Prairie Business September 2023

TO THIS YEAR’S

TO WORK

50 BEST PLACES

PAGE 32

PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HIGHER ED AND INDUSTRY ARE ESSENTIAL PAGE 20

JLG, MORTENSON CONSTRUCTION BUILD CENTER’S PATHWAY TO THE FUTURE PAGE 14

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BEST COMPANIES HAVE SHARED VALUES

Employers that encourage their teams to cultivate relationships with customers and clients, show appreciation for a job well done, have collaborative working environments and support a healthy work-life balance, among other benefits, rose to the top and made our list of 50 Best Places to Work.

We received 1,560 nominations from employees who wrote passionately about their places of business. They shared many positive attributes of their companies, whether in health care, the financial sector, construction or consulting.

These excellent companies work hard to reward and provide incentives to their employees. They are flexible for those with busy schedules. They promote from within and provide training and development opportunities for employees. They create team-building activities and social events that bring everyone together, ranging from picnics and bicycling to boating and golf events. These companies support and encourage their employees at all levels of their careers.

Here are a few excerpts from this year’s nominations:

A nomination for Construction Engineers in Grand Forks, North Dakota, states, “CE employees and the company ‘do the right thing’, and I see it often. Their business practices take the ‘high-road’ versus what is trendy or what might be most profitable. I continue to feel pride in a company that does the right thing consistently.”

From an employee at Cornerstone Bank, North Dakota and South Dakota: “There are endless opportunities to learn and grow here. The Leadership Skills Development Program as well as the mentorship program are awesome. We have internal training sessions on a weekly basis. We are encouraged and supported to attend external trainings and conferences.”

And a nomination for Midwest Fire Equipment & Repair in Luverne, Minnesota, states, “It feels good to work at Midwest Fire knowing we are providing equipment that saves lives and property. It’s so rewarding when a customer sends us a photo of their truck in action saving a building. Knowing we have such an impact makes working at Midwest Fire extremely rewarding. It’s satisfying to know we play a part in such valuable work.”

A company’s culture can be defined by the values it places on its employees, clients and partners. A great company’s leadership will ensure it emphasizes integrity alongside productivity, inclusiveness and diversity. Great benefits and compensation packages, flexible PTO, opportunities for growth and development, and community support are all attributes workers appreciate from their employers.

If an employee is excited about their job, they’ll tell their friends and may even help recruit top talent. They’ll go the extra mile for their employer. The result is a better company with less turnover and more forward-thinking innovation.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this year’s top companies. It’s an honor to recognize them in Prairie Business.

Thank you to all the employees who took the time to send in their nominations and congratulations to this year’s 50 Best Places to Work!

Until next time,

Carrie McDermott

PUBLISHER

KORRIE WENZEL

AD DIRECTOR

STACI LORD

EDITOR

CARRIE MCDERMOTT

CIRCULATION MANAGER

BETH BOHLMAN

LAYOUT DESIGN

SARA SLABY

ACCOUNT MANAGER

NICHOLE ERTMAN 800.477.6572 ext. 1162 nertman@prairiebusinessmagazine.com

Prairie Business magazine is published monthly by the Grand Forks Herald and Forum Communications Company with offices at 3535 31st St. S., Suite 205, Grand Forks, ND 58201. Subscriptions are available free of charge. Back issue quantities are limited and subject to availability ($2/copy prepaid). The opinions of writers featured in Prairie Business are their own. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork are encouraged but will not be returned without a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

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Prairie Business magazine Box 6008 Grand Forks, ND 58206-6008 Beth Bohlman: bbohlman@prairiebusinessmagazine.com

ONLINE www.prairiebusinessmagazine.com

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should notbeconstruedaslegal or tax advice.Alerus does notprovide legalortax advice.Alwaysconsultanattorneyortax professionalregardingyourspecificlegal or tax situation. Statements of fact arefrom sourcesconsidered reliable butnorepresentationorwarrant yismadeastotheir completeness or accuracy noras thesoleauthority onany regulation, law,orruling as itappliestoaspecificplanorsituation.Theopinionspresentedinthiscommunication aresubject to change withoutnotice andno representation is madeconcerningactualfutureper formanceof themarkets or economy. Alerus Financial,N.A. MemberFDIC

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informationcontained hereinisgeneral in nature,isprovided forinformationalpurposes only,and

ChrisWolf Market President (Nor thernValley)

Blaine Anderson Lead Business Advisor (SouthernValley, Agriculture)

Bill Carlson Commercial Market Manager (SouthernValley)

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The informationcontained hereinisgeneral in nature,isprovided forinformationalpurposes only,and should notbeconstruedaslegal or tax advice.Alerus does notprovide legalortax advice.Alwaysconsultanattorneyortax professionalregardingyourspecificlegal or tax situation. Statements of fact arefrom sourcesconsidered reliable butnorepresentationorwarrant yismadeastotheir completeness or accuracy noras thesoleauthority onany regulation, law,orruling as itappliestoaspecificplanorsituation.Theopinionspresentedinthiscommunication aresubject to change withoutnotice andno representation is madeconcerningactualfutureper formanceof themarkets or economy. Alerus Financial,N.A. MemberFDIC

JLG, MORTENSON CONSTRUCTION BUILD CENTER’S PATHWAY TO THE FUTURE

JAMESTOWN’S ANNE CARLSEN CENTER PROJECT ON TIME, ON BUDGET

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

Construction on the new Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, North Dakota, is more than three-quarters complete.

The last structural beam was placed June 12, and the milestone moment was celebrated with a signing of the beam by officials from the state, city and Anne Carlsen Center. It’s expected to be operational by spring 2024.

JLG Architects, Fargo, designed the new facility, which is being built by Mortenson Construction, also of Fargo.

Todd Medd, principal health care studio director with JLG Architects, and Mark Honzay, principal health care architect, gave an update on the project and explained what it means to the community.

“The Anne Carsen Center already has a campus in Jamestown. It’s served them well but they’re running out of space and they need to advance technology and features,” Honzay said. “The building was built in the 1940s. It’s just not flexible for them anymore.”

The new facility is situated directly east of Jamestown Regional Medical Center, south of Interstate 94, which will showcase its presence in the community and state, one of the center’s goals.

The nearly 110,000-square-foot center sits on a 21-acre site and will support 34 individuals, including 24 with medically complex needs and 10 with more behavior-

al challenges, the Jamestown Sun reported in mid-June.

The center is comprised of six smaller buildings that are connected by a concourse that encloses an expansive outdoor courtyard.

“That was by design. They wanted to have all of the kids and residents be able to gravitate toward this outdoor courtyard. This big outdoor space is surrounded by buildings,” Honzay said.

The circulation path or concourse, also affectionately referred to as the “racetrack,” will allow children to ride their bikes,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

A RENDERING OF THE ANNE CARLSEN CENTER IN JAMESTOWN, N.D., WHICH IS BEING BUILT BY MORTENSON CONSTRUCTION. RENDERING BY JLG

CONSTRUCTIONCORNER

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

motorized scooters or other devices around the building, see people coming and going, and give views of nature through large windows that open to the courtyard.

“They can really roam this building safely,” Honzay said.

The center will feature administrative and leadership space, inpatient and outpatient therapy areas and a large multipurpose space that can be used for school, meets, gymnasium, chapel and special events, such as prom or movie nights.

There’s an aquatic room with a movable-bottom pool, which allows the pool to mechanically adjust from zero depth down to 3.5 feet deep. If someone has issues with walking or moving, staff can put them in the pool, lower the pool depth to whatever height works best for them and then do therapy in that pool, Honzay explained.

Anne Carlsen Center is the primary physical therapy provider for Stutsman County on an outpatient basis, but it also serves all of the students that live and learn in the facility.

“They have not only the residents going to that school, but day students that come in. It’s a much more interventional educational model for the region,” Medd said.

When the original center was created, it was set up for different types of student needs, including children with polio. Care has transitioned over the years as polio has been nearly eradicated, and now focuses more on medically-fragile children, Medd explained.

“Acuity has increased for a lot of their residents on the medically-fragile side, but also on the behavioral side. It’s been really a huge increase in patients on the autism spectrum. So trying to meet those needs as well is a big goal,” Medd said. “Anne Carlsen Center has done a nice job of adapting to the changes and needs of those residents and the kids in our region.”

The center’s guiding principles – which the architects used while designing the new spaces – include flexibility for students, visiting families and staff; teamwork and collaborative space; visibility balanced with privacy; and embracing technology, among others.

“They are very proud they’re an Apple-certified provider,” Honzay said. “Apple

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THE LAST STRUCTURAL BEAM WAS PLACED JUNE 12, AND THE MILESTONE MOMENT WAS CELEBRATED WITH A SIGNING OF THE BEAM BY OFFICIALS FROM THE STATE, CITY AND ANNE CARLSEN CENTER. COURTESY JLG ARCHITECTS

CONSTRUCTION ON THE NEW ANNE CARLSEN CENTER IN JAMESTOWN, N.D., IS MORE THAN THREE-QUARTERS COMPLETE. IT’S EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY SPRING 2024. COURTESY JLG ARCHITECTS

CONSTRUCTIONCORNER

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It’s such a unique facility. Beginning with the design, we looked at case studies and there are just not a lot of facilities that do what Anne Carlsen Center does. They’ve really elevated to the needs of our state and our region to provide that care.

Todd Medd

has given them this elite accreditation that their products are applicable to the technology that they have.”

The center also wants to recruit and retain top talent, but most importantly, focuses on individualized care. In this new facility, each resident will have their own bedroom and most will have private bathrooms. The residents currently share bedroom and bathroom spaces.

“One of the challenges is when mom and dad come and they didn’t have a space to feel comfortable with their children. In the

current design, they can stay in that room, and it has much better facilities for cooking, so they can work with them on decorating cookies for Christmas or other activities,” Medd said. “It’s much more of a welcoming space for not only the children, but the families coming to visit them.”

The project was designed during the pandemic, and virtual meetings were used to plan and design the new center. When supply chain issues challenged the project, the team pivoted and chose alternate manufacturers, for example.

“Mortenson (Construction) has been great every step of the way giving us options instead of problems,” Honzay said. “Anne Carlsen Center has been great, too, saying ‘This is what we wanted but we’re OK pivoting to get it when we want it.’ It’s worked nicely.”

“It’s such a unique facility. Beginning with the design, we looked at case studies and there are just not a lot of facilities that do what Anne Carlsen Center does. They’ve really elevated to the needs of our state and our region to provide that care,” Medd said. “We feel a well-designed building can help heal these kids and help caregivers deliver the care. So for us to be able to have that opportunity is a blessing, to elevate that level of care that they can give these families.”

The community has made a large impact on the robust capital campaign to construct the new facility.

“They have a board that’s been very engaged in raising those funds and have some great donors from across the region and the nation that have invested in the project,” Medd said.

