Prairie Business June 2024

PROFILES OF CONSTRUCTION

Let’s go.

Good Work

H a c ke r s b e w a r e : D a ko t a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y i n M a d i s o n , S o u t h D a ko t a , i s h o m e to

s o m e o f t h e n a t i o n ’ s b e s t i n c y b e r s e c u r i t y r e s e a rc h a n d e d u c a t i o n D S U ’ s n e w

Cy b e r L a b , d e s i g n e d b y J LG A r c h i t e c t s , i s a p a r a d o x o f v i r t u a l a n d p h y s i c a l

d e s i g n , p rov i d i n g a n i n f r a s t r u c t u r e s u p p o r t i n g b o t h s e c u r i t y a n d t r a n s p a r e n c y

T h e i r Cy b e r L a b i s e q u i p p e d f o r t h e u l t i m a t e i n t e r a c t i v e a n d o b s e r v a t i o n a l

s t u d e n t e x p e r i e n c e s a r m e d a n d r e a d y t o t e a c h w h i l e p r o t e c t i n g t h e w o r l d f ro m t h e n e x t c y b e r a t t a c k N o w t h a t ’ s g o o d wo r k wo r t h d e f e n d i n g

Committed to Safety,

Committed to Safety, Dedicated to Excellence

Dedicated to Excellence

As we obser ve National Safety Month, KLJ is committed to doing all that we can to provide safer communities, workplaces, and roads. At KLJ, safety isn't just a policy, it's a core value embedded in ever y project and initiative we under take.

As we obser ve National Safety Month, KLJ is committed to doing all that we can to provide safer communities, workplaces, and roads. At KLJ, safety isn't just a policy, it's a core value embedded in ever y project and initiative we under take

We are dedicated to enhancing safety from the ground up, focusing on comprehensive engagement and prevention strategies Through active involvement in trainings and workshops we empower our employees to uphold and contribute to higher safety standards

KLJ staff ensure safety protocols are in place prior to beginning work each day

ensure safety protocols are in place prior to beginning work each day

We are dedicated to enhancing safety from the ground up, focusing on comprehensive engagement and prevention strategies Through active involvement in trainings and workshops we empower our employees to uphold and contribute to higher safety standards y y p p y p , our effor ts directed towards reducing crashes through improved design standards including traffic-calming measures, enhanced intersection layouts, appropriate road signage, and high visibility markings.

Sponsor ed Content and standards.

Our commitment to risk reduction is demonstrated through the adoption of the latest technologies and best practices in risk assessment, aimed at addressing potential safety issues before they arise. This approach ensures a healthier, more secure environment for ever yone, consistently reducing workplace incidents and enhancing overall safety

Our commitment to risk reduction is demonstrated through the adoption of the latest technologies and best practices in risk assessment, aimed at addressing potential safety issues before they arise. This approach ensures a healthier, more secure environment for ever yone, consistently reducing workplace incidents and enhancing overall safety

With ongoing investments in training, technology, and infrastr uctur e, KLJ is dedicated to excellence, setting new benchmarks for safety, today and in the futur e.

With ongoing investments in training, technology, and infrastr uctur e, KLJ is dedicated to excellence, setting new benchmarks for safety, today and in the futur e

Roadway safety is a top priority in transpor tation, with

Roadway safety is a top priority in transpor tation, with

y y p p y p , our effor ts directed towards reducing crashes through improved design standards including traffic-calming measures, enhanced intersection layouts, appropriate road signage, and high visibility markings.

Sponsor ed Content

Safety vending machines allow KLJ staff to quickly access everything from hard hats to safety glasses

Safety vending machines allow KLJ staff to quickly access everything from hard hats to safety glasses.

Ash Coulee Drive - Bismarck, ND

KLJ staff

I N V E S T I N G I N P O W E R

Whether you’re turning the lights on in your home or keeping your livestock warm, electricity is vital to our way of life It powers our communities and keeps us safe We use many different fuel sources to keep electricity affordable for the cooperative family because investing in you is why we exist!

Modernizing Community Sports Facilities

Cutting-edge sports infrastructure through phased renovations transforms facilities, adding modern fields and amenities, fostering environments that nurture athletic talent and community spirit

JAMESTOWN MCELROY BASEBALL COMPLEX

Youdon’t hireengineers whoare “goodenough.” Youhirethe very best. Incidentally,sodowe.

ThereisnoB -Team.

CONSTRUCTION SEASON HAS BEGUN IN THE REGION

Although summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21, construction season is in full swing in the Dakotas and Minnesota. This edition features a big roundup of current and recently finished construction projects that reflect the economic growth in the region. Highlights include flood protection projects, school additions, airport additions, municipal buildings and more.

Following that theme, we talked with construction industry leader Mike Gowan of Gowan Construction, who is currently the president of the Associated General Contractors, North Dakota chapter. He shares his take on how the industry is doing and the challenges it’s facing, including workforce shortages. Those shortages are a combination of retirements in the industry and more students choosing to attend four-year institutions rather than trade schools.

CARRIE MCDERMOTT

“The North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education (CTE) has recognized the shortfall and is doing a great job expanding the classroom capacities by building new CTE schools as well as increasing the number of students by offering and extending CTE education into middle school ages,” he told us. “Everyone agrees that introducing construction trades to these kids earlier on will increase CTE awareness and improve the overall goal of increasing North Dakota’s skilled workforce.”

Speaking of CTEs, Prairie Business staff visited with Bismarck and Mandan leaders who are proud of their career academy and tech centers, which help connect industries with future workers. We learned a lot about the communities, what’s working well there and what’s coming down the pipeline. Be sure to read that coverage inside.

The legal profession is another area featured in this edition, and labor and employment attorney MacKenzie Hertz with Vogel Law shares the most recent changes in federal law that can affect businesses.

One area of business that’s not talked about much in Prairie Business, but is important, is filing for bankruptcy protection. It’s nothing an entrepreneur wants to think about when imagining their future business, but a change could happen this month that could affect the eligibility of a company to file under Chapter 11. Be sure to read the information provided by Robert Miller, a law professor at the University of South Dakota.

Next month, we’ll highlight the annual Leaders & Legacies honorees as well as our special Corporate Communities feature.

Until then, enjoy the long summer days that allow more time for outdoor recreation and activities.

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

PUBLISHER

KORRIE WENZEL

AD DIRECTOR

STACI LORD

EDITOR

CARRIE MCDERMOTT

CIRCULATION MANAGER

BETH BOHLMAN

LAYOUT DESIGN

JAMIE HOLTE

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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions are free prairiebusinessmagazine.com

ADDRESS CORRECTIONS

Prairie Business magazine PO Box 5359, Grand Forks ND 58206-5359

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

The Great Diamond Debate

NATURAL vs. LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS

NATURAL LAB-GROWN

Reality Check

Value

Appearance

Grading

Durability

Identification

Natural diamonds are rare wonders, formed over billions of years and released through volcanic eruptions.

Natural diamonds vary in price based on size, quality, and cut, often holding or increasing in value over time

Lab-grown diamonds share the same atomic structure as natural diamonds, crafted under controlled environments.

Lab-grown diamonds offer a larger look for less, but haven’t maintained their value due to increased production.

Both natural and lab diamonds look virtually identical to the untrained eye once cut and polished.

Both types are graded using the same 4Cs system, with GIA being the most reputable for natural diamonds and IGI for lab-grown.

Both boast a Mohs hardness rating of 10, making them highly scratch-resistant and suitable for everyday wear

Retailers are legally required to disclose whether a diamond is natural or labgrown, and many graded diamonds are laser inscribed to specify their origin.

Our Take Natural diamonds hold unique stories and sentimental value, making them cherished heirlooms.

Lab-grown diamonds offer big looks on a budget without compromising durability or beauty

4582 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58104 (701) 282-2606

Shopping for fine jewelry can be overwhelming with a myriad of styles, shapes, and sizes available. And when it comes to classic diamond rings, the decision between mined or lab-grown stones adds another layer of complexity Let our diamond experts guide you through the key differences.

While lab-grown diamonds are gaining acceptance, differences in perception and value persist

At Wimmer’s Diamonds, we offer a wide selection of both natural and lab-grown diamonds. We’ll provide the expertise you need to make the best choice for you.

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS IS WORKING ON THE $33 MILLION GRAND FORKS COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY RENOVATION & JUVENILE DETENTION ADDITION PROJECT IN GRAND FORKS, N.D. / COURTESY CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS

NOTABLE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ACROSS THE REGION FROM

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS TO COMMERCIAL SPACE, THE REGION’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IS BUSY

BY PRAIRIE BUSINESS STAFF

Don’t let North Dakota’s small population hide the fact that the state’s construction industry is booming. Monthly construction activity was up 57% in February, according to Construction Wire, with the fastest growing sectors in natural resources, followed by management, and professional and technical services for transportation and agriculture. Each sector relies on the construction industry for support with projects that ensure their continued success. Construction projects in both South Dakota and Minnesota are also keeping pace with North Dakota.

A number of notable construction projects in the region are listed in the following pages:

FMM Southern Embankment Reach SE-2B is part of the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project and is located southeast of Horace, North Dakota. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, awarded a $42.2 million contract to R.J. Zavoral & Sons, Inc. of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, to complete the Southern Embankment

Reach SE-2B portion of the Fargo, North Dakota/Moorhead, Minnesota, Metropolitan Area Flood Risk Management Project, which is also known as the FM Area Diversion.

The Southern Embankment Reach SE-2B consists of an embankment that will extend from the existing Reach SE-2A near Horace to the Wild Rice River Structure, both of which are currently under construction with anticipated completion in October 2025. The total length of the embankment is approximately 4.1 miles. The embankment material will come from the borrow ditch adjacent to the embankment. The project will also include two road crossings (at County Road 16 and 45th Street South), utility relocations, a temporary weir adjacent to the Wild Rice River Structure and temporary flap gates at County Road 16. This is the fourth of multiple contracts planned to construct the embankments associated with the southern embankment. This congressionally authorized project is a 30-miles-long stormwater diversion channel in North Dakota with

PETERSON

upstream staging. The plan includes a 21-miles-long southern embankment, several highway and railroad bridges, three gated control structures and two aqueduct structures. The Corps is working in partnership on this project with the cities of Fargo and Moorhead and the Metro Flood Diversion Authority. This project provides flood risk reduction for nearly 260,000 people and 70 square miles of infrastructure in the communities of Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, Horace and Harwood.

VANCE THOMPSON VISION IS CONNECTED TO RIVER’S BEND MEDICAL CENTER IN WEST FARGO, N.D. THE EXPANDED BUILDING WAS COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 2024 BY ENCLAVE WITH ARCHITECT WORK BY HGA. / COURTESY ENCLAVE

HGA is the architect and Enclave is the contractor for Vance Thompson Vision in West Fargo, North Dakota. The 40,000-squarefoot building was completed in February.

