Prairie Business October 2023

Sp ea kV olumes. S p e a k V o l

To al lt he mo ve rs ,s ha ke rs ,a nd di ff er ence ma ke rs —J LG Ar ch it ec ts ta ke s yo ur st or yb ey on dt he bu il din gtoe mp ow er th ep eop le wh or ef le ct yo ur pa ss ion at ej our ne y. We ’r et al ki ng abou td yn amic desi gn th at sp eak s vo lu me sa bout yo ur mi ss ion ,y ou rc ultu re ,a nd yo ur commu ni ty.S ee ho w

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Good news: North Dakota is matching employer-led child care benefits.

This program could make a difference in helping you attract and retain hardworking parents. To opt in to offer these benefits or enhance the child care benefits you may already offer, visit hhs.nd.gov/childcare

Preservingthe Past

WhileDesigningand Engineeringthe Future

We oftendon’tthinkofthefirststepsof afuture engineeringprojectbeingrelatedtothepast,butthat justthecase.Oftentheinitialstartingpoint,sometim evenbeforetheprojectisdesigned,beginswitha culturalresourcereviewincludingculturallandscapes buildingsandarchaeologicalsites,artifacts,and ethnographicresources.

Culturalresourcemanagementservicesareanessent par tofpreservinghistor y. Thislaboriousprocesscan sometimesbeviewedas ahurdle,butit’s acrucialfirst phasethatpavesthewayforfutureplanning,design, andconstruction.KLJ’sarchaeologistsandhistorians keepprojectsmovingforwardbyunderstandingcomplex regulationsandhistoricpreservationlaws,researchand analysisprocedures,importanceofsiteevaluations,and mitigationinitiatives.

CharlieandMarielconductingaculturalresourcesreviewonaprojectinnorthernND.

M

MeetMariel!

Title: ArchitecturalHistorian YearsofExperience: 10years

Certification: Section

106Essentials

KLJ’sSaint PaulLocation

Charlie Peliska,ArchaeologistatKLJ,collaboratedwith fellowteammemberstoperformClassIIIinventorieson numerousprojectsthissummeracrossthenorthern plains. AClassIIIis acomprehensiveandsystematic archaeologicalfieldinspectionrequiredtoidentify culturalresourcesandformulatepreliminary determinationsofanyresource’ssignificanceand eligibilityforlistingintheNational RegisterofHistoric Places(NRHP)and/orStateHistoricSite Registries. Thisseason,KLJrecordedandupdatedhundredsof culturalresourcesanddiscovered aprehistoricbuffalo effigy/geoglyphwhileperforming asiteinventor y. OurteamiscurrentlyworkingwiththeState Historical PreservationOffice(SHPO)regarding thisremarkablepieceofhistor y.

Together,wecancontinue tellingthestor yofthepast whiledesigningthefuture.

MeetCharlie!

Title: Archaeologist

Duringthebusyfield-workseason,KLJ’sCultural Resourcesteamsareoftenworkingonmultipleprojects acrossNorthDakota,Minnesota,SouthDakota,and Montana.Thissummer,Mariel Rodriguez,Architectural Historian,performedmanyregulator yreviewprocesses includingaccessingseveralbridgereplacementsand transportationprojectsthroughouttheregion.Sheis also skilledinSection106oftheNationalHistoric PreservationAct(NHPA),whichrequiresprojects receivinganyfederalassistancetoconsidereffectson historicproperties. “Thereare alot of things Iloveabout architecturalhistor y. It’simportantcapturingand archivingthesehistoricalmoments,”said Rodriguez. “Andworkingonsafeandreliableinfrastructureprojects thatinspirethefutureisreallyfantastic.”

YearsofExperience: 15years

License: Registered

ProfessionalArchaeologist

KLJ’sBismarckLocation

awiderangeof communitiesandorganizationsespeciallywhen everyprojectcanbe uniqueinsomanyways.”

“I’mverypassionateaboutresearch andlearningaboutone’sheritageand culturalsignificance.”

“Ilovethatmyjob is differenteachandevery dayand Ihavetheprivilegetoworkonsuch uniqueandchallengingprojects.”

“It’sexcitingworkingwithsuch

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EDITOR’S NOTE

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

14

CONSTRUCTION CORNER

VÄDERSTAD FACILITY ON TRACK IN WAHPETON BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT 16

TY OCHSENDORF

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THOMAS LEADS BY EXAMPLE

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WEST FARGO, N.D. • ENCLAVE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE PROMOTION OF TY OCHSENDORF TO REGIONAL MANAGER. OCHSENDORF JOINED ENCLAVE IN 2019 AS A COMMUNITY MANAGER AND HAS MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. SINCE STARTING AT ENCLAVE, HE HAS LED THE SUCCESSFUL LEASE-UP OF ENCLAVE’S PROPERTIES, PRIORITIZING PROACTIVE COMMUNICATION, A SOLUTION-ORIENTED MINDSET AND CARE FOR RESIDENTS AND TEAM MEMBERS. OCHSENDORF STARTED IN THE FARGO-MOORHEAD AREA AND RECENTLY JOINED ENCLAVE’S ST. LOUIS PARK OFFICE. A GRADUATE OF MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, AS REGIONAL MANAGER, OCHSENDORF WILL LEAD A TEAM IN OVERSEEING PROPERTIES ACROSS THE TWIN CITIES METRO FOCUSING ON SEAMLESS OPERATIONS AND A POSITIVE RESIDENT EXPERIENCE, WHILE MAINTAINING ENCLAVE’S HIGH PROPERTY STANDARDS. VISIT WWW.PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM TO SEE THESE AND OTHER NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS AND AWARD WINNERS IN THE REGION.

THE FIVE-STORY

FOOT HEADQUARTERS

CARRIE MCDERMOTT EDITOR

POWERING THE FUTURE

We all know what it’s like when the power goes out. You can’t use your computer, access the internet, charge your phone, cook your breakfast, you name it. In the best of times, it’s an inconvenience to lose power for a few hours. At the worst times, it can be catastrophic for those who depend on electricity to survive.

The transportation sector accounts for approximately 30% of all U.S. energy needs and 70% of the U.S. petroleum consumption, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The gap between the two will close as technology improves and more electric vehicles come onto the market.

With the increasing electrification needs comes the need to produce more energy, at a time when traditional coal-fired power plants are closing.

For at least two decades, energy producers have been transitioning their power supplies from dependable resources such as coal, oil, diesel and hydro, to include natural gas, wind, solar and recovered energy, while also increasing the power generating capacity. Having multiple sources to generate electricity results in a more secure energy source for the electrified portion of the transportation sector, the energy department says. All of which adds to the nation’s energy security.

This month, Prairie Business spoke with energy industry leaders about the challenges they’re facing and the solutions they’re coming up with.

We also talked to those in the construction industry about how they’re incorporating green building practices into their projects. Using sustainable resources, energy efficiencies, recycling materials and recapturing energy are all helping to lower the carbon footprint and make healthier living spaces.

Our third feature this month focuses on technology – specifically, how automation and robotics are transforming the workplace. We’re not quite at the “Jetsons” level of futurism, but we’re well on our way, with robots being used in manufacturing, health care and even delivery services.

As part of this topic, we have an interesting guest column from David Groth, a veteran in the IT field, who covers the subject of Artificial Intelligence.

I also want to remind our readers that the nomination window is open for the annual 40 Under 40 awards through Monday, Oct 16. Visit our website at https://www.grandforksherald.com/prairie-business to submit your nomination of our region’s top professionals under the age of 40. We’ll profile them in our December edition.