“It’s been great to see that outpouring of support for the Anne Carlsen Center.”

“Both Todd and I are parents and it’s pretty emotional going through that facility and seeing the struggles these kids have been dealt and how Anne Carlsen Center helps care for them,” Honzay added. “We feel pretty fortunate to go home and hug our kids knowing we’re pretty blessed to not have those issues. The fact that this is right down the road in Jamestown, that this type of care is provided in the region, is huge for families that are dealing with those challenges.”

JLG ARCHITECTS STAFF ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE DURING THE FINAL BEAM PLACEMENT CEREMONY HELD IN JUNE. COURTESY JLG ARCHITECTS

PARTNERSHIPS BUILD A STRONG WORKFORCE COLLABORATION

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

BETWEEN EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY IS CRITICAL

Dr. Timothy Downs is the new president of Minnesota State University Moorhead and believes the function of education should closely dovetail with workforce demands and needs.

“I’ll keep asking industry, ‘what do you need? Tell us what you need.’ Then we can take the curriculum and maybe we add dimensions to it,” he said. “The challenge with that is we don’t want to become hyper-vocational. We’re still a university. You want to teach content and process, teach them how to think, how to creatively problem solve and work as teams.”

Industry is asking for a workforce that not only understands the fundamentals of a position but also has “soft skills” – knowing how to act professionally, how to negotiate and navigate, and how to communicate effectively and concisely. Downs prefers the term “power skills” to “soft skills.”

For example, a person with a lower GPA but who is confident, a good communicator and can present their case effectively could be selected for a job over someone with a higher GPA who is introverted and not able to successfully express themselves.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

DR. TIMOTHY DOWNS

The challenge with that is we don’t want to become hyper-vocational. We’re still a university. You want to teach content and process, teach them how to think, how to creatively problem solve and work as teams.

Dr. Timothy Downs, Minnesota State University Moorhead

THRIVING TO GETHER : TEAM TS P

At TSP, we dedic ateourselve stoour craf t, always striving to exceedexpec tations.Butwhattruly set susapar tisourexceptional team camaraderie andmotivation that fuelsoursuccess,drive s innovation,andcreatesasuppor tive environment whereeveryone thrive s. We extendour appreciation to Team TSPformaking usoneof theregion’s 50Be st Places to work forfour consecutiveyears

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

“They can read a room, walk up and introduce themselves, start up a conversation with almost anybody. That person is going to be able to navigate the world and they’ll be noticed,” Downs said. “So, it’s really a power skill.”

Being on campus in person and interacting with other students and faculty plays a big role in learning those soft or power skills. He tells students to get out of their comfort zones and get involved and engaged with clubs and organizations to learn how to work collaboratively, move ideas forward and even learn how to become a leader. Asking students to challenge themselves is key.

“Those skills are part of the student life experience,” he said.

“One of the reasons I came here is that people are really passionate in making sure the students have a good experience and they learn,” Downs continued. “I’ve worked several places and I can’t say every place had that mentality. There are some sectors of every industry where they’re just not that concerned.”

If a student and family say they’re going to commit to a four-year residential university, that faculty also needs to have that level of commitment to the student, he said.

“If you really take it on as your mission, then you’re going to be that involved with the student everywhere – in the classroom, outside of the classroom, at the residence hall, internships – that’s what’s going to be enriching. That’s what we’re doing at Moorhead,” Downs said.

Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, is technology driven. The university’s key areas of study involve computer science and computer technology. The highly sought-after flagship programs, including computer science, are cyberoperations, cyberdefense, artificial intelligence and network security information. The university also has a heritage mission started in 1881, which is teacher education.

“Everything is infused with this focus on technology and the way that we can use technology to do our jobs, whether that’s in business or in education or in computer science,” Dr. Rebecca Hoey

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

EXERCISE SCIENCE STUDENTS AT MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD CAN PURSUE A CAREER PATH IN ANY OF THE FOUR MAIN HEALTH-FITNESS SECTOR AREASSPORT, INDUSTRY, HEALTH AND EDUCATION. DAVE ARNTSON

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD CAMPUS COURTESY MSUM

DR. REBECCA HOEY

Everything is infused with this focus on technology and the way that we can use technology to do our jobs, whether that’s in business or in education or in computer science.

Dr. Rebecca Hoey, Dakota State University in

Madison

HERE ,A NY THING IS POSSIBLE .

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We are always inviting high school students each year to our campus. Once we get them here and can show them all of the things that are available – programs like robotics, automation, precision machining, electrical.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

said. Hoey is the provost and senior vice president for student and academic affairs.

Dakota State University is one of only 10 universities in the United States that has three specific National Security Agency (NSA) designations as Centers of Academic Excellence. They are in cyberoperations, cyberdefense and research.

DR. ROD FLANIGAN

“In order to achieve each one of those designations, our curriculum has to meet the requirements of the NSA in what they would specifically be looking for from an employee in each one of those areas,” Hoey said. “Our curriculum is very aligned to what government, Department of Defense, and what related industries that really deal with cybersecurity are looking for.”

The university, located in rural South Dakota, offers face-to-face courses and online courses. Many students take courses solely online – they may be active military focused in cyber areas and looking to complete a master’s degree or a Ph.D., for example.

“We have even offered an elementary education program entirely online for 13 years. We’ve been doing distance education well way before COVID required everyone to be doing that,” Hoey said.

Partnerships and sponsorships with industry are integral to the programs at Dakota State University.

Dakota State University is a member of the AI Sweden consortium and Case New Holland sponsors that partnership, because the company is interested in the cybersecurity of their equipment.

“Last summer, this summer and the next three years at least, Case New Holland sends a number of our faculty and students to Sweden to work with Swedish students and professors to work on industry kinds of problems – generally about edge computing and the Internet of Things. Those students come here to the U.S. along with a couple of faculty members, they’re here right now, and they study here on our campus trying to solve these real world problems,” Hoey said in late July.

The university recently signed an educational partnership agreement with U.S. Army Cyber to support a student’s entire education. It pertains to research and academic programming – student undergrad research, graduate research and faculty research as well, she explained.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY IS ONE OF ONLY 10 UNIVERSITIES IN THE U.S. THAT HAS THREE SPECIFIC NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY (NSA) DESIGNATIONS AS CENTERS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE - CYBEROPERATIONS, CYBERDEFENSE AND RESEARCH. COURTESY DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

STUDENTS IN THE DIESEL TECH PROGRAM AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE ARE SPONSORED BY SPECIFIC COMPANIES THAT PARTNER WITH THE COLLEGE. COURTESY NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

Dr. Rod Flanigan, NDSCS

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“Our camps are generally sponsored by outside agencies and we have a lot of faculty research that’s sponsored by outside agencies that have an interest in cybersecurity,” Hoey said. “We’re working with the state on a number of those. We’re working on a project with the small business administration, South Dakota SBA, where we evaluate small businesses’ cybersecurity to tell them areas of vulnerability.”

At North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, many programs also have industry sponsorships. For example, the diesel tech programs are sponsored by

specific companies – Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere, Case. The students who go into those programs are sponsored by a particular company and they’re guaranteed a job when they graduate. That company is paying for their education, and the agreement is they will go and work for that company for a set amount of time.

Dr. Rod Flanigan, president at NDSCS, said one of the college’s top supported programs is precision machining, but not many students may be aware of it. That’s a challenge – getting program information out to students before they come to college.

“We are always inviting high school students each year to our campus. Once we get them here and can show them all of the things that are available – programs like robotics, automation, precision machining, electrical. Just in electrical we have commercial, residential, industrial – three very different programs,” Flanigan said. “We have plumbing and HVAC, automotive, auto body, power sports, construction management, land surveying, UAS – unmanned aerial systems. My biggest fear is students really don’t know what the opportunities are out there and that is our biggest challenge.”

STUDENTS IN THE HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAM AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE CAN CHOOSE FROM A NUMBER OF DISCIPLINES INCLUDING DENTAL HYGIENE, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT AND PARAMEDIC TECHNOLOGY, AMONG OTHERS. COURTESY NDSCS

The college’s health department has had the only dental program in the state for 50 years. That will change this fall once Minot State University starts its own dental program.

“The threat of duplication in the state is a problem for NDSCS. For 120 years with many of these programs, we’ve been the only game in town. Students came to Wahpeton, to NDSCS, because we had specialized programs. Now, they’re popping up all over the state. That’s a threat to us,” Flanigan said.

To position itself apart from other schools offering similar programming, NDSCS markets itself as a two-year school with a four-year school feel.

“Community colleges across the nation really are considered commuter schools – students drive in, take a class and go home. That’s not who we are. We are very much a residency-based college. Students come here, live here, participate in different events, performing arts, living in the dorms. It’s a real college experience,” Flanigan said. “On top of that, perhaps even more importantly for programs, we can argue fairly convincingly that we are the best trade school in the entire upper Midwest. We have some very talented faculty that have been here a long time. We have strong tradition in providing workforce for industry.”

The feedback he’s gotten from industry is that students coming out of NDSCS are well trained and have good, strong work ethics which they can’t get from other schools, Flanigan said.

“We are well positioned to serve the needs of industry but we can’t do that without the help of industry and people helping us find new talent, new students. Our biggest challenge, just like industry, is finding students. We really rely on our alumni and people helping us get new students here. That is our single largest challenge,” he said.

No matter what institution a student attends or program is studied, collaboration between higher ed campuses and industry is vital. It allows educators to coach students on where industry is going and can facilitate in getting them there.

At Minnesota State University Moorhead, there is a definite “end game,” Downs said.

“We have a stronger workforce, industry loves us, and the students have a beneficiary. That’s one of the things I’m constantly working on,” Downs said.

THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS IS HERE

BY KAREL SOVAK

Companies have always been looking for that competitive advantage when it comes to their business operations. Having a skilled workforce has always been essential; however, trying to manage work-from-home options for employees in addition to meeting consumer demands while maintaining a quality company culture means even more stress on every industry. That’s why students at the University of Mary’s Gary Tharaldson School of Business (GTSB) enjoy the flexibility and innovations that the school offers to help them bring value day one to whichever business secures their talents and skills. The GTSB has been leading the way in terms of block scheduling for courses and internships to meet the workforce needs of all businesses in this region and beyond.

As dean of the GTSB, it is important to make sure students are prepared by practitioners in their majors. All of the GTSB instruc-

tors not only provide themselves as good role models for the students, but come from the industry in which they teach to bring that real-world experience from which the students can learn. Faculty are led through the formation process themselves and bring that knowledge back into the classrooms so students imitate the modeling and become good stewards of the resources to which they are entrusted – long before they make their way into the workforce.

DR. KAREL SOVAK

Businesses have relied on their employees to be punctual, reliable and good communicators (what many call soft skills) and that is a part of what the GTSB brings to the curriculum, in addition to giving them the skillset for their given major. Embedded into the curriculum, employers can be confident in those skill sets when they hire GTSB graduates from the University of Mary – from our undergraduate degrees all the way to our Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA).

