Prairie Business September 2017

Bismarck (N.D.) State College students show their new diplomas at the Spring 2017 Commencement. Like other colleges in the region, Bismarck State is trying to boost graduation rates.

IMAGE: BISMARCK STATE COLLEGE

RURAL ROOTS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON’S NEW CHANCELLOR, COMING TO CROOKSTON IS LIKE COMING HOME

BRENDA NAGEL

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY IN BISMARCK, N.D., NAMED BRENDA NAGEL AS ITS NEW DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. NAGEL, THE FORMER SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AT AETNA, EARNED BOTH HER BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S DEGREES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY.

BASED IN SIOUX FALLS.

50 Best Places to Work for 2017

Here’s the thing to remember about the 50 Best Places to Work for 2017, which Prairie Business takes pride in naming in this issue: Each one was nominated by its employees.

And as those nominations show, we really are talking about 50 exceptional places to work.

For example, “the benefits package speaks volumes,” wrote a Gate City Bank employee. That worker and others went on to describe “four weeks of paid time off per year accruing on Day One,” the fact that employees get discounts on bank products and services (including mortgages) and a “most amazing” 6 percent 401K contribution match.

Besides Epicosity, an ad and marketing agency in Sioux Falls, S.D., “how many places pay you to drink craft beer on Fridays?” asked an Epicosity employee.

“In the past month, we’ve played beach volleyball, enjoyed a team bike riding trip ending in pizza, played mini-golf in our office with fellow ad agencies and had a nerf gun war for one employee’s birthday.”

In Dickinson, N.D., Steffes “offers years of service awards,” an employee wrote. So, ”in two years, I’ll be able to take a weekend trip to anywhere in the lower 48 – on Steffes.”

Then there’s this: “One of the main reasons why I chose to work for Lloyd Companies was the fact that I had heard they were voted onto Prairie Business’ 50 Best Places to Work.” We think Lloyd Companies also deserves credit for hiring sharp employees! PB

Good reading, Tom Dennis

I welcome your feedback and story ideas. Call me at 701-780-1276 or email me at tdennis@ prairiebusinessmagazine.com.

PUBLISHER KORRIE WENZEL

AD DIRECTOR STACI LORD EDITOR

TOM DENNIS

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LAYOUT DESIGN, AD DESIGN JASON MAGSTADT KRIS WOLFF

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

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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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Reaching out

Outreach, mentorship opportunities help attract women to engineering

By Olivia Gravel

FARGO – Women in engineering traditionally have been underrepresented. Outreach and mentorship can be keys to inspiring young women to consider engineering careers. Both played a role in my decision to become an engineer.

I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors. The first was my dad. He was a high school principal who inspired me to always look for ways to do things safer, better and more cost effectively. He ingrained in me the qualities of organization and efficiency.

I also was influenced by outreach projects. BEST Robotics, hosted by North Dakota State University’s College of Engineering, is what triggered my interest in engineering. My school took part in the robotics competition when I was in seventh and eighth grade. My team title was Morale Leader. The notes I wrote to myself said, “I want to be the morale leader because I love efficiency, organization and working hard.”

Those traits have served me well as I prepare for my career.

Outreach programs and mentorship helped develop my problem solving and communication skills. They’ve also helped boost my confidence.

I continue to be influenced by mentors and involved in outreach as an industrial engineering student at NDSU. This year, I am president of the student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, or SWE. Our 100plus members work with faculty, staff and corporate partners to attract women who are considering engineering and other STEM fields.

OLIVIA GRAVEL, AN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING STUDENT AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, IS PRESIDENT OF THE NDSU CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS. IMAGE: NDSU

We, along with the College of Engineering, run a variety of outreach events throughout the year. We have programs for girls in grades K-12. Our goal is to introduce girls to the STEM disciplines, give them hands-on experiences and make possible positive interactions with female engineering role models.

A great example of combining outreach and mentorship is Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, which annually brings together hundreds of eighth-grade girls, current engineering students and professionals. More than 300 students visited NDSU and area engineering companies last January.

The day began at NDSU, where students took part in two engineering activities led by SWE students and representatives from partner engineering firms Moore Engineering, KLJ, John Deere, SRF Consulting Group Inc., Bobcat, Appareo and Microsoft.

The students and female engineers, who serve as mentors, worked together to solve problems, learn about engineering and have fun.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day is one of many regular outreach programs SWE hosts. Others include: Mommy, Me and SWE is a one-day event for girls in grades K-2 and their moms to learn about engineering and STEM fields by doing a variety hands-on activities.

Dads and Daughters Do Science is a one-day event for girls in grades K-2 and their dads to explore the different branches of science, including biology, chemistry and physics.

TechGirls is a 10-week after-school program for girls in grades 3-5. They are introduced to a different type of engineering each week and do a project.

Girls Expanding Engineering Knowledge is an eight-week program for girls in grades 6-8. It is similar to TechGirls, except that students will learn more about each topic and work on more advanced projects.

POWER, which stands for Preparing Outstanding Women for Engineering Roles, is a mentorship program for girls who are considering a STEM career. They are able to talk to female NDSU engineering students to learn more about what it means to be an engineer.

Expanding Your Horizons is a one-day conference for girls in grades 7-9 that provides more than 50 hands-on workshop sessions at places throughout Fargo-Moorhead.

SWE and College of Engineering outreach programs reach more than 3,500 students and hundreds of teachers each year. More than 20 companies and 500 employees offer thousands of volunteer hours each year. The positive feedback we get from the students, parents and companies we work with inspires us to develop more outreach programs and opportunities to provide mentorship.

Our task is to help encourage, empower and challenge girls to consider engineering. Together, we hope to have an impact on younger generations. PB

Olivia Gravel INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING STUDENT, NDSU PRESIDENT, NDSU CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS

mentioned his volunteer work with Angel Flight Central, encouraging Hammes to apply for assistance through the program. He did so, and soon learned Reimers was able to give him rides to Minneapolis for surgery. The flights were only two hours long, compared to the six hours it would’ve taken to drive. Because sitting for long periods of time was painful for Hammes, the quicker trip was nice, he says. And because the surgeries were outpatient care, he was able to make the visits in one day, cutting down on the expense of a hotel room.

“This guy (Reimers) is just amazing. He went above and beyond the call of friendship,” Hammes says. “He was willing to drop what he was doing to help me out. An incredible person who wants to help people who are sick and in need.”

Like Reimers, many Basin Electric employees are community minded, and the cooperative encourages them to volunteer for area events such as the United Way Day of Caring, Rebuilding Together, and United Way’s Backpack Program. In fact, being encouraged to volunteer is something many employees view as one of the many perks of being employed there.

Reimers says this dedication to the communities it serves is one of the things he appreciates most about working at Basin Electric. “Serving the community is just part of its culture,” he says. “It makes me feel like what I’m doing is nothing out of place. I’m just doing something I like, and doing it for people who need help. I am so proud I can make their lives a little bit easier during a time when they need it the most.”

Reimers flew fellow Basin Electric employee Shawn Hammes to Minneapolis for a series of surgeries last year.

Think before you act

Changing a company’s culture just for the sake of change won’t work

By Matthew Mohr

FARGO – Matching the right employee work skills, opinions and values to the employer is a bigger challenge than it appears to be. A great place to work for one person may be a terrible place for another. A brilliant and perfectly trained plumber will probably not be completely satisfied working for an auto body repair shop, even if the pay is great and the owner provides many valued benefits.

An employee’s skills need to match the work performed, and the business culture needs to match (or at least be similar to) the employee’s attitude about work. With the changing demographics of our work force, some employees think that adding a game room or free coffee with a drink after hours will create the environment to become a great place to work. Similarly, inexperienced new employees may express dissatisfaction when an employer’s culture does not match their expectations; the new employee will often claim the employer is “out of touch” with today’s worker.

And as one would suspect, trying to make quick changes can leave an established culture behind, often alienating many of the existing key performers.

Organizational change, especially when it involves deep-rooted cultural aspects, needs to be approached slowly, deliberately and over time.

At one time, Gackle and Edgeley in North Dakota both were vibrant communities, but it is obvious today that both face some economic challenges. Many of the businesses in the towns could do a lot of things, and they probably have the opportunity to create the perfect workplace for millennials. But by doing so, would the businesses grow and succeed with their customers, or would a large number of millennials move to either town just for employment?

