Prairie Business September 2020

PREMIER BUSINESS MAGAZINE OF THE NORTHERN PLAINS | SEPTEMBER 2020

...AND MANY MORE INSIDE!

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2020 HIGHER EDUCATION

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TABLEOFcontents

DEPARTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

Editor’S NOTE

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SALUTING THIS YEAR’S 50 BEST PLACES TO WORK

BY ANDREW WEEKS

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE PEDRO OLIVEIRA TAKES REFLECTANCE MEASUREMENTS AS THE SDSU IMAGING ENGINEERS HAVE TRADITIONALLY DONE AT THE SAME TIME AS THE LABSPHERE’S FIELD LINE-OF-SIGHT AUTOMATED RADIANCE EXPOSURE, OR FLARE, SYSTEM ACTIVATES. THEY WILL COMPARE THE RESULTS FROM THE TRADITIONAL METHOD WITH THOSE BASED ON THE PROTOTYPE DEVICE’S MEASUREMENTS. IMAGE: COURTESY OF SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

FEATURES

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Higher Education NEW ON CAMPUS

BY ANDREW WEEKS

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SDSU Project SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY IMAGING ENGINEERS TEST PROTOTYPE CALIBRATION DEVICE

BY CHRISTIE DELFANIAN

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42

Generation next

46

Awards and grants

58

Prairie News

64

BUSINESS INSIDER

‘STRONGER TOGETHER’ AT DOOR AND WINDOW MANUFACTURER MARVIN

BY ANDREW WEEKS

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Construction corner CLUB FOR BOYS PROJECT IN RAPID CITY PROVIDES SPACE AND SAFETY

BY JOE HOCKETT

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INSIGHTS & INTUITION

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BY THE NUMBERS

50 Best prairie person

GREAT PLACES TO WORK HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN THE PRAIRIE BUSINESS-AREA, AS NOMINATED BY EMPLOYEES

KLJ’S JORDAN BENNING RECEIVES PROMOTION

FARGO, N.D • ENGINEERING FIRM KLJ HAS PROMOTED JORDAN BENNING TO HELP DESK TEAM LEAD IN ITS FARGO OFFICE. AS THE TEAM LEAD, BENNING WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE KLJ HELP DESK, ENSURING THAT THE TEAM PROVIDES EFFICIENT AND RESPONSIVE SUPPORT TO THE ENTIRE ORGANIZATION. BENNING, WHO HAS BEEN WITH KLJ SINCE 2011, RECEIVED HIS ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES FROM DAKOTA COLLEGE AT BOTTINEAU.

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BEST

VISIT WWW.PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM TO SEE THESE AND OTHER NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS AND AWARD WINNERS IN THE REGION.

PLACES TO WORK 2020

8

‘ACCOUNT’ FOR SOMETHING

BY ANDREW WEEKS

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Life is best lived through inspired work

At First International Bank & Trust, living first isn’t just a tagline or wishful thinking.

It’s how we intentionally approach life and work every day, and have been for more than 100 years. We’re not just co-workers, and you’re not just clients; we are family.

Thank you to our employees for their commitment to excellence, and to our customers for inspiring us to be our best.

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Editor’snote SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

saluting this year’s

50 Best places to work

Andrew Weeks Editor

W

hat makes your business a great place to work? Is it culture, a flexible schedule, or its training programs and opportunities for advancement?

As it does every September, Prairie Business is pleased to list some of the region’s best places to work – 50 of them, in fact; companies from the Dakotas and Minnesota.

There are many things that make a business great, but after reading the many entries for this year’s nominations – 1,476 in all – what stood out is how these companies strive for excellence while making the workplace a creative and fulfilling environment for their employees.

Among the nominations by employees are many that said how much the employee appreciates opportunities their company provides to grow and advance. One entry for Apex Engineering Group, based in Fargo, N.D., but that has several offices in North Dakota and Minnesota, reads: “Apex has provided me with opportunities to grow in my career as well as grow my role within the company.” Another entry: “I am allowed to guide my training and work projects to my strengths. …” And this entry for TSP Inc., a multidisciplinary firm based in Sioux Falls, S.D.: “At TSP they want everyone to excel in what they are passionate about. … Everyone is always learning and updating.”

There are many more entries, of course, about these and other companies – about training and leadership, teamwork and collaboration, employee and client devotion.

Some of the companies in this issue have been listed in previous editions, while others may be new to receiving this recognition. But what they all have in common is quality people, and providing opportunities to help them grow in their careers.

And that, if nothing else, is fulfilling work and makes getting up in the morning worthwhile.

If your company wasn’t listed in this issue, don’t fret. Maybe it will be next year. For those who are listed here, whether this is your first time or if you’ve been here before, congratulations. You must be doing something right.

“If I had nine hours to chop down a tree,” Abraham Lincoln purportedly once said, “I’d spend the first six sharpening my ax.”

These companies have taken the requisite time to sharpen their axes, and they seem to never let them get dull. They remain successful by being innovative and forward-thinking, even during these challenging times, and it is an honor for Prairie Business to salute each of them here.

Until next time,

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

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PUBLISHER KORRIE WENZEL AD DIRECTOR STACI LORD EDITOR ANDREW WEEKS CIRCULATION MANAGER BETH BOHLMAN LAYOUT DESIGN JAMIE HOYEM 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 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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ADDRESS CORRECTIONS Prairie Business magazine Box 6008 Grand Forks, ND 58206-6008 Beth Bohlman:

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We would like to thank our Rock Star employees for nominating us as one of the region’s 50 Best Places to Work for a 7th year in a row!

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highereducation

STUDENTS AT DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS WHILE INDOORS THIS FALL. IMAGE: COURTESY OF DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

New on campus

A hybrid way of teaching, a new program to reach the Latino business community, and efforts to maintain social distancing are some of the things the region’s universities are doing this fall

By Andrew Weeks

S

tudents going back to class this fall will bring something with them that before this year they likely never thought they would carry: face masks.

But as students of higher learning in the region head to campus with face coverings, some educators and administrators say they look at these times for the opportunities they present, and not just the challenges.

Prairie Business reached out to three institutions of higher learning, one each in North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota to see what programs and trends they are following or creating this year due to the pandemic.

Besides implementing mandatory mask policies, each of the universities are trying new things to serve their students and communities during these times.

Dickinson State University The pandemic has certainly created some challenges, but Dickinson State University, located in Dickinson, N.D., is looking at the brighter side of opportunity.

About 10% of the courses traditionally offered at DSU have been available online. During the fall semester, however, all of the school’s courses will be available online in what President Stephen Easton calls a “hybrid format,” meaning education will be both in-class and on the web.

“This will be our first semester of widespread teaching in this hybrid mode,” he said. “We’ve done a little of that In the past where we’ve taught students face-to-face and in remote locations, but this will

THE PANDEMIC HAS CERTAINLY CREATED SOME CHALLENGES, BUT DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY, LOCATED IN DICKINSON, N.D., IS LOOKING AT THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF OPPORTUNITY, ACCORDING TO PRESIDENT STEPHEN EASTON. IMAGE: COURTESY OF DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY

be our first semester of doing it on a widespread basis. … We’ll be learning how to do it effectively and getting some experience with it in the fall, and then, at least it is my hope, that we might be able to pivot this crisis into an opportunity by as early as spring and provide additional opportunities for students.”

One advantage: a student may start by taking a class on campus, but if she or he becomes ill the student can continue the course online.

“We anticipate we will have students at various points in the semester who will test positive (for COVID-19) and, with this, we then will have a plan for them to continue their learning,” Easton said.

continued on page 14

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highereducation

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8 continued From page 12

“Most of them will be asymptomatic or very mildly symptomatic, and so we need to have a way for them to continue their education during that 10 days to two weeks when they might be in isolation. … We’re sort of forced into that, but we’ve been working on the opportunities that this presents.”

The pandemic is taxing for many businesses and institutions, higher ed included, he said, but it does provide means to be forward thinking and try new approaches. “Opportunity,” Easton said, is the key word in the university’s efforts to assist and serve during the pandemic.

Among those efforts the university also has reached out to high schools in Stark County about their students taking online classes from DSU “to get a little jumpstart on their college education,” he said. “Since we’re going to be delivering these classes in that mode, in addition to face-to-face, I think that presents an exciting opportunity for accessibility of our programs. We’re excited about that.”

This effort is still in the planning stages, but Easton said he hopes to promote the opportunity for high schoolers more this fall and, hopefully, have a good showing of interested students come spring.

“That is one that is very much on the table,” he said, noting the university would also like to help residents who may have completed some college courses but never earned a degree.

“I think this hybrid method presents a real opportunity for us to provide a way to complete those grades and pursue a college education for people that cannot necessarily get to our campus every day,” he said. “We’re hoping to explore those opportunities.

“Right now, we’re focused on converting to that method of teaching, but we think it’s an opportunity for us to increase our accessibility.

That’s a big part of our mission: to be accessible, primarily in western North Dakota but even beyond. We think there are some things that we will be able to do that we probably would not be ready to do were it not for this crisis.

“We’re trying to look at it as a way to pivot out of crisis mode and into opportunity mode.”

ABOUT 10% OF THE COURSES TRADITIONALLY OFFERED AT DSU HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE ONLINE. DURING THE FALL SEMESTER, HOWEVER, ALL OF THE SCHOOL’S COURSES WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE IN WHAT PRESIDENT STEPHEN EASTON CALLS A ‘HYBRID FORMAT’ IN WHICH STUDENTS WILL WORK IN CLASS AND ONLINE. IMAGE: COURTESY OF DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY

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SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE PRACTICED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON DURING FALL SEMESTER. IMAGE: COURTESY OF UMN CROOKSTON

University of Minnesota Crookston The pandemic hasn’t discouraged the University of Minnesota Crookston to share a new program with the business community.

Particularly, it is reaching out to help disadvantaged populations better connect with the business community and provide ways to enhance the hands-on experience of its students. It is doing this with help from a $100,000 endowment by the Veden Foundation and a matching USDA Rural Business Development grant.

Money will fund the Veden Center for Rural Economic Development’s Mano Amiga program, said Teresa Spaeth, Veden chair of rural development and director of strategic initiatives. “The program is for any Latino business owner or any aspiring individual who wants to explore options for the future,” she said.

Under the Mano Amiga program, there are three opportunities participants can explore: the educational program development course, which is a six-week cohort that will launch sometime in October and will assist participants as they explore career options in the region and principles of business development; technical assistance, which will provide job skill and entrepreneur development assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the region; and an online learning communities class, which provides to rural Latino communities the university’s vast network of expertise in areas affecting Minnesota.

“Early fall,” Spaeth said, “we will be launching the online learning communities and any business or interested community leaders can join a Learning Community.”

At the end of the educational program development class, “folks will have either a career/education pathways plan or a beginning plan for business ownership,” she said.

PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM

continued on page 16

INSPIRED BY OUR PEOPLE Eide Bailly is proud to be named once again as one of Prairie Business Magazine’s 50 Best Places to Work! Our offices may look a bit different this year, but our culture still shines hi through. th h Th Thankk you tto allll our staff t ff ffor kkeeping i up with ith th the pace of change and making our firm the fun place that it is!

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highereducation

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8 continued From page 14

“If they continue to be interested in business development, they will be set up with a SBDC (Small Business Development Center) as well as Veden technical services.”

Mary Holz-Clause, the school’s chancellor, said the university has always tried to be a good neighbor and member of the community, and reaching out to economically disadvantaged populations is one way it can help make a difference. She said the university is excited to help the area’s Latino business owners and entrepreneurs to become successful.

“It’s a group that we’ve reached out to before and it’s a group we will be working with a lot more in the future,” Holz-Clause said.

Spaeth said about 15% of Crookston’s population is Latino, and some 9,000 businesses in Minnesota are Latino-owned. Latino purchasing power in the US is about $1.7 trillion, according to information from the university.

The Mano Amiga program benefits UMN students, too. Instead of interning at jobs off campus, for instance, students may be hired at technical services to provide help to class participants, the community’s business owners and entrepreneurs. This gives students the chance to do hands-on work related to their field of study and get paid for it.

Spaeth said she is excited about this fall in spite of the pandemic, and that the program is something she hopes the university will be able to continue in the future. Each grant lasts about a year, she said.

Black Hills State University Stickers and signs will be posted at entrances and hallways to remind students to social distance at least 6 feet apart, but they are not the only changes at Black Hills State University.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON IS REACHING OUT TO HELP DISADVANTAGED POPULATIONS BETTER CONNECT WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND PROVIDE WAYS TO ENHANCE THE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE OF ITS STUDENTS. IMAGE: COURTESY OF UMN CROOKSTON

While no new programs are being implemented this fall, according to Corinne Hansen, director of university and community relations, the school has made a number of other changes to meet student needs.

Some of the big changes this year for BHSU, located in Spearfish, S.D., is having the fall semester start earlier than usual, not taking some of the fall holidays, and letting students have a longer break between Thanksgiving and the new year.

“We will not take the fall holidays that we usually do – Labor Day, Native American Day and Veterans Day. We’ll have classes those days,” Hansen said.

She said one reason for this is that the school is trying to discourage travel for the semester. It also will allow students to have a longer holiday break.

“That allows us to move the semester up, and then when students go home for Thanksgiving they won’t come back to campus” until after the first of the year, Hansen said. “They will finish their finals online.”

Other things the school is doing is making it easier for students to social distance on campus, and installing Plexiglas in many parts of school buildings.

Classes were moved around so they could better accommodate what Hansen calls “coping capacity.” For instance, larger classes will be held in auditoriums where there is more room to social distance.

Other classes will be moved or adjusted to also meet social distancing requirements.

“We just made it work with what the new coping capacity would be,” she said. “And Plexiglas has been added in a lot of places, pretty much everywhere where they would interact with a staff member. …

We take this very seriously and it’s kind of the culture now. We also have stickers in the hallways, where people might congregate, to remind them to stay 6 feet apart.”

Hansen said students are required to wear masks whenever inside buildings, and outside whenever they are in close proximity to other people.