Meeting the needs in terms of workforce is only one of the areas in which GTSB excels. GTSB also provides continuing education opportunities for employees as a design of the partnerships in which they engage each business throughout the region. Workforce Development is a part of the GTSB engagement as many of the GTSB faculty assist in education in conflict management, effective communication, peer to manager, virtuous leadership and project management for regional businesses. Students are able to see faculty outside of the classroom, providing additional insight and knowledge in these areas.

One of the newest programs is the cybersecurity program, designed to not only assist in workforce needs but also to help businesses assess their own cyber vulnerabilities. GTSB responds to the needs of the region, responding to what each community requires, and delivers quality education both on the university’s main campus in Bismarck and throughout the state. This is why, at the University of Mary, education is for life.

Dr. Karel Sovak is the Dean of the Gary Tharaldson School of Business for the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. He completed his Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences and is active in the Bismarck-Mandan community.

GRAND FORKS-BASED BRADY MARTZ & ASSOCIATES RECEIVES TOP 100 DESIGNATION IN NATIONAL RANKING

AGrand Forks company has been named one of the “Top 100 Firms” of 2023, according to rankings from INSIDE Public Accounting.

Brady Martz & Associates announced the recognition earlier this week.

“Being ranked among the top 100 accounting firms in the country by IPA is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of each member of our team,” Brady Martz & Associates President Todd Van Dusen said in the release.

According to the release sent to the media, Brady Martz & Associates was founded in 1927 and has seven offices in North Dakota and Minnesota, with its headquarters located in Grand Forks. After acquiring the Woldman Group, the company has plans to move into South Dakota in October. Brady Martz offers advisory, audit and assurance, and tax services to clients in a variety of industries, according to its release.

“Our team of skilled professionals strives to anticipate our clients’ needs and provide proactive guidance, enabling them to make informed decisions with confidence,” Van Dusen said. “The accounting industry is constantly evolving, and we remain committed to staying ahead of the curve.”

No other North Dakota firm made it into the INSIDE Public Accounting Top 100 list, and no firms from South Dakota were included. Only two from Minnesota made it, but none from the immediate region.

Only one other North Dakota firm even made the Top 500. That was Widmer Roel PC of Fargo, which ranks No. 469.

Brady Martz & Associates’ official ranking was No. 95.

INSIDE Public Accounting annually ranks the 500 largest public accounting firms in the U.S. based on net revenues. Deloitte, of New York, ranks No. 1 on this year’s list, with net revenue of $27.9 billion. Brady Martz & Associates’ net revenue was listed as $54.3 million.

According to the release sent to the media, “in addition to the criteria of U.S. net revenue, rankings are compiled by analyzing responses to IPA’s annual practice management survey. This is IPA’s 33rd annual ranking of the largest accounting firms in the nation.”

The complete list of “Top 100 Firms” can be found at insidepublicaccounting.com/top-firms/ipa-500/.

THE COMPANY’S PRESIDENT CALLS IT A “TRUE TESTAMENT TO THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF EACH MEMBER OF OUR TEAM.”

PRAIRIE BUSINESS STAFF

Celebrating

2023’S 50 BEST PLACES TO WORK!

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

In this month’s Prairie Business, we spotlight 50 of the region’s best places to work in 2023. Some of the companies listed have been here before – many in consecutive years – while a few are new to the list. In total, the magazine received more than 1,500 nominations from employees. The testaments about employers shows that people are excited about their jobs and the companies that provide them.

How organizations treat their employees, clients and business partners goes a long way in describing the culture of a

business. When people feel appreciated and valued, it shows in their job performance. So does how a company helps its employees grow, the offerings it provides for a healthy worklife balance, and the benefits it offers – all important factors in the success and well-being of a company and its employees; things that make employees want to stay long term.

Have a look at this year’s list. These companies are doing things right.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL – AND THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DO IN THE REGION!

AE2S

Headquarters:

Grand Forks, N.D.

Number of employees: 356

Website: AE2S.com

AE2S is a 100% employee-owned civil/environmental consulting engineering firm. At our core, AE2S is about people – our clients, the people they serve, our employees and their families. Our primary service is water – drinking water, wastewater and stormwater system consulting. We are committed to leading the water industry in creative and innovative solutions, and to being partners in developing a shared vision for a better future.

Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D.

Number of employees: 772

Website: alerus.com

Alerus is a publicly traded (NASDAQ: ALRS) community bank that provides banking, mortgage, retirement and benefits, and wealth management products and services to commercial and consumer clients. Our primary focus is providing unmatched service to help clients achieve their goals. Our diversified business model, extensive expertise, and strong foundation provide our clients with the reassurance of knowing their deposits and financial futures are secure. Through our employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), employees are the company’s largest collective shareholder. Alerus has banking, mortgage, and wealth management offices in Grand Forks and Fargo, the Twin Cities, and Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa, Arizona.

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ALL TERRAIN

Headquarters: Fargo, N.D.

Number of employees:

35 full-time plus 30 seasonal

Website: allterrainfargo.com

All Terrain is a locally-owned, woman-owned business, operating since 1999. We are a full-service grounds lawn care and snow removal provider. We are lead by our core values of being real, caring for our team, delivering a great customer experience, and giving back to our community. We staff over 20 NDSU pro-horticulturists and a number of ISA-certified arborists. Most of our applicators are individually licensed, and the products we use are family-friendly and environmentally safe. We offer competitive pay, fully paid zero deductible platinum health, vision, and dental insurance, profit sharing, a retirement plan, and a pay-it-forward program.

ALTRU HEALTH SYSTEM

Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D.

Number of employees: 3,400

Website: altru.org

Based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Altru Health System is an independent, non-profit healthcare organization. We are physician-led, with more than 300 providers and 55 specialties of care. Altru boasts an acute care hospital, specialty hospital, level II trauma center and more than two dozen practice locations throughout northwest Minnesota and northeast North Dakota. Altru was the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, extending Mayo Clinic expertise to the patients we serve. Altru employs more than 3,400 staff and providers who are empowered to fulfill Altru’s vision of providing world-class care to the residents of our region.

APEX ENGINEERING GROUP

Headquarters: Fargo, N.D.

Number of employees: 105

Website: apexenggroup.com

Description: Apex partners with clients to create practical and efficient solutions for complex water, transportation, municipal, and facility projects. We work hard at hiring the right people with the qualities it takes to build a successful engineering firm – exceptional client service, quality work, integrity, experience, expertise, and a drive for success – all while keeping a mind on culture fit. At Apex, skills are recognized, utilized, and appreciated. While employees maintain a busy workload, we look out for each other and work together to maintain a low-stress work environment. We’re helpful, friendly, and support each other’s job-related and personal goals.

APPLIED ENGINEERING

Headquarters: Fargo, N.D.

Number of employees: 114

Website: go-applied.com

Applied Engineering combines adaptability, dependability, and innovation to provide top-notch solutions to our clients’ unique challenges. With locations in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Applied provides product design, software development, and manufacturing support, as well as large-format printing and scanning services. We are 100% employee-owned, creating a unique culture in which everyone has a vested interest in the success of themselves, their colleagues, and their customers. We strive to be the company people turn to when they want the best of the best engineering and tech solutions.

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ARCHITECTURE INC.

Headquarters: Sioux Falls, S.D.

Number of employees: 30

Website: architectureinc.com

Architecture Incorporated, located in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, was established in 1976 and has grown to be one of the most respected architectural firms in South Dakota and the surrounding region. We have firmly established our reputation as a regional leader in innovative and award-winning design, with our priorities being “Excellence in Design” and “Service to our Clients.” We focus on delivering creative solutions and proven service with our team that collectively brings more than 330 years of experience to the table. This wealth of knowledge paired with a creative energy that flows through our team sparks innovation daily.

Headquarters: Perham, Minn.

Number of employees: 946

Website: arvig.com

Established in 1950, Arvig has grown from a small, family-owned telephone company into one of the largest independent telecommunications and internet service providers in the nation. Arvig’s 15,500 route-mile fiber network reaches more than half the counties in Minnesota and serves a 9,000-square-mile service area. Headquartered in Perham, Minn., Arvig – and its nearly 950 employees – provides residential and business internet, television and telephone services and a wide variety of business technology solutions. Arvig became an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) company in 2002 and 40% of the company is now employee-owned.

BANNER ASSOCIATES

Headquarters: Brookings, S.D.

Number of employees: 102

Website: www.bannerassociates.com

Engineering a better community starts with a focus on people. This has been our guiding principle since Banner Associates was founded over 75 years ago, and we’re not slowing down. Our award-winning culture fosters collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement for everyone on our team to deepen our skills and support each other like family. We proudly provide comprehensive engineering, environmental, and surveying services for communities throughout the upper Midwest. Clients choose us because of our outstanding reputation, and they return because we deliver quality. Together, we strive to enhance the lives of our employees and our clients.

ARVIG

BARTLETT & WEST

Headquarters: Topeka, Kan., with offices in Bismarck, N.D. and Sioux Falls, S.D.

Number of employees: 400+

Website:bartlettwest.com

Bartlett & West is 100% employee-owned with offices in seven states. It has more than 400 employees, with 80 in North Dakota and South Dakota. In 2023, the company has been recognized on several top employer lists, including the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professional Network, Forbes, and Prairie Business. Bartlett & West prides itself on service to others and the communities it serves. The firm provides engineering, architecture, survey, and other professional services. Bartlett & West serves local and regional municipalities, DOTs, water districts, rail companies, land developers, private industry and other clients.

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BOBCAT COMPANY

Headquarters: West Fargo, N.D.

Number of employees:

3,500 in North Dakota, 335 in Minnesota and more than 5,300 nationwide

Website: bobcat.com

For 65 years and counting, Bobcat Company has been creating bolder tomorrows as a global leader in the manufacturing of construction, agriculture, landscaping and grounds maintenance equipment. Throughout its rich history, Bobcat has built a legacy of quality, community partnership and industry leadership. Its success is powered by its people who bring a spirit of innovation and passion in all they do. Through a culture of collaboration, development and inclusion, Bobcat aims to empower its employees to accomplish more. Headquartered in West Fargo, North Dakota, Bobcat leads the industry, all while helping people succeed and building stronger communities for a better tomorrow.

BRAVERA

Headquarters: Dickinson, N.D.

Number of employees: 475

Website: bravera.bank

Bravera is an employee- and director-owned company of advisors who help build the financial strength, stability and growth of every community to which we belong. We’re driven to serve you, coming together to forge new paths to help you achieve your business and personal goals. With roots dating back to 1909, we are comprised of Bravera Bank, Bravera Insurance and Bravera Wealth; all falling under the holding company, Bravera Holdings Corp. This allows us the unique opportunity to offer customers a complete financial services package. The word Bravera combines “Bravery” and “Truth” (vera meaning “true” in Latin) for a name with strong ties to the pioneer spirit and honest values that define the northern plains.