Perhaps a deliberate, committed plan of action by the city leaders together with the business owners could help the towns be rejuvenated. One single business striving for individual popularity could make a difference, but the impact would depend more upon that business’s market area and customers rather than its physical location.

We can provide all the training and incentives we want for marine biology, but that won’t bring an ocean to our rural communities. Our education efforts need to match with what economic activities and businesses can actually be viable here.

Our region is tied to agriculture, and as we expand globally, new skills are required along with a new understanding of multicultural customer needs. We cannot demand that customers in Pakistan accept our

values and expect those customers to buy our products. Learning the right skills and matching education to business needs must continue to be a priority.

Using our strengths in agriculture is a promising road to long-term success. Trying to change who we are is not.

Amity Technology in Fargo is a perfect example of a business with roots in North Dakota and ties to agriculture. Amity has expanded globally, and in doing so, it had to learn the cultural aspects of selling in different countries. Howard Dahl, president and CEO of Amity, has had some incredible experiences while working in Russia to sell his products. While many others would have given up, Dahl has had the drive to work toward success and the vision to do what needs to be done to serve customers.

By thinking through the way organizational changes will affect the basic culture of a business, and by considering as well the markets that the business serves, managers can improve almost any business. Long-standing businesses become and stay successful by continuing on a course of excellence that best matches their customers and fits their employees’ skills and attitudes.

Changing just to meet current fads does not create success.

Matthew Mohr CEO, DACOTAH PAPER CO. FARGO

MATTHEW MOHR IMAGE: DACOTAH PAPER CO.

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‘It’s good to be in Crookston’

Reflections of Mary Holz-Clause, new chancellor of the University of Minnesota Crookston

In June, Mary Holz-Clause took office as the new chancellor of the University of Minnesota Crookston.

Holz-Clause grew up on an Iowa farm and then earned a B.S. in agriculture business, a Master of Public Administration and a Ph.D. in agriculture education and extension at Iowa State University.

She worked at ISU for 25 years, “helping ISU Extension become a dynamic engagement and outreach partner across Iowa, the U.S. and the world,” UMC reports.

“She led international trade missions for the Iowa Department of Economic Development and served as vice president for economic development at the University of Connecticut.

“She served as the dean of the Huntley College of Agriculture and as a tenured professor in the Department of Agricultural Business Management and Agriculture Science at California State Polytechnic (Cal Poly) University Pomona. … She also was appointed by California Governor Jerry Brown to serve on the California Department of Food and Agriculture Advisory Board, the primary advisory board for the $100 billion agriculture industry in California.”

Q. A.

Holz-Clause chancellor

YOUR EDUCATION AND CAREER HAVE TAKEN YOU FROM COAST TO COAST, WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON RURAL AMERICA. WHAT’S YOUR SENSE OF HOW NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FITS INTO THAT PICTURE?

Northwest Minnesota is the essence of rural America – good, honest people with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Many of the businesses in rural communities have an agricultural genesis. Building upon that heritage, we are educating entrepreneurs with sound business skills and practices to put their ideas into reality. We are going to bring the community together to explore ways to nurture the great ideas and talents of our students and to bring the students together with mentors and individuals who have been successful in business.

These partnerships can create a kind of synergy that leads to beneficial results.

Mary

University of Minnesota Crookston

MARY HOLZ-CLAUSE IMAGE: UMC

Q. A.

WHAT POINTS OF PRIDE DO MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON COMMUNITY MENTION MOST OFTEN?

We were an early leader in online education and continue to carry that tradition forward. We will be launching one of the nation’s first online degrees in agricultural business within the next year, and we already offer 14 other online degrees.

Our online education provides access for students anywhere and anytime, and it extends the reach of UMC around the world.

While we have quite a number of online students from the Twin Cities metro area and other states, the flexibility that online education affords also works well for local and regional students. That includes our on-campus students as well, as student athletes, for example, can take courses online that may otherwise be offered only during times they have practice.

Another point of pride is the strong community and university partnership. Crookston High School and UMC share some athletic facilities and extend resources to each other. We also have a strong College in the High School program that delivers university courses, in collaboration with area high schools, to advanced high school students. It’s a win-win situation.

One program is especially gratifying: Meet Crookston Through Service. On the Saturday of Welcome Weekend, new students work together with a number of organizations in Crookston on volunteer projects that benefit the entire community. It’s a tradition that has led to a number of wonderful community connections over the more than 15 years we’ve been doing it.

A.

ALONG THOSE LINES, WHAT CONCERNS DO THEY SHARE?

Q.

UMC WON FIRST PLACE IN A “TOP 100 BEST ONLINE COLLEGES” LISTING RECENTLY. WHAT MAKES THE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE EDUCATION PROGRAM STAND OUT?

Well, you’d have to ask them, but we need to have enough affordable housing stock for our faculty and staff, as well as amenities that continue to make a community an attractive place to live.

Collectively, we need to ensure that we are using our public resources most effectively and are leveraging and partnering. There has always been a strong university and Crookston partnership. The Crookston Campus-Community Connection or “C4” planning group has developed a number of activities and projects. Programs like Maroon & Gold Fridays, where staff members of local businesses show their support by wearing maroon and gold on Fridays, have gone over well.

The group is also working on ways to showcase local businesses to students, faculty, and staff.

This group – comprised of UMC faculty, staff and students, along with civic leaders and businesspeople – has generated quite a bit of momentum, which we hope to continue to build upon in the next year.

IS THERE AN AREA IN WHICH YOU THINK THE UNIVERSITY IS RIPE FOR GROWTH?

We’re always exploring new majors and options to provide our students with highly marketable skills in growth industries. Our feasibility analysis will explore options for degrees in needed areas such as health care and the use of technologies such as drones in fields like agriculture and natural resources.

I think there’s a great opportunity to leverage our resources and create an innovation ecosystem within the region and community. We can create maker spaces for our students and community to interact for entrepreneurship. More to come on that topic as we further develop it with community members and our faculty and staff.

A. A.

There’s a saying in marketing that to be successful, your product has to be “different than” or “better than.” We provide degrees in fields such as business, manufacturing and quality management, entrepreneurship, communication and health management. The “better than” is in all of our courses. Our online instructors are taught how to be engaging and bring interactive techniques to online education.

Additionally, wherever possible we have the same faculty teaching both on-campus and online courses. That’s one of the ways we help ensure all students are getting the same quality level in their education.

I know from experience the importance of engagement with the online student. In the early 2000s, I took “distance” classes from another university. We’ve come a long way in the ability to offer online students something more than just the talking head of an instructor. Our professors know their subject matter and how to teach. They find ways to engage through online discussion and interactive groups.

A number of our online students set foot on our campus only for commencement, and when they do, they get to meet their online faculty members. It’s amazing how they pick right up as if they’ve interacted in person since they first met.

Q.

PLEASE GIVE US A FEW MORE OF YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY.

The U of M Crookston is such a treasure. The grounds are beautiful, and we encourage Prairie Business readers to come experience the beautiful park-like atmosphere, or better yet come to campus and sit and have coffee with our talented students.

We have students from more than 20 countries and 40 states, so there is great diversity of cultures, thoughts and ideas.

The people of Minnesota have made significant investments in our campus. We encourage all to visit campus and tour our newly constructed 36,000-square-foot wellness center or cheer the Golden Eagles at our fall sports of football, volleyball and women’s soccer, as well as at men’s and women’s golf and women’s equestrian.

To my husband and me, being in Crookston is like coming home. We’ve lived on both coasts but are from a small town in Iowa. We know and love rural communities. We bought a house and are getting settled. It’s good to be in Crookston.

Four years

and out:

By Tom Dennis

At their Convocation ceremony this fall, University of Minnesota Twin Cities freshmen will be given graduation tassels with the year 2021 on them. The cost of each tassel? Two or three bucks.

Don’t be fooled.

That little handout is part of a 20-year-long, multi-million dollar effort to solve one of the toughest problems in higher education: low graduation rates.

And here’s the thing: The project has worked. Back in the 1980s, the four-year graduation rate on the U of M’s Twin Cities campus was an abysmal 15 percent. Today, it’s approaching 70 percent, and the six-year rate is likely to pass 80 percent, both numbers ranking

the campus among some of the top flagship public universities in America.

How did it happen? What steps did the university take? And can the university systems in North and South Dakota — both of which are embarked on ambitious graduation-rate improvement projects of their own — learn from the U of M’s success?

