September 2015
THE
Official Publication of The Chamber - GF/EGF Official Publication of Grand Forks -
East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Shark Tank - Second Round on October 8th
years old) and individuals with a business idea are encouraged to “go into the tank” and share their business opportunity with the “sharks”. Presenters will compete for cash prizes provided by the BUSH Foundation Innovation Grant the Chamber and Community Foundation received. Chamber Members are encouraged to attend the event and learn from the presenter and the sharks who will offer business advice to each of the participants and select the winners.
We have all seen the popular TV Show “Shark Tank”, and now many of you saw The Chamber’s version of Shark Tank at the Empire Arts Center last May. The Chamber will feature another round of its own version of Shark Tank on October 8th. New businesses (less than 2
Two of the 10 companies who went into the tank in May received private angel investments in the weeks following the event. For more information on presenting to the Sharks, email BARRY. For more information about attending the event, email THE CHAMBER.
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
ND Chancellor Listens to Local Business People
The New ND University System Chancellor met with more than 30 local business people last month. The Chancellor look forward to hearing about local employer needs and is committed to working to best match 2 and 4 year college programs to occupations and jobs in the workplace.
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
2
With the very tight workforce this continues to be very important for employers throughout the state.
City Leaders to Learn from Fort Collins, CO
A group of 17 community leaders will be traveling to Fort Collins Colorado in mid September. The purpose of the trip which is being organized by the City of Grand Forks is to learn from Fort Collins. According to Mayor’s Assistant, Pete Haga, “Fort Collins has done a remarkable job connecting their community with the university.” “We hope to learn about their transportation system connecting their downtown to the college and the tremendous growth that has occurred along that spur.” It is expected much of what is learned will be incorporated in to the ongoing NV360 Community Visioning work and the three City Vibrancy Committees focusing on University City relationships, Arts and Events and downtown development.
GF City Talks About Sales Tax Increase
The Chamber will be actively engaged in the conversation as the City looks to increase the City Sales Tax Rate by .5% to 1% for infrastructure improvements and/ or a new Public Library. In recent years the Chamber has aggressively supported efforts to secure funding for large infrastructure projects from the state rather than increasing local sales and property tax rates. $30m was secured for the new $130m water treatment plant this past session with another $30m expected in 2017. We will continue to support working with the state as the first option for large infrastructure projects, but also recognize the need for a local match or cost share to make these critical projects for community growth to happen. Historically, the Chamber has been weary of a local rate higher than our competitors like Fargo. Currently the sales tax rate in Grand Forks is 1.75% and Fargo is at 2.5%. Expect a survey of members of the sales tax rate as infrastructure and rate options become clearer in the months ahead.
Chamber Supports Greater MN Cities Agenda
The Steering Committee from the North Valley 360 Community Visioning process from 3 years ago will meet this month. You may recall more than 4,400 people weighed in on what they felt would make Grand Forks and East Grand Forks a better place. The results were published in the Grand Forks Herald 2.5 years ago. Since then there has been so much progress and it’s time for a progress report and update on what is currently happening and what are some of the new opportunities for the future. Watch for a detailed printed report in the future from The Chamber and Community Foundation.
Chamber News
Membership Renewals - Through August 19th 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. - David Blumkin Advance Chiropractic Clinic American Family Insurance Debra Hopkins Agency Inc. - Debra Hopkins Ameriprise Financial - Debbie Albert Beckstead’s Auto Repair Best Friends Grooming Salon Cirrus Design Corp Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Edward Jones - Bret A. Bentow Global Friends Coalition Greenberg Realty - Rita Schuster Paradiso Mexican Restaurant
Prudential Crary Real Estate - Mary Adams Ralph Engelstad Arena Small Business Administration - GF Office Surface Solutions TIAA-CREF Financial Services – Scott Roche TrainND UND Energy & Environmental Research
Chamber Ambassador Ribbon Cuttings
To schedule a ribbon cutting for a new business, new location, remodel or dedication, contact Emberly at emberlyl@gochamber.org
Ramada Inn Ribbon Cutting
The Little Sweet Shop Ribbon Cutting
3
The Chamber - GF/EGF and the University of North Dakota invite you to attend the 10th Annual "Wake Up to UND" breakfast program featuring UND President, Dr. Robert Kelley. Dr. Kelley will talk about the exciting year ahead for the University of North Dakota. Join us for President Robert Kelley's final Wake Up to UND Presentation on September 29th, 2015.