BUTLER MACHINERY COMPANY

Headquarters: Fargo, N.D.

Number of employees: 900

Website: butlermachinery.com

Butler Machinery Company is a third-generation, family-owned Caterpillar ® equipment, and agriculture equipment dealer with 20 locations in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana. Butler was founded in 1955 and today is led by Twylah (Butler) Blotsky. Since the beginning, Butler has focused on building long-term relationships with our customers, our employees, and our industry partners. At Butler, we have a strong values-based culture, a great benefits package, a dedication to continued education, leadership development, and career growth, as well as a retirement plan that is second to none.

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CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH DICKINSON

Headquarters: Dickinson, N.D.

Number of employees: 302

Website: chistalexiushealth.org/dickinson

Description: CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson has been proudly serving southwestern North Dakota since 1912. Our goal is to provide quality, compassionate care to every patient. From robotic-assisted surgeries to being a designated Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, we continue to expand our services and update technology to better serve the community in the years to come. CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson has been recognized for its excellent performance on social responsibility, receiving an “A” grade on the Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility.

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS

Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D.

Number of employees: 75

Website: constructionengineers.com

“Do Something Constructive” is more than a clever saying for the team at Construction Engineers. It is the founding principle of how our company approaches each and every day. We proudly serve North Dakota and northwest Minnesota with locations in Grand Forks, Fargo, Bemidji, Mandan, Devils Lake, and Watford City. Construction Engineers provides construction management and design-build services for a commercial division focusing on education, healthcare, and public facilities and an industrial division that builds processing plants and infrastructure systems.

Headquarters: Hanover, Germany

Number of employees: More than 300

Website: wccobelt.com

Continental’s Wahpeton facility, formerly WCCO Belting, manufactures industry-leading agricultural rubber belting products and rubber belting solutions for the aggregate, recycling, logging, package handling, and recreation industries worldwide. The facility has been an employer of choice in the area for decades, earning the Prairie Business Magazine 50 Best Places to Work distinction for nine years. To learn more about local employment opportunities and what makes Continental’s Wahpeton manufacturing facility an employer of choice, visit www.wccobelt.com. To learn more about employment opportunities throughout Continental, visit www.continental-industry.com.

CONTINENTAL/CONTITECH USA, INC./WCCO BELTING

CORNERSTONE BANK

Headquarters:

Decentralized with banks located in North and South Dakota

Number of employees: 202

Website: www.cornerstonebanks.net

A Cornerstone Bank, our culture is the DNA of who we are and how we do things. The foundation of our company culture grew from humble backgrounds. From that framework, we have since flourished into a multi-state community bank, whose history and legacy continue to guide us and drive our unwavering commitment to our stakeholders. The empowerment of our team and markets sets Cornerstone Bank apart. The sharing of expertise across our entire team makes empowerment possible and ensures we will be whom people turn to when they’re making important decisions about their money. Our team has been offering expertise, accessibility, and familiarity for generations.

DAKOTA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Headquarters: Mitchell, S.D.

Number of employees: 150

Website: www.dwu.edu

DAKOTA FENCE

Headquarters: Fargo, N.D.

Number of employees: 500+

Website: DakotaFence.com

Dakota Fence is a family-owned business spanning three generations. The founders started the company in their backyard in 1972. The company’s success in the 1970s led to the creation of multiple operating companies. DFC Company became the parent company to Dakota Fence and several additional companies – Dakota Playground, 3D Specialties, Sign Solutions USA, Park & Play USA, Town & Country Fence, Dakota Unlimited, International Security Products, and DFC Property Management. Our companies are committed to safety, teamwork, accountability and service. Our Blue Family prioritizes giving back to the communities we serve, with several committees designed to give back.

EAPC ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS

Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D.

Number of employees: 185

Website: eapc.net

Founded in 1885, Dakota Wesleyan University offers a different approach to higher education – one that is committed to helping people develop natural talents and personal achievements. DWU offers certificate and professional development programs, and associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees on campus and online. Recently DWU has experienced growth in enrollment, the establishment of innovative new programs, and over $60 million in new construction and renovation to its physical facilities. The DWU community of over 900 students and 150 employees are well versed in the university’s mission of learning, leadership, faith and service.

Headquartered in Grand Forks, N.D., EAPC Architects Engineers is a leading multi-disciplinary firm, employing more than 185 creative minds. Celebrated for its innovative, sustainable design solutions, EAPC fosters an unmatched workplace culture that emphasizes collaboration, professional growth, and work-life balance. The firm’s commitment to positive community impact elevates them within the industry, marking EAPC not just as a successful business, but a cherished collective of architects and engineers. This recognition as a top workplace is a testament to the organization’s ongoing dedication to our staff and industry.

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ENCLAVE

Headquarters: West Fargo, N.D.

Number of employees: 230+

Website: enclavecompanies.com

As a unified real estate investment firm, Enclave’s development, construction and management teams create distinct spaces where our partners, team members and communities thrive. Specializing in multifamily, industrial and commercial developments across the Midwest and Mountain West, Enclave has grown to 230+ team members, completing over 150 projects representing more than $1 billion in total value for its clients and partners since 2011. A 50 Best Place to Work for five years in a row and counting, Enclave’s award-winning workplace is comprised of empowered team members who share in Enclave’s vision and support one another to do their best work.

EPIC COMPANIES

Headquarters:

West Fargo, N.D. and Minot, N.D.

Number of employees: 95

Website: www.EPICCompaniesND.com

EPIC Companies is an investment, development, and management firm with locations in Bismarck, Minot, and West Fargo. Our portfolio includes 35+ mixed-use buildings, more than 350,000 commercial square feet, and 1,000+ residential units in North Dakota. Here at EPIC, we’re on a mission to enhance communities and bring people together through innovative development. We believe our people and culture are what set us apart from others. Teammates with diverse perspectives, skills, and backgrounds are empowered to share ideas that drive our projects to success. Architect and construction teams who are inhouse, developments like transformable plaza spaces, event teams that promote entertainment such as concerts, tenant nights, art shows, and the Norsk Høstfest are just a few items that make us diverse in our efforts to promote quality of life in our communities.

Headquarters:

Jamestown, N.D.

Number of employees: 260

Website: myFCCU.com

During its 84-year history, First Community Credit Union (FCCU) has grown to be North Dakota’s largest credit union, with 29 branch locations in North Dakota and Minnesota. As a credit union, FCCU is a financial cooperative, owned by its members. They offer a fullsuite of financial services including business, consumer, agriculture and mortgage loans, along with checking, savings and more. From its humble beginnings with just 40 members to now more than 46,000, FCCU prides itself on giving back to their employees, members and communities they serve. Come see why “Life is Better with Community” at First Community Credit Union!

FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK & TRUST

Headquarters:

Watford City, N.D.

Number of

Employees: 685

Website: fibt.com

First International Bank & Trust (FIBT) is a full-service, independent community bank, a member of FDIC, and an Equal Housing Lender. FIBT has been in business since 1910 when it began as Farmer’s State Bank in Arnegard, North Dakota. Today, the bank is still operated by the Stenehjem Family and serves communities across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona. Guided by our motto “Live First,” we remain focused on making dreams happen for our clients and customers. Every day, we think about how we can make our bank better, our relationships more meaningful, and our communities stronger.

FISHER INDUSTRIES

Headquarters: Dickinson, N.D.

Number of employees: 1,180

Website:fisherind.com

Established in North Dakota in 1952, Fisher Industries is a family of businesses that incorporates all aspects of the aggregate production and heavy civil construction industries. Our unique, vertically integrated business model allows us to handle small projects, large-scale operations, and every job in between. Our services include concrete, asphalt, drilling, blasting, paving, fabrication, and the production of various aggregate products. We aim to provide reliable products and sustainable solutions for innovative global infrastructure. Fisher Industries will continue to pursue and successfully tackle the industry’s most challenging jobs. Bridges, levees, roads, and walls, we do it all!

Headquarters: Fargo, N.D.

Number of employees: 770+

Website: gatecity.bank

A $3.4 billion mutual bank founded in 1923, Gate City Bank is the region’s leading financial institution and the No. 1 mortgage lender in North Dakota. Celebrating its 100th year in 2023, the bank is headquartered in Fargo, N.D., and employs more than 770 team members at 44 locations in 23 communities across North Dakota and central Minnesota. The bank believes in creating a better way of life for customers, communities and team members, and it has contributed $36.6 million in philanthropic giving and more than 285,000 volunteer hours since 2003. Additionally, for the third consecutive year, Gate City Bank has ranked in the top four of Forbes’ World’s Best Banks list, claiming the No. 4 spot in the U.S. for 2023. It has received a fivestar rating from BauerFinancial for the past 27 years, and has been named one of the “50 Best Places to Work” 10 years in a row by Prairie Business magazine. Learn more at GateCity.Bank. Member FDIC.

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HDR

Headquarters: Omaha, Neb.

Number of employees: 12,000+

Website: hdrinc.com

For over a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 12,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future.

JLG ARCHITECTS

Headquarters: Midwest

Number of Employees: 200+

Website: JLGarchitects.com

HOUSTON ENGINEERING

Headquarters: Fargo, N.D.

Number of employees: 250+

Website: houstoneng.com

Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) is a multidisciplinary consulting firm providing engineering, surveying, environmental, GIS, and planning services. With offices in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa, local and national clients alike seek HEI’s creative and lasting solutions. Our projects span across the US, with diverse clients in many markets including government, tribal, private industry, and non-profits. We utilize the latest technology to provide innovative solutions that produce results now and continue providing value well into the future.

KLJ ENGINEERING

Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D.

Since 1989, JLG Architects has grown from a two-person North Dakota-based firm to an ESOP and national pacesetter with over 200 employee-owners across nine U.S. offices. With a “Design for Life” approach, JLG unites architects, interior designers, construction administrators, cost estimators, community engagement specialists, and branding experts to enrich education, healthcare, sports/athletics, wellness, and public environments. JLG empowers the people who power our communities, delivering inclusive solutions that elevate all ages, races, backgrounds, and geographies. JLG is proud to be recognized as one of the country’s top architecture firms and a Best Place to Work, both regionally and nationally.

Number of Employees: 580

Website:kljeng.com

Since the 1930s, we have worked alongside communities of all sizes, partnering with clients such as cities, counties, and developers – just to name a few. We create solutions that turn visions into reality with a mission to improve the lives of people and communities. KLJ Engineering (KLJ) was founded in 1938, and this year, we are proud to celebrate 85 years of service. With 26 offices located across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming. KLJ is committed to collaboration, communication, safety, and an exceptional experience. We strive to provide all of this, not only for our clients and the communities we serve but also for employee-owners who truly make our company great! KLJ specializes in aviation, construction services, cultural resources, environmental, funding resources, land development, oil and gas, power, public input, public works, right-ofway, structural, survey, telecommunications, transportation, and water.