Until next time, Carrie McDermott

PUBLISHER

KORRIE WENZEL

AD DIRECTOR

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EDITOR

CARRIE MCDERMOTT

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BETH BOHLMAN

LAYOUT DESIGN

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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

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

Beth Bohlman: bbohlman@prairiebusinessmagazine.com ONLINE www.prairiebusinessmagazine.com

BUILDING FOR A BETTER WORLD SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY-EFFICIENCIES POWERING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

Sustainability is a goal EAPC strives for in every project, according to Rodney Bischoff, a project manager in the company’s Fargo office. The architecture and engineering services company designs resilient buildings in a wide range of sectors, from critical infrastructure – public safety, hospitals and emergency communication facilities – to industrial, residential and education.

“In our area, a lot of our clients are focused on energy and water use reduction. How can we make the most efficient building as possible, especially how to recapture some of that energy within the systems,” Bischoff said.

Energy efficiencies are largely driven by codes, and include everything from using LED lighting and natural daylight to reducing energy and water use.

“Water use will definitely impact the way we design buildings in the future,” Bischoff said.

Anthony Corcoran, partner at EAPC and the mechanical department manager, said utility companies are offering rebates and lower load costs for projects that incorporate energy efficiences, such as thermal ice storage. Thermal ice storage is a proven technology that can reduce the size and cost of chillers, cooling towers and electrical switch gears by 40-50%.

“We have our chillers and put tanks of water underground (under parking lots) and at night we freeze water and make ice,” Corcoran explained. “The tanks by the morning are 100% full of ice. The best part of this is you don’t run chillers all day – they’re off at 3, 4 in the

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS BUILT THE MCKENZIE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER IN WATFORD CITY, N.D. THE PROJECT RECEIVED THE ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD. COURTESY CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS

THE THERMAL ICE STORAGE SYSTEM AT SHOOTING STAR CASINO IN MAHNOMEN, MINN. EAPC ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS INSTALLED THIS SYSTEM, WHICH SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCES UTILITY COSTS BY RUNNING DURING OFF-PEAK TIMES. COURTESY EAPC

RODNEY BISCHOF

afternoon, the peak time for utility companies. We’re not running a chiller, we’re running water through tanks that are full of ice to cool the air. We’re not using less energy per se, but shifting the energy from the peak time of the day to middle of the night.”

Thermal ice storage can be done in any building that requires air conditioning – clinics, schools, casinos and office buildings. EAPC designed and installed a thermal ice storage system at Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, Minnesota, last summer. The casino is saving an estimated $39,000 per month on utility costs with the system, Corcoran said.

The Inflation Reduction Act has been a game-changer on how buildings are being designed, providing funds to help electrify buildings like never before. It’s allowed for-profit and nonprofit organizations to gain substantial tax incentives to add energy efficiencies into buildings.

The 2022 federal law is designed to curb inflation by reducing the deficit, lowering prescription drug prices and investing in domestic energy production while promoting clean energy.

ANTHONY CORCORAN

Kevin Bright, a sustainability manager at Kraus-Anderson’s headquarters in Minneapolis, said the Inflation Reduction Act has been a huge help in accelerating investment in clean energy solutions in all sectors.

“Since I’ve been working, from 2008 and even while in college, we’ve been waiting for an incentive package that will level the playing field between efficient technology, such as costs and fuel-based technologies, and this is kind of it,” Bright said.

The law promotes technologies such as geothermal, energy-efficient battery storage and generally helps to transition to cleaner energy systems.

KEVIN BRIGHT

“Even a year in, the government is reporting unseen amounts of investment for electrification on a historic level. Private dollars are flowing to this area like never before to help, and we’re seeing adoption in the practice. I’m pretty pumped about it,” Bright said.

The Kraus-Anderson headquarters building earned a LEED Silver certification in 2018. According to the company website, the high-performance, transit-oriented energy-efficient building features extensive daylighting, 31% reduction in potable water use, off-gas emitting interior finishes and innovative mechanical and electrical systems. Bright said the building is a great example of how to do downtown development and meshes the company’s goals with the community’s goals.

NICK FIECKE

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world, and provides a framework for healthy, efficient and cost-saving green buildings, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

Using renewable or sustainable materials is also a goal when either renovating, adding onto a building or new construction. Bright said from a structural perspective, traditional materials used are steel and concrete. Timber, a renewable, is also used, and

cross-laminated timber construction is being employed more often.

“The fact that it grows naturally as well as it absorbs carbon as it grows makes it a much more sustainable option compared to steel or concrete that need to go through a number of processes to create them,” he said. “There’s still a lot of options within those – we’re looking into more embodied energy analyses.”

During the design process, considerations are given to what products will work best for the project as well as benefit the environment.

“Good bets are always products that are regionally produced, have higher amounts of recycled parts or made from rapidly renewable materials –products that reach their maturity within 10 years, such as bamboo, cork, linoleum. Products made from these materials grow quickly,” Bright said.

Nick Fiecke, senior project manager with Construction Engineers, Fargo, has spent close to 20 years in the industry, starting in high school working with his dad, who was a carpenter. Prior to constructing a building, value engineering is done, where he works with the design team and project owner on what will work best for that particular job. Considerations include whether it’s a precast concrete, traditional metal frame or a pre-engineered metal building. Lighting, heating and cooling, even flooring longevity is taken into account.

“We are creating efficiency and making sure it’s in line with the wants and needs of the client,” Fiecke said. “We weigh those ideas. We want to make sure it’s something they’ll utilize, be happy with and in line with their future planning ideas for the facility.”

Many of the materials used in commercial construction are covered by the energy code, he said, and include weather and air barrier requirements.

Fiecke also does an analysis matrix that includes lead times, installation duration, flexibility for future modification, aesthetics, durability and ongoing maintenance requirements. The project’s budget is also a main driver in how much can be done and still give the expected results.

Some projects, such as schools, are driven by schedules and some, such as jails, are driven by durability. Safety is a priority in all projects.

Retrofitting existing buildings can often be more cost-effective than new construction, and sustainable design advocates encourage that when appropriate, which can increase a building’s resiliency. The embodied energy of an existing building is wasted when it’s allowed to decay or to be demolished.

One of Fiecke’s favorite projects is the UND School of Law addition and remodel. The project tied together the original 1922 building with the 1970s construction of the law library, as well as a new addition.

“I like a challenging project,” he said. “A major renovation is a challenge, and a building from 1922, you can imagine the drawings, handwritten and really detailed. You have to dive in deep, look at how foundations are constructed.”

VÄDERSTAD FACILITY ON TRACK IN WAHPETON

SWEDISH COMPANY’S U.S. EXPANSION CELEBRATES MILESTONE

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

Employees of Väderstad’s Wahpeton, North Dakota, facility celebrated in late August with a beam-signing ceremony. Sweden-based Väderstad, a third generation family-owned business, is one of the world’s leading companies in tillage, seeding and planting equipment. Väderstad acquired the AGCO-AMITY JV LLC company, which included Wil-Rich, Concord and Wishek brands, in 2021.

The final structural beam for the company’s U.S. headquarters was painted Väderstad’s signature red color and all employees were invited to sign before it was installed during the Aug. 29 event. The construction

crew then lifted it into place and secured it to the structure, where it will remain exposed in the mezzanine area to commemorate this time in the company’s history.

