The Communicator - December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 12

The

Communicator 5

Job Postings, Ads, Directory, and More

Are you taking advantage of all your member benefits?

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14 Fall 2023 Start Up Minot

18 Minot Helps Send

Entrepreneurial cohort completes 10 week course

Airmen get the chance to visit loved ones over the holidays

Course Graduation

MINOT COMMUNITY WINNERS OF AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE TROPHY

ATTENDS 11 DELEGATION MISSILE LAUNCH

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ALL FUN, NO WHAMMYS AT THE GAME SHOW THEMED SHOWCASE OF BUSINESS

Airmen Home

ANNUAL COOKIE DRIVE BUILDS COMMUNITY

THANK YOU, MEMBER-INVESTORS! PO Box 940 Minot, ND 58702-0940 (701) 852-6000 www.minotchamberedc.com

Your support of our operation allows us to advocate for the Minot community and fulfill our strategic initiatives. It helps create a stronger, more robust city.

CORNERSTONE $10,000+ ANNUAL SUPPORT

CHAMBER EDC STAFF Brekka Kramer, President | CEO brekka@minotchamberedc.com

Carla Dolan, Vice President carla@minotchamberedc.com Katie Dotson, Communications & Outreach Specialist katie@minotchamberedc.com Chanda DeCent, Finance Director chanda@minotchamberedc.com Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, Workforce Development Specialist & Military Liaison keli@minotchamberedc.com Jaime Hauge, Executive Assistant jaime@minotchamberedc.com Mark Lyman, Economic Development Specialist mark@minotchamberedc.com Amanda Nybakken, Administrative Assistant minot@minotchamberedc.com Marie Sanders, Administrative Assistant minot@minotchamberedc.com MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT Lacey Coleman, Manager Tammy Hanson, Clerk Wendy Keldson, Clerk Tracey Oja, Clerk Kim Reedy, Clerk Destiny Waddle, Clerk Karen Heatherly, Clerk

MAGIC $5,000 ANNUAL SUPPORT

CHAMBER EDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Kevin Black | Creedence Energy Services

Chair-Elect: Cassidy Hjelmstad | SRT Vice-Chair: Ryan Ackerman | Ackerman-Estvold Past Chair: Randy Hauck | Verendrye Electric Cooperative Treasurer: Missy Feist-Erickson | Peoples State Bank Peter B. Hankla | McGee, Hankla & Backes, P.C. Jonn Knecht | Bravera Bank Les Knudson | AGT Foods Jason Olson | Ward County Mayor Tom Ross | City of Minot John M. Kutch | Trinity Health Dr. Steve Shirley | Minot State University Dr. Mark Vollmer | Minot Public Schools Jason Zimmerman | Minot Area Community Foundation

PREMIER $2,500 ANNUAL SUPPORT AGT Foods USA BNSF Railway Brady, Martz & Associates, P.C. Concrete Mobile LLC Delta Vacations Gravel Products Logical Control Systems McGee, Hankla & Backes, P.C. Midco

Minot Milling Minot Paving Minot State University North Star Community Credit Union Odney Peoples State Bank Ryan Family Dealership Walmart Supercenter

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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NORTH DAKOTA DELEGATION BRINGS HOME THE COVETED BARKSDALE TROPHY FOR OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO AN AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND BASE After months of competition across the command, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) honored the “Best of the Best” in bombers, ICBMs, helicopters, maintenance and security forces during the November 8 scoreposting event.

During this “Best of the Best” event, another equally-important honor was handed out for the fourth time since it was created in 2017 – the Barksdale Trophy – given to the community with the most outstanding community support to an AFGSC base.

The community of Minot, North Dakota, took home the trophy this year.

“Congratulations to the Minot community on this well-deserved recognition. We were happy to provide a letter of support in August for Minot to be considered for the Barksdale Trophy. The Minot community’s unwavering commitment to the Minot Air Force Base and its men and women in uniform is a shining example for the entire nation,” North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said. “We’ve also worked hard at the state level to make North Dakota the most military-friendly state in the nation, and this award highlights the positive impact of those efforts. We continue looking for opportunities to ensure that our state and communities are doing everything we can to support our military service members.”

“The state of North Dakota knows the importance of supporting military and Minot isn’t Minot without Minot Air Force Base. It is our honor to be able to support all who serve,” said Brekka Kramer, President | CEO Minot Area Chamber EDC, and a member of the AFGSC Civic Leader Program. “The men and women of Minot Air Force Base are a part of our community. They are friends, neighbors, and for some of us, they are family.

They fight for our country and make sacrifices, so we don’t have to.”

PHOTO L to R: Chief Master Sergeant Tori M. Jones, Command Chief, 5th Bomb Wing Minot Air Force Base; Colonel Daniel S. Hoadley, Commander, 5th Bomb Wing; Bruce Christianson, Member Minot Task Force 21, Member AFGSC Civic Leader Program; Carla Dolan, Vice President Minot Area Chamber EDC, Member AFGSC Chief Civic Leader Program; Peter Hankla, Board Member Minot Area Chamber EDC Board, Member Minot Task Force 21, Member AFGSC Civic Leader Program; Brekka Kramer, President | CEO Minot Area Chamber EDC, Member AFGSC Civic Leader Program; Colonel Kenneth C. McGhee, Commander, 91st Missile Wing Minot Air Force Base; Chief Master Sergeant Ernest D. Crider, Command Chief, 91st Missile Wing Minot Air Force Base MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 Kramer and fellow AFGSC Civic Leaders Bruce Christianson, Pete Hankla, and AFGSC Chief Civic Leader Carla Dolan traveled from North Dakota to Louisiana cheer on the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing teams at the scoreposting and were on hand to accept the trophy on behalf of the City of Minot.

“Minot, the surrounding area and Minot Air Force Base are one community,” Christianson said. “It was an honor and our very pleasure to accept this award on behalf of all the people who truly made this award possible.”

“The Barksdale Trophy is awarded to the community which has provided the highest level of community support to an air force base in the Air Force Global Strike Command over the preceding 24 months,” said Murray Viser, President and Chief Operating Officer for Barksdale Forward, Inc. Barksdale Forward manages the award program on behalf of the communities of Shreveport and Bossier City.

“The competition for the Barksdale Trophy is intended to create an air of friendly competition between host communities in order to encourage creativity and ever-increasing levels of community support for each base within Air Force Global Strike Command,” Viser said.

Minot won the trophy in 2019 and the City of Abilene, Texas, won the trophy in 2017 and 2021.

The criteria used in judging are: Community-based programs that positively impact the quality of life for airmen and their families.

Community investment in infrastructure designed to benefit airmen, officers and families associated with the base.

Community assistance and support in securing state and federal funding for infrastructure or programs beneficial to airmen, officers and their families, as well as the overall mission of the base.

Overall community hospitality, kindness, and acceptance of airmen, officers and their families.

“Nominations are judged by Barksdale Forward, Inc., leadership and a select panel of former Air Force Global Strike Command commanders and vice commanders,” Viser said.

The city of Minot will showcase the Barksdale Trophy throughout the community until 2025.

“It's an honor for our community to be recognized for providing the finest support to an Air Force Base associated with Air Force Global Strike Command,” said Mark Jantzer, Minot Task Force 21 Chairman. “It is a team effort that makes Minot a great community deserving of the Barksdale Trophy.”

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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ARE YOU TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ALL THAT YOUR CHAMBER EDC MEMBERSHIP OFFERS? How do you use your Minot Area Chamber EDC Membership? Some member-investors simply want to be a part of what is happening in the community, others want to get involved, while many see the importance of networking. Whatever brought you to join the Minot Area Chamber EDC – thank you! No matter the reason or level of involvement, we want to make sure you are taking advantage of all available perks to maximize your membership with us.

The Chamber EDC has a valuable electronic directory of member investors. You simply need to access your account and you can find all the businesses along with their contact information and employees. Click the link below to log in, and feel free to contact us if you need help with your password. | Minot Area Chamber EDC (chamberdata.net) Is your membership information up to date? While you’re logged into your account, make sure your address, phone numbers, emails and employees are current. Be sure to include your logo and write up a description of your business.

As a member investor, you can also post job openings for free. That information can be provided when you are logged into your account, scroll down to job openings and then you can post a job.

The Minot Area Chamber EDC provides a packet of information to newcomers at Minot Air Force Base. As a member investor, you can provide an insert for this packet to help inform new airmen on what businesses are available in Minot and the area.

Our member news section in our monthly Communicator electronic newsletter is a space for member investors to provide news about their business.

Contact Carla Dolan at the Chamber EDC if you have any questions regarding any of these perks. carla@minotchamberedc.com

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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CREATION OF COOKIES CONSISTENTLY CREATE COMMUNITY It’s almost time again for the annual Team Minot Holiday Cookie Drive on Minot Air Force Base! Each year, freshly baked cookies are collected from the base and community to distribute holiday cheer to airmen.

The collected cookies are distributed to the nearly 1200 first term airmen between the ages of 18-20 who live in the dorms on Minot AFB. These airmen are required to live in the dorms, and it could be the first time they have been away from family for the holidays. Baking cookies is just one small way the Minot area can show its appreciation to the men and women serving our country.

TAMMY GILLMORE

Dozens of people participate in the Cookie Drive every year, and Tammy Gillmore is one of the incredibly dedicated community members that continues to go above and beyond with entire car loads of cookies she donates. An avid baker, Tammy recounted, “Baking has always been my stress reliever and a way to show people I care. I’ve always had the people I love the most, close to me and when the holidays roll around, we are all able to gather together. Our service men and women don’t have the option of being with their family during the holidays. Getting homemade cookies from the community is not only a way for them to have a little taste of home, but a way to show them we care.”

Since 2009, Tammy has been a passionate participant in the Cookie Drive. “I actually had no idea about this program until a former co-worker asked me if I baked for our service men and women. When I told her I haven’t, she brought in the newspaper. I realized this is something easy for me to do. I’ve been baking every year since.”

Looking back, Tammy’s favorite memory was the very first time she dropped off her donation. “I remember coming in and asking where they would like my cookies. Their response was to place it on the table in the doorway. When I said the table wouldn’t be big enough for what I brought, they followed me out to my car almost like they couldn’t believe me. The moment they saw everything their faces went from disbelief to utter shock. Now, when I come in, they usually grab the key to the donation trailer and just start loading it in there.”

TAMMY’S 2022 DONATION

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 Though she bakes so many cookies, Tammy does her best to keep her recipes fresh. “To me the most enjoyable part is getting to try new cookies each year! My family all have their favorites and so getting to try my hand at something new with zero complaints is refreshing and fun!”

When asked if Tammy had a message to others considering participating in community initiatives like this, she wanted to convey, “baking a few cookies to share with our service men and women is what the holiday season is all about. No one is asking you to make dozens and dozens of cookies, but if you can spare a few, even from multiple batches to help spread a little holiday joy, I promise you won’t regret it!”

Tammy Gillmore is one of the mass-bakers that rises to the challenge of baking goodies every year, and we’re incredibly appreciative of her drive, along with each and every donation received for the airmen.