BHSU PRESIDENT LAURIE NICHOLS VISITS WITH A REPORTER ON CAMPUS THIS SUMMER. THE SCHOOL IS OPENING FALL SEMESTER WITH THE REQUIREMENT THAT STUDENTS WEAR MASKS INDOORS AND OUTDOORS ON CAMPUS WHENEVER IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO OTHERS. IMAGE: BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY

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FINANCIAL WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE

EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES AND OWNERS.

PERSONAL FINANCIAL HABITS IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS. As more and more business owners offer retirement and health care benefits for their employees, the question is: What else can I do? This isn’t purely altruistic: while employers do want to help employees live well, benefits are also critical to a company’s success.

Stress, exhaustion, and distraction of financial distress follow your employees to the workplace, where it affects productivity, job performance, and emotional well-being. 85% of Americans are nervous about their financial lives, and 65% lose sleep over money. This spills into the workplace, where people spend an average of three work hours per week on personal financial matters. When employees are suffering, your business feels it, too.

The next generation of benefits packages address overall “financial wellness,” which teaches employees to manage debt, save for emergencies, and prepare for the future.

REDUCE STRESS AND IMPROVE FINANCIAL HEALTH. Comprehensive financial wellness isn’t achieved overnight, and like physical fitness, it isn’t always easy. But with tools like MY ALERUS, employers can help fill the gap that many experience, and reap the benefits of a less stressed, more secure workforce.

Alerus approaches financial fitness as a series of simple steps that can have a profound impact on improving overall financial health. In a similar manner to physical health, Alerus takes a comparable approach by coaching users through “workouts” that can help them reach important financial milestones.

FINANCIAL WELLNESS COMPONENTS Savings Alerus provides guidance and tools to ensure clients can save for emergencies while putting funds toward other goals.

Retirement Being able to retire on time is a goal that’s different for every individual.

Alerus helps employees keep track of how they’re doing.

Debt Management Managing overall debt is critical to a person’s financial security – it’s easier with a trusted advisor’s guidance.

Health Savings Being prepared for medical expenses is essential. Alerus provides the tools to help clients save for their future.

Insurance Many people aren’t ready for unforeseen events and catastrophes.

Proper insurance coverage can help employees be better prepared for the unexpected. continued on next page

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MAKE FINANCIAL WELLNESS A WAY OF LIFE .

As finances get more complex, it’s important to have tools to give your employees an accurate picture of how they’re doing. MY ALERUS brings their entire financial life into one single view to help them stay on track and make smarter choices.

ACCOU NTS

GOAL S

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Up-to-date financial data from multiple financial accounts

Personalized goals that allow tracking to progress

Financial wellness score with measurement across five key areas

Personalized budgets to monitor expenses across spending categories

“By providing additional resources and guidance, we can help companies relieve their employees’ stress related to financial planning. Financial wellness is more than a retirement account, and we’re committed to helping employees get and stay financially fit.”

– Dan Doeden • Market President, Alerus

“The 401k with Alerus gives our employees access to online tools that help them manage their entire financial portfolio in one place. When a person’s financial wellbeing is in order, their financial stress is reduced.”

– Jessica Mack • Human Resources, Cass County Electric Cooperation

YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN COULD BE THE SOLUTION. Offering comprehensive financial guidance on issues like building emergency savings, managing debt, and insurance coverage in addition to retirement offerings, is where Alerus continues to help employees become financially secure, more productive, and happier in their work.

WORKPLACE FINANCIAL WELLNESS PROGRAMS CAN HELP WITH: Attracting, engaging ,and retaining employees through enhanced benefits

Simplifying everyone’s life with easy-to-use online tools

In a competitive employment marketplace, financial wellness stands out. A complete wellness program goes beyond traditional benefits. Personalized, live advice from a trained advisor is a valued benefit that can make a job offer stand out. With financial wellness encouraged by their employer, employees are also more likely to remain loyal, reducing turnover.

Smart programs also keep employees engaged and incentivized to keep improving their financial wellness, helping them retire comfortably and on time – which is good for both employee and employer.

Education, support, and online tools let employees take more control. Employees can use online tools to improve their financial wellness without employer interaction. Employees learn from and engage with financial experts to get a personalized assessment and help in the areas where they need it most, whether that’s retirement, debt management or credit help.

Relieving near-term financial stress to improve the bottom line More than 50% of Americans can’t come up with $500 in an emergency, and 40% have credit card debt they can’t pay off. Financial wellness programs teach employees to set goals and make a habit of building emergency savings and managing debt. Starting automatic transfers and repayment plans relieves stress and makes change digestible. Relieving stress can improve employee health and reduce employer health care costs. It can also improve productivity, with less time lost and employees who are more focused on work.

SPON SORED CONTENT

Keeping employees on top of financial wellness with regular check-ups Financial wellness needs to be reviewed and assessed regularly, as priorities change over time. Changes can be employee-initiated when they need them, or many employers proactively offer regular one-on-one checkups or group seminars hosted by the financial wellness provider. This ensures all the benefits of financial wellness aren’t lost over time.

Start your company’s path to financial confidence at Alerus.com or call 800.279.3200.

SDSU Project

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

South Dakota State University imaging engineers test prototype calibration device

By Christie Delfanian South Dakota State University BROOKINGS, S.D. • Imaging engineers at South Dakota State University are testing a prototype device that may soon be used to calibrate sensors on Earth-imaging satellites, according to Larry Leigh, director of the SDSU Image Processing Laboratory. The partnership with Labsphere, a New Hampshire-based electro-optics company, will also help Leigh and his team conduct research to validate new remote sensing products.

“It’s a two-way street,” Leigh said. “Labsphere wants our opinion about its hardware, which also allows us to pursue some new research areas.” Labsphere is a global provider of systems, materials, and services for photometry and radiometry applications including remote sensing, light metrology, image sensor characterization and spectroscopy.

The Field Line-of-Sight Automated Radiance Exposure, or FLARE, system uses convex mirrors to redirect the sun’s rays toward satellite sensors and take radiometric measurements. The goal is to offer clients a cost-effective means of calibrating optical sensors on unmanned aerial vehicles, airborne manned aircraft and orbiting satellites.

“The company has an approach that is unproven,” Leigh explained.

“The science says it works; the algorithm says it works, but they have to put an instrument in the field to make sure they can achieve results the industry can get behind.”

The SDSU Image Processing Laboratory is one of only three university laboratories in the nation doing radiometric satellite calibration.

Signals from satellite sensors produce digital images composed of pixels. Each pixel measures the amount of energy reflected or emitted from Earth, Leigh explained. Before a satellite is launched, the sensors are calibrated; however, while in orbit, the sensors can drift or change.

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SDSU IMAGE PROCESSING LAB DIRECTOR LARRY LEIGH AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATE PEDRO OLIVEIRA DISCUSS THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE FIELD LINE-OF-SIGHT AUTOMATED RADIANCE EXPOSURE, OR FLARE, SYSTEM, WHICH USES CONVEX MIRRORS TO REDIRECT THE SUN’S RAYS TOWARD SATELLITE SENSORS. LEIGH AND HIS GROUP ARE TESTING THE PROTOTYPE DEVICE DESIGNED TO CALIBRATE OPTICAL SENSORS AND USING THE FLARE HARDWARE TO ADVANCE THEIR OWN RESEARCH AGENDA. IMAGE: COURTESY OF SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

Imaging engineers take measurements when the satellite passes over a specific location and run those measurements through an atmospheric model to predict what the satellite sensors see. Based on those readings, engineers adjust, or calibrate, the sensors.

Validating FLARE calibration

The FLARE system arrived in the latter part of June via a semitrailer and was installed within a few days at the site 3 miles north of Arlington. The FLARE system is 16 feet in diameter and sits upon a 20-foot-diameter concrete slab. A tower with additional instrumentation stands near the device.

The deployment site is strategically located along the path of Landsat 8 and the Sentinel 2 satellites, so the researchers can collect data every eight days—provided there are no clouds obscuring the sun.

“This is an alpha product,” Leigh said, noting the company is working to reduce the device’s size to increase its mobility. To do the testing, Leigh is working with Chris Durell, Labsphere’s business development director for remote sensing.

“FLARE is a next-generation tool for satellite and airborne imager calibration,” Durell said. “It will automate and improve the process of Earth remote sensing and lead to digital imager calibration becoming more accurate, easier and less expensive by several factors.”

Furthermore, Durell continued, “Better calibration means getting more insightful data from every sensor image. Calibrated images means better climate science, weather prediction, agricultural mapping and other vital, beneficial information.”

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SDSU UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER CHASE PINKERT, A JUNIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING MAJOR FROM MILBANK, AND IMAGING ENGINEER DAVID AARON EVALUATE THE CRITICAL ALIGNMENT OF THE FLARE SYSTEM AND CONFIRM THE SYSTEM IS WITHIN THE TOLERANCES NEEDED TO DIRECT A BEAM OF SUNLIGHT TO INTERSECT WITH THE SATELLITE. THE PROTOTYPE DEVICE IS LOCATED NEAR ARLINGTON, S.D., ON A FARMSTEAD THAT THE SDSU IMAGE PROCESSING LABORATORY IS LEASING FROM AARON. IMAGE: COURTESY OF SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

When a system in the FLARE network is tasked by the customer through the cloud portal, the rectangular panels flip to reveal the mirrors and the platform rotates to focus the sun’s light toward the satellite. The process takes only a few mouse clicks and minutes versus the hours and days needed today through classic means, Durell added.

To validate the instrument, Labsphere runs FLARE reflectance measurements “through its algorithm to provide a solid calibration factor,” Leigh explained. Meanwhile, the SDSU imaging engineers take measurements using “the traditional method we’ve been using for 20 years to see if we come up with the same answer.”

Leigh anticipates the testing will take at least 18 months, but the partnership may continue longer than that.

“We want to know how well the sensors and algorithms are doing that,” said Leigh, noting lab clients, such the U.S. Geological Survey, are interested in utilizing this capability. “That will open new potential avenues for calibration and validation of another level of products that the industry wants.”

Christie Delfanian is a research writer for the Communications Center at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D.

Calibrating new surface products Access to the FLARE hardware will help Leigh and his group determine how to validate ground-level reflectance data.

Traditionally, satellite sensors are calibrated based on top-of-theatmosphere reflectance; however, demand is increasing for products that use ground-level reflectance. For instance, these products can help farmers evaluate the health of a corn crop or identify areas affected by disease, Leigh explained.

“It’s a new area when it comes to satellite sensors,” he said. The Europeans and Australians are trying to figure it out and Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Arizona and the SDSU calibration groups are coming up with the American approach to ground reflectance validation.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE PEDRO OLIVEIRA TAKES REFLECTANCE MEASUREMENTS AS THE SDSU IMAGING ENGINEERS HAVE TRADITIONALLY DONE AT THE SAME TIME AS THE LABSPHERE’S FIELD LINE-OF-SIGHT AUTOMATED RADIANCE EXPOSURE, OR FLARE, SYSTEM ACTIVATES. THEY WILL COMPARE THE RESULTS FROM THE TRADITIONAL METHOD WITH THOSE BASED ON THE PROTOTYPE DEVICE’S MEASUREMENTS. IMAGE: COURTESY OF SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

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Congratulations to this year’s 50 Best!

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2020

Prairie Business is pleased to list some of the region’s best places to work in 2020 – 50 of them, in fact; companies from the Dakotas and Minnesota.

In the following pages, you’ll read about what makes these companies memorable places to work and build careers.

Whether a company is listed here for the first time or have been here before, we congratulate each and every one of them!

alerus

AE2S Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D. Number of employees: 300 Website: AE2S.com Description: Ever since being founded in 1991, the AE2S team of professionals has focused on what’s important to the communities where we live and work.

AE2S’ primary focus is to help ensure clean drinking water, safe wastewater management, and smart water resource development through planning, financing, designing, and building infrastructure. We believe by taking care of our clients, we will have the resources to take care of our team and provide rewarding career opportunities. AE2S is proud to be 100% employee owned.

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Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D. Number of employees: 812 Website: alerus.com Description: With roots dating back to 1879, Alerus has been serving individuals, families, and businesses with one core belief: Everything we do should be in the best interest of our clients. The root meaning of Alerus is derived from Latin origins expressing “to take flight.” This aspiration is ascended into our service delivery as we work to positively guide, or give flight, to our clients’ finances. With a tenured team of professionals, we’re proud to holistically serve the financial needs of both clients and businesses with a broad service offering including banking, mortgage, wealth management, retirement, payroll and benefits.

All Terrain Grounds Maintenance Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: About 30 FTEs Website: allterrainfargo.com/ Description: All Terrain is North Dakota’s Lawn Care Leader, serving Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and Minnesota lakes country. All Terrain believes in being real, delivering a great customer experience, serving our team, and giving back to our community. All Terrain offers services of treating lawns with weed control and fertilizer, mowing, landscape maintenance, irrigation, and snow removal.

Evolved.

Perfectly designed to thrive in its environment.

Adaptable enough to evolve with the times.

Building smart for a solid future. It’s second nature at KLJ. KLJENG.COM

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Applied Engineering

apex engineering Headquarters: Fargo, N.D., with offices in Bismarck and Dickinson, N.D. and Detroit Lakes, MN Number of employees: 86 Website: ApexEngGroup.com Description: Apex Engineering Group provides consulting services in drinking water, wastewater, water resources, transportation, municipal, and electrical engineering and land surveying to the region. Our staff has a passion for providing engineering solutions and believes it’s only the best solution if it’s also the best experience. Great experiences happen by being true to our core values – listening, trusting, and working together – beliefs that help make life easier for our clients, the community and our employees.

Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D. Number of employees: 132 Website: go-applied.com Description: Applied Engineering combines talent and technology to solve its customers’ unique challenges. Applied provides product design, engineering, and manufacturing consulting services, as well as IT and programming services and large-format digital printing. Applied also sells industry-leading engineering software and provides training and support from its offices throughout North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Applied is 100% employee-owned and strives to be the company people come to for the best engineering and IT work.