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LLOYD COMPANIES

Headquarters: Sioux Falls, S.D.

Number of employees: 350

Website: lloydcompanies.com

Lloyd is a multifaceted real estate company specializing in development, design, real estate, construction, property management and hospitality. Working together or separately, our specialized business divisions bring valuable expertise and resources to every development project, construction venture or real estate investment. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D. for more than 50 years, we offer uncompromising innovation, efficiency and service while working to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.

MIDWEST FIRE EQUIPMENT & REPAIR COMPANY

Headquarters: Luverne, Minn.

Number of Employees: 30

Website: midwestfire.com

Midwest Fire Equipment & Repair Company has been manufacturing high-quality fire tankers and pumpers in Luverne, Minn. since 1987. We work directly with our customers, never through dealers, to keep costs down and communication consistent during the entire sales and manufacturing process. By creating long-term relationships with our customers, we can help devise state-of-the-art approaches to meet each department’s needs. We take pride in our work and our ability to produce some of the highest quality, most innovative tankers and pumpers on the market.

MOORE ENGINEERING

Headquarters: West Fargo, N.D.

Number of Employees: 185

Website: mooreengineeringinc.com

MISSOURI FAMILY YMCA

Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D.

Number of Employees: 472

Website: bismarckymca.org

For more than 55 years in the Bismarck-Mandan community, the Missouri Valley Family YMCA has been a powerful non-profit association committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We offer a wide variety of programs, childcare and wellness opportunities for all. Our team is driven by our cause to strengthen the community and support our more than 22,000 members. We are proud to be recognized by Prairie Business Magazine as one of the 50 Best Places to Work in the region for six years in a row, from 2018-2023.

Moore Engineering has remained committed to its mission of improving lives by building strong communities since its founding in 1960. Alongside our public and private partners, we’ve proudly served hundreds of communities across the region. Moore’s world-class team of engineers, scientists, and specialists has successfully completed thousands of projects, supporting the civil, environmental, transportation, and water infrastructure we all rely on. As a 100% employee-owned ESOP, our shared values of respect, integrity, accountability, loyalty and kindness guide each of us as we strive to deliver positive results for the clients and communities we serve.

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NEXUS INNOVATIONS, INC.

Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D.

Number of Employees: 23, plus a team of contractors

Website: nexusinnovations.com

Nexus Innovations is a leading strategic IT consulting firm in the region, celebrating its 23nd year anniversary. We provide a customized approach incorporating organizational goals, business requirements, and organizational culture. In addition to delivering outstanding solutions, what sets us apart is our people and the trust we build with each and every client. At Nexus Innovations, we empower our team members, and it shows in everything we do – from investing in their professional development to offering a challenging, rewarding, and supportive environment. Our team is proficient across a variety of technologies, consulting disciplines and project management strategies, bringing years of expertise to every project. As a Gold Microsoft Partner, we have become a “go-to” consultant for SharePoint, business intelligence, process analysis and automation, project management, and customized .NET solutions.

SANDMAN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS

Headquarters: Moorhead, Minn.

Number of Employees: 68

Website: sandmanse.com

Sandman Structural Engineers is a team of top design and consulting engineers headquartered in Moorhead, Minnesota. We are proud that client demand has grown the firm to 68 team members in four offices across the state. SSE has continually grown since its inception by focusing on building strong, trusted relationships with clients and delivering the highest quality product and service. Innovation and quality are maintained through the commitment to hiring and developing professionals who support the mission of helping others achieve their goals.

NISC

Headquarters: Mandan, N.D.

Number of Employees:

Almost 1,400

Website:nisc.coop/careers

NISC is an information technology

organization that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to more than 950 independent broadband companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Blacksburg, Va., NISC and its subsidiary, iGEAR, employ about 1,400 professionals between the four locations and remotely throughout the United States. NISC has a strong values-based culture, offers a competitive benefits package and is dedicated to the personal and professional growth of employees.

Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D.

Number of employees:

3,750 employees

Website: sanfordhealth.org

Sanford Health is the largest employer in the Dakotas, supporting over 32,000 jobs and contributing a combined $8.8 billion to North and South Dakota’s economies. Our integrated health system has 47 medical centers, 2,800 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 170 clinical investigators and research scientists, more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations and world clinics in 8 countries around the globe. Nothing is more important to our success than our people. We are committed to strengthening leadership development, enhancing culture to support and retain our existing workforce and focusing on recruitment strategies to meet the healthcare needs of the communities we serve.

SANFORD HEALTH

Proudtoberecognizedont he 50 Best Places to Work list tenyears in arow!

Proudtoberecognizedont he 50 Best Places to Work list tenyears in arow!

Proudtoberecognizedont he 50 Best Places to Work list tenyears in arow!

At FirstInternationalB ank &Trust,living first isn’tjust atagline or wishfulthinking. It ’s howweintentionallyapproachlifeand work ever yday and have been sincewegot ourstart in 1910.We’re not just co -workers and you’re notjustclients ,weare family.Thank you to ouremployees fortheir commitmenttoexcellenceand to our customersfor inspiringus to be ourbest.

At FirstInternationalB ank &Trust,living first isn’tjust atagline or wishfulthinking. It ’s howweintentionallyapproachlifeand work ever yday and have been sincewegot ourstart in 1910.We’re not just co -workers and you’re notjustclients ,weare family.Thank you to ouremployees fortheir commitmenttoexcellenceand to our customersfor inspiringus to be ourbest

At FirstInternationalB ank &Trust,living first isn’tjust atagline or wishfulthinking. It ’s howweintentionallyapproachlifeand work ever yday and have been sincewegot ourstart in 1910.We’re not just co -workers and you’re notjustclients ,weare family.Thank you to ouremployees fortheir commitmenttoexcellenceand to our customersfor inspiringus to be ourbest.

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STANTEC

Headquarters: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with regional headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn.

Number of employees: 35

Website:stantec.com/en/offices/united-states-locations-hub

From our locations in Fargo and Mandan, N.D., we’re committed to serving the Peace Garden State. Our varied teams include planners, civil engineers, landscape architects, environmental scientists, soil scientists, and surveyors who are dedicated to helping clients and local communities thrive. In addition to our community development services, we also offer expertise in environmental engineering projects such as wetland delineation, soil science, mapping, and construction monitoring, along with providing responsible solutions for the management of waste streams and byproducts. Providing the necessary civil design services for continued growth of the region is something that inspires us, as we get to be part of the future of our state. Our local team focuses on keeping the public moving safely – whether its developing safe routes to schools, repairing city roadways, or designing and reconstructing rural highway improvements. We care about where North Dakotans call home, and we carry this passion into the work we do with our communities as we help plan for smart and healthy growth.

STEFFES

Headquarters: Dickinson, N.D.

Number of Employees: 565

Website: steffes.com

Steffes is a lean-operating original equipment manufacturer headquartered in Dickinson, N.D., with additional manufacturing facilities in Grand Forks. Over the last decade, Steffes has expanded its manufacturing and support services into North Carolina, Texas, Wyoming, and Oklahoma. Specializing in steel fabrication and electrical services for a variety of diverse industries including oil and gas, contract manufacturing, and electric thermal storage, our creative and experienced team is unmatched in the manufacturing industry, allowing us to innovate and solve complex issues in these fields. Our company culture fosters an unwavering commitment to product quality, safety, continuous improvement, and open communication. We are proud of the culture we’ve built by investing in our employees and are committed to serving the communities we live and work in.

STARION BANK

Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D.

Employees: About 250

Website: starionbank.com

Starion Bank is a family-owned super-community bank that offers personal and business banking services, as well as insurance and investments. Serving customers since 1969, the bank operates 13 branches in North Dakota and three in Wisconsin. Like the larger national banks, Starion offers sophisticated products, services, and technology. Yet we are small enough to give each individual customer our undivided attention. By working to achieve economic and community development in our bank markets, and be an example of social responsibility, we help encourage long-term growth and success for our customers and neighbors, and our larger global community.

THE TITLE TEAM

Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D.

Number of Employees: 230

Website: thetitleteam.com

The Title Team was founded in 1955. It began as a three-person operation committed to providing quality service to the Bismarck community. Today, we are comprised of over 40 locations across the upper Midwest. Together, our companies create The Title Team – experienced professionals who offer complete title services. Our mission is to provide the best service in every market in which we participate. Our team goes the extra mile to help coordinate and complete real estate closing and title services across the communities we serve; from mobile homes to multi-billion dollar commercial projects.

Headquarters: Minot, N.D.

Number of Employees: 160

Website: townandcountry.org

With 11 locations across North Dakota, Town & Country Credit Union is on a mission to positively impact its members, employees and local communities by offering the best products, coupled with excellent member service and generous employee benefits. The Credit Union has embraced flexible work arrangements providing options for flexible schedules and remote work. They also offer 24 hours of paid time for employees to volunteer at local nonprofits. This year, a dress-for-your-day dress code was introduced, where employees choose whether they dress casual or more formal. Town & Country fosters a positive work environment that provides employees new challenges, advancement opportunities and continuing education.

50BESTPLACESTOWORK

S

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

TSP

Headquarters: Regional offices in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Watertown, S.D., and Rochester, Minn.

Number of employees: 61

Website: teamtsp.com

TSP is a multidisciplinary service leader with architecture, engineering, planning, and interior-design expertise within a single company. What began as a one-man shop in 1930 has grown into a regional, 100% employee-owned company. As employee-owners, we feel a deep personal accountability to one another and to providing value for our clients. We pair our diverse project background with strategic, fresh design thinking to deliver projects that meet needs today and are flexible enough to have a meaningful purpose well into the future. Each project is so much more than a building to us: We are forging lasting relationships.

ULTEIG

Headquarters: Fargo, N.D.

Number of employees: 1,100+

Website: ulteig.com

Ulteig is a purpose-driven consulting engineering leader committed to creating and solving for a sustainable future. Ulteig’s employee-owners are technical experts who are transforming our world’s critical infrastructure through collaborative and innovative solutions across the Lifeline Sectors® of power, renewables, transportation and water. Leveraging our expertise for over 75 years, Ulteig operates throughout North America and serves a wide range of public and private clients.

UNITY MEDICAL CENTER

Headquarters: Grafton, N.D.

Number of employees: 177

Website: unitymedcenter.com

Unity Medical Center (UMC) is an incorporated, community-owned and operated health care facility serving the greater Grafton region. Included within Unity is a 14-bed critical access hospital and two family care clinics. The hospital completed a 36,000-squarefoot expansion in 2021 that added a new Surgery Center, Emergency Department, Rehab Services, dedicated patient floor, and a Rural Medical Education Center. UMC is a family friendly, employee-focused organization where team members enjoy working together. UMC received The Best Places to Work by Modern Healthcare in both 2022 and 2023. UMC recognizes employees as their most important resource.