“We are so grateful for a tremendously supportive community that donates baked goods to Team Minot Airmen year after year,” said Col Daniel S. Hoadley, 5th Bomb Wing commander. “Many of our Airmen will be spending their first holiday season away from home. This time-honored tradition brings a little homemade cheer to their holiday, and it’s a tangible reminder to them that they’re surrounded by a community that cares.”

“The people of Minot provide unrivaled support to our Airmen through traditions like the Cookie Drive,” said Col Kenneth C. McGhee, 91st Missile Wing commander. “These cookies are donated to Airmen in the dorms, but they are also shared with our Airmen defending the nation 24/7 in the missile field. It is a simple and heartfelt gesture that reminds us why we do what we do.”

Tom Rafferty, Military Affairs Committee Chair, is also an enthusiastic supporter of the Cookie Drive.

"Whenever you make cookies to gift to someone, a bit of love goes into the recipe. That's why I like the Minot Air Force Base cookie drive. There's so many people involved making their special cookies. They're making cookies for people they don't know, but who they value and appreciate and care about. We know it is hard to be so far from home during the holidays and this is just one way to say thank you to the men and women of Minot Air Force Base."

For those wanting to participate, drop off days will be December 11 & 12 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Minot Area Chamber EDC office, 1020 20th Ave. SW. Help us reach the goal of 1200 dozen- one dozen homemade holiday goodies per person for the first term airmen!

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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SURVEY SAYS... THE 2023 SHOWCASE OF BUSINESS WAS A HIT Over 1,000 community members and friends from participating organizations attended our exciting Game Show themed Showcase of Business. After walking through our themed entryway, attendees were met with 70 booths that featured a wide array of games and prizes from our Minot Area Chamber EDC Member-Investors. Plus, everyone got to enjoy a delicious myriad of snacks and a cash bar.

“We're so thankful to have so many partners that came together to help us make such a tremendous event happen,” said Vice President Carla Dolan. “Along with our memberinvestors that ran with the theme and made interactive, unique experiences at each booth, we couldn't have done it without our presenting sponsor SRT, and our other partners Hometown Radio Group, KMOT, and Delta Vacations.”

We hope everyone had as much fun as we did, and already can't wait for you all to COME ON DOWN to next year's Showcase of Business!

SAVE THE DATE: JAN BUSINESS AFTER HOURS THURSDAY

JAN 25 5:00 PM 7:00 PM

ENTRY

$5

I. KEATING CARPET ONE FLOOR & HOME 1325 S BROADWAY MINOT, ND

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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NORTH DAKOTA DELEGATION REPRESENTED AT MINUTEMAN III LAUNCH AT VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) Task Force 21 led a delegation of North Dakota officials on a strategic military engagement with Minot Air Force Base (MAFB) and Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) to the 377 Test and Evaluation Group at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

The visit included mission briefs, meeting with military leadership, and the test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that was pulled from North Dakota’s missile complex and transported to Vandenberg Space Force Base for the test. The 20-member delegation included Department of Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen, City of Minot Mayor Tom Ross, Legislators and MACEDC leadership. The launch was also attended

by South Korean defense officials.

“The missile launch test exercise helps solidify ND’s position as one of the United States’ most strategic military powers for peace in the world,” shared Josh Teigen, North Dakota Department of Commerce Commissioner. “Minot Air Force Base is the gold standard for military excellence, and this exercise sends a clear message to our global adversaries that ND and the United States stand ready to feed, fuel, and defend the world. Immense gratitude to our service men and women for the work they do every day to further global stability, you make ND proud.”

The test launch is part of a routine and periodic activity intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter twenty-first century threats and reassure our allies. Such tests have occurred more than 300 times. The test launch program helps to command evaluate the Minuteman III ICBM and gather data to keep the system effective. The command learns lessons from every test launch.

Gathering data from the launch allows AFGSC to identify and correct any issues with the weapon system to ensure the Minuteman III’s continued reliability and accuracy.

The unarmed Minuteman III ICBM was safely terminated by Space Launch Delta 30 Nov. 1 over the Pacific Ocean due to an anomaly during the test launch. More information can be found at: Minuteman III test provides vital data before termination > Air Force Global Strike Command AFSTRAT-AIR > Article Display “The LGM-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III ICBM with an initial capability of 2029. Until full capability is achieved in the mid-2030s, the Air Force is committed to ensuring Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent,” according to an AFGSC release.

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 “North Dakota understands the importance of supporting military, and this engagement allowed leaders from across the state an opportunity to come together to learn more about ND’s unique role in protecting the nation and the work ahead to support the full transition from Minuteman III missiles to Sentinel,” shared Brekka Kramer, President | CEO of Minot Area Chamber EDC. “Minot will be the third and last Air Force Base to receive Sentinel and will be operating the Minuteman III ICBM until the new weapon system is in place. This a major modernization project we need to support at all levels and see all the way through.”

Minot Air Force Base is home to two major Air Force units: the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing, which are Air Force Global Strike Command units. Minot is the only dual-wing nuclear-capable base in the nation, hosting two legs of the nuclear triad with a fleet of B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Minuteman III missiles.

As one of the Air Force’s three operational intercontinental ballistic missile units, the 91st Missile Wing, whose members are known as the Rough Riders, are responsible for strategic deterrence by operation, maintaining and securing a fleet of 150 Minuteman III missile located in underground launch facilities positioned in a 8,500 square mile missile complex located in the northwest part of the state of North Dakota.

Air Force Global Strike Command is a major command with headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, in the Shreveport-Bossier City community. The command overseas the nation's three intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the Air Force’s entire bomber force, to include B-52, B-1 and B-2 wings, the B-21 Bomber program, Air Force Nuclear Command, Control and Communications systems, and operational and maintenance support to organizations within the nuclear enterprise. Approximately 33,700 professionals are assigned to two Numbered Air Forces, nine wings, two geographically-separated squadrons and one detachment in the continental United States and deployed to locations around the globe. More information can be found at: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Article/454593/air-force-globalstrike-command-air-forces-strategic-air/.

For questions regarding the launch window or Vandenberg SFB range operations, contact 30th Space Launch Delta Public Affairs at 805-606-3595 or 30sw.pa.workflow@us.af.mil.

For queries regarding the ICBM test launch purpose and missile, contact AFGSC Public Affairs at 318-456-1305 (After Hours 318-532-1215) or afgsc.paworkflow@us.af.mil. For questions for the North Dakota Department of Commerce, contact Kim Schmidt at ksschmidt@nd.gov or 701-328-2532.

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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START UP MINOT COHORT CELEBRATES FALL 2023 GRADUATION After ten great weeks, another cohort of our Start Up Minot Academy powered by CO.STARTERS has crossed the finish line!

Each week, our cohort members engaged with guest speakers and really dug into the course content, learning about their business and better understanding their customers. For the final week, each entrepreneur discussed their future business plans and how the course helped them create better experiences.

Congratulations to these graduates (and a few not pictured) for jumping into the class, learning the material and setting themselves up to succeed in whatever endeavor they want to do or are currently pursuing. Our next cohort in early 2024 has openings for eager entrepreneurs, so reach out to mark@minotchamberedc.com for details on being a part of the next course!

PHOTO L to R: Audrianna Hoaglund, Sierra Wilson, Justin Anderson, Lexi Clark, Lexi Miller, Briselda Hernandez, Grant Johnson, Stephanie Mortenson, Matt Cummings, Mark Lyman

ADOPT AN AIRMAN The Adopt an Airman program fosters supportive relationships between Minot community members and Airmen who are just starting their Air Force careers. First-term Airmen enrolled in the program are not only new to the Air Force, but many are far away from home, family, and friends for the first time. In addition to the Airmen themselves adjusting to these life changes, some are newly married, so their spouses are also experiencing the strains of these significant transitions.

Adjusting to the demands of being in the military and living in a new town far away from family can be stressful and lonely. It’s crucial that our Airman feel at home “outside the gate”. You as a host will benefit from an increased understanding of military life and a joy in knowing that you are making a positive difference in the lives of these young Airmen. By providing a home-cooked meal or an adventure in Minot or the surrounding area, a listening ear, or a sound piece of advice, we hope that you will develop a friendship that will last even beyond these Airmen’s first assignment here in Minot.

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CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD HOST APPLICATION TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, OR TO ASK QUESTIONS AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM, PLEASE EMAIL: KELI@MINOTCHAMBEREDC.COM OR CALL THE MACEDC OFFICE AT 701-852-6000

MACEDC NOMINATING COMMITTEE NAMES 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Minot Area Chamber EDC Nominating Committee has selected candidates to fill the director terms and confirmed each is willing to accept the duties and responsibilities of directorship. The directors-elect shall be installed at the regularly scheduled meeting in January 2024. The slate of names includes Beth Feldner joining the board of directors and the following leadership on the 2024 executive committee:

BETH FELDNER

Cassidy Hjelmstad, Chair Ryan Ackerman, Chair-Elect Missy Feist-Erickson, Treasurer Kevin Black, Past Chair

Before joining Xcel Energy in Community Relations and Government Affairs, MACEDC director-elect Beth Feldner worked in public relations and public information in the Minot area. Her experience includes marketing and communications with oil and gas, construction, financial institutions, retail, and large-scale events. Over her career, Beth’s focus on community, collaboration, and progress has helped improve her community and helped the organizations she’s worked with reach their goals. As a young professional in Minot, Beth has worked to stay engaged with the Minot Area Chamber EDC and Minot Sunrise Rotary and remains involved with the many non-profits doing good work in the community. Originally from Ray, Beth is a graduate of the University of Jamestown. She and her husband Clay have lived in the Magic City for the last ten years, where they’ve invested in raising their family.

RODEOS & RECYCLING - LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS SHARE THEIR STORIES DURING NETWORKING EVENT In November, our Start Up Minot Networking event featured two local entrepreneurs, Greg Bryantt, the Owner and Founder of Bryantt Metals and Brent Schaff, Co-Founder of Hooked Up Enterprises.

Greg Bryantt began the morning by discussing his journey and how he’d spent years working hard and learning how to best grow his business. He emphasized his family, and how their support has helped him get where he is today.

Following Greg’s Q&A session, Brent Schaff took the stage and shared his experiences. He talked about his love for rodeos, and how his vision to create additional income and safe opportunities for rodeo participants.

To check out the entire recorded presentation, click here!

DON'T MISS OUR NEXT NETWORKING EVENT!

Lexi Miller, Owner of Knead 4 Sweets

Stacey Miller, Owner of Juniper Child Care LLC

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 | 7:30 AM | CARNEGIE CENTER MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS SENDS HOME 115 AIRMEN! Thanks to a generous community, Team Minot is in the process of sending home 115 airmen to celebrate with loved ones.

The Home for the Holidays campaign began last March with the Prairie Warrior Auction. Our member investors could purchase one of 10 tables for $1,000 for the event. The program was off to a good start with $10,000 and the following efforts including donations, dining events, and the Harley Davidson rafflebetween the MACEDC, Mayor Tom Ross, Magic City Beverage, and all our sponsors knocked it out of the park.

