December 2015
THE
Official Publication of The Chamber - GF/EGF Official Publication of Grand Forks -
East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to the 2015 Leadership Class
The 2015 Chamber Leadership Class will be graduating this evening. After 3 months of classes they have learned alot about themselves, our community and improved their leadership skills. They also have made new friends and contacts. Congratulations on completing the program.
Terry Anderson Alerus Center
Bernhard, Nicholas Berube, Candice BeMobile, Inc. Hugo’s
Crawford, Markiesha Dacus, Erin GFAFB GF Public LIbrary
Inman, Daniel Minnkota Power
Johnson, Brent True North Equp.
Dahl, Stacey Minnkota Power
Botnen, Lisa City of GF
Brokke, David River Cinema
DeSautel, Rena The Chamber
Bruhn, Haley GF Public Health
Chisholm, Rachel City of GF
Erickson, Stephanie Guetter, Gretchen City of GF City of GF
Johnson, Cole
Johnson, Lindsay
Johnson, Necole
Nodak Electric
Alerus
Woman’s Pregnancy Center
Kvamme, Kyle ICON Architectural
Larson, Joel Minnkota Power
Lester, Caryl Stable Days Youth Ranch
Ljunggren, Brian Hugo’s
Lund, Amy City of GF
Rall, Leann Hugo’s
Rengstorf, Lucas AE2S
Roseland, Erik True North Equipment
Sandberg, Jennifer Prairie Harvest Mental Health
Stai, Penny River Cinema
Kaufhold, MSgt Robyn GFAFB
Mikula, Trina Hugo’s
Collins, Kristie GFAFB
Hatcher, Kevin River Cinema
Coye, Ryan Gate City Bank
Helgeson, Lorraine Hippen, Ed Woman’s PregRetrax Holdings, LLC nancy Center
Kennelly, Brendan
Knudson, Michael
Kuczkowski, Tiffany
Minnkota Power
NDSU Ext. Service
GFAFB
Mock, Corey GGF Young Professionals
Moen, Chris Alerus
Newton, Samuel River Cinema
Steffen, Sarah Stromberg, Joshua Klawon, Gwen Retrax Holding LLC Sigma Defense Leadership Class Facilitator Systems
202 N. 3rd Street Grand Forks, ND 58203 (701)772-7271
(701)772-9238 Fax
info@gochamber.org
www.gochamber.org
Chamber News Officers Chair: Kristi Magnuson Nelson Hugo’s/Hugo’s Wine & Spirits Chair-Elect: John Oncken - True North Equipment Past Chair: Chris Wolf Alerus Financial Secretary: Ron Galstad Galstad, Jensen, McCann PA Matt Walkowiak - Ground Round Amy Haagenson- Brady Martz & Assoc. P.C. Barry Wilfahrt The Chamber - GF/EGF
Directors Josh Brown - Thompson Insurance Dan Dahl - Dahl Funeral Home Tom DiLorenzo - UND Kellee Fisk - Altru Pete Haga - City of Grand Forks Bonnie Haley - Bon Voyage Travel Brady Hansen- Verizon Wireless, BeMobile, Inc. Jason Heintz - Scheels Kenny Holweger - Kenny’s Music Curt Kreun - GF City Council Pat McLean - Clear Channel Comm. Bob Moore - River Cinema Tom Rosendahl - Dakota Supply Group Brian Rydell - Rydell Auto Center Cheryl Swanson- Alerus Center Klaus Thiessen - GF Regional EDC
Sr. Military Advisor to the Board Colonel Rodney Lewis - GFAFB
Staff Barry Wilfahrt
President/CEO barry@gochamber.org
Lisa Swanson
Vice President of Operations lisas@gochamber.org
Kimberly Strom
Program/Event Director kimberlys@gochamber.org
Carla Younce
Finance Director carlay@gochamber.org
Emberly Lietz
Membership Director emberlyl@gochamber.org
Rena DeSautel
Administrative Coordinator info@gochamber.org
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Governor Meets With Local Business Leaders
The Chamber and Economic Development Corporation’s Governor’s Liaison group met with Governor Dalrymple on Friday, December 4th to visit about key issues facing Grand Forks like the future of the Air Force Base, the Enhanced Use Lease at the air force base, the local economic climate, potential infrastructure projects for the 2017 legislative session and the overall revenue picture for the state. The local economy remains strong despite weakness in Agriculture, the Canadian dollar and oil. A Demers/42nd street overpass is a key infrastructure priority as is the second half of funding for the state’s share of the planned water treatment plant. The Governor was briefed on what the GF group will tell the Air Force in meetings planned for next week. He was also pleased to learn several additional companies are looking to expand to the Grand Sky Business Park at the GFAFB. The Chamber and EDC have 3-5 meetings annually with the Governor to help maintain a strong relationship with the state.