In partnership with Vance Thompson Vision, Enclave realized its vision for a modern tech-forward facility. A global leader in ophthalmology, the client required additional space to support their team of experts in delivering exceptional vision correction and patient care. The space features 27 exam rooms, dedicated space for conducting clinical research and multiple procedural suites with the world’s most advanced laser technology. Vance Thompson Vision’s facility is connected to River’s Bend Medical Center,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

USACE CONTRACTORS DELIVER THE SKIN PLATE, ONE PIECE OF A TAINTER GATE, TO THE RED RIVER STRUCTURE IN FARGO, N.D., APRIL 18, 2024. / COURTESY USACE-MELANIE

CONSTRUCTION

J UNE 2024

VOL 25 ISSUE 6

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

also constructed by Enclave, offering seamless connectivity to the region’s most advanced same-day surgery center to perform cataract, cornea, glaucoma and refractive surgeries.

A 108,000-SQUARE-FOOT SEVEN-STORY TOWER ADDITION IS UNDERWAY AT 4 BEARS CASINO & LODGE IN NEW TOWN, N.D. THE KRAUSANDERSON PROJECT IS SLATED TO BE COMPLETED IN JUNE 2025. / COURTESY KRAUS-ANDERSON

A 108,000-square-foot seven-story tower addition is underway at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota.

The Kraus-Anderson project began in July 2022 and is expected to be completed in June 2025. The first floor will consist of interior alterations to include an entrance lobby, the extension of existing gaming, and a 20,271-square-foot remodel of existing restaurant facilities to be a sports bar. New construction consists of a new spa, gift shop, recreation space, back-of-house offices and services. Floors 2-6 will house a total of 90 guest rooms. The seventh floor will house meeting rooms and a bar/restaurant facilities as part of the $96.8 million expansion. The property is owned by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (Three Affiliated Tribes).

Applied Digital, a designer, builder, and operator of next-generation digital infrastructure designed for High-Performance Computing (HPC) applications, has a new three-story, 342,000- squarefoot precast concrete high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI) data center underway in Ellendale, North Dakota.

The project, being built in a joint effort by Century Builders and McGough Construction, started construction in October 2023 and is scheduled for completion in May 2025. The design team consists of Gensler (Architect), DFW Consulting Group (MEP), Sandman Structural Engineers (Structural), and MBN Engineering (Civil). Coordination has been the name of the game for this project.

The data center is designed to handle 100MW of processing power for AI workloads such as generative AI, natural language processing, machine learning, rendering, and traditional HPC applications.100 MW comes with a large amount of additional infrastructure to support it. It was a full team effort to locate the large quantities of dry coolers, USBs, substations, switchgear and generators around the building, and this pales in comparison to the amount of un-

A NEW THREE-STORY, 342,000- SQUARE-FOOT PRECAST CONCRETE HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) DATA CENTER FOR APPLIED DIGITAL IS UNDERWAY IN ELLENDALE, N.D. THE PROJECT, BEING BUILT IN A JOINT EFFORT BY CENTURY BUILDERS AND MCGOUGH CONSTRUCTION, STARTED CONSTRUCTION IN OCTOBER 2023 AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN MAY 2025.

/ COURTESY SANDMAN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS

derground coordination for piping and duct banks to connect the infrastructure to the building. Utilizing BIM modeling and collision detection software between the design and construction teams has been a critical element in helping this incredible project come together. The new building will provide ultralow cost and highly efficient liquid-cooled infrastructure for HPC applications.

The evolving landscape of AI and HPC applications calls for a substantial increase in computer power, and Applied Digital’s purpose-built Ellendale facility will be the first of its kind to meet those demanding requirements.

CONSTRUCTION ON BOTH THE GRAND FORKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ NEW VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL AND CHILD NUTRITION CENTRAL KITCHEN ARE UNDERWAY. ICON ARCHITECTS DESIGNED THE PROJECTS AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS IS THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

/ COURTESY ICON ARCHITECTS

Construction on both the Grand Forks Public Schools’ new Valley Middle School and Child Nutrition Central Kitchen are underway. The district has broken ground on a new north-end middle school for grades 6-8. The new Valley Middle School will be built di-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

CONSTRUCTION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

rectly west of the current Valley school. Features of the new school include a commons area and a neighborhood-type environment for each team to learn and collaborate. Upon completion of the new building, the existing school will be demolished, and the area will become new football, soccer, and baseball fields.

A new centralized kitchen for the school district is already under construction, adjacent to the Mark Sanford Education Center on 47th Ave. S, in Grand Forks. The cost of the middle school project is $44 million and $5.35 million for the kitchen, both came in under budget by a total of $6 million. ICON Architects designed the projects and Construction Engineers is the construction company. The kitchen will be complete this fall and the middle school is expected to be complete in winter 2025.

THE MONUMENT WEST RIVER HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY AND SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY TO CREATE NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART EXPERIENTIAL NURSING EDUCATION FACILITIES LOCATED AT THE BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITYRAPID CITY, S.D. CAMPUS. THE DESIGN TEAM IS TSP + KAHLER SLATER AND GUSTAFSON BUILDERS IS THE CONTRACTOR. / COURTESY TSP

The design team of TSP + Kahler Slater is working with Black Hills State University and South Dakota State University to create new state-of-the-art experiential nursing education facilities located at the Black Hills State University-Rapid City campus.

The Monument West River Health Science Center is a partnership between BHSU and SDSU with the mission to prepare students for successful nursing careers through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program provides hands-on learning to students in Rapid City and the Black Hills region. Approximately 9,200 square feet of the existing building at the BHSU-Rapid City campus will be renovated to provide a testing center, active learning classroom, faculty and administrative offices, and student study and lounge spaces.

The approximately 38,000-square-foot addition will house the Native American Nursing Education Center (NANEC), an active learning classroom, nursing simulation spaces, breakout rooms, and faculty offices. The NANEC suite provides a home for Native American students to study and receive support during their education, and to gather and learn with and from the broader Native

American community. The center’s state-of-the-art facilities will support BHSU and SDSU’s mission and provide students, faculty, and staff an environment for education, innovation, and success. Gustafson Builders is the contractor. Construction began in March 2024 and is expected to be substantially complete in June 2025.

KLJ PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BISMARCK PUBLIC HEALTH BUILDING, OPERATIONAL SINCE 2022. / COURTESY BRIAN_SEVART

KLJ played a pivotal role in the development of the Bismarck Public Health Building and the expansion of the Bismarck Public Works Facility

Situated within the existing Public Works property in south Bismarck, the project comprised various components. The Public Health building, operational since 2022, stands as a testament to KLJ’s topographic survey, civil site design and structural engineering expertise. Notably, the expansion encompassed a multitude of new structures, including a 3,830-square-foot addition to the existing Public Works building, a substantial 62,870-square-foot pre-engineered metal roads and streets facility, a wash bay building, a brine building, a controlled storage building, and a salt/sand storage enclosure.

KLJ’s contributions extended beyond design, encompassing coordination of fueling islands and brine storage tank placement. The comprehensive civil design covered a 30-acre site, incorporating essential features such as a 52-stall parking lot and utilities for water, sewer, and storm drainage. With design services spanning 2020-2022 and construction services from 2022-2024, KLJ’s involvement underscores its commitment to facilitating efficient and functional public infrastructure.

MICHAEL J. BURNS ARCHITECTS, LTD. DESIGNED THE REVAMPED HOME BASE FOR RED RIVER VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE POWER ASSOCIATION IN HALSTAD, MINNESOTA, WHICH WAS BUILT BY TF POWERS CONSTRUCTION CO. AND COMPLETED IN JUNE 2023. / COURTESY BETSY ARMOUR

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

CONSTRUCTION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Michael J. Burns Architects, Ltd. designed the revamped home base for Red River Valley Electric Cooperative Power Association in Halstad, Minnesota, which was built by TF Powers Construction Co. and completed in June 2023.

The project included retaining and remodeling the 3,835-squarefoot 1987 portion of the building, razing the original 1949 offices and shop, and replacing them with new offices and a single shop/ garage to accommodate present and future service capacity. The new 3,651-square-foot office addition links the 1987 portion to the new high-bay precast concrete shop. To house the cooperative’s current and future service equipment effectively, the 8,400-square-foot shop contains multiple traffic flows and a 1,200-square-foot mezzanine.

MCGOUGH CONSTRUCTION WAS HIRED TO MANAGE THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK DELIVERY METHOD FOR BOTH THE HECTOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S TERMINAL EXPANSION AND PARKING GARAGE. DESIGNED BY MEAD & HUNT AND BUILT BY MCGOUGH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TF POWERS, THE PROJECT ADDRESSES THE CRITICAL NEED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH TO ACCOMMODATE INCREASING AIRPORT TRAFFIC. / COURTESY MEAD & HUNT

McGough Construction was hired to manage the Construction Manager at Risk delivery method for both the Hector International Airport’s terminal expansion and parking garage.

Designed by Mead & Hunt and built by McGough in partnership with TF Powers, the project addresses the critical need for infrastructure growth to accommodate increasing airport traffic. This phased project involves both an 81,000-square-foot addition and a renovation of the existing 112,175-square-foot building, ultimately expanding the terminal to nine gates. This includes relocating the security checkpoint and administrative offices to optimize queuing space. Former administrative offices will house Transportation Security Administration quarters and departure lounges. The ticketing hall will be expanded to accommodate additional ticket desks and airline offices for enhanced service.

The entire terminal will see refreshed finishes, restored terrazzo floors, and expanded restroom facilities. The reconfigured second level will improve circulation, expand waiting areas, and provide an overall enhanced passenger experience. The project also includes

the addition of a four-level, 977-stall parking ramp that will connect to the terminal by elevated walkway.

With a federal grant of $10 million contributing to the overall $155 million project cost, the expansion aims to nearly double the terminal’s capacity. The additional gates, parking, and improved facilities are essential to support the airport’s role as a regional hub amidst significant passenger growth, which increased by 35% from 2009 to 2019 and is projected to exceed 750,000 annually within the next 20 years. This expansion not only addresses current needs but also anticipates future demands, ensuring Hector International Airport remains a vital transportation link for the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area and beyond.

BY

IN COLLABORATION WITH CLARK CONSTRUCTION GROUP AND EDGEMOOR INFRASTRUCTURE & REAL ESTATE. THE GRAND OPENING WAS HELD IN JANUARY 2024. / COURTESY CIPHER IMAGING

Midco Arena, on the campus of Augustana University, celebrated its grand opening in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in January.

This milestone marked the Vikings’ first-ever home hockey series on campus, inviting fans inside AU’s new $72 million, 154,000-square-foot arena designed by JLG Architects, in collaboration with Clark Construction Group and Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate.

Augustana is simultaneously celebrating the kick-off of its Division I Men’s Hockey program at Midco Arena – a first in the state of South Dakota. The university’s state-of-the-art hockey facility houses 3,082 seats, 12 private suites, a center ice “Vikings Club” space, and the Skol Shop, a main campus team store for Vikings athletic apparel. Designed to be multi-use, Midco Arena is considered the new hub of AU’s athletic district, housing athletics administration offices, classroom space, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and hydrotherapy in a classic Collegiate field house design. The arena also designates coaching offices for track and field and strength and conditioning, along with space for a future addition of lacrosse.

