Welcome, 2017

We’re kicking off 2017 with focuses on law and energy. Energy is a traditional January topic, but we’re tackling law for the first time. So we decided to put together a comprehensive list of the top business law tips from attorneys around the region. It’s free legal advice. The experts shared some important pointers that I think will come in handy for many of us. Find it on page 28.

As for energy, we dove into environmental responsibility and found out that some of the power providers in the region were controlling emissions before it was mandated. They’re adding renewables to their portfolios, too, and wondering what the future will hold with the Clean Power Plan. It’s finalized, but in litigation, and environmental policy is surrounded by further uncertainty as a new president with a history of denying climate change takes office. Read what utilities have to say about the CPP, their current emission controls, renewables and plans for the future, starting on page 24.

Be sure to check out Nonprofit, another new section we’re rolling out with our redesign. It’s on page 32 and features a mentorship program in Minot, North Dakota, that fosters lifelong friendships. It’s uplifting and reminds us it’s important to do good. Maybe it’ll prompt us all to revise our New Year’s resolutions and make more time for volunteering.

2016 was a stupendous year for Prairie Business, with our website and print redesigns, new special sections and rebranding. We’re ready to step into 2017 and keep pushing forward. Cheers.

PUBLISHER KORRIE WENZEL AD DIRECTOR STACI LORD EDITOR

LISA GIBSON STAFF WRITER KAYLA PRASEK

CIRCULATION MANAGER BETH BOHLMAN

LAYOUT DESIGN, AD DESIGN JASON MAGSTADT KRIS WOLFF

ACCOUNT MANAGERS NICHOLE ERTMAN 800.477.6572 ext. 1162 nertman@prairiebusinessmagazine.com

GARRETT RICHIE 248.202.8955 grichie@prairiebusinessmagazine.com

Prairie Business magazine is published monthly by the Grand Forks Herald and Forum Communications Company with offices at 375 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks, ND 58203. Subscriptions are available free of charge. Back issue quantities are limited and subject to availability ($2/copy prepaid). The opinions of writers featured in Prairie Business are their own. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork are encouraged but will not be returned without a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

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Subscriptions are free www.prairiebusinessmagazine.com

ADDRESS CORRECTIONS

Prairie Business magazine Box 6008 Grand Forks, ND 58206-6008

Beth Bohlman: bbohlman@prairiebusinessmagazine.com

ONLINE www.prairiebusinessmagazine.com