July 2015
THE
Official Publication of The Chamber - GF/EGF Official Publication of Grand Forks -
East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Shark Tank Gears Up for “Episode 2” in October The Chamber debuted the Shark Tank event in May. One of the 10 local entrepreneurs who presented their one minute elevator pitch as part of the first every (anywhere) “Chamber Shark Tank” negotiated a $50,000 investment from an angel investor in attendance at the event. The Community Foundation provided funding for the prizes through its BUSH Innovation Grant and Alerus Financial provided a sponsorship of the event. Contestants competed for a first prize of $500 and second and third place prizes of $250 each to help them launch their innovative idea or product.
With over 100 people in attendance, the event was a huge success. The second Chamber Shark Tank is set for October 8th, 2015. Three contestants are already signed up to go into the Tank for the Fall event and it will be limited to just 10 contestants. Contact the Barry at The Chamber now if you want to present to the “Sharks”, barry@gochamber. org or 701-317-1555.
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
BGEA Talks About Robust Southend Growth
The Chamber’s Business Government Education Alliance (BGEA) Committee met at the soon to be opened Discovery Elementary School in June. • BGEA CoChair Larry Nybladh presented on the school district future growth and infrastructure plans. • The Discovery School principal talked about how the school is already filling up with almost twice as many students slated to attend there than when originally designed two years ago. • City Administrator, Todd Feland talked about the cities infrastructure plan. • Steve Swanson from AE2S showed the group the Hugo’s development plan just south of 47th Ave. S on S. Washington. The main takeaway was that the South End is continuing to grow and will continue to grow in coming years.
Chamber and EDC Take Group to Meet With Governor
The Chamber/ GF Regional EDC members met with Governor Dalrymple last month to thank him for everything he did for Grand Forks during the recently ended legislative session. BGEA Chairman and former Chamber Board Chair, Jim Galloway started the meeting out by telling the Governor “we are here to thank you and do not plan on asking you for anything today.” The group kept their word and engaged in a discussion about the state and GF economy. With 68% of the states economy now based on Agriculture and Oil, the economic diversification efforts in the Red River Valley are more important than ever before. We have record employment in Grand Forks at companies like Amazon, Cirrus, LM Windpower, PS Doors, ACME and many others. This growth continues to keep Grand Forks economy healthy and moving forward.
Sr. Military Advisor to the Board Colonel Paul E. Bauman - 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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Membership Renewals Through June 24
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.
1st Realty of GGF, Inc. - Darrell Dallum American Family Insurance - Jeremy Fulton Anytime Fitness Artistic Food & Floral BBI International Burggraf’s Ace Hardware Business Specialties, CPA’s Choice Financial Coldwell Banker-Laurie Tweten Dakota Science Center East Grand Floral
Chamber News Hosted by
Citizens Community Credit Union 3351 32nd Ave. S., Grand Forks
Thursday, July 16, 2015 4:45pm - 7:00pm Free Admission • Complimentary grilled burgers & brats & cash bar • Great Door Prizes • Win chances enter the Cash Cube Machine • Progressive cash drawing is at $1300! Citizens Community Credit Union invites 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 $1300 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.
Membership Renewals - continued Edward Jones - Matt Odenbach Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve Farmers Insurance Group - Steve Renslow German Law Group, P.C. GF Limo, LLC Hugo’s Wine & Spirits - East Grand Forks John Clayburgh, DDS Northrop Grumman Prudential Crary Real Estate - Shawn Horn River Cities Speedway Ruffing It Doggie Daycare & Overnight Center Sprague Alliance Consulting Stray Media Group The Toasted Frog
PASSION QUALITY INNOVATION
701.235.1121 • 888.526.1121 16 South 16th Street • Fargo, ND Passion. Quality. Innovation.
