DCN, and has seen a lot of change in that time. The limited-liability company, doing business as Dakota Carrier Network, started with just a handful of employees but today has about 40 in two offices, Bismarck and Fargo.

It’s a good company, said Bjorndahl, who serves as business manager. She said it offers a number of perks for its employees, including a competitive insurance benefits package.

“People are surprised when they learn we have five options,” she said.

Some new developments within the past couple of years, and continuing this year, is a Health Savings Account (HSA) option – an account set aside to pay for health care costs – which Bjorndahl said is trending in the industry these days. Last year was the first time DCN started offering the option.

“It has to be offered with a high deductible health plan, though,” she said. “And so we offer a total of five plans. Three of them are kind of your traditional plans with various premiums, and then we offer two high-deductible HSA compatible plans.”

Insurance benefits as retention and retaining tools

Holland sums it up like this:

“I think there are really three things that are big topics right now for employers when it comes to insurance. What we’re hearing is staffing is the number one concern.

“Almost every single business we talk with is actively searching for new team members or trying to retain those team members. The employers are really wanting to see their options when it comes to employee health and benefits solutions. The employers and the employees are looking to see what brings the maximum value to them.

“Their hope is that their benefit packages are going to be a differentiator to retain talent and to get new talent. Probably the number one area is the staffing, no matter what industry you’re in right now. … There’s a wage competition going on out there – who is providing the highest dollar – but you can’t always only look at that; you have to look at the benefits packages companies are offering too, because those dollars are also coming out of your paycheck.”

Nancy Bjorndahl

Derek Anderson

Age: 38 Professional Engineer

Apex Engineering Group, Inc. Fargo, N.D.

Rob Ashe

Age: 37 Director of Business Applications

Microsoft Fargo, N.D.

Derek Anderson is a registered Professional Engineer and project manager at Apex Engineering Group in Bismarck. He is a Tioga, ND native and North Dakota State University graduate with a B.S. in construction engineering. As a consultant, he provides professional engineering services specifically focused on transportation projects for various public agency clients across the state of North Dakota. He has been involved with multiple large-scale projects that have improved the safety and reliability of the road network system within North Dakota. Anderson takes his role seriously and strives to uphold the ethical commitment that all Professional Engineers must hold paramount. He is a dedicated employee and supervisor who pushes his team to excel. Because of these qualities, he was asked to become an Apex partner and owner four years ago. Anderson resides in Bismarck with his wife, Sherri, and their two boys. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting and fishing with friends and family and volunteers his time coaching the Bismarck Youth Football League (BYFL) and Bismarck Youth Baseball (BYB) organizations.

In his 10-plus years at Microsoft, Rob Ashe has held numerous sales roles and earned multiple “Key Talent” awards, as well as selection for the Next Step Leadership Development program. For three years, he served as senior commercial manager, where he led a team of contract and licensing experts to manage commercial sales operations for a $2 billion business division. He now holds a senior sales role focused on leading business applications strategy at enterprise retail and CPG brands like Sleep Number, RDO Equipment and Fastenal.

Ashe is an industry thought-leader with national-level impact through his efforts to educate and entertain with social content and speaking engagements. His popular LinkedIn Video Series, “Rob’s Reads” is widely considered the greatest book reviews of all-time. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Minnesota State University Moorhead and recently completed the Credential of Readiness program from Harvard Business School Online and his MBA at Boise State University. Ashe lives in Fargo with his wife of nine years, Nicole, their two dogs, Doc and Cece, and cat, Doyle.

Mubashir Badar

Age: 38

Vice President/Clinic

Sanford Health Bismarck, N.D.

Mubashir Badar, MD, serves as vice president, Clinic, for the Bismarck Region of Sanford Health. In this role, Dr. Badar leads the region’s 425-plus physicians and advanced practice providers.

Originally from Toronto, Dr. Badar joined the Sanford family in 2013 as a hospitalist, a physician who cares for patients while they are in the hospital. He has served in various leadership roles for Sanford, including chief of medicine and chair of the region’s physician executive council. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was one of the first volunteers to treat patients with COVID-19 in the medical center. Because of this leadership, Dr. Badar received the 2020 Sanford Health Physician of the Year award.

Dr. Badar graduated with honors from Ross University School of Medicine in 2010. He completed his internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine at Queens Hospital Center in New York. In addition to his administrative position, Dr. Badar continues to provide direct patient care in the hospital. He lives in Bismarck with his wife and two children.

Landon Bahl

Age: 30

Partner & Director of Business Development

322 Hospitality Group Grand Forks, N.D.

Landon Bahl is a partner and director of business development at 322 Hospitality Group, a hospitality group focused on maximizing communities with premier hospitality facilities, services, and amenities.

Bahl has been instrumental in forming 322 Hospitality Group. This includes expansion of multiple franchises in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota, oversight of Sky’s Fine Dining, Cloud 9 Events, the Opal Event Center, and the latest projects 322 Hospitality Group is bringing to fruition which includes, “The Olive Ann” boutique hotel, and a year-round rooftop bar under construction in downtown Grand Forks, set to open in 2023 and 2024.

An individual with a driving entrepreneurial passion and mindset, one could say his hobbies also include business. Currently he is co-owner of Knowles Jewelry of Minot, and founder of LandoLive Music Festival in Bottineau, North Dakota.

A graduate of the University of North Dakota, he resides in Grand Forks. Bahl was elected to serve District 17 as a representative in the North Dakota State House of Representatives, volunteers on local and national Fraternity boards, and an avid mentor through UND.

Mallory Berdal

Age: 36 Banking Operations Manager

Alerus

Grand Forks, N.D.

As the banking operations manager at Alerus, Mallory Berdal is responsible for the deposit operations and loan operations teams and plays a critical role in areas including technology advancements, fraud mitigation, deposit and lending projects, and process improvements. Her steady leadership, mentorship, and creative solutions help employees and the company continuously evolve and innovate to meet clients’ changing needs and reflect industry trends.

Berdal has served in various roles at Alerus since 2006, including client service manager and deposit operations manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of North Dakota and National Check Professional and Accredited ACH Professional designations. An active member of the Greater Grand Forks Sertoma Club, she helps organize the group’s annual Fourth of July event and co-chaired the kids’ bike parade in 2021 and 2022. She contributes her free time as a youth soccer coach and helps organize community involvement activities for Alerus. She lives with her family in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

McKenzy Braaten

Age: 31 VP of Communications EPIC Companies

West Fargo, N.D.

McKenzy Braaten is vice president of communications at EPIC Companies, a real estate development company. She joined EPIC in January 2017, helping steer the exponential growth over the past few years by evolving the brand and showcasing how EPIC’s innovative developments impact entire communities.

Braaten graduated with a masters in communications from Purdue in 2016 and found her passion in storytelling. As part of EPIC’s leadership team, she enjoys work in public relations, internal and external communications, and events. She also collaborates with the company’s internal teams and speaks at community clubs where she is able to share EPIC’s story. She credits her hardworking teammates for making EPIC a great place to work and grow. She’s intentional about building relationships with coworkers, vendors and others who want to raise the bar and provide unique placemaking aspects.

A graduate of the 2019-20 FMWF Chamber Leadership Class, Braaten serves on the ND Special Olympics board and is a member of the EPIC volunteer committee. Originally from Mohall, North Dakota, she and her husband Zach enjoy the lake and spending time with son Chezney and stepdaughter Aubrie.

SFAKLER

Jessica Brewster

Age: 38 Chief Operating Officer Heartview Foundation

Bismarck, N.D.

Jessica Brewster is the chief operating officer of Heartview Foundation and has dedicated her career to serving those struggling with addiction. She is responsible for the clinical programs and overall operations of Heartview’s Bismarck locations, including the residential treatment, Opioid Treatment Program and outpatient treatment facilities. Committed to the 400 patients who rely on Heartview for their recovery, she is an invaluable resource to the Foundation’s 130 employees.

Born and raised in Bismarck, Brewster received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in addiction counseling from the University of Mary and became a Licensed Master Addiction Counselor in January 2010. She was hired at Heartview as the OTP director in July 2019 with experience in the addiction and mental health fields from positions held at the Department of Human Services and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Promoted March 2021 to her current role, she has a passion for leading caring teams, providing evidence-based treatment services to the community and creating an intentional place for patients to reach their full potential in recovery.

Nic Cullen

Age: 36

Project Manager & Certified Floodplain Manager

Houston Engineering, Inc.

Bismarck, N.D.

Nicolas Cullen is a professional civil engineer, certified floodplain manager, and project manager with Houston Engineering’s Bismarck office. He leads teams responsible for the design and construction of private, municipal, and floodplain related projects across the region. He has been with Houston Engineering since 2011 where he is client focused, committed to quality, and strives to be the ideal team player.

Cullen is involved in the community, being a recent graduate/ member of the Bismarck Mandan EDC LBMAA, current Dakota Zoo Board Member, past officer and active member of the North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers, current area management for Special Olympics North Dakota – Bismarck, and many more.

Originally from Bismarck, he graduated from NDSU with a degree in civil engineering and a minor in business administration. While he is busy with work and extracurricular community activities, his biggest goal is spending time with his wife, Brittany, and their three children Emma, Caleb, and Karly pontooning/kayaking on the Missouri River during the summer and skiing/snowboarding in winter.

William S. Cromarty

Age: 30

Director of Business Development

Aerial Robotics

Grand Forks, N.D.

William S. Cromarty is a former CIA officer and national security subject-matter expert in aerospace and satellite systems, space/ counterspace weapons system counterproliferation, and aerospace-sector geopolitics. He serves as director of Business Development for Aerial Robotics, where he is leading the multinational UAV manufacturer’s North Dakota expansion into the Fargo and Grand Forks regions, and was recently selected for North Dakota’s Builders & Backers program, where he is spearheading an effort to establish a nonprofit museum incubator.

Cromartyis a Fellow at The Explorers Club and the Royal Astronomical Society, a National Eagle Scout Association World Explorer, and a past invited lecturer at NASA, USCG NAVCEN, USFS, The UAS Summit, the American Geographical Society, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Fargo Air Museum, where his private collection of Cold War Space Race artifacts is on display. He is a competitive ultramarathon runner and pistol instructor; currently training as a Muay Thai fighter while pursuing his solo skydiver license, FAA Part 107 drone pilot license, PADI Divemaster certification and PADI Master Scuba Diver certification.

Christy Dauer

Age: 38

Executive Director

North Dakota Women’s Business Center

Bismarck & Fargo

Christy Dauer is a natural innovator, connector, professional strategist, and leader. She has earned her reputation as a reliable voice with an unrivaled work ethic while enthusiastic about serving others. As executive director for the North Dakota Women’s Business Center, she is a results-driven visionary specializing in business strategy and program development.

With over a decade of management experience, she tirelessly advocates and champions building vibrant communities. Christy is dedicated to driving economic impact to the state as a conduit to resources and providing impactful programming to women business owners statewide.