Joining the Vikings at the halfway mark of the Arena’s design, the Division I program’s head coach, Garrett Raboin, worked alongside JLG Architects in completing the vision of the men’s hockey team suite. Customized locker rooms with ventilated locker stalls, a lounge space with a fueling station and dining amenities, and training features, such as a puck shooting room, were priorities of Coach Raboin in elevating players’ performance, nutrition, and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

MIDCO ARENA, ON THE CAMPUS OF AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY, SIOUX FALLS, S.D., WAS DESIGNED

JLG ARCHITECTS,

At Ulteig, we take on complex projects, but our mission is simple: deliver reliable infrastructure solutions that serve as the foundation for communities to thrive In the Lifeline Sectors® of Power, Renewables, Transportation and Water, our approach is rooted in decades of thoughtful engineering and a deep commitment to enhancing the places where we work. Every energy project, road and water system is a testament to practical, sustainable progress. We’re not just engineers; we’re people invested in a shared future START YOUR NEXT PROJECT WITH ULTEIG.

CONSTRUCTION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

overall well-being. With AU’s strong commitment to gender equity, programming for the facility includes a full team suite for the women’s soccer program, offering the same amenities as the men’s hockey program; dedicated coaching offices, team lounge space, and a team locker space customized to the program needs. In addition, equitable access is provided to strength and condition areas, sports medicine and hydrotherapy, and onsite equipment and laundry services.

A FULL RENOVATION BY ACKERMAN-ESTVOLD OF 55,400 SQUARE FEET OF SPACE IN HARTNETT HALL AT MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY WAS COMPLETED IN THE SPRING OF 2024. / COURTESY ACKERMAN-ESTVOLD

Hartnett Hall was added to the Minot State University campus in 1974 and in 2003 a major renovation and re-purposing of the building was done, due in large part to a fire which occurred in the building.

The renovation focused on accessibility improvements to update and reconfigure the restrooms and an elevator was added to serve all levels. A ticket booth and concessions room were added to Aleshire Theater and some office and conference rooms were updated. Ackerman-Estvold was awarded to perform a complete renovation of $25 million in 2022 to reconfigure the entire building for classrooms, offices, theater, and façade changes.

This full renovation of 55,400 square feet was completed in the spring of 2024. The façade was rejuvenated with an abundance of windows flooding the interior with natural light, welcoming visitors to explore its inviting spaces. The architects and designers behind the renovation skillfully incorporated new interior materials to seamlessly blend with the building’s original structure, creating a harmonious fusion of old and new. Within its walls, the communications, art, and English departments have found a new home, fostering a sense of identity and community among students and faculty.

JE Dunn Construction earned the opportunity to build the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL), nestled in the Badlands of Medora, North Dakota. The entire roof is designed as a green roof, which will be covered with vegetation planted over a waterproofing membrane. The carbon neutral project will be net-zero energy, wa-

PROGRESS CONTINUES AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE THEODORE ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY, AS SEEN OVER A WORKER’S SHOULDER ON A LIFT. / COURTESY JE DUNN

ter, and waste within six years of opening. The finished project will grow to reach 92,000 square feet in total and is scheduled to open on July 4, 2026, as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS IS WORKING ON THE $33 MILLION GRAND FORKS COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY RENOVATION & JUVENILE DETENTION ADDITION PROJECT IN GRAND FORKS, N.D. BOTH PROJECTS ARE DESIGNED BY ICON ARCHITECTS AND THE EXPECTED COMPLETION IS SET FOR SUMMER 2025. / COURTESY CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS

Construction Engineers is working on the $33 million Grand Forks County Correctional Facility Renovation & Juvenile Detention Addition project in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The project addresses overcrowding issues and deferred maintenance in the current facility. The addition will include a new jail housing pod, new administration area, commissary and staff locker rooms. The existing administration area will be renovated to provide much-needed medical facilities. Within the new Juvenile Detention facility are separate spaces for secure beds, shelter care, attendant care housing, and programming space to serve Grand Forks and the surrounding area. The addition is 56,000 square feet and the renovation is 2,000 square feet. Both projects are designed by ICON Architects and expected completion is set for summer 2025.

Starting early this summer, construction will begin on the new Moorhead Community Center and Public Library project, designed within a partnership of JLG Architects and Miller Hull.

Building on Moorhead’s Downtown Master Plan, the community’s voice was heard through the “Yes! 56560 Campaign,” which passed a sales tax referendum to help finance the community center and public library. The new facility, located at the intersection of Center

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Choosing a partner to help you get a clear picture of the true value of your business is a big decision. Whether you are facing a change in ownership, navigating a legal dispute, planning for tax savings or succession, or want to more proactively manage the value of your business, you need a devoted advisor who is experienced, attentive, and invested in helping you accomplish your goals. Brady Martz & Associates has a dedicated team of experts ready to give you an accurate assessment of your organization’s value.

With a history dating back almost a century, our team of nearly 400 professionals, including more than 50 shareholders, is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. We leverage our strength as a communitybased firm utilizing our time, talent, and financial resources to enhance the communities in which we live and serve.

We have the suite of services ready to fit your needs at every point in the life cycle of your business. From estates, buy-sell agreements, mergers, acquisition and disposition transactions to reorganizations, Brady Martz has the solution for you.

CONSTRUCTION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

STARTING EARLY THIS SUMMER, CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN ON THE NEW MOORHEAD COMMUNITY CENTER AND PUBLIC LIBRARY PROJECT, DESIGNED WITHIN A PARTNERSHIP OF JLG ARCHITECTS AND MILLER HULL. THE NEW FACILITY, LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF CENTER AVENUE AND FIFTH STREET — AT THE CORE OF THE NEW DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT — WILL PROVIDE ACTIVATED PUBLIC SPACE TO REPLACE MOORHEAD CENTER MALL’S AGING INFRASTRUCTURE. / COURTESY JLG ARCHITECTS

Avenue and Fifth Street — at the core of the new downtown development — will provide activated public space to replace Moorhead Center Mall’s aging infrastructure. Focused on being a welcoming space for the region, the Community Center and Public Library has taken an “All Under One Roof” design ethos. The 68,000-squarefoot facility weaves together library programming, a second-story walking loop, indoor play, community gathering spaces and educational opportunities for inclusive enrichment. The design will provide natural, integrated solar protection while capturing views of downtown and the future civic plaza – creating a dynamic home for the Moorhead Public Library, Lake Agassiz Regional Library offices, and a Center for Entrepreneurship. To achieve the project’s environmental goal of LEED Silver Certified, the team is eliminating “Chemicals of Concern” and maximizing natural daylight and global warming potential reduction with all electric heating systems, sunshades, low-flow fixtures, PV-ready design, and regionally sourced materials. Once completed in January 2026, the project intends to dramatically change the way the community interacts with each other, grows, and learns – contributing to Moorhead’s vibrant, active, and sustainable future.

The recently completed addition to the Family HealthCare Dental Services Clinic, in Moorhead, Minnesota, was designed by Michael J. Burns Architects, Ltd.

The 3,000-square-foot addition added space to the original seven-chair clinic. Space was created for an additional seven chairs as well as private treatment rooms and offices. This proj-

THE RECENTLY COMPLETED ADDITION TO THE FAMILY HEALTHCARE DENTAL SERVICES CLINIC, IN MOORHEAD, MINNESOTA, WAS DESIGNED BY MICHAEL J. BURNS ARCHITECTS, LTD. A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD ON APRIL 24, 2024. / COURTESY MICHAEL J. BURNS ARCHITECTS, LTD.

ect expanded Family HealthCare’s Dental Services Clinic from its 2,000-squarefoot home in the Clay County Family Service Center to a 5,000-square-foot space, aimed at providing new comfort for both patients and employees. Consultation rooms allow the dental team to serve more patients effectively and increase their professional practice mentorship capacity.

An intensive design process began in November 2022; it was paramount that the services provided could not be interrupted during construction. The clinic remained operational during the two-phase construction process starting in July 2023 and took only eight months to complete. Family HealthCare Leadership and the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce and its membership hosted the clinic’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 24, 2024.

The $75 million North Dakota State University Peltier Complex in Fargo, North Dakota, will be a 156,829-squarefoot, three-story agricultural products development center.

The complex will support a wide range of research involving food science, meat science, muscle biology, food safety, nu-

THE $75 MILLION NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY PELTIER COMPLEX IN FARGO WILL BE A 156,829-SQUARE-FOOT, THREE-STORY AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT CENTER. KRAUSANDERSON IS CONSTRUCTING THE CENTER, WHICH BEGAN IN JULY 2022 AND IS SLATED TO BE COMPLETED THIS JULY. / COURTESY KRAUS-ANDERSON

trition, consumer sensory traits and the development of new agricultural products. Designed to meet federal and state food processing and food handling regulations, the center’s labs will expand research grant opportunities and partnerships with federal and state agencies. Kraus-Anderson is constructing the center, which began in July 2022 and is slated to be completed this July.

The Peltier Complex will open opportunities, markets and address some of the most perplexing issues facing crop and livestock production, food systems and the development of new agricultural products. This state-of-the-art complex will bring together scientists, teachers, farmers, customers and students who will develop innovative solutions to complex problems

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS BOOST CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

Mike Gowan, project foreman at Gowan Construction Inc., and president of Associated General Contractors-North Dakota Chapter, shared his insights about how the state’s construction industry is faring – what the hurdles are and how they’re being addressed, and what the future holds for the sector.

What does the construction industry look like right now?

Given the challenges of supply chains, inflation and workforce shortages, the construction industry is heading in the right direction in terms of improvement of North Dakota’s infrastructure. One of the most challenging aspects is that the COVID shutdown created supply shortages of all kinds. A specific example for us was precast box culverts and structures. The shutdown created a backlog of orders to a very specialized market. This posed issues to the transportation plan sets that were slated to be built, ultimately affecting the scheduling and deadlines of some of these projects. The other was a similar challenge to all other industries out there: inflation. A major challenge centered on employee benefits,

wage increases and overhead costs. This in return created shortterm engineering estimate inaccuracies of 10,15 and even 20%. It doesn’t seem like a lot when we are talking in terms of $100, but on the scale of a $500 million project, you’re looking at a potential differential of $100 million.

How are companies meeting the challenges?

Everyone collectively struggles with the same problems, and unfortunately, the end user is affected the most.

Is the industry affected by workforce shortages today and if so, what are potential solutions or workarounds?

The construction industry has been struggling with workforce shortages for the last couple of decades, primarily due to an increase of students choosing to attend four-year universities, the number of construction professionals retiring, and a lack of trades programs specifically related to the construction industry. The North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education (CTE)

has recognized the shortfall and is doing a great job expanding the classroom capacities by building new CTE schools as well as increasing the number of students by offering and extending CTE education into middle school ages. Everyone agrees that introducing construction trades to these kids earlier on will increase CTE awareness and improve the overall goal of increasing North Dakota’s skilled workforce.

What impact does the construction industry have on North Dakota?

The construction industry plays a significant role in North Dakota’s economy, contributing to economic growth, employment opportunities, infrastructure development and tax revenue. The various construction projects in North Dakota – such as roads, bridges, highways, airports, schools, hospitals and utilities – enhance the state’s transportation networks, promote connectivity, support public services, and improve the quality of life for its residents.

What do you foresee for the industry in the next few years?