That’s what this story is about. The bottom-line answer: Yes, the systems can learn — and they’re already doing so. But there are a few key differences between the situations in Minnesota and the Dakotas, which means officials in the Flickertail and Mt. Rushmore states must solve some unique problems of their own. By all accounts, they’re trying to do that, too.

Across the region, colleges are trying to raise graduation rates — and some are having notable success

Commencement at Mayville State University in Mayville, N.D., the event where graduation planning comes to fruition.

IMAGE: MAYVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

IMAGE: UND

Minnesota

The change at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities stems from a reformed approach to undergraduate education — a rethinking that was “so thorough that the experience is almost unrecognizable to graduates over 40,” Twin Cities Business magazine reported in 2015.

In the 1980s, the university was thought of as a commuter school, the magazine noted. Furthermore, “the U welcomed almost any high school graduate with a pulse. Applications to the College of Liberal Arts were made on a postcard. Weaker students needing remedial education could be admitted to General College, spend their entire time there, and graduate with a degree.”

Today, all of those elements have changed — including the General College, which was eliminated in 2006.

And all of the changes helped boost graduation rates.

The U of M Twin Cities’ experience

Bob McMaster, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education, lists seven factors as being key.

The first is leadership. The process started with then-President Ken Keller, who proposed changing the U’s undergraduate culture in 1985. Since then, all four presidents who’ve followed have signed on.

“Every one of them has had a focus on improving graduation rates and student success,” McMaster said.

Second, tougher admissions standards.

The U used marketing, advertising and other techniques to more than double the number of applications. This let the university become much more selective.

That’s tougher than it sounds, especially when rejected students and their parents start complaining to legislators. But the bottom line

An advising session at the University of North Dakota, where stronger and more frequent advising is being pursued as a key way of boosting graduation rates.

is that “as you become more selective — and we did become more selective — you’re bringing in better students, and those students clearly graduate at better rates,” McMaster said.

Next up: Student support. “We really amped up our advising — the tools we use for advising,” McMaster said.

Also improved was “engagement,” a term that includes clubs, wellness facilities, rec sports opportunities and other lifestyle improvements, “because student life is a critical piece of success.”

Financial aid came next, in an effort to ease the debt loads and other fiscal problems that had kept many students from graduating. As a result, “more than 95 percent of our students who are Minnesota residents and have family incomes of less than $50,000 a year have free tuition here,” McMaster said.

Then there’s curriculum. “We found significant bottlenecks there, such as students not being able to get the courses they need to graduate, or excessive degree requirements in certain majors.”

There’s also messaging, of which the above-mentioned tassels are a part. “The second a student steps on campus, we let them know we expect them to graduate in four years,” he said. “Your advisers are constantly telling you how we’re going to get you through in four years’ time” — a point that’ll also be made by the tassels, 2021 being the freshmen’s graduation year.

Last but not least is on-campus living. And that’s where the university still struggles, McMaster said.

If you live in a residence hall, it turns out, you’re far more likely to stay enrolled and graduate on time. Living on campus builds stronger connections with the university — a fact that puts the U

at a disadvantage, because the university had neglected dorm construction for years.

“We woke up 20 years ago and said, ‘We under-built our residence halls,’” McMaster said.

“So we got busy, and we built and are building more.”

The Dakotas

Higher-ed leaders in both Dakotas share the sense of urgency that prompted the U of M Twin Cities’ turnaround. So, system leaders in both states have set goals, established committees and spent significant money on the effort.

But residents must remember that the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is unique in the region. The university’s size, status and ability to draw from deep state and national applicant pools let the school rely heavily on one technique — raising admission standards — that’s less available elsewhere.

That’s “less available,” not “unavailable”; other schools still are ratcheting up their freshmen’s test scores and high school GPAs. But in rural states, flagship schools such as the University of North Dakota must take care with the strategy, lest they cut off access to small-town students whose high schools may not offer extensive options, said Hesham El-Rewini, dean of the College of Engineering and Mines and head of the UND-wide effort to increase graduation rates.

“I don’t want to lose good students who could succeed, but did not appear to be a good candidates for admission because their high

At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, a key role in raising the graduation rate was played by the admissions office, pictured here.

IMAGE: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA TWIN CITIES

Working on projects that you’re passionate about. Working with people who share that passion. Working at a company who invests in amazing benefits and compensation. Working on projects that impact the communities where you live and work.

IT MAT TERS.

Providing engineering and related services to help communities achieve success.

schools did not give them the opportunities that others had,” El-Rewini said.

So in addition to encouraging on-campus living, paring the curriculum of nonessential requirements, targeting financial aid and the like, the systems are radically reforming student support. Years ago, for example, students who struggled were on their own. Some handled it; some didn’t, and dropped out.

Today, data systems such as Starfish — used in both Dakotas — alert advisers and key faculty when students trend downward on indicators such as exams. “And those data could trigger an action in which we’d intervene to help,” El-Rewini said.

Another ambitious data set is PAR, or Predictive Analytics Reporting. A nonprofit with 351 member institutions, PAR tracks those schools’ anonymized students throughout their studies, offering vast data that can show, for example, exactly which classes seem to be tripping up high numbers of students.

“We might find three-quarters of the students affected,” said Gary Hagen, president of Mayville State University in Mayville, N.D., and the head of the statewide committee to boost graduation rates.

“We might learn we need a prerequisite for that class. We may never have known that without this software, and the power of these numbers is just going to be unbelievable.”

Here’s another change: In South Dakota, “we’ve all but eliminated undecideds,” said Paul Turman, system vice president for academic affairs.

“You as a student can’t come in and say, ‘Oh, I’m not sure what I want to do, so I’m just going to wander the curriculum for awhile.’”

Why? Because too many of those students wound up behind, without the courses they needed once they chose a major.

Today, students commit to exploring within a broad field, such as agriculture. “The exploratory track introduces them to the various career options, but also makes sure they’re getting the right courses for their eventual major,” Turman said.

“That way, nothing is wasted.”

The Bluto factor

In 1978, when John Belushi (as Bluto Blutarsky) said “Seven years of college down the drain” in the movie “Animal House,” it was a laugh line. That’s because few people spent seven years in college back then.

“The expectation was, ‘You’re done in four,’ and that was that,” said McMaster, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities vice provost.

“Somehow, things slipped along the way. But I think we’re returning to the sense that this is, in fact, a four-year degree, and let’s make sure we provide the resources to ensure that. ” PB

Tom Dennis EDITOR, PRAIRIE BUSINESS TDENNIS@PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM 701.780.1276

To boost graduation rates, encourage students to live on campus, colleges have found. But that means the students must leave home; and that, in turn, sets up more scenes such as this one, in which a parent says goodbye to a student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

IMAGE: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA TWIN CITIES

3M

HEADQUARTERS: Brookings, S.D. (plant); St. Paul, Minn. (corporate)

EMPLOYEES: 1,055

DESCRIPTION: 3M Brookings serves as 3M’s largest health care manufacturing plant. Our employees are experts in medical product manufacturing and new product development. For more than 45 years, the plant has continually applied 3M science to produce complex medical dressings and tapes, surgical drapes, biological indicators and food safety products. Our employees work together 24/7 to produce more than 1,700 products that help health care professionals improve quality of care.

WEBSITE: 3m.com

This list of great workplaces has become a staple of Prairie Business’ coverage, awaited eagerly by the nominees and the employees who nominate them.

Congratulations to all this year’s winners, chosen from more than 1,000 nominations. They are excellent role models for forward-thinking, team-driven success.

AE2S

HEADQUARTERS: Grand Forks, N.D. EMPLOYEES: 243

DESCRIPTION: AE2S focuses on planning, financing, designing and building infrastructure that is the foundation of our communities and our lives. Our primary focus is to help ensure clean drinking water, safe wastewater disposal and smart water resource development. That focus is supported by synergistic and strategic services that help our clients navigate infrastructure challenges.

Our team of professionals is dedicated to making a positive impact on our communities by doing things that matter.

WEBSITE: ae2s.com

Alerus

HEADQUARTERS: Grand Forks, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 794

DESCRIPTION: Based in the Midwest, Alerus is an independent, multibillion-dollar financial services company serving individuals, families and businesses around the country. Alerus offers a broad array of banking, mortgage, retirement, employee benefits and wealth management products and services through a relationship-focused philosophy that puts customer well-being at the forefront.

WEBSITE: alerus.com

Apex Engineering Group

HEADQUARTERS: Fargo, N.D..