In addition to her career, Dauer is an active volunteer in her local community. On a state level, she serves on the Commission for Status of Women. She was also recently appointed to the National Association of Women’s Business Center board of directors. She has devoted her talents to numerous community endeavors and seeks out the best in others. She and her husband are raising two boys in West Fargo.

Sean Dempsey

Age: 37 VP / Owner Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant Watertown, S.D.

Sean Dempsey started at Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant back in 1999 when his family started the landmark business in Watertown, South Dakota, working in and on the business, slowly growing and expanding the brand. In 2019 he opened his first expansion, “Danger von Dempsey’s” in Aberdeen, where he put more of a focus on pizzas and great local craft beer.

In 2022, he opened the third location, “Danger von Dempseys ATY” at the Watertown Regional Airport.

He is also a premier member on the United States Pizza Team, competing nationally and internationally across the globe, and has recently won accolades in pizza making, and giving back. In 2022 he was awarded a “friend of the library” for his work on the Read by the slice program where the restaurant gives kids pizza based on hours red.

He had seven cats, two dogs, a ridiculous amount of fish, and spends free (150) time reading, playing anything called “ final fantasy” and spending time with his fiancee.

THINKINGBIG& GOING BEYOND.

CongratstoJordanGrasseronbeingnam oneofthe Top40Under40inBusiness!

Lauren Deshler

Age: 32

Principal Architect Architecture Incorporated Sioux Falls, S.D.

Lauren Deshler is a principal architect and partner at Architecture Incorporated working out of the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, office.

She joined the firm in 2013 after graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Iowa State University, and since day one has proven herself as an integral member of the team. She has an unrivaled work ethic and ensures that her clients receive the best service possible, embodying the firm’s commitment to Creative Solutions and Proven Service.

She contributes in many ways toward improving the firm’s culture, volunteering her time and talents on planning committees. Deshler is also involved with the Young Professionals Network and has served as a Junior Achievement classroom volunteer for many years.

In her free time she enjoys traveling and exploring new places, her favorite of which is Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.

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JordanThinksBigandGoesBeyondeverydayashe managesimportantwatersupplyprojectsthatprovide drinkingwatertocommunitiesacrosstheregion.Hea overseesthelargestAE2Soffice,locatedinGrandFo Leadershiptakespatience,empathy,andhumilityand Jordan exemplifiesthesetraitseveryday.Whenhe’s n attheoffice,heisspendingqualitytimewithhisfamily helpingtoleadthelocalCubScout Pack.Thankyoufo everythingyoudotoimproveourcommunity,Jordan!

e safe also rks not y and or

Greg Dvorak

Age: 38 Mechanical Engineer/Production Manager/Project Manager for Industrial Services Group

EAPC Architects Engineers

Bismarck, N.D.

Greg Dvorak, a New England, North Dakota native, has been with EAPC Architects Engineers since 2013. He has grown from a project engineer into both a project manager and a lead engineer for industrial projects in the Midwest and throughout the nation. He was instrumental in developing a quality management system based on the ISO9001:2015 standard for the Industrial Services (IS) group within EAPC. Along with project work, he is the IS Group Production manager where he coordinates resources across all projects. Dvorak is a focused individual with a strong attention to detail and a knack for organizing and developing procedures. Throughout his 14-yearcareer, he has enjoyed working with and learning from companies in the energy, oil and gas, food and beverage, and agricultural sectors. Dvorak is a proud graduate of the University of North Dakota where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (2007) with a minor in Mathematics and a Mechanical Engineering Master of Science (2008). He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of North Dakota.

CODY EINERSON

Age: 33 Business Lender

Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Cody Einerson grew up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and strives to give back to his local community that gave so much to him growing up. This means you might find him on the ice with a whistle, in a shirt and tie helping a local business, or getting his hands dirty at a community event.

Einerson found a perfect fit for his personal philosophy and the credit union approach of “people helping people” when he joined Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union three years ago as a Business Lender. He supports local business owners in achieving their dreams and is grateful to be provided the opportunity to also spend time on the ice as head junior varsity coach for the Detroit Lakes High School Boys Hockey team.

In addition, he serves the community through the United Way as a board member and President elect, Day of Caring in Becker County and local Chamber activities. Einerson also enjoys spending time with his fiancé and family, going on the lake, hunting, and spending time outdoors.

Alicia Fadley

Age: 30 Architect Widseth Grand Forks, N.D.

Thomas Fakler

Age: 34 Technical Manager Ulteig Engineers, Inc. Fargo, N.D.

Alicia Fadley is a talented designer, organized manager, and engaged community member. A licensed architect in the state of North Dakota, she earned a Master of Architecture from North Dakota State University.

As an architect, she continues to grow as a professional while sharing her knowledge, talents, and energy with the Grand Forks community. In 2019, Fadley was elated when she was named the Greater Grand Forks Young Professional of the Year and has continued to serve as the Community Involvement Chair for the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals. She is also active at her church and enjoys volunteering weekly with their youth program.

Fadley’s interests in policy and planning have led her to serve on the Grand Forks Board of Appeals as well as Widseth’ s Strategic Planning Committee. Her experience as an architect, her leadership within the firm and community, and her passion for raising others up exemplify that Fadley is a solid asset to Widseth and one of the firm’s next generation of leaders.

Thomas Fakler, PE, is a technical manager at Ulteig, leading a group of transportation professionals providing planning, traffic, and roadway design services to various DOT clients across the country. He focuses on creating a culture of agility and technical expertise to ensure the success of Ulteig’s clients.

Fakler has also served with the North Dakota National Guard since 2006. He has held leadership positions including Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Engineering Officer-in-Charge and, most recently, Operations Officer for the 164th Engineer Battalion in Minot.

Fakler was selected to participate in the Society of American Military Engineers Leader Development Program, where he completed a Capstone Project focused on STEM Outreach efforts to Native American communities and secured a $75,000 grant from the United Engineering Foundation to support future outreach efforts.

Fakler holds a BS in civil engineering from North Dakota State University. He lives in Fargo, ND, with his wife and three children, where he enjoys time with his family and outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking.

DEDICATION CO LLABORATION

At TSP, we strive forresults thatsurpass expec tations, and thiswouldn ’t bepossible without theinitiative of our teammember s. Congratulations to LucasL orenzen forbeing recognized as a40under40honoree.As aprovenengineer,L uc as under st andshiscraf t, is thefirsttor aisehishand,andis well-known forhis collabor ativeskills.

Congratulations,Lucas!

Christin Fine

Age: 37

Director of Environment, Health, & Safety Energy & Environmental Research Center

Grand Forks, N.D.

Christin Fine, director for EHS at the EERC, focuses on leading the EERC’s Environment, Occupational Health, and Safety Programs. She holds an M.S. in Safety, Security & Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University, a B.S. in Occupational Safety and Environmental Health from the University of North Dakota and is a certified safety professional and certified instructional trainer. Her professional development studies focus on human performance in the workplace to develop management systems which help to prevent incidents.

Fine is passionate about the sharing of safety knowledge to improve workplace environments. She is actively involved in a variety of professional organizations where she mentors young safety professionals, coaching them in how to find solutions to hazardous worksite situations.

She participates in webinars and panels focused on being a professional female in a male dominated industry, encourages her employees to present at conferences on technical and management topics, and is well-respected by her peers. She is involved in nonprofits throughout the region.

Drew Flaagan

Age: 36

Vice President/ Commercial Loan Officer

First International Bank and Trust Watford City, N.D.

Drew Flaagan currently serves as vice president / commercial loan officer at First International Bank & Trust. He began his career in 2009 as a credit analyst, shortly after graduating from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Throughout his career, he has helped support main street businesses that work to improve the quality of life for his community.

Outside of work, Flaagan has served as a referee for high school football and basketball, as well as a scheduling coordinator for fellow referees in Northwest North Dakota. He dedicates much of his spare time to refereeing and has officiated multiple state football and basketball post-season contests. In addition, he has served on the Fox Hills Golf Board and had an instrumental role in the project to expand the course to 18 holes.

Jake Fisketjon

Age: 30

Retail Manager and AVP Senior Mortgage Loan Officer

Gate City Bank

Bismarck, N.D.

Jake Fisketjon started with Gate City Bank in his hometown of Williston, North Dakota, and has devotedly shared in the bank’s mission of providing a better way of life for customers, team members and communities. He exemplifies the philanthropic spirit of giving bank and volunteers with several local organizations including Missouri Slope United Way, Bismarck Emergency Food Pantry and Great Plains Food Bank. Jake also serves on the board of directors for Northern Plains Dance.

In his role as retail manager, AVP of Bismarck Country West and Mandan, Fisketjon enjoys working with an exceptional team committed to making a difference and providing a brilliant customer experience.

Fisketjon holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University and Master of Business Administration from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Outside of work, Fisketjon and his wife, Megan, are proud parents of three boys, and enjoy raising their family in the heart of North Dakota.

Age: 36

Vice President of Operations

North Star Community Credit Union Maddock, N.D.

Yvonne Fossen is the vice president of operations at North Star Community Credit Union, the 5 th largest credit union in North Dakota. She began her career there in 2005 as an Intern, at which time the credit union was less than $80 million in assets and had only 4 locations. Now, NSCCU is over $411 million in assets with 13 locations.

Fossen has held various roles from member services representative, IT, human resources manager, & interim branch manager, to her current role of vp of operations, overseeing IT, Cards, ACH/Share Drafts, Human Resources, Core Services, and general Operations for all locations and 106 employees.

She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration and Management, and a Human Resources Management Certificate from Dickinson State University. She also has multiple other professional certifications including Professional in Human Resources, Certified Credit Union Executive, Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor, and Credit Union HR Compliance Professional.

Fossen is active in her church, local credit union chapter, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Mitchell and their two daughters, Vada, and Vyvyan.

Yvonne Fossen

Matt Gehrtz

Age: 34

Principal Construction Manager

Gehrtz Construction Management Fargo, N.D.

Matt Gehrtz is a principal construction manager at Gehrtz Construction Services. He has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from NDSU, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado in Denver and is a licensed civil engineer. Throughout his career, has worked on many highly impactful community projects across the region. He fully devotes himself to the mission of each client’s project and encourages his teams to see the overall goal and mission of each building.

In his role, Gehrtz leads through the process of building or renovating a project. He coordinates communication, schedules, budgets, timelines, and the overall organization and problem solving needed to complete a project successfully. GCS prides themselves on always being on the client’s side of the table and being a strong, trustworthy resource for whatever needs arise. Gehrtz embodies this spirit through his work by staying in close contact with his clients throughout the entire construction process, and often after.

He and his wife, Kjerstin, and their three young children, Vivienne, Solveij and Ivor, reside in Fargo.

Jordan Grasser, PE

Age: 37

Operations Manager

AE2S

Grand Forks, N.D.

Jordan Grasser, PE, manages AE2S’ largest office and corporate headquarters with a staff of 81 people. He has been an engineer at the 100% employee-owned consulting engineering firm for a total of 12 years and was promoted to operations manager five years ago.