“Planning to go home during the holidays was getting pretty stressful especially because of plane tickets so I’m just grateful I was able to get the opportunity to go see my family without having to worry about travel costs!” stated airman Markus Perez with the 91MMXS. He will be traveling back to California over Christmas.

A big thank you goes out to our partners at Preferred Travel for pulling off the travel plans for this year’s deserving recipients!

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | OCTOBER 2023

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MEET OUR NEW MEMBER-INVESTORS! THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AND SUPPORTING OUR ONGOING MISSION.

KLEIN CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS 400 EAST CENTRAL AVE #204 • MINOT, ND 701- 838-4364 • DRSARA@SRT.COM Dr. Sara Klein’s background in functional medicine and nutrition helps her heal her patients from the inside out so they can feel and live better. Call today for chiropractic care and nutrition counseling.

LACOSTE CONSULTING 1516 10TH ST SE • MINOT, ND 701-818-8254 • LACOSTECONSULTING@OUTLOOK.COM LaCoste Consulting is a specialized oilfield consulting service with more than 30 years of electrical ESP experience. Contact Calvin for details on how they can help your company today.

ROBERTSON COUNSELING, LLC 2400 BURDICK EXPY E SUITE 101 • MINOT, ND 701-335-6005 • ROBERTSONCOUNSELING.NET Robertson Counseling strives to provide the best care for individuals, couples, and families. Located in Williston and Minot, they are here to listen and provide caring therapy and counseling.

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBER-INVESTORS WHO RENEWED IN NOVEMBER! Ask Performance & Fitness, Inc. Beaver Creek, LLC Clean Harbors Environmental Services Concrete Mobile, LLC Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Store Dakota College at Bottineau DMI - Entertainment LLC Fastlane Car Wash Fisher Research LLC Gemar Photography Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons HighAir Ground Holiday Inn Express & Suites Minot Jerry's Repair & Alignment Job Service North Dakota

Kemper Construction Co. Minot Commission on Aging, Inc. Minot Hot Tots Minot Public School Foundation New Dawn Chiropractic & Acupuncture NewKota Services & Rentals Odney Planet Pizza SCORE West Central North Dakota Sign D'zyn of Minot Sports on Tap State Farm Insurance - Paul Siebert Strata Corporation Zaback Wealth Management

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023

RIBBON CUTTINGS

MEG-A-LATTE 2045 North Broadway Suite 100 • Minot North hill has a new coffee shop and Ambassadors were there for the opening of Meg-A-Latte next to Qdoba. Meg-a-Latte coffee house is committed to providing a quality experience and they hope every cup inspires you. Check out their signature flavor along with teas, smoothies, and baked goods.

KOSELIG: THE COZY SHOP 219 Main Street South • Minot Ambassadors helped to celebrate with a new downtown gift shop. The red coats cut the ribbon at Koselig: The Cozy Shop on main street. This store has a Scandinavian flare and is sure to please those looking for that one of a kind gift.

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023 RIBBON CUTTINGS

DON TAPATIO 7 1st Street SE • Minot Ambassadors were on hand for the opening of the new restaurant in downtown Minot November 4. Don Tapatio opened its doors and has offered delicious Mexican food and great service from a family business.

VALVOLINE INSTANT OIL CHANGE 1530 21st Avenue NW • Minot Valvoline Instant Oil Change has a new location on north hill and Ambassadors were there to cut the ribbon. Owner Jarid Lundeen has added a second location to provide another option for customers to receive great service done quickly. Stop by for an oil change today.

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023 RIBBON CUTTINGS

SOURIS VALLEY UNITED WAY 300 3rd Avenue SW Suite F • Minot Ambassadors cut the ribbon at the new location for the Souris Valley United Way. The public then had a chance to check out the facility during an open house to see the additional space and new digs.

EL AREPAZO 2035 North Broadway • Minot Minot Ambassadors helped to celebrate with the owners of El Arepazo, a new Venezuelan restaurant on Minot’s north hill. The restaurant provides unique dishes and a great atmosphere.

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023 RIBBON CUTTINGS

BROADWAY PHARMACY 1118 South Broadway • Minot Ambassadors celebrated with Broadway Pharmacy, a new locally owned pharmacy with many years of experience. They offer a welcoming atmosphere with lower wait times and a drive-through.

Check them out today.

FESTIVAL OF TREES ND State Fair Center • Minot The 10th annual Festival of Trees kicked off with a ribbon cutting by the Minot Area Chamber EDC Ambassadors. The event features beautifully decorated Christmas trees included in a raffle, a live and silent auction and dinner all to benefit Dakota Hope Clinic.

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023 RIBBON CUTTINGS

2ND HAND THRIFT & GIFT 2022 4th Ave NW • Minot Ambassadors cut the ribbon at a new thrift store on Minot’s west side. 2nd Hand Thrift & Gift has the perfect gift for the holidays with gently used clothes and household items. Stop by today!

MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | OCTOBER 2023

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Eagle Awards CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NOVEMBER 2023 RECIPIENTS!

Mary Corcovelos US Postal Service

Teri Thiele Trinity Health

Tiffany Fettig Magic City Oil

Justin Murray Tidal Wave Auto Spa

Shane Moe Marketplace Foods - North Hill

Teresa Loftesnes Norsk Høstfest

Karen Foley Minot State University

Nicki Fix EPIC Events - Norsk Høstfest Operations

Elaine Gunderson Minot Daily News

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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Eagle Awards CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NOVEMBER 2023 RECIPIENTS!

Dr. Jason Coombs Trinity Health

Jodi Webb Pathfinder Services of ND

Jennifer Johnson JCPenney

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Renee Belgarde Denny’s

Ethan Hammer Bryantt Metals

Jason Stebleton Walmart

Thank you to Homesteaders Restaurant for providing gift certificates to our Eagle Award recipients!

To nominate someone for an Eagle Award for Outstanding Customer Service, visit MinotChamberEDC.com/EagleAwards MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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COMMUNITY NEWS THE FOLLOWING STORIES COME FROM OUR MEMBER-INVESTORS AND COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS. SUBMIT YOUR BUSINESS NEWS TO KATIE@MINOTCHAMBEREDC.COM.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK AND TRUST DONATES $25,000 TO SOURIS VALLEY UNITED WAY First International Bank & Trust (FIB&T) is pleased to announce a $25,000 donation was recently awarded to Souris Valley United Way from the Minot Employee Fund, which is a fund that the employees contribute to each month through voluntary payroll deduction.

First International Bank & Trust is a Premier Sponsor for Souris Valley United Way (SVUW). “We believe that our partnership with Souris Valley United Way not only helps many local programs, but also has a lasting impact on many people in our community”, said Brock DesLauriers, Minot President for FIB&T. The money that is raised during the annual campaign, allows SVUW to help meet the needs in our community, such as providing food, shelter, health and wellness, dignity, self-worth, independence, and companionship.

“Souris Valley United Way is appreciative of the ongoing support from First International Bank & Trust.” said SVUW Executive Director Christy Miller. “Collaboratively, we have the power to create meaningful change in the lives of our neighbors.”

First International Bank & Trust, is proud of our past, and the future we’re helping shape, one customer, one family, one investment at a time. First International Bank & Trust has been banking for over 113 years, four generations, one family. Live First!

PHOTO: First International Bank & Trust employees gathered with SVUW representatives to present a check towards their Capital Campaign. Front row L to R: Christy Miller, SVUW Executive Director; Rondi Deaver, Tonya Harden, Karleen Houle, First International Bank & Trust. Back row L to R: Mandi Zalvalney, Brock DesLauriers FIBT Minot President, Denise Larson, Perry Olson, John Drady, FIBT Central Market President.

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JLG ARCHITECTS: DEEPLY ROOTED IN WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA While Minot may be familiar with JLG Architects’ Katelyn Crider, Kelli Hammer, and Nate Ziegler, most don’t know that this small team is part of a large pool of talent, with over 200 employee-owners spanning North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

JLG has had a team in Minot for 11 years but has worked on projects in the region for nearly 35 years. The Minot team is small but mighty – backed by a combination of virtual and physical connectivity to all western North Dakota and Midwestern projects. Crider, Hammer, and Ziegler have made their mark, transforming western North Dakota with master planning, design/build, and renovations for countless clients. More recent work can be seen at Minot State University, First Western Bank & Trust, Minot Park District facilities, First International Bank & Trust, and the latest renovation at the new Minot City Hall.

MINOT CITY HALL LOBBY

Homeward Bound When JLG opened its doors in North Dakota three decades ago, the firm had just two founding owners, a dynamic duo that laid the foundation for the firm to eventually expand to over 200.

In 2014, JLG transitioned to 100% employee ownership, giving all employees equitable share in the company and the autonomy to spread out where they wanted to be and needed to be. For most of JLG’s Minot team, this meant being able to live in the vicinity of their hometowns to pursue their passion for elevating the everyday Main Street.

JLG’s Katelyn Crider, AIA, LEED GA, was raised in Kenmare, ND and attended NDSU to pursue her architecture degree. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, and the two established their home in rural Donnybrook, ND, where her husband operates and manages his farm. While Crider works on complex, award-winning projects of every scope, she’s proven that big talent can live and successfully work in the smallest of communities (pop.74).

MINOT CITY HALL COUNCIL ROOM

MINOT CITY HALL ATRIUM

MINOT CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM

“I love that I get to live on the farm, work in Minot, and design projects throughout western North Dakota; I’m grateful to have the virtual and physical capabilities to be everywhere I need to be,” said Crider. “It was always my plan to establish a home near my hometown – but still be able to impact the entire region with functional and aesthetic architecture, creating a better built environment for my neighbors, family, and friends close to home.”

JLG GROUP PHOTO MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 Nate Ziegler, JLG’s Construction Specialist, CSI, CDT, CCCA, LEED GA, relocated from Colorado 12 years ago to plant his roots in Minot. Although Ziegler didn’t grow up in the area, his parents are from Devils Lake, so he was very familiar with the region. His father graduated from Minot State Teachers College in the 60s, prior to moving to Colorado. “I have family throughout North Dakota and have always enjoyed spending time here.

Moving to Minot was a simple choice. However, I never anticipated working alongside so many dedicated and very talented individuals; all striving to heighten their profession and create incredible projects within their communities.”

JLG’s CEO, Michelle Mongeon Allen, also grew up in the area, in Towner, ND, just 45 miles from Minot. Just like Crider, Allen was raised in a rural, agriculture-centered community, and her dedication to growing western North Dakota has been a driving force for the firm. Allen has been steadfast in making sure the firm remains true to its roots and committed to their communities in every way, from emerging professional mentorship to volunteerism and pro bono projects for non-profit organizations.

Kelli Hammer, JLG’s Construction Specification Writer, moved from Indiana to North Dakota in 2014. She has lived in oilfield housing in Tioga, spent a year working in Williston, and now proudly calls downtown Minot her home. “Some people think Minot is small, but I came from a town with a population of less than 500 and lived on a farm 30 miles away from the closest grocery store,” explained Hammer.