Arvig

Architecture Incorporated Headquarters: Sioux Falls, S.D. Number of employees: 25 Website: architectureinc.com Description: Architecture Incorporated was founded in 1976 with “Excellence in Design” and “Service to our Clients” as our priorities.

In 2020, our goals have not changed. We still focus on delivering creative solutions and proven service with a leadership team that collectively brings more than 260 years of experience to the table. This wealth of experience paired with a creative energy that flows through our office sparks innovation on a daily basis.

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Headquarters: Perham, Minn.

Number of employees: 847 Website: arvigbusiness.com Description: With roots going back to 1950 as a small rural telephone company, Arvig has grown into one of the largest independent internet service providers in the nation. Headquartered in Perham, Minn., Arvig employs more than 800 people and provides internet, phone, television and business services across a service area spanning more than 9,000 square miles. The past decade has seen tremendous growth in Arvig’s fiber business, with a network that surpasses more than 10,000 route miles and serves both rural Minnesota and the cities of St. Cloud, Rochester, Minneapolis and St. Paul.

ENGINEERING E XCELLENCE BECAUSE OF YOU! Our employees are what make our company a great place to work.

50

BEST Banner Associates, Inc.

Together, we solve problems that help improve the quality of life in the communities where we live, work and play.

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2020

PS. We’re hiring! Visit >> houstoneng.com/careers

PLACES TO WORK 2020

Headquarters: Brookings, S.D. Number of employees: 74 Website: bannerassociates.com Description: Banner Associates provides comprehensive engineering, environmental, and surveying services to communities throughout the upper Midwest. We take great pride in providing first-rate professional services to our clients. We thrive on collaboration, creativity, and innovation. We ensure that our staff have the tools they need to be successful and regularly offer opportunities for staff to grow their skills. We provide a culture that is positive and supportive -- our staff is family. We’re thinkers. We’re problem solvers. We’re innovators. You can count on us to engineer a better community.

North Dakota | Minnesota | South Dakota | Iowa

Bismarck Aero Center Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D. Number of employees: 33 Website: Bismarckaero.com Description: For over 30 years, Bismarck Aero Center has served the Bismarck/Mandan community as its one-stop destination for all aviation needs. We offer flight training, pilot services, aircraft rental, maintenance, avionics and fueling. Operating on the Bismarck Airport and the Mandan Airport, we have 10 aircraft hangars and three offices. Our team of professionals have a commitment to our customers and provide great experience to each person that comes through our doors. Customers find us because of our reputation. They keep coming back because of our “sky high” customer service.

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Bolton & Menk

Missouri Valley Family YMCA Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D. Number of employees: 451 Website: bismarckymca.org Description: The Missouri Valley Family YMCA is a powerful non-profit association of men, women, and children joined by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living and foster a sense of social responsibility. We offer a wide variety of programs, childcare and wellness opportunities for all. It’s our cause to strengthen the community and our team members are driven by the opportunity to change lives. We have been recognized by Prairie Business as one of the 50 Best Places to Work in 2018, 2019 and 2020 as well as the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network as a Top 10 Workplace in 2019 and 2020.

Headquarters: Mankato, Minn., local office in Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 562 overall, 18 in Fargo Website: bolton-menk.com Description: Bolton & Menk specializes in providing public infrastructure solutions. Since 1949, we have been committed to improving quality of life through engineering excellence and client satisfaction. From advocating for our communities to designing their dreams to finding funding; we take pride in our work because we live in these same communities.

Today, Bolton & Menk has more than 550 employees throughout 22 offices in North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and North Carolina providing services to more than 300 communities and agencies.

Border States Electric Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 2,600 Website: borderstates.com Description: At Border States Electric, we work hard and have fun at our 100% employee-owned company (rated the seventh largest electrical distributor in the United States by Electrical Wholesaling magazine). We have approximately 2,600 employee-owners in 22 states who supply products and services to construction, industrial and utility customers.

We also volunteer and give back to our communities. It’s great to be an employee-owner at Border States.

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Cornerstone Banks

Construction Engineers Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D. Number of employees: 88 Website: ConstructionEngineers.com Description: “Do Something Constructive” is more than a clever saying for the team at Construction Engineers; it is the founding principle 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.

Headquarters: Decentralized with banks located in North and South Dakota Number of employees: 171 Website: cornerstonebanks.net Description: #NOTGENERIC is not just a marketing campaign; it’s really how we operate – and that makes Cornerstone Bank a great place to work. Cornerstone Bank team members enjoy competitive salaries, career development and recognition opportunities, and a robust comprehensive benefits program. Our great culture is driven by living our company values day in and day out. A $1 billion financial institution with 11 locations in North and South Dakota, Cornerstone Bank provides an expansive product offering while staying true to their mission of providing access to financial experts who give straight answers and the best possible financial options.

OPEN YOUR EYES TO A CREDIT UNION Steve Schmitz

Experience the Credit Union Difference

President & CEO

• Member Owned • Local Decision Making • Community Focused • Better Rates & Lower Fees It’s easy to join. Learn more at myFCCU.com Insured by NCUA

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EAPC

Corporate Technologies Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minn.

Number of employees: 175 Website: gocorptech.com Description: Corporate Technologies is a leading provider of managed IT solutions to organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, Southern California, West Michigan and New Jersey. Having multiple locations, a breadth of services, and almost 200 employees, Corporate Technologies is able to competently support its customers on a national level. We offer a wide range of IT solutions including managed IT services, staffing services, storage and data backup, cloud solutions, voice and data networking, and repair and warranty services. Corporate Technologies has leveraged its nearly 40 years of industry experience to gain many valuable certifications with leading manufacturers of technology hardware and software.

Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D. Number of employees: 126 Website: eapc.net Description: EAPC is a six-time Best Place to Work via Prairie Business and was also recently named a 2020 Best Place to Work For from Zweig Group, the leading research and advisory services resource for firms in the AEC industry. Located in 10 offices, EAPC provides award winning architecture and engineering services across the county for various sectors including healthcare, education, multi-family housing, commercial, government, and industrial. EAPC also provides commissioning, site entitlements, and construction management services.

Energy & Environmental Research Center Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D. Number of employees: 225+ Website: undeerc.org Description: The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) is a global leader in researching and developing technologies that make the energy we use and produce more efficient and environmentally friendly. We work in partnership with clients to develop, refine, demonstrate, and commercialize marketable products that provide practical solutions to real-world challenges. Utilizing decades of energy research, we are a driving force for innovation and new opportunities in the energy industry. The EERC is part of the University of North Dakota, and is designated as North Dakota’s State Energy Research Center.

Eide Bailly DCN Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 36 Website: dakotacarrier.com Description: DCN and its 14 owner companies operate North Dakota’s most robust fiber optic network with more than 40,000 miles of fiber. Formed by the state’s rural telecommunications companies in 1996, DCN serves as the single point of contact for broadband, ethernet, and internet services to businesses, government, and other companies throughout the state. DCN has industry-leading, stateof-the-art tierIII data centers in Fargo and Bismarck, providing secure environments for co-location and cloud computing services.

DCN, in collaboration with its owners, brings connectivity to 300 North Dakota communities and has made our state the first in the nation to provide one-gigabit service to all K-12 schools and higher education institutions statewide.

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Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 330+ partners, 2,500+ staff Website: eidebailly.com Description: Eide Bailly is a business advisory and accounting firm, helping clients embrace the opportunities that change and innovation bring to the evolving business landscape and personal financial decisions. Eide Bailly offers clients inspired ideas and solutions to tackle risk and spur growth. The culture at Eide Bailly has been the unshakable foundation underpinning 100 years of growth and innovation. Without it, Eide Bailly would be just a name, instead of the symbol for “business done right” that it is today.

EMC Insurance Companies Headquarters: Des Moines, Iowa Number of employees: More than 2,400 total; 63 in Bismarck Website: emcins.com Description: EMC Insurance Companies is in the top 60 property/casualty organizations in the United States based on net written premium. Founded in 1911, EMC was built on serving policyholders and independent insurance agents, and we continue doing so today through our 19 locations across the country. EMC sells commercial property and casualty insurance products in 40 states. With more than 100 years of strength, stability and success, we’ve proven our agents, policyholders, investors and team members can Count on EMC.

PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM

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Enclave

BEST PLACES TO WORK 2020

Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 89 Website: enclavecompanies.com Description: Enclave is a fully-integrated development, construction and management firm that partners with clients from conception and planning to realization. Whether transforming land for growth and vitality, constructing exceptionally well-crafted spaces or creating customer-centric environments, their dedicated team approaches everything they do with resourceful passion, innovation, and a desire to do the honorable thing. A mission-driven company headquartered in Fargo, N.D., their projects include multi-family, commercial and industrial spaces across the Midwest that inspire people to do their best and live their best life.

Thank You!

To our Valued True North Employees, we wouldn’t be the best without you!

First Community Credit Union Headquarters: Jamestown, N.D. Number of employees: 250 Website: myfccu.com Description: During its 81-year history, First Community Credit Union (FCCU) has grown to be North Dakota’s largest credit union, with 28 branch locations across the region. As a credit union, FCCU is a financial cooperative that is owned by its members and offers a full-suite of financial services including business and consumer loans, checking, savings and more. Many people think you have to work someplace special, but FCCU’s membership is open to a majority of North Dakota and western Minnesota. From its humble beginning with just 40 members, over the years FCCU has grown to serve more than 45,000 members.

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2020

First International Bank & Trust Headquarters: Watford City, N.D. Number of employees: 681 Description: First International Bank & Trust (FIBT) is a fast-growing, relationship-driven bank that provides complete financial solutions. Family-owned for more than a century, our roots can be traced back to Arnegard, N.D., where the bank was issued a charter in 1910. FIBT now serves communities in three states, offering personal and business banking, private banking, wealth management, and insurance. While innovation and technology have propelled us forward, FIBT remains committed to the family values upon which the bank was founded. We strive to ensure every customer feels leaving like family, and every employee knows they are valued.

Fisher Industries Headquarters: Dickinson, N.D. Number of employees: 1,040 Website: fisherind.com Description: Established in 1952, Fisher Industries is a family of businesses that encompasses all aspects of the aggregate production and heavy civil construction industries. Our unique, vertically-integrated business model allows us to handle small projects, large scale operations, and every job in between. Our goal is to provide reliable products and sustainable solutions for innovative global infrastructure. Working as a unified team, Fisher Industries continues to pursue and successfully tackle the industry’s toughest jobs. Bridges, levees, roads, and walls -- we do it all.

First Western Bank & Trust Headquarters: Minot, N.D. Number of employees: 212 FTE Website: firstwestern.bank Description: First Western Bank & Trust is proud to maintain longevity with our personnel by offering exceptional pay and benefits, flexibility for family commitments and a friendly, professional atmosphere. We empower our employees to volunteer for charitable causes and community events during work hours through our Outreach Committee, organized by our staff. Our Employee Committee provides seasonal and festive events to engage beyond work duties. We strive to promote within our company and provide employees access to continuing education.

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Gate City Bank Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 770 Website: GateCity.Bank Description: A $2.6 billion mutual community bank, Gate City Bank has 43 locations across 22 communities in North Dakota and central Minnesota. Gate City Bank is committed to making lives better by investing in its team members and the communities it serves. In addition to being North Dakota’s number one mortgage lender, Gate City Bank has also been named one of the “50 Best Places to Work” since 2014

by Prairie Business magazine and named “Best Bank in North Dakota” by Forbes magazine in 2019.

PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM

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Guaranty & Title Co. Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D. Number of employees: 187 Website: thetitleteam.com Description: Guaranty & Title Co. began in Bismarck, N.D., in 1955. Today, we have 28 locations, serving North Dakota, Minnesota and Montana. Together, our companies Guaranty & Title, North Dakota Guaranty & Title, Consolidated Title Services, Grand Forks Guaranty & Title, Strander Guaranty & Title, Pennington Guaranty & Title and North Shore Title create “The Title Team.” Our team members go the extra mile to help coordinate and complete real estate closing and title services from mobile homes to multi-billion dollar commercial projects.

HDR Headquarters: Omaha, Neb. Number of employees: 10,000 (with 130 in N.D., S.D. and western, Minn.

Website: hdrinc.com Description: For more than a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 10,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction staff bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to support our clients on challenging projects. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defines our past and drives our future. Working locally from a number of offices in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota, we consistently deliver outstanding engineering services while giving back to the communities in which we live.

Houston Engineering Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 232 Website: houstoneng.com Description: For more than 50 years, Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) has helped enhance the communities we serve through responsible infrastructure, environmental, planning, and technology solutions. We have only accomplished this thanks to the excellent staff who serve at every level and who remain humble, commit to excellence, and focus on the needs of our clients. With offices in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa, local and national clients alike seek HEI’s creative and lasting solutions.

JLG Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 150 Website: JLGarchitects.com Description: JLG is a 100% employee-owned nationally-recognized architecture firm, founded in 1989 by Lonnie Laffen and Gary Johnson. The firm was named the 2019 Design Firm of the Year by Engineering News-Record, one of America’s 50 Most Admired Companies (MSN Money), and 50 Best Places to Work (Inc. Magazine). JLG is led by CEO Michelle Mongeon Allen, who has been recognized by Prairie Business as one of the region’s Top 25 Women in Business.

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Lloyd Companies Headquarters: Sioux Falls, S.D. Number of employees: 190 Website: LloydCompanies.com Description: Lloyd Companies, Inc. is a multifaceted real estate company specializing in development, real estate, construction, property management, hospitality and apartments. Working together or separately, our specialized business divisions bring valuable expertise and resources to every development project, construction venture or real estate investment. Headquartered in Sioux Falls S.D. for nearly 50 years, with satellite locations in Iowa and western S.D., we offer uncompromising innovation, efficiency and service while working to improve the quality of life in the communities we live, work, build and serve.

MarketBeat Headquarters: Sioux Falls, S.D. Number of employees: 9 Website: marketbeat.com Description: MarketBeat is an Inc. 5000 financial media company that empowers individual investors to make better trading decisions by providing stock market news, real-time financial data, and best-in-class research tools.