In addition to his management duties, he oversees important regional drinking water projects, such as the Grand Forks Regional Water Treatment Plant project where he served as lead engineer.

Prior to arriving at AE2S, Grasser earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering from UND. Born and raised in Grand Forks, he has devoted his career to the betterment of drinking water in the region and his free time to creating opportunities for local kids to be involved in Cub Scouts.

Grasser and his wife, Erin, have two sons. Five years ago, the couple helped start a Cub Scout Pack at their sons’ school. Over the years Grasser has served as Cub Scout Committee chair, cubmaster, and den leader, as well as coordinating the annual winter camp and other camp events.

Congratulatio

James G. Hand

Age: 35 Business Developer Construction Engineers

Fargo, N.D.

Since joining the team in 2018, James Hand has been actively representing Construction Engineers in the Fargo/Moorhead business community. Charged with identifying market opportunities, building relationships, and driving business growth, he goes above and beyond to elevate our brand and lead project pursuits in the area. As an ideas guy, Hand is always pushing the organization to try new innovations and think outside the box. His energy and enthusiasm are a catalyst for working collaboratively with his colleagues and co-workers.

He has always felt it is important to be an engaged citizen and to give back to the community. He serves on the board for the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties, Fargo Rotary, Moorhead EDA, Moorhead Parks and Recreation, the Moorhead Business Association, and volunteers his time to multiple organizations and community initiatives. Hand resides in Moorhead with his wife, Tessa, and three children, David, Tucker, and Charlee. He enjoys golfing, cheering on the Bison, and all the activities and adventures that come with raising three kids.

Sarah Kenz

Age: 33

Talent Acquisition Manager

Titan Machinery, Inc

West Fargo, N.D.

Lori Hoerauf

Age: 38

Vice President of Loan Operations

Cornerstone Bank

Fargo, N.D.

Lori Hoerauf joined Cornerstone Bank in May 2010 and currently serves as the vice president of loan operations. During her time at Cornerstone she has held a variety of roles including compliance/ BSA, internal audit and loan documentation. She started her banking career as a teller and moved into examining banks with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. She has worked in banking for more than 18 years.

Hoerauf earned her bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead. After graduation, she obtained her Certified Public Accountant license.

Hoerauf is a member of Red River Church in West Fargo where she has served as a Sunday School teacher for the past 9 years and volunteers with the church nursery and praise team. She has also served on Cornerstone’s United Way campaign committee. She and her husband, Andrew, have three children and reside in Fargo. They stay busy racing to activities and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys sewing, crafting and exploring Excel spreadsheets.

Kathryn Kester

Age: 28

Community Relations Manager

Xcel Energy

Grand Forks, N.D.

Sarah Kenz is the talent acquisition manager at Titan Machinery. She leads the North American talent acquisition strategy, which includes talent attraction, hiring, recruitment marketing, and pipeline programming. She thrives on positioning Titan Machinery to be the employer of choice within the markets they serve, and in the heavy equipment industry. Her success is credited to her positivity, creativity, competitive spirit, and strategic mindset.

Within her role, she enjoys building relationships with team members and positively impacting individuals throughout their career journey. In her seven years at Titan Machinery, Kenz has developed and implemented 12 career programs.

Outside of the office, she is involved in West Fargo’s VOLT volleyball club where she has spent the last eight years coaching middle school players, as a classroom, Junior Achievement volunteer, participating in educational committees/events, or at her Literary Ladies book club. Her personal and professional life is centered on building meaningful connections to help create a better workforce, workplace, and community now and in the future.

Kathryn Kester serves as the community relations manager for Xcel Energy in Grand Forks, North Dakota where she leads the company’s community investments and involvement efforts, fosters working relationships with regional city leaders, and oversees business relationships and economic development. Before joining Xcel Energy, Kathryn worked in the nonprofit sector, most recently as the Executive Director of the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals. Kester has a proven record of cultivating relationships with intentional and authentic communication to increase services, programming, and funding. Spending much of her time at community tables, Kathryn serves as a Board Member for Altru Health Foundation and Altru Alliance, Co-Chair of the Chamber’s Business Government Education Alliance, and soon to be on the Advisory Boards of Grand Forks Region EDC and Grand Forks Public Schools Junior Achievement.

Kathryn graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and is a Nationally Credentialed Non-Profit Professional.

Your continued commitment to the success of yourclients,ourbank,and the WatfordCity communityis extraordinary. Congratulationsonbeing namedamongour region'srisingleaders.

Your continued commitment to the success of yourclients,ourbank,and the WatfordCity communityis extraordinary. Congratulationsonbeing namedamongour region'srisingleaders.

Drew Flaagan

VP/Commercial LoanOfficer

Drew Flaagan

LoanOfficer

Keith Leier

Age: 35

Vice President –Development and Construction

Kilbourne Group Fargo, N.D.

Keith Leier is vice president of development and construction for Kilbourne Group, a real estate redevelopment firm focused on mixeduse infill, adaptive reuse, and historic redevelopment projects. From the smallest custom fit-up job to the 18-story RDO Tower in downtown Fargo, Leier sees projects from vision to reality, keeping everyone involved engaged, inspired, and part of lasting, positive change. He is a graduate of NDSU with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

A native of Rugby, North Dakota, Leier is a fierce advocate for honoring the state’s history and people. For five generations, Leiers have been building their lives in North Dakota, focused on family, community and being part of something bigger than one’s self. A devoted leader, he shares his vision with all those around him and works passionately to make big things happen.

Leier and his wife, Rachel, are the proud parents of four young sons. From camping and exploring, to building forts and bike ramps, they strive for an adventurous lifestyle while teaching the skills for the next generation of dreamers and builders.

Lucas Lorenzen

Age: 39

Structural Engineer

TSP, Inc.

Sioux Falls, S.D.

Melissa Leuthold

Age: 36

Adult & Online Enrollment Coordinator

Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, S.D.

Melissa Leuthold is both the Adult & Online Enrollment and International Student Services Coordinator at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota.

In 2019, Leuthold served internationally as a short-term missionary in 12 different countries. During this time, she experienced what she would describe as “radical hospitality,” which led to a career in international student services. She serves international students at DWU in a vast range of areas including international orientation, airport transportation, meals at her home and advocacy for more representation and inclusion of these students on campus and in the community.

Leuthold has also taken on the task of growing new initiatives. From alternative two-year and certificate programs to playing a critical role in recruiting one of the largest MBA cohorts in the school’s history, she continues to succeed at supporting recruitment and expanding new programs at Dakota Wesleyan.

Leuthold is an avid traveler who works hard to integrate a missional lifestyle and servant leadership approach to her career and community, while fulfilling her passion of advocating for and serving international students.

Chelsey Matter

Age: 39

Executive Director of Government Programs

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Fargo, N.D.

Lucas Lorenzen is a structural engineer at TSP, Inc., where he provides leadership across the firm’s priority areas of health and wellness, education, and community/government. As a project manager, Lorenzen guides and facilitates conversations, focusing on cost effectiveness and maintaining high-quality design standards. He is a registered professional engineer in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Lorenzen grew up on a family farm near Pipestone, Minn., and the problem-solving opportunities that accompany life on the farm influenced his decision to pursue a career in engineering. He graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a structural engineering concentration. Lorenzen also served in the Minnesota Army National Guard from 2000 to 2009.

He holds various volunteer roles at his local church and is a member of the Harrisburg Economic Development Corp. He also mentors local middle school students and has been instrumental in the success of high school internship and shadowing programs at TSP. Lorenzen and his wife, Kellie, live in Harrisburg, South Dakota, and have four children.

Chelsey Matter serves as the executive director of Government Programs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) with more than 17 years of experience in health care. As a respiratory therapist with a Master’s Degree in Public Health, her passion for improving the lives of North Dakotans has led her to consistently champion major healthcare initiatives.

She led the North Dakota smoke-free initiated measure, advancing public health by protecting North Dakotans from secondhand smoke exposure. More recently, she served as a key leader in COVID-19 efforts through her role as board chair for the Fargo Cass Public Health, Board of Health. At BCBSND, Chelsey’s led several initiatives to partner with providers to transition to value-based payment models. In her current role, she led BCBSND’s successful implementation of North Dakota Medicaid Expansion, where she is working to improve the lives of historically underserved populations.

On any given day, you can find her advocating for healthier communities across her home state. Her leadership, courage and grit will continue to benefit generations of North Dakotans to come.

Onboarding Properties Starts DayOne

On abuilding’s amenitieslist, internet is non-negotiable.Ifyou aren’tofferingit, youmay be missing outonrenters expectingtoconnect with ease. Enter MidcoProperties. We caterspecifically to theneedsof multi-dwellingunits,bringing fast, affordable internettoyour tenants.

To ensureyourinternetlivesupto expectations, we have adedicated PropertiesFulfillment team to provide asmooth experienceat everystepofimplementation –from themomentthe contractissignedall the wayuntilafterservices arelive.

What doestheProperties

Fulfillmentteam do?

Thefulfillment team partnerswith property owners andmanagers to coordinateWi-Fi,internetand TV installations at theirmulti-dwelling units –includingapartments, townhomes,senior livingcomplexes, hotelsandmore. From consulting withelectrician inspections to conductingtrainingcalls,there’s reallynothingthis team won’ttackle to getacomplexontheMidco® grid.

What istheimplementationprocess?

Oncethefirst contract issigned: Within 24 hours,thecustomerhears fromtheir assigned implementation coordinator to officiallybegin onboarding. Thecoordinator

answersquestions, explains the process,and establishes a strong relationshipandlineof communication.

From first contacttoinstallation: It is mostlyproject coordination: answeringquestions,making electrician recommendations, coordinatingengineerand electricianvisits –anythingto ensurethata property is ready forMidco services. Thecoordinator gives status updatesuntilit’s time fortheinstallation,whichthe coordinatoralsoschedules.

Afterinstallation: Thecoordinator sends afinalwrap-upemailwith supportinformation,usefullinks andourcustomersupportcontact information.As acourtesy, we providetheproperty’saccount numberagainandoffertosetup afirstbill reviewsessionsothere aren’t anysurprises.

Howdoeslocationaffectthe installationtimeline?

Being on ournetwork (on-net), nearournetwork (near-net)or faraway fromournetwork (offnet)plays arole in howandwhen servicesareinstalled.Timingcan vary.Midco’svast fibernetwork makes connectingnewsites fasterandeasier,butsometimes

extratimeandhelpisneeded to reachlocations.

–On-net:Minimalconstruction is required.Oftentimes, only aservicelineinstallisneeded

–Near-net:Underground and aerialconstruction of newfiberopticlinestoextendtheMidco FiberNetworkwillbe needed.

–Off-net:Our team works with one ofpreferredpartner carriers tocoordinate network connectivity –orexpands our Midco FiberNetwork.

Client fulfillment takescareof allaspects of theprocessfor eachpropertyandprovides arough completiontimeline

Howdoesthe relationship betweenour team andthe customer grow overtime?