The mixed-use facility will have an approximately 43,000-square-foot building containing office space for 80-100 employees with a full-service cafeteria, said Jason Strobbe, managing director. It will feature two dedicated training classrooms, a media theater and an 11,000-square-foot exhibition hall to host dealer staff and technician training, customer clinics and public events.

“A big part of the building is to bring in dealers and customers for service and sales

training and to see what we’re all about,” Strobbe said.

Since acquisition, the Wahpeton location has grown from 103 employees to about 175, Strobbe said, and has run out of space. The new building will enable staff to have a spacious working environment with flexible work and collaboration spaces.

“Here in Wahpeton, the suite of products really suits what we’re trying to do from a global perspective and also from a market perspective,” he said. “It was always the family’s vision to market, produce and sell products in the U.S., and this was a great opportunity to do that. We have an established

VÄDERSTAD’S MIXED-USE FACILITY IN WAHPETON, N.D., WILL HAVE AN APPROXIMATELY 43,000-SQUARE-FOOT BUILDING CONTAINING OFFICE SPACE FOR 80-100 EMPLOYEES WITH A FULL-SERVICE CAFETERIA, TRAINING CLASSROOMS, MEDIA THEATER AND 11,000-SQUARE-FOOT EXHIBITION HALL. COURTESY VÄDERSTAD

dealer base and Wil-Rich has always been a really great name in tillage. We’re continuing with that family of products but also working on new things as well such as planters and enhancing the seeding l ine.”

“As we embark on our journey to expand our footprint in the U.S. market, we continue to look for ways to provide significant value to our brand, our dealers and our growers. At Väderstad, we strongly believe in investing in our people and local communities. This new facility will create a world-class work environment for our current and future employees,” Strobbe said in an earlier release.

Construction was stalled a bit earlier in the year because of supply delays, but Strobbe said he’s confident the project timeline will stay on track throughout this winter and into next year.

“We were delayed in the spring by about two months due to steel and precast concrete delays. Our great partners, Comstock Construction and Foss Architecture, developed a plan together with us to try to get this completed on time without losing too much from the two-month delay,” he said. “Right now the goal is to have the building completely enclosed, have the glass in, have electrical power to it and have the HVAC and ceilings in, so they can work on the interior during the winter. Based on what we see, we are right on target and maybe a little ahead of schedule.”

The expected completion date is set for September 2024, which could be sooner if there are no hiccups.

“It all depends on what happens this fall and when that first frost hits,” Strobbe said.

Current construction is phase one of the project. There are plans to eventually add a 120,000-square-foot center to the east of the building that would be a glass-enclosed showcase of the company’s agricultural equipment.

“The best thing you can do when you have a great facility like this is to show people what we have to offer for the product,” Strobbe said.

Väderstad has already made substantial investments in the Wahpeton-Breckenridge community, donating $200,000 to projects supporting different sports programs and facilities in the two cities.

“We have some things going on with the college here, too,” Strobbe said. “We’re trying to bite off in manageable chunks. We’d like to help as much as we can, but also have a business to run.”

The new facility is located beside the existing manufacturing facility and parts warehouse, formerly known as Wil-Rich, along Highway 13.

A COMSTOCK CONSTRUCTION CREW LIFTED THE FINAL BEAM INTO PLACE AND SECURED IT TO THE STRUCTURE, WHERE IT WILL REMAIN EXPOSED IN THE MEZZANINE AREA TO COMMEMORATE THIS TIME IN THE COMPANY’S HISTORY. VÄDERSTAD’S WAHPETON FACILITY WILL HOUSE APPROXIMATELY 175 EMPLOYEES. COURTESY VÄDERSTAD

VÄDERSTAD WAHPETON EMPLOYEES SIGN THE COMPANY’S SIGNATURE RED-COLORED STEEL BEAM BEFORE ITS POSITIONED IN PLACE IN LATE AUGUST. COURTESY VÄDERSTAD

TYLER THOMAS

Dakota State University

Major: A master’s degree in computer science with a specialization in cyber operation

Graduation: May 2024

Career path: cybersecurity research

DSU kind of abstracts that and lets you get your hands dirty and do real work. It gets you ready for a career and ready to compete, too, because we love our cyber competitions.

THOMAS LEADS BY EXAMPLE AT DSU CYBER OPERATIONS STUDENT WANTS WORK TO BE MEANINGFUL AND IMPACTFUL

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

Tyler Thomas, a senior in the Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University, recalled during his freshman year walking into his first class and thinking, “Wow, this is a room full of nerds. I fit right in!”

The Forest Lake, Minnesota, native has completed his undergraduate major in cyber operations and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in computer science with a specialization in cyber operations. He will graduate in spring 2024.

Cybersecurity is something he’s been interested in since high school.

“I loved working with computers and it was a cool and kind of new field to get into,” he said of his higher-education focus.

As his college search began, he knew he wanted to stay in the Midwest and first looked at options in Minnesota. He found a few offering computer science degrees but only certificates in cybersecurity. He then became aware of a small university in Madison, South Dakota, with a technology focus.

“When I found Dakota State University, I was like, wow, this is a cybersecurity degree. I went to the campus and saw the MadLabs

building at Beacom, our huge cybercenter, and the fact they are also NSA certified was another cool feature. They have a really nice cyber program here and I thought, wow, this is the place,” he said.

Thomas has found something in common with almost everyone he’s met on campus, whether it’s computer programming, gaming or even rock climbing. He feels a kinship with the majority of people at the school.

“It’s such a small community here at DSU because we have just over 1,000 people on campus, in person, that you get to know everyone. It’s not like some other massive state college where you maybe see just a percentage of the campus because it’s so wide and spread out. DSU has that nice small-town community feel to it,” Thomas said.

He names the instructor Tom Halverson, who taught the first computer science class Thomas took at the university, as his favorite teacher.

“I can’t thank this man enough for getting me to where I am. In class he’s kind of strict, but out of class he’s such a great guy

and will help you do anything you want to do as long as you have the initiative to go out and try it. He’s probably the main reason I’m as involved in campus as I am now,” Thomas said.

Halverson spoke highly of Thomas, describing him as an outstanding student who is very engaged in the classroom and goes above and beyond for assignments.

“Tyler is a true student leader. He is a Computer Club officer, a Student Senator, and an active member in many other clubs. As a Senator, he represents the students very well. He led efforts to revise the processes to establish clubs, club funding and annual reporting,” Halverson said.

The instructor said he’s impressed with his student’s communication and presentation skills.

“He frequently speaks to large groups of students and does a great job. This ranges from tips to be a successful student to highly technical training topics preparing students for cyber competitions,” Halverson said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Thomas’ favorite class, routing and switching, was taught by Kyle Korman. Thomas said he enjoyed it because it is hands-on and students learn how to assemble a network in the ser ver room and are able to see how everything works in the physical space. His previous classes were focused on the digital realm, working on the laptop and virtual servers.

In addition to his coursework, he stays active in campus clubs. For the past three years, he’s been a varsity athlete for e-sports, playing Valorant, a character-based tactical game. He’s been active in digital gaming events and acted as a room attendant to keep an eye on the computers.

“I also got super involved in Computer Club. I was a member for a couple of years and last year was vice president of Computer Club. I stepped down this year from being an officer to run the Defensive Security Club so I could be more involved with a lot of our competition teams,” he said.

Thomas has been on the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) team for the past two years, and on top of that, he’s currently president of the Student Senate.