50BESTPLACESTOWORK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52

VAALER INSURANCE, A MARSH & MCLENNAN AGENCY LLC COMPANY

Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D.

Number of Employees: 74

Website: vaaler.com

Vaaler Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, has provided business insurance, employee health & benefits, and private client services

to businesses and individuals for more than 75 years. The Vaaler team has the industry knowledge and depth of experience to provide world-class service with a local touch to clients of all sizes and purposes. Along with providing industry-leading services, caring for employees is a key component of Vaaler’s culture. With their comprehensive benefits package, generous PTO, focus on making a positive difference in our communities, and opportunities for employee development, Vaaler strives to lift up their team both in and out of the workplace.

WESTERN PRODUCTS

Headquarters: Fargo, N.D.

Number of Employees: 85

Website: westernproducts.com

With roots that go back to 1948, Western Products has been a leader in the home improvement industry for over 75 years. We are the region’s first choice for roofing, siding, window replacement, gutters, doors, cabinets, and more, and we believe the secret to our continued success is our employees. From our expert installers and technicians to our knowledgeable sales and support staff, everyone on the Western Products team is dedicated to serving our customers and our community with the utmost professionalism and integrity.

VALLEY SENIOR LIVING

Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D.

Number of employees: 850

Website: valleyseniorliving.org

Valley Senior Living, a non-profit organization, has been providing senior care services in Grand Forks since 1924. The organization has grown to include three care communities and nearly 550 residents. The levels of care include skilled nursing, transitional care, memory care, basic care, assisted living, and independent living. The mission at Valley Senior Living is to provide compassionate Christian care and service to enhance the quality of life for those we serve. Care partners at Valley have achieved recognition for high-quality care from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Pinnacle Quality Insights.

WIDSETH

Headquarters: Crookston, Minn.

Number of employees: 233

Website: Widseth.com

Create Value. Inspire Greatness. This is Widseth’s core purpose –the driver for every client interaction. Our region’s quality of life relies on robust communities, which we help sustain through engineering, architecture, land surveying, environmental science, and related services. With more than 230 employees working from 12 locations in Minnesota and North Dakota, our firm and our employees are woven into the region’s business and social fabric, actively engaging in community life through volunteerism and leadership. We value our employees’ engagement in their careers, their communities, and our practice, and we strive to offer the work-life balance everyone deserves.

NEW RENTAL STORE

Kraus-Anderson has completed construction on a 17,200-square-foot rental store for Ziegler Cat located at 18171 Territorial Rd. in Dayton, Minn. Designed by CNH Architects, the two-story facility replaces the former building.

One of Caterpillar’s largest dealers in North America, Ziegler is expanding its equipment sales, rental and repair services in the central Minnesota market area and expects to have a significant

employment and economic impact. Ziegler sells and services Cat construction, paving, forestry, mining equipment, trucks, generators, and industrial engines. Ziegler also sells the full line of AGCO equipment and CLAAS combines.

Ziegler Cat has 38 locations and was founded in 1914. Ziegler is a family-owned company employing more than 2,700 people in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Missouri.

HURON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER COMPLETES

NEW DIALYSIS CENTER

Kraus-Anderson (KA) has completed construction on a new $2.45 million dialysis center at Huron Regional Medical Center located at 172 4th St. SE in Huron, S.D.

Designed by Wold Architects, the 4,165-square-foot project remodeled the current clinic space to create a new 12-bay dialysis unit, including two isolation treat-

ment rooms. The new state-of-the-art, closed-loop dialysis system will replace an outdated dialysis suite with an aged water system in the medical center’s main campus building.

The project also included a new water system and utilities to the building, a generator for power backup, and updated the exterior façade.

Last year, KA completed a $9 million, 23,500-square-foot expansion for the medical center, doubling the size of the clinic in a vertical expansion. A 9,500-square-foot renovation of the emergency and imaging departments added new infusion bays, treatment rooms and advanced hospital imaging, including MRI and 3D mammography scanners.

DESIGNED BY WOLD ARCHITECTS, THE 4,165-SQUARE-FOOT DIALYSIS CENTER PROJECT AT HURON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IN HURON, S.D., REMODELED THE CURRENT CLINIC SPACE

DIALYSIS UNIT, INCLUDING TWO ISOLATION TREATMENT ROOMS. SUBMITTED

NEW FACILITY

TO ENHANCE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE IN WATERTOWN, S.D.

Anew facility in Watertown, South Dakota, is designed to emphasize dignity and respect for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders.

The Serenity Hills facility for the Human Service Agency (HSA) in Watertown provides new facilities for HSA’s halfway house and detox center. It also includes support space for the C.A.R.E. program, which delivers services for individuals with severe mental illness so they can live in their communities.

The new facility brings both programs onto HSA’s main campus and within a warm and welcoming building that furthers the efforts of both programs.

The Serenity Hills program offers 16 beds and a separate east wing with four behavioral health crisis stabilization “safe” rooms and four detox rooms.

TSP provided architectural; structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering; and interior design services for the 19,000-square-foot facility. The building design features separate drop-off entries for each program, and the secluded location of the overall HSA campus offers added privacy for all individuals using these services.

The exterior design uses residential vernacular materials to blend with the surrounding neighborhood. Large heavy timber frames

anchor canopies that designate specific entries to each portion of the facility.

WATERTOWN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS WELCOME THE NEW SERENITY HILLS FACILITY FOR THE HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY IN WATERTOWN, S.D. COURTESY WATERTOWN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

DINING ROOM AT SERENITY HILLS. COURTESY TSP.

NATIONAL HOSPITALITY SERVICES AND HOTEL EQUITIES ASSUME MANAGEMENT OF TWO HOTELS IN NORTH DAKOTA

National Hospitality Services (NHS), a leading hospitality management company and an affiliate of Hotel Equities (HE) , has announced its recent addition of two hotels: MainStay Suites in Williston and Candlewood Suites an IHG hotel in Bismarck, both situated in the heart of North Dakota.

The MainStay Suites in Williston is an extended-stay hotel known for its exceptional service, spacious accommodations, and top-notch amenities. With its convenient location and proximity to major attractions and business centers, MainStay Suites has been a popular choice among business and leisure travelers alike.

The Candlewood Suites brand is known for its contemporary design and commitment to providing a home away from home. The Bismarck location has earned a stellar

reputation as one of the premier hotel options in North Dakota’s capital city.

“We are excited to welcome MainStay Suites and Candlewood Suites into the NHS family,” said Sarah Koustrup, president of NHS. “These additions align perfectly with our growth strategy, which focuses on investing in best-in-class properties that offer unmatched guest experiences.”

The addition of these two hotels reaffirms NHS’s commitment to providing unparalleled guest experiences across its diverse property portfolio. The company’s proven track record in hospitality management, combined with its dedication to innovation and excellence, continues to attract attention from both investors and travelers.

NHS joined Hotel Equities strategic alliance collective earlier in 2023 allowing

them to take advantage of tremendous scale and resources that have become essential to optimizing hotel performance.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to all our stakeholders who have supported us on this journey,” added Koustrup. “It is through their unwavering confidence in our vision that we have been able to expand our presence and enrich our offerings.”

As NHS welcomes Mainstay Suites and Candlewood Suites into its portfolio, guests can expect the continuation of the high standards of service and attention to detail that has been synonymous with the brand. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the guest experience and driving growth in the dynamic hospitality landscape.

Wetakeprideincultivatingsomething unique. Weempowerour employeestoexploretheir creativity,toexpandtheirknowledgeand skillset,andtochallengetheirthinking.We offeropportunitiestocollaborateand contributetosomethinggreaterthanoneself. Thisiswhatworkshouldbe. ThisisSteffes

Thankyoufornaming Steffes oneofthe 50BestPlacestoWork forthe 9th year!

IAN GELLER

ACKERMAN-ESTVOLD WELCOMES IAN GELLER AS A GIS TECHNICIAN

MINOT, N.D. • Ian Geller has joined the Ackerman-Estvold Minot, N.D., office as GIS Technician. Geller earned a Bachelor of Science in History from Minot State University, Minot, and a Master of Science in Geography and GIS from University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D.. He has a variety of experience in data input, collecting GIS information, and resolving issues with GIS databases and maps. Ian’s responsibilities will focus on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and will provide environmental expertise on a variety of projects throughout the region.

GREG OLSON

ACKERMAN-ESTVOLD WELCOMES GREG OLSON AS SENIOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

MINOT, N.D. • Greg Olson has joined the Ackerman-Estvold Minot office as a Senior Construction Inspector. Olson earned an Associate of Science in Civil Engineering from North Dakota State School of Science, Wahpeton, North Dakota. Greg has over four decades of extensive experience in highway construction and bridge inspection with the ND Department of Transportation and served as District Materials Coordinator for the past 17 years. Olson will be primarily responsible for Quality Control & Quality Assurance on job sites along with assisting with job site inspection on projects.

ENCLAVE NAMES JOE SCHNEIDER DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTES JEREMY COSSITT TO DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION

JASLYNE MURPHY

ENCLAVE HIRES JASLYNE MURPHY AS SENIOR TALENT ACQUISITION PARTNER

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. • Enclave is pleased to welcome Jaslyne Murphy as senior talent acquisition Partner.

In her role, Murphy will execute company-wide recruitment efforts, seeking talented individuals that match each department’s unique needs. She will collaborate with team leaders to understand open positions and the skills required to fill them. Through unique sourcing strategies and strong relationship building, Murphy will maintain a pipeline of qualified, diverse candidates to fulfill current and future openings.

Murphy brings over 10 years of experience in human resources, eight specifically in recruitment.

Prior to joining Enclave, Murphy worked as a senior recruiter for a medical device company. She received her bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Mankato.

WEST FARGO, N.D. • Enclave is pleased to announce Joe Schneider has been named Director of Development, with Jeremy Cossitt being promoted to Director of Construction.

Schneider joined Enclave in 2012 as a project manager and was promoted to Director of Construction in 2019. His 17 years of experience in construction, operations and project management brings a unique and valuable perspective to his new position. As Director of Development, Schneider will oversee development operations and strategic planning, identifying new opportunities and efficiencies to enhance Enclave’s unified real estate investment platform.

“This transition activates new capabilities for our team, while showcasing a steadfast commitment to the advancement of Enclave team members,” shared Josh Wilcox, President of Development and Investments. “We’re thrilled to apply Joe’s talents and years of experience in a new way in support of the development team.

Cossitt joined Enclave in 2020 as Project Manager with 17+ years of construction experience. During his time at Enclave, he’s effectively managed teams and complex projects, including the recently completed Center for Special Surgery in West Fargo. In his new role, Cossitt will expand his responsibilities, overseeing the progress of all construction work to ensure high-quality projects are delivered on time and within budget.