Bonding for Interconnect Top Legislative Priority for EGF
Both Minnesota Bonding Committees have been to East Grand Forks in the past 6 months to learn more about the EGF/GF waste Water Interconnect project. The 5.6 million dollar request is vital to solving EGF waste water needs at an affordable cost. The Chamber continues to strongly support this effort.
The MN Legislature will convene the first week in March
Workforce Update
Three projects are moving forward the first quarter of 2016. 1. Job Shadowing Week. Third week in February. Students from UND and NCTC will have an opportunity to spend two hours in local businesses learning more about what they do. Employers can sign up to host one or more students by going to the following link. (Jill has the form). Last year 171 students participated in the first ever Job Shadowing event. 60% of the participating students last year indicated they are more likely to seek employment in Grand Forks following their shadowing experience. 2. Mission Connection Project. While 60% of Northlands Rescue Mission clients work at a local businesses another 10% could also work with a little coaching. To that end The Workforce Development Taskforce is using some of its Bush Innovation Grant money to develop a coaching plan that will be piloted and hopefully become part of the Mission’s long term client services to ensure every client who can work is working on our community. 3. New American Orientation/Manufacturing Training. Working with NCTC a month long training program is being developed for New Americans to help: a. Orient them to what is expected in the American workplace Cont. on pg. 3
Chamber News
Membership Renewals - Through November 24th The following businesses know the value of their Chamber Membership and have renewed their membership in The Chamber - GF/EGF. Please visit them for your purchasing needs. Auto Finance Super Center Blue Moose Bar & Grill Community Violence Intervention Center Dak-Minn Blood Bank Dakota Mailing & Shipping Equipment, Inc. Dakota Venture Group Forks Lath & Plaster, Inc. Greater Grand Forks Community Theater Greenberg Realty Halstad Telephone Company Indigo Signworks JDM Jewelers Johnson Wealth Management ‘l Bistro Mediterranean Eatery Lutheran Social Services of ND Morelli’s Distributing Northern Plains Financial
Patty Hajostek-Colonial Life Insurance Playmaker All American Lounge Pucks Commercial Cleaning River Cinema 15 RRV Rewards Sakura Japanese Steakhouse Sleep Inn and Suites Splashers of the South Seas St. Michaels Catholic Church Street is Neat Custom Bikes & Trikes, Inc. Tavern United The Lighting Gallery Third Street Clinic United Valley Bank Welcore Clinic Wells Fargo
Important Dates for 2016 Chamber Annual Meeting at Alerus Center - January 29th Joint Meeting of the GF/EGF City Councils at the Chamber office – February 3rd Mayor’s State of the City at Alerus Center - February 26th Cont. from pg. 2
b. Teach them basic manufacturing skills and; c. Teach them Basic English needed in the workplace. This is an innovative program and the Workforce Development Task Force is hopeful it will help New American integrate into the local workforce and their new home. Contact Barry at the Chamber or the chamber intern (intern@gochamber.org) about any of the workforce development programs.
Annual Meeting Speaker Announced Incoming Chamber Board Chair, John Onken, True North Equipment has worked hard to recruit a
fantastic speaker for the Chamber Annual Meeting on January 29th. - John Phipps ,recently retired host of the US Farm Report TV show. John writes humor and commentary, appearing regularly in Farm Journal and Top Producer magazines as a contributing editor. His work has also been published in Farm & Country in Canada, Production in Denmark and The American Enterprise. In 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002 and 2004 his works were selected for Best Humor; in 1995, 2000 and 2003, Best Regular Column; and in 2003, Best Editorial Opinion by the American Agricultural Editors As-
sociation. In 2004, he was named Writer of the Year. He also appeared regularly on Weekend Marketplace as a commentator. In 2005, he assumed the position of host of U.S. Farm Report, the nation’s longest-running TV show, stepping down from the position in 2014 to spend more time on the farm. Also in 2005, he began “Incoming,” a unique weblog for those who farm and those who like farms. In conjunction with writing, John speaks often to farm and business groups.
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2016 Chamber Annual Dinner & Meeting Sponsorships Available Friday January 29th, 2016
Alerus Center
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Guest Speaker: John Phipps, Commentator John writes humor and commentary, appearing regularly in Farm Journal and Top Producer magazines as a contributing editor. His work has also been published in Farm & Country in Canada, Production in Denmark and The American Enterprise. He also appeared regularly on Weekend Marketplace as a commentator. In 2005, he assumed the position of host of U.S. Farm Report, the nation’s longest-running TV show, stepping down from the position in 2014 to spend more time on the farm. Also in 2005, he began "Incoming," a unique weblog for those who farm and those who like farms. In conjunction with writing, John speaks often to farm and business groups.