Theimplementation teamoften workswithpropertydevelopers whoarejugglingmultipleprojects andbuildingcontracts. Forthis reason,Midcocoordinators and account executives collaborate to ensuresymmetry.Our team buildsa closerelationshipwith the property developer to know allthe movingpieces in play and streamlinefutureprojects.

Brian Standridge,Midco Properties™FulfillmentManager

Tucker Norton

Age: 38 Senior Project Manager

Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. Bismarck, N.D.

Tucker Norton is a senior project manager at Kraus-Anderson Construction in Bismarck. He graduated from North Dakota State University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in construction management and minor in business administration.

As a senior project manager, Norton works with KA’s clients and design partners from preconstruction through project completion to understand owner and stakeholder goals, provide best value options and facilitate informed decision-making from an owner’s perspective. He enjoys and takes pride in the challenges and rewards of the construction industry, from the details of planning to the big picture understanding of the immense impact projects provide to clients and the communities they serve.

Since joining Kraus-Anderson in 2015, Norton has managed almost $200 million in commercial construction projects spanning across North Dakota including notable projects for Central Cass Public Schools, recently completed NDSU Sugihara Hall, and NDSU Peltier Complex currently under construction. Norton along with his wife, Ashley, and their two children, Harley and Huxton, reside in New Salem, North Dakota.

Jeff Poulos

Age: 39

Vice President, Order Fulfillment

Digi-Key Electronics

Thief River Falls, Minn.

Jeff Poulos has spent his career improving warehouse and distribution operations across a variety of major brands from Kohl’s to Amazon, Uline and now Digi-Key Electronics. He is a seasoned executive with nearly two decades of supply chain and operations management experience working for several major, multibillion-dollar corporations during periods of rapid growth. He is a results-driven leader and teambuilder with a proven record of success in both talent development and change management. He is a servant leader who engages employees at all levels. A graduate from Millikin University in Decatur, Ill., Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in finance &; business management.

He has been integral in opening Digi-Key’s brand new 2.2 million square foot Product Distribution Center (PDCe), since starting with Digi-Key a year and a half ago.

Beyond being an accomplished supply chain professional, Poulos is a volunteer football and basketball coach.

R.J. Pathroff

Age: 35 Attorney

Vogel Law Firm

Bismarck, N.D.

R.J. Pathroff represents companies and individuals in high‐stakes business disputes. He has secured wins for clients in the construction, oil and gas, real estate, transportation, manufacturing, environmental, and insurance industries. He has developed a particular emphasis in problems dealing with construction and real estate. He represents contractors, property owners, subcontractors, developers, and tenants during projects and in court and arbitration proceedings.

He is a skilled trial lawyer and a trusted partner to his clients. He is heavily involved in and responsible for all aspects of his cases, from initial client contact through the discovery process, motion practice, oral argument, mediation, trial or arbitration, and appeal. He regularly appears on behalf of his clients in state and federal courts and in arbitration.

Pathroff has been honored since 2015 as a Great Plains Rising Star® and is a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America. He graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in Public Policy and earned his J.D., with honors, at Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Shawn Romo

Age: 34

Senior Ag Loan Officer

Western Cooperative Credit Union Williston, N.D.

Shawn Romo is an ag loan officer with Western Cooperative Credit Union in Williston serving both northwestern North Dakota and northeastern Montana. He has been working at WCCU since 2010 where he started as a teller and now an Ag Loan Officer for more than 11 years. He holds true to the WCCU culture of honesty and diligent care for our members, both financially and personally. He is always one to lend a hand, volunteering his time, talent, and strengths to our communities and WCCU programs.

In addition to his career, he coaches both football and basketball for his home community in Bainville, Montana. He also helps his family farm and ranch and is active in other community groups such as being Treasurer for Bainvillle FFA Alumni and Bainville Booster Club. Romo grew up in Bainville and obtained a degree in agricultural studies with a business/marketing emphasis and a minor in banking and financing from Dickinson State University in 2011.

Megan Rupe

Age: 28

Marketing Team Leader

BeMobile

Grand Forks, N.D.

During her tenure, Megan Rupe has helped BeMobile through immense growth including acquisitions, technology innovations, and navigating a retail environment deemed essential during a pandemic. She supports 68 locations in seven states with both interstate marketing and local community involvement.

Rupe has introduced company-wide events such as BeMobile’s Crayon Drive which helps collect thousands of pounds of crayons to be recycled for schools and daycares. She also carries on the tradition of the annual BeMobile Backpack Giveaway event which will have its 10th anniversary in 2023.

The Giveaway has provided over $1 million in school supplies for kids in the communities BeMobile serves. Rupe’s heart for service and volunteering is also visible outside of work. She has served on the board of The Salvation Army in Grand Forks for two years, and on the planning committee for the Walk to End Alzheimers for the last 6 years. She is proud to have helped raise $90,000+ each year for Alzheimer’s research. You can also find Rupe fostering with Journey Home Animal Rescue in Grand Forks helping dogs find their forever homes.

Tom Stadum

Age: 32

CEO and Founder of Fjell Capital Fjell Capital Fargo, N.D.

As a third-generation wealth advisor, Tom Stadum, CEPA®, CRPC®, carries on the tradition of his grandfather and father by helping families manage and protect their wealth. He is founder and CEO of Fjell Capital, an independent wealth management firm and Co-Founder of Lykkly, a FinTech company that offers financial solutions through their software as an employee benefits platform. He ranked in Forbes’ 2020 Top 10 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, as well as ranked No. 1 for Forbes’ Next Gen Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in 2019.

Prior to founding Fjell Capital in 2020, Stadum worked as a wealth advisor at UBS for more than seven years. He holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation and the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation. He is active in the community and serves on several non-profit advisory boards.

LaDawn Schmitt

Age: 38

Chief Credit Officer Starion Bank Bismarck,

N.D.

LaDawn Schmitt has been with Starion Bank for 16 years, and currently serves as the Chief Credit Officer. She oversees the loan portfolio, ensuring the bank remains a safe and stable source of credit and a strong economic engine for community growth and prosperity. Her intelligence, insight, and depth of banking knowledge and experience are central to that function.

Along with protecting the bank and its customers, LaDawn is passionate about teaching. As a mentor to other Starion team members, she is relatable, humble, and a great listener. She lights up every time she sees an employee or customer grow in their confidence, experience, or achieve financial success.

Schmitt holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead. In July 2022, she graduated from Graduate School of Banking in Colorado. Outside of Starion Bank, she volunteers at McCabe Methodist Church as a teacher for the Awanas Program and Vacation Bible School. She also volunteers for United Way, for which she received the 2022 Hero Club award. Schmitt resides in Bismarck with her husband Dustin and two boys.

Age: 35

CPA/Partner

Eide Bailly Sioux Falls, S.D.

Mandy Sutton, CPA started her career as an intern at Eide Bailly LLP in 2011 and joined the firm full-time after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Northern State University. She performs tax compliance, planning and consulting services for businesses and individuals, specializing in the real estate industry and investment entities. She is passionate about staff development and teaching others, which has led her to develop and conduct several trainings. Sutton was promoted to partner and the head of the Sioux Falls office tax department in 2021.

When you work with Sutton, you can expect an attentive and empathetic approach with great attention to detail. She will listen to your concerns and provide thoughtful, timely responses. She enjoys taking the time to make sure her clients understand their position and strives to provide ideas that help her clients achieve their business goals.

Outside of the office, Sutton enjoys spending time with her family –husband, Holist, and childrenEmersyn, Cadi, and Duncan, volunteering, and doing whatever DIY project she has dreamed up.

Mandy Sutton

Wade Thompson

Age: 33

Bridge Group Leader

KLJ Engineering

Grafton, N.D.

Wade Thompson serves as the Bridge Group Leader and a structural engineer at KLJ Engineering. He brings more than a decade of professional experience focusing on the design and construction of highway and structure projects for state and county bridge replacements across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, and Montana.

Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of North Dakota and completed additional training to become a certified National Highway Institute (NHI) Bridge Inspector. Additionally, he spends meaningful time volunteering in not only his professional areas of interest but in his personal areas of interest in the local community as well. He is a board member for the Association of County Engineers, past president of the Grafton Curling Club, and active member of the Walsh County Trap and Gun club as well as other community groups throughout Grafton and Park River. He has a wife and two kids and reside in rural Walsh County where they enjoy a variety of sports and outdoor activities.

Tony Wolf

Age: 38 Principal Architect

Zerr Berg Architects

Fargo, N.D.

Tony Wolf began working at ZBA as a student intern in 2006 while pursuing a Master of Architecture degree from North Dakota State University. As an intern Tony threw himself into the professional world of architecture and dedicated himself to the continued learning and honing of his craft. Upon graduation, he joined ZBA’s ranks full time and became a registered architect in 2012. Wolf joined the firm’s ownership team in 2018.

Throughout his time in the professional landscape, Wolf has been dedicated to a people-first leadership model. He is always focused on helping his team and ensuring their development and success through a collaborative and trust-based work ethic. He has always believed in the power of architecture to uplift and enhance the foundations of a community. His project list reflects a deep dedication to local communities and overall regional success.

Wolf resides in West Fargo with his wife, Laura, and their four children. He enjoys family time at the lake, watching his children’s activities, and taking up home projects.

A business memoir

Author of new book recounts his entrepreneurial journey to success in North Dakota

By Andrew Weeks

There are many things to describe John Miller: co-founder of an electronics manufacturing company, former reserve officer of the US Army, and now book author.

The company he helped found is Turtle Mountain Corp. – and his new book, titled Bootstrap Entrepreneur: How Grit, Faith, and Help from a Chippewa Tribe Built a Technology Company – discusses how his innovative ideas came to life and, ultimately,

helped him to become a successful businessman. And a successful retiree: In 2000, he sold his business for more than $18 million.

Miller set about writing his book with the help of a ghost writer last year. It was published this past September in hardback, and he’s been promoting it at speaking events including at his alma mater, North Dakota State University. It highlights his journey to entrepreneurship and success, sharing anecdotes and experiences from his life and business ventures.

Early in the book, he writes: “Starting a business is always risky, and back in the early 1970s, the short- and long-term survival chances of new enterprises were the same as now. About four in

five new businesses make it through their first year, one in two lasts at least five, and only one in five reaches the twenty-year mark.

“I may not have been aware of these numbers when I joined Atron. But as a husband and father of three children, I knew I wanted us to be successful.”

But first things first: Education.

Miller, born and raised in Underwood, North Dakota, studied mechanical engineering at NDSU. After graduation, the years beckoned – and so did self-made opportunities. Ten years into his career at UNIVAC in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he worked on shipboard and airborne computers for the Navy, a group of colleagues asked him to join their startup, Atron Corp.

“The invitation surprised me,” he writes, “but I had respect for the electrical engineers behind the new venture.”

One thing led to another, and eventually Miller headed up an Atron location on North Dakota’s Chippewa Reservation, which in turn led to his founding of Turtle Mountain Corp., manufacturing computer components.