“An integral part of our team, Jeremy has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership and a steadfast commitment to client and team success. We look forward to him bringing the same standard of excellence as he expands in his new role,” said Derek Hoeschen, Vice President of Construction.

JOE SCHNEIDER JEREMY

COSSITT

GREATPEOPLE. GREAT WORK. GREATENVIRONMENT. OURFORMULAFORBUILDING ATOP WORKPLACE.

Ulteigis apurpose-drivenconsultingengineeringleadercommitted to creatingand solvingfora sustainable future.Ulteig’s employee-ownersarepassionateaboutthe worktheydo, whichis supportedby acompanyculturebuilt on thevalues of clientsuccess, integrity,enthusiasm, inclusion, agilityandinnovation. We areproudtohavebeennamed oneofthe50 BestPlacestoWorkbyPrairieBusinessfor the5thconsecutiveyear VISITULTEIG.COM/CAREERS

collaboration creativit y community simply the best

50 Best Places to Work 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023

Together, we make positive change. Through collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie, our family of over 10 0 employees remains dedicated to making life better for eachother and the communities we serve. We are proudofthe culture we foster as ourteam grows in our eight off ices throughout South Dakota, never losing focus on a healthy work / life balance. We are proud , honored, andgratefulto receivePrairie Business Magazine ’s 50Best Places to Work 2023 award, now four years running!

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BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER WITH DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

How do you bring a community together with design and development? At EPIC Companies—an investment, management, and development firm based in West Fargo—it’s all about using an innovative approach and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, stay, and play in these communities.

“Giving people an option to do something was really our mantra because a lot of people crave that social interaction and that essence of coming together was really a priority for us,” said McKenzy Braaten, EPIC Companies' Chief Communications Officer.

EPIC Companies, in their pursuit of enhancing communities, focuses on creating mixed-use developments with buildings that form the foundation of live-work-play-stay communities. EOLA in Fargo is one of EPIC’s current lifestyle community projects that, when

completed, will offer an outdoor public park with a water feature, walking leisure paths, youth activities, art/culture, a natural playground and so much more. In addition, the project will also include the newly developed The Wave by EPIC Waterpark Resort, a more than 50,000-square-foot indoor waterpark.

It’s communities like these, with diverse amenities and offerings, such as green spaces, parks, hotels, condos, bars and restaurants, that generate a vibrant and inclusive environment where you can truly experience it all in one place.

“We see a huge benefit to those residing in these spaces, including a sense of community, friendships with their neighbors, and convenient access to events that foster a strong social fabric at their core,” Braaten said.

These spaces offer various amenities and activities that cater to all age groups, including family-friendly events,

concerts, splash pad areas, and parks. The convenience of having everything within walking distance further enhances residents' sense of connection with their neighbors, creating a tight-knit community that supports one another.

“Everything is just very connected and can serve each other.” she added.

These spaces not only benefit the people living in these communities, they also benefit the businesses that lease space there, from increased foot traffic to having a built-in customer base.

The connectivity and convenience afforded by features like skyways and parking ramps make it easier for customers to access businesses, boosting revenue and overall success. Collaboration and mutual support amongst businesses within the lifestyle community further contribute to their overall prosperity, as they join forces for

tenant appreciation events and engage in joint marketing efforts.

“You have people who already live and work there, so that’s a big perk to commercial businesses,” Braaten said. “At EOLA, we have a couple of commercial tenants that are coming there because there are baseball fields, the zoo, and a curling club nearby. So they see it as an ideal location as far as attracting families.”

At the heart of EPIC Companies’ approach to community development is their commitment to creating modern and convenient spaces that meet the needs and preferences of residents. Their designs prioritize connectivity, convenience, and safety, incorporating features such as skyways, outdoor plazas, and secure parking. By paying meticulous attention to detail, the team also aims to provide an impressive and enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors alike. Continuous feedback from residents and a willingness to learn and adapt

ensures that their designs constantly evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities they serve.

In addition to enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and stimulating the local economy, EPIC has seen how these communities can help drive retention in our state.

The new Tracks live-work-play-stay community in Minot, for example, came about shortly after the new Trinity Hospital was built. Recruiting doctors to move to the area was proving to be a challenge for the hospital. The Tracks offers a familyfriendly lifestyle community that allows individuals from out of state to envision themselves living conveniently across the street from their employer and offering up an entertainment option for their children, along with the indevelopment daycare center.

“We have great school districts and a bustling economy, but there is still

opportunity to create an inclusive space for people to see themselves living long term,” Braaten said.

And it’s their partnership with their valued investors that make it all happen.

“Our investors are our partners,” she said. “We work alongside them on these projects, ensuring each is a success for them and for the people who will be living, working, playing and staying in these spaces.”

With their proven track record and comprehensive approach to development, EPIC Companies provides investors with a reliable and visionary avenue to invest in their own communities through real estate development. Their commitment to enhancing quality of life, utilizing innovative design concepts, and supporting the community ensures that investors receive both financial and social returns on their investments.

For more information or to be involved in one of EPIC’s exciting projects, visit EPICCompaniesND.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 64

STROMMEN JOINS APEX SURVEY GROUP AS SURVEY TECHNICIAN

FARGO, N.D. • Dillon

DILLON STROMMEN

Strommen joined the Apex Survey Group as an intern in the Spring of 2022. Now that he has completed his education, he has accepted a full-time position as a survey technician. Dillon has a bachelor’s degree in Land Surveying/Mapping Sciences from St. Cloud State University and an associate’s degree in Land Surveying & Civil Engineering Technology from the North Dakota State College of Science. Dillon is also an FAA-certified drone pilot.

TWO NEW HIRES JOIN KLJ’S WEST FARGO OFFICE

WEST FARGO, N.D. • KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ), is proud to announce the appointment of two new employees to their team in West Fargo. Jenna Loosbrock and Jadyn Leiseth are the latest additions to the company’s workforce.

Loosbrock serves as an environmental specialist within KLJ’s Environmental team. Loosbrock is a recent graduate from North Dakota State University (NDSU) and earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management. She has previous experience in agricultural operations, greenhouse projects, and geographic information systems (GIS).

KLJ hired Leiseth as an engineer in training (EIT) within our Civil and Municipal team. Leiseth is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from NDSU and has experience in topography surveying, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and customer service.

KLJ is delighted to welcome both Loosbrock and Leiseth to their team and look forward to their contributions to the company’s continued success.

JENNA LOOSBROCK

JADYN LEISETH

JACOB FLECK

JACOB FLECK LICENSED AS A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

RAPID CITY, S.D. • Jacob Fleck, an electrical engineer with TSP, Inc., is now licensed as a professional rngineer in South Dakota.

Fleck recently passed the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, the ultimate requirement to becoming a licensed engineer. The South Dakota Board of Technical Professions issued Fleck’s license on July 21. PE licensure is the engineering profession’s highest standard of competence, a verification of achievement, expertise, and assurance.

To gain licensure, individuals must complete a four-year college degree from an accredited engineering school, work under a Professional Engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams, and earn a license from their state’s licensure board. To keep their licenses, PEs must continually improve their skills during their careers.

Fleck graduated from O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 2019.

Fleck is employed in TSP’s Rapid City office. Since joining the firm in 2019, he has worked on a variety of projects across the firm’s Upper Midwest footprint.

MADISON COOPER

ACKERMAN-ESTVOLD WELCOMES MADISON COOPER AS WATER RESOURCE TECHNICIAN

MINOT, N.D. • Madison Cooper has joined the Ackerman-Estvold Minot office as a water resource technician. Cooper graduated from Minot State University, Minot, North Dakota, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with a concentration in math and physical science. Cooper has also worked in a local surface mining operation assisting with sound reclamation and environmental practices, design, surveying, and GIS development. Madison will aid in dealing with regulatory compliance issues, water source development, water and wastewater treatment, water storage and distribution systems, wastewater collection and pumping systems, and drafting and design.

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BREMER BANK ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR OF WEALTH PLANNING

BECKY WALEN

FARGO, N.D. • Bremer Bank is excited to announce Becky Walen has joined its Fargo location as the company’s director of wealth planning. In this role, Walen leads Bremer’s team of wealth advisors, directing the work around financial planning, client retention, risk management, business development and product and service expansion.

Walen has more than 25 years of financial industry experience, most recently as market development director for Bell Bank Wealth Management. She earned a master’s degree in family financial planning from NDSU, holds the Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor designations, as well as the Mastery of Philanthropic Solutions in Financial Planning from the Financial Planning Association. Walen specializes in comprehensive financial planning, investment management and philanthropy.

Walen is actively involved in the community, including current board service with Red River Valley Estate Planning Council, treasurer of Spartan Boosters, Inc., and volunteering with NDSU, the CFP® Board and Financial Planning Association of MN. She previously held leadership roles with Fargo Public Schools Foundation, Downtown Community Partnership, Chamber of Commerce of Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo, The Village Family Service Center and United Way of Cass Clay. Passionate about learning, she has also taught adjunct at the NDSU College of Business.

DAKOTA CARRIER NETWORK HIRES RIGGLE AS BUSINESS MANAGER

SHANNON RIGGLE

FARGO, N.D. • Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) has hired Shannon Riggle as its business manager. Based in the Fargo office, she is responsible for all human resources functions, including payroll, recruitment, and benefits administration. In addition, Riggle coordinates DCN’s safety program and general business management responsibilities for the organization.

Riggle has more than a decade of experience in human resources with organizations ranging from three to 300 team members. She earned a bachelor’s degree in management and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Mary. In addition, she earned a Professional in Human Resources® certification from the HR Certification Institute. Riggle is a longtime member of the Optimist Club and enjoys quiet time at home with family above all.

ANDY CAMPBELL

ENCLAVE NAMES ANDY CAMPBELL REGIONAL FACILITIES, COMMERCIAL MANAGER

WEST FARGO, N.D. • Enclave is pleased to announce the promotion of Andy Campbell to regional facilities and commercial manager.

Campbell joined Enclave in 2018 as Regional Manager where he applied his more than 10 years of experience overseeing multifamily, mixed-use and commercial properties across both Fargo, North Dakota, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In his role, he played a key part in strategic planning for property success. Campbell has led the lease-up of Enclave’s multifamily properties, and secured deals with national and local retailers to create spaces where people thrive.

Campbell graduated from St. Cloud State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. In his new role he will maintain high standards across properties, developing and implementing maintenance plans, and training facilities team members. Campbell will also oversee all commercial properties.

HALEY JOINS APEX WATER RESOURCES GROUP

ETHAN HALEY

FARGO, N.D. • Ethan Haley recently joined Apex Engineering Group as a graduate engineer in the water group. In his role, he will assist with water resource projects from planning through design and construction. Ethan previously worked at Northern Plains Engineering and the Marshal County Highway Department. He holds a degree in Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering from North Dakota State University.