Over the next few years, we will see improvements to North Dakota’s network of bridges, rural road systems along with county and state highways. We have been seeing a large increase in new hospitals in cities such as Rugby, Grand Forks, Northwood and Cando, to name a few. The Red River Valley Water Supply Project will transfer Missouri River water across the state to the eastern edge to improve redundancy to the rural water supply in the event of a drought. The F-M Diversion project will provide protection for more than 235,000 people, homes and businesses throughout the F-M metro area in the event of a major flood. Reconstruction of the Jamestown Pipestem Reservoir Structure will ensure the next generation’s safety of water protection management. Along with an in-

crease in urban private sector growth, North Dakota is a place where people want to do business.

What are you most excited about in the industry?

I’ve really enjoyed seeing our state’s leadership going to work to provide various avenues of funding for these projects rather than burdening these improvements by increasing taxes for the residents of North Dakota. It’s really unprecedented. It’s exciting to see programs like the Flexible Transportation Fund, which is designed to improve transportation infrastructure on and off the highways, including townships, cities, counties and tribal reservations. The funds can be used for projects that match federal funds and deliver projects in a timely manner. Out of 264 applicants, 66 local projects have been selected in the amount of $84 million. I’m excited to hear that North Dakota will receive approximately $340 million in Federal Aid Highway Program (FAHP) funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). It’s exciting to see programs like Operation Prairie Dog, where the payouts to non-oil-producing counties come from gross production taxes (GPT) on oil and gas production. These dollars are to be used only for essential infrastructure projects. There has been a ton of thought with these programs to ensure an equitable and prosperous future for the state of North Dakota.

VoIP Solutions

MIKE GOWAN / SUBMITTED

BUILDING UP TO CREATE GREAT PROPERTIES

DESIGNING A LONG-LASTING BUILDING INVOLVES DIFFICULT DECISIONS

BY MATTHEW MOHR

Most people appreciate architecturally appealing buildings. The United States is a relatively young country, but we still have many great structures from coast to coast. From the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the New York Museum of Art, as well as Disney World in Florida, many state capitol buildings are architectural wonders, and certainly many of the buildings in Washington D.C. are exceptional structures.

Creating a long-lasting building involves difficult decisions. Functionality and cost are usually the prime consideration. The cost of brick and mortar is far higher than steel, but brick is generally assumed to last a lot longer, so the building owner faces a hard choice.

In 1980, Robert Asp completed his boat/ sailing vessel named the Hjemkomst. In May of 1982, he and a crew set sail on its maiden voyage bound for Norway. The ship’s unveiling from a potato warehouse in Hawley, Minnesota, was quite an event, something that blended heritage, ingenuity and willpower. The ship remains a part of our region’s history and is housed today with the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County in a building owned by the city of Moorhead, usually referred to as The Heritage-Hjemkomst Center. The building is a hub of activity, history, and an architectural-engineering marvel.

Dale Ruff of Moorhead-based YHR Architects was the primary individual architect involved with the structure. The peaked roof is an engineering masterpiece. At the time, some folks wondered why anyone would build something to house a big boat, and many said the roof would never make it through our harsh winters. Fortunately, for

all of us, the building and boat are still here! This is an example where vision and determination outweighed sensibility; both for the boat and the building.

Being involved with multiple business enterprises in the region often brings me to the forefront of making facility choices. In the mid-1980s, when Dacotah Paper Co. decided to move to more suitable quarters, we looked at dozens of options. We wanted something to last, was efficient and suited for distribution. I was, and still am, amazed at how many nice buildings in Fargo no longer house the business they were built for. During our quest for new space, I was contacted by Tracy Myers from Olaf-Anderson Construction. Tracy knew exactly what we were looking for and put together a proposal perfectly suited to our needs. Our business has expanded and Olaf-Anderson has worked with us in expanding our building along the way, and with each expansion, Tracy’s knowledge becomes more evident. Not only did he know what to do to fit our needs, he engineered the building for expansion and growth.

Many communities have been built near railroad tracks since rail was the primary

mode of long-distance transportation at one time. Hotels, shops, restaurants and other services tended to flare out from the town train station, which was a central gathering place. Fargo experienced a huge fire that took away many of the earlier buildings in town. The replacements were mostly brick – which was thought to be safer. The downtown Fargo area was highly successful, then went somewhat downhill over time. Later the city of Fargo created a renaissance zone to encourage redevelopment. The Kilbourne Group recognized the great value in many of these buildings in central Fargo and recreated them for today’s society. The city and its residents now have a vibrant and exciting downtown area again which came as a result of a redeveloped group of buildings made possible with ingenuity, determination, and good tax policy.

The right combination of good architecture, smart engineering and vision will create great properties and serve their users well.

Matthew Mohr is president of Dacotah Paper Co. based in Fargo, North Dakota.

MATTHEW MOHR

Serving NorthDakota for114yearshas alwaysbeenaboutmore thanjustsupplyingenergy. It’ssomuchbigger.That’swhy webuylocally.That’swhywe investhere.That’swhyweputinthe worktomakeyourenergysafer,more reliableandcleaner.Energyyoucantrust tokeepyourhomewarmallwinterand brightallsummerlong.Wegivebacktothis communitylikewelivehere.Becausewedo. Visit xcelenergy.com tolearnmore.

TWO SOUTH DAKOTA WATER SYSTEMS COLLABORATE FOR A SOLUTION

SHARED RESOURCES, INC., PROJECT IS THE ANSWER TO INCREASED WATER DEMANDS

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

A unique infrastructure project is underway north of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, combining two community water systems.

A groundbreaking event was held on May 16 for the Shared Resources, Inc. water treatment plant project in South Dakota, a collaboration between Minnehaha Community Water Corporation (MCWC) and Big Sioux Community Water System (BSCWS). The new, expanded system will provide water services to communities in Minnehaha, Lake and Moody counties.

The project received a funding package for $110 million through the South Dakota Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Of that, $68 million will be used to construct the water treatment plant, the project’s first phase. Additional phases will be bid out this year for the ground storage reservoir, a water tower, a booster station and approximately 15 miles of distribution pipeline, according to Joe Munson, Water Resources Dept. head with Banner Associates, Sioux Falls.

“It all started back in 2021. Both experienced the highest water demand on their systems due to the drought we were experiencing in the area and the population increases in both of their systems,” Munson said. Both water systems are clients of Banner Associates, which has provided engineering services for them for several decades.

Due to limited capacity, both systems cannot add all requested new service connections, and calculated demand projections expect water use in both systems will exceed treatment capacity by 2025 unless improvements are made.

“We knew they both needed to build a new water treatment plant. They already had collaborated together and were interconnected to selling water to each other in parts of their systems, so we did a study that looked at building one water treatment plant that would serve both entities and work together to cut down costs, instead of building two treatment plants,” Munson said.

JOE MUNSON, WATER RESOURCES DEPT. HEAD WITH BANNER ASSOCIATES, SIOUX FALLS, ATTENDED THE GROUNDBREAKING EVENT FOR THE SHARED RESOURCES WATER TREATMENT PLANT.

DEADLINE IS JULY 8, 2024

Do

you work for a great company?

STUDIES SHOW

One benefit we have received, due to the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding from the federal government, is that it has graciously given almost $50 million in grants to help fund this larger regional system.

— Joe Munson

The new system is designed to be an 8 million-gallon facility. Of that, 70% of that capacity will be for Minnehaha Community Water and 30% will be for the Big Sioux Community Water system. It will meet the demand for the next 30 years, Munson said.

Both water systems had already increased their rates over the last couple years in anticipation of the project, he said. Shared Resources will treat and deliver the water to the two systems, which will distribute water to their existing customer base.

companies that boost employee morale enjoy lower turnover, better financial performance than industry peers, improved track records on safety and higher quality job applicants.

Prairie Business

will salute the 50 Best Places to Work in its September issue.

NOMINATE your company at prairiebusinessmagazine.com by clicking on the BEST PLACES TO WORK link. Nominate your company through an anonymous employee satisfaction survey. Companies will be rated in areas including benefits, culture and personal job satisfaction. Consideration will be given to the number of nominations received per company. The contest is open to companies and other organizations in the magazine’s readership area, which includes North and South Dakota as well as western Minnesota.

ARCHITECTUREANDENGINEERING

25 ISSUE 6

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

“One benefit we have received, due to the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding from the federal government, is that it has graciously given almost $50 million in grants to help fund this larger regional system,” Munson said.

The new water treatment plant will be located near Trent in Moody County. Rice Lake West (formerly Stanek Constructors) of Golden, Colorado, was awarded the contract for the construction of the new water treatment plant. That work will include: earthwork, site utilities; cast-inplace concrete footings, slabs, and walls; building construction of pre-cast concrete panels, pre-cast double tee roof panels, and pre-cast hollow core; aeration equipment, lime-softening solids contact equipment, media filtration, high service vertical turbine pumps, backwash vertical turbine pumps, and chemical feed systems; building mechanical HVAC and plumbing; electrical systems including standby generators, MCCs, VFDs, switchgear, conduit, wire, etc.; instrumentation and control hardware, conduit and wire for SCADA system.

The entire project is anticipated to take three years to complete.

A MAP SHOWS THE AREA OF THE SHARED RESOURCES WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND WATER SUPPLY LINES THAT WILL BE INSTALLED NORTH OF SIOUX FALLS, S.D. / COURTESY BANNER ASSOCIATES

CEREMONY FOR THE SHARED RESOURCES WATER TREATMENT PLANT HELD MAY 16 NEAR TRENT, SOUTH DAKOTA. / PHOTOS COURTESY BANNER ASSOCIATES

DAN DANNENBRING, CHAIRMAN OF BIG SIOUX COMMUNITY WATER, FRONT ROW CENTER LEFT, AND LLOYD RAVE, PRESIDENT OF MINNEHAHA COMMUNITY WATER (MCWC), FRONT ROW CENTER RIGHT, STAND WITH MCWC AND BIG SIOUX COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF DURING THE GROUNDBREAKING

1951 Company is founded by Rober t J Zavoral

1997

RJZ plays major role in battling the Flood of the Centur y for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

2014

RJZ ser ves as the prime contrac tor on Roseau River Reach 1 Projec t, consisting of about 6,500 linear feet of diversion channel and 7,000 linear feet of recreation trails

1966

Rober t J. Zavoral helps direc t f irst major f lood f ighting ac tivities in the Red River Valley AN EQUAL OPPORTUNIT Y EMPLOYER

2004

RJZ awarded Superior Safety Per formance Award for Har tsville Coulee Diversion projec t

2024

RJZ awarded USACE Southern Embankment for Fargo/Moorhead Diversion, consisting of building 4 miles of levee, digging 4 miles of ditch, and handling 2.2 million cubic yards of levee material.

C R A F T I Y O U R V

Discover the tr ansfor mat of collabor ation with T SP proce s s is a dynamic jour your vision and our exper

T E A M T S P • C O M

FEDERAL REGULATION CHANGES

WILL IMPACT BUSINESSES

NEW RULES AFFECT OVERTIME PAY, NDAS AND PREGNANCY ACCOMMODATIONS

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

Employment and labor law attorney MacKenzie Hertz says the recent Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ruling banning noncompete agreements shouldn’t have a dramatic impact on businesses in North Dakota and Minnesota, since both states had previously invalidated noncompetes. Hertz, who works at Vogel Law in Fargo, shared updates with Prairie Business on current changes to laws and regulations that could impact businesses.