All was not bliss, of course, as it rarely is when starting a business. But weathering a recession, inflation, and upheavals in the tech industry, his company earned the trust of major customers such as IBM, Honeywell and 3M, and created hundreds of jobs for a generation of families on and around the Turtle Mountain Reservation.

There’s more, of course, but one happy ending is when he sold his business for more than $18 million at the turn of the new century.

Miller’s book – anecdotal, informative, inspiring, and heartfelt – is about that journey.

When he was invited in September by Alan Kallmeyer, chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department and Interim Dean of the College of Business at NDSU, to share stories from his business journey with the students, he jumped at the chance.

Miller, an unassuming man, said he wasn’t sure if he bored the students or interested them. “I don’t know if they came to see me or the free lunch,” he said in good humor, but adding he enjoyed the experience and looks forward to meeting other people on his new journey as a book author.

“There’s quite a bit of interest in it,” he said, but since the book is new he is still waiting to find whether it is “an investment or an expense.”

Fargo-based EOLA

by

EPIC on track for completion in fall 2023

Spanning 15 acres, the development is equivalent to 11 football fields and aims to enhance the dynamic of the landscape

EOLA by EPIC is an innovative, master-planned urban development located just south of Interstate 94 on 45th Street South in Fargo.

Construction by EPIC (CBE) is managing all aspects of this large-scale endeavor, which will enhance the dynamic of the landscape. Truly a “community within a community,” EOLA’s network of seven-story buildings will surround a four-acre public park and will be home to a variety of retail businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, condominiums, upscale apartments, and a host of arts and entertainment spaces.

Spanning 15 acres, the development is equivalent to 11 football fields. CBE broke ground with MAKT, the first phase of the development, in 2021 with an anticipated completion date in the fall of 2023.

MAKT features 25,000 square feet of commercial space, condos, apartments, as well as community and fitness rooms.

EOLA’s next phase will break ground in the spring of 2023 with The Wave, a 50,000 square-foot indoor water park.

Almost the size of a football field itself, the water park will include a wave pool, lazy river, multiple water slides, an extralarge kids’ activity area, and an interactive

sport pool. The Wave will also include cabanas, a snack bar, party room, lockers, and a full bar. It will be open to the public with day passes.

Complementing and connected to the water park, a 125-room hotel will be constructed next. The hotel will feature a restaurant and lounge, private event and meeting space, party rooms, and an arcade.

Rounding out the north side of the development, a 500-car parking ramp will be built to accommodate EOLA’s year-round, public events and programming.

EOLA is a Greek word meaning “violet.” As such, the development will exude an international flavor, featuring arts and culture from seven countries as a nod to the seven rays of light that make up the color violet. The expansive, four-acre park will host an array of community events including farmers markets, acoustic concerts, and more.

Over the next five years, CBE looks forward to working with their trade partners and consultants to bring EOLA to life, reinventing public areas as the heart of the community and strengthening connections between people and their shared places.

ABOVE: A VIEW OF MAKT, THE FIRST PHASE OF EOLA, A MASTER-PLANNED DEVELOPMENT BY EPIC COMPANIES. THE PHOTO ON THE PREVIOUS PAGE IS A RENDERING OF THE WATER PARK, WHICH IS PHASE 2. IMAGES: COURTESY OF EPIC COMPANIES

Employers look to strengthen employee relationships through 2023 benefits strategies

by Linda Keller and Jeff Faber

As 2023 looms, the affordability factor is taking a front-and-center role among employers as they weigh their benefits strategies during a period of unprecedented turmoil in the labor market.

The reality is that affordability continues to be a major concern. Healthcare costs overall are expected to climb 6.5%, hitting a whopping $13,800 per employee. Pharmaceutical costs alone are projected to shoot up by 10%.

But conversely, employers can’t afford to cut back. The threat of recession hasn’t made it easier to fill jobs or stem quit rates, now 35% higher than the national long-term average. They can’t risk losing more when it costs so much more to bring on a new employee than to keep one.

To deal effectively with these pressures will require employers to rethink their relationships with employees, and the kind of experience will support and advance their position as employers of choice. To a significant extent, that spans more than just “benefits” but work cultures more broadly.

Consider the trends involved that are taking hold into 2023.

1. Flexibility benefits organizations and employees alike.

The COVID-19 pandemic was alarming enough to make people reprioritize their lives, and the impact continues to reverberate. Their emotional health increasingly trumps work demands, especially if they see no significant returns from the time and energy they’ve put into their jobs. It’s resulted in lower productivity and engagement.

Flexibility will pay off for everyone.

Remote work continues to be an important solution; by 2025, 22% of the workforce will do so. Nearly one-quarter of employees surveyed say they’re happier and more productive if allowed to work from home at least once a month and are almost twice as likely to stay at their job when they’re satisfied with their work flexibility and work-life balance.

That also applies to leave policies, due for a re-evaluation in the pandemic’s aftermath. For example, over 82% of employers cite paid family leave as “very important.” Even so, only 31% have a made it a feature of their benefits package.

2. The pivot to personalized, quality employee experiences.

Organizations striving to improve their resiliency are starting to understand the need for longer term solutions to labor shortages and high turnover. One is to adopt the employee perspective and relationship with benefits and respond accordingly.

Doing so has created new norms: expanded policies for remote work, paid and unpaid leave, and an improved response to burgeoning mental health issues among employees are proof. But employers increasingly understand that personalized benefits that anticipate and respond to where individuals are at in their work and personal lives make a difference. They create quality employee experiences that set an organization far above the competitors, whatever the size or industry.

Personalized benefits serve individual priorities, which are understood through data analytics tools, like HUB’s Workforce Persona

Linda keller

Jeff faber

Analysis. Some findings: half of Gen Z and 48% of Millennials say that financial planning services are a “must have” as a condition of employment, but only 40% of Gen X employees and 28% of Baby Boomers said the same.

Using such insights can result in resources being reallocated toward benefits employees most value – but don’t necessarily increase overall benefits costs.

3. Preparedness is increasingly a priority.

There’s a lot to be said for preparedness, as the world learned from the pandemic. It’s something that employers should take to heart as we move forward. They also need to help their workforce do the same.

As they look to personalized benefits and factors driving their value, they also need to consider bigger trends to be factored into their planning.

Consider, for example, our aging population: by 2024, 25% of the workforce will be over 55, and a third, 65 or older. Many have to stay on the job for reasons like inadequate retirement savings. The expertise and institutional knowledge retained can be offset by blocked opportunities for the next generations.

It makes employee retirement preparedness an important priority in 2023. The focus should be on plan enhancements, like improving the employer match and adding advisory services. It also should be solidly integrated into an overall financial well-being strategy. Because it’s not just graying employees that can benefit. Financial well-being initiatives are essential to – and valued by – younger generations, too.

Linda Keller is the National COO and Employee Benefits Practice Leader for top 5 insurance brokerage Hub International. She has nearly thirty years of experience in the design and implementation of strategic health and benefits programs. She is a certified Healthcare Reform Specialist by the Healthcare Reform Center & Policy Institute. She also earned a Global Benefits Associate certification from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

Jeff Faber is the Chief Strategy Officer for Hub’s Employee Benefits Practice. He is responsible for the development and execution of cutting edge cost-containment, risk-reduction and employment-enhancing initiatives. He leverages data into information and information into action to help clients realize their objectives and find new frontiers.

Trinity Hospital on track for January completion, April move-in

By Andrew Weeks

Dusty Zimmerman, director at Trinity Health Foundation, is excited about what the next few months will bring.

In January the medical campus, which includes a new hospital and medical office building – a combined $561 million project – will be completed and in April the facilities will open. Those few months will be a busy time for the staff at Trinity, Zimmerman said, but it also will be an exciting time moving into a more spacious and modern medical campus.

“We’ll take that time from January to April to move equipment – and there’s a lot of equipment,” she said. “For instance, in the lab area, that needs to be acclimated to a new space – and it will

take several months to do that before it can be utilized for patient care. And so those few months will give us the opportunity to do those things.”

Also involved is training staff on new processes. But with the size of the project, a lot of planning has gone into making sure everything goes smoothly when moving day arrives.

The new Trinity Hospital will be 594,000 square feet and the medical office building is 196,000 square feet, located on a 43-acre campus. Once completed, it will be a much-needed addition to the Minot community, Zimmerman said.

The current hospital’s emergency department is located off “the second busiest street in town,” Zimmerman said, noting the new hospital’s emergency area will be larger, more accessible, and will have a garage to house ambulances, an added boon especially during inclement weather.

The garage and ambulances will use technology that will prompt doors to open when an ambulance drives up to the entrance.

“It will just be much more pleasant for patients who are arriving to us by ambulance,” Zimmerman said. “Also in that regard, our helicopter pad currently is on the top of the building and utilizes an elevator to get down to the emergency room. With the building being 100 years old, sometimes that elevator has issues and it just isn’t an ideal situation.

“Now, at the new hospital, the helicopter pad is located adjacent to the building with a straight shot right into the emergency room. Those moments in a critical situation are all key, and so it just makes the process more efficient getting those patients to where they need to be as quickly as possible.”

As for the size of the new emergency department, it will be about triple the size of the current space.

“That’s one thing that we’re super excited about,” Zimmerman

said. “The current facility was constructed to see about 35 patients a day – and we’re currently seeing about 100 a day – and so that additional space will be just a phenomenal enhanced care area for our patients.”

Zimmerman also said the Foundation’s capital campaign project –to raise $15 million for the new hospital – is going well.

When she spoke with Prairie Business on the morning of Nov. 10,

she said the Foundation had so far raised a little more than $5 million. But she is confident it will meet the goal.

“We’re kind of waiting on several large grants and other corporate donations that we’re anticipating coming in, and so we should be able to wrap up the year,” she said. “We’ll get a few more months in before we open and we’re on pace for a really good end of the campaign.”

A VIEW OF TRINITY HOSPITAL, WHICH IS ON TRACK FOR A JANUARY COMPLETION. THE SPACIOUS NEW HOSPITAL WILL BE A MUCH-NEEDED UPGRADE FOR THE MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA, COMMUNITY. AMONG ITS MANY FEATURES IS A LARGER EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT THAT IS MORE ACCESSIBLE TO PATIENTS.

IMAGE: COURTESY OF TRINITY HEALTH FOUNDATION

Nervesof Steel

From Paralysis to thePandemic, aTeam Member TouchesonHer50 YearsofPerseveranceand TriumphatGateCityBank.

Despitebeingparalyzedfromhead totoeinJuly 1973, DarleneRischbegan to feelsomethingshe hadneverfully felt before.Itallstartedwith aknock atherhospital roomdoor.Andthenanother.

“Work colleaguesvisitedme regularlyduringthe twomonths Iwashospitalized,”saysDarlene, Mortgage ComplianceOfficer. “I couldn’tmove or speak,buttheysatwithmeanyway,expressing theirlove andsupport.Theyevenletmeknow my salar yandposition would remainintactasI recovered.That’s when Ifeltit –asenseofloyalty andappreciation toward GateCityBank Isimply couldn’tputintowords.”