Hammer is involved in several volunteer and community organizations, striving to make her community a better place for everyone. She has given her time to the local homeless shelter, raised money for local charities, and worked in the Scandi Kitchen at this year’s Norsk Hostfest. “Being able to volunteer and be part of a community is a new experience for me,” said Hammer. “Instead of taking care of livestock and daily chores, I’m taking care of my environment, where I live. I want where I live to be a place where everyone feels welcome and cared for. This feeling begins with designing around peoples’ lives and who we are as a community in Minot. I’m so proud that JLG gives me the tools to make a local impact.”

Local Leverage + National Expertise Across the firm, JLG still serves clients with a small, boutique firm mentality and one-on-one attention that invites clients and stakeholders into the process, so everyone stays informed. The only difference today is that smaller teams like Minot are backed by the powerful resources and leadership of a larger firm with national expertise.

JLG MINOT TEAM

MSU DOME RENOVATION

If you’re looking for general or specialized expertise in the areas of K-12, Higher Education, Sports/Recreation, Healthcare, or Civic design, JLG has a well-educated team ready and waiting.

Collectively, the team has earned over 73 AIA (American Institute of Architects) awards over the past three decades.

Immediate access to specialized and collective expertise is what motivates the Minot team to push for the bigger picture; firm efficiencies and manpower that enable the team to aim high and deliver a better built environment within budget.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 JLG believes design excellence isn’t just a right reserved for large metropolitan cities – every community should have access to award-winning architecture.

Building Stronger Communities Crider believes JLG’s secret to success is in the details. “We work closely with clients to find creative solutions to overcome challenges that provide a functional and aesthetic built environment for the end user. Our Minot team takes on any size project; we can put the firm’s local and collective resources to work as needed to transform Main Street, rural healthcare, education, community well-being, civic service, and the future of both large commercial and small businesses. We also work to reinforce the economic vitality of western North Dakota with CTE (career and technical education) program-based projects that address workforce shortages and regional talent retention. It’s an amazing feeling to design the details that build stronger communities.”

While JLG has concreted their role as regional and national leaders in architecture and sustainable design, the Minot team understands the power of bringing that expertise home – making an impact that improves lives, restores valued resources, and reshapes the landscape for a more resilient western North Dakota.

VALVOLINE INSTANT OIL CHANGE EXPANDS WITH 2ND LOCATION - NOW OPEN ON NORTH HILL IN MINOT Valvoline Instant Oil Change, a trusted name in automotive maintenance, proudly announces the opening of its second Minot location on North Hill. This brand-new expansion brings added convenience to the community as well as another option for the quick stay-in-your-car oil change experience.

As a locally owned industry leader, Valvoline Instant Oil Change is well-known for its top-of-the-line products and its dedicated team.

Their people are key to their long-term success who share a common goal: To always provide the best service to every customer.

"Our decision to open a second location on North Hill stems from the remarkable success of our current site next to Trusted Tire & Auto. We've been fortunate to have such overwhelming support and loyalty from our customers," said Jarid Lundeen, Owner. "Expanding to a second location allows us to better serve our community by offering the same exceptional service they've come to expect from us." The new facility, located across from North Marketplace Foods maintains the same standards of quality and efficiency. You’ll never need an appointment, and customers can expect quick, top-notch service, including oil changes, fluid maintenance, filter replacements, and more.

At Valvoline Instant Oil Change, your car is the waiting room. Stay in your vehicle to see the job done right — right before your eyes. You also get a free 18-point safety check with every oil change, and it’s all completed in about 15 minutes.

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MINOT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS $100,000 TO THE LORD’S CUPBOARD FOR BROADWAY CIRCLE PROJECT The Minot Area Community Foundation (MACF) is pleased to announce a grant of $100,000 to the Lord’s Cupboard Food Pantry for the Broadway Circle project. Funding was made possible through the Arnold I. Besserud Fund.

The Broadway Circle Project is a culmination of ten years of efforts for the Minot community to have a specific service area designated to help our vulnerable population. The intent is that this location will support, encourage, and compliment all agencies and nonprofits to work together for the needs of this region.

Specifically, this grant focuses on supporting the food pantry and community kitchen.

“This concept arose following the 2011 flood through a committee of volunteers looking at long-term recovery needs. Because of the tenacity and hard work of those individuals along with many others in our community, this has become a reality and will serve the citizens of Minot and surrounding areas for years to come. We are proud to support this more efficient and updated space,” stated Jason Zimmerman, President of the Minot Area Community Foundation.

The food pantry and soup kitchen alone are projected to serve over 400 families a week with needed food. With the average households averaging 2.5, this comes to 1,000 individuals that will be helped per week.

“The Welcome Table/Lord’s Cupboard is extremely grateful to the Minot Area Community Foundation for the generous grant funds from the Besserud Fund” stated Gerald Roise, Lord’s Cupboard representative. “This grant makes it possible to greatly update and improve the services we provide for this community. The generosity from others makes it possible for us to be generous!”

The Lord’s Cupboard Food Pantry will be moving into the Broadway Circle location on December 1st , with a projected opening date of December 4th for the Food Pantry!

PHOTO L to R Front Row: Luann Roise, Mary Nester, June Stroklund, Lisa Gault, Connie Wilson, Gerald Roise, Mary Carlson, Staci Kenney (MACF), Barb Hankla, Heather Ellis, Cyndi Larson, Mark Schumaker Back Row: Steve Engstrom, Ken Stroklund, Dick Butts, Jason Zimmerman (MACF), Tim Mihalick (MACF) MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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UPPER GREAT PLAINS TRAINSPORTATION INSTITUE RECOGNIZES STEVE FARDEN WITH JOHN M. AGREY AWARD Steve Farden, president of Farden Construction, received the Agrey Award.

The Agrey Award, UGPTI's highest honor, recognizes Farden's entrepreneurial spirit, vision and leadership in North Dakota's trucking and construction industries Farden has been in the construction industry for more than 40 years in various roles, including laborer, equipment operator, field superintendent, and vice president and president of a third-generation business that currently has the fourth generation working in its operations. His family has been involved in the trucking industry for 105 years. Farden earned his associate of applied science degree in civil engineering and surveying technology from North Dakota State College of Science in 1991.

Farden is an innovator in the transportation and construction industry with his commitment, drive, and determination to make the impossible possible. He began building equipment for and moving drilling rigs in western North Dakota in the early 2000s, has built countless oil rig locations, and installed numerous pipelines to transport oil and gas in North Dakota. Farden Construction purchased Harris Construction in 2012 and began working on state highway projects, acquired Kemper Construction Company, a municipal underground company, in 2014, and purchased Stevens Welding and Machine, a Glenburn, ND, fabricating and welding business, in 2021.

Farden is a past chair of the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota Heavy Municipal Board and has testified at various North Dakota Legislative sessions on bills relating to the trucking industry.

Farden and his wife, Teralyn, have two daughters, Lila and Samantha.

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MINOT SYMPHONY MUSICIANS’ NW ND TOUR The Minot Symphony Orchestra, with the support of the Northwest North Dakota Community Foundation and the John and Elaine Andrist Family Trust, is proud to announce its first ever outreach tour to Northwest North Dakota.

The organization will be represented by the SubZero Winds, a woodwind quintet composed of five members of the Minot Symphony Orchestra: Dr. Elizabeth Demme, flute; Tim Baumann, oboe; Dr. Charlie Young, clarinet, Sheri Lien, bassoon; and Dr. Deanna Carpenter, french horn. The quintet will provide four school engagement events to K-12 students in NW North Dakota as well as a featured concert at Concordia Lutheran Church in Crosby, ND on Tuesday evening, November 7th at 7:00pm. All events are free and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

"We are incredibly excited for this opportunity to bring our musicians into the communities surrounding Minot" says MSO Executive Director Ellen Fenner. "Outreach and engagement with our community is one of our principal missions and we couldn't think of five better ambassadors for the Minot Symphony Orchestra!"

Performances will include a variety of musical styles, including original works for the woodwind quintets, famous works arranged for the ensemble, and works by living composers. School outreach events will be 30 minutes in length and the evening concert will be around 60 minutes in length.

The Minot Symphony Orchestra is a unique blend of student, community, and professional musicians from the Minot area. The symphony is directed by Maestro Efraín Amaya, Associate Professor of Performing Arts at Minot State University.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

PHOTO L to R: Members of The SubZero Winds: Tim Baumann – oboe, Sheri Lien – bassoon, Deanna Carpenter – horn, Elizabeth Demme – flute, and Charles Young – clarinet.

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GROUNDBREAKING STUDY REVEALS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF $20.8 MILLION NONPROFIT ARTS AND CULTURE SECTOR IN MINOT ARTS & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY 6 STUDY CENTERS EQUITY IN ECONOMIC RESEARCH AND HIGHLIGHTS VITAL ROLE OF ARTS AND CULTURE IN BUILDING MORE LIVABLE COMMUNITIES Minot Area Council of the Arts announced Minot’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $20.8 Million in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts. That economic activity–$9.6 Million in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $11.2 Million in event-related spending by their audiences supported 452 jobs and generated $3.4 Million in local, state, and federal government revenue. Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce to local merchants, a value-add that few other industries can compete with.

Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 uses a rigorous methodology to document the economic and social contributions of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. The study demonstrates locally as well as nationally, arts and culture are a critical economic driver of vibrant communities.

Justin Anderson, Executive Director of Minot Area Council on the Arts, explained, "Being able to have real data showing the impact of the arts in terms of real, hard numbers, is incredibly important, particularly in our rural region. Not only are we able to tell our stories; now we can bring real dollars as a part of it. The arts sector in ND can also now boast an impressive increase in activity since the last survey in 2015, and considering many of us are still building audiences post-Covid, that is truly an impressive statistic."

Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry—one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue.

“Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.”

AEP6 represents a reset from its previous versions, establishing a new benchmark in the AEP study series.

Social Impact: For the first time, AEP6 expands beyond the economic and financial data to include social impact measurements of arts and culture’s effect on the well-being of communities and residents.

Equity and Inclusion: AEP6 broke new ground by prioritizing equity, community engagement, and inclusivity. With the goal of reducing systemic bias, Americans for the Arts transformed its approach and expanded the inclusion and participation of organizations serving or representing BIPOC- (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and ALAANA- (African, Latine, Asian, Arab, Native American) identifying communities MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 Nationally, the extensive research reveals proportional economic and community impacts among attendees at BIPOC and ALAANA organizations to the overall national average. These findings should initiate new, and escalate existing, critical funding conversations about BIPOC and ALAANA organizations receiving fair and proportional financial support.

Key figures from Minot’s AEP6 study include: Minot’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $11.2 Million in event-related spending by its audiences.

Minot’s nonprofit arts and culture industry saw an increase of $7.3 Million in economic activity in 2022 over the results of the prior study conducted in 2015.

The typical attendee spends $31.96 per person per event, not including the cost of admission.

6 % of arts and culture attendees were from outside the five-county Greater Minot Region in which the activity took place. They spent an average of $73.63 per attendee. All vital income for local merchants.