EMPLOYEES: 65

DESCRIPTION: Apex Engineering Group was founded with our clients in mind. We focus on the fundamentals, providing customers with engineering solutions from employees who believe that it’s only the best solution if it’s also the best experience. We are proud to have earned the trust and support of partners across the region.

Apex has offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, and Fargo, N.D., and Detroit Lakes, Minn.

WEBSITE: apexenggroup.com

Applied Engineering

HEADQUARTERS: Bismarck, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 98

DESCRIPTION: Applied Engineering is an employee-owned engineering and technology company that combines talent and technology to solve its customers’ unique challenges. For over 30 years, Applied has provided engineering, product development and manufacturing consulting services, as well as IT and custom programming services and large-format digital printing.

Applied also sells industry-leading design and manufacturing software and provides classroom training and support from its offices throughout North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.

WEBSITE: go-applied.com

In Fargo, Apex Engineering teams competed in the Fargo Marathon Relay in May.

Bismarck Aero Center

HEADQUARTERS: Bismarck

EMPLOYEES: 33

Arvig

HEADQUARTERS: Perham, Minn.

EMPLOYEES: 734

DESCRIPTION: Established in 1950, Arvig is one of the largest independent telecommunications providers in the nation, focused on delivering cutting-edge broadband technology to residential and business customers.

In addition to providing traditional telecom services, Arvig also provides high-capacity connectivity solutions such as dark fiber, wavelength and Ethernet, as well as managed IT, security, answering services and a full suite of digital media services.

WEBSITE: arvig.com

Braun Intertec

HEADQUARTERS: Minneapolis

EMPLOYEES: 919 (all Braun Intertec locations)

DESCRIPTION: Braun Intertec is a 100 percent employee-owned geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting and testing firm for both the private and public sectors. With locations across the central U.S., we have been providing innovative solutions to our North Dakota clients for more than 40 years.

Employees from our five North Dakota offices, as well as those in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas, Louisiana and Texas, collaborate as one team to achieve our vision as both consultant and employer of choice.

WEBSITE: braunintertec.com

DESCRIPTION: Bismarck Aero Center is an organization with a family-centric culture that is driven by a hard-working group of team members with a shared set of values. With locations at the Bismarck and Mandan Municipal Airports, the organization has 10 aircraft storage hangars that are dedicated to serving business and private aircraft owners. The company offers 24/7 aircraft fueling, aircraft maintenance, avionics, flight instruction, contract pilot, aircraft rental and charter brokerage services.

WEBSITE: bismarckaero.com

Around the holidays, Arvig’s accounting team gets creative for their department’s annual Ugly Sweater Contest.

Construction Engineers

HEADQUARTERS: Grand Forks, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 73

DESCRIPTION: “Do Something Constructive” is more than a clever saying for the team at Construction Engineers; it is the founding principle for how our company approaches each and every day.

Headquartered in Grand Forks, N.D., Construction Engineers provides construction management and design-build services for a commercial division focusing on education, health care and public facilities and an industrial division that builds processing plants and infrastructure systems.

WEBSITE: constructionengineers.com

Corporate Technologies, LLC

HEADQUARTERS: Eden Prairie, Minn.

EMPLOYEES: 191

Cornerstone Bank

HEADQUARTERS: Decentralized, with offices located across North and South Dakota

EMPLOYEES: 204

DESCRIPTION: Cornerstone Bank provides an expansive product offering while staying true to its mission of providing access to financial experts who give straight answers and the best possible financial options.

Cornerstone provides business and personal loans, deposits and cash management services, online and mobile banking, and mortgage services. With 14 locations in North and South Dakota, Cornerstone Bank’s financial experts not only help customers get ahead, but take the time to figure out where they want to go.

WEBSITE: cornerstonebanks.net

DESCRIPTION: Corporate Technologies is a leading provider of managed IT solutions to businesses and institutions in Minnesota, North Dakota, Idaho, Southern California, Michigan and New Jersey.

With over 30 years of experience and the continued dedication of its employees, Corporate Technologies is able to support its clients on a national level. It offers a wide range of IT solutions, including: managed IT services, staffing, storage, virtualization, VoIP systems, consulting and networking. Corporate Technologies’ Technology Advantage program provides a niche service for small and medium-size businesses requiring IT support and services.

WEBSITE: gocorptech.com

At Cornerstone Bank, one of our 50 Best Places to Work, team members take a pie in the face for charity.

General Steel & Supply Company is the manufacturing division of Fisher Industries. We have been designing and fabricating high-quality aggregate processing equipment in southwest North Dakota for the past 50 years. Our equipment pieces are being used by numerous companies all over the world.

We strongly believe in inspiring the next generation of manufacturers, which we do by providing hands-on shop tours to area students, donating materials to welding programs, and sponsoring Manufacturing Day events. Learn more about us at www.fisherind.com.

FISHER INDUSTRIES

3020 ENERGY DRIVE - DICKINSON, ND 58601

701.456.9184 | 800.932.8740

WWW.FISHERIND.COM

Manufacturing supports more than 18.5 Million U.S. Jobs

$1.00 = $1.40

$1.00 spent in manufacturing creates $1.40 for the U.S. economy

$77k+

Annual average salary of manufacturing workers in the U.S.

DFC Consultants

HEADQUARTERS: Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 18

EAPC Architects Engineers

HEADQUARTERS: Grand Forks, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 127

DESCRIPTION: EAPC is a design consulting firm offering architecture, engineering, wind energy, industrial and business excellence services from 11 offices throughout the United States and Argentina. As EAPC celebrates 50 years, the firm remains focused on the client’s needs with a view toward creative, sustainable solutions that surpass project goals in form as well as function. Careful planning, design expertise and hard work deliver positive results that clients are truly happy with long after the ribbon cutting.

WEBSITE: eapc.net

DESCRIPTION: Since 1989, DFC Consultants has been matching companies with business management software solutions that meet their unique needs. As a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner, DFC specializes in Microsoft Dynamics GP, Dynamics 365, Office 365 and Customer Relationship Management Software. DFC has experience working with small and medium-sized businesses in all industries and all across the United States. Additionally, DFC offers accounting and bookkeeping services, custom software development and programming, and cloud hosting solutions.

WEBSITE: DFCconsultants.com

Eide Bailly

HEADQUARTERS: Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 274 (includes the firm’s administrative team; 1,700 employees across the entire company)

DESCRIPTION: Eide Bailly’s journey began in 1917 with pencil and paper. By embracing change and focusing on innovative ideas, we’ve grown along with our clients to become one of the top 25 accounting firms in the nation, all while being headquartered in Fargo. With 29 offices in 13 states, Eide Bailly’s professionals are trusted business advisors who serve passionately and intelligently with unique expertise designed to help clients succeed.

WEBSITE: eidebailly.com

Each year, EAPC Architects Engineers has a contest during Beardtober to see who can grow the longest beard, best beard, etc. The folks included in this poster that the company created are some of those who took part in the contest.

First International Bank & Trust

HEADQUARTERS:

Watford City, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 503

Epicosity

HEADQUARTERS: Sioux Falls, S.D.

EMPLOYEES: 24

DESCRIPTION: Epicosity is an ideas company specializing in creative digital strategy, video production, web development and media. We have clients in 23 states and five countries. We’re not a mega-agency – and we’re proud of that. We’re a tight group of idea people that executes nimbly and effectively. Founded in 2008 as Epic Multimedia and rebranded as Epicosity in 2013, we’ve grown from a small video production firm to a full-service international agency in just a few years.

WEBSITE: epicosity.com

First Western Bank & Trust

HEADQUARTERS:

Minot, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 170

DESCRIPTION: First Western Bank & Trust strives to be the premier bank and financial service provider in the communities we serve by building strong customer relationships, providing great customer service, offering diverse financial products and maintaining satisfied, friendly professional employees. First Western Bank & Trust is a full-service financial center providing traditional banking products (deposit accounts and loans) as well as trust services, all lines of insurance, investments, leasing and much more.

WEBSITE: firstwestern.bank

DESCRIPTION: From its humble beginnings in 1910, this community bank has been delivering on its mission of helping dreams come true, one customer at a time.

Today, four generations strong, the Stenehjem family continues to lead the company with a focus on long-term customer relationships. They operate 27 locations throughout North Dakota, Minnesota and Arizona.

WEBSITE: FirstIntlBank.com

Fisher Industries

HEADQUARTERS: Dickinson, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 1,125

DESCRIPTION: Built on a solid foundation of ethics and integrity, Fisher Industries is a vertically integrated family of businesses striving to provide innovative products and sustainable solutions for the world’s infrastructure.