The National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition starts as a regional event with teams of eight from the college competing against other college teams in the region.

He said DSU does well historically in the competition. If a team makes it to nationals, the team members head to San Antonio, Texas, to compete in person with the top 10 schools in the nation. Two years ago, DSU took second place. Attending that competition gives students an opportunity to network with prospective employers, as well.

“At CCDC national, they have a ton of employers, even NSA and CIA. They send recruiters to this competition to hire people in cyber,” he said.

Since Thomas is a recipient of the Cyber Corps Scholarship for service, his school is paid for and he receives a stipend. After he graduates, he’ll go to work for the government for a set time, and then he’ll have the opportunity to look at more employment options.

“Specifically, I want to do some form of cybersecurity research job at a DOE (Department of Energy) lab. I’ve also been looking at some of the private-public partnerships. A lot of companies are considered government work although they are private, and I was looking at getting into instant-response type jobs,” he said.

Thomas said he enjoys doing technical work and “getting his hands dirty,” and also would be interested in a managerial position.

“I know people who are very technically gifted and can do amazing things but are cursed with bad management who don’t understand those things, so they can’t get their job done,” he said. “I would enjoy being a manager who understands technical things.”

He enjoys learning and being in an industry where he’ll continue learning new things is exciting.

“I know people who have spent months working on a project and the response has been a very minor thing that gets shoved in a corner and never used again. I want it to be meaningful and impactful,” Thomas said.

He encourages students who are interested in working in the computer science or cyber fields to strongly consider Dakota State University.

“DSU is absolutely the way to go because it’s a technical college and you’re getting a technical degree. Every other college that offers computer science is teaching the theory behind computer science – how computers work, why they work, how the computer feels while it’s working,” he said. “DSU kind of abstracts that and lets you get your hands dirty and do real work. It gets you ready for a career and ready to compete, too, because we love our cyber competitions.”

TYLER THOMAS’ FAVORITE CLASS, ROUTING AND SWITCHING, IS A HANDS-ON COURSE WHERE STUDENTS LEARN HOW TO ASSEMBLE A NETWORK IN THE SERVER ROOM. COURTESY DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

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THE LELAND OLDS STATION IN NORTH DAKOTA IS BASIN ELECTRIC’S FIRST POWER PLANT. WHEN LELAND OLDS STATION UNIT 1 WENT ON-LINE IN 1966, IT WAS THE LARGEST LIGNITE-BASED POWER PLANT IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. UNIT 2 BEGAN COMMERCIAL OPERATION IN 1975. LELAND OLDS STATION CONSUMES LIGNITE PROVIDED BY DAKOTA COAL COMPANY, A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF BASIN ELECTRIC. COURTESY BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE

BALANCING POWER DEMANDS WITH REDUCING CO2 EMISSIONS

INDUSTRY CHALLENGED WITH PROVIDING CLEAN, RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE ENERGY

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

Transitioning the United States to a clean energy economy won’t be easy, but the benefits are expected to enhance economic growth, energy independence and the health and well-being of Americans, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Renewable resources like solar and wind are expected to make up a growing share of the U.S. energy supply as compared to fossil fuel sources such as coal, oil and natural gas, according to the U.S. Energy Infor-

mation Administration. In 2022, renewable energy sources generated more electricity than coal in the U.S.

Legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act, is expected to increase the pace of an energy transition.

As blackout threats increase in frequency, the country’s grid operators and regulators are concerned about grid reliability. Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner Mark Christie spoke about the issue in May at a U.S. Senate hearing.

“I think the United States is heading for a very catastrophic situation in terms of reliability,” he said. “The core of the problem is actually very simple. We are retiring dispatchable generating resources at a pace and in an amount that is far too fast and far too great and is threatening our ability to keep the lights on.”

There were two emergency declarations issued in the summer of 2019 and 2020, but six issued in 2021. Winter of 2019-2020 saw one emergency declaration, but winter

2020-2201 had five, according to Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.

The Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act require industries, including coal-fired power plants, to reduce pollutants into the air and water. Emissions from burning coal are sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulates, carbon dioxide (CO2), mercury and other heavy metals, and fly ash and bottom ash. Fly ash and bottom ash are generally stored near power plants or placed in landfills, but pollution leaching from that type of storage into groundwater is of environmental concern.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that in 2021, CO2 emissions from burning coal for energy accounted for about 20% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions and for nearly 60% of total CO2 emissions from the electric power sector.

The pace of coal-fired plant closures is accelerating with half of the capacity, which peaked in 2011, closed by 2026, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. With these closures, more focus is being put on renewable energy sources to help keep the lights on.

Leaders in the energy sector say it’s not an all-or-nothing issue when it comes to using fossil fuels versus renewables. Power generation from wind turbines works only when the wind blows. Solar panels only create energy when the sun shines. It’s why power cooperatives are using a combination of fossil fuel sources and renewable sources to produce electricity.

Mac McLennan, CEO and president of Minnkota Power Co-op, says using a mix of energy sources is the best way to ensure there’s enough safe, reliable electricity generated to meet the needs of its member-consumers. Coal makes up 56% of the co-op’s power generation capacity, with wind providing 34%, hydro 8% and other sources bringing in the remaining 2%.

Most of the power plants operate at a capacity factor of about 70% of the time, he said.

“Our plants operate at approximately 9295% of the time and a portion of that is because our board has given us the dollars necessary to allow those levels of operation,” McLennan said.

The co-op, headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is in the final stages of planning one of the world’s largest, state-ofthe-art carbon-capture facilities, dubbed Project Tundra, to capture and permanently store four million metric tons of CO2 annually from the coal-based Milton R. Young Station. The project’s other entities include

TC Energy, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kiewit.

The demand for carbon-free energy and the need to maintain a reliable and affordable electric grid, along with public policy, regulations and societal expectations, are driving the approximately $1.4 billion project.

In a Pew Research survey, two thirds of Americans say the U.S. should prioritize developing alternative energy sources, such as solar, hydrogen and wind technologies, while a third say the priority should be expanding the exploration and production of oil, coal and natural gas.

Andy Buntrock, vice president of strategic planning and communications with Basin Electric Power Cooperative, says maintaining a mix of generation types is key to ensuring affordability and reliability to its members.

Two highlights of those generation projects include:

• Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV, the largest single-site generation project to be built in North Dakota in 40 years. It will generate nearly 600 megawatts of dispatchable natural gas generation near Williston, North Dakota, with targeted inservice dates of 2025 and 2026.

• Wild Springs Solar, targeted to be in service in 2024 and located near New Underwood, South Dakota, will provide non dispatchable power to members through the largest solar project currently in the state. It will provide 114 megawatts of solar generation.