92.7% of respondents agreed that the activity or venue they were attending was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community.”

90.4% said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available.”

AEP6 demonstrates the significant economic and social benefits that arts and culture brings to their communities, states, and the nation. To amplify the study results and raise awareness of these widespread benefits with public and private-sector leaders, seventeen national organizations partnered with Americans for the Arts on AEP6: Actors’ Equity Association African Diaspora Consortium Arts & Planning Division (American Planning Association) Black Legislative Leaders Network National Association of Counties National Conference of State Legislatures National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations Department for Professional Employees AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations)

Destinations International International City/County Management Association Independent Sector National Independent Venue Association National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women Race Forward Recording Industry Association of America The Conference Board U.S. Conference of Mayors

By measuring arts and culture’s wide-ranging impact, public and private sector leaders can work together to secure funding and arts-friendly policies that shape more vibrant and equitable communities.

Full AEP6 study results for the Greater Minot Area can be found at https://minotarts.org/about/ The full report, a map of the 373 study regions, and a two-page economic impact summary for each, can be found at AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org.

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ST. JOSEPH’S COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION GRANTS REACH $12.7 MILLION IN GIFTS TO COMMUNITIES Grants totaling $118,200.00 were given to support a wide variety of area projects at the Grant Luncheon and $393,000.00 in Twice Blessed Grants were also announced. Grants are provided to organizations are for projects that impact the mental, physical, spiritual and/or emotional well-being of people in the counties of Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, Rolette, Sheridan, Ward and Wells. Nature and Healing program for at risk children, community resource centers and food pantries, handicap accessibility projects, pregnancy and parenting support, meals and transportation for seniors, juvenile drug court incentive program, nutrition services for seniors, inclusive playground for children, automatic external defibrillators, dental care for children, low income housing, protective gear for firefighters, hospital chapel, and much more will be impacted by the grants.

“We are especially thankful and grateful to the many organizations, board members, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly in our region to secure a better quality of life by identifying and serving the needs in their communities.” Shelly Weppler, President, SJCHF. “Beginning November 15, INSPIRITUS Community Health Foundation will match eligible contributions up to a total amount of $393,000 to 75 agencies and food pantries through the ICHF Twice Blessed Program. Agencies applied last summer and were approved to be a part of the program. You can contribute to the agency of your choice at twiceblessednd.com through December 31. Last year 1.2 million dollars in donations were distributed through the Twice Blessed program.”

INSPIRITUS Community Health Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity community foundation formed in June of 1998. The Foundation was formerly known as St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation with a name change in June 2023. The Foundation has awarded over $12.7 million in grants to organizations for many worthwhile projects to assist with programs that address quality of life issues in their communities.

SHANE D. ZABACK IS RECOGNIZED BY RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES WITH MEMBERSHIP TO 2023 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. Shane D. Zaback, Branch Manager located at Raymond James, 1408 20th Ave SW Ste 2, Minot, ND, was recently named a member of the 2023 Executive Council. ** This marks the sixth consecutive year that Zaback has qualified for this important recognition.

Zaback who joined Raymond James in 2017, has 25 years of experience in financial services, and represents the client-first values that the firm proudly applies to every part of business. Zaback offers comprehensive investing and planning solutions for his client’s individual goals. His process helps clients adapt their strategy in a way that can best reach their goals and respond to changes in the market or in their life.

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ASPIRE HONORED WITH MOST IMPACTFUL BUSINESS AWARD Aspire Credit Union was honored with an award for the Most Impactful Business of the Year at the Alliance of Nonprofits annual luncheon. The category featured three nominated local businesses all of which are engaged with the Minot nonprofit community.

The award was joyfully accepted by eight members of the Aspire Credit Union team. Rianne Kuhn, Marketing Communication Coordinator spoke on behalf of the credit union. “We are pleased to accept this honor from the Alliance of Nonprofits.

Nonprofits are the heart and backbone of communities. You all have the hard job of assisting, serving, educating, and connecting our community members and our citizens to the services you offer.

Aspire strives to assist, volunteer, fundraise, and promote all the good work you are all doing in our community. Thank you for letting us be a part of it.”

The nomination detailing the credit union’s contributions was read by the event’s emcee featuring details about how the credit union has given back in the community, including groups supported and dedicated total hours of organizational support. Aspire as a single branch in Minot was able to identify opportunities and create impact in our great community serving over 930 volunteer hours last year. Kevin Vigested, Aspire Credit Unions CEO shared, “We encourage and will continue to provide opportunities for our staff to be involved. Giving back elevates our community in so many ways. I am proud of our team on how they involve themselves in so many opportunities.”

PHOTO L to R: Back Row - Kevin Vigested, Angie Marten, Jason Metz, Beth Nelson, Front Row - Diane Smith, Rianne Kuhn, Kaydee Pederson, Lori Holtz

Aspire Credit Union has served the Minot area communities since 1937. A non-profit, memberowned financial institution, Aspire Credit Union strives to provide the best service, products, and rates possible to meet its members’ needs. Aspire Credit Union is a community-chartered credit union serving Bottineau, McHenry, McLean, Mountrail, Renville, and Ward Counties. Federally insured

by NCUA. MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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COMMERCE LAUNCHES ADVANCE ND PROGRAM TO BOOST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The North Dakota Department of Commerce introduces the Advance ND Program, an initiative geared to provide "deal-closing" loans to companies in North Dakota considering new industrial projects in value-added energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. To qualify, the company must be considering another state in the site selection process.

“Advance ND will serve as a financial incentive for those companies whose projects would contribute significant capital investment, add value to North Dakota resources, and provide new employment opportunities to the state’s economy,” said Jessica Tooke, North Dakota Development Fund CEO at Commerce.

Funding Mechanism and Structure Administered through the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF), the program features interest-only balloon loans converting to fixed-rate term loans. Highlights include: Amount: Up to $1,000,000 per $50,000,000 of total project capital expenditure, with a $10 million cap per company.

Project Criteria: Minimum $50,000,000 in total project capital expenditure.

Use of Funds: Allocated for working capital, permitting costs, engineering, and equipment.

Interest Rate: Initially set at WSJ Prime +_ %, retroactively adjusted to a 2% fixed rate once the project is operational.

Term: Dependent on the timeline to operations.

Payment: Monthly interest-only payments.

Security: Personal guarantees (20% or greater ownership), corporate guaranty from the parent company (if applicable), and a lien on all business assets.

Conditions: In case of project abandonment before becoming operational, the loan will be called due and accrue interest until fully paid.

For details and applications for the Advance ND Program, visit ndgov.link/AdvanceND.

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MINOT STATE’S PRESIDENT’S REPORT MAGAZINE EARNS CASE DISTRICT VI AWARD Minot State University Advancement is proud to announce the 2022 issue of the President’s Report earned a Best of CASE District VI award.

CASE District VI is a part of The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and supports alumni relations, communications, development, and marketing professionals at educational institutions worldwide. District VI represents professionals and institutions in the Midwest region of the United States including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

“Our Advancement and Development Foundation team does an outstanding job of creating our Connections and President’s Report publications,” said Rick Hedberg, Minot State vice president for advancement and executive director of the MSU Development Foundation. “Led by Michael Linnell, director of university communications, and Doreen Wald, director of design and print services, the team takes a great deal of pride in assembling quality material and stories that truly resonate with our alumni and friends. Our entire team has a part in making these publications top notch, and I’m happy they are being recognized for their great work.”

The President’s Report is produced yearly in August and is a companion magazine to the Alumni Association and Development Foundation magazine Connections. The President’s Report is mailed to alumni, donors, and friends across the country and includes donor features, scholarship and endowment lists and information, and honor roll of donors.

CASE District VI honors Best of CASE District VI awards in multiple categories including alumni relations initiatives, marketing and communication campaigns, design, writing, photography, video, and events.

Minot State’s President’s Report was one of three Best of District VI awards named as the University joined Saint Louis University’s 2022 President’s Report and Kummer Institute’s (Missouri University of Science & Technology) Annual Report.

Minot State’s President’s Report team was comprised of Hedberg; Steven Shirley, University president and columnist; Linnell, managing editor and writer; Amanda Duchsherer, Emily Schmidt, and Mike Stetson, writers; Mya Temanson, and Hussein Abu-Lamzi, student writers; Rick Heit, photographer; Wald, designer; Janna McKechnie, alumni; Kate Marshall, donor relations; with support from Bonnie Trueblood, Renae Yale, Jeremy Feller, and Steve Lipp, advancement / MSU Development Foundation; Roxi Mathis and Amanda Francis, design and print services; and Cole Krueger and Tiffany Pierson, marketing.

View the award-winning magazine online HERE and to access the Connections and President's Report archive, see the Alumni WEBPAGE. MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS UNITE IN SUPPORT OF OUR YOUTH The Minot Area Community Foundation (MACF) is partnering with the Souris Valley United Way in providing a $15,000 challenge grant to support and grow the Backpack Buddies Program. Funding was made possible by the PPREP Community Foundation Disaster Fund, a project of the Funders Network, which the Minot Area Community Foundation is a part of.

The Backpack Buddies program was started in 2014 to address the issue of food insecurity among school-aged children by providing nutritious meals to students over weekends and holidays, ensuring they have access to adequate nourishment throughout the year. As of November 1, 2023, Backpack Buddies is providing food for 437 children in 11 local schools.

Food insecurity due to ongoing and rising inflation is a critical issue in our community” states Jason Zimmerman, President of the Minot Area Community Foundation. “Collaborating with the Souris Valley United Way through this challenge grant will allow Backpack Buddies to leverage additional dollars and have a greater and more lasting impact on the lives of our youth.” Challenge grant funding was provided to encourage the community to support the expansion of the Backpack Buddies program and maintain its sustainability over the coming year. The funding will specifically help purchase and stock additional food and supplies to accommodate the increase in enrolled students, purchase shelving and totes for storage for the additional items and provide the opportunity for continued collaboration with local schools to identify and reach out to students in need.

“When we unite our efforts, our capacity for creating a more significant impact multiplies. The partnership between Souris Valley United Way and Minot Area Community Foundation serves as an exemplary model of collaboration, with two organizations joining forces to address a critical issue within our community” states Christy Miller, Executive Director of Souris Valley United Way. Food insecurity among children is a critical issue that affects their health, education, and overall wellbeing.

Assisting local families facing food insecurity aligns seamlessly with the core mission of both organizations to collectively bring about a significant positive change in the lives of our local students and their families.

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HEDBERG, GUNVILLE MAKE THE MOST OUT OF INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES After securing internships and their real estate licenses from 701 Realty, Minot locals Mason Hedberg and Jaxon Gunville plan to take their hard work and talent to the Minot community.

Former Minot State University basketball teammates, Hedberg, a senior who played for four seasons for the Beavers, and Gunville, a junior guard on the 2023-24 team, have been working towards their finance and management degree.

“Up until now I really didn’t know what I wanted to do,” said Gunville. “Thankfully I heard about the internship and that helped me narrow it down a lot.” Both Gunville and Hedberg found out about the internship through Randy Conway, Minot State University Severson Entrepreneurship Academy director.