MarketBeat’s flagship newsletter, MarketBeat Daily, sends investors personalized news and information about their stock portfolio and the most recent “buy” and “sell” recommendations from top-rated Wall Street analysts. The company was recognized as the fastest-growing privately held company by Inc. Magazine in 2016 and has since been recognized by Barron’s, Entrepreneur Magazine and other publications for its continued growth and success.

The core of any company is its employees and

we believe we have the very best! Thank you to our staff - we are honored to be selected as one of the 50 Best Places to Work 2020.

We’re also growing! Interested in joining our amazing team - we’re hiring! www.bannerassociates.com

MidwestFire.com

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Moore Engineering Headquarters: West Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 149 Website: mooreengineeringinc.com Description: Moore Engineering is a 100% employee-owned civil and environmental engineering company. Since 1960, Moore has been dedicated to advancing the region’s water, municipal, and transportation infrastructure. We are invested in this region’s success, and work with hundreds of municipalities, counties, water resource districts, developers, and private citizens to help it thrive. We attribute our success to the values that have guided our growth since the beginning – respect, integrity, accountability, loyalty, and kindness. Moore Engineering is a family that believes in respect. We strive to show integrity in all our work, and we remain consistent and honest and uphold our obligation to the health, safety and welfare of the people at the center of our work.

Marvin Headquarters: Warroad, Minn.

Number of employees: Approximately 5,500 Website: marvin.com Description: Marvin is a fourth-generation family-owned and -operated business driven by a purpose to imagine and create better ways of living. Marvin’s product portfolio includes the Signature, Elevate and Essential Product Collections, which offer an extensive selection of made-to-order window and door solutions for builders, architects and homeowners. The company’s portfolio also includes Infinity Replacement Windows, a premier line of replacement windows, TruStile Doors, the leading manufacturer of made-to-order architectural interior doors, and SIW Windows & Doors, a leading manufacturer of impact-resistant windows and doors. Marvin products are distributed nationally through a network of independent dealers and are also exported internationally.

Midwest Fire Equipment & Repair Company Headquarters: Luverne, Minn.

Number of employees: 24 Website: midwestfire.com Description: Midwest Fire Equipment & Repair Co. has been manufacturing high-quality fire tankers, pumpers, pumper-tankers, brush trucks, and quick attacks since 1987. Midwest Fire works directly with their customers, never through dealers, to keep the cost down and the communication consistent during the entire sales and manufacturing process. Midwest Fire takes pride in their work and their ability to produce some of the most innovative fire apparatus on the market.

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North Dakota State Auditor’s Office Headquarters: Bismarck and Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 53, plus five interns Website: nd.gov/auditor/ Description: Our mission is to produce informative audits to improve government. We are a team that is committed to generating greater value for the citizens of North Dakota.

By opening the window into our government, citizens are more aware of how the government spends their tax dollars. We leverage technology to provide better transparency and accountability in our work. As an office, we provide information to the public and provide material in a way that is easy for citizens to understand. We provide accessible, objective, and honest reports to inform the citizens of North Dakota how their money is being spent.

Passionate People Focused on

WHAT’S IMPORTANT...

Taking care of our clients, taking care of our employees, and taking care of our communities.

Proud to be named

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BEST PLACES TO WORK 2020

Providing engineering and related services to help communities achieve success. www.ae2s.com 100% EMPLOYEE-OWNED | 100% PAID FAMILY HEALTH INSURANCE | FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING | COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

Let us bring your vision to life. civil engineering + landscape architecture

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Nexus Innovations

Network Center, Inc. Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 86 Website: netcenter.net Description: Network Center, Inc. (NCI) provides cutting-edge technology solutions that can help propel organizations while preparing them for the future. Serving 12 states and more than 600 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. NCI enhanced its culture in 2015 by becoming a 100% employee-owned company. NCI implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that allows our employees to share in the company’s growth and success.

Headquarters: Bismarck, N.D., with a branch in Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 17, plus a team of contractors Website: nexusinnovations.com Description: Nexus Innovations is a leading strategic solutions consulting firm in the region, celebrating its 20-year anniversary.

Providing a customized approach incorporating organizational goals, business requirements, and organizational culture, we deliver outstanding solutions through trust built with each client. We empower our team members.

It shows in everything we do – from investing in professional development to offering a challenging, rewarding and supportive environment. Our team is proficient across a variety of technologies and consulting disciplines, bringing years of expertise to every project.

A Microsoft Partner, we have become a “goto” consultant for Microsoft 365 Solutions, Business Intelligence, Process Analysis/Automation, Project Management, and Customized .NET Solutions.

National Information Solutions Cooperative Headquarters: Mandan, N.D. Number of employees: 1,391 Website: nisc.coop Description: National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology company that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for rural electric utilities, telecommunications companies, municipals and public power districts in all 50 states and abroad. We are a culture-driven, cutting-edge technology cooperative with more than 50 years of experience providing billing, accounting and engineering software solutions. With offices in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Shawano, Wis., Blacksburg, Va., and Austin, Texas, NISC and its subsidiaries employ more than 1,300 highly-skilled individuals.

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50 Thank you, Widseth team members, for continuing to make us one of the

BEST PLACES TO WORK 2020

50 Best Places to Work

ARCHITECTS

ENGINEERS

SCIENTISTS

SURVEYORS

Widseth.com

®

WE’RE SO GRATEFUL

To receive the “Manufacturing Leadership Award for Operational Excellence” from the National Association of Manufacturers in addition to being recognized as one of the 50 Best Places to Work. As the WCCO Belting team continues to design and build innovative rubber products for our customers worldwide, our business stands committed to our employees as a people-first employer and safety-first manufacturer.

Thomas Shorma, CEO/President of WCCO Belting

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WINNER 2020

BEST PLACES TO WORK 2020

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Obernel Engineering Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 99 Website: obernel.com Description: We’re a company with heart, one that offers more than just life to a building or site, but life to a project. We bring to the design process a true project partner, a friend, a trusted advisor. We’re here to guide you through every phase by providing not just the expected – high-quality engineering, but exceptional service and innovative solutions.

At Obernel Engineering, we think beyond the now. We plan for the future. We go beyond the plan.

RCS Construction Headquarters: Rapid City, S.D. Number of employees: 97 Website: rcsconst.com Description: RCS Construction Inc. is a general contractor located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Our crews specialize in commercial building and site development that entails road work, site work, utilities, and concrete. Our formula for success is our ability to perform a variety of projects by employing the best people and helping them recognize their full potential.

Sandman Structural Engineers

Onsharp Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 20 Website: onsharp.com Description: #TeamOnsharp is made of developers, creatives, and business-minded professionals that has worked with companies for 20-plus years, designing and building websites, apps, and custom software development solutions. We focus on website and development projects that allow companies to grow and take all aspects of their operation online – but that’s only possible with great employees. Because we demonstrate our company values (collaboration, customer-focused, commitment, can-do attitude, and having fun) at work, home, and in our communities, we’re able to develop high-quality products for our clients. Thank you for recognizing us, and let us know if we can help your business grow.

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Headquarters: Moorhead, Minn.

Number of employees: 54 Website: SandmanSE.com Description: Sandman Structural Engineers (SSE) started in June 2005 with Kurt Sandman working in his basement with one job lined up and a head full of dreams.

Today, we are proud that client demand has grown our design and consulting firm to more than 54 team members in four offices across Minnesota and North Dakota.

SSE has continually grown since its inception in Moorhead by focusing on building strong, honest relationships with clients and delivering the highest quality product and service. Innovation and quality are maintained by the company’s commitment to build a team of bright professionals with demonstrated personal character.

Steffes Headquarters: Dickinson, North Dakota Number of employees: 260 Website: steffes.com Description: Steffes is a diversified original equipment and contract manufacturer headquartered in Dickinson, N.D. Steffes specializes in the design, manufacturing and service of products that support the extraction and processing of oil and gas; innovative product development and manufacturing of thermal storage and load management technologies to meet our country’s adoption of sustainable electricity distribution and storage; and steel fabrication, electrical services and engineering support for companies needing manufacturing partners to support their business success. Through its customer-oriented culture and unwavering commitment to innovation, Steffes has successfully sold products throughout North America for more than 50 years.

PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM

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PLACES TO WORK 2020

TR US T

BEST

N

Headquarters: Grand Forks, N.D. Number of employees: 196 Website: truenorthequipment.com Description: Since 1897, True North Equipment has been providing quality John Deere products, service and technology solutions to the northern Red River Valley in Minnesota and North Dakota. In addition to eight retail locations throughout Minnesota and North Dakota, a company resource and training center in Grand Forks, N.D., provides training opportunities for customers and employees. We pride ourselves on providing growers and weekend warriors alike with quality John Deere products, parts, service, training and education. We value our relationships with customers, employees and the communities they live in and work.

BU ILT O

True North Equipment

General Contracting | CMAR Design-Build | Street and Utilities Excavation | Sitework Drilling | Demolition

We are a local South Dakota general contracting company offering a wide variety of construction services.

Visit us at rcsconst.com

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50 Best Places To work

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

TSP Inc. Headquarters: Sioux Falls, S.D. with offices in Rapid City and Watertown, S.D., Rochester, Minn., and Omaha Number of employees: 65 Website: teamtsp.com Description: Established 90 years ago as a one-man architectural practice, today TSP, Inc. is a multidisciplinary firm offering architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning that exists to make our communities better, by design. Through teamwork, service, and passion, we listen and develop a deep understanding of our clients’ “why.” We collaborate with them to build trust-based relationships and discover solutions that combine form, function, and economy. We design legacy buildings that fit their needs today and are flexible enough to serve our clients and our communities well into the future. Currently, TSP is transitioning to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to benefit all team members.

WCCO Belting Inc. Headquarters: Wahpeton, N.D. Number of employees: 200 Website: wccobelt.com Description: While we’re proud of what we’ve built here, we’re even more proud we created a company around people who love to work, collaborate, and grow together. You sense it on day one. This is a place that celebrates family values, a healthy work-life balance, and being an active neighbor in the community. This is where your work ethic and creativity are rewarded — all powered by unmatched WCCO Belting teamwork that pushes you to perfect your skills and grow your career. Each day, we prove that loving where you work begins with the people you work with.

Western Products

Ulteig Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 650 Website: ulteig.com Description: Ulteig is a 100% employee-owned firm delivering comprehensive engineering/design, program management, technical services and field services that strengthen infrastructure vital to everyday life. Our expertise in multiple Lifeline Sectors® (power, renewables, transportation and water) serves diverse clients and projects that span the nation. Our highly-engaged workforce advocates enthusiastically for our company, with almost 40% of new hires referred by current employees.

With more than 75 years in the engineering industry, Ulteig is chosen by exceptional employees and clients alike, all of whom are committed to improving the design and reliability of our country’s critical infrastructure.

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Headquarters: Fargo, N.D. Number of employees: 75 Website: westernproducts.com Description: Western Products is the region’s first choice for roofing, siding, window replacement, gutters, doors, cabinets, and more. We have been serving the Dakotas and western Minnesota for more than 70 years, with a strong commitment to teamwork, American-made materials, and superior customer service. Our award-winning team includes craftsmen, technicians, specialists, and support staff who are true experts. Along with our affiliated companies involved in construction, manufacturing, and real estate, we are proud to provide employment opportunities to people who possess integrity and always strive for improvement. We have our employees to thank for our continued success!

WIDSETH Headquarters: Founded in Crookston, Minn.

Number of employees: 220 Website: widseth.com Description: Good roads, clean water, safe bridges, dynamic spaces, and robust communities are central to our quality of life.

Widseth supports our communities through engineering, architecture, land surveying, and environmental services across the Upper Midwest. With more than 220 employees working from nine locations in Minnesota and North Dakota, our firm and employees are part of our region’s business and social fabric, actively engaging in community life through volunteerism and leadership. We value our employees’ engagement in their careers, their communities, and our practice, and we strive to offer the work-life balance everyone deserves.

We are grateful to our team members for naming us one of the Top 50 Best Places to Work for the 3rd year in a row.

We attribute this honor to their commitment to our core values by living them every day.

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hometeam WE ARE YOUR ARCHITECTURE

Building a house? Renovating or remodeling? Ackerman-Estvold is your hometown home team. Our architecture team are licensed professionals who can help you achieve the home of your dreams. Our custom house plans are created with the highest standards of quality and design to meet your personal needs and style. We have created several design packages to suit your aesthetic and financial needs. Contact us today to turn your dream into reality! www.ackerman-estvold.com 701.837.8737

Ryan

Jessica

Paul B.

Kim

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Paul K.

Scott

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GENERATIONNEXT

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

‘Account’ for Something School and career mean more to Black Hills State University graduate than just numbers

By Andrew Weeks SPEARFISH, S.D. • Joshua Vaith has exemplified what it means to be a standout student, someone who not only excelled at academics but who aims to make a difference in his chosen career and in South Dakota’s workforce.

As other students head back to class this fall, the Black Hills State University graduate instead is shaping his career at an office where he works as an accountant. His successes started long before he came on board at ELO CPAs and Advisors in Yankton, S.D., and, likely, long before he started attending BHSU. Vaith, who graduated from the university in May, said his ambition to attend college was to make a change.

“I wanted to go somewhere where I knew no one and grow as a person, as well as in my education,” he said. “Because of these reasons, I was looking at going to school out-of-state.”

His mindset changed in the spring of his senior year in high school, when he received a Dakota Corps scholarship, which, as he describes it, “gives South Dakota kids funding to attend school in the state and major in high-demand career fields.”

JOSH VAITH RECENTLY GRADUATED FROM BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY WITH A DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING, BUT EVEN BEFORE HE RECEIVED HIS DIPLOMA HE WAS WORKING IN THE FIELD. IMAGE: COURTESY OF JOSH VAITH

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Josh Vaith

He found that attending BHSU, besides giving him a good education, also provided him the change he was seeking.

“After receiving this, I turned my sights in-state for college,” Vaith said. “I had never been to Spearfish before my on-campus visit and I really felt like it would be the right place for me. … I knew no one, and it is situated in the Black Hills, offering many outdoor activities to do in your free time.”