Darlenehadbeenwiththebank ayearwhenshe was diagnosedwithGuillainBarresyndrome.It’s arare disorderinwhichtheimmune systemattacksthe ner ves, leading tototalparalysis.The exactcauseof this mysteriousillness remainsunknown,andthere isnocuretothisday.

There’streatmentandhope forpeoplelikeDarlene, however, whosespeedof recovery wasdescribedas amiracle by herdoctor.She celebratedher50th work anniversar yonMay 26,2022,thelongest tenurein GateCityBank’shistor y.

“It’s actuallygone by really fast,”Darlenesays witha chuckle.“Iguess youjusthave to enjoythe work you doandthepeople you’resurrounded by.Youalso need to bechallenged.”

SteppingUp to theChallenge

Darleneknows whatitmeans to giveityouralland–mostimportantly –nevergiveup. Muchofher work ethicand resolvecomesfromhavinggrownupwith hersixsiblingsonthe family farmin Cooperstown, ND.(The farmis alsowhereshepickedupher

passion forgardening.)She wenton to studyat Hillcrest Lutheran AcademyinFergus Falls,MN,as wellas Concordia Collegein Moorhead,MN.

Darlenesays onethinghas remained consistent sincejoiningGateCityBank50 yearsago:change. Andthat’s OKinherbook.She’sneverbeen afanof thestatusquo.It’stooboring,shesays,especially whenit comes to keepingupwithstate-of-the-art technologyandprocesses.

DarleneRischposesforwhat wouldbeoneofmany professionalheadshotsthroughouther50 wonderful yearsat GateCityBank.

Startinginsavings,she eventuallytransferred to the mortgage world.Thebanknoticedherwide rangeof talentsand Darlenequicklyadvanced to the rolesof mortgageprocessingsupervisorandmortgageloan officer. Shewasthenofferedthechancetobring

herskillset to theloanadministrationdepartment, whereshe excelled to amanagement role. Darlene eventually worked her wayuptothe rolesofassistant vicepresidentand compliancesupervisor,aswellas hercurrentmortgage complianceofficerposition, whereshehelpsGateCityBankoperateasan industr yleaderin compliance.

She’sworn afew hats.

Enjoying aWorkplaceCultureLike NoOther

Darlenetrulylovesthecultureofcamaraderiethat existsamong teammembersatGateCityBank.It’s anatmosphereoftrust,andpeopleshowgenuine careandsupport foroneanother. Muchofwhat drivesthiscultureisthebank’scorepurpose,which is to createabetter wayoflifeforcustomers, communitiesand fellowteammembers.

“It’s trulyamazinghowrespectful teammembersare ofoneanother,” Darlenesays. “It’s just afriendlyplace to work.”

DarlenealsoappreciatesthatGateCityBankmakes workenjoyable. Whetherit’scelebratingfundays with treatsanduniquethemesorenjoyingthe welcoming physicalatmospherethat’s designed to spark conversationand collaboration,it’s important for teammemberstofeelhappyand connected.

“I’vereallyenjoyedallthedifferent rolesI’veser ved in forGateCityBank,”shesays.“Butmortgagesare myfavorite.Buying ahomeisoneofthebiggest investments apersonwillmakeduringtheirlifetime, andasthe#1mortgagelenderinNorth Dakota, we get to helpmakethatpossible.”

Whetherit wastransitioningfromtypewritersto computersorsur vivingothermajor technological conversions,Darleneadaptedthroughoutthe years–andthrived.She’slearned atonfromgreatmentors, andshe’smentoredfellowteammembersherself, manyofwhomarestillwiththebank.

“I’vesupervised alotofpeople overthe years, which isnotalwaysaneasyjob,” shesays.“When you overseepeople, youfeel responsible forwhatthey do.Youtakeittoheart. Youtry to mentorthem to be thebestthattheycanbe.Morethananything, you wantthem to succeed.Thisisespeciallytrueat GateCityBank.”

Additionally,thebankinvestsin teammemberswith excellent compensation,thebestbenefitsinthe regionand afamily-friendly work environment.It’s nosurprisethatone-thirdofreferrals fornew team memberscomefrom existing teammembers.

Work-life balanceisalsover yimportantat GateCityBank,whichissomething Darlenehas come to appreciatequite abit,definitely followingher diagnosis,andespeciallyin recent years. She worked parttimebrieflyaftergettingoutofthehospital.And whileshe’sbasedoutofdowntownFargo,ND, since thepandemichitin2020,she’sbeenable to work fromhome.Thatflexibilityhasmeant everything.

Inaddition to the complexitiesinvolving COVID-19, Darlenelivesinthe countr yandhas to dealwith along commute,snowandother factors. She’s thankful forthe option to workfromhome,and proudofGateCityBank forbeingaheadofthe gameinimplementingthe technologyneeded to makethatpossible.

“Tohavetheoptiontoworkfromhomehasbeen absolutely fabulous,andourcultureand technology makeiteasytostayconnectedwith your co-workers,” shesays

Darleneshares awarmsmileatherdeskwhile servingas assistantloanadministrationmanagerintheearly1980s.

“GateCityBankhasalwaysinvestedinus,especially whenit comes to providingthebestequipment to supportourneeds.”

DarlenealsoappreciatesthatGateCityBank providesthebestbenefitsinthe region,especially whenit comes to thehealthplan,which features alow premiumanddeductible.There’salsoa generous vacationpackage,as wellasfullypaid maternity,paternity andmilitar yleave,amongmany otherperks.

“Thebenefitsareunbelievablygood,”shesays “Having ajobwithGateCityBankmeanshaving securitywith afantasticemployer.”

Teammembershave provided$33.5millionin philanthropicgivingandmorethan266,000hours of team volunteerism to over1,000charitiessince 2003.In2021alone,thebank’scharitableimpact was$2.9million.

“GateCityBankstandsapartbecause we believe inour communities,” shesays,adding that being amutualbankhasallowedthebank to nothave to focusonshareholderprofits.Rather,thebank reinvestsmoneydirectlybackintoits communities. Additionally,GateCityBankmakesitfunandeasyto giveback,oftenduring work hours.Giving Hearts Day isoneof Darlene’sfavorite annual events,for which the bankgoes especiallybigongiving.Through2022, ithasdonated over$1.5millionto300 nonprofits thatplaycritical rolesinits communities.

In2022, forexample,GateCityBankhadthe honorofdonatingmorethan$260,000 to Giving Hearts Daycharities.Partofthis commitment included$50,000donated to charitieschosen by the communityaspartofthebank’sannualGiving Hearts Daynomination contest,wherefive charities each won$10,000.Anadditional$15,000surprise donation wasmade to oneluckycharity.

ShowingNoSignsofSlowingDown (AtL eastforNow)

Darlene’s fellowteammembersjokethat,withher five decadesofinstitutionalknowledgeandwisdom, she’snotallowedtoretire.

Whenthinkingabouthangingupherhat,shejust smiles.Shehasnosolidplans to callitquitsjust yet, andishappyrightwhereshe’satforthetimebeing.

GivingBack to Communities

DarlenealsolovesthatGateCityBankhas apassion forgivingback to the communitieswhereits team membersliveand work.Throughouthertimeat thebank,she’sseen teammembers’passion for supporting communitiesthroughpaid volunteer time,charitable contributionsandin-kinddonations.

“GateCityBankhasalwaysbeen very special to me becausethe companyreallydoesbelieve increating abetter wayoflife,”shesays.“It’s forthatreason thatI’veworkedhereforsomanyyearsandinso manydifferentcapacities.GateCityBankjustbrings outthatpassionin you.”

Darlene,whojoinedGateCityBankin1972,haspersevered andtriumphedthroughparalysis,apandemicand countless othercircumstancesthroughouther tenure,thelongestin thebank’s history.

Time or Tenure

By Matthew Mohr

Learning about the people who make our region strong and a continued success is very interesting. Reading about the young people highlighted in this issue of Prairie Business is enlightening.

In addition to some great young people and a robust economy, we are fortunate in a lot of ways to be living in this region.

Business owners continue to struggle to find qualified employees for many job openings, yet we have unemployed and under-employed people.

matthew mohr

When speaking about under-employed, we generally mean people are working jobs that their education or experience exceeds its job duties; indicating they are qualified for better paying or higher-level positions.

Assessing the level of under employment is not an easy task. If a survey was taken, many people would claim they are underpaid and overqualified for the work they perform.

Recently, I attended a meeting that addressed regional hiring and employee attitudes. Those of us considered “old school” value years

of service and the understanding of how a business functions.

Part of the younger worker attitude revolves around how many jobs one has had and what is considered purely monetary motivation. As an “old schooler,” I am impressed with an organization that has long-term employees. The more people who have been with an employer for eight or more years, indicates success. A young person who has had eight jobs in five years considers themselves a success.

Such an attitude in today’s employment environment is understandable as younger employees tend to be able to secure higher pay with each change of employer; so after the job hopping, where success is measured by the size of your paycheck, upon achieving the eighth job, one must be getting high pay! If our regional job market slows down and people can’t jump from job to job for more pay, we will see a fast change in attitude.

As job hoppers get older, their accumulated savings will most likely fall far short of their desired lifestyle, leading to years of dissatisfaction post employment, and these individual’s retirement years will fall very short of their expectations.

The only answer to the employment-wage push dilemma is for a business to continually assess its pay rates and work hard to be competitive enough to keep, as well as attract, employees while satisfying customers.

South Dakota Department of Tourism recognizes 2022 Great Place designees

PIERRE, S.D. • The South Dakota Department of Tourism has recognized 48 businesses across the state with the 2022 South Dakota Great Place designation. These tourism-focused businesses earned the designation for their outstanding hospitality and customer service.

The South Dakota Great Place program is designed to put a spotlight on businesses that exemplify great service by going above and beyond for guests and employees. The goal of the program is to strengthen the tourism industry in South Dakota and offer support to tourism industry members.

“Welcoming hospitality and exceptional customer service are the foundation for supporting a strong tourism industry here in South Dakota,” said James Hagen, secretary of the Department of Tourism. “The South Dakota Great Place program recognizes those businesses that have gone the extra mile to ensure their employees have received the proper training and possess the skills needed to meet the needs of visitors.”

To view the list of businesses recognized, visit https://sdvisit.com/ training-hospitality/2022-south-dakota-great-place-designees.

Online application forms for the 2023 South Dakota Great Place

Aberdeen

Wylie Park/Storybook Land

Arlington

Lake Poinsett Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Belle Fourche

AmericInn by Wyndham

Brandon

Big Sioux Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Brookings

Brookings Arts Council

Children’s Museum of South Dakota

The Lanes

McCrory Gardens at SDSU

South Dakota Agricultural

Heritage Museum

South Dakota Art Museum

Visit Brookings

Bruce

Oakwood Lakes State Park (SD GFP)

Chamberlain/Oacoma

Akta Lakota Museum (Chamberlain)

Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse Memorial

Custer

Fort Welikit Family Campground

Shady Rest Motel

Fort Pierre

Oahe Downstream

will open in February 2023. The department also offers an Online Hospitality Training program. The training is free, and all tourism industry businesses are encouraged to share the training with their staff.

Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Garretson

Palisades State Park (SD GFP)

Grenville

Pickerel Lake Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Hill City

1880 Train / Black Hills Central Railroad

Mt. Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch

Museum at the Black Hills Institute

Hot Springs

The Mammoth Site

Keystone

Rush Mountain Adventure Park

Sprockets Fun Foundry

Lake City

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park (SD GFP)

Roy Lake State Park (SD GFP)

Lake Preston

Lake Thompson Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Madison

Lake Herman State Park (SD GFP)

Walker’s Point Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Mitchell

AmericInn Lodge & Suites

Mobridge

Indian Creek Recreation Area/Revheim Bay Recreation Area/West Pollock

Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Platte

Snake Creek Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Rapid City

Black Hills Caverns

Black Hills Visitor Information Center

My XO Adventures

Reptile Gardens

Visit Rapid City

Sioux Falls

ClubHouse Hotel & Suites

Experience Sioux Falls

Levitt at the Falls

McCrossan Boys Ranch

Springfield

Springfield Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Water town

Dempsey’s Brewery

Venerts Hotel Management, Inc.

Yankton

Chief White Crane

Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area (SD GFP)

Pierson Ranch Recreation Area (SD GFP)

THE SUN RISES OVER THE BADLANDS IN SOUTH DAKOTA. IMAGE: COURTESY OF TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA.

South Dakota-based Dell Rapids Dental to build state-of-the-art facility

DELL RAPIDS, S.D. • The Dell Rapids Economic Development Corp. broke ground on its new facility, 1102 N Hwy 77, Dell Rapids, South Dakota, in front of Ace Hardware, this past October.

Dell Rapids Dental is bursting at the seams in its current location forcing the need to expand, according to information from the business. The new facility, designed and constructed by Fiegen Construction, will feature 10 exam rooms with room to expand to even more in the future.

Dr. Matt Ford, DMD, said “our vision has always been to be the best dental office in the region, and with expanded hours, more dentist and hygienist availability, and the ability to offer most services under one roof in a brand new, modern facility, we feel as though we can deliver on that vision.”

The 6,500 square-foot building includes 2,500 square feet for an additional tenant. This space will offer more high-quality commercial space in Dell Rapids. Lucas Fiegen, vice president of Fiegen Construction, said “designing this state-of-the-art facility alongside a longtime friend in Dr. Ford has been so rewarding. We are seeing a vision become a reality.”

Dell Rapids Dental’s new home is adjacent to County Fair Food Store, Ace Hardware, and the new Dell Rapids Lumber Co. showroom (currently under construction). Across 15th street is the new Jensen Housing Subdivision where more than 100 new housing lots will soon be available to build.

Tom Earley, Mayor of Dell Rapids congratulated the organization saying, “Dr. Ford and his team are investing for the long-term in this community and it will benefit current and future Dell Rapids residents for years to come. This new dental clinic enhances our great medical services and makes Dell Rapids the place to call home.”

The community is poised for major expansion in the coming years.

“Dell Rapids is growing steadily, and high-quality professional services are vital to attracting families to the community.” said Jesse Fonkert, president/CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, a regional economic development organization working with Dell Rapids to strategically attract business and

residents to its community.

Dell Rapids Dental is a full-service dental clinic providing world class care for rural communities. The team, consisting of three dentists and 10 full-time staff, also has an office in Flandreau, South Dakota. Dr. Ford added “Dell Rapids and its surrounding communities have been so good to us, so we are thrilled to make the long-term investment in Dell Rapids, and to create a place to serve our patients even better.

IMAGE: COURTESY OF DELL RAPIDS DENTAL

Kraus-Anderson completes $16.5 million renovation and addition at health care clinic in Madison, Minn.

MADISON, Minn. • Kraus-Anderson has completed a $16.5 million renovation and addition at Madison Healthcare Services, located at 900 Second Ave. in Madison, Minn.

The project adds needed assisted living housing in Lac qui Parle County.

Designed by HGA Architects, the 52,639-square-foot project features the renovation of the 51-unit skilled nursing facility and the construction of Prairie Winds Senior and Assisted Living, a new 12-unit facility. The project also adds underground parking spaces.

In addition to the skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, Madison Healthcare Services includes a 12-bed critical care access hospital and a medical clinic with specialty care, therapy and outreach services.

A $16.5 million renovation project, which

includes some additions, at Madison Healthcare in Madison, Minnesota, was recently completed by Kraus-Anderson.

Completion of Fairmont Career Tech Center

Kraus-Anderson also this fall completed construction of a new $6.7 million career tech center for Fairmont Public Schools located at 900 Johnson St. at the south end of the campus in Fairmont, Minnesota.

The new vocational center will benefit students interested in pursuing careers in the trades, business, agriculture, culinary and aeronautics, among others.

Designed by ISG Architects, the 18,962-square-foot expansion of the high school’s vocational area features new classrooms, a woodshop, automotive shop, construction and manufacturing labs and pro -

gramming lab.

In February 2021, voters approved a bond referendum to fund the expansion to prepare students to fill good-paying jobs, which will respond to the immediate need for skilled workers in the area.

IMAGE:COURTESY OF KRAUS-ANDERSON

WEST FARGO, N.D. • Doosan Bobcat

North America employees recently wrappedup their fall giving campaign, exceeding total donation goals. The company donated more than $250,000 to local organizations in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Georgia focused on education, community prosperity and health resources.

Bobcat’s fall charitable giving campaign took place over a two-week period in October, allowing employees to concentrate their efforts toward giving back to nonprofits working to cultivate local communities. In addition to the funds raised by employees, Doosan Bobcat matched nearly half of total employee donations to further amplify employee generosity.

New to this year’s campaign, employees could choose any organization with a 501(c) (3) status, rather than selecting from a set list of nonprofit organizations.

United Way remained a featured charity for the campaign, receiving strong employee and organization support in addition to more than 100 other nonprofit recipients selected by employees. Doosan Bobcat has been a partner to United Way for more than 20 years, supporting its mission of inspiring and activating communities to improve lives.

“As an organization, our employees are passionate about giving back and improving the lives of those within our communities,” said Tina Amerman, director of talent experience at Bobcat. “By providing employees with the opportunity to support organizations that are close to their hearts, we can accomplish more through our efforts to make a positive social impact.”

The fall giving campaign wrapped-up a season of volunteering and community efforts on behalf of the company. In September, Bobcat announced that more than 425 employees dedicated their time and talents to participate in 35 community projects toward the company’s annual Doosan Days of Community Service events, a companywide volunteer effort aimed at giving back to the communities where Bobcat employees live and work.

Projects during this particular event spanned across Bobcat’s footprint, including efforts in and around Bismarck, Gwinner, Wahpeton and West Fargo, N.D.; Litchfield, Minn.; Johnson Creek, Wis.; Statesville, N.C., and Buford, Ga.

More than $250,000 donated by Doosan Bobcat and its employees during fall giving campaign

Madeline Gorghuber

Metro Flood Diversion Authority hires lands specialist

FARGO, N.D. • The Metro Flood Diversion Authority recently hired Madeline Gorghuber as its first lands specialist.

In this role, she collaborates with the MFDA team and its partners as they work toward completion of the FM Area Diversion comprehensive project. She will provide property management support, coordinate information across multiple stakeholders, and make recommendations to leadership regarding land management. Gorghuber brings experience in mapping, GIS

and related land management tools. Prior to joining the MFDA, she worked for the city of Fargo, North Dakota, as a land management specialist where she processed, administered and documented land management transactions, parcel splits, new plats and annexation records.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join this team and work on this project,” Gorghuber said. “I know that there are many challenges that lie ahead, but I look forward to contributing to the flood protection of this area.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in biological science with an emphasis in soil science from North Dakota State University.

Grand Forks EDC welcomes UAS development officer

Bill Adams

GRAND FORKS, N.D. • Bill Adams has joined the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation as its Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UAS) Development Officer. Adams will execute strategies to support primary sector business recruitment and expansion in the aerospace sector.

He will focus on unmanned and autonomous systems and associated technology development within the Grand Forks, N.D. region. He will assist in leading the EDC initiatives to foster collaboration

apex Engineering Group welcomes design engineer

FARGO, N.D. • Amanda Vetter recently joined the transportation group at Apex Engineering Group. She brings more than eight years of experience to her new role as a design engineer.

amanda vetter

among industry partners, provide resources and expertise to engage with stakeholders, and capitalize on new opportunities for industry development. Adams recently graduated from the University of North Dakota in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics in Unmanned Aircraft Systems with Aviation Safety emphasis and a UAS minor and previously received an Associate of Business from the University of Minnesota. He previously worked as an account executive at UPS and owned real estate and fitness businesses. Adams moved to Grand Forks from Minneapolis knowing that it is the best place to be for UAS.

Vetter specializes in traffic design, including traffic operations analysis and planning, intersection treatments, pedestrian accommodations, and roundabout design.

At Apex, she will be working on a variety of project types including urban and rural transportation projects and traffic studies.

Two continue their careers at Essentia Health as nurse practitioners

FARGO, N.D. • After working at Essentia Health-Fargo as a registered nurse, Aaron Smith has furthered his education to become an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in interventional cardiology.

Smith received his medical education from the University of Mary in Bismarck and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Karissa Gladen, also a registered nurse at Essentoa, has furthered her education to become an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in hematology-oncology.

Karissa gladen Sam Pellinen

KLJ Hires Two in Sioux Falls

Aaron smith Rachel Attema

Gladen received her medical education from North Dakota State University and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. • KLJ Engineering is proud to welcome Sam Pellinen and Rachel Attema to their Sioux Falls office.

Pellinen joins KLJ as an engineer in training within the aviation division. He is a recent graduate of Michigan State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace. Pellinen was part of the MSU rocketry team where he led the structures group.

Also working in the aviation division is Rachel Attema. She will serve as a project assistant for the group. Attema comes to KLJ with over 20 years of experience. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Dordt College.

Kent Exner

Professional engineer joins Apex Engineering Group

ST. CLOUD, MINN. • Kent Exner is a Professional Engineer registered in Minnesota.

He joins Apex Engineering Group in St. Cloud as a senior transportation engineer.

Exner has 24 years of work experience within the public and private sectors. Throughout his career, he has served on several professional organization boards/committees, including Local Road Research Board, Municipal State Aid Screening Board, City Engineers Association of Minnesota, Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers and others.

Rushabh Shah

Essentia Health-Fargo welcomes neonatologist

FARGO, N.D. • Essentia Health-Fargo is proud to welcome neonatologist Dr. Rushabh Shah.

Dr. Shah earned his medical degree from St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Albany Medical Center and fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.

Jeff Weiler

Cornerstone Bank welcomes chief risk officer

FARGO, N.D. • Jeff Weiler has joined Cornerstone Bank as the chief risk officer in Fargo. He brings more than 26 years of banking experience, including previous roles as chief innovation officer, chief risk officer, executive vice president and an enterprise risk manager.