“The Severson Entrepreneurship Academy works closely with College of Business facility and staff to connect MSU students with the business community,” said Conway. “Together, we have developed many paid internship opportunities with great organizations across several industries and locations.

“An internship is a great way for students to gain practical experience while they are attending MSU and a great way for businesses to make strong connections with students prior to graduation.”

Having heard about the opportunity from Conway, Gunville saw how much the internship impacted his fellow teammate and decided to give it a try. “When I saw Mason do it, it got me thinking about what I’m going to do and how I am going to make money,” Gunville said. “It’s one of those things I can always do to make money on the side, whether I take a finance job or not. And it also gives me an opportunity to give back to the community.”

Now that both have had career-based experience, their thoughts are turning towards the future. “I plan on doing real estate on the side and I’ve actually gotten another internship at a bank right now, and they offered me a job once I graduate,” Hedberg said. “Using my experience from the internship at 701, I can use real estate as a form of passive income in the future.”

Although Hedberg finished his playing career and will graduate in December, Gunville has two more years, giving him a little bit more time to narrow down his career path. “I’m really leaning towards starting in accounting and seeing where that takes me. I’ll definitely do real estate on the side as well,” said Gunville.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 Having grown up here, playing basketball at Minot State, and now getting to watch their siblings grow up, both Hedberg and Gunville make no plans to leave the area. “As athletes, we really get used to the idea of giving back to our community and that’s something that I really want to be able to do here in Minot,” said Gunville.

“This internship really opened my eyes to the opportunity to do that.”

They also found the low-risk value in pursuing their internships.

“I definitely recommend taking an internship. The Severson Entrepreneurship Academy allowed me to fully get the real-life experience,” Hedberg said. “There’s only so much you can really learn in the classroom, it’s the experience that really teaches you how to do a job well.”

“Internships for me were important because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and there are a lot of people out there in the same boat,” Gunville said. “If you have the willingness to try new things the worst that can happen is that you know that job isn’t for you.”

With Hedberg already having a salary position available to him after graduation, and a relator’s license, and Gunville with his relator’s license as well, the Magic City is lucky to have two very talented and passionate young men dedicated to giving back to their community.

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2023 ALLIANCE OF NONPROFIT AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED The Minot Alliance of Nonprofits held the fifth annual Community Recognition luncheon and awards on Tuesday, November 14th at the Grand Hotel in Minot. The Alliance of Nonprofits is a membership-based organization that meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 12 noon at the Parker Senior Center in downtown Minot. There are approximately 30 nonprofit leaders in the group from the Minot area.

Nominations were received from the public, then a panel of 3 community leaders chose the top three in each of six categories. The Alliance members cast their vote to determine the winners.

The 2023 Alliance of Nonprofit award winners: Emerging Leader Award: Elizabeth Weeks, Magic City Discovery Center Board member of the Year: Kate Cowart, Domestic Violence Crisis Center Most Impactful Business of the Year: Aspire Credit Union Dr. Lowell Latimer Lifetime Achievement Award: Roger Reich, Minot Commission on Aging Nonprofit Leader of the Year: Ellen Fenner, Minot Symphony Orchestra Organization of the Year: Magic City Discovery Center It only takes one person, one step, one action, to make a change. It is the distinct honor of the Alliance of Nonprofits to recognize the outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations who make a positive contribution to the Minot community at this year's Alliance of Nonprofits Recognition Luncheon.

The Emerging Leader Award honors newer nonprofit leaders who have already made a significant contribution to the sector and have demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing service. This may be a nonprofit employee, board member, or volunteer. The Outstanding Board Member of the Year honors an individual who effectively serves as a community ambassador of their nonprofit, demonstrates great judgment when making decisions, assists in fundraising and fund development, provides skills and knowledge to make nonprofit better, and serves as an example to other board members. The Most Impactful Business of the Year Award will shine a light on a for-profit business that has shown excellence in philanthropy and other support of the nonprofit community. The business can help one or many nonprofits, and the impact of the business should be significant in helping nonprofits achieve their mission.

The Dr. Lowell Latimer Nonprofit Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual (employee, board member, or volunteer) who has, for at least twenty (20) years, who's contribution has consistently resulted in a positive impact for the nonprofit sector, goes above and beyond to uplift the nonprofit sector, demonstrated a willingness to work with others and assist whenever needed or requested, has been a positive role model for others, and displayed exceptional dependability. This award is named after one of the Alliance’s founding members, Dr. Lowell Latimer, who dedicated a lifetime to making our community stronger. The Nonprofit Leader of the Year honors a nonprofit leader who effectively demonstrates commitment to the nonprofit sector and who enhances the success and knowledge of others. The nonprofit leader will have ensured the mission of the organization created maximum community impact. This must be a nonprofit employee who has led their organization for more than five (5) years.

The Alliance of Nonprofits Organization of the Year honors the member organization that is most deserving of this award for their activities during the past 12 months. Nominees must be a current member of the Alliance and chosen from the list on the nomination form.

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VALVOLINE INSTANT OIL CHANGE PROMOTES BILL STARR TO NEW NORTH MINOT LOCATION Valvoline Instant Oil Change, a leader in quick lube oil changes and preventative maintenance services, is pleased to announce Bill Starr as the Service Center Manager at our newly opened location on North Hill in Minot. Bill brings over 16 years of valuable experience in the tire and oil change industry to this key leadership role.

Bill joined our organization with our Minot Trusted Tire & Auto team in October 2022. He has demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence, a strong work ethic and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service.

“We are thrilled to announce Bill Starr’s well-deserved promotion to the position of Service Center Manager at our newest Valvoline Instant Oil Change location,” said Jarid Lundeen, owner of our local Valvoline franchises operating in ND and SD. “Bill has extensive experience in the industry and a proven track record of effective management and success. We are excited to deliver to our community the topnotch level of customer service they deserve. We are passionate about people: our team members and our customers!”

We offer a full range of motor oil types from conventional to full synthetic and provide a comprehensive series of preventative maintenance services. We take great care to ensure your vehicle is safe and running smoothly.

We offer Stay-in-your-car full-service oil changes that value your time and focus on convenience for you.

Service you can see. Experts you can trust.

HOPS AND HOTDISH 2023 Grab your flannel and get ready to support survivors of domestic violence with a night of hops, hotdish, live music, and a 50/50 raffle!

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TUBACHRISTMAS RETURNS TO THE MAGIC CITY After a nine-year hiatus, TUBACHRISTMAS will return to the Magic City on Saturday, December 16, 2023. Tuba and euphonium players of all ages are encouraged to participate, and a free public concert will take place at 4pm in the theater at Central Campus - 215 1st St SE Minot. This event is presented with permission from the Harvey Phillips Foundation, Inc. Tuba and euphonium players are encouraged to register and participate in this fun holiday event. All participants are encouraged to pre-register at bit.ly/magiccitytubachristmas. On site registration and required $10 registration fee will be collected from 1pm to 1:45 followed by rehearsal from 2-3pm. Musicians will then have a break before the 4pm performance. Registration, rehearsal, and performance will take place in the theater at Central Campus. Each registrant will receive a TUBACHRISTMAS 2023 commemorative button.

“Carols for a Merry TUBACHRISTMAS'' books will be available to borrow or purchase. Festive holiday attire including ‘Ugly Christmas Sweaters’, Santa hats, and tinsel are encouraged!

The Magic City TUBACHRISTMAS will be directed by Dr. David Rolandson, MSU Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Division of Performing Arts with special guest conductor Efrain Amaya, MSU Associate Professor of Music and Music Director of the Minot Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Kateri Miller, MSU Assistant Professor of Music Education Division of Performing Arts will host and lead the audience in sing-alongs. The program includes traditional Christmas favorites including Jingle Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Silent Night and more!

2023 is the 50th year of TUBACHRISTMAS concerts/events which are presented throughout the world.

TUBACHRISTMAS was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. Through the legendary William J. Bell we reflect on our heritage and honor all great artists/teachers whose legacy has given us high performance standards, well structured pedagogy, professional integrity, personal values and a camaraderie envied by all other instrumentalists. The first TUBACHRISTMAS was conducted by Paul Lavalle in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Sunday, December 22, 1974. Traditional Christmas music performed at the first TUBACHRISTMAS was arranged by American composer Alec Wilder who ironically died on Christmas Eve, 1980. Wilder composed many solo and ensemble compositions for tuba and euphonium. He was a loyal supporter of every effort to improve the literature and public image of our chosen instruments. Through Alec Wilder we express our respect and gratitude to all composers who continue to embrace our instruments with their compositions and contribute to the ever growing solo and ensemble repertoire for tuba and euphonium. The Harvey Phillips Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation incorporated in the state of New York and is dedicated to "...developing, expanding, and preserving the music arts..." Registration fees help cover increasing production, promotion, and administrative costs for TUBACHRISTMAS. Please contact coordinators Dr. Kateri Miller at kateri.miller@minotstateu.edu or Ellen Fenner, Minot Symphony Orchestra Executive Director at minotsymphony@minotstateu.edu, or call the Minot Symphony Orchestra box office at 701-858-4228 with any questions.

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SRT SUPPORTS SAWYER DRONE AND ESPORTS PROGRAM WITH $5,000 DONATION SRT presented $5,000 on November 13 to Sawyer Public School, supporting its inaugural year of Drone Racing and eSports. SRT’s donation helped the school buy equipment like computers, accessories, drones, controllers, and headsets.

The program offers drone racing and gaming opportunities to students in grades 7-12. It’s the only in-house extra-curricular activity at Sawyer Public School. The school’s Athletic Director and program leader, Ryan Stockie, said it provides students with technological opportunities that challenge their minds and bodies as well as a social/emotional learning environment.

“It gets rid of the bias or stereotype linked to gaming because it uses technology as a keyhole to physical activity as well,” Stockie said. “It also gives exposure to training in potential jobs that may be available to these kids after high school.”

Drone-racing students practice and compete using drone-simulation software and have four drones to fly onsite. While the state tournament was canceled this year, Stockie said they look forward to getting to next year’s.

“Programs like Sawyer Public School’s are an example of the future. Traditional athletics are important, but so are other opportunities that give students a chance to expand their minds and abilities,” said Kristi Miller, SRT Board President. “We at SRT feel it’s crucial to support our communities and technology opportunities like this one.”

The Drone Racing season will soon conclude and up next is a 10-week competitive eSports season. Students will continue to compete against others in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Choosing from a variety of games, students are matched with their competitors by skill level. Drone Racing and eSports at Sawyer Public School are facilitated

by Fenworks in Grand Forks.

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FIVE FINALISTS SELECTED FOR MINOT NORTHWOODS LEAGUE SOFTBALL NAME YOUR TEAM CONTEST TEAM RECRUITS COMMUNITY'S INPUT AHEAD OF 2024 INAUGURAL SEASON Out of more than 150 submissions, only five names remain. The new team, which will start play in June of 2024, challenged Minot residents and softball fans to come up with a creative moniker. Voting is now open to help the team select from the following submissions: The Minot Valkyries. These traditional female Norse warriors are fearsome foreboders of war who rode to the battlefield on horses, wearing helmets and shields. Additionally, Valkyrie is the name of a number of unmanned armed aircraft used by USAF. The Valkyries would bring victory to the diamond!