That still didn’t mean he knew exactly what he wanted to do, though he decided it’d likely be something business-related. When he received the Dakota Corps scholarship, accounting was one of the high-demand career fields and, since he always liked working with numbers, he looked into it further and said there were at least a couple of things that attracted his attention.

“The first thing is the technology side of the profession,” he said.

“I have always enjoyed working with technology and worked for our technology department on campus for the last three years of college. I am excited to see what changes technology may bring to the accounting field in the future and want to try to continue to figure some ways to incorporate accounting software into technology developments for businesses. This way, many small businesses may be able to concentrate more on the things that are important to them, instead of stressing over keeping the books up-to-date, all for a reasonable price.

“A second item that excites me about a future in the accounting field is the growth opportunities that I feel are out there. I grew up in rural southeastern South Dakota on a farm. When most people think of accountants, they think white-collar. I believe that my agricultural background will allow me to connect with more of the blue-collared workforce in the state. I believe that working with people from the same background will be a great opportunity and could be a great success in this state and surrounding area.”

Vaith was already on the path to success after completing internships his freshman year at Liberty Tax Service in Belle Fourche, S.D., an experience he said “was a good start to my future career and helped me get started into understanding what the tax and accounting profession entails.”

The summer between his junior and senior year he interned in the corporate tax department of Black Hills Corp., a utility company based in Rapid City that operates in eight states.

“This was a great internship where I learned a lot,” he said. “The primary focus of my internship was doing the tax returns for the year for all 40ish subsidiaries that are represented under the Black Hills Corporation name.”

PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM

continued on page 44

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GENERATIONNEXT

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8 continued From page 42

Vaith held leadership positions in school, which also prepared him for his career, noting that through them he “learned compassion, to be culturally-aware and immerse myself in things that make me uncomfortable.”

He continued: “I have learned to ‘live in the stretch.’ If you constantly stay in one place where you are comfortable, you are never going to grow as a person. I have learned how to be a leader. I have learned how to work with faculty and administration when I need help or to help resolve issues.

“BHSU has taught me that we all have the ability to change the world with every individual we interact with directly or indirectly.

These are great attributes that will follow me to my professional life, but the greatest thing that I have learned from serving in these positions is that you can have all of the titles in the world, but if your priorities are not in the right place, you will just be viewed as busy and stressed, not passionate and as a leader.”

Believe it or not, he said, communication is a big component in accounting, saying he has learned how to conduct himself in meetings and conference calls, and how to approach someone with a different point of view than his own.

Of course, he is happy to share his own viewpoint with others. For those considering a career in accounting, or who have already started the journey or will be starting this fall semester, he offers this piece of advice: “Be curious. Always be open to learning new things. The profession changes very rapidly so it’s important to stay adaptable and open to change. Learn your strengths and dive into that area, while also building up your weak areas at the same time.

The more areas you are proficient in, the brighter your future will be.

IT WASN’T ALL WORK FOR JOSH VAITH. HE AND RACHAEL HOPPERDIETZEL, AS STUDENTS OF BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY, WERE NAMED HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN IN SEPTEMBER 2019 DURING THE SWARM WEEK FESTIVITIES AT THE UNIVERSITY. IMAGE: COURTESY OF JOSH VAITH

“Accounting is confusing, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you are confused at the beginning of the semester, you’ll be confused for the rest of the semester. Everything builds off everything learned previously.”

Moore Holding Co. acquires Holly Beck Surveying and Engineering BISMARCK, N.D. • Moore Holding Co., a 100% employee owned holding company, has acquired Holly Beck Surveying and Engineering Inc. Holly Beck will remain president of the company, which will retain its name and current location in Bismarck.

Holly Beck Surveying and Engineering employees will become part of the Moore Holding Co. employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) upon eligibility, joining the employees of Moore Engineering Inc., headquartered in West Fargo, N.D., and with additional North Dakota offices in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot and Williston.

Jeffry Volk, CEO of Moore Holding Co., said Holly Beck Surveying and Engineering is an ideal addition to its family of companies as it seeks to expand its employee ownership group and diversify its holdings.

“Holly’s company is a great fit for us,” he said. “Their culture and values are very much in line with ours. Being an employee owned organization, those are the most important attributes for us. Does the company treat its clients and each other the way we do? With Holly as its leader, the answer was an obvious yes.”

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For Holly Beck, joining the Moore Holding Co. group provided several benefits that suited the company’s needs.

“We’ve been interested in the ESOP model for quite some time,” she said, “and I’ve been considering a succession plan. Moore Holding Company covers both of those bases for me. The Moore group makes the employee ownership path easier and less costly for us.

And it resolves our succession planning forever.”

The employee ownership culture was a natural fit for her company, according to Beck. “We’ve always prioritized our employees. The ESOP model will create the type of future for our employees that we strive to achieve. They are real owners, rewarded for our success and more prepared for retirement.”

According to the National Council for Employee Owners (NCEO), employee owned companies are not as influenced by downward business cycles, experience lower employee turnover and are more profitable.

“We’re thrilled to transition to an employee ownership model, and to be part of the Moore family of businesses,” said Beck. “It’s the beginning of a new era for our company and its new employee owners.”

PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM

‘‘

This is one of the best areas in the nation to raise bees.

’’

− Dusty Backer, Backer Bees

Environment isn’t just a buzz word at Basin Electric.

Backer Bees has bees at Glenharold Mine, a reclaimed coal mine that used to supply coal to our first power plant. The reclaimed pasture has a variety of flowers−alfalfa, clover, sunflowers, wildflowers−making it one of the best areas in the nation to raise bees.

Environmental stewardship has always been a guiding principle for us. That’s why we’re committed to reclaiming and restoring land back to its natural state, like Glenharold Mine.

Your energy starts here. basinelectric.com

Grantsandawards

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

North Dakota’s Economic Resiliency Grant program aims to help businesses and spark consumer confidence

By Andrew Weeks BISMARCK, N.D. • The North Dakota Department of Commerce has opened the application period for the Economic Resiliency Grant program.

The application period opened on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

The ERG is designed to enhance revenue in both the immediate and long-term future by growing consumer confidence.

The program offers grants of up to $50,000 to qualified businesses who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic – those that had to temporarily close or restrict customers from coming into their places of business. Larger grants, those of up to $100,000, are available for businesses that have multiple locations.

Money from the grants must only be used to make improvements to businesses for the purpose of reducing the spread of infection and instilling consumer confidence in the marketplace, said Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer, such as installing touchless features or technology to manage services.

Besides the obvious – helping to reduce virus spread – Kommer said she believes there are at least two other benefits from such improvements.

“One is that customers, knowing that a company such as a restaurant or barber shop, has made specific improvements to reduce the spread of infection is going to make them more comfortable visiting,” she said. “But the second thing is just as important but perhaps not as direct, which is that we’re helping to build a COVID-resistant

economy in North Dakota” that hopefully will attract the eye of future investors and other businesses.

“So perhaps these investments can also encourage growth as other companies look to North Dakota as a place to bring their business because we have made these investments,” she said.

Kommer said a sort of checks and balances will be in place during the application process to make sure money will be used appropriately.

The grants – these are not loans, she said – also are retroactive dating back to March 27, so owners who already have spent money on upgrading their business to make it more user-friendly and safer during the pandemic can be reimbursed.

Those awarded with grants will be notified on Sept. 11 and funds will be dispersed on Sept. 25. Kommer said grant money must be used by Dec. 29.

Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Funding will be approved if the application meets all criteria and funding is available. Additional information can be found at belegendary.link/ERG. “We look forward to assisting businesses in making infection-control improvements to inspire customers to return to the marketplace – safely,” Kommer said in a statement the day before the application period opened. “I encourage eligible businesses to pursue this opportunity to help create a resilient economy.”

Steve Scheel receives 2020 award from Chamber MOORHEAD, Minn. • The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber has named Scheels board chair, Steve D. Scheel, the recipient of the 2020 Legacy Leader Award. This prestigious award recognizes and emphasizes the important role and contributions of long-time local leaders in both shaping and serving the Chamber, metropolitan community and region.

Scheel was selected by a nomination committee based on his leadership in business and in the community.

Steve Scheel was born and raised in Fargo, and graduated from Fargo Central High School and St. Olaf College with degrees in U.S. history, economics, and political science. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971. Steve joined Scheels in 1972 and managed Scheels stores in Fargo, Casselton, Moorhead and Sioux Falls before taking over as president, CEO and chairman in 1989. Steve currently serves as board chair for Scheels, with more than 8,000 associates and 28 stores in 14 states.

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STEVE SCHEEL IMAGE: COURTESY OF FARGO MOORHEAD WEST FARGO CHAMBER

The Best Employees Anywhere!

To all our dedicated employeeowners, thank you. Through all the challenges of 2020, you have given your best. As essential employees when the world sheltered in place, you rose to meet the needs of our customers at a time when it was more important than ever to be connected. The challenges haven’t ended, nor has your hard work, focus and commitment.

You’re amazing!

Thank you for making Arvig the best place to work.

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arvigcareers.com

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OUR EMPLOYEES LIFT US HIGHER.

THIS HONOR BELONGS TO YOU, ALERUS EMPLOYEES .

With passion, expertise and enthusiasm, you all come together as one and make our company an incredible place to work.

EXPLORE OPEN POSITIONS AT ALERUS .COM .

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CommercialReal Estate

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

Wide swings in the commercial real estate market

By Andy Westby For Prairie Business

Andy Westby

Space Available For Lease: Fargo/West Fargo/Moorhead Early March 2020 Type

Late June 2020

Space

Number of

Space

Number of

Available

Listings

Available

Listings

Office

1.05M SF

157

1.01 M SF

166

Retail

842k SF

98

970k SF

118

Industrial

1.35M SF

93

1.12M SF

94

Note: These numbers do not reflect properties being privately leased by owners.

FARGO, N.D. • From my “pre-COVID” experience in the world of commercial real estate (CRE), the span of a typical four-month period was not a long enough window to see wide swings in a given market.

Sitting here today, I would say a lot can change in four months during a global pandemic, apparently.

I last wrote about the state of the CRE market in the Fargo-Moorhead Metro in early March,* just days before we saw mass forced closings and stay-at-home orders affecting nearly every person and business in America. Yes, North Dakota has fared better than most and our economy has not taken the same hit that major cities across the US have. However, that does not mean our market has been immune from change.

Just over four months into this pandemic, now is a good time to examine what has happened so far and where we may be going from here in the major segments of our local CRE market.

Office Market In early March, I commented about the “oversupply” office leasing market we were in. Since then, the situation really has not gotten better, but it also does not seem to have gotten much worse either. There is leasing activity across the market, but not at a pace where we see inventory going down significantly. The market appears to be in neutral, with almost the same amount of office space for lease today as there was in early March at our “pre-COVID” stage. While more than 150k SF of office space has been leased since then, much of that was to one large user and new space continues to come online offsetting those reductions in inventory.

I do not anticipate a big cliff for the office market like we are seeing on the retail side, as most office users have been able to keep their doors open for business while employees have been working from home. Demand for rent abatements or forgiveness during shutdowns in the office market has been very low as well, which is a good sign that many traditional office users are not necessarily struggling to pay their bills.

I see change coming in a more staggered pattern as office leases expire over the next one to five years. Some businesses are learning they can get by with more people working from home, which will lead to space contraction and downward pressure on demand.

However, I also see many businesses bringing employees back to the office with more social distancing in mind.

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That trend will lead to more SF per employee in the office, which should help offset to some degree the trend of more people working from home. Net-net, I expect the result to be less office space leased per company over time, but again we will not see a steep drop-off in my opinion. I also expect the market for the sale of office buildings to remain strong for sellers because of historically low interest rates continuing for the foreseeable future and businesses looking to get out of leasing situations.

Industrial Market In early March, we were seeing a positive trend of industrial space coming off the market at a pretty decent clip. I am pleased to see that trend line has continued through the past four months. More than 200k of industrial space was leased up in our market since early March, a positive sign of continued strength in this market despite the economic doom and gloom we commonly hear about.

In terms of where our local industrial market is headed, I think we will continue to see strong demand and leasing activity overall. Nationally there is an emerging trend where vacant retail or big box spaces are being converted to industrial warehousing to create better “last mile” delivery solutions. With online shopping booming during the pandemic, online sellers are focusing more and more on improving service by getting goods closer to their consumers. I am not seeing those retail to warehouse conversions gain traction yet locally, but with the growing inventory of retail/big box space in our market, I wouldn’t be shocked if we get to that point in 2020 or 2021 potentially.

Retail Market The old saying “When it rains, it pours” could not be a more accurate portrayal for our friends in the retail market unfortunately. What was already a tough market locally for owners of retail properties has only gotten worse since early March. Forced business closures and changing consumer behaviors have wreaked havoc nationwide, and locally the impacts have been felt as well.

Since early March, retail inventory for lease has increased 16% to almost 1M SF. That is many YEARS of inventory at our current lease-up rate, and I do not see that picture improving anytime soon. The question is just how much retail demand will we actually see in the near-tomid term with the uncertainty of our market right now. I believe it will be a Tenant’s market for some time.

Any Westby is President and Managing Broker for Goldmark Commercial Real Estate Inc in Fargo, N.D. *The article, “Forecasting the commercial real estate market in the Fargo-Moorhead metro,” was already submitted and set to publish in the April issue when the pandemic was declared.

PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM

continued From bottom of page 46 Scheels currently operates the 15 largest sporting goods/sportswear stores in the USA. Scheels corporate headquarters is located in Fargo and the company is an ESOP, owned by the employees.

As a volunteer, Scheel has served on boards and committees for organizations ranging from the United Way and the Chamber of Commerce, to the Campfire Council, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, to the Moorhead Healthy Community Initiative and Junior Achievement, to Trinity and First Lutheran Church, MeritCare Health Systems, the Moorhead Economic Development Authority, Bell State Bank, and as a Regent for Concordia College, and on the Global Leadership Council for the Offutt School of Business at Concordia College.

Steve currently serves on the Downtown Moorhead, Inc. Board and works with the Legacy Children’s Foundation in Fargo.