GARRISON DAM INCLUDES FIVE ELECTRIC GENERATING UNITS WITH A COLLECTIVE CAPACITY OF 583,300 KILOWATTS (KW). THE ELECTRICITY GENERATED BY THE GARRISON DAM IS MARKETED THROUGH THE WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION (WAPA). MINNKOTA HAS BEEN PURCHASING GARRISON DAM POWER FROM WAPA SINCE 1955. CURRENTLY, MINNKOTA HAS AN ALLOTMENT OF ENERGY FROM THE PROJECT EQUIVALENT TO APPROXIMATELY 109,000 KW. COURTESY MINNKOTA POWER COOPERATIVE

THE FIRST TWO COMMERCIAL-SCALE WIND TURBINES IN NORTH DAKOTA’S HISTORY WERE BUILT THROUGH MINNKOTA’S INFINITY RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM NEAR THE TOWNS OF PETERSBURG AND VALLEY CITY (INFINITY). THE SUCCESS OF THOSE FIRST TURBINES JUMPSTARTED EFFORTS TO HARNESS THE AREA’S ABUNDANT WIND ENERGY CAPABILITIES. MINNKOTA NOW PARTNERS WITH NEXTERA ENERGY RESOURCES TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL WIND POWER FROM TURBINES NEAR LANGDON, VALLEY CITY AND CENTER. COURTESY MINNKOTA POWER COOPERATIVE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Xcel Energy, headquartered in Minneapolis, also has a mixed energy portfolio, including wind, solar, hydro, natural gas, nuclear and biomass. MDU Resources Group, based in Bismarck, provides retail natural gas and/or electric service to parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, and generates power using a mix of electric, natural gas, coal and renewables. A closer look at energy production in the three states in this region shows:

• North Dakota ranks third in the nation, after Texas and New Mexico, in both crude oil reserves and production. The state contains the world’s largest known deposit of lignite, and it is the fifth-largest coal-producing state, accounting for 5% of the U.S. total coal production. In 2022, coal-fired power plants provided 55% of North Dakota’s electricity generation. Wind energy accounted for 37%, the fourth-highest share of wind power for any state, according to the EIA.

• South Dakota is the country’s fourth-largest fuel ethanol producer and accounted for about 9% of U.S. total fuel ethanol production in 2021. In 2022, renewable resources provided about 84% of South Dakota’s total in-state electricity net generation. Wind provided 55% of South Dakota’s total in-state net generation, a larger share than all other states except Iowa, according to the EIA. South Dakota uses less total petroleum than all but two other states and the District of Columbia, but due to the state’s small population, uses more petroleum per capita than all but eight other states. The state’s total electricity net generation in 2022 was three times greater than it was in 2007, primarily due to increased generation from wind.

THE MILTON R. YOUNG STATION, NAMED FOR THE LATE SENATOR FROM NORTH DAKOTA, IS A TWO-UNIT, LIGNITE COAL-BASED POWER PLANT LOCATED NEAR CENTER, N.D. YOUNG 1, WHICH BEGAN GENERATING ELECTRICITY IN 1970, IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY MINNKOTA. IT HAS THE CAPACITY TO PRODUCE 250,000 KILOWATTS (KW). YOUNG 2, WITH A 455,000-KW GENERATING CAPACITY, BEGAN PRODUCING ELECTRICITY IN 1977. IT IS OWNED BY SQUARE BUTTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE AND OPERATED BY MINNKOTA. MINNKOTA IS CURRENTLY PURSUING PROJECT TUNDRA, AN INITIATIVE TO RETROFIT YOUNG’S UNIT 2 GENERATOR WITH TECHNOLOGIES TO CAPTURE UP TO 90% OF THE UNIT’S CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) EMISSIONS. THOSE EMISSIONS WOULD BE STORED SAFELY IN A SECURE GEOLOGIC FORMATION MORE THAN A MILE UNDERGROUND. COURTESY MINNKOTA POWER COOPERATIVE

• Minnesota was the nation’s fifth-largest fuel ethanol producer in 2021 and accounted for 9% of U.S. total production.  About three-tenths of all U.S. crude oil imports enter the country through Minnesota, and the state’s Pine Bend Refinery is the largest crude oil refinery located in a non-oil-producing state. Coalfired power plants provided about 27% of Minnesota’s in-state electricity generation in 2022, second only to renewable resources. In 2022, Prairie Island and Monticello fueled 24% of the state’s electricity net generation. Prairie Island nuclear plant is the state’s second-largest power plant of any type by both capacity and generation. Renewable resources supplied 31% of Minnesota’s total in-state electricity generation in 2022, three-fourths of that from wind.

The EIA’s annual energy outlook for 2023 shows not only is the U.S. electric power sector’s composition changing, but there is increased electrification in the end-use sectors. The agency projects more heat pumps and electric vehicles, as well as electric arc furnaces increasingly used in the iron and steel industry. In the residential and commercial sectors, higher equipment efficiencies and stricter building codes extend ongoing declines in energy intensity.

Renewable generating capacity will continue to grow in all regions of the country as it transitions to a less carbon-intense set of electric resources.

AUTOMATION AND ROBOTIC SOLUTIONS

ADDING ROBOTS TO THE WORKPLACE CAN DELIVER BENEFITS

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

As companies continue to innovate and identify opportunities to work smarter, increase efficiencies and create sustainable practices, they may turn to automation and robotic systems. Much of the automation across the country is found at manufacturing facilities, like Bobcat Company in North Dakota. According to the U.S. Census, most manufacturing industries in the U.S. are using robots, with the industrial Midwest boasting the largest concentration.

James Flynn, vice president of operations at Bobcat, said the company is investing millions of dollars into several North American and global manufacturing facilities to provide new capabilities, make operations more efficient and meet increasing demands for their products.

STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF CAN ORDER FOOD ON THE UND CAMPUS BY ORDERING WITH THE GRUBHUB APP AND DELIVERY BY THE NEW KIWIBOTS. COURTESY UND

A FULLY AUTOMATED PRESS SYSTEM AT BOBCAT’S MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN GWINNER, NORTH DAKOTA. COURTESY BOBCAT

“In February 2023, we announced a $9.3 million investment in a unique, fully automated press system at our manufacturing facility in Gwinner, North Dakota. The Gwinner manufacturing complex serves as the very first production facility for Bobcat, which was established in 1947. Today, the facility covers 780,000 square feet, employs approximately 1,600 team members, and produces Bobcat loaders and utility work machines,” he said.

Benefits of the technology include doubling the facility’s press production capabilities, reducing energy consumption, lowering noise levels and improving complex forming for sheet metal parts, he explained. Benefits to workers include reduced redundancies on strain, and allowing for optimized efficiency for more detailed and nuanced tasks.

“In short, it is going to help us get more done in a more efficient way to help us meet growing demand for our products,” Flynn said.

There were no reductions in employees once the new press system was installed, he said.

“On the production line that leverages this technology, we now only require approximately two individuals to manage compared to the previous 17 employees who managed this production line,” Flynn said. “The change comes as employees no longer need to lift and shift the sheet metal between the various production steps. This has been automated. However, the employees who were previously on this production line were able to move into departments that require less physical lifting. This brings positives for both employees and our company as we can optimize our factory performance to have employees in the needed departments.”

Infinity Robots, located in Savage, Minnesota, is a robotics integrator. The company purchases various brands of robots and builds automation machines to go along with the robots. The facility has a 295-foot long lab which allows for incredibly long processing systems, according to Dave Neville, co-founder and president of the company.

“We just finished a 830-foot conveyor system for the U.S. Marines to kit up and rebuild armored vehicles,” he said.

The goal of the company is to “change the way we live, on and off this planet,” Neville said.

“We believe that robots and automation should enhance the human condition

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PART

AN

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and we need to automate to prepare the planet to host 16 billion people,” Neville said. The world’s current estimated population is 8 billion.

To feed a growing world population and allow people to lead meaningful lives means being smarter about how resources are used – how they are extracted, processed and reused.

“It’s a sustainable type approach to business and manufacturing,” Neville said.

Infinity Robotics combines AMRs (automated mobile robots) with industrial arms or cobots (collaborative robots) to create custom automation for their customers. They partner with other robotic and automation companies including the industrial division of 3M, UR Robotics, Apex Machine and Kawasaki Robotics, among others. Most integrators are focused on tasks such as welding, grinding, painting, polishing and assembling, Neville said.