The Minot Bombshells. Minot AFB is home to the 5th Bomb Wing, which operates 26 b-52 aircraft, each capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of weapons. The Bombshells pays tribute to the important work the men and women at Minot Air Force Base perform, and sends a message that Minot is a formidable foe!

The Minot Honeybees. What’s better than watching softball in the sweet, sweet summertime? Doing so while paying homage to one of the state's most celebrated products! Producing a whopping 30 million pounds of honey annually, North Dakota bests all other states; just like we're hoping the Minot Honeybees will best their opponents.

The Minot Charm. A touch of magic is conjured with this name! In the 1800’s Minot was a railroad town, its population grew to 5,000 people in just five months… kind of like magic. A magical spell or an object that brings luck; we’re charmed to make Minot home to an inaugural team of the Northwoods Softball League The Minot Valhalla Dalas. Bringing everlasting glory to Minot! This name combines a cherished Scandi Symbol, the Dala Horse, with a revered mythical destination reserved for fierce warriors. Minot is home to a beautiful, towering Dala horse, recognized as a symbol of home for the city’s residents. The Valhalla Dalas would hopefully bring everlasting glory to Minot (in the form of a NWL championship). Destiny is all!

Whatever the name, the team will call Corbett Field home when the league begins its inaugural season, competing against teams from Mankato, Minnesota, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and a yet-to-be-disclosed location.

Northwoods League Softball brings a first-of-its-kind opportunity for female athletes: competitive summer ball, to develop them for college, Olympic, and future professional play.

“We saw such overwhelming public support for the Hot Tots in their first season in 2023. Given the crowds college softball attracts, and a local affinity for the game, we anticipate another warm reception when our softball team takes to the field,” says Monica Hocking, General Manager of Minot Hot Tots and Minot Northwoods League Softball. Voting continues through the end of the month. Follow the Name That Team contest, and all things Minot Softball through our website and on Facebook and Instagram @minotsoftball.

Additional teams and information for 2024 will be announced by the Northwoods League. Visit minotsoftball.com to vote in the Name Your Team contest and for team updates.

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2024 GOAL: GET INVOLVED - BECOME A MEMBER OF AN AREA SERVICE CLUB Minot’s local businesses have always been very generous in their donations to our area service clubs and organizations to aid in many charitable activities and projects in our community. The impact is amazing, and there is opportunity to expand that impact with participation in an area service group.

While Minot does have several employers who already offer employees community service leave and encourage volunteerism for nonprofits/service club involvement, there is always room for more business support with memberships. If your business does not currently have such a program, or have employees who are members of a nonprofit service group, please consider making it a goal in 2024 to support an employee, or yourself, to become a member of a local group.

Minot has many service clubs, such as: Kiwanis International, Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, Sertoma, and Optimists International to name a few. Each club is defined by its service mission and benefits that encourage involvement.

Many clubs meet regularly, with their fundraisers concentrated to a few big activities during the year that may require club volunteers to help plan, or just volunteer to help at the event. The participation of members can vary based on availability, and most clubs are very flexible at finding ways for all members to contribute their time or skills to the success of the organization. Start your search for service clubs on the Chamber EDC Website and with the Minot Public Library.

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JOB SERVICE NORTH DAKOTA TO HOST LABOR MARKET INFORMATION WEBINAR: THE LABOR MARKET INFORMATION PLAYBOOK: HOW TO GET IN THE GAME BY EXPLORING FUNDAMENTALS & STRATEGIES Job Service North Dakota is excited to announce its upcoming educational webinar: The Labor Market Information Playbook: How to Get in the Game by Exploring Fundamentals & Strategies. Job Service North Dakota recognizes that now, more than ever, professionals need to stay ahead of the game. This webinar will provide an invaluable opportunity for professionals across all industries to harness the power of Labor Market Information (LMI) for informed decision-making.

The webinar will be hosted by Patrick Bertagnolli, Executive Director for Job Service North Dakota, and will feature a panel of state and community leaders who will provide a comprehensive play-by-play on transforming labor market information into actionable insights.

Job Service North Dakota remains committed to empowering people with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities and challenges of today’s workforce.

Event Details: - The Labor Market Information Playbook: How to Get in the Game by Exploring Fundamentals & Strategies.

- Date: December 12th, 2023 - Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central Time - Location: Virtual event; details provided upon registration : https://rb.gy/9ra39

Key Takeaways: - Understand the fundamentals of Labor Market information - Leverage NDLMI to set policy and provide support - Engage Labor Market Professionals to enhance your experience

YMCA SEEKING COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE WITH NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY The Minot Family YMCA is currently engaged in a strategic planning process. As part of this process, it is important to understand the needs of the community. Please take 10 minutes to complete this anonymous online survey by February 5, 2024.

SURVEY LINK: Community Needs Assessment This is not a satisfaction survey of Minot Family YMCA programs and services. Rather, this survey is aimed at gathering overall feedback around a wide variety of priority areas and community needs.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

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MINOT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS FUNDS TO TRINITY HEALTH FOUNDATION FOR EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY EQUIPMENT The Minot Area Community Foundation (MACF) has granted $16,654.86 from the Roger & Delores Odell Fund to the Trinity Health Foundation for Exercise Physiology equipment. The Trinity Health Exercise Physiology Department has experienced significant growth and demand for several of their exercise programs that target the regional elderly populations. They will provide exercise services for those suffering with Parkinson’s Disease, Cancer, various co-morbidities, and potentially Alzheimer’s Disease.

“We often make the case that exercise is medicine. For no one is that truer than for a patient with Parkinson’s disease” states Dusty Zimmerman, Trinity Health Foundation & Marketing Director. “Physical activity has been shown to improve many Parkinson’s disease symptoms from balance and mobility to depression and even cognition. This gift means Parkinson’s patients will have a chance for a better life and we thank the Minot Area Community Foundation from the bottom of our hearts.”

Equipment purchased ranges from stability balls and exercise steps to boxing equipment, jump ropes, and mats. These programs have documented successes on the ability to delay disease symptoms, prevent falls, assist with emotional and mental health concerns, and provide an extended quality of life for patients.

“The Odell’s were long time proponents of enhancing the quality of life of everyone. This grant will support a program for those individuals experiencing the effects of this debilitating disease at no cost to the patient.

Early data suggest that it can delay the various impacts of Parkinson’s and extend the quality of life for those individuals,” commented Jason Zimmerman, President of the Minot Area Community Foundation.

Due to the demonstrated need, Trinity Health is expanding their Exercise Physiology services in a designated space at the Trinity Health Center West Location.

TOP PHOTO: L to R: Darla Miller, Darren Armstrong, Chris Van Gels, Perry Olson, Jason Zimmerman, Austin Halladay, Staci Kenney, Jill Wald, Wade McDowell, Julie Wondrasek, Dusty Zimmerman.

LEFT PHOTO: L to R: Austin Halladay, Pete Wahlstrom, Julie Wondrasek MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC COMMUNICATOR | DECEMBER 2023

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BRAD DOLL NAMED NEXT VERENDRYE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MANAGER Brad Doll, a longtime Verendrye Electric Cooperative employee, was hired to be the next manager by the cooperative’s board of directors. Doll, who is currently the engineering manager, will take over as manager in January when current manager Randy Hauck retires. Hauck has worked for Verendrye Electric for 39 years.

Brad lives in Minot and is a professional engineer who graduated from North Dakota State University. He has worked at Verendrye for 29 years as an engineer, starting in 1995. He was promoted to engineering manager in 2018.

Blaine Bruner, chairman of Verendrye Electric, said Brad has been instrumental in hardening the cooperative’s infrastructure to improve reliability. “Brad has been involved in developing our infrastructure for many years. We have been fortunate to have low outage times across our system and that didn’t happen overnight. Brad has been very focused on increasing our reliability and dependability in rural areas, the City of Minot and the Minot Air Force Base.”

One of Doll’s roles as engineering manager is to develop annual workplans to determine what infrastructure should be replaced or upgraded to improve reliability. Blaine described Doll as a hard worker who is very focused on doing what’s right for the cooperative. “He’s got a farmboy mentality that you work hard and do your job and do what’s best for the members of Verendrye Electric,” Bruner said.

Doll is only the 6th manager at Verendrye Electric in the cooperative’s 85-year history. Doll said it is an honor to be named the new manager.

“Everything we do as employees of Verendrye Electric is to serve our members. I look forward to continuing Verendrye’s tradition of providing reliable service to our members and being active in the communities we serve.”

Formed in 1939, Verendrye Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit organization that provides electricity to homes, farms and businesses in seven counties, including parts of Minot and the Minot Air Force Base.

Verendrye Electric is headquartered in Velva, has a full service center in Minot and outposts in Harvey and at the Minot Air Force Base.

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MINOT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS $50,000 TO INDEPENDENCE INC. FOR COMMUNITY KITCHEN The Minot Area Community Foundation (MACF) is pleased to announce a grant of $50,000 to Independence, Inc. for the Building Dreams Community Kitchen.

Funding was made possible through the MACF’s Mike & Dorothy Dolan Fund, Ovid F. Boisjolie Fund, and the Arnold I. Besserud Fund.

The goal of the Community Kitchen is to address issues around isolation and food insecurity in people with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities often face challenges in accessing and obtaining nutritious food due to a range of factors such as limited mobility, financial constraints, communication barriers, and an over reliance of others to meet their basic needs. They also face barriers that create isolation such as physical barriers, social stigma, limited accessibility, and a lack of inclusive opportunities.

“The staff and board of Independence, Inc. are so excited about the possibilities of the Building Dreams Community Kitchen, and we are so thankful for the support of the Minot Area Community Foundation in making this possible,” states Scott Burlingame, Independence, Inc. Executive Director. “This kitchen will not only be used to teach culinary skills, but also create the opportunity for mentorship and foster the development of community.”

The Community Kitchen will support and enhance existing programs such as the Building and Encouraging Youth Opportunities in North Dakota (BEYOND) program, which prepares students with disabilities for adulthood. It will also support the Adult Peer Mentoring, Independent Living Skills, and Nursing Home and Community Transition programs.

“This is an opportunity for Independence, Inc. to provide new and unique programs for all their clients to learn or refresh basic kitchen skills. Additionally, it will also allow for collaboration with other nonprofit partners to enhance life skills that will improve the quality of life for those individuals” commented Jason Zimmerman, President of MACF. The Building Dreams Community Kitchen will serve as a hub for community integration initiatives, for people with all abilities who are in need. When it’s not being used by Independence, Inc., it will be available as a venue for cooking classes, culinary workshops, and events by other community partners.