LCF is a new foundation working to help more young people in Fargo stay in school, understand what it means to be a contributing member of a community, and graduate from high school. Steve and his wife Eileen are currently working to build Friends of the Children, Youth Entrepreneur, and The Phoenix programs in North Dakota and other states. Steve coached youth soccer and hockey in Moorhead for 16 years and worked with the Hunter Education program in Fargo.

“The Legacy Leader award is The Chamber’s highest award throughout the year, and perhaps the pre-eminent award in the community,” Tom Dawson, chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, said. “Steve is the epitome of a legacy leader. He has been not only instrumental in helping build a world-class sporting goods store, but has shared his leadership skills and energy with many causes important to our Chamber and our region.

“In addition, he and his company are unequalled in their philanthropic contribution to communities in which they do business. It is a privilege to present him with this well-deserved award.”

Scheel will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Delta by Marriott in Fargo. Presented by Midco, the event will also serve as a reflection and celebration of the Chamber’s accomplishments of the past fiscal year, offer a look at priorities for the next year and honor the organization’s outstanding volunteers.

To register, visit fmwfchamber.com or call 218-233-1100.

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Minot State University receives grant to ease shortage of special ed teachers BISMARCK, N.D. • North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has said that a new state government partnership with Minot State University will help ease North Dakota’s shortage of special education teachers.

According to Baesler, the Department of Public Instruction and Gov. Doug Burgum are awarding a $750,000 grant to Minot State, which will pay for scholarships for 20 paraprofessionals who work with special education students. This financial aid will help the paraprofessionals earn bachelor of science degrees with a major in special education, Baesler said. The degree is necessary to become a licensed special education teacher.

The $750,000 comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, approved by Congress in March, which included emergency assistance to schools.

“These scholarships are targeted for experienced paraprofessionals

who already work with special education students, and have shown their enthusiasm for that profession,” Baesler said. “They will cover the cost of seven semesters of instruction for each recipient, and scholarship winners will be able to take instruction online.

“We have a strong demand among special education paraprofessionals to step up their training and get their teaching licenses,” Baesler continued. “This new grant provides the financial resources for more of them to do that.”

Dr. Holly Pedersen, chairwoman of the special education department at Minot State, said she was “thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with NDDPI and find new solutions to address the special education teacher shortage that is happening nationwide.”

“Our team is ready to add this new pathway that’s designed to leverage the experience of working paraprofessionals,” she said.

Communication Hacks to Accelerate your Career

By WCCO Belting Inc WAHPETON, N.D. • Starting a new job is nerve wracking. For recent graduates, you took the classes, passed the tests, got the degree, now how do you use it? For those of you further into your career but find yourself working with a new company or in a new industry, like manufacturing, you might be unsure how to progress in your new role.

What can help you climb to the top?

As a well-established, family-owned business that’s experienced rapid growth, our employees have powered through challenges related to cross-functional collaboration between growing teams and new employees. In a busy, fast-paced environment, any person could distinguish themselves as a leader by using effective communication skills.

seems natural to you might be inappropriate in a different environment. Do your research and be thoughtful and respectful.

Organizational culture is key. Businesses have distinct cultures too, and what may or may not be appropriate should be considered when communicating with colleagues. During the interview process and your first few weeks on the job, be observant of human interaction at your company. Gauge openness with leadership to judge transparency and know how to best communicate with the management team.

Look at reward and incentive programs to understand the kind of actions the company values. Watch how employees and teams interact with each other to better understand attitudes and expectations.

It’s OK to disagree. Don’t be afraid to say or hear “I see it differently” or “I don’t agree.”

Communication WCCO Belting is a global business inside and out. Not only do we export to over 20 countries, but we have several New Americans building their careers with our company. Culture and diversity are top priorities for WCCO and many other organizations. It’s important to be mindful of how you show up and communicate, both internally and with customers or suppliers. Effective communication skills are key to career success – and we’re not just talking about the way we speak to one another. Cultural awareness, nonverbal cues and the language we use are all important considerations. Think about the following when communicating on the job: Keep culture in mind. America’s modern workplace has no geographic boundaries. This is particularly important when working with customers or colleagues from different regions – or different parts of the world. Do they shake hands or is it more appropriate to bow?

Should you look them in the eye, or could this be interpreted as rude? Is your attire appropriate for the event and setting? What

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WCCO BELTING, BASED IN WAHPETON, N.D., HOLDS A TEAM MEETING. PICTURED, FROM LEFT, ROD KOCH, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS; LINDA DITSWORTH, ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE COMPANY’S PROCESS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AND PRESIDENT AND CEO TOM SHORMA. IMAGE: WCCO BELTING

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Creative friction can lead to new solutions, better work outcomes, opportunities to learn and grow, higher job satisfaction and a more inclusive work environment. The people in the American Midwest, as an example, are famous for their friendly culture and avoidance of conflict. By simply participating in the discussion in our part of the world, you will shine a light on your willingness to collaborate and support company goals.

Match your communication style to your audience. Personality types have a large impact on how we converse with others.

Are you an intuitive communicator, or are you more analytical? Do you prefer process-oriented, linear communications, or are you a more emotional and freeform communicator? Analytical communicators, for example, are more straightforward and less emotional, which can appear threatening to an introverted colleague or defiant to a superior. There is an abundance of information online to help you identify your communication style.

This short survey by LeadershipIQ.com is one example. Also, don’t forget to be aware of and sensitive to others’ styles when you engage them. Regardless of your experience or career path, communication is going to be a crucial part of your role, and it’s important to always be mindful of how you “show-up” in the organization.

Founder, Ron Fuhrman

Founder, Ron Fuhrman

Meet Our New CEO

Meet Our New CEO Shawn Peterson Shawn Peterson bit.ly/LibertyCEO bit.ly/LibertyCEO

701.241.8504 LibertyBusiness.com Liberty Cares

We ♥ where we work, no matter if we are at home or in the office.

THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM!

Proud to be a part of Prairie Business 50 Best Places to Work.

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As a professional services organization, our biggest asset is our people - no question about it.

Bradley C. DeWolf, President/CEO

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Grantsandawards

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

AE2S engineer recognized for national COVID-19 response contributions GRAND FORKS, N.D. • An AE2S engineer received national attention for his efforts to provide information to water and wastewater industry professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Water Environment Federation recognized Scott Schaefer, wastewater practice leader, for his contributions to public health during the coronavirus pandemic. Schaefer coauthored several WEF guides and presented in webcasts over the past few months alongside other prominent wastewater industry leaders.

“I have had the opportunity to work with a truly talented and dedicated team through the WEF COVID-19 response that was able to swiftly develop much needed fact-based information,” he said.

“COVID-19 has been a significant challenge, but it has also highlighted the importance of the role of clean, safe water in protecting public health.”

CEO Grant Meyer and CDO Jeff Hruby received a letter from Jacqueline Jarrell, WEF president, and Walter Marlowe, WEF executive director, commending Schaefer for lending his “insights, intelligence, and leadership” to WEF in the coordination of information

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Scott Schaefer

that has educated thousands of industry professionals during this tumultuous time.

In part, the letter reads: “With his insights, intelligence, and leadership, he helped assemble and coach approximately two dozen other leaders in the field to produce, in short order, technical reports, webcasts, and other material that are the go-to guides for wastewater and public health professionals throughout the world as they confront the new challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.”

Schaefer contributed to the following WEF materials: • Water Professionals Guide to COVID-19 • Wastewater Epidemiology Webcast • COVID-19 Webcast • Residuals and Biosolids Issues Concerning COVID-19 Virus “AE2S is very proud of the work that Scott does for our clients as well as through his volunteerism and leadership within WEF,” Meyer said. “Scott’s work made a difference, at a time when our industry may have needed it the most. We appreciate his passion and commitment.”

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Proud to be a winner of 50 Best Places to Work in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

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GuestColumn

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

Keep city projects on track during the pandemic

By Jim Mertz

F

ocus groups, pop ups, and other catchy communication tools have become the standard for inclusive engagement, but what happens when a global pandemic keeps everyone at home?

The challenges of COVID‐19 are reaching far and wide, and there isn’t a corner of the world that hasn’t been affected.

Public engagement is an essential part of project success, and the importance of all voices being heard is unchanging no matter the circumstances. But how do you drive a critical infrastructure project forward through public engagement from the safety of their homes?

In the case of the Reimagine 17th Street project in Moorhead, MN the key to a successful COVID‐19 transition did not start when social distancing guidance was issued —it started at project kickoff.

As with any corridor study, we examine every aspect of the area surrounding a roadway. Traffic, safety, environmental, and most importantly, the human aspect of the corridor is considered in this process. It is critical that community members who will be affected by the corridor are heard, and their needs are met.

From the beginning of the Reimagine 17th Street project, intentional, pointed community engagement was planned to create a publicly accepted design and overall project. The first step in this project, and any engagement process, was research – finding out how the community lives, works, and plays.

Through data and speaking with community leaders, you can learn the story of who Moorhead is, what avenues of communication are

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already in use, what’s going to be the most effective way of reaching them, and what populations traditionally have not had a voice.

COVID‐19 hit when the Reimagine 17th Street project was just kicking off. With in‐person avenues no longer available, the team adjusted its approach as if it were another changed condition in the project. The project team created a highly informative, easy‐to‐use website with project goals and visions, improvement options, and a space to provide comments. The site also allows users to subscribe for project updates if they don’t have the time to keep up with the website, updates will be delivered to their email or text messages.

Additionally, the site provides an informative YouTube video to detail the study findings and visions for what the 17th street corridor can be. As not everyone is comfortable with online tools, a pre‐stamped postcard was mailed for a more traditional, socially distant engagement effort.

Over time, as themes start to develop, you learn what the community thinks of the project and what more they hope to see. This helps us, as the project team, recognize why it’s important to them, or why it is not. This understanding opens the door to either incorporate that idea into your project, or to say this isn’t technically feasible, which then gives the opportunity to educate, so that even when they don’t agree they can at least understand why. Reacting, adapting, and transparently addressing points of conflict eases the uncertainty of time consuming, expensive projects.

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The improvements and updates being made in the community are going to be with residents for 20+ years so it’s essential to listen to them, as the community experts, so the project team can get it right.

The benefits of focused community engagement go far beyond getting public approval for a project or a smooth construction process. Inclusive engagement will begin the larger, often laborsome task of building trust between the community and the agency. Trust is built by learning what the community values, how they communicate, and where they feel the most comfortable sharing and receiving information. Establishing these baseline values and consistently providing transparent commu-

nication to the public will build trust, which often gives agencies the benefit of the doubt when projects hit snags—even snags as big as COVID‐19!

Trust is never a final destination; it’s a fluid process that requires agencies to be flexible as the community and its circumstances change. Recognizing this fluidity, project teams are ready to adapt their approaches, even under circumstances as life changing as a global pandemic.

To learn more about this project and to participate in the public engagement efforts visit: https://bit.ly/347ycm7 Jim Mertz, GISP, is the GIS project manager for Bolton & Menk.

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Scholarships

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

Scholarship created for North Dakota students interested in aviation careers BISMARCK, N.D. • The North Dakota Aviation Association (NDAA) has partnered with the North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF) to manage a new scholarship fund for students pursuing careers in aviation. The scholarship program is part of a new effort by the NDAA to help grow the next generation of aviators in light of the current and projected workforce shortages over the next 20 years.

The NDAA is currently conducting a campaign giving donors the opportunity to give to the general scholarship fund or designate their contribution to support a student pursuing a specific career path including professional pilot, aviation maintenance, aviation engineering, unmanned aircraft systems, airport management, and others.

There are both non-endowed and permanently endowed funds to provide assistance now and in the future. Donors giving $1,050 or more to a non-endowed scholarship have the opportunity to name a

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$1,000 scholarship. To bolster the first-year scholarships, the NDAA is providing a $250 match to the first 20 people who are willing to donate $800, to create a new $1,000 named scholarship.

The scholarship application period for 2020, which opened Sept. 1, will close on Sept. 30. Students can apply online at www.fly-nd.com/ scholarship. Scholarships will be presented at the first Fly-ND Career Expo on Oct. 30 at the Fargo Air Museum.

The Fly-ND Career Expo is a new event the NDAA created to introduce students to career opportunities throughout the aviation industry. The inaugural event will include inspirational messages from former Blue Angels Commander, Gil Rud, and Delta Air Lines Captain, Karen Ruth. In addition, there will be a static display of aircraft from all aspects of the industry and numerous companies exhibiting at the event to share what their role is in aviation.

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Here for you ENHANCING COVER AGE AND RESOURCES IN CHALLENGING TIMES

BCBSND is here to support your organization by protecting the health and well-being of your employees. We’ve taken steps to expand coverage related to COVID-19. We’re offering fully covered testing, expanded telehealth and wellness benefits along with more support for employers and members.

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Find expanded coverage details at BCBSND.com/covid-19

PrairieNews

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

IMAGE: COURTESY OF KLJ

KLJ recognized for Outstanding Project Design BISMARCK, N.D. • Engineering firm KLJ this summer was recognized with the 2019 Outstanding Project Design Award by North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers (NDSPE) for work on the Sheyenne Street/I-94 Interchange Reconstruction project in West Fargo, N.D. The award recognizes an engineering firm in the state of North Dakota and is based on engineering design content of a project completed or under construction in the current year. Consideration is given to how the project employs innovative or state of the art engineering practices making the project unique.

KLJ served as the prime consultant on the project, working closely

with the City of West Fargo and the North Dakota Department of Transportation. The five-mile corridor of Sheyenne Street required some distinct design solutions which included capacity and safety enhancements, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, traffic calming measures and an innovative interchange solution.

The team developed a Modified Single Point Urban Interchange (MSPUI) design to address the unique travel patterns of Sheyenne Street. Construction of the project was completed in November 2019 and resulted in 60 percent less traffic delay and reduced total crash potential by 60 percent. Overall, this one-of-a-kind design improves traffic flow on this highly traveled corridor.

continued on page 60

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PrairieNews

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8 continued From page 58

Ackerman-Estvold expands services to include residential architecture MINOT, N.D. • Ackerman-Estvold said it now has a new branch of architectural services.