We serve all aspects of the aggregate processing industry. Whether it’s manufacturing aggregate processing equipment, mining and delivering aggregate products or the final roller pass across freshly laid asphalt, Fisher stands ready to tackle the toughest jobs.

WEBSITE: fisherind.com

H2M

HEADQUARTERS: Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 17

Gate City Bank

HEADQUARTERS: Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 600

DESCRIPTION: At Gate City Bank, we believe in making a difference in our communities and in the lives of our employees and customers, For a Better Way of Life. We offer unique benefits to our employees – benefits such as paid maternity and paternity leave, generous PTO packages, paid volunteer time, mission leave assistance and more. Gate City Bank is a $1.9 billion mutual community bank with 36 convenient banking offices across North Dakota and western Minnesota.

WEBSITE: gatecitybank.com

High Point Networks

HEADQUARTERS: West Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 75

DESCRIPTION: High Point Networks is a value-added reseller (VAR) of information technology, providing solutions to the small-business, medium-sized business and enterprise-level markets in the upper Midwest. We offer organizations best-inclass voice and data networking solutions, supported by the best professional services team in the region.

WEBSITE: HighPointNetworks.com

DESCRIPTION: H2M is a marketing agency headquartered in downtown Fargo, N.D., that serves clients throughout the upper Midwest. To deliver best-in-class creative that, in turn, delivers obscenely impressive results for their customers, H2M prioritizes honesty over ego, originality over mimicry and culture over custom.

While unafraid to capitalize on a hip trend, this “traditional” ad agency with over a century of combined expertise is more than happy to throttle the competition with old-fashioned hard work, research and killer execution. You’ve been warned.

WEBSITE: h2m.biz

High Point Network’s Chris Zachariason practices his drone skills maneuvering through the company’s West Fargo office.

Houston Engineering, Inc.

HEADQUARTERS: Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 180

DESCRIPTION: Houston Engineering, Inc.

(HEI) is a full-service, multidisciplined consulting firm that provides civil engineering, surveying, environmental, GIS, web applications and planning services to clients in the public and private sectors.

Despite its name, HEI is not based in Houston, but rather is named after George Houston, who founded HEI in 1968. Since that time, HEI has expanded its capabilities, staff and the geographic area it serves and will be celebrating 50 years of service next year.

WEBSITE: houstoneng.com

ICON Architectural Group

HEADQUARTERS: Grand Forks, N.D., with additional offices in the North Dakota communities of West Fargo, Mandan, Minot and Watford City.

EMPLOYEES: 44

DESCRIPTION: Since its creation in 2002, ICON Architectural Group has established itself as one of the mainstay architectural and engineering firms in the area. Our mission is to provide clients with innovative design and effective building solutions that meet their exact needs. We measure our success by the success of our clients. Our relationships with clients and the individualized attention throughout the planning and design process are the keys to our success.

WEBSITE: ICONarchitects.com

John Deere Electronic Solutions

HEADQUARTERS: Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 700

JLG Architects

HEADQUARTERS: Minneapolis

EMPLOYEES: 105

DESCRIPTION: JLG Architects is a 100 percent employee-owned, full-service architecture firm, founded in 1989 by Lonnie Laffen and Gary Johnson. Today, the firm has grown to 12 offices in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota with over 105 employees, and has been named one of the 50 Best Places to work in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine and one of the Giants of American Architecture by Building Design+Construction Magazine.

WEBSITE: JLGarchitects.com

DESCRIPTION: John Deere Electronic Solutions is a company with a strong technological focus and extensive engineering design capabilities. We also have extensive experience in product design, product test, manufacturing and support services. This enables us to handle any and all aspects of providing solutions to industries that require quality electronics which operate in harsh or extreme environments.

WEBSITE: deere.com/en/electronic-solutions/

For 10 years, JLG Architects has participated in the Adopt a Highway program, with the company’s staffers volunteering to keep a stretch of highway clean.

Lemonly

HEADQUARTERS:

Sioux Falls, S.D.

EMPLOYEES: 19

KLJ

HEADQUARTERS: Bismarck, N.D. EMPLOYEES: 523

DESCRIPTION:

An exceptional experience – every project, every time. Since the 1930s, we have worked alongside communities of all sizes, partnering with cities, counties and developers, just to name a few. We create solutions that turn your visions into reality, improving the lives of people and communities across the nation.

We do this by focusing on a business model that puts you first, providing an exceptional experience that truly reimagines what your project can become.

WEBSITE: KLJeng.com

DESCRIPTION: Home of the world’s best infographics, Lemonly is a Sioux Falls, S.D.-based visual design firm. In our six-year history, we’ve helped brands such as Marriott International, Major League Baseball, Netflix, Johnson & Johnson and the United Nations tell their stories using visuals, focusing on our mission of making the world an easier place to understand. We attribute our success to a culture where people come first, and to constantly striving to make Lemonly the best place to work in the Midwest.

WEBSITE: lemonly.com

Lloyd Companies

HEADQUARTERS:

Sioux Falls, S.D

EMPLOYEES: 185

DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1972 by Craig and Pat Lloyd, Lloyd Companies is a family-owned, community-oriented business that has evolved from a single apartment property to a collection of real estate companies focused on promoting well-maintained and profitable investments for our clients. Our specialized divisions – development, commercial real estate, construction, property management and residential real estate – lead the way with flexible and creative solutions designed to get the job done.

WEBSITE: lloydcompanies.com

Pictured here are some winners of the Festive Sweater Contest held last December at KLJ, a Bismarck, N.D.-based engineering consulting firm.

Marco

HEADQUARTERS: St. Cloud, Minn. (national); Fargo, N.D. (local)

EMPLOYEES: 1,083 (entire company); 46 (Fargo office)

DESCRIPTION: Marco is one of the largest technology providers in the country, with 47 offices throughout the Midwest and 32,500 customers nationwide.

Marco specializes in business IT services, copier/printer solutions and managed and cloud services. Our technology experts break down complex solutions into simple terms to position your business for success.

WEBSITE: marconet.com

Stacey Mesteth

Alex Comstock

Jared Sorlien

Melody Klindt

Sonjia Anderson

Matt’s Automotive Service Center

HEADQUARTERS: Moorhead, Minn.

EMPLOYEES: 17

DESCRIPTION: At Matt’s Automotive Service Center, it is our mission to give our customers a better experience than they’ve ever expected from an automotive facility. We aim to earn and keep their trust from the moment they walk in our door.

Through continuous education, advanced training, high ethical standards and a friendly attitude, we strive to be more than just an experience, but to become the new standard..

WEBSITE: MattsAutoServiceCenter.com

Matt’s Automotive Service Center in Fargo and Moorhead offers annual Knowledge is Power Women’s Car Care Clinics.

Midco

HEADQUARTERS:

Minneapolis, with the bulk of our team members working in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 1,360

DESCRIPTION: We’ve been blazing trails since 1931, bringing innovation to the world of telecommunications and delighting customers with exceptional service.

Through ambition, imagination and a genuine commitment to each other, Midco proudly serves more than 385,000 residential and business customers in 342 communities in Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

By the end of 2017, most customers will have access to Midco Gig – blazingly fast internet with download speeds of up to 1 Gbps. We’re dedicated to making our communities better places to live, work and play.

WEBSITE: midco.com

Midco Sports Network uses its 48-foot production truck (pictured here) to provide live coverage of sporting events throughout North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, among other states.

Minnkota Windows

HEADQUARTERS: West Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 51

DESCRIPTION: Minnkota Windows is a vinyl window and door fabricator based in this area since 1980. The family-owned company distributes windows and doors through a dealer network that spans 13 states in the upper Midwest and into Canada.

Minnkota Windows are energy e icient and custom built, and they o er the industry’s most comprehensive warranty. The product line suits residential new construction and remodeling as well as commercial applications.

Midwest Built. Midwest Tough. Guaranteed for Life.

WEBSITE: minnkotawindows.com

Moore Engineering

HEADQUARTERS: West Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 180

DESCRIPTION: Moore Engineering is a partner in progress with cities, counties, water resource districts, developers, campuses and others throughout the region.

A 100 percent employee-owned civil engineering and land surveying company, Moore develops sound solutions while always respecting resources. Through innovative project planning, technical excellence and a real pride in this region, we strive to improve lives and create economic opportunities by strengthening communities.