“We’re putting robots in so humans aren’t doing the boring, monotonous tasks that only need to be done part of the day,” he said.

AMRs are increasing safety, productivity and accuracy in manufacturing. They can perform full shifts so that production runs around the clock without interruption. Robotics like three- or six-axis robotic arms can be used for material handling and pick-and-place tasks.

Big picture ideas the company is researching include working to build the world’s largest space port in northern Minnesota.

“Western and northern Minnesota will be key to the future of the U.S. space efforts, should we succeed,” he said. “We’ve been working with Space Force and the FAA and a couple businesses that have property that’s in a good position to do this. This is the last spot in the U.S. we can launch heavy rockets from. Our goal is to launch our robots into outer space, recycle debris that’s orbiting the planet, and mine the moon, Mars and asteroid belt.”

Back on the terrestrial front, the company supplies robotics for several plastics manufacturers and machine shops. They also work with small mom and pop shops that may have just a handful of employees and run their systems on an iPad.

“We have to work together because if we want to build our economy and compete in the world market, automation is key to keeping our prices competitive and keeping our competitive edge,” Neville said.

Robotics are being incorporated into our daily lives more and more every year. Today they are being used to control the temperature in offices and homes and to identify hazards on the road. Cargill has a robot that makes cattle herding safer. ComDel Innovation integrates robotic systems into some assembly and testing processes. Industries that are incorporating automation and robotics include drone manufacturers, civil structure inspection agencies, precision agriculture, health care, automotive companies, aerospace companies, energy and mining companies. In addition to increasing efficiencies, these robots are often incorporated into areas that are dangerous for humans, such as drilling and nuclear power waste-disposal, or hostile environments including deep water.

In the health care field, robots are being used in surgery suites, for patient comfort care and even as delivery systems, transporting medication or lab specimens.

Sanford Health has a high-tech robot assisting in heart valve repair procedures. Robotic surgery offers more precision and faster recoveries. It’s a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses a physician-controlled, computer-enhanced robotic system to operate on a patient through small incisions. The surgeon sits at a nearby control console which allows a 3D view of the working space, which is magnified and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

OF A NEW AUTOMATED PRESS SYSTEM AT BOBCAT’S MANUFACTURING PLANT IN GWINNER, N.D., WHICH HAS DOUBLED THE FACILITY’S PRESS PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES AND OPTIMIZED EFFICIENCY. COURTESY BOBCAT

AUTOMATED MOBILE ROBOT (AMR) IS USED TO LOAD BOXES ONTO A PALLET. AMRS ARE INCREASING SAFETY, PRODUCTIVITY AND ACCURACY IN MANUFACTURING. COURTESY INFINITY ROBOTICS

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enhanced. The surgeon controls the movements of the robotic arms and instruments that work on the patient from the console. Robots are even being used at higher education institutions, such as the University of North Dakota.

MAJURA SELEKWA

Twenty AI-powered Kiwibots have recently been deployed on the campus to deliver food to students, faculty and even guests. The small cube-shaped robots look like fancy coolers on wheels and have a digital screen on the front with a smiley face that blinks and flashes heart-shaped eyes. They are equipped with multiple sensors and cameras that allow them to navigate around obstacles. The robots work with the food-delivery app GrubHub and are programmed to remain on campus.

Orlynn Rosaasen, director of dining services at UND, said the Kiwibots were finally launched this fall semester after some challenges with software upgrades and a charging station was installed. He explained how the robot food-delivery system works.

“The customer uses GrubHub. Once the delivery order is submitted, a Kiwibot comes to our production area. We make the food, put it in the rover, close the lid and it travels to the delivery location. You receive a code back on the cell phone and only you get that,” Rosaasen said.

He said the benefits of the robots are they offer a sales growth opportunity.

“We have people on campus who don’t come to the Memorial Union for lunch. I see it as capturing some of those sales we don’t normally get,” he said.

The Kiwibots have been receiving a warm welcome and run daily from 11 a.m. to about 7:30 p.m., he said.

As the use of robotics and integrated automation increases, so does the demand for workers in the robotics and automation fields.

Majura Selekwa, associate professor of mechanical engineering at North Dakota State University in Fargo, focuses on control systems, dynamics, robotics and mechatronics systems. He said 4-5 years ago, the university did a survey and found the demand for robotics study was high, so they created a minor degree in it.

Selekwa said robots are very accurate, don’t get tired and never forget - they will continue to perform the tasks they are programmed to do forever, or until their mechanics fail.

“Humans have limits on how fast you can move. If you want to speed up and increase efficiency, you use a robotic system,” he said.

Connecting machines with networking and using that data to make decisions can improve manufacturing businesses.

“We should not fear robots, they are doing what they’re trained to do. Robotic systems are becoming part of our lives and we should accept it,” Selekwa said. “There is a saying in robotics –ask not what you can do for yourself, but ask what robots can do for you.”

A NEW ROBOTIC FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE, POWERED BY KIWIBOT AND GRUBHUB, IS AVAILABLE ON THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA CAMPUS IN GRAND FORKS, N.D. COURTESY UND

NDSU ROBOTICS INSTRUCTOR MAJURA SELEKWA, LEFT, AND A STUDENT WORK ON A ROBOTICS PROJECT. COURTESY JUSTIN EILER

“There is a saying in robotics – ask not what you can do for yourself, but ask what robots can do for you.”

- Majura Selekwa

THE CURRENT STATE OF AI

BY DAVID GROTH

Artificial Intelligence, or AI,

THE RISE OF THE MACHINES

Remember when AI was just a glorified calculator that could beat you at chess? Well, it’s grown up now. AI has spread its virtual wings and found its way into almost every aspect of our lives. From smart homes that greet you with your favorite playlist to self-driving cars that navigate traffic better than you on your best day, AI has become the backbone of our modern existence.

CHATBOTS: THE NEW BFFS

Gone are the days of frustrating automated customer service lines that left you wanting to scream into the void. Nowadays, AI-driven chatbots are your new best friends, ready to help 24/7. They’re like the friend who never sleeps but always has the right answers – even if they’re a bit robotic about it.

AI IN HEALTHCARE: NOT JUST FOR HYPOCHONDRIACS

AI has taken a keen interest in our health. It can diagnose diseases, predict outbreaks and even suggest treatment plans. It’s like having a pocket doctor, minus the white coat and indecipherable handwriting. The only thing it can’t do is write you a prescription for chicken soup when you catch a cold.

CREATIVE AI: ARTISTS IN THE MAKING

Did you know that AI can compose music, create art, and even write poetry? It’s like that one friend who always wanted to be an artist but ended up as an accountant – only to finally follow their dreams, with a twist of ones and zeroes. AI can imitate your favorite artists’ style, but let’s not get carried away; we haven’t seen an AI pop star topping the charts just yet.

AI’S FUNHOUSE MIRROR: BIAS AND ETHICAL DILEMMAS

While AI’s abilities are nothing short of miraculous, it’s not without its quirks and flaws. One of its darkest secrets is bias. AI can in-

DAVID GROTH

advertently perpetuate existing prejudices in data, like that friend who always takes sides in an argument without knowing all the facts. We’re working on making AI more equitable, but it’s still a bit like trying to teach your dog to do calculus.

AI PREDICTIONS: CRYSTAL BALL OR MAGIC 8-BALL?