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Chamber News
Welcome New Members Grand Forks Youth For Christ Sean Patterson 2524 S. Washington St. STE 1 Grand Forks, ND 58201 (P) 701 213-1928 seanpatterson@grandforksyfc.com www.gfyfc.org Grand Forks YFC has been helping young people for over twenty years. Every day YFC volunteers who lead Campus Life clubs, bible studies, camps, retreats, and other projects are helping young people realize their God given potential. Joined with Nicole Dvorak Dan’s Pest Control Dan Mayers Thompson, ND 58278 (P) 701-740-4034 We specialize in pest control, weed control, organic services and more for the following: Agricultural, Industrial, Commercial, Residential, New Construction, Business, Institutional, Municipal. Call for a free estimate! Joined with Kathy Snider GF Custom Woodwork, Inc. Louis J. Forseide 915 N. 3rd St. Grand Forks, ND 58203 (P) 701-775-0813 (F) 701-775-0814 GF Custom Woodwork, Inc. specializes in cabinet making, refinishing, refacing and resurfacing for household, commercial and industrial spaces. Joined with Dee Skjold Sky Digital Advertising Paul Hilt 4627 44th Ave S. STE 105 Fargo, ND 58104 (P) 701-893-5427 (F) 701-356-8601 sales@skydigitaladvertising.com www.skydigitaladvertising.com Your ad may be displayed at least 4
1440 times per day every day of the week. You have the ability to display more than one ad to promote different points of your message! Digital billboard advertising “Where the Sky’s the Limit”. PATH Shera Brandvold 212 South 4th St. STE 401 Grand Forks, ND 58201 (P) 701-775-7725 (P) 701-527-4575 (F) 701-775-7880 sbrandvold@pathinc.org www.pathinc.org PATH is a private, non-profit agency serving children and families in North Dakota since 1994. Programs that are currently offered in the Grand Forks office are Treatment Foster Care, Family Support, and Independent Living. Anchor Counseling Services, LLC Susan Nelson, MSW, LICSW, RN 311 S. 4th Street STE 118 Grand Forks, ND 58201 (P) 701-213-4373 (P) 701-6300708 (F) 701-3357380
s.nelson@anchorcounselingnd. com www.anchorcounselingnd.com Anchor Counseling Services, LLC opened in Grand Forks on May 4th of this year! My name is Susan Nelson, MSW, LICSW, RN. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, jails, hospitals and substance abuse treatment. Now I am opening my own office. If you or someone you know needs help, or is hurting, please call 701-2134373. We are located in the River’s Edge Building. Relax Event Studio Marie Strinden Jensen 315 Kittson Avenue Grand Forks, ND 58201 (P) 917-687-9245 Mariestrindenjensen@gmail.com www.relaxeventstudio.com Marie works with a talented and dedicated staff to prepare for and run your event. Make an appointment with the studio to meet us and start planning the event of your dreams!
Home Place Thrift Store 701-795-9704
1811 S. Washington, Grand Forks, ND www.prairieharvest.net
Call us to pick up your donations! (Available Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, schedule permitting)
* Furniture * Appliances * Electronics * Household Items * Clothing All Proceeds Benefit:
* Books
Hugo’s/Forx Rentall Business After Hours
MAC Golf Outing
City to Farm Event
June Brown Bag Seminar
June Brown Bag Seminar
Hugo’s/Forx Rentall Business After Hours
MAC Golf Outing
Chamber Ambassadors at BAH
Hugo’s/Forx Rentall Business After Hours
MAC Golf Outing
City to Farm Event
Hugo’s/Forx Rentall Business After Hours
Business Briefs Altru Announces Staff Changes
Altru Health System is proud to announce Jenni Gibbs has accepted the position of manager of central sterile. In this role, Gibbs will be responsible for sterilization and processing of medical equipment and surgical supplies. A native of Grand Forks, Gibbs received a bachelor of science in natural sciencesbiology from the University of North Dakota. Gibbs began her work in healthcare with United Hospital (Altru Health System) in 1989, where she has worked in inpatient nursing. For the past three years, she has served as manager of Inpatient HUC & Telemetry at Altru. She will officially make her transition July 6, 2015. Mina Hanna, MD, joins the hematology and oncology team at Altru Cancer Center. “Working with patients with cancer has given me the chance to address people’s
needs, fears and wounds and above all, to act as their advocate,” says Dr. Mina Hanna. “I’ve learned to always be grateful, even for the smallest things; things that are usually taken for granted yet seem to make all the difference when others are deprived of them.” Dr. Hanna is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Cairo University in Cairo, Egypt. He earned his fellowship in hematology and oncology at Mount Sinai Health Systems, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York, where he was named chief fellow. He completed this internal medicine residency from Yale New Haven Hospital-Saint Raphael’s campus in Connecticut.
ates (U.A.E.) and attended college in Egypt. He has a vast appreciation for different nationalities and backgrounds. He is passionate about music, including composing, singing and playing music; he plays the lute, keyboard and recorder. Dr. Hanna is fluent in Arabic and English.
Pedro Perez Cartagena, MD, joins Altru’s interventional pain management team. Dr. Perez believes in empowering his patients. “I help get the patient started, but I believe the power to make the changes lies within the patient. I’m here as a resource and as a coach,” says Dr. Perez. He believes the right mix of environment, exercise, diet and social interactions will improve a person’s overall health. Prior to joining Altru, Perez worked Nebraska and Dr. Hanna was born in Cyprus, Dr. most recently in Canada. raised in the United Arab Emir-
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Business Briefs Dr. Perez is board certified in pain management and anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology. He earned his medical degree from the Jagiellonian University Faculty of Medicine in Krakow, Poland. He completed his residency from State University of North York at Buffalo in anesthesiology. He then continued with a fellowship in pain management. Dr. Perez spends much of his free time walking his dogs, reading and traveling. He enjoys dancing, playing guitar and spending time with his family. Dr. Perez grew up in Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish and English.