An estimated 18% of U.S. workers, or 30 million people, are covered by a noncompete clause or agreement. A noncompete clause is an employment contract where the employee agrees to not compete with the employer for a specific period and location upon resignation or termination. These agreements can also prohibit the employee from revealing trade secrets or internal company information.

“It’s going to be more of the ripple effect for employers in North Dakota and Minnesota to think about,” Hertz said. “Where we will

see a shift is with the breadth of the new federal rule. It’s going to impact things like nondisclosure agreements. If I have an NDA that says you can’t tell my competitor all my trade secrets, that’s generally an acceptable agreement, but the FTC’s rule says yes, those are generally valid unless it would mean you are effectively prohibiting someone from working in the same field moving forward.”

The ruling is expected to benefit workers who will now be freed up to either start their own businesses or go work for other employers.

“The FTC thinks it’s going to stimulate the economy in a massive way,” Hertz said. “But for employers, it could have the practical effect where you’re stagnating innovation. It’s going to be more and more difficult to come up with cutting-edge technology in-house and keep that proprietary information within your business.”

An important note is that it won’t go into effect for some time and it will be subject to legal challenges, she explained.

“There have already been lawsuits filed. I think there’s one in district court in Texas by some chamber of commerce groups that say

Hillcrest Elementar y Brookings, SD Coming Fall 2024

Medar y Elementar y Brookings, SD Coming Fall 2024

LAW TRENDS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

If we see a change in the presidential administration, we’ll also see that pendulum swing back to being more employer-friendly, giving the employer more authority to manage their workplaces.

— MacKenzie Hertz

this goes beyond regulatory authority. Should this be coming from a federal agency, the rulemaking process, or is it so significant that it should be coming through either federal or state legislation?” she said.

The same day the FTC rule went into effect, the U.S. Dept. of Labor issued a final rule on overtime regulations. This rule increases the salary threshold for overtime exemptions and minimum wage requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

“What this rule does, in order to be exempt from OT and minimum wage requirements under FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), you have to perform certain job duties to be part of what’s called a ‘white collar exemption’ to the FLSA,” Hertz said “Things like professional, administrative and executive roles. In addition to that, you have to be paid on a salary basis that has to be at a certain amount.”

Previously the salary threshold was $684 per week or about $35,500 annually, to be considered eligible for overtime pay. The new salary threshold, beginning in July, will be raised to $844 per week, or about $43,800 annually. The threshold will increase again in January 2025, to $1,128 per week or over $58,000 annually. To be exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements, an employee will need to earn a wage higher than that.

Businesses will now need to make decisions about positions that are in the middle of those amounts. Some positions may need to be switched from non-exempt to exempt, to comply with the law, or in other cases, the wage for certain positions could change.

“I think it’s going to impact some of those workplace climates. Workers see being an exempt employee is like a badge of honor, a higher level employee, then explaining to them that this isn’t a demotion, it’s federal law,” Hertz said, “and we can’t afford to take you from $35,000 to over $58,000, we have to find something in the middle.”

The rule hasn’t been posted on the Federal Register yet, but the rule goes into effect based on these timelines, she said. Like the FTC’s final rule, this one is also subject to legal challenges.

Pregnant workers will now have more protections, thanks to a regulation going into effect June 18. The final regulation was issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

The PWFA requires a covered employer to provide a “reasonable accommodation” to a qualified employee’s or applicant’s known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions unless the accommodation will cause the employer an “undue hardship.” The PWFA applies only to accommodations. Other laws that the EEOC enforces make it illegal to fire or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

“We have Title 7 that says you can’t treat workers differently because of their sex, and sex includes pregnancy,” Hertz said. “We also have the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and similar state laws, that say you have to accommodate people who have disabilities in the workplace. Pregnancy isn’t a disability so you have this gap – just because they’re pregnant doesn’t mean they’re disabled, do you have to accommodate? You have this gap between Title 7 and ADA. The PWFA came in to fill the gap and says you have to accommodate people with no limitations related to pregnancy and childbirth.”

This final rule on PWFA gives guidance to workplaces on how to apply the new regulations to workers.

“They’re helpful and give a lot of good insight. The most surprising part is the law gives protections not only during pregnancy but also conditions related to pregnancy and related medical conditions. They read that really broadly to include fertility and infertility, so accommodating people who are experiencing treatment for that, and also terminating a pregnancy, whether that’s abortion or if someone miscarries, and accommodating people’s needs during that time. Even menstruation is covered. So it’s a broader than ex-

MACKENZIE HERTZ IS AN EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY WITH VOGEL LAW IN FARGO. / COURTESY BRITTA TRYGSTAD

pected coverage of conditions and related conditions to be accommodated in the workplace,” Hertz said.

This is a presidential election year and often, regulatory approaches can change with an administration change. For example, there are pro-employee policies and guidance from the National Labor Relations Board, which is the federal agency that oversees unionized and non-unionized workplaces.

“They’ve been clear that, for example, handbooks need to be really employee friendly and make clear that people are allowed to talk about workplace concerns in the workplace, and asking employers to take a really light hand to allow people to bring forward complaints,” Hertz said. “If we see a change in the presidential administration, we’ll also see that pendulum swing back to being more employer-friendly, giving the employer more authority to manage their workplaces.”

Hertz advises businesses to stay up to date on their policies and watch for updates. With potential changes in the presidential administration and state legislative activity, leaders need to educate themselves and their managers and high-end supervisors who engage with employees daily.

BANKRUPTCY

A CHANGE TO THE BANKRUPTCY CODE COULD AFFECT SMALL BUSINESSES

IF CONGRESS DOESN’T ACT BEFORE SUNSET DATE, DEBTORS’ LIMIT WILL BE REDUCED BY

CARRIE MCDERMOTT

Part of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code is set to expire June 21 which could affect small business entities.

If Congress does not make an extension, the debt limit in Subchapter 5 of Chapter 11 will sunset and revert back to just over $2.3 million for contingent liquidated debt, from the current $7.5 million. This means if a business entity wants to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 Subchapter 5, the debt limit eligibility threshold will be tightened.

Robert W. Miller, assistant professor of law at the University of South Dakota, explained the complex issue and how it will affect businesses considering filing for bankruptcy.

“Subchapter 5 is a huge deal for small businesses,” he said.

Small businesses are a large and vital part of the economic fabric of the U.S., and with the upcoming sunset of the debt limit, those entities should understand the change.

The Bankruptcy Code is broken up into a number of substantive chapters, including chapters 7, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 15, which generally provide relief to specific types of debtors, Miller explained.

“Chapter 11 is the one generally used for business entities to reorganize or liquidate. At a base level, it’s a one-size-fits-all statute and that’s been a problem over the years and has been subject to a lot of scholarship by a lot of folks,” Miller said. “It’s not working well for small businesses.”

One of the reasons it hasn’t worked well for small businesses is that it’s very expensive.

“It’s ironic – you wouldn’t think filing for bankruptcy would be expensive, but with the professional fees involved, the complexity of the cases, the fact that you have to pay the U.S. trustee fee which is arguably sort of a tax for being part of the Chapter 11 system. There can be a committee of unsecured creditors that’s appointed that protects the interests of unsecured creditors and their professionals are usually paid by the debtor’s estate. As a result, it’s a very expensive process,” he said. “Most small businesses don’t have $10,000 in free cash let alone $100,000 by the time they’re discussing filing for bankruptcy with an attorney.”

In addition to the expense, Chapter 11 is also very complex. A disclosure statement needs to be provided with a plan of reorganization or a plan of liquidation.

ROBERT W. MILLER

“A disclosure statement functions a lot like a prospectus for a securities offering. It’s pretty expensive to put together,” Miller said. “That plus all the other pleadings that are related to the bankruptcy case and negotiations with the creditors, it makes it so it’s a very expensive undertaking.”

In Chapter 11, there would be one impaired class that votes in favor of the plan – meaning they’re not going to get paid in full, they’re impaired by the plan, and they still vote in favor of it, Miller explained. Not only is it sometimes hard to sell a class of creditors on that, but it may be harder in a small case to even get small creditors to engage and vote.

“The absolute priority rule is a foundation of Chapter 11 practice and something I deal with a lot in my scholarship,” he said. “In a nutshell, it’s an encapsulation of the idea that equity holders can’t be paid before creditors. Creditors have higher priority than equity holders, so before equity gets anything, creditors need to be paid in full. There’s a lot more nuance to it than that, but that’s the basic gist of it.”

The American Bankruptcy Institute, the leading industry trade group, supports keeping the debt cap at $7.5 million, Miller said. If it reverts to the original $2.3 million cap (most certainly higher with inflation), all those with more than $2.3 million in debts will not be eligible for Subchapter 5 relief.

“Those folks will be forced to file under regular Chapter 11 or consider liquidation under Chapter 7. It’s a big deal to have the debt limit change,” he said. “The eligibility criteria is really important. The debt limit is one part of the eligibility. The other part is there needs to be an ongoing business – those are the two battlefields if creditors want to test this. A lot of the creditor leverage they have in Chapter 11 is gone. So instead, they’ll try to fight on this eligibility.

“The absolute priority rule creates a big hurdle for small businesses, especially because their existence is bound up in that individual,” Miller said. “Take, for instance, an individual that owns one or two car washes. The value of the car washes is pretty minimal oftentimes, in that the hard assets are the supplies, the materials, and the leases on the spaces, but the real value comes from the entrepreneur. The person who runs the carwash has the relationships in the community and the business acumen to keep the business going.”

It’s much different from a mega-bankruptcy case, which deals with many shareholders who are often not those running the company, as well as a board of directors often populated by independent votes.

“As a result, it’s hard to reorganize if you’re not going to have that person still have skin in the game going forward. Unless the creditors agree, that person is not going to be able to keep his or her equity. All these things together ended up creating a very poor result for Chapter 11 small business cases. There were lots of liquidations, not that many reorganizations, a lot of hand-wringing and criticism,” he said. “Congress tried to fix it with some small business amendments to the Bankruptcy Code but those were halfhearted, created some less complexity but didn’t do away with the absolute priority rule. It also didn’t necessarily create as much support for small businesses as maybe they needed, plus the debt limits were very low,” Miller said.

The longer you’re in bankruptcy, the more professional fees are racked up, so being on a tight leash makes sense.

— Robert W. Miller

In February 2020, just before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Subchapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code took effect.

“First of all, the absolute priority rule doesn’t apply. The only thing a debtor needs to do is pay its projected disposable income – its profit – over five years to its general unsecured creditors. It doesn’t mean to liquidate all its assets and pay them out, the equity holders can retain their equity as long as that projected disposable income passes that test. That test generally parallels Chapter 13 which is the wage-earner chapter,” Miller said.

There’s no unsecured creditor’s committee, no disclosure statement requirements, which cut back on costs, and there’s no need for an impaired class, in Subchapter 5.

“In a small case, where it may be hard to educate creditors on the benefits of doing that, that hurdle is also taken away. All those things together make for a less complex process. There are also timelines to pressure the debtor to go through bankruptcy quickly. The longer you’re in bankruptcy, the more professional fees are racked up, so being on a tight leash makes sense,” Miller said.