WEBSITE: mooreengineeringinc.com

Mortenson

HEADQUARTERS: Minneapolis; local office in Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 40 (North Dakota)

National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC)

HEADQUARTERS: Mandan, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 1,100-plus

DESCRIPTION: Mortenson is a family-owned organization built on strong values, family heritage and a commitment to making a difference in the community.

We have served the North Dakota community since 1976 and have built a reputation for being a solid and progressive company and a trustworthy leader.

We are inspired by a compelling purpose: Building structures and facilities for the advancement of modern society. Our purpose is fulfilled through our mission: To create an exceptional customer experience.

WEBSITE: mortenson.com/north-dakota

DESCRIPTION: NISC is an information technology organization that delivers advanced solutions, services and support to more than 800 independent telephone companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities.

NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including billing, accounting, operations, automated mailroom services, third-party integration and many more. With facilities in Mandan, N.D.; Lake Saint Louis, Mo.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Shawano, Wis., NISC and its subsidiaries employ more than 1,100 professionals.

WEBSITE: nisc.coop

Network Center, Inc.

HEADQUARTERS: Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 61

DESCRIPTION: Network Center, Inc. (NCI) provides cutting-edge technology solutions that help propel your organization while preparing you for the future.

Serving 12 states and over 500 customers, NCI is one of the largest IT solution providers in the Midwest. We specialize in industry-specific technology solutions, service, support and expertise for small to enterprise businesses.

In 2015, NCI enhanced its culture by becoming a 100 percent employee-owned company. By implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), NCI employees can share in the company’s growth and success.

WEBSITE: netcenter.net

One of the Midwest’s largest IT solution providers, Network Center Inc. of Fargo captions this photo, “We love supporting United Way of Cass-Clay!”

We believe we are on the outside, who we are on the inside.

Thank you Apex employees for building a "Best Places to Work" culture.

Nexus Innovations

HEADQUARTERS:

Bismarck, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 15

DESCRIPTION: Nexus Innovations is a consulting firm that helps its clients win by delivering technology solutions. We customize every client engagement to ensure that organizational goals, business requirements and cultural impacts are both understood and addressed. We have emerged as one of the leading strategic IT consulting firms in the region. That reason goes beyond delivering an outstanding product; the di erence is our people, and the trust we build with every client.

As a Microsoft Certified Partner, we have become a “go-to” consultant for SharePoint, Business Intelligence, Process Analysis and Automation, Project Management and Customized .NET Software Solutions.

WEBSITE: nexusinnovations.com

Norby’s Work Perks

HEADQUARTERS: Grand Forks, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 19

DESCRIPTION: Norby’s Work Perks is a design company that provides o ice furniture solutions for all interior o ice environments. The company’s experienced sales, interior design, installation and service professionals strive to provide excellent service from initial space planning to installation and follow-up.

Every business deserves a workspace that makes employees more productive and better at their job. We do just that. We are your design and furniture experts.

WEBSITE: norbys.com

North Dakota Guaranty & Title Co.

HEADQUARTERS:

Bismarck, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 135

DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1955 in Bismarck, N.D., North Dakota Guaranty & Title Co. provides complete residential and commercial land title and real estate closing services across North Dakota and into Western Minnesota.

We are “The Title Team” – experienced professionals o ering the most comprehensive land title services in the region.

NDGT is comprised of 15 o ices in North Dakota and Minnesota. Our mission is “To provide the best services in every market in which we participate.” NDGT team members go the extra mile to help coordinate and complete real estate closing and title services in North Dakota and Minnesota; from mobile homes to multi-billion-dollar commercial projects.

WEBSITE: TheTitleTeam.com

Obermiller Nelson Engineering (ONE)

HEADQUARTERS:

Fargo, N.D

EMPLOYEES: 120

DESCRIPTION: ONE is a mechanical, electrical and civil engineering consulting firm, specializing in building system design, services and innovative solutions.

ONE cares about people. The company cares about the success and wellbeing of its employees, clients and communities. This translates into an unparalleled work environment that thrives on honesty, service, quality, innovation and growth.

Through its mission and vision, ONE believes its commitment to its employees will provide clients and communities with leaders making a meaningful impact.

WEBSITE: Obernel.com

Sioux Corp.

HEADQUARTERS:

Beresford, S.D.

EMPLOYEES: 48

DESCRIPTION: Since 1939, Sioux Corp. has been designing and manufacturing reliable specialty equipment for industrial applications around the world.

Sioux is a leader in water heating and chilling systems used in concrete production; pressure washing equipment used in the oil, gas and mining industries; steam generators used in concrete production, railcar heating and soil sterilization; and other application-specific products.

Sioux excels in custom-engineered designs and highly specialized options to provide the exact equipment customers need for challenging applications.

WEBSITE: Sioux.com

Starion Bank

HEADQUARTERS:

Bismarck, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 248

DESCRIPTION: Starion Bank is a family-owned bank with a full line of commercial, personal and mortgage banking services along with investments and insurance. Serving the Midwest since 1969, the $1.2 billion bank has 15 branches in Bismarck, Bottineau, Dunseith, Ellendale, Fargo, Mandan, Oakes and Rolla, N.D.; and Monona, Middleton and Sun Prairie, Wis.

Starion Bank offers sophisticated products, services and technology available at larger banks, with the personal service found at community banks.

WEBSITE: StarionBank.com

Why BSE?

It’s where you’ll find your voice.

Whether my team and I are in meetings with an intern or with a vice president, I’ve always felt like our voices have been heard, we’ve never been afraid to share our ideas. Border States isn’t a status quo company. I really love that we’re always pushing to be better.

- Richelle | Fargo, ND

Stoneridge Software

HEADQUARTERS: Barnesville, Minn.

EMPLOYEES: 80

Steffes

HEADQUARTERS: Dickinson, N.D

EMPLOYEES: 345

DESCRIPTION: Ste es is a lean-operating original equipment manufacturer headquartered in Dickinson, N.D., with additional manufacturing facilities in Grand Forks, N.D. We specialize in steel fabrication and electrical services for a variety of diverse industries, including oil and gas, contract manufacturing and electric thermal storage. With a creative team of experienced engineers and manufacturing experts, our ability to innovate and solve complex issues is unmatched in the manufacturing industry.

WEBSITE: ste es.com

DESCRIPTION: Founded in 2012, Stoneridge Software has become the largest Microsoft Gold ERP Partner in the region. With specialties in Microsoft Dynamics 365, Dynamics AX, Dynamics NAV, and Dynamics CRM, Stoneridge focuses on attracting the most knowledgeable experts in the field to our team to provide stellar solutions that deliver maximum business impact.

The company’s success has been built upon the values of integrity, technical excellence, tenacity, being client-centric and enjoying our work.

WEBSITE: StoneridgeSoftware.com

Vogel Lawyers Are Fun Lawyers.*

*Legal Disclaimer: This statement does not imply an expressed guarantee of entertainment on your behalf. For the purposes of this advertisement, the term FUN is subjective and therefore does not represent a quantifiable or reasonable expectation of joy or happiness though we hope you feel a little of both. FUN as represented by individual Vogel attorneys is subject to individual interpretation as referred to in the examples that follow: 1) Attorney Josh Swanson writes the Swany Says column for Bison Illustrated. He’s Swany. We try to keep that secret. 2) Steve Lamb creates pottery in his downtime. It’s okay, we think. The pottery, that is. We’re still trying to figure out how he has downtime. 3) Tami Norgard and Angie Lord plan annual trips for their knitting group to go to Vegas. No one has ever witnessed evidence of knitting. 4) Jon Brakke is a race car driver. That’s just plain cool. 5) Leah Warner was the cheerleading mascot for the high school boys basketball team and played women’s basketball for Concordia College. The Concordia mascot is an ear of corn. 6) Jerilynn Brantner Adams legally changed her middle name in the 5th grade. Her first choice was great-goddess-of-this-and-all-other-realms-both-past-and-future. She got her second choice. 7) Bruce Quick was kicked out of high school 2 times (but who was counting). Quick was slow to get the hint. 8) Ken Kohler has a fondness for yo-yos. The toy, that is. Not the guy who wouldn’t shut up at the table next to yours at the restaurant. Extra legal fees apply for services rendered to people who post pictures of cats on FacebookTM. Cat surcharges will be immediately refunded if said cat picture is just too incredibly cute. Thank you to all of our employees who make Vogel Law Firm one of the 50 Best Places to Work.

vogellaw.com

With offices in Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks, ND, and Moorhead and Minneapolis, MN

Sundog Interactive

HEADQUARTERS: Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 103

DESCRIPTION: Sundog Interactive specializes in marketing results for manufacturing. For more than 20 years, the company has been an industry leader in marketing and technology, creating proven success with clients such as Bobcat Co., Ecolab, Cub Cadet/MTD, Titan International and more.