Wake Up to UND Breakfast Tuesday, September 29th, 2015 7:30am Breakfast and Program (Registration opens at 7:15am)
---------------------
UND Student Wellness Center (801 Princeton St.) On-site parking
---------------------
$20/person (open seating) $160/reserved table of 8
Click here to register online and save the event to your calendar.
Click here to register via email
---------------------
RSVP deadline is September 23, 2015. To RSVP contact us at lisas@gochamber.org or 772.7271
---------------------
Cancellations not made 3 business days prior to event will be billed.
Gaffaney's/Hannaher's Gate City Bank GF Region EDC Northland Comm. & Technical College US Bank
Chamber News Hosted by
Alerus Center
1200 42nd St South, Grand Forks In the concourse located on the second floor. Use entrance door 1.
Thursday, Sept. 17 , 2015 4:45pm - 7:00pm Free Admission • Complimentary hors d’ourvres, drink ticket & cash bar • Great Door Prizes • Progressive cash drawing is at $1500! Alerus Center 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 $1500 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.
There are great savings and nice selections at the
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 * Books All Proceeds Benefit:
Innovation New Ideas… Lasting Impact! 701.235.1121 • 888.526.1121 16 South 16th Street • Fargo, ND Passion. Quality. Innovation.
www.knightprinting.com 5
Chamber News
Welcome New Members Bully Brew Coffee House Sandi Luck 2800 S. Columbia Rd - Columbia Mall Grand Forks, ND 58201 (P) 701-757-2075 Bullybrewcoffeehouse@gmail.com www.Bullybrewcoffeehouse.com We love to serve coffee and food to great people! We have a passion about bulldogs and share great stories. Impact Data Mr. Dan Halverson 1929 N. Washington St. STE M Bismarck, ND 58201 (P) 701-354-0980 (P) 866-297-8250 (F) 701-354-0991 danh@impactdakota.com www.impactdakota.com
Impact Dakota (formerly Dakota MEP) is an organization dedicated to being North Dakota’s leading organization partnering with manufacturers and other industries to impact long-term business results. Simmons Multimedia Andrea Johnston 856 W 12th Street Grafton, ND 58237 (P) 701-352-0431 (F) 701-352-0436 kxpoaj@polarcomm.com www.WalshCountyDailyNews.com Simmons Multimedia represents six radio signals serving Northeast North Dakota, Northwest Minnesota and Southern Manitoba. In addition to providing entertaining and informational radio programming to these areas, Simmons’ expert
marketing team creates custom and affective marketing plans for advertisers. Fairfield Inn & Suites East Grand Forks Luke Yoney 514 Gateway Drive NE East Grand Forks, ND 58721 (P) 218-399-3030 (F) 218-399-3039 lucas.yoney@marriott.com www.marriott.com/gfkeg Travel with confidence at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott® a hotel with outstanding service for an easy and comfortable stay-at an exceptional value. We are always ready to welcome you to our thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites with plenty of room to work and relax.
YOUR Full Service Financial Partner
citizens-cu.com Business Loans Checking Accounts SEP IRAs Merchant Credit Card
BLAIR BRATTVET
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA
6
GRAND FORKS 32ND ST.
RUSS JACKSON
GRAND FORKS 42ND ST.