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FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK & TRUST HONORS JOHN DRADY WITH ODIN AWARD First International Bank & Trust (FIBT) is pleased to announce that John Drady, Market President of our Central North Dakota region and oversees the Treasury Management Team, is the recipient of the 2022 Odin Award. Named after Odin Stenehjem, who founded the bank in 1910, the prestigious award is given annually to the employee who best exemplifies FIBT’s mission, vision, and values. It recognizes those who execute service at its highest level and inspires those around them.

“I am truly humbled to receive this award,” says John Drady. “I have the pleasure of working for an amazing bank that employs many incredible individuals throughout the organization.” To celebrate his achievement, FIBT is donating $5,000 to Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports, John’s charity of choice. “Watching the evolution of this group since it’s inception and all they accomplish in the Minot community is inspiring and I am happy to be a small part of that,” John says.

John has been employed at FIBT for 29 years and is a prominent member of the Minot community. John has impacted countless customers and employees across our footprint. His confidence, banking experience, and integrity will leave a legacy for years to come. Congratulations to John Drady on this well-deserved award!

PHOTO from L to R: Blaine DesLauriers, John Drady, Krystal Butgereit (Executive Director of Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports), Denise Larson, and Heather Gillihan.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK IS BACK! Head to scenic Oak Park for the Minot Sertoma Club’s annual Christmas in the Park, going on now through New Years Eve. The cost is $5/carload or $20 for bus/limo. Enjoy the thousands of twinkling lights displays starting at 5:30pm to 10:00pm nightly.

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ENJOY HOLIDAY MAGIC WITH YOUR MINOT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Minot Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the sounds of the season with an evening of live music by local musicians on Saturday, December 9th at 7 pm at MSU’s Ann Nicole Nelson Hall.

Holiday Magic includes Christmas favorites featuring music from Babes in Toyland, March of the Toys by Victor Herbert, Benjamin Britten’s Men of Goodwill, as well as Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson. Other holiday classics include excerpts from Christus by Franz Liszt and a brass choir will perform Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham.

The choirs of Minot State University, directed by Dr. Emerson Eads, and Minot High School, directed by Lindsay Kerzmann, will join the symphony for the Christmas Cantata as well as Lucas Richman’s Christmas Singalong which encourages audience participation. The symphony will also perform Hanukkah Festival Overture by Lucas Richman to celebrate the Jewish holiday.

The Minot Symphony Orchestra is hosting the Minot Area Community Foundation Donation Station to collect items for the Lord’s Cupboard Food Pantry. Products most requested include: Canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, canned fruits in juice (not syrup), and nutritional cereal. Items can be brought to the symphony concert on December 9th at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall – MSU beginning at 6pm and placed in the Donation Station outside of Old Main or dropped off at Lien’s Jewelry 107 Main St. South during regular business hours (M-F 10am to 6pm and Sat. 11-4). If 1,000 lbs. of food are collected, the food pantry will receive $1,000 in addition to the food collected. Everyone is welcome to contribute.

Tickets for Holiday Magic start at $25 for adults with active military, senior, and student discounts available. All tickets are available at www.minotsymphony.com or through the box office at 701-858-4228. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

The Minot Symphony Orchestra is a unique blend of student, community, and professional musicians from the Minot area. The symphony is directed by Maestro Efraín Amaya, Associate Professor of Performing Arts at Minot State University.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. This project is also supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Minot Area Council of the Arts.

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MAGIC CITY DISCOVERY CENTER PRESENTS QUILT OF VALOR TO LOCAL VETERAN The Magic City Discovery Center held a ceremony Tuesday afternoon where Peace and Honor Quilts of Valor members presented a Quilt of Valor, locally crafted by area kids at the discovery center to veteran, Rex Sisco.

Sisco is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant that served from December 5, 1966 - September 30, 1991.

Sisco trained as a reciprocating aircraft mechanic then retrained to ICBM Minuteman Missiles maintenance. He served during the Vietnam era and Gulf War and currently lives in Minot.

The mission of The Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. A Quilt of Valor is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a service member or veteran who has been touched by war. The quilt says, thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation. Veterans and service members must be nominated to be awarded a quilt and then the QOVF committee approves the nominations.

Lynn Heald, the Peace and Honor Quilts of Valor Minot Program Chair shared, “We are all here because we are patriots, because we want to share the talents that we have with the people who are guarding our freedoms. Sometimes our quilts are given directly to a military veteran or service member, but our volunteers look forward to thanking veterans in person at ceremonies like this one today. We tell our veterans and service members, we put the fabric together, you guys are the thread. Nobody sees what you do, but you hold us together.”

The mission of the Magic City Discovery Center is to engage children and families in the magic of lifelong learning through discovery, creativity, and play.

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NDSU LEADER HONORED AT NATIONAL MEETING SHANA FORSTER RECEIVES RECOGNITION FOR HER ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS AS FOOD SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE FELLOW Twenty-one fellows of the Food Systems Leadership Institute were honored during a ceremony at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities annual meeting. Shana Forster of North Dakota State University was among those honored. She currently serves as director at the NDSU North Central Research Extension Center and a district director for NDSU Extension.

The fellows were recognized for their accomplishments in completing the Food Systems Leadership Institute executive leadership development program and for contributions they have made to their organizations and the broader higher education and food systems.

“The Food Systems Leadership Institute program provided me with the opportunity to develop my personal, organizational and food systems leadership abilities,” says Forster. “I am grateful for the ability to network with others serving in leadership roles across the U.S.” The institute is a two-year program designed for experienced leaders in academia, government and industry.

Through a dynamic curriculum that includes three executive-style residential sessions, individual coaching, mentoring and personal projects, the program seeks to enhance personal leadership ability, develop skills and knowledge for organizational change, and broaden perspectives on integrated food systems.

Fellows report that the experience has significantly impacted their leadership abilities. More than 40% of alumni have experienced promotions, selection to lead high-profile initiatives, election to university-wide leadership posts, and other recognitions. Other fellows are using their enhanced leadership and broader food systems perspectives to lead change from their current positions.

The Food Systems Leadership Institute is a program of the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities. It was created with financial support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and is operated in a partnership between North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University, and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. More information is available at www.fsli.org.

PHOTO: Shana Forster, NDSU, receives a recognition award from Food Systems Leadership Institute director Sam Pardue for her achievements as a fellow in the institute.

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MINOT STATE’S MIS PROGRAM RANKED NO. 1

BY INTELLIGENT.COM Minot State University’s management information systems (MIS) degree program is ranked No. 1 nationally by Intelligent.com.

The MIS program is one of three Minot State degree programs ranked in the top five by Intelligent.com.

International business was ranked second overall, while the human services program is No. 3.

Intelligent.com offers curated guides that include the best degree programs and information about financial aid, internships, and study strategies. To learn more, see the company’s WEBSITE. Multiple MSU programs — as well as the University overall — were also ranked in the top 50.

“We are pleased to share Intelligent.com’s rankings for our programs and are especially proud to see management information systems sit atop those rankings,” said Cole Krueger, Minot State’s director of marketing. “The MIS degree leverages core business courses such as accounting, economics, marketing, and finance with a focus on design, development, and implementation of technology. Technology in the business setting is advancing at a rapid pace and it is an exciting field with huge potential for students.”

See Intelligent.com’s rankings for best accredited online bachelor’s degree in management information systems HERE, its rankings for best accredited online bachelor’s in international business HERE, and online associate in human services HERE. “The business information technology department is continuously striving for currency within the MIS curriculum. We are extremely proud of this ranking as it reinforces the accomplishments of the faculty and students,” said Kristi Berg, chair, business information technology. “Achieving the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation for the MIS degree is a cornerstone of our program ensuring academic delivery to students is producing the qualified workforce needed by the nation.”

Intelligent.com's institutional rankings, which are set apart from other conventional ratings, are deemed the benchmark of academic evaluations for online and hybrid programs. An exclusive methodology is used to rank each institution on a scale from 0 to 100 across six categories. Evaluations are based on quantitative measures such as academic quality, graduation rate, cost and ROI, and student resources. The top picks are highly regarded, affordable, and offer the tools and resources students need to successfully graduate and excel in their fields.

For more information on all Minot State degree programs, see the University’s majors and programs WEBSITE. View more information on management information systems HERE, international business HERE, and human services HERE.

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XCEL ENERGY NAMES NEW PRESIDENT FOR MINNESOTA, NORTH DAKOTA AND SOUTH DAKOTA CURRENT PRESIDENT CHRIS CLARK TO RETIRE AFTER 25 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE Xcel Energy announced that Chris Clark, current president of Xcel Energy – Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, will retire March 1, 2024. Ryan Long, Xcel Energy’s interim general counsel, will succeed Clark as the new president, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

“I want to thank Chris for his tremendous contributions to the company. He helped lead the nation’s clean energy transition and was instrumental in driving our wind leadership to new heights in the Upper Midwest,’’ said Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy’s chairman, president and CEO.

RYAN LONG

In his new role, Long will be responsible for the strategic planning, financial results and operational outcomes for the three states, in addition to leading teams focused on customer, community, regulatory, legislative and governmental relationships.

“We have extraordinary opportunities in the next decade as we pursue the clean energy future. I know Ryan will carry forward the exceptional work of our employees as we seize the opportunities before us to deliver reliable, safe, affordable energy service for our customers, communities and stakeholders,” said Frenzel.

Long joined Xcel Energy in 2015 and is currently responsible for leading the legal department and executing the company’s legal strategy as interim general counsel. Long previously worked as a lawyer for Faegre Baker Daniels, now known as Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath in Minneapolis and Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City. Long currently serves on the board of directors for Project for Pride in Living, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit.

Amanda Rome, executive vice president, group president of Utilities and chief customer officer, will serve as interim general counsel in addition to her current duties.

Clark joined Xcel Energy in 1999 as a senior attorney and also served as the vice president of Regulatory before being named president of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota in January of 2015. He represented the company on several civic groups, including the Minnesota Department of Transportation Sustainable Transportation Advisory Council, Minnesota Governor’s Advisory Council on Climate Change, the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies and the St. Paul Downtown Alliance.

CHRIS CLARK

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MINOT AREA CHAMBER EDC EVENTS AND MEETINGS Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1

3

10

4

6

5

11

12

MAFB Cookie Drive 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

MACEDC Office

MAFB Cookie Drive 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

MACEDC Office

7 Military Affairs Committee 12:00 p.m.

Grand Hotel

Ribbon Cutting 10:00 a.m.

Farmers Insurance Nicole Brasfield 7 3rd St SE Ste 102

Ribbon Cutting 5:00 p.m.

Bravera

13

9 Infrastructure Committee 7:30 a.m.

Homesteaders Restaurant

Business After Hours 5:00 p.m.

Bravera - 925 20th Ave SW

14

Board of Directors Meeting 7:30 a.m.

MACEDC Office

2

8

Right Start Committee 9:25 a.m.

MACEDC Office

Saturday

15

16

Start Up Minot Networking Event 7:30 a.m.

Carnegie Center

Eagle Awards 10:00 a.m.

MACEDC Office

Ambassadors Committee 4:30 p.m.

Grand Hotel Luxe Lounge

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Christmas Holiday MACEDC Office Closed

Christmas Holiday MACEDC Office Closed

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