Previously the company offered only commercial services, but it now will be providing residential architecture and interior design services to clients throughout North Dakota.

Although the company has not previously offered many opportunities in the form of residential design, all of the team members have been immersed in this form of design in roles held with other organi-

zations prior to joining the Ackerman-Estvold team.

Its team members have more than 125 years of experience in the architecture industry.

“We are thrilled about the addition of residential architecture services to our portfolio,” said Ryan Anderson, vice president, architecture lead. “The Ackerman-Estvold team is excited to provide this much needed service to our communities and look forward to creating unique and functional homes throughout the region.”

New virtual series kicks off this fall at Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber MOORHEAD, Minn. • The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce says it is launching a new virtual education series called, “Building Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces.”

The series will be available at no charge for all businesses and individuals beginning this fall.

Developed by topic experts and business leaders, the six-part series provides sessions focused on inclusive workplace practices.

It supports employers to build even better workplaces where all individuals are welcome and invested in, and engaged in work they find rewarding.

By equipping employers with practical strategies, they will be positioned to develop, or build upon, their own diversity, equity and inclusion vision, not only to better their business and industry, but for a better Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo metro.

According to the Chamber, each virtual training series takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. Topics and dates include the following: ▶ Sept. 10: The Business Case: Why a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy is Important for Business Success ▶ Sept. 24: Inclusive Leadership: Beyond Leadership Buy-in to Leadership in Action ▶ Oct. 8: Unconscious Bias: Self-Awareness Leads to Organizational Awareness ▶ Oct. 22: Cultural Competencies: What They Are & Why They Are Important ▶ Nov. 5: Enhancing Your Employer Brand: Recruitment,

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Retention & Engagement Strategies Through a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lens ▶ Nov. 12: Creating A Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scorecard: How to Define Success & Measure It. The series is presented by the Chamber and Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company, and brought to you by the financial support of Fueling Our Future. All who sign up will also receive access to the session recordings. Learn more about and sign up at fmwfchamber.com.

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THERE’S NO STOPPING THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY.

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PrairieNews

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

USDA invests nearly $13 million in rural infrastructure in North Dakota BISMARCK, N.D. • The United States Department of Agriculture said it is investing nearly $13 million to build rural electric infrastructure in five counties in North Dakota.

Clare Carlson, state director for USDA’s Rural Development, made the announcement on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

“Modern infrastructure and facilities are important because they provide reliable services for rural communities,” Carlson said in a news release. “This investment is just one of the many projects we have to help improve the quality of life for North Dakota residents.”

Capital Electric Cooperative is receiving a loan of nearly $13 million to develop its headquarters facility. The cooperative serves about 21,000 consumers with more than 2,700 miles of line in five counties across south-central North Dakota, according to the news release, including Burleigh, Kidder, McLean, Emmons and Sheridan. The new facility will accommodate the continued customer growth and provide a more favorable location with improved access to roads, systems and services for members.

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The investment is in coordination with the announcement made by the Trump Administration that the USDA is investing $1.6 billion for rural electric infrastructure in 21 states, North Dakota among them.

The other states are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

USDA is providing loans and loan guarantees to rural electric cooperatives and utilities through the Electric Loan Program. The recipients will use the funds to build and improve 9,138 miles of electric transmission and distribution line, benefiting 1 million rural residents and businesses.

The loans include nearly $386 million for investments in smart grid technology, which uses digital communications to detect and react to local changes in electricity usage.

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At NISC, we work together, At NISC, we work together, meet our Members’ needs and meet our Members’ needs and develop products that make develop products that make our Members’ jobs easier. our Members’ jobs easier.

We’re family driven, we’re We’re family driven, we’re giving, and we help each other giving, and we help each other out in times of need. out in times of need. ~ Karla Beneke Quality Assurance ~ KarlaEngineer Beneke Quality Assurance Engineer

your technology. your mission. your technology. your mission. your success. our promise. your success. our promise. www.nisc.coop www.nisc.coop

BUSINESSINSIDER

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

‘Stronger Together’

at Door and Window Manufacturer Marvin

By Andrew Weeks

Q. A.

IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU SAY MARVIN HAS IMPACTED THE UPPER MIDWEST? The upper Midwest is where we got our start and since our beginning, we’ve been committed to positively impacting the communities in which we work and live by providing jobs and investing in the communities where we do business. We view our remote location as an asset in encouraging innovation. It has forced us to find new ways to connect with our customers across the country and create products that change the lifestyles and environments for homeowners.

M

arvin is a one of the upper Midwest’s manufacturers with a long history in the region. As company president Darrin Peterson explained to Prairie Business, Marvin started manufacturing windows and doors after World War II and has grown into the company it is today.

“Back in 1904, George G. Marvin came to Warroad, Minn., to manage a grain elevator and lumberyard for the Canadian Elevator Company,” he said. “When the firm relocated, George stayed in Warroad and started the Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company. Then in 1939, George’s oldest son Bill came back to work for his family and foresaw a job challenge for the WWII veterans who would soon be returning to Warroad.

“To ensure there would be jobs, Bill invested in top-of-the-line woodworking machinery and launched what we now know as Marvin.”

Peterson, who said he had the privilege of watching the third generation take the company to national recognition before successfully handing it off to the fourth generation, never aspired to be president but it has been a blessing.

“I started on the ground floor and worked my way up through the company,” he said. “It’s been an amazing career and I’m thankful for every opportunity I’ve been given at Marvin.”

He explained more about the company by answering the following:

President Darrin Peterson

WHAT TYPES OF BUILDINGS DOES MARVIN Q. FORMANUFACTURE DOORS AND WINDOWS? A.

We create windows and doors for everything from new residential to commercial buildings. Our range of products and customization capabilities allows us to build for a wide range of projects, from very modern homes that feature expansive window and door walls to extremely detailed historic buildings.

MANY LOCATIONS DOES MARVIN HAVE? ABOUT HOW Q. HOW MANY EMPLOYEES? A.

Marvin employs more than 5,500 people across 16 locations throughout North America, including facilities in Grafton, North Dakota, Fargo, North Dakota, West Fargo, North Dakota, Eagan, Minnesota, Northwood, Iowa, and of course, our headquarters and plant in Warroad, Minn.

Q. INBUILDWHATFOR?STATES DOES THE COMPANY DESIGN AND A.

Marvin designs and builds for all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

We also distribute to Canada and other countries across the world.

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ANY TRENDS Q. AREIN THETHEREINDUSTRY THAT YOU’RE SEEING RIGHT NOW?

A.

We know that people spend 90% of their time indoors and COVID-19 has probably only increased that. As a result, homes are becoming a retreat and features like natural light and a connection to the outdoors are paramount.

This feeds the growing trend for bigger glass and large openings in spaces. Our company purpose is to create and imagine better ways of living. We’re delivering on that by introducing new products, like the Marvin Skycove and Awaken Skylight, which were created in our Design Lab following extensive research.

MARVIN, HEADQUARTERED IN WARROAD, MINN., MANUFACTURES DOORS AND WINDOWS. ONE OF THE COMPANY’S VALUES IS ‘STRONGER TOGETHER,’ ACCORDING TO PRESIDENT DARRIN PETERSON. ‘I TRULY BELIEVE THAT IF WE DO OUR INDIVIDUAL PARTS AND COME TOGETHER AS A WHOLE, IT WILL CONTINUE TO LEAD TO THE SUCCESS OF MARVIN FOR YEARS TO COME.’

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SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

continued From page 65

WHAT WAYS HAS THE BUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY Q. INCHANGED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS? A.

We rebranded in April 2019 to combine the Marvin Windows and Doors brand with Integrity Windows and Doors to be known simply as Marvin. The rebrand included a new logo and collections to make it easier for our customers and dealers to navigate our portfolio of products. I’ve personally heard countless stories from customers about how the new Marvin brand makes it easier to select products for projects.

The industry has also undergone several changes that have affected how we do business. For example, considering well-being and incorporating design thinking into products has become more prevalent and we’re actively leading this change in the industry by introducing new products that meet these expectations. In addition, there’s been a bigger emphasis on technology and its role in windows and doors. Over the past several years, we’ve introduced several products that feature automatic control, lock security sensors and more

HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED THE BUSINESS AND HOW HAS THE COMPANY MET Q. HOW THOSE CHALLENGES OR OPPORTUNITIES? A.

Like most companies, when the shutdowns started, our orders dropped significantly. Our No. 1 priority was to protect our employees, so we immediately adopted several initiatives to keep people safe. Office staff moved to a work-from-home situation. We implemented protections in our facilities, including putting up signage throughout the plants to encourage social distancing and hand washing.

Our R&D team created modified door handles using a 3D printer, we partnered with the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company to manufacture 12,000 bottles of hand sanitizer for employees and we recently implemented a drive-through COVID-19 testing site in Warroad.

We also partnered with local companies on relief efforts to give back to health care workers. We worked with the University of Minnesota and Polaris to create procedure boxes that keep health care workers who are in close contact with COVID-19 patients safe, and with the local high-school robotics team to create face shields for regional health care workers.

AHEAD OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, WHAT DO YOU FORESEE IN THE Q. LOOKING INDUSTRY AND FOR THE COMPANY? A.

Housing typically leads the country out of a recession, and I believe the future is bright. I think there will be a shift of people moving to smaller towns to build new homes. Our company was on a strong growth trajectory with acquisitions and new product introductions before the pandemic hit. I’m confident we’ll continue to drive toward our goal of bringing forth products and experiences that imagine and create better ways of living.

IS THERE ONE THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF Q. OFOR ALLTHATYOURSTICKSPROJECTS, OUT IN YOUR MIND? WHY? A.

There have been so many great moments, but becoming the first non-family president of Marvin has to be the highlight. I took over as president in January 2019, but it really didn’t hit me until our annual meeting in December of 2019 when I was speaking in front of thousands of employees, many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with and learning from over the years. At Marvin, one of our values is “stronger together” and I truly believe that if we do our individual parts and come together as a whole, it will continue to lead to the success of Marvin for years to come.

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Aside from our own sense of family, TSP cares about our clients. “ Aside from our own sense of family, TSP cares about our clients. “ We strive to do our absolute best for them because we’re We strive to do our absolute best for them because we’re passionate passionate about about making their dreams come true. making their dreams come true.” ” Sean Ervin, Principal | Senior Architect Sean Ervin, Principal | Senior Architect

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Constructioncorner

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

Club for Boys project in Rapid City provides space and safety

By Joe Hockett For Prairie Business RAPID CITY, S.D. • The Club for Boys in Rapid City is excited to announce new growth to include a sports court, office space remodel, and Erickson building remodel in Rapid City.

Douglas Herrmann, executive director, said “the updates give us a significant increase in program space. We can now expand independent living skills in our programs. In addition, the sport court adds a place where we can expand outdoor activities that we used to do off-campus; now we don’t have to bus the boys to another location.”

Funding for the project was raised through a $2 million capital campaign in 2019 with partial support awarded to the Club for Boys through the Rapid City Vision Fund and a grant from the John T. Vucurevich Foundation. The rest was raised through donor and community contributions.

RCS Construction in Rapid City was awarded the contract and is excited to contribute its expertise on this special project.

Project manager Josiah Scull has come full circle with the Club for Boys. As a senior in high school he volunteered at the center. He now has the opportunity to guide a new, exciting addition to the facility.

“We are grateful to have been awarded the project and it’s exciting to be able to contribute at this level,” he said. “This new addition will add much needed space and safety to the facility.”

The project started with a remodel of the old Erickson building. It includes an archery space, full kitchen, and retractable partitions.

The remodel will allow the Club for Boys to add curriculum and activities targeted for older boys.

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Phase II of the project was focused on remodeling of the front offices and entrance to the Club for Boys. The new offices provide a more spacious and friendly layout, featuring wider hallways and access in case of emergency. The front entrance now has a system of doors, which will control access, are able to be secured in case of emergency, and a safety glass surround.

The third portion of the project includes an open-air sport court and covered bus parking. Having a sports court will provide the boys a place for basketball, volleyball, kickball, soccer and a variety of other outdoor activities.

The covered bus parking addresses the need to protect the significant financial investment the club has in its fleet of six buses and allows for a safer place to park them.

“I am excited to be the Superintendent for this project,” said Dean Midgett. “I just love any project that helps kids and youth in Rapid City.”

“Being such an integral part of Rapid City, RCS loves projects that contribute to the health of the community,” said company president, RC Scull. “We have a culture of community, safety, and trust here at RCS so this project falls directly in line with who we are. I am honored to be able to contribute our expertise to such a good cause.”

The project was slated for completion in mid-August.

Joe Hockett is the business development manager for RCS Construction Inc. in Rapid City, S.D.

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PrairiePeople

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

Grand Forks Region EDC hires new marketing and communications manager

Stephanie Flyger

GRAND FORKS, N.D. • Stephanie Flyger has joined the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp. (EDC) as its marketing and communications manager.

Flyger will coordinate strategic marketing and business development direction and manage all internal and external communications with key stakeholders. She will work to keep EDC members informed of organizational activities and continue to market the Grand Forks region as an exceptional place to grow and establish primary sector business.

Prior to joining the EDC, Flyger was a project coordinator for the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences Simulation Center. Previously, she served as the news director and marketing director of the UND Television Center and student- produced television show, Studio One. She has extensive experience with communication and marketing through a variety of mediums, managing teams, and project management.

She is also involved in the community in various ways, including recently serving as the chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.

KLJ welcomes new team members BISMARCK, N.D. • KLJ Engineering recently welcomed four new team members.

Brady Johnson comes to KLJ as a GIS technician in the Bismarck, N.D., office. He has an associate in geographic information systems from Bismarck State College.

Charles Peliska serves as an archaeology field supervisor in the Bismarck office. He is a registered professional archaeologist and has a master’s in cul-

BRADY JOHNSON

MICHAEL KNUDSON

Houston Engineering hires communications specialist

Gavin moe

GRAND FORKS, N.D. • Gavin Moe joins Houston Engineering Inc.’s (HEI) team as a communications specialist. Moe will be responsible for developing proposals, project reports, and presentations as well as assisting with various other marketing and communications tasks to support staff across the firm. A native of Hawley,

tural resource management archaeology from Saint Cloud State University.