DOUGLAS NIELSEN EAST GRAND FORKS
Chamber Leadership Committee
Ambassador Volunteers
Leadership Program Orientation Canad Inns Business After Hours
Leadership Class First Day
Canad Inns Business After Hours Canad Inns Business After Hours
Grand Sky Development Open House
Leadership Class First Day
Leadership Program Orientation
Business Briefs Dr. Colin Fennell Named Employee of the Month at RiverView Health
RiverView Health Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Colin Fennell is the Employee of the Month at RiverView Health for the month of August. He is also the first provider to receive the honor at RiverView. A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Dr. Fennell received his undergraduate degree and attended medical school at the University of Alberta; completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Calgary and did a fellowship in upper extremity orthopaedic surgery at Calgary General Hospital and Foothills General Hospital in Calgary. He also completed a clinical fellowship at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center in Downey, California, in rehabilitation orthopedics and sports medicine. Dr. Fennell has been practicing at RiverView Health for 14 years. He sees patients at RiverView’s clinics in Crookston, East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls. He has been a member of the RiverView Healthcare Association’s Board of Directors since 2009 and was recently named the Chief Medical Officer of RiverView’s Senior Leadership Team. Dr. Fennell and wife Lorianne have been married for 34 years and have five children: Bryce, 28; Chase 26; Danae 23, Blake 21 and Nicole 19. Of the honor, Dr. Fennell said: “I am humbled by the selection and will do all that I can to live up to the expectations.’’
EAPC Hires Two
AE2S (Advanced Engineering EAPC Architects Engineers is pleased to announce the hiring of two architects. Robert “Bob” Adams, AIA is a Senior Architect/Project Manager located in the Grand Forks office. Bob has over 29 years
of experience in architectural design including K-12, commercial, residential, student housing, higher education, healthcare, industrial and mining. Bob is the new project manager for the Grand Forks Architectural Department and will contribute his comprehensive design and project management skills to a variety of projects.
Dr. Speidel graduated from Devils Lake High School. He enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
EGF Leaders Pitch $5.5 Million Bond to State of MN
EGF Leaders met with the MN House of Representative Bonding Committee members in mid August to request $5.5 million for the East Grand Forks Waste Water interconAndrew Jordan, AIA is the nect to the Grand Forks water lead Architect and Director of treatment system. The inEAPC’s newest terconnect will cost a total of office in St. Paul. $10.6 million compared to an As a result of his estimated cost of $36 mil20 plus years of lion to upgrade the EGF Pond healthcare design, system. Andrew’s main focus at EAPC will be to maintain current client relationships and expand into local and surrounding health systems and markets. Some of his current clientele in the Twin Cities area include United and Chamber President, Barry Abbott Northwestern Hospitals Wilfahrt talked about the - Allina Health; Mayo Clinic willingness of the two commuHealth System; and Apple Val- nities and now hopefully the ley Medical Center. two states to come together on this joint project that Dr. Speidel Joins Altru will save rate payers in East Grand Forks literally millions Health System of dollars over the life of the Brandon Speidel, MD, joins system. He urged the State the radiology team at Altru of MN to seriously consider Health System. “I am interested in what radiology can do this project despite the many for patients,” says Dr. Brandon complexities posed by a cross Speidel. I have a lot of variety boarder project. Wilfahrt in my daily work and have the noted this is a win-win for our opportunity to treat the whole two communities. patient from head to toe.” The planned interconnect will Dr. Speidel earned also add a 6% load to the Grand Forks system which will his bachelor of science and medi- help cover operating costs of the GF system. Rates in EGF cal degree from will likely match those in GF as the University part of the planned deal beof North Dakota tween the cities. School of Medicine & Health SciMayor Lynn Stauss noted this ences. He completed this diagnostic residen- interconnect will help East cy from University of Nebraska Grand Forks stay competitive with Grand Forks in its sewer Medical Center in Omaha. Dr. rates. Speidel most recently worked in diagnostic radiology at the Jennie Edmundson Hospital, Council Bluffs, Iowa. 9
Business Briefs JLG Architects Recognized
JLG Architects has been named to the top 25 large employers on the “50 Best Places to Work” list by Prairie Business Magazine. It is JLG’s second year in a row on the list, and the firm’s third Best Place to Work honor in 2015. JLG has also been recognized by The Zweig Group and the GGF Young Professionals. Now in the second year of hosting the Best Places to Work contest, Prairie Business received nearly 2,500 surveys nominating more than 140 companies. Companies were nominated through an anonymous employee satisfaction survey and rated in areas including work environment, employee benefits and employee happiness. Consideration was also given to the number of nominations received per company. The top 25 small for-profit companies (99 or fewer full-time employees) and the top 25 large for-profit companies (100+ employees) are honored in the magazine, which is available now on www.prairiebizmag. com.
