Sanford awards to NDSU research through seed grant

and foundation research relations at NDSU. “In addition to funding projects in individual labs, the program has led to the development of research collaborations between NDSU faculty and Sanford researchers and clinicians, funding for graduate and undergraduate assistants in three colleges (College of Science and Mathematics, the College of Health Professions and the College of Human Development and Education) and is broadening our knowledge and understanding of the type of research being done at Sanford both in Fargo and in Sioux Falls. Long term, these collaborations have the ability to strengthen each institution and lead to collaborative applications for federal research funding.”

Stephen Herrmann, director of development and training for Profile by Sanford, says, “The seed grant program also provides a unique opportunity for a public-private partnership. One of the goals was to continue to grow the collaboration between institutions, and this funding provides an opportunity to facilitate the unique and collective talents of individuals from both institutions.”

Project proposals submitted for funding are reviewed for scientific merit and how well they meet the scope of the program, Tschetter explains. Each proposal is reviewed by personnel at both NDSU and Sanford. For this round of funding, each proposal was reviewed by six people — three from NDSU and three from Sanford. Final funding decisions were made by a panel of four — two from Sanford and two from NDSU.

“This helps generate some unique collaborations,” Herrmann says of the seed grant program. “Over time, this seed funding is intended to stimulate more research and can provide pilot data to help obtain funding from other sources. Beyond the research, Sanford has a strategic focus that research conducted through Sanford should have the potential to impact patient care and improve health in the communities that we serve.” PB

Lisa Gibson Editor, Prairie Business 701.787.6753

Border States Electric names strategy enablement director

James Sipe has been promoted to strategy enablement director of Border States Electric, headquartered in Fargo.

Sipe joined Shealy Electrical Wholesalers in 2011 and has served as vice president of operations since June 2013. Sipe joined BSE Aug. 1 when Shealy Electrical Wholesalers was acquired by BSE.

NDSCS names Grindberg vice president of workforce affairs

Tony Grindberg has been named vice president of workforce affairs at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. Grindberg, who led the development and launched the initial operations of NDSCS-Fargo, will oversee the restructuring of the college’s Division of Workforce Development and expansion efforts in Cass County and the surrounding region.

A Fargo city commissioner, Grindberg represented south Fargo in the North Dakota Legislature for 22 years before he decided not to seek another term in 2014. He was head of the NDSU Technology and Research Park and also worked for an aerospace company. He’s been consulting for businesses since January 2016.

Grindberg earned his Associate of Science from NDSCS and Bachelor of Science from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Sioux Falls Development Foundation names workforce development VP

Lon Clemensen has accepted the position of vice president of workforce development at the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Development Foundation.

Clemensen, vice president for program support services at LifeScape Sioux Falls, has more than 30 years of human resource management experience, including 16 years with Wells Fargo & Co. in Sioux Falls, where he directed all human resource functions for a four-state region. At LifeScape, Clemensen’s areas of responsibility expanded from human resources management, budgeting and retention strategies to include volunteer coordination, case management and quality assurance programs.

Starion Financial names Staller chief banking officer

Starion Financial in Fargo has named Dan Staller its chief banking officer, a new position with oversight of every aspect of customer service.

In 2008, Staller joined Starion as senior vice president and business banking officer, and was named Fargo market president in 2012. Staller earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Cornerstone Bank promotes Carlson

Rob Carlson, vice president/mortgage banking, is now overseeing Cornerstone Bank’s North Dakota home mortgage consultants in Fargo. Carlson joined the bank in August 2013 as vice president/mortgage banking. His position changed to vice president/mortgage operations in January 2015 to be the primary liaison between the originating team and the processing team as well as to improve the process between operations and underwriting.

Washburn Area EDA names economic development director

Tana Waldren Larsen has been named economic development and marketing director for the Washburn Area Economic Development Association in Washburn, N.D.

She will work with the WAEDA Board, city and other community groups in providing guidance to individuals and companies to establish, relocate or expand their businesses in or near Washburn. Marketing and promoting the community, recreation and businesses will also be part of her role.

Waldren Larsen will also provide assistance in the planning and coordination of community development projects, assisting business and residential applicants with available local, state and federal economic development programs, and providing research for community-sponsored projects.