Although the topic is not a political hot-button issue, Miller said he could see the extension of Subchapter 5 as a one-off provision appended to another non-controversial bill.

“Generally, I would guess that both presidential candidates would be supportive of allowing more small business reorganization,” he said.

BISMARCK-MANDAN COMMUNITIES ARE THRIVING

PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY ARE KEY TO SUCCESSES

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

BISMARCK – From highway reconstruction to flood control and economic development along the Missouri River, it’s a busy time in Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota.

“We feel fortunate that FEMA remapped us,” Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz shared with business leaders in mid-April. He was giving an update on flood control projects and infrastructure work during a meeting hosted by Prairie Business at the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce.

“South Washington is under construction, they’re platting for additional work on the East Century Avenue Corridor next summer, and we’re in the midst of the water treatment facility being up-

graded. We have an upgraded flood control project thanks to grant funding from Bismarck and FEMA,” Schmitz said.

The South Bismarck Flood Control Project received $50 million in federal funding to improve flood protections in the city’s southern end. The completed project will remove properties from the 100year regulatory floodplain, saving homeowners on the cost of mandatory flood insurance requirements.

The city of Bismarck is working on a new flood risk map, as well as other projects, to help curb its flood risk. The new map is expected to be completed in June, which will show residents the flood risk

PRAIRIE BUSINESS HOSTED A MEETING OF BUSINESS LEADERS AT THE BISMARCKMANDAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HELD APRIL 17. / CARRIE MCDERMOTT

F O U R N I N D Y E X T

E M P L OY E E

AT N D S C S

S T U D E N T

S P O N S O R S H I P

S C H O L A R S H I P

Attract & retain highly-skilled employees while helping to train tomorrow’s workforce

Learn more about Student Sponsorships at

NDSCS currently offers nearly $1.5 million in scholarships to our students.

Learn more about starting a scholarship at

PA R T N E R S H I P

Many programs currently work with industry to enhance student learning

Learn more about partnering with a program at N D S C S a l

ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

to their properties. Another project is a design for additional flood mitigation for the South Washington Street closure and Wachter Drainage Channel area.

Infrastructure work is taking place in both cities. Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling referenced the Memorial Highway Project, a $120 million undertaking that’s renewing and updating the main artery between Bismarck and Mandan, as well as other developments. Development activity along the riverfront is happening, along with the revitalization of downtown Mandan.

“The water intake structure was just completed with help from the state water commission, and the refinery in Mandan, so there’s a cost share with the refinery. We have a new high school opening this fall, a new elementary school just opened this year. There are a lot of positive things happening in the community,” Helbling said.

“On both sides of the (Missouri River), we have some really important community amenities about to come online,” Wendy VanDuyne, Stantec Consulting, said. “Both the riverfront redevelopment project here on the Bismarck side and some of the projects in downtown Mandan. There are exciting developments in the works. Typically, we’re known for being the sister city, and capital region, but we’re so much more than that. Workforce is the biggest need everywhere and especially here in our twin city region, so the development of these community amenities is a really important part of how we tell the story in trying to attract people.”

VanDuyne is a past board chairman of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber and currently on the executive committee.

Workforce is top of mind in the community and a workforce development group meets regularly to determine how to help businesses and industries fill workforce needs.

“Finding workers is difficult, so a better question is, how can we arm the ones (with needed skills) that are here already,” Chamber President Brenda Nagle said. “The answer is our career tech – it’s leading the way with tech ed in North Dakota. We’re a state leader. We are filling workforce needs in different ways.”

Nagle said the strong relationships made with the three higher education institutions in the area – Bismarck State College, Uni-

versity of Mary and the United Tribes Technical College – allows the group to alert educators to the needs of employers.

“We have the biggest and best career and tech ed center in the state,” she said. “We have a lot of other states that come and look at what we’re doing. We are blazing the trail here.”

Bismarck Public Schools has a Career and Technical Education Center with course offerings geared toward career pathways for high school students. The classes allow for hands-on techniques and include immersion programs for health care, electronics and agriculture, among others. The secondary benefit of the CTE is it allows the community to grow its own workforce.

BSC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives John Carroll said business and leadership workforce teams are driving the curriculum at the college.

“What that does for us is it connects us with industries to help fill that pipeline,” Carroll said. “It used to be that you would align curriculum from high school to college. Now they’re integrated. We look at that as a continuous pipeline of folks who will enter the workforce and stay here, whether that’s through a stackable certificate, 16 credits so they can get into the workforce quickly, and then come back to get a traditional degree. We’ve flipped the script on that. The industry is driving the curriculum.”

The college has launched a bachelor of applied science in finance degree and offers internships, which is a way for students to earn as they learn.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity not only for the banks and finance industry to get

a jump on the workforce, but also for students to determine if it’s what they want. It works well to fill that workforce gap. Business industry leadership meetings are held twice a year to make sure we’re current as to what’s happening in industry,” he said.

The University of Mary has a nursing academy, which is a big help for care providers such as CHI St. Alexius and Sanford Health, which are both sponsors of the academy.

“For 30 seats in the nursing program, we had 90 applicants,” said Raumi Kudrna, vice president of patient care services and chief nurse executive with CHI St. Alexius. “The second cohort was over 100 students interested in seats for next fall. That’s tuition-free – many come from out of state. We help select the students brought into the program. Those partnerships are strong. We’re building brand loyalty and community loyalty.”

David Echelbarger, assistant vice president for academic affairs and associate professor of philosophy at University of Mary, said students from there stay in the community after graduation because it offers great opportunities and the area has sustainable growth.

“It’s still affordable to live here. Youth feel disenfranchised, but they see this is a place they can settle down and raise a family and not only make ends meet, but grow and progress in their careers. And I think that’s because as a capital city, we’ve been growing at a steady rate and you continue to have opportunities,” he said.

Matt Sagaser, director of Innovation Accelerated at Doosan Bobcat Co. and Cham-

ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

June 2024

VOL 25 ISS ue 6

ber EDC Board chairman, said 80% of Bobcat’s products used globally are manufactured in North Dakota. The company recently earned four innovation awards at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and has filed 600 patents in the last five years.

“It’s all technology that our competitors have no idea about,” Sagaser said. “Our whole industry is changing.”

“We’re working to inject technology into our products to make our customers more efficient and take advantage of what’s available. It changes the way customers look at our products, and that impacts our workforce,” he said. “Our dealers have the same challenges –how do we service these new vehicles as they become electrified?”

He said the company needs workers with service and technology skills, and programs such as North Dakota State University’s software engineering degree can help meet that demand.

In the energy sector, MDU Resources is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and Cory Fong, director of communications and public resources, shared how the company is getting back to its roots to focus on the utility business.

“We are going through a lot of strategic initiatives right now as we go from this big company with multiple different kinds of industries we support, to a utility industry as everyone knows it, Montana Dakota Utilities. We support many industries below us. Last year we spun off Knife River Corp. into its own publicly traded company. This year we will spin off construction services branded as Everus,” he said.

He spoke about opportunities for the state revolving around artificial intelligence and the large data centers needed to support that technology.

“AI offers an opportunity to serve large data centers that are going to be looking to our region. We provide low-cost energy and a perfect climate for these large data centers. That’s what they need, low-cost energy and a lot of cooling, and they don’t need that cooling if they’re located in a northern climate,” he said. “As a region in the state, how do we look for opportunities to welcome these kinds of enterprises? We’ve got great incentives in North Dakota for those kinds of businesses, even in the region – Montana, South Dakota –we’re all looking for ways to attract these kinds of businesses.”

Another energy provider, Basic Electric Cooperative, is focusing on investment this year. Lindsey Chumle, communications supervisor, said the company, which provides power to nine states, is seeing growth across its coverage areas, particularly in the Bakken area of North Dakota.

“We know data centers are coming, and part of the investment is making sure we have the power they’re going to need, not only for data centers but across the nine states we’re seeing growth,” she said.

Basic Electric will also focus on updating aging infrastructure in its systems.

“We surveyed members a couple of years back, and the top two things they want are reliability and affordability. So making sure that as we’re investing and replacing this infrastructure and building out to meet our members’ needs that we’re doing that responsibly in a way that keeps things affordable and reliable for them.”

Additional current and future projects in the Bismarck-Mandan communities include a new military museum that will be attached to the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum on the Capitol grounds, a women-centric correctional and rehabilitation facility in Mandan and a new state lab.

Creatin g Space for Your Vision

With over 150 projects completed, En clave's accomplish ed team constructs facilities that prioritize quality an d inn ovation with an unwavering commitm ent to total client satisfaction.

B u i l d W i t h Us

enclavecompanies .com

HAILEY GRANER

School: Minot State University

Degree: Double major, a bachelor’s degree in finance and one in marketing

Graduated: May 10, 2024

Career path: Continue with graduate school at Minot State for a master’s degree in sports management

MINOT STATE STUDENT HAILEY GRANER IS LEADING

THE WAY

THE DOUBLE MAJOR IS WORKING TOWARD MASTER’S DEGREE IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT

BY CARRIE MCDERMOTT

Minot native Hailey Graner, 20, does not shy away from a challenge. She recently graduated from Minot State University as a double major, earning a bachelor’s degree in finance and a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Graner was able to accomplish that in just three years due to her advance planning and diligence. She’s also taken on leadership roles during her college career.

“I originally just had finance as my major because I enjoyed math in high school and at the end of my freshman year, when I’d planned all my classes out, I recognized I could finish early,” she said. “I needed more credits to meet the requirements. That summer I was taking the Intro to Marketing class and I was like, ‘I love this.’ I added marketing as a second major. I love it.”

She plans to continue her education at Minot State for graduate school, with the

HAILEY GRANER ON THE CAMPUS OF MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY. / COURTESY MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

I’m from Minot, I can live at home, have free rent, and tuition is way more affordable, so that’s the option I went with.

— Hailey Graner

intent of earning a master’s degree in sports management. Graner wants to work in the sports marketing industry and if she had her choice, it would be to work with an NHL team. She’s a fan of the Minnesota Wild.

While in high school considering which college to attend, her main choices were the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and Minot State University.

“I was up in the air between UND and Minot State, because I’m a big hockey fan. That was a really important part to me. I saw the cost of tuition and housing at UND, and thought I’d just stay in Minot. I’m from Minot, I can live at home, have free rent, and tuition is way more affordable, so that’s the option I went with,” she said.

She likes that the campus is large enough that she may see different people each day, but small enough so that classes are comfortable and students can get individual attention from instructors.

The university has a club fair each semester, where students learn about the various organizations on campus. MSU Life focuses on student life and they can take part in things like bingo and Flannel Fest during homecoming week, along with other fun activities, Graner said.

Graner joined Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and served as president this year, and previously served as secretary for the local chapter. She also served as state vice president for FBLA Collegiate.

As FBLA president, she organized the club’s community service project along with different fundraising events.

“I’ve brought my marketing skills of creating posters and such into that. Our community service project was based on the Ronald McDonald House. We had boxes around campus to collect the pop tops, and we made tie blankets for them,” Graner said. “At the state level, I was in charge of the social media for FMLA Collegiate. All the graphics I made and posted.”