JLG Architects has been named #87 on the Architectural Record Top 300 Firms list, which ranks architecture and architecture/engineering firms headquartered in the United States by annual revenue. JLG was #158 in 2014, and is the only firm from North Dakota to have ever made this ranking. JLG Architects has been named #1316 on the Inc. Magazine 5000 list, which ranks the fastest-growing private companies in America. JLG is #1 on the list of all North Dakota companies, and is the highest-ranked architecture firm on the entire list. JLG was #2547 in 2014.
Women’s Pregnancy Center Announces Address Change
The Women’s Pregnancy Center (WPC), a resource center offering free and confidential services to women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy, is excited to announce that they have moved their office to a new location in Grand Forks, ND.
The address of the new location is 1726 S Washington St Suite 70, Grand Forks, ND 58201. All other contact information including phone numbers will remain the same. Situated in the Grand Cities Mall, it will offer more room to serve clients including another counseling room and a more comfortable classroom in which to hold their educational classes. “Our new location is centrally located, close to WIC and a bus stop, and within minutes of almost anywhere in Grand Forks, which will be very convenient for our clients,” says WPC Director, Lorraine Helgeson. “We are already providing much needed community resources and classes; this new center will equip us to do what we do even better.”
Advertise in The Chamber’s Award Winning Membership Directory in 2016
We have an advertising opportunity in The Chamber’s award winning Community Profile/ Membership Directory!
The full color publication is more popular than ever as a recruiting tool for new professionals, businesses, area developers and new residents to our area. It is truly the Northern Valley’s The 2015 leading image piece. An Comonline version of the book munity can be found HERE. Profile/ You may have noticed the Mem2015 Profile/Directory was bership Directory revamped and has a new look and feel. The book book has been took on a more magaselected as the Publication zine style format and the content was re-written by of the Year by Mid-AmerPulitzer Prize winner and ica Chamber Executives (MACE) organization! 10
former GF Herald Editor and Publisher Mike Jacobs. It now reads more like a story about our region. We also include a variety of pictures to highlight our communities. Many of the pictures were submitted by members of the community and chamber. For more information or to place an ad, contact Emberly at 701-772-7271 or emberlyL@gochamber.org
The Chamber is excited to announce a unique training opportunity. On September 25th, 2015 The Chamber will host a simulcast site for the nationwide leadership seminar, Honor2Lead. Honor2Lead is a 3.5 hour simulcast seminar that focuses on taking the 5 core values of the military and applying them to leadership in the business world. Honor2Lead brings together top minds and leaders in the fields of business, military and academia to ignite a Featured Presenters: Dr. John C Maxwell - #1 Leadership Expert ~ Lt. General James L. Terry Commander, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve ~ Julia Davis - Sr. VP, Chief Information Officer, AFLAC ~ Jay Rogers Disruptive Innovator, Next Generation Leader ~ Major General Stayce Harris Commander, 22nd Air Force
PRESENTED BY: The Benefit to Attending: Train your employees Exclusive, High quality leadership development Unified message within your entire organization Ignite conversation and selfless team building Build ethical values and a culture of trust Help ignite company core values Cast a vision for growing customer trust Collective understanding connecting ethics to profit Grow your company and its public perception Experience the ripple effect of applying time tested values Build the public's perception of your organization as value-driven Demonstrate your willingness to invest in their personal growth
Added bonuses:
Event details:
Sign Up to Attend Today:
September 25, 2015
$50/person or $45/person with 3 or more reservations
8:00am - 11:30am Empire Art Center Doors open at 7:30am Simulcast starts promptly at 8:00am
Includes Continental Breakfast, Juice, Coffee
To register contact Lisa Swanson at 772-7271 or lisas@gochamber.org Please include the names of your attendees. Reservations not cancelled 3 days prior to event will be billed. Sponsored by:
Business Briefs
5 Quick Tips for Confident