Originally from Dickinson, North Dakota, Weiler is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking and Northern State University. He currently resides in Fargo with his wife Beth. He has two grown daughters, a son-in-law and granddaughter, who are also in Fargo.

“We are excited to have Jeff join our team,” said COO Deneen Axtman. “He brings a depth of experience in managing risk, leading people, and thinking strategically all of which make him one of the best in the industry.“

Essentia Health-32d Avenue Clinic welcomes gastroenterology specialist

FARGO, N.D. • Vanessa Walker, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology, is excited to join the Essentia Health32nd Avenue Clinic.

Walker received her medical education from South University in Savannah, Georgia, and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

“I chose gastroenterology because there is such a variety in diagnosis and endoscopic procedures,” said Walker. “I love to help the patients find the root cause of their symptoms and serve as a resource to help them live a healthy life.”

INSPIREDTOLEAD

EideBailly wouldliketocongratulateMandySutton, partnerandtaxdepartment headofourSiouxFallsoffice, forbeingnamedtoPrairieBusinessMagazine’s40Under 40list.Mandy’s dedicationtoimprovingthelivesofour clientsandtheSiouxFallscommunityisaninspirationto all. Thank youforall youdo,Mandy!

ei de ba ill y. co m

Vanessa Walker

Elaina knott University of Minnesota Crookston

Major: Agriculture Education

Graduation: Spring 2023

Career path: Teaching

“It is going to be fun every day, things are going to be different in my classroom. I can choose a lot of what I am going to be teaching and how I get to teach. I get to develop those opportunities and experiences for students. I’m really looking forward to that.”

Ready to make a difference in agriculture education

University of Minnesota Crookston student talks education, goals

By Andrew Weeks

Elaina Knott, a student at the University of Minnesota Crookston, is preparing well for her future – that unknown and weary friend who currently sits at her doorstep.

But she has a smile on her face and a spring in her step – even if springtime, and graduation, are still several months away.

By then, Knott, originally from Thief River Falls, will be among her school’s graduates, ready to influence her own students. Rightly so, because her career path is agriculture education.

“I started to figure out that I really wanted to go into agriculture somewhere, in some role, and then I had an agriculture education teacher in high school … and she really inspired me to go into teaching. So I’m still in that agriculture role, but also a teaching role going forward.”

Her degree will equip her “to be a teacher in a high school,” she said. “I’ll most likely be teaching traditional ninth through 12th grade classes, and I’ll be teaching anything from plant science to wellbeing to economics. … There’s really no limit to what I’ll be able to teach as long as it relates to agriculture,

career and technical education.”

Knott said she is excited about culture sciences, especially those dealing with plants and animals.

“I really like seeing what goes into plants being grown. I’m looking at my snake plant right now in my dorm room and knowing

how that has come to be, but also looking out into the fields and seeing why corn is the way that it is, the different variations of corn,” she said during a phone interview on Nov. 10, a wintry day in Crookston and the surrounding communities.

“And then on the animal side, knowing how

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELAINA KNOTT

animals function and are reproduced, and how similar they are to us but also how very different they are to us, and how they help us to have livelihoods and industries. It’s all extremely interesting to me.”

Knott has completed internships and worked with FFA, and said she’s had a lot of different opportunities to go into the classroom and actively teach some of these subjects. Doing so has enhanced her leadership skills, both in industry and, more importantly, in life. When she embarks on her career

as a full-time teacher, she’s confident she’ll be ready.

As busy as Knott is, one would think she wouldn’t have time to study – or sleep – but she seems to manage both. She is involved with the school’s dairy club, a livestock show, and is part of the GEE (Golden Eagle Entertainment), which brings entertainment to campus. “And then I’m in the Agronomy Club, Egg Industries Club, which is kind of like a catch-all for all the other agriculture clubs on campus.”

She calls herself a “social person” and likes to keep busy and be around people, including her instructors, whom she calls “absolutely amazing.”

“That’s the main thing that pulled me to this campus versus others,” Knott said. “I know for a fact that many other students think the same, because our instructors know our names, know our backgrounds. Some even know our families, and they really care about our goals and where we want to go and how we want our education to be given to us; they really listen to that and try their hardest to provide those opportunities.”

As she anticipates graduation, she said it is “extremely rewarding” pursuing a career in education, and agriculture is an interesting field. As such, she gets the best of both worlds.

“I’ve had many conversations with educa-

tors throughout the state of Minnesota, but also on a national level, and they all say the same thing – that this is the most rewarding job,” she said.

And, she vows, when she gets her own classroom, “it is going to be fun every day, things are going to be different in my classroom. I can choose a lot of what I am going to be teaching and how I get to teach. I get to develop those opportunities and experiences for students. I’m really looking forward to that.”

PASSION, EXPERTISE LEADERSH IP THAT INSPIRES US ALL.

Mallory Berdal provides creative solutions that improve client service. As banking operations manager, Mallory’s expertise and leadership inspire others to make every decision with our clients in mind and strive to exceed expectations. Congratulations, Mallory, on being recognized as one of the top young professionals in the region. We’re proud to have you on our team!

How do you go about mentoring someone new to your industry or company?

Q.INSIGHTs & INTUITION

Deneen K.J. Axtman

SVP Chief Operating Officer Cornerstone Bank Fargo, N.D.

Mentoring has played a significant role in my career and life – both as a mentee and a mentor. When I was new to banking, people took time to advise and train me, providing invaluable experiences and guidance. Because of the impact that it had on me, I feel it’s important that I do the same for others. Mentoring, whether in your company or industry, starts with building a trusted relationship developed by learning about the other’s role, successes, frustrations, and what’s important to them outside of work. Dialogue in the form of questions on situations, learning, challenges, and accomplishments create the opportunity for informal mentoring to take place. As the relationship builds, it becomes easier to reach out to each other for advice or learning.

At Cornerstone, we have a formal mentorship program, which I have participated in; but I also feel that informal mentoring and peer mentoring are just as important. For me, the best way to foster a mentoring relationship is to set aside specific time and be prepared with questions/learning/situations to discuss. Both formal and informal mentoring with those new to the industry or the company create the potential for making better decisions, gaining new perspectives, and growing skills.

Our industry can be complex and learning all the nuances and rules takes time and patience. We have a pretty robust onboarding process where each new staff person spends time with various team members in all aspects of the process.

We utilize several different means to ensure that a new member has the best chance for success. This individualized mentoring can be small groups, individual one on ones, and various huddles or team meetings that are open for discussion and questions as well as supporting new members.

We also have a national peer group made up of seven similar organizations that gather periodically for training and networking. These over 60 people also become a resource for newer team members to reach out for anything that may be needed. Finally, we communicate consistently and regularly, always looking for adjustments or changes to make improvements in the mentoring process.

Steve Dusek President & CEO Dakota Business Lending Fargo, N.D.

SayYes to BetterBusines

Most people don’t know much about rubber when they join the WCCO Belting (Continental) team in Wahpeton, so we approach training and mentoring from multiple angles starting on day one. We coordinate training rotations on the production floor for all new employees so they can learn our manufacturing processes. This is the most valuable way for people to build relationships while becoming familiar with our equipment and products. It’s also unique in that mentoring is in the hands of our production team veterans out of the gate. This gives new employees additional opportunities to build connections and creates surplus outlets for asking questions and sharing ideas to help them acclimate.

My goal as a supervisor and mentor to new employees, many of whom are engineers that are young in their careers, is to create an environment where they feel safe and supported. From engagement in our continuous improvement process to team building, I strive to build new employees up so they can stand confidently on their own two feet – that’s the goal of a mentor. I want them to grow enough to be able to join WCCO full-time or continue to build on their success in a career elsewhere.

Travis Mackey Senior Process Engineer WCCO Belting Wahpeton, N.D.

Michael Toy Chief Operating & Strategy Officer First International Bank & Trust Fargo, N.D.

A true mentorship is a mutual relationship between the mentor and the mentee. Both parties should benefit. For someone who is new to our company, it is first and foremost about a successful onboarding and welcoming process. As the mentor, it is about discovery and learning about each other, personally and professionally. When a new employee is acclimating to the company, it is about making them feel welcome and more importantly, comfortable, safe, and free to ask questions.

It’s not just about the big things like the company’s mission and values. It’s about the small things as well. Introducing and taking on a mentee to your organization is critical to the success of the new team member and is a real opportunity for the mentor as well. You have to be genuine and look at it as an opportunity. Sincerely care and intently listen. Be sure to be completely honest and authentically promote your culture. Let them know who you are and what you stand for. And do your best to be accessible. Bottom line, take the time and take it seriously … be authentic.

BetterBusinessSolutions

WEEKLY EARNINGS

Median weekly earnings of the nation’s 120.2 million full-time wage and salary workers were $1,070 in the third quarter of 2022. Women had median weekly earnings of $971, or 83.4% of the $1,164 median for men. By age, usual weekly earnings were highest for men ages 35 to 64: median weekly earnings were $1,299 for men ages 35 to 44, $1,398 for men ages 45 to 54, and $1,346 for men ages 55 to 64. Among women, usual weekly earnings were highest for workers ages 35 to 54: median weekly earnings were $1,086 for women ages 35 to 44 and $1,071 for women ages 45 to 54. Men and women ages 16 to 24 had the lowest median weekly earnings, $713 and $639, respectively. Men’s and women’s earnings were closer among younger workers than older workers; for example, women ages 16 to 24 earned 89.6% as much as men in the same age group, while the women’s-to-men’s earnings ratio was 74.9% for those age 55 and over. Third-quarter median weekly earnings of full-time workers ($1,070) were 6.9% higher than a year earlier, compared with an increase of 8.3% in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) over the same period.

PAYROLL EMPLOYMENT

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 261,000 to 153.3 million in October 2022. Monthly job growth has averaged 407,000 thus far in 2022, compared with 562,000 per month in 2021. Education and health services added 79,000 jobs in October 2022. Employment in this industry increased by 927,000 over the year, or 3.9%. Employment in leisure and hospitality continued to trend up in October 2022 (+35,000). Employment in leisure and hospitality rose by 1.2 million since October 2021, but is down by 1.1 million, or 6.5%, from its February 2020 level. Employment is also down in mining and logging (−7.6%), other services (−3.7%), and government (−2.3%) since February 2020. Employment is up 12.6%, or 731,600, in transportation and warehousing over this period.

Change since September 2022

Change since October 2021

Change since February 2020

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

REPORTED WORKPLACE INJURIES

There were 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers in 2021, a 1.8% decrease from 2.7 million cases in 2020. In 2021, the incidence rate of total recordable cases in private industry was 2.7 cases per 100 full-time workers, unchanged from 2020. The decline in the total number of cases was due to a drop in illness cases. Private industry employers reported 365,200 nonfatal illnesses in 2021, a drop of 32.9% from 544,600 cases in 2020. Total reported injury cases increased 6.3% in 2021 to 2.2 million cases.

NONFARM PAYROLL

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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