Emily Donaher Joins AE2S
AE2S (Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.) has hired Emily Donaher as a Law Clerk in the firm’s Grand Forks, ND office, where she will assist the AE2S General Counsel. Donaher has a range of legal experience including local and state government, as well as exposure to family, property, and criminal law. Before joining AE2S, Donaher was the legal assistant for the Pembina County State’s Attorney’s Office in Pembina County, ND, where she assisted with legal research and legal document drafting. “Emily’s legal experience as well as her enthusiasm will be very beneficial to AE2S,” says Jonathan Sickler, AE2S General Counsel. “Her analytical and thorough approach to complex legal matters will be very valuable.” Originally from San Diego, CA, Donaher holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University in Fullerton, CA. She is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. 8
Altru Announces New People Resources Leadership
Altru Health System is proud to announce four new roles within its people resources division. Marlene Miller | Director of Talent Strategy In this new role, Miller will be responsible for developing and implementing an overall learning, organizational development and talent management strategy to support operations. She will oversee Altru’s professional and clinical education, organizational development, employee and physician engagement, and recruitment in collaboration with leadership. Miller joined Altru in May 2012 as manager of Learning and Organizational Development. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of North Dakota. Karen Mellum, PhD | Manager of Learning and Organizational Development Mellum will oversee daily operations of Learning and Organizational Development, incorporating evidence-based leadership principles and organizational development theory and practices, as well as succession and continuity planning for leadership positions. Mellum joined Altru in December 2012 as an organizational development consultant. She received her PhD in counseling psychology from Ball State University in Indiana and is a licensed psychologist.
Sara Dvorak, RN, BSN | Manager of Clinical Talent Development Dvorak will oversee student and clinical orientation and education designed to attract and prepare students to join Altru and ensure current employees maintain and develop clinical competencies to serve patients and exceed expectations. Dvorak graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor of science in nursing. She joined Altru in 2004 as a medical-surgical nurse, later serving as a patient care coordinator and clinical learning coordinator. Nina Gerber, MBA | Manager of People Engagement & Performance Gerber will oversee implementation of employee engagement and performance strategies designed to create and contribute to a culture of engaged employees clear on purpose and contribution to organizational strategy. Gerber joined Altru in 2012 as an organizational development consultant. She received her bachelor’s degree in finance from Mankato State University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Mary in Bismarck.
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Chamber News Choice Financial Joins With Northland Financial
Choice Financial announces that pending regulatory and other approvals, it is acquiring Northland Financial--with locations in Bismarck, Steele and Medina—through an ownership agreement jointly approved by the board of directors of both entities. Combined, Choice Financial will have $1.15 billion in assets and be positioned as the 6th largest community banking organization (by asset size) in North Dakota. Customers will have access to 19 locations in North Dakota and be served by 250 team members across our great state. The transaction is expected to close sometime in the third quarter. This partnership will bring together two teams with a shared values system – one that demonstrates commitment to customers, commu-
nities and each other. Team members are proud to volunteer to make a difference, and are supported in their efforts. Choice gives team members the time and opportunity to be active with their families and communities. The organization’s emphasis on supporting team members is evident in their quest to be a premier employer in North Dakota. It offers a culture of support where team members are encouraged to work hard, do the right thing and have fun. It’s attractive because of the focus on innovation and technology, with resources such as active engagement in social media, video collaboration and internal chat platforms.
Marco Purchases Hadley’s Copier Business
Marco, Inc., a leading technology services provider in the United States, continues its expansion throughout Wisconsin with the purchase of the
copier sales and service business of Hadley Office Products. On Monday, Marco welcomed the employees that previously supported Hadley’s copier sales and service business to its employee-owned team. Hadley will continue ownership of its office furniture and supply divisions. “Hadley’s copier sales and service business is a great fit for us,” said Kevin Schmidt, Marco regional manager in Wisconsin. “Marco has been in the copier business since 1975 and has an extensive team of technical specialists who can help further enhance this service and bring more robust technology offerings to clients in Wisconsin.” This represents Marco’s fourth acquisition in Wisconsin since 2011. In addition to the new Wausau office, Marco also has offices across Wisconsin in Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison, Appleton and Green Bay.
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Chamber News
Dusterhoft Family Stores Ribbon Cutting
Mainstream Boutique Ribbon Cutting Chamber Ambassador Ribbon Cuttings
Service Credit Union Ribbon Cutting Connect with The Chamber on Social Media.
Click the logo’s to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. We will return the likes and follows. We post lots of pictures, event information, notices of new members and helpful business articles. 10
To schedule a ribbon cutting for a new business, new location or remodel, contact Emberly at emberlyl@gochamber.org