Michael Knudson serves in the St. Paul office as an engineer in training with a focus in civil transportation. He earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Kathie Hickcox joins KLJ as an accounts receivable specialist in the Bismarck office. She earned an associate in accounting and business management from Williston State College.

KATHIE HICKCOX

CHARLES PELISKA

Minn., Moe attended Concordia College where he earned his bachelor’s in business marketing with a minor in visual art. In his previous position at CoreLink Administrative Solutions, Moe developed clear and visually appealing communication collateral for its 250 employees. With his experienced background in communications and graphic design, Moe brings a strong skill set to HEI’s communications team.

continued on page 72

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PrairiePeople

SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL 21 ISSUE 8

Nationally-recognized sustainability leader joins JLG Architects continued From page 70

Patrick Thibaudeau

Essentia Health welcomes new doctor

FARGO, N.D. • Dr. Celestine Mkpozi has joined Essentia Health-Fargo as a hospitalist.

As part of the hospitalist team, Dr. Mkpozi will care for patients who are hospitalized due to illness or injury. He explains, “in internal medicine, you are

MINNEAPOLIS • JLG Architects has welcomed the addition of Patrick Thibaudeau, LEED fellow, as the principal sustainability officer.

A 20-plus-year nationally-recognized visionary in his field, Thibaudeau is a frequent speaker at national and regional events and has been widely published on a variety of inventive, research-based topics. He was an original member of the American Institute of Architects National Large Firm Roundtable working toward carbon neutrality by 2030, and his national influence continues today with

basically a medical detective, always analyzing and figuring things out in a systematic and step-wise manner.”

Born and raised in Nigeria, Mkpozi received his medical education at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. His residency in Internal Medicine was at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Cardiothoracic surgeons join Monument Health

Kalyan Vunnamadala

Charan Mungara

RAPID CITY, S.D. • Monument Health has hired two cardiothoracic surgeons, Charan Mungara, M.D., and Kalyan Vunnamadala, M.D., to its Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute in Rapid City.

Dr. Mungara received his medical degree from the University of Mysore in Karnataka, India. He completed his residency in general surgery and his fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics in Madison, Wis. He was named a Top Doc in Milwaukee in 2020. He received the 2004 Scholarship Achievement Award during his general surgery residency and the Distinction in Anatomy, Internal Medicine, & Surgery in 2001 and 1995 from the University of Mysore in Karnataka, India. He is a mem-

several leading national organizations such as the United States Green Building Council, Living Futures Institute, Design Futures Council and the UC Berkley Center for the Built Environment.

Thibaudeau’s work has been honored with numerous awards, including his previous firm receiving the National Environmental Stewardship Award. He led efforts that resulted in more than 100 projects achieving third-party certification, such as LEED, B3 or 2030 performance standards.

In his new role, Thibaudeau will lead strategy and project process development for the benefit of JLG’s clients.

Celestine Mkpozi ber of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and has published a number of papers.

Dr. Kalyan Vunnamadala performs all aspects of adult cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery. He received his medical degree at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. He completed his residency in general surgery at Easton Hospital in Easton, Pa., where he was also chief surgical resident.

He completed his residency in cardiothoracic surgery at Texas Heart Institute/Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Prior to joining Monument Health, Vunnamadala was a surgeon in Dubuque, Iowa and Duluth, Minn. His areas of interest and procedures performed include cardiac surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, mitral valve and aortic valve surgery, thoracic surgery, esophageal cancer resection, and TAVR among others.

continued on page 74

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WE KNOW THAT OUR LAND, OUR AIR, AND OUR WATER ARE PRECIOUS RESOURCES.

Which is why North Dakota’s coal industry is heavily invested in researching and developing next generation technology like Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage.

This research will not only enhance our nation leading clean air standards but protect 14,000 good paying jobs by using homegrown energy resources.

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Rick Johnson Joins The Marvin Companies Board of Directors continued From page 72

rick johnson

WARROAD, Minn. • Marvin announces the election of a new member, Rick Johnson, to its board of directors.

Johnson brings significant business experience to the Marvin board, currently serving as the corporate vice president, chief information officer of Sonoco (NYSE: SON), a global producer of consumer and industrial packaging solutions based in Hartsville, S.C. He leads the information technology organization and is a member of the executive committee at Sonoco, responsible for the global technology strategy that drives the digital transformation of the customer experience.

Essentia Health adds new doctors in Fargo FARGO, N.D. • Dr. Jennifer Kovatch, a pediatric hospitalist and pediatric oncologist, is now caring for patients at Essentia Health-Fargo.

Kovatch earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies. She did her residency in pediatrics at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. and a fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa. “Essentia Health provided me with a sense of community and an opportunity to make a difference. I was drawn to this great opportunity in the beautiful city of Fargo,” she said. “I love the diversity of hospital medicine in general, and I especially enjoy practicing pediatric oncology.”

Essentia also has welcomed Dr. Mario Rivera Bernuy, an endocrinologist, at Essentia HealthSouth University Clinic in Fargo.

Dr. Rivera Bernuy earned his medical degree from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. He did his residency in internal medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, N.M. and a fellowship in endocrinology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

Rivera Bernuy is board certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

“I am especially interested in thyroid and pituitary diseases as well as diabetes,” he said. “I was awarded the American Thyroid Association Ridgeway Trainee Grant in 2019, I was selected to participate in the Pituitary Society Master Course for fellows in 2020 and I was selected for and currently participating in the American Diabetes Association Focus on Fellows.”

Visit EssentiaHealth.org and click on “Doctors and Providers” to learn more about these new hires and their practices.

KLJ’s Jordan Benning receives promotion

Jordan Benning 74

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FARGO, N.D • Engineering firm KLJ has promoted Jordan Benning to Help Desk team lead in its Fargo office.

As the team lead, Benning will be responsible for all matters related to the KLJ Help

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“We’re pleased to welcome Rick to The Marvin Companies board of directors, as his technology and business experience are excellent additions to our team,” said Board Chair Susan Marvin. “We are fortunate to now have his talents on the board.”

A graduate of Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y., Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering.

He lives in Charlotte, N.C., with his wife and young son.

Elected by the owners, the Board of Directors oversees, guides and supports The Marvin Companies management. Its key responsibilities are long-term business strategy and leadership succession planning.

PRAIRIEBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM

Jennifer kovatch

Mario Rivera bernuy

Desk, ensuring that the team provides efficient and responsive support to the entire organization. Benning, who has been with KLJ since 2011, received his associate degree in computer information sciences and support services from Dakota College at Bottineau.

Together.

For 97 years, we’ve been honored to serve our communities and the people who make them strong.

43 locations in 22 communities across North Dakota and central Minnesota

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Insights&Intuition

SEPTEMBER 2020 SPONSORED BY VOL 21 ISSUE 8

Q.

INSIGHTs & INTUITION What does your company do to connect with local college and university students in an effort to encourage them to explore post-graduation career options within the company?

Carrie McTaggart Campus Recruiter Eide Bailly Fargo, N.D.

We believe the key to connecting to students is through relationship building and have focused Eide Bailly’s campus recruiting efforts around this idea.

Students today have easy access to facts about your company. They want connection and are more likely to show interest in your post-graduation opportunities if they have a relationship with someone from your company.

Throughout the school year, we host and attend a variety of events on campus and in our office, such as career fairs, presentations, and other fun events that show off our culture.

We host two big events each year that allow students to explore career options with Eide Bailly post-graduation. Meet Eide Bailly Day is an afternoon in which students learn about Eide Bailly’s services and career paths. The other event is a two-day summer program for selected students. Our hope is that through our Summer Leadership Program, we find students whose values relate to our culture, and they find a career path and company that interests them.

If you are questioning where to start on forming relationships with students, reach out to your local college and university career centers. They are always willing to work with employers to connect them to students.

JE Dunn has an established campus recruitment strategy where we partner with 35-plus schools across the country including North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota, Williston State College, and Bismarck State College. This includes attending fall and spring career fairs, guest lectures, leading student group jobsite tours, and more.

JE Dunn’s early career professional recruitment takes place both in the fall (September to November) and spring (March to May). The process includes a series of conversations and interviews that allows us to get to know each individual, understand their goals and aspirations, as well evaluate their background. More importantly, it also gives students a chance to get to know us.

JE Dunn takes pride in offering college students a hands-on experience that not only provides invaluable project and field skills, but also that prepares new graduates for future employment in the construction industry. JE Dunn’s internship program is not your typical intern experience. Our interns are out on project sites, getting in the trenches from day one, and contributing to the construction of buildings that change skylines – and careers.

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Marc Mellmer Vice President JE Dunn Construction Dickinson and Williston, N.D.

As a legacy firm that opened 90 years ago, TSP puts an intense focus on succession planning and finding good talent, particularly for our architectural and engineering disciplines.

Our team knows brief interactions at career fairs will not create the relationships we desired. Instead, we selected a handful of colleges close to our offices in three states to work closely with the faculty and students. We are one of four firms that helped create a new department of architecture at South Dakota State University.

TSP team members provide in-person classroom instruction and offer design critiques that give students real-world exposure and feedback. Our college internship program in architecture, engineer, and interior design stretches back for decades. We offer scholarships and fellowship opportunities.

Our firm’s founder – Harold Spitznagel – was passionate about art in architecture. Because future employees come from various majors, we also support an award in his name through Augustana University’s Art Department.

Bryan Balcome PLS, Vice President Widseth Alexandria, Minn.

Kari Kiesow Human Resources Manager TSP Inc. Sioux Falls, S.D.

Our corporate future is only as strong as the new talents we add to our firm. Our land survey and civil engineering teams’ steady growth is thanks, in part, to Widseth’s relationships with the faculty and staff of North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, N.D. (NDSCS); St. Cloud Technical & Community College, St. Cloud, Minn.; and South Central College, Mankato, Minn.

Each year, we make a presentation to the first- and secondyear students that showcases our services and local projects, providing real-world insight into our professions through examples the students are familiar with. We also discuss our available internships and seasonal or full-time positions, with several inquiries and new hires as a result.

In 2019, Widseth initiated the Jesse Haugen Memorial Scholarship at NDSCS in memory of Jesse Haugen, a 2001 graduate of NDSCS’s land surveying and civil engineering technology program. Jesse worked in Widseth’s Bemidji office from 2011 until his untimely death in 2018. We are proud to honor Jesse’s memory by encouraging NDSCS land surveying and civil engineering technology students to follow their passion.

Charles Cooper

Renee Daffinrud

(701) 499-7551 3001 25th St, Fargo

(701) 751-8511 1601 N 12th St, Bismarck

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ByTheNumbers

SEPTEMBER 2020 SPONSORED BY VOL 21 ISSUE 8

CIVILIAN UNEMPLOYMENT

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1.8 million in July, and the unemployment rate fell to 10.2%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These improvements in the labor market reflected the continued resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic and efforts to contain it. In July, notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, government, retail trade, professional and business services, other services, and health care.

Gross domestic product (GDP), the featured measure of U.S. output, is the market value of the goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States. Numbers released on Aug. 18 show a number, in billions of dollars, at 19,408.759 for the second quarter in 2020. In 2019, the number was 21,329.877.

Gross

24,000

Percent

17.5

20,000

15.0

16,000

12.5

12,000

10.0

8,000

7.5

4,000

5.0

0

1950

1955 1960

1965 1970

1975 1980 1985 1990

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

2020

2.5 July 2010

July 2012

July 2014

July 2016

July 2018

July 2020

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Gross Domestic Product, retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis on Aug. 18.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL AIR CARGO PERCENT CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS YEAR JUNE 2019-JUNE 2020* Cargo by Weight

PRODUCER PRICES The over-the-year decrease in final demand producer prices was led by a 2% decline in prices for final demand goods. Prices for final demand services increased, over-the-year, by 0.3%.

U.S. and foreign airlines carried 5% less cargo by weight between the U.S. and foreign points in June 2020 than in June 2019, despite a rise of almost 11% in cargo between the U.S. and Asia, according to data filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) by large air carriers. The numbers, released on Aug. 18, were the latest available by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. June’s decline was smaller than year-over-year decreases in March (down 17%), April (down 16%) and May (down 14%).

12 month percent change in producer price index for final demand, January 2011 to July 2020 Percent

6.0

4.0

June 2019

June 2020

2.0 -5%

0.0

-7% -8%

-2.0 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Source: U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics

-14%

-17%

M A I N S T R E E T ND

BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

Registration now open! Go to MSND.link/2020 to sign up today.

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-16%

Hello Progress At HDR, we’re helping our employees push open the doors to what’s possible, every day!

Can We Ask You a Question?

Are you interested in opportunities to work on transformational planning, environmental, and engineering projects throughout the country?

Bismarck, ND | Fargo, ND | Sioux Falls, SD | Rapid City, SD | Theif River Falls, MN

www.hdrinc.com

If you answered YES, HDR may be a new home for you. We have many positions open that could be a great fit!

Check out www.hdrinc.com/careers for all the opportunities we have available.

Healthy mom, healthy baby.

Healthy mom, healthy baby.

HERE’S TO TO WHAT WHAT M AT HERE’S ATTERS TERSMOST MOST Every birth story is different. When you look back on yours, what will you remember? The peace of mind Every birth story is different. When you look back on yours, what will you remember? The peace of mind that comes from knowing that both of you are safe and in good hands with our high-risk OB services and NICU.

that comes from knowing that both of you are safe and in good hands with our high-risk OB services and NICU. The special bond that a certified Baby-Friendly® Designated Hospital can help foster. The support of certified nurse

The special bond that a certified Baby-Friendly® Designated Hospital can help foster. The support of certified nurse midwives. That’s our role in the story. Delivering the kind of compassionate care you won’t forget.

midwives. That’s our role in the story. Delivering the kind of compassionate care you won’t forget.

Maternity care like nowhere else.

Maternity care like nowhere else.

EssentiaHealth.org

EssentiaHealth.org