AI has become our modern-day oracle, making predictions about everything from stock market trends to the weather. It’s like that friend who always claims to know what’s going to happen next but rarely gets it right. AI can be eerily accurate at times, but there’s always room for the unexpected.

THE FUTURE OF AI: EXCITING AND UNKNOWN

As we venture into the future, AI’s potential knows no bounds. It’s like setting off on a road trip with a GPS that’s constantly updating and recalculating the route. We may not know exactly where we’re headed, but with AI as our co-pilot, we’re in for one heck of an adventure.

In conclusion, the current state of AI is a thrilling blend of innovation, humor, and a touch of unpredictability. It’s like that quirky friend who adds excitement to your life and occasionally leaves you scratching your head. As we continue down this AI-infused path, let’s remember to keep our sense of humor intact. After all, if AI can’t make us laugh, what can?

So, buckle up, and enjoy the ride through the exciting world of AI – where the future is bright, the possibilities are endless and the jokes practically write themselves.

As final commentary to the present evolutionary state of AI –this entire article was written by AI (ChatGPT specifically), spell and grammar checked by AI (Word), and edited by a human. Now that you know that – go back and read the entire article again with a fresh eye and see if you can pick out my edits versus the AI. In most cases, AI is a tool like any other – making daunting tasks less overwhelming and more efficient. For this reason, I, for one, welcome our new machine overlords.

David Groth is a 25-year IT, telecom, and collaboration veteran. He is the author of the original Network+ exam as well as several IT certification study guides. He is currently the Microsoft Teams champion and Microsoft Modern Workplace consultant for Network Center Inc.

has come a long way since its inception. It’s like that childhood friend who was a bit of a nerd but has now turned into a tech-savvy genius. In this journey through the current state of AI, let’s explore its remarkable progress.

the Midwest: BeMobile Leading the Way in Business Internet

In the heart of the Midwest, technological innovation has taken a giant leap forward with the arrival of 5G in more cities than ever. This groundbreaking development is reshaping how we communicate and revolutionizing the region’s business landscape. One local resource, BeMobile, has emerged as a crucial partner in harnessing the full potential of Verizon 5G for individuals and businesses alike.

The 5G network rollout in the region has been nothing short of transformative. With its blazingfast speeds and low latency, 5G is setting the stage for a host of new possibilities, from enhanced video streaming to real-time IoT applications. But it’s not just about faster smartphones; it’s about enabling businesses to thrive in this digital age.

BeMobile, a trusted telecommunications provider deeply rooted in the area, has played a pivotal role in bringing 5G offers to local businesses. Their commitment to providing top-notch services and support has made them a go-to resource for both small and large enterprises seeking to leverage 5G technology to gain a competitive edge.

The benefits extend beyond the realm of business, too. In the Midwest, 5G is enabling

One of the most significant impacts of 5G in the area is expanding business internet options. With 5G, companies can now access high-speed, reliable internet connectivity that meets the demands of modern business operations. Whether it’s facilitating seamless video conferences, enabling robust cloud computing, or enhancing e-commerce capabilities, 5G is proving to be a game-changer.

Nick Johnson BeMobile Business Solutions Team Leader.

innovative solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education, and more. Farmers can deploy IoT devices to monitor crops and livestock in real time, healthcare providers can offer telemedicine services with unparalleled clarity, and educators can create immersive virtual learning experiences for students.

Furthermore, the speed and low latency of 5G are empowering local tech startups and entrepreneurs. They now have access to a cutting-edge network that facilitates rapid development and deployment of new applications, helping to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem in the region - a much-needed improvement for local communities.

5G, in collaboration with BeMobile, has ushered in a new era of connectivity and possibilities in the Midwest. With faster speeds, lower latency, and a wealth of business internet options, this technological marvel is driving economic growth, innovation, and improved quality of life for residents throughout the region. As we continue to embrace the transformative power of 5G, the Midwest stands poised to lead the way in the digital age.

PATRICK TORA

INTERSTATE ENGINEERING ANNOUNCES MULTIPLE HIRES

North Dakota, South Dakota • Interstate Engineering expanded survey services with the addition of Patrick Tora to the Williston, North Dakota office. As a survey manager, he joins the team with a Bachelor of Science degree in Surveying and Mapping from the University of Akron.

Specializing in pipeline, well pad, and boundary work, he brings 10 years of surveying experience to the team. Patrick’s knowledge and education will be valued assets to the firm as he not only expands the surveying sector but also mentors up-and-coming team members.

GORDON LEMMEL

Interstate Engineering is thrilled to welcome Gordon Lemmel to the Mandan, North Dakota office. He joins the planning team as a Senior Landscape Architect. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Idaho. He is licensed in North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho.

CHRISTINA STEELE

With over 15 years of experience, Gordon has built a broad portfolio of transformational projects enhancing the quality of life for communities. His knowledge, passion, and creativity will be valued assets to the company as he not only expands our planning services but strengthens the team as a whole.

Christina Steele recently joined the Spearfish, South Dakota office as an administrative assistant. She joins the team with an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Western Dakota Technical College. With over 25 years in the administrative field, her depth of experience, along with her knowledge, will complement Interstate Engineering’s growing team.

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Aneonatalintensi ve careunit (NICU) is anareaof thehospitaldesignedto provide specialized careto critically ill and prematureinfant s.

Essentia Health -Fargo ’s NICU is st affed 24 /7 by board -cer ti fied neonatologist s, nursepractitioner sand nurses whoare trained to care for our tiniest andmos tv ulnerable patient s.

Aneonatologist is apediatricianw ith specialized trainingin thediagnosis and treatment of babies born prematurely orcr itically ill.T hese specialis ts treat conditions rangingf rombreathing disorder sand infectionsto low birth weightand congenit alabnormalities

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Familiesc an room in withtheirbaby or utilizetheon -siteRonaldMcDonald Famil y Roomtorecharge,eat and shower.V ideotechnology,NIC VIEW, alsoallow sparents to view theirbaby on screen whiletheyare away.

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OurNICUteam canhelpyourbaby grow strongerandc an providesupport andeducation to youand your famil y. Dependingonyouandyourbaby ’s needs, your team mayinclude:

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n Dietitians –support andmonitor yourbaby ’s nutrition.

Ourgoalistohelpyou andyourbaby transition from theNICUtohome, but ourcomprehensi ve care doesn’ tend there.

We will continue to workw ith youand your baby ’s pediatricianto monitoryourbaby ’s ear ly grow th anddevelopment. If your baby could benefitf romearly interventionser vices or otherc are, we willmakereferrals to specialis ts orhelp youconnect with community resources.

“Weareincredibly proud of ourNICU andmultidisciplinary neonatolog yteam at Essentia,” said Dr.StefanieGefroh Ellison, associatechiefmedical officer anddiv isionchair forinpatient serv ices andwomen’sand children’sser vices at Essentia.“ Ourteamfocuses on prov idinganatmosphere that enables ourpatient stogrowand thri ve.Famil y experienceand qualit yare at thecenter of ever ything wedo to care forour tiniest patient s.”

Connectwithus

If youareinterested in embark ing onyourmaternity journeyatEssentia Health -Fargo:

call (701)3 64 -890 0

visitEssentiaHealth.org

andt akeavirtualtour ofthe birthingcenterand NICU today.

LORETTA BENEDICT

BENEDICT JOINS KLJ’S BISMARCK OFFICE

BISMARCK, N.D. • KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ), is proud to welcome Loretta Benedict to our Bismarck office.