Known for its unique culture, Sundog has been named to the Inc. 500|5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing companies three times, and ranked one of the Best Places to Work twice by Advertising Age.

WEBSITE: SundogInteractive.com

Rooftop yoga is popular with employees of Sundog Interactive, a Fargo, N.D.based marketing rm.

TrueNorth Steel

HEADQUARTERS: West Fargo, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 1520 (including at production facilities in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming)

DESCRIPTION: A locally owned steel fabricator of structural steel, tanks, corrugated steel pipe and steel bridges headquartered in the Fargo, N.D., area since 1945, TrueNorth Steel is focused on understanding the customer and providing the best products, services and solutions.

WEBSITE: TrueNorthSteel.com

Vaaler Insurance

HEADQUARTERS: Grand Forks, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 75

DESCRIPTION: Established in 1947, Vaaler Insurance is proud to provide professional insurance and risk service products to businesses and individuals across the upper Midwest. At Vaaler Insurance, our mission is to always act in our client’s best interest while providing insurance and risk management products and services with professionalism, honesty, integrity and enthusiasm. We have extensive experience providing coverage for an array of industries, including construction, manufacturing, education, transportation, nonprofits, law firms, hospitals and senior living centers.

WEBSITE: vaaler.com

We own it.

As a 100% employee-owned company, our employees share responsibility for making Moore a great place to work, grow and flourish. Our supportive, energized and productive workplace is packed with co-workers who feel more like family – caring about each other and the work we do. THAT is what makes this place great.

Owners in building a stronger community. 100% Employee-Owned

Vogel Law Firm

HEADQUARTERS:

O ices in Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks, N.D., and Moorhead and Minneapolis, Minn.

EMPLOYEES: 102

DESCRIPTION: Vogel Law Firm offers sophisticated legal representation to businesses and individuals throughout North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota and Montana. We are one of the largest law firms in northwestern Minnesota and North Dakota and serve a diverse group of clients. With experienced and dedicated sta , Vogel Law Firm provides e icient, a ordable and excellent legal services to our clients.

WEBSITE: VogelLaw.com

WCCO Belting

HEADQUARTERS:

Wahpeton, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 185

DESCRIPTION: WCCO Belting makes custom rubber products for agricultural and industrial equipment. A 63-year-old family business in the Wahpeton-Breckenridge community, we have some of the world’s best belting experts on our team. Together with the valuable input and dedication of our production group, we are excited for the future.

WCCO continues to develop game-changing product designs, explore diverse manufacturing techniques and discover new international market opportunities. Visit wccobelt.com to learn how you can join the adventure.

We’re proud of our employees for their commitment to our local communities. In fact, we encourage them to volunteer for service organizations and charitable projects during work hours. Thanks to our employees for naming us one of the Top 50 Places to Work. We attribute this accolade to hiring and supporting exceptional people who care. It’s one of the ways you know that You can bank on us

Minot and Bismarck, ND

● Eden Prairie, MN

Western State Bank

HEADQUARTERS: Devils Lake, N.D.

EMPLOYEES: 210

DESCRIPTION: For the past 115 years, Western’s Hometown Banking philosophy has focused on building relationships. Western team members dedicate themselves to the “Western Way,” providing customers with an exceptional experience in order to create strong relationships. This is done by o ering superior full-banking services, investments and mortgage financing to personal and business customers and nationwide equipment financing services.

Western State Bank’s locations are in the North Dakota communities of Devils Lake, Towner, West Fargo and Fargo.

WEBSITE: westernbanks.com

Employees of Western State Bank of Devils Lake, N.D., volunteered more than 9,500 hours to community organizations, including the Adopt a Highway cleanup program, pictured here.

Bustling

EMPIRE

Judging

By Rob Swenson

by The Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, S.D., reports of malls’ death have been greatly exaggerated

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The biggest problem facing The Empire Mall in recent months hasn’t been the digital revolution or economic conditions. It’s construction. Work on streets near the biggest shopping center in the region has inconvenienced thousands of mall customers and employees.

“Road construction is the only thing that is hurting us right now,” said Kirsten Schaffer, director of marketing and business development for The Empire. “When I can say that’s our biggest concern, I think we’re really doing well.”

A lot of shopping malls in the United States have struggled in recent years. The Empire, which opened in 1975, is largely an exception. The Empire is not immune from store closings, but openings typically follow bankruptcies or mass closings by national retailers. Some stores in The Empire campus have even survived mass closings.

Typically, vacancies in The Empire get filled quickly. The mall does not release its occupancy rate, but Schaffer said all of the retail space in the mall is under contract.

With more than 1 million square feet of enclosed space, The Empire promotes itself as the largest one-story shopping mall in the United States. It is anchored by Macy’s, Younkers, JC Penney, Sears and Dick’s Sporting Goods, and it houses about 140 other businesses.

Three stores in the mall lead their national chains in sales, Schaffer said. She declined to identify them, saying it’s up to individual businesses to decide whether to disclose their sales. However, she said that two of the stores are affiliated with companies with more than 1,000 outlets, and the other one is from a company with more than 500 outlets.

Kirsten Schaffer is the marketing director for the busy Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, S.D. IMAGE: DAVE EGGEN/INERTIA

A new standard of living

Undoubtedly when you search for a new home preferences have to be prioritized. Some choose location over space, while others pick a spacious layout over a charming neighborhood. The relatively new, community-focused Epic Management refuses to make their residents choose. Instead, this property management team creates lifestyle-focused buildings to empower communities.

"With any of our buildings we are focused on increasing the community’s shared quality of life," says McKenzy Olson, marketing and public relations director at Epic Management and FiveStone Development.

Olson explains their innovative approach to craft these new, one-of-a kind spaces stems from building vertical instead of horizontal to maximize the space in an area. FiveStone Development was created through a partnership between longtime friends and business associates. It works with municipalities to renovate downtown areas breathing new life into communities. The property management arm of the company – Epic Management– creates comfortable, affordable yet luxurious homes in Five Stone’s signature mixeduse projects.

“Our buildings are lifestyle-focused first, so we really think about the type of things our residents will need when designing an apartment building,” she says. “The mixed-use buildings allow us to partner with other businesses so we can provide necessary services to our residents.”

Buildings like Sheyenne Plaza blend residential, commercial and cultural services to create a richer and more convenient way of life. Based on their past success of both McKinley Plaza (Detroit Lakes) and Boulevard Square (West Fargo), Sheyenne Plaza was created as a private-public partnership between the City of West Fargo and Sheyenne Plaza, LLC. The main goal was to revitalize the 400 block of Sheyenne Street and downtown West Fargo. The architect, EAPC, and the construction company, Gehrtz Construction Services, also provide expertise and guidance as the project progresses. The result: building and designing the unique, $12 million, 94,000-square-foot Sheyenne Plaza complex.

Convenient, urban lifestyle

“This partnership with the city will create a new standard in the area,” Olson says. “Sheyenne Plaza has become a catalyst project in downtown West Fargo, designing a new way to live.”

With few of these multi-use buildings in the area, both longtime locals and newcomers are seizing the opportunity to choose this new affordable and comfortable lifestyle.

“We do try to make our apartments feel more like home – whether that’s in the materials that we use to create the apartments, the leasing options we provide or the additional amenities added to satisfy the diverse lifestyles of our residents,” Olson says.

Work and play

Residents who live in the new building at 444 Sheyenne Street will have a hard time choosing between a relaxing night in or a fun get-together with friends. A prominent community organization –the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)–will be headquartered on the first floor of Sheyenne Plaza, creating a popular meeting place.

“With this building you really do live, work and play in the same area,” Olson says.

Sheyenne Plaza features well-thoughtout open floor plans. New residents can choose from 1 to 3 bedrooms ranging from 900 to 1,600 square feet. The 2 and 3 bedroom apartments each feature two stories giving it a more condo-like feel than apartment. Monthly rent also ranges in price from $900 to $1,600.

With high-end features as standard offerings, all kitchens in the new building have quartz countertops and movable butcher block islands. Polished concrete floors throughout the entire apartments finish off the look and create a clean and modern feel. All apartments also include underground parking, washer and dryer in unit and central air conditioning.