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To ourteammembersformakingStarionBankoneofthe bestplaces towork.Every day, youbringthe knowledge, experience,and fun thathelpsustakeourcustomersandcommunities farther.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 70

MATHIASON JOINS EDC STAFF AS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

BRENNA MATHIASON

GRAND FORKS, N.D. • Brenna Mathiason has joined the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC) as its workforce development specialist. Mathiason will assist and lead the efforts to carry out workforce programs like the Northern Valley Career Expo, InternGF, and Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler than You Think! recruitment and retention initiative.

“I am proud to be joining a great team of committed leaders at the EDC. They play a significant role in enhancing the economic vitality of the Grand Forks region,” expressed Mathiason. “Workforce development is also a critical area for our community, and I am grateful to be able to contribute to the growth of the available workforce through specialized programming.”

ENCLAVE HIRES ALEX ARENKILL, KYLE MCCAMY AS DEVELOPERS

WEST FARGO, N.D. • Enclave is pleased to welcome Alex Arenkill and Kyle McCamy as developers.

ALEX ARENKILL

In his role, Arenkill will focus on industrial developments, leading end-to-end build-to-suit partnerships promoting growth, efficiency and scalability. A strategic team member, Arenkill will apply his experience across project feasibility, site selection and acquisitions, development, construction and lease administration initiatives.

KYLE MCCAMY

Prior to joining Enclave, Arenkill fulfilled a similar role at a national real estate company based out of Chicago where he was responsible for the acquisition, development and leasing of build-to-suit projects across North America.

In his role, McCamy will monitor and manage the life cycle of multifamily, industrial and commercial projects from concept to closeout, applying his experience across project feasibility, site selection and acquisitions, development, construction and lease administration initiatives.

Prior to joining Enclave, McCamy worked in land development and site design at a local civil engineering consulting company. He also brings years of experience as a project manager and senior professional engineer.

Mathiason comes to the EDC from the East Grand Forks Parks and Recreation, serving as the director of the Summer Playground Program and East Grand Forks School District where she served as a paraprofessional and bus driver. Originally from Thief River Falls Minnesota, she has become an active member in the Grand Forks community and has worked closely with the Empire and Firehall Theatre.

Currently, she also serves on the board of directors for the Greater Grand Forks Community Theater. With her experience in collaborating with local businesses and community members, she is adept at building partnerships and creating valuable opportunities for the community.

PETE BOYLE

BOYLE JOINS KLJ AS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

WEST FARGO, N.D. • KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ), is proud to welcome Pete Boyle as a landscape architect.

With more than 17 years of experience, Boyle brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in design and comprehensive landscape construction solutions for commercial sites, residential developments, parks, and private residences. He is a licensed landscape architect and has experience in project management, contract administration, inventory operations, and data analysis.

Before joining KLJ, Boyle had been operating his own landscape firm in the Fargo-Moorhead area since 2012. His exceptional landscape designs have garnered recognition from the North Dakota and Minnesota Nursery Landscape Associations. Boyle earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from North Dakota State University.

KLJ is delighted to welcome Boyle to their team and look forward to his contributions to the company’s continued success.

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NexusInnovations is astrategic technologyconsulting firm. Technologies andclients areat thecoreofwhatweare allabout, andifyou areatechnology professionalwhois inspiredby adventure,change, learning, teamworkandser vice,you may find agreat career fit at Nexus Innovations.

Q.INSIGHTS & INTUITION

In what ways does your company partner with area higher education students to encourage them to consider career opportunities with your company?

Positive relationships with higher education are critical to the future of healthcare in our region. Altru collaborates with many programs in both North Dakota and Minnesota to foster student learning experiences while providing employment opportunities, either while studying or upon graduation. Connecting with faculty and students both formally and informally is important. For example, Altru hosts open house events, student dinners, sponsors student events and hosts faculty semester kick-off meetings with nurse faculty. Leadership meets regularly to create strategic partnerships, Altru employees serve on academic advisory boards, teach and mentor students.

Marlene Miller Director of People Resources, Altru Health System Grand Forks, North Dakota

A student’s experiences with Altru will inform their first and ongoing impressions from a meet and greet, to their internship and clinical rotations, to recruitment. Altru brings hands-on learning experiences to career fairs, provides expert speakers to fill classroom requests, and invites students to our educational offerings such as nursing grand rounds. We sponsor apprenticeships, internships, and co-op programs, provide shadowing and volunteer experiences.

Altru currently has academic affiliation agreements with 42 colleges and universities. We host hundreds of higher education students annually as they pursue their degrees to support their success. We regularly survey students to learn from their experiences and gauge interest in future employment.

Employment opportunities may include sign-on incentives, relocation support, loan repayment options and ongoing tuition reimbursement for continued education in addition to our total rewards program, flexibility and more! We are fortunate to work with the high caliber of higher education and their students in our region and tremendously value these partnerships.

DCN works with higher education students in a number of ways, depending on what the student is looking for. We frequently get requests for job shadows, which are sometimes the jumping-off point for a mentorship or even internship. One college student who did a mentorship with our engineer joined our team last year after graduating. In the past five years, we’ve also opened the door for internships. Our first intern became a full-time employee, and our current intern is starting her second year with us. We work really hard to make sure that our internships offer broad opportunities to gain experience in different areas of our organization. Students need to get a taste of what it’s actually like to work here, not just doing busy work. Finally, in the past few years, we’ve worked with well over 25 students on their capstone projects, sometimes just for a portion of the requirements, sometimes all the requirements.

But we’ve also realized that for our industry, once a student gets to college, oftentimes it’s too late to get them to consider a technical career. That’s why we’ve expanded our outreach efforts to high school and even middle school, doing things like hosting and presenting at STEM camps and events, giving tours to student groups, and sponsoring events like Cyber Madness.

We’re a small company and there is no way we could hire all the students we work with, but we believe it’s important that we help build the talent ecosystem and help keep these bright minds in the region.

Jesse Heck Director of Operations, Dakota Carrier Network Bismarck, North Dakota

AE2S connects with students attending the various universities and colleges throughout the communities we live. We do so in a variety of ways, from recruitment and networking events to developing relationships with professors and on-campus student organizations. We have engineers on staff who teach classes and team members who are regularly asked to present to engineering classes. Our focus goes beyond ensuring students are informed of the opportunities available to them; we also look to be a resource to students as they discover and establish their career ambitions. Our talented employees are a testament to the short and long-term career goals available. It is always fun to share with students the success of the AE2S internship program as demonstrated by the dozens of former interns now holding high-level leadership and senior-level positions alongside a number of emerging professionals who are experiencing success towards achieving their career goals. Having a successful team of Employee-Owners who are always looking forward to their time on campus, connecting with students, and providing insight into life after college is beneficial for all involved.

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Michelle McDonald-Trostad

Talent Acquisition Specialist, AE2S

Grand Forks, North Dakota

At Moore Engineering, people are our purpose, from our employee-owners to the citizens of the communities we serve.

As a growing ESOP, our strategic approach to recruiting seeks to attract candidates and employees who fit our culture and skills expectations. Higher education partnerships are a crucial piece of that strategy.

From endowed scholarships to serving on advisory boards, from active participation in classroom learning to hiring scores of interns, Moore has fostered important partnerships with NDSU and NDSCS.

Now, our western North Dakota presence is expanding, along with our support for higher education in that part of the state. We recently created a partnership with the new University of Mary engineering school in Bismarck.

While sponsorships and naming rights are useful for awareness, we find the greatest value comes when we can have personal interaction with students. That’s how we convey our culture and values, and how we generate excitement for working at Moore Engineering. We get to know them and they get to know us.

NDSU and NDSCS have long been excellent recruiting partners. The University of Mary is already proving the same. Moore hired the very first University of Mary engineering graduate and this year successfully recruited one of their Outstanding Seniors.

In a tight labor market, partnerships with the excellent educational institutions in our region are crucial channels for filling our workforce needs and maintaining the culture that makes Moore a special place to work and become an employee-owner.

Essentia Health and the Workforce Development division is proud to partner and engage with higher education students and institutions through various pathways. We provide strategies within a k-12 setting to promote career awareness and encourage student interests within health care.

Essentia Health promotes connections for institutions of higher learning to engage with high schools and area learning centers for dual/concurrent credits, certifications, and transition plans to identify next steps for educational programs after high school. The goal is to create career pathways for high school students as they transition to higher learning institutions and eventually professional placement.

Higher education students experience support through college outreach to existing health care programs and allied sciences studies. We continue to support a student’s individual needs in finding the best professional “fit”, financial support, and continued career awareness. Team members are developing a speaker’s bureau in collaboration with APPs to be able to connect with students in the classroom while sharing our knowledge and real-life experiences. We are currently developing more robust opportunities to connect with students in the future to provide authentic mentorship experiences.

Nurturing and supporting ongoing programs include increased interactions with college faculty, providing ceremonial support such as stethoscope ceremonies, and enriching student orientations for schools and departments.

Kevin Bucholz President, Moore Engineering, Inc. West Fargo, North Dakota

Matthew Naugle Workforce Development Specialist, Essentia Health Fargo, North Dakota

BY THENUMBERS

JULY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE CHANGES LITTLE

Both the unemployment rate, at 3.5 percent, and the number of unemployed persons, at 5.8 million, changed little in July. The unemployment rate has ranged from 3.4 percent to 3.7 percent since March 2022. The labor force participation rate was 62.6 percent for the fifth consecutive month. The employment-population ratio, at 60.4 percent, remained little changed in July.

AVERAGE HOURLY EARNINGS INCREASE SLIGHTLY IN JULY

In July, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 14 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $33.74. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 4.4 percent. In July, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees rose by 13 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $28.96.

EMPLOYMENT CHANGE BY INDUSTRY IN JULY

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 187,000 in July, less than the average monthly gain of 312,000 over the prior 12 months. Job gains occurred in health care, social assistance, financial activities, and wholesale trade. Health care added 63,000 jobs, compared with the average monthly gain of 51,000 in the prior 12 months. Social assistance added 24,000 jobs, in line with the average monthly gain of 23,000 in the prior 12 months. Employment in financial activities increased by 19,000, and wholesale trade increased by 18,000, after showing little net change in recent months.

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ROSE 0.2 PERCENT IN JULY

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.2 percent in July on a seasonally adjusted basis, the same increase as in June, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.2 percent before seasonal adjustment. The index for shelter was by far the largest contributor to the monthly all items increase, accounting for over 90 percent of the increase, with the index for motor vehicle insurance also contributing. The food index increased 0.2 percent after increasing 0.1 percent the previous month. The index for food at home increased 0.3 percent over the month while the index for food away from home rose 0.2 percent in July. The energy index rose 0.1 percent as the major energy component indexes were mixed.

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