True North Equipment
Speaker sponsored by: ND Mill & Elevator Alerus Hugo’s Family Marketplace Black Gold Farms Red River Farm Network
Join us as we report on 2015 and welcome our new Board Chair for 2016, John Oncken. We are pleased to welcome John Phipps as our featured speaker . The evening will end with the Prestigious Henry Havig Award Winner announcement. Join These Corporate Sponsors: AE2S, Alerus, Alerus Center, Altru Health System, Brady Martz, Bremer Bank, Choice Financial, City of Grand Forks, EAPC Architects Engineers, Gate City Bank, Hugo’s, Hugo’s Wine & Spirits, JLG Architects, Minnkota Power, Northland College, Ralph Engelstad Arena, Retrax Holdings LLC, True North Equipment, UND Presidents Office, Vilandre Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and Xcel Energy
Corporate Sponsor: $600 Reserved table of eight – Select Seating Location Logo & recognition on all advertising material Logo & recognition on event program Logo & recognition on event powerpoint Join These Associate Sponsors: American Federal Bank, PS Doors
Associate Sponsor: $300 2 reservations to event Name on all advertising materials Name recognition on event program Name recognition on event powerpoint
Join These Business Sponsors: Bank Forward/ Insure Forward, Boardwalk Bar & Grill, Dahl Funeral Home, Ground Round and US Bank
Business Sponsor: $425 4 reservations to event Logo on all advertising materials Name recognition on event program Name recognition on event powerpoint
Auction Sponsor: Donated Item for Silent Auction Table Your item will be displayed on the auction tables The bid sheet will recognize your business as having donated the item Your business will be recognized on the Auction Items Flyer
To secure a sponsorship contact Lisa Swanson at 772-7271 or lisas@gochamber.org. Reserve your sponsorship soon to be included in all promotions.
Chamber News Hosted by
Bremer Bank & Zimney Foster P.C. 3100 S. Columbia Rd., Grand Forks
Thursday Dec. 17th, 2015 4:45pm - 7:00pm Free Admission • Complimentary hors d’ourvres, drink ticket & cash bar • Great Door Prizes • Progressive cash drawing is at $1800! Bremer Bank & Zimney Foster P.C. invite all Chamber Members and their employees to join them for a fun Business After Hours. Enjoy the fun and take advantage of great networking opportunities. You might even win $1800 in our progressive cash drawing! We’ll draw the name of one Chamber Member business. If someone from that organization is present, they win!! Business After Hours is a great time to network, catch up with friends, coworkers and clients in a fun and casual way. Spread the word and plan to attend the next Business After Hours.
Wishing You A Silent Knight. 701.235.1121 • 888.526.1121 16 South 16th Street • Fargo, ND Passion. Quality. Innovation.
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www.knightprinting.com
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701-772-6691 stonesmobileradio.com
1550 47th Avenue S. Grand Forks, ND 58201
Chamber News
Welcome New Members Grand Forks Marathon Rachel Hellyer PO BOX 14867 Grand Forks, ND 58201 (P) 701- 780-9616 rachel@pdsproule.com www.gfmarathon.com Grand Forks Marathon Inc. will be hosting our inaugural full marathon (26.2 miles) September 23-24, 2016! For information about race registration, volunteering or sponsorship, please see our website.
See Dick Run, LLC Richard Dafoe 3750 32nd Ave S., STE 102 Grand Forks, MN 58201 (P) 701-775-1115 seedickrungf@gmail.com www.rundick.com See Dick Run is a specialty running retail shop, providing shoes, gear, support, and a place to call home for runners of all abilities.
Joy to the World
Newman Outdoor Advertising Laura Endres 207 Park Ave. Grand Forks, MN 58203 (P) 701-741-0766 lendres@newmanoutdoor.com www.newmansigns.com Newman Outdoor Advertising offers billboard and digital advertising across the state of North Dakota and Minnesota. We have options on I94 and I29 as well as within the city limits of virtually every city your potential customers reside. Professional designers and an experienced sales staff are ready to work with you to put together an advertising campaign that can reach thousands of customers every day!
Sunday, Dec 13, 2015 2:30 PM Empire Arts Center
Looking For a Fun Way to Get Your Business Noticed? If you are a current Chamber member please consider donating an item or gift basket to the Chamber’s Silent Auction to be held during the Annual Meeting/Dinner on January 29th, 2016. Your business will be recognized in the auction program, on the item’s bid sheet and in future auction promotions, including Member 2 Member! Even if you are not able to attend the 7
event, you can take part by donating to the Silent Auction. This is a fun addition to the night
and is a great fund raiser for The Chamber! Items may be brought to The Chamber office at 202 N. 3rd St. or contact Emberly to arrange for pick-up of your auction donation prior to January 15th, 2016. emberlyL@gochamber.org or 701-772-7271. Thank you for contributing!