Oasis of comfort

The lowest level of Sheyenne Plaza is home to an underground parking garage that will support tenant vehicles and as an added bonus tenants can use the car wash station. Additional peace of mind comes from extensive security features at all entrances.

“At Sheyenne, the concept of ‘home’ is more than just four walls,” Olson says. “It turns into the people and places around you.”

Epic Management is excited to show their dedication to developing and creating a comfortable and upscale lifestyle for the West Fargo Community.

“A home isn’t just where someone sees themself for a week, a month, or even a year. It’s where someone sees themself for a lifetime,” Olson says.

Sheyenne Plaza is set to open December 1. Epic Management is already entering into Phase II of revitalizing downtown West Fargo. A similar concept to Sheyenne, Pioneer Place will be lifestyle-focused with mixed-use living above retail and commercial spaces.

Although there are still apartments available, only one commercial space remains in Sheyenne Plaza. Residents of Sheyenne Plaza will live next door to Ohnstad Twichell, Moore Engineering, and the aforementioned VFW. See all of Sheyenne Plaza’s features and different floorplans at sheyenneplazafargo.com or call 701-866-1006 to schedule a walkthrough.

The Candy Clubhouse, one of The Empire’s newest stores, opened July 1. Business has been very good, said Cathie Jaton, coowner. “The mall is just a great place to have a business with all its traffic and vibrancy,” Jaton said. “We’re just so excited and thrilled with the reception we’ve gotten.”

The Empire does not release annual visitor estimates, either, but it claims be the busiest tourist attraction in the Mount Rushmore State.

“We certainly know it’s one of the top tourism attractions in South Dakota, if not the top,” said Teri Schmidt, executive director of the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We know that visitors from all over the region shop at The Empire Mall as their shopping place, and during the summer months the draw broadens to visitors from across the United States. Occasionally, even international visitors will stop at the mall.”

More than 3,000 people are employed by businesses in the mall, and there are more than 6,000 parking spaces. A $12 million renovation was completed in 2013.

The Empire is owned and operated by the Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group, which promotes itself as the largest real estate investment trust in the world. Its portfolio includes more than 100 malls and other retail centers, mostly in the United States. The Empire is the only Simon shopping center in the Dakotas, but there are four in Minnesota: in Albertville, Duluth, Edina and Eagan.

Locally, The Empire faces competition for shoppers from developments such as the growing Dawley Farm Village shopping

center and the emerging Lake Lorraine lifestyle center. But Schaffer said businesses collectively make Sioux Falls a stronger regional draw. “Our competition is stores pulling shoppers out of state,” she said.

Shawn Lyons, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, said the retail industry has never been more competitive. “Online retailers are opening brick and mortar stores, and brick and mortar stores are investing more in customer experience.”

Leaders in the retail industry and mall operators don’t just talk about new stores and fashions any more. They talk a lot about improving “shopping experiences” and the convergence of physical and digital shopping.

To combat competition from online retailers, stores in The Empire increasingly function as fulfillment centers for online buyers. Stores either ship online purchases to customers or serve as pickup centers for people who buy merchandise on the Internet.

Renegade, a branch of a Norfolk, Neb. store, specializes in selling “work, western and weekend” clothing and accessories. It is among The Empire stores that have embraced sales avenues popularized by the Internet. Customers may buy online and have their purchases delivered by UPS or pick up their purchases at stores in Sioux Falls or Norfolk, said C.J. Prewitt, sales manager for Renegade.

Products sit on the shelves at Renegade in the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, S.D. Renegade caters to customers online, where they buy products that can be shipped to them or picked up in the store.

IMAGE: DAVE EGGEN/INERTIA

Renegade remains primarily a brick-and-mortar business, but it encourages customers to pre-shop online, Newitt said. “We try really, really hard to provide the ultimate customer experience,” she said.

Providing entertainment is another national trend becoming evident at The Empire. Escape 605 is an example. The new business features themed game rooms in which people work together to solve puzzles to escape.

Co-owner Amy Stockberger said the company was approached by mall representatives and encouraged to consider a mall location after the company had opened a location elsewhere in Sioux Falls.

Escape 605 has three escape rooms open for business in the mall, and three more are expected to be open in September.

Escape 605 includes a room for children, but it specializes in special events, such as team-building exercises for adults.

Business “has been amazing,” Stockberger said. She credits the mall setting as well as the unique nature of the business for Escape 605’s early popularity. “It’s out of the box. It’s not a picnic. It’s not a potluck.”

Providing entertainment will help the mall achieve its goal of ensuring that customers have a great time whenever they’re at The Empire, Schaffer said. “We’re always looking for the latest and the best to enhance the shopping experience.”

Crowds remain common at the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, S.D. As a result, vacancies at the mall tend to be quickly filled.

IMAGE: DAVE EGGEN/INERTIA

Rob Swenson

INSIGHTs & INTUITION

Q.What’s the biggest weakness in most people’s insurance armor?

Denise Magness

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER WARNER & CO. INSURANCE FARGO, N.D.

For business clients, it is cyber liability coverage. All businesses need this coverage and may not be aware of how vulnerable they are, not only when storing client data and employee records and doing online banking, sales or purchases, but also to ransom, extortion or other cyber attacks.

For individuals, we frequently find homes underinsured by $30,000 to $50,000 or more. Many people focus on their home’s market value, but insurance uses current construction costs to determine the amount of insurance needed.

Insurance will rebuild your home after a disaster – if you have enough insurance.

A weakness we often see in people’s insurance is inadequate limits of coverage. For example, low or minimum liability limits do not provide sufficient protection for most people. Medical bills associated with a liability claim can quickly exhaust low limits and result in personal assets being exposed. Property limits can also be insufficient to replace property or buildings that have been destroyed.

When in doubt, it’s a good practice to seek advice from a professional agent, who can provide valuable advice in the design of a comprehensive and adequate insurance program.

A common shortfall in property/casualty insurance is not buying enough coverage, particularly when it comes to the lack of an Excess Liability or Umbrella Policy.

This policy provides an additional layer of personal or business liability coverage over and above existing underlying policies. This can be crucial in the event of a large loss in protecting you and your financial assets.

There are different types of Excess Liability policies available, including personal, farm and commercial. I encourage Prairie Business readers to consult with a professional agent, who can recommend and personalize the right coverage that readers need.

The biggest weakness could be many different things, such as a personal household not having life or disability insurance, or a business not having employment practices liability or cyber liability coverage.

But in my view, the biggest weakness of all is not having adequate liability limits. A high percentage of personal households and businesses do not have umbrella policies. Because it is so easy to cause a serious injury or be the subject of a claim in our litigious society, an umbrella policy will help defend if a fraudulent claim is made, or pay if a true accident or event does happen. Plus, the premiums are relatively small compared to the coverage that’s afforded.

Serious health issues cost patients more than just the deductibles, co-insurance and copays that even the best major medical plans make people pay. In surveys, up to 40 percent of patients report depleting their savings, and almost 30 percent report dealing with bill collectors.

Throughout the course of treatment and recovery, a patient loses his or her ability to earn a normal income for a time. And for most Americans, that loss of income is devastating.

The good news is that people can protect their financial health with the many supplemental benefits products that are on the market today and are offered through agents in their area.

George Bernard Shaw said, “The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” Insurance is by nature a complicated product, and while we and our insurance agents do our level best to explain insurance and what each policy covers, it is often misunderstood.

Then to make matters worse, nationwide companies produce and run TV commercials intended to leave an impression that every loss is covered by their company at a better and higher level.

So, expectation driven by emotion versus knowledge can become a major weakness in people’s insurance armor.

Chad LIndgren PRODUCER AND PERSONAL LINES MANAGER VAALER INSURANCE GRAND FORKS, N.D.

Rod Warner

MANAGER FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. CANDO, N.D.

Lilly Colson

VICE PRESIDENT OF UNDERWRITING NODAK INSURANCE COMPANY FARGO, N.D.

Lance Boyer

FINANCIAL PRODUCTS MANAGER FARMERS UNION INSURANCE MANDAN, N.D.

Civilian labor force in the midwest, seasonally adjusted (in thousands)

America’s Top States for Business 2017

Unemployed in the Midwest, seasonally adjusted (in thousands)

Unemployment rates in the Midwest, seasonally adjusted

Violent Crime Rate - State rankings

family Income levels of children under age 18

Violent crimes per 100,000 people (2015)

DATA PROVIDED BY TOM DENNIS, PRAIRIE BUSINESS EDITOR