IMPROVED MOBILIT Y. MULTIMODAL SOLUTIONS. ALIGNED VISIONS.

SOLVING YOUR MOST COMPLEX CHALLENGES.

PRAIRIENEWS

GRAND FORKS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM RECEIVES $50,000 AWARD

ALERUS, FEDERAL HOME LOAN

BANK OF DES MOINES PARTNER TO PRESENT GRANT FROM FHLB DES MOINES MEMBER IMPACT FUND

GRAND FORKS, N.D. • Alerus, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, has announced the Grand Forks Children’s Museum will receive a $50,000 grant from the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund. The Member Impact Fund provides $3 for every $1 of an eligible FHLB Des Moines member’s grant donation to strengthen the ability of nonprofits or government entities to serve the affordable housing or community development needs of their communities. Awards are given in partnership with member financial institutions with a goal of making their communities more vibrant places to live and work, a release states.

“Alerus has a long history of supporting our communities and projects that improve the quality of life for the region’s residents,” said Chris Wolf, market president and commercial banking executive at Alerus. “The Grand Forks Children’s Museum will provide year-round amenities for families and educational opportunities for children from throughout the region, making it a great fit for our community development focus. We’re proud to provide our support in partnership with FHLB Des Moines, and we’re excited to watch this project come to fruition, which will have a long-term positive impact on our community.”

Grant funds will be used by the organization to develop programming that celebrates local cultures and history through interactive learning, develops partnerships with multi-generational knowledge sharing, and is accessible to underserved populations. Some programming may take place

prior to the building’s anticipated groundbreaking in spring 2025.

“We are extremely thankful to Alerus and Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for their support,” said Grand Forks Children’s Museum Executive Director Katie Mayer. “This generous gift demonstrates their commitment to investing in our region and the future generations of our community.”

The Member Impact Fund is part of FHLB Des Moines’ ongoing mission to offer a variety of funding options through its members to support affordable housing and community development needs.

Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines, said, “We are thrilled to see grants from our Member Impact Fund having a direct, positive impact on the communities in which our members help advance affordable housing and community development needs in a meaningful way.”

The Member Impact Fund matching program is available to organizations located in Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Member institutions in these locations submitted applications in February and March 2024; funds were distributed directly to the member institution, which then provide the funding alongside a matching grant from FHLB Des Moines for the partner/recipient organization.

Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to support capacity-building or working capital necessary to strengthen their ability to serve affordable housing or community development needs, including training, predevelopment assistance, management information systems or software, strategic planning, market study or community needs assessment, and working capital.

CHRIS WOLF, MARKET PRESIDENT AND COMMERCIAL BANKING EXECUTIVE AT ALERUS, CENTER, AND KATIE MAYER, GRAND FORKS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SECOND FROM RIGHT, WITH STAFF MEMBERS. / HANDOUT

Last summer, she interned with the school’s marketing department, where she did research and created graphics for different campaigns and activities.

Graner uses a wheelchair because of a condition she was diagnosed with in 2012, called spinocerebellar ataxia. It’s a progressive condition that slowly limits mobility over time.

“I would say I have access to everything. Nothing is ever going to be perfect, but I can deal with what I have. Minot State is really good at keeping the sidewalks clear of snow,” she said. “I get there at probably 7:30 every morning because that’s when my parents can drop me off, and the sidewalks are always clear. It’s a big help.”

Graner is appreciative of the custodial staff at the campus, especially one individual.

“Anything that I request, she’s on it. The bathroom door, for example, when I started my first year here, I asked Claudia why Old Main didn’t have the handicap push buttons like the other buildings, and she’s been working to try to get one. She’s the best,” Graner said.

Graner has worked at Scheels for almost two years, where she prepares merchandise for display. She has a tight group of coworkers there that she considers like family.

“I have my actual family, my family at school and my family at Scheels,” she said. She has another job lined up on campus for the summer, to work as a graduate assistant with the school’s athletics department, working on NCAA compliance.

She enjoys hunting and fishing, and the family home has several mounts from her harvests, such as a salmon, her first deer and her first antelope.

“When I go hunting and fishing, I’m part of Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports. It’s an adaptive sports nonprofit. They provide sports for people who need adaptations. I’ve gone hunting with them quite a bit, and fishing,” she said.

She learned about Prairie Grit while a senior in high school, when she watched a video about the organization.

“I saw it with my mom and I was like, oh my God, I loved it. That August I got my hunter’s safety, and two to three weeks after that I got my bow tag and with Prairie Grit, I went out to Killdeer, North Dakota, and I got my first deer,” Graner said. When she’s not at school or work, she spends her free time with her golden retriever puppy and with friends and family at the lake.

At our very core, AE2S is all about people. Beyond engineering, we are committed to empowering our clients, employee-owners, and all those around us to develop a vision for a better tomorrow.

www.ae2s.com

Water Engineering and Beyond Award-Winning Best Place to Work

PRAIRIENEWS

CORNERSTONE BANK, FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF DES MOINES PARTNER TO AWARD $100,000 TO ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH

THE MEMBER IMPACT FUND

MEMBER

IMPACT FUND

OFFERS MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM SUPPORTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Cornerstone Bank has partnered with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) to award $100,000 in grants to five local organizations. The FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund was introduced in 2023 and offers a matching grant program supporting affordable housing and community development. As an FHLB Des Moines member, Cornerstone Bank is proud to participate and in turn help local organizations, a release states.

“We are thrilled to see grants from our Member Impact Fund having a direct, positive impact on the communities in which our members help advance affordable housing and community development needs in a meaningful way,” said Kris Williams, resident and CEO of FHLB Des Moines.

Cornerstone Bank Chairman Gary Petersen said, “These five organizations are beyond deserving of these grants. We are excited to see how these funds will impact our community members. Investing in our communities is very important to us, and we are proud of the partnership that helped make this possible.”

Grant recipients include the following:

Able Inc. is a non-profit in Dickinson, North Dakota that supports people with disabilities in their home, work, and communities. This organization will receive $20,000 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Member Match. They plan to use the funds to help offset the costs of their new remodel project at T-Rex Mall.

Beyond Shelter, Inc. is a Fargo, North Dakota-based developer of affordable housing that has worked in and around the area since 1999. This organization will receive $40,000 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Member Match.

Tri-City United Soccer Club is a non-profit located in Fargo, North Dakota and is the state’s largest sports community, supporting all clubs, high schools, colleges and recreational players. This organization will receive $10,000 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Member Match.

Women Empowering Women is a non-profit located in Dickinson, North Dakota, committed to encouraging women’s betterment and building stronger communities. This organization will receive $10,000 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Member Match.

The organization’s President Ray Ann Kilen, said “We plan to use the funds to further our work with Health Equity for women. In a nutshell, this means we help women with language or cultural barriers navigate and access health care for themselves and their families.”

YWCA Cass Clay is a non-profit located in Fargo, North Dakota. They offer a place for women and children to turn to as they escape violence, homelessness, and crisis. This organization will receive $20,000 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Member Match.

“This funding translates help for survivors to navigate toward health, past barriers, to attain dreams for lives without fear, violence, or trauma,” CEO Erin Prochnow said.

STAFF FROM YWCA CASS CLAY ACCEPTED A CHECK FROM CORNERSTONE BANK REPRESENTATIVES IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000. / SUBMITTED

SYVERSON NAMED 2024 COMMUNICATOR OF ACHIEVEMENT

HONOR PRESENTED BY NORTH DAKOTA PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATORS

Heather Syverson is North Dakota Professional Communicators’ 2024 Communicator of Achievement. Syverson has enjoyed more than 20 years in the communications industry, moving from traditional journalism to communications consulting over the course of her career.

HEATHER SYVERSON

She had her first taste of press life as an award-winning reporter and news editor at the North Dakota State University student newspaper, The Spectrum. After graduating from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communication, Syverson became a news producer at KXJB TV, just before the station merged with KVLY TV. She was promoted to executive producer at Valley News Live, the combined KXJB and KVLY news stations. Working in local news provided a front row seat to the biggest news stories of the time, including catastrophic flooding on the Red River in 2009.

The experience of helping manage the coverage of the historic flood piqued her interest in the infrastructure that keeps communities safe. In 2011, Syverson began working for AE2S, a civil engineering consulting firm specializing in water projects. Over the past 13 years at AE2S, Syverson has provided communication consulting services for multi-billion-dollar water supply projects, as well as flood and drought mitigation infrastructure projects in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Noteworthy projects include the Red River Valley Water Supply, Western Area Water Supply, Western Dakota Regional Water System, and the FM Area Flood Diversion.

Currently, Syverson is overseeing communication initiatives for more than 50 AE2S clients in North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado and Utah related to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule. In addition to her work as a communication strategist, Syverson serves as AE2S media manager overseeing the firm’s media relations and newsletter publications.

Syverson has been a member of the National Federation of Press Women and its North Dakota affiliate since 2013. She has received multiple Communications Contest awards from NDPC and NFPW as an individual and alongside her AE2S colleagues over the years.

Communicator of Achievement is the highest honor NDPC can bestow upon one of its members. It is presented annually to a member of NDPC and NFPW who has distinguished themselves within and beyond their profession. As NDPC’s honoree, Syverson advanced to NFPW’s national competition, which will be held June 20-22 in St. Louis, Missouri.

In our increasingly data-driven world, construction companies must adopt effective data practices to remain competitive. A strategic data practice can help your business improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase

INAUGURAL NORTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR’S CUP

SET FOR JULY 22-23

PREMIER BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT

INCLUDES A PHILANTHROPIC COMPONENT

BY PRAIRIE BUSINESS STAFF

Michael LeBeau, MD, the system vice president and chief of Health Services Operations at Sanford Health, said the inaugural North Dakota Governor’s Cup is expected to “be a historic event.” LeBeau is co-chair of the two-day event, along with Dave Goodin, immediate past president and CEO of MDU Resources Group.

“It’s really a chance to showcase what Fargo has to offer,” LeBeau said in a video promoting the event to potential sponsors. “It’s a great opportunity to get together and have some fun.”

The two-day charitable event takes place July 22-23 in Fargo and will welcome close to 300 business professionals and leaders from across the country to experience downtown Fargo. They’ll get to choose between a round of golf or a shooting tournament at two of Fargo’s premiere facilities, hear remarks from Gov. Doug Burgum, and take part in a closing banquet at the new Drekker Brewing Company’s Brewhalla, where a final donation check will be announced for an educational and workforce grant across North Dakota. The goal is to raise $100,000 for local businesses within the state to help recruit workers.

“Workforce is a challenge for all businesses across the state,” Goodin said, “and it doesn’t matter what sector you’re in. It could be health care, it could be energy, it could be any number of manufacturing or distribution companies. All areas are looking for more workers, more qualified workers.”

The event is intended to become the state’s premiere networking event for those who want to start or grow their business in

North Dakota or those who are passionate about the state’s future.

There will be opportunities for guests to network with other business and state leaders, look for ways to further develop and grow their business with others, and recognize and show appreciation for their customers and partners.

North Dakota Governor’s Cup works with the Greater North Dakota Chamber Founda-

tion to help raise funds for the state’s workforce. The GNDC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves as the event’s fiscal sponsor, assisting with all sponsorships and handling of the beneficiary for the event, ND Career Builders.