Hot Springs Business After Hours
November Brown Bag Seminar
Chamber Leadership Program
Hot Springs Business After Hours Eggstravaganza
Eggstravaganza Chamber Leadership Program
Eggstravaganza
Eggstravaganza 9
Hot Springs Business After Hours
Eggstravaganza
Chamber News Chamber Ambassador Ribbon Cuttings
To schedule a ribbon cutting for a new business, new location, remodel or dedication, contact Emberly at emberlyL@gochamber.org
Edgewood Corporate Plaza
KBM, Inc.
pretty.b
Steamatic Total Cleaning & Restoration
Thrivent Financial
Whole Life
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Business Briefs Choice Financial Promotions
Elisha Ferguson, Lysette Lopez and Jeramie Riskey have been promoted at Choice Financial. Ferguson has been promoted to Mortgage Processor. She joined Choice in November 2013 as a Frontline Customer Service Representative. Ferguson was previously employed as an administrative assistant and attended Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks, Minn. Riskey has been promoted to AVP of Ag Lending. He joined Choice Financial in August 2012 as an Ag Banking Officer. He had previous experience in the agricultural industry in sales at a local John Deere Dealership. Riskey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D. Lopez has been promoted to Frontline Specialist. She joined Choice has a Customer Service RepresentativeFrontline in May 2015. Lopez earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Dakota, Grand Fork, N.D.
GGF Symphony Holiday Concert
Joy to the World: Join the Greater Grand Forks Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Alejandro Drago, for our Holiday Concert - “Joy to the World” on Sunday, December 13th 2:30 pm at the Empire Arts Center. The concert will feature Maria Williams Kennedy, soprano and Dr. Wesley
Lawrence, tenor along with but she also has many wonderful area musiover 5 years of cians. Hear the premiere of experience in the “Roller Coaster” by Martin customer service Kutnowski, and participate in industry. Lutton is a Holiday Sing-Along. Ticket a self-proclaimed price includes free admission crazy dog lady to the pre-concert talk with and has a ten Maestro Drago starting at 1:00 month old golden pm. retriever puppy named Wilson. Being a native of California, a Tickets are available at the nice glass of wine always redoor or in advance by calling minds Lauren of her roots. the GGFSO office. Meet the Maestro: Join the Maestro and featured performers for dinner on Saturday, December 12th at the Toasted Frog (Must be 21+ to enter) Register by calling the GGFSO office. Limited seating. Individuals are responsible for their own dining incurrence. GGFSO@GGFSO.ORG - 701732-0579 - www.ggfso.org
Choice Financial Names Dubourt Director Emeritus
The board of directors of Choice Financial Group has named Leon Dubourt as Director Emeritus upon his retirement from the board.
Mr. Dubourt is a founding member of Choice Choice Financial Hires Financial, and Olson and Lutton has served on Todd Olson was recently numerous bank hired as a Credit Analyst in the boards. He has Grand Forks market. also served as mayor of the city of Walhalla, Olson graduated from Mayville and gives his time to local organizations committed to the State University, growth and prosperity of our Mayville, N.D. with a Bachelor of state. His passion for community banking fuels his continScience in Busiued interest in the growth and ness Administraprosperity in our region. tion with an emphasis in Banking, Leon, along with Bert Johnson Finance, and Real Estate. He and Lyle Johnson, had a vision has over 4 years work and internship experience with the for banking prosperity in the FDIC and other financial insti- Pembina and Red River valleys. Their personal interests tutions. led to the formation of Choice Financial Group in 2001, Lauren Lutton was recently through a merger of four local hired as a Frontline Specialist banks. at the Grand Forks location. Lutton graduated from Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, C.A. with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology. She may have gone to school to become a police officer, 11
Chamber News
STAND OUT in The Chamber’s 2016 Membership Directory You can make your directory listing in the 2016 Community Profile/Membership Directory stand out with BOLD or RED print!
printing copying direct mail imprinted apparel advertising specialties 910 central avenue | egf mn 56721 | 218.773.2577
Included with your membership is a listing in the back of the Communtiy Profile book. You have the opportunity to make your listing stand out by pur- chasing with BOLD or RED for your listing. Contact Emberly for details! emberlyL@gochamber.org 701-772-7271 The 2015 edition has been selected as chamber Publication of the Year by Mid-America Chamber Executives (MACE) organization! An online version of the book can be found HERE Your listing for the directory is taken from our member database. Please check your listing on our website HERE. If there are changes to the contact person, email address, phone, address or website, contact Emberly to make the change.
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