Benedict serves as a senior proposal coordinator within KLJ’s Communications and Branding group. With over 23 years of experience, she excels in implementing communication deliverables across diverse graphic design platforms while maintaining adherence to branding standards. Her expertise extends to public outreach efforts, providing excellent customer service, and collaborating with stakeholders.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in multimedia interactive design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division. KLJ is excited to welcome Benedict to their team and look forward to her contributions to the company’s continued success.

BLAINE ANDERSON

ALERUS PROMOTES BLAINE ANDERSON TO LEAD AG BUSINESS ADVISOR

WEST FARGO, N.D. • Alerus is pleased to announce Blaine Anderson has been promoted to lead ag business advisor. In this role, Anderson leads Alerus’ agriculture-focused team in providing a full suite of financial services to meet the personal and business needs for clients in the ag sector, including lending and deposits, retirement planning, estate planning, and wealth management.

Anderson joined Alerus 2007 and has more than 15 years of financial industry experience. He specializes in agriculture finance and providing strategic guidance for clients seeking growth and long-term planning assistance.

Passionate about supporting his community, Anderson is active in the United Way, Ag Leaders, and the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. He is based in Alerus’ West Fargo, North Dakota, office and lives with his family in Mapleton, North Dakota.

Creating Spaces. Driving Growth.

Q.INSIGHTS & INTUITION

Amanda Torok

Senior Vice President of Culture Gate City Bank Fargo, N.D.

How does your company support and give back to the community?

Gate City Bank’s culture revolves around supporting communities throughout North Dakota and central Minnesota. Whether it’s through charitable donations, volunteer hours or in-kind gifts – we’re honored to give back.

Indeed, the bank has a longstanding history of philanthropy, providing $36.6 million and more than 285,000 volunteer hours since 2003. For an entire century, we’ve remained committed to creating a better way of life for customers, communities and team members.

In-kind donations are a top priority for Gate City Bank, starting with our well-known reusable blue bags – over 100,000 of which are donated to charities each year! These convenient totes have helped food pantries transport nutrition and hygiene products, homeless shelters assist guests, students carry home supplies and more.

Gate City Bank has also gifted charities with office equipment such as computers and desks, which helps support day-to-day operations for crucial causes. And when nonprofits embark on a large project, we even provide low-interest financing to help make dreams more affordable.

Additionally, team members are encouraged to take part in unlimited volunteering during work hours. Our 2023 volunteer hours are projected to exceed 20,000! Plus, we match team members’ volunteer time and donations up to $2,000 each year. All this helps drive their passion for helping communities by giving back.

Creating a better way of life is at the heart of everything we do at Gate City Bank, and it’s made visible through our monetary donations, volunteering, culture of service and overall support for the communities our team members call home.

Here at Eide Bailly, our team knows the future depends on our actions today. The firm strongly believes that part of the responsibility of being good corporate citizens lies in helping our local communities.

Eide Bailly encourages staff to volunteer and positively impact our communities by granting each team member eight hours of paid volunteer time each year to support charitable organizations and causes of their choosing. In addition, the company provides a charitable contribution match to donations made by our staff. We encourage staff to get involved in initiatives that align with their passions. For some, that may mean joining a nonprofit board, and for others, that may mean helping to set up for a nonprofit event or assist with programming.

In our Bismarck office, we are heavily involved with the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way through programs such as the Little Black Dress Campaign and Day of Caring. This year, we had a team of 15 staff members of various levels involved in the Day of Caring project. It was great to work together as a team outside of the day-to-day work tasks, while also bringing value to a local nonprofit organization.

Another activity our office partakes in annually is sponsoring and serving a meal at The Banquet. This nonprofit organization serves free warm meals to our community seven days a week. The Banquet also partners with several other nonprofit organizations who bring additional services to our community including a food pantry, sack lunches and several classes throughout the week.

At Eide Bailly, we are inspired each day to create an environment that embodies our firm’s culture, which includes giving back to our local communities.

Lisa Chaffee Bismarck Market Leader Eide Bailly Bismarck, N.D.

EPIC Companies is committed to supporting our communities through a multifaceted approach. We recognize the importance of giving back, and as such, we engage in various initiatives to make a positive impact in our communities. We provide monetary donations to local charities and organizations, helping them achieve their missions and to serve those in need. Additionally, we sponsor community events and initiatives that promote growth, culture, and well-being. Beyond financial contributions, our employees actively participate in volunteering opportunities, dedicating their time and skills to causes that matter in our communities. We firmly believe that the heart of our company lies in the passion and commitment of our team members. Their willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved in initiatives not only enriches the lives of those we serve but also strengthens the bonds between our organization and the communities we proudly call home.

By combining these efforts, we aim to foster a strong sense of social responsibility within our organization while enhancing the well-being of communities throughout North Dakota. We believe that our commitment through monetary donations, sponsorships, and volunteering creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to join us in making a positive difference. It’s important that we encourage our employees to be supportive of community organizations as our team is the face and voice of EPIC. Once a year we match employee giving so they can support the organization of their choice in giving back. Through these collective endeavors, we aspire to contribute to the growth, resilience, and prosperity of our communities, ultimately creating a brighter future for all residents of North Dakota.

Sue Nilson Vice President of Community Relations EPIC Companies West Fargo, N.D.

Nicol Winkelman

Vice President of Human Resources

Doosan Bobcat

North America

West Fargo, North Dakota

Doosan Bobcat is a global leader in the manufacturing of construction, agriculture, landscaping and grounds maintenance equipment.

We are a global company, but community is ingrained in all of us. We understand that innovation emerges and relationships form at the community and individual levels. For our organization, this is accomplished through local volunteer efforts, as well as financial and in-kind support to organizations and programs.

An example of this is our biannual companywide volunteer effort that celebrates partnerships with organizations in which hundreds of Bobcat employees give back to the communities where they live and work. We can give back in a unique way through the use of our equipment, which enables us and the organizations we support to accomplish more.

It also looks like our partnership with the United Way, or with the National Recreation and Park Association to award grants helping parks across the U.S. accomplish restoration and sustainability activities.

We also take pride in our support and donations to STEM activities, geared at educating the next generation of innovators. At Bobcat, we support our employees working at food banks, schools and medical facilities; performing construction tasks at shelters and community facilities or helping to restore communities after natural disasters.

Bobcat’s community commitment – in North Dakota, across the U.S. and around the globe –means our employees have opportunities to support efforts and organizations close to their hearts. By doing so, Bobcat makes a positive social impact by focusing on the power of our people and our communities.

BY THENUMBERS

CIVILIAN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

The unemployment rate rose by 0.3 percentage point to 3.8 percent in August, and the number of unemployed persons increased by 514,000 to 6.4 million. Both measures are little different from a year earlier, when the unemployment rate was 3.7 percent and the number of unemployed persons was 6.0 million.

EMPLOYMENT AND AVERAGE HOURLY EARNINGS BY INDUSTRY

In August, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 8 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $33.82. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 4.3 percent. In August, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees rose by 6 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $29.00.

EMPLOYMENT CHANGE BY INDUSTRY

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 187,000 in August, less than the average monthly gain of 271,000 over the prior 12 months. In August, employment continued to trend up in health care, leisure and hospitality, social assistance, and construction. Employment in transportation and warehousing declined.

AVERAGE PRICE DATA ON GASOLINE

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 in July 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 in July as the major energy component indexes were mixed.