Proceeds raised will help support the North Dakota Career Builders Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program, created to help keep qualified workers in the state.

BOBCAT INSTALLS INNOVATIVE STATIONARY FUEL CELLS FROM HYAXIOM AT TWO OF ITS FACILITIES

FIRST INSTALLATION IN NORTH DAKOTA, THESE UNITS DIVERSIFY POWER SOURCES, REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

WEST FARGO, N.D. • Bobcat Company, a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, has enhanced two of its North Dakota manufacturing facilities with the installation of 14 stationary, natural gas-powered fuel cells from HyAxiom, Inc., a leading global fuel cell and hydrogen solutions provider. These units will operate in parallel with the commercial power grid while carving a pathway to decarbonization by producing clean energy for the facilities’ operations, a release states.

The three fuel cells at the Bismarck facility and the 11 units at the Gwinner location are the first commercial installations of stationary fuel cells in the state. The recently commissioned fuel cells allow Bobcat to diversify its energy sources by supplying a majority of the annual power and heat needs of the Bismarck facility and about half the needs of the Gwinner facility.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions with the installation of these new stationary fuel cells,” said Mike Ballweber, president, Doosan Bobcat North America. “This is just one example of our commitment to advancing our facilities today for a better tomorrow.”

“HyAxiom’s stationary fuel cell solutions provide efficient combined heat and power that will help Bobcat improve its operations and continue innovating for the smart job site of the future,” said David Alonso, chief commercial officer at HyAxiom.

Utilized in a wide range of applications, HyAxiom’s PureCell M400 is a proprietary phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) that can use natural gas, hydrogen, LPG or a blend of fuels to produce rapidly deployable baseload electricity and heat that are also resilient, sustainable and affordable.

While this is the first installation of fuel cells in North Dakota, HyAxiom’s fuel cells are in operation nationwide and globally, providing power and heat for commercial and industrial uses. With load-following capabilities, they have quickly become a resilient source of energy for microgrid applications, providing the ability to switch between grid-connected and grid-independent modes, facilitating the ease of accessibility to reliable and clean electricity.

In Bismarck, Bobcat can provide power back to the grid as a registered power producer. This reduces the demand on Bismarck energy providers and ensures there is enough power on the grid. Thanks to the useable heat produced by the fuel cells, Bobcat has also been able to reduce its overall energy use by eliminating two boilers previously required to produce heat on its paint line.

The project is owned and operated by DESA Service LLC, a subsidiary of Doosan Energy Solutions America Inc.

Understanding the intricacies of maintaining or replacing aging infrastructure can be daunting. Let our engineering and architecture experts advocate for you as we work toward effective and affordable solutions for your communities.

PRAIRIEPEOPLE

JACOB HOOKER

DON NELSON

JACOB HOOKER AND DON NELSON JOIN WILLISTON OFFICE

WILLISTON, N.D. • Interstate Engineering is pleased to announce Jacob Hooker has joined the Williston office. As a CADD technician, he joins the team with a Bachelor of Science degree in earth sciences with a geology concentration from the University of Northern Colorado. His knowledge and dedication will complement the growing team.

Interstate Engineering is proud to welcome Don Nelson to the Williston office. As a project technician, he joins the team with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management from Ferris State University. He specializes in construction inspection and coordination. His knowledge, along with his nine years of experience, will be valued assets to the firm.

HALEY INCZAUSKIS JOINS JAMESTOWN OFFICE

JAMESTOWN, N.D. • Interstate Engineering is excited to welcome Haley Inczauskis to the Jamestown office. As an administrative assistant, she brings over ten years of experience to the team. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to multitask will enhance the Interstate Engineering team as a whole.

BAKER BOY ANNOUNCES VICE PRESIDENT PROMOTIONS

DICKINSON, N.D. • Baker Boy, Inc.

President Guy Moos announced to staff on Friday, March 29, 2024, that three longtime Baker Boy leaders have received promotions to vice president roles within the company.

Melissa Krehlik has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer / Vice President. Derek Rambousek has been promoted to Vice President of Operations. Craig VanHyfte has been promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Along with their new titles, the vice presidents will assume additional responsibilities both immediately and in the future.

MELISSA KREHLIK

“These senior leaders have nearly 70 years of combined experience at Baker Boy. Their dedication and commitment to continuous improvements have helped our company rapidly grow,” Baker Boy President Guy Moos said. “I trust that their continued leadership will prepare us to serve even more Baker Boy customers.”

Krehlik started at Baker Boy in 1996 as an accountant and has held various titles, most recently Director of Administration and Finance. She and her husband Todd, Baker Boy’s Purchasing Supervisor, work out of the main office in Dickinson. They have two adult children and enjoy many outdoor activities, including camping, gardening and vacationing.

“I am humbled to work for such a great company and with great employees for the past 28 years,” Krehlik said. “I am very much looking forward to the growth and opportunities to come in our future.”

Rambousek is formerly Baker Boy’s Director of Manufacturing. His Baker Boy career began in 1996 as a production worker, has worked in scheduling, and held management positions in ordering, production and sanitation before assuming the Director of Manufacturing position in 2015. A Dickinson native, Rambousek enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children.

“I am truly honored and grateful to be part of this great team at Baker Boy,” Rambousek said. “I am also excited and focused on advancing our company and helping build an enduring organization right here in Dickinson.”

CRAIG VANHYFTE

DEREK RAMBOUSEK

DARCY NEIGUM

MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES

NAMES NEIGUM VICE PRESIDENT OF ELECTRIC SUPPLY

BISMARCK, N.D. • Darcy Neigum has been named vice president of electric supply for Montana-Dakota Utilities, effective June 4. He will replace Jay Skabo, who plans to retire June 3 after more than 20 years of service.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Darcy fill this role for the com pany. He has shown tremendous leadership in his previous positions, and with his extensive background and expertise in electric supply we have every confidence he will continue to perform at a high lev el in his new position,” said Gar ret Senger, chief utilities officer for Montana-Dakota.

Neigum joined the company in 1995 as a results engineer at a coalfired power plant. He held a leader ship role with another company in the corporation before returning to Montana-Dakota to become the director of power production tech nical services. He currently is di rector of electric system operations and planning, a position he has held since 2008.

Neigum has degrees in electri cal and electronic engineering from North Dakota State University and a Master of Business Administra tion from the University of Mary. He and his wife Kim live in Bismarck and have two adult children, Emma and Aaron.

Q.INSIGHTS & INTUITION

Each month, Prairie Business Magazine speaks with regional leaders to learn more about a specific topic. This month we asked: How do your company’s core values impact your decision-making?

Ryan Beck Chief Operating Officer Bravera Bank Mandan, N.D.

Bravera’s core values are Give and Earn Trust; Learn, Teach and Mentor; and Collaborate and Innovate. To us these aren’t just words on paper – these words impact the programs we develop and the decisions we make for the betterment of our customers and growth of the organization. This mindset drives continuous improvement and fosters collaboration and innovation. An example of using our values to make decisions is in regard to Learn, Teach and Mentor. A few years ago, we implemented a mentorship program that pairs employees together based on their career goals. This program creates internal relationships across our organization that otherwise would not happen. It forms trusted relationships and enhances the mentee’s career development.

By focusing on our core values when making decisions, we’re continuously building a strong culture among our organization. As an employee-owned company, our team is empowered to make decisions and encouraged to provide input to implement process improvements. Company-wide decisions are guided by leaning in on the strength of our values paired with the vested interest of our employee owners. We move forward with confidence knowing it will reflect and enhance Bravera’s culture.

Douglas J. Jensen President Bismarck State University Bismarck, N.D.

Bismarck State College’s mission and values significantly influence our decision-making processes, especially regarding student success and addressing North Dakota’s workforce and industry needs. BSC’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and lifelong learning closely aligns with our core values of student success, teamwork, partnerships, inclusion and integrity.

In our decision-making, we prioritize initiatives that first and foremost support student success but also directly address the evolving needs of North Dakota’s workforce and industries. By leveraging our partnerships with industry, we develop programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the region’s job market.

For example, when exploring new career pathways or training programs, we actively seek input from industry leaders and workforce development experts to ensure alignment with current and future workforce demands. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor our offerings to meet specific industry needs, ultimately enhancing graduates’ employability and contributing to the economic growth of North Dakota.

Furthermore, our commitment to innovation drives us to continuously adapt and evolve our curriculum and services in response to changing student needs, industry trends and technological advancements. By staying agile and forward-thinking, we can better prepare students for success in emerging fields and contribute to the long-term prosperity of North Dakota’s economy.

Through our adherence to BSC’s values, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting student success and fostering a thriving community. We strive to empower individuals to achieve their educational and career goals while positively impacting the economic landscape of North Dakota.

At Brady Martz & Associates, our core values of stewardship, trust, respect, integrity, value, and excellence, collectively known as STRIVE, serve as the compass guiding my professional decision-making every day.

Our CEO Todd Van Dusen’s emphasis on these values, specifically his vision of stewardship, has always resonated with me. I’m driven to make decisions that not only benefit our present but also lay the groundwork for future team success. The legacy of our firm leadership underscores that we’re part of something greater than ourselves, motivating me to preserve and enhance our vision and culture.

As Chief Talent Officer, I uphold our values of trust and respect by ensuring open communication, team collaboration, and building relationships with team members across the Firm. I remain mindful of our stakeholders—team members, clients, and communities—striving to make a positive impact and add value in all interactions.”

O U R B U S I N E S S

Emily Myru

Chief Talent Officer

Brady Martz & Associates

Grand Forks, N.D.

BY THENUMBERS

REASONS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT, SEASONALLY ADJUSTED

Among those not in the labor force who wanted a job, the number of people marginally attached to the labor force, at 1.6 million, was little changed in April. These individuals wanted and were available for work and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months but had not looked for work in the four weeks preceding the survey. The number of discouraged workers, a subset of the marginally attached who believed that no jobs were available for them, also changed little over the month at 362,000.

Source: U.S.

EMPLOYMENT CHANGE BY INDUSTRY, SEASONALLY ADJUSTED, ONE-MONTH NET CHANGE

Health care added 56,000 jobs in April, in line with the average monthly gain of 63,000 over the prior 12 months. Employment in social assistance increased by 31,000, led by a gain in individual and family services (+23,000). Transportation and warehousing added 22,000 jobs. Employment in retail trade continued to trend up in April (+20,000). Over the prior 12 months, the industry had added an average of 7,000 jobs per month. In April, employment increased in general merchandise retailers (+10,000). Construction employment changed little in April (+9,000), following an increase of 40,000 in March.

EMPLOYMENT AND AVERAGE HOURLY EARNINGS

CIVILIAN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR APRIL, SEASONALLY ADJUSTED

Both the unemployment rate, at 3.9 percent, and the number of unemployed people, at 6.5 million, changed little in April. The unemployment rate has remained in a narrow range of 3.7% to 3.9% since August

in social assistance, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the

n Updating all immunizations or vaccinations

n Talking about illness prevention, nutrition, physical fitness, and health and safety issues

n Completing sports physical forms

n Taking measurements like height and weight

n Conducting a comprehensive physical exam

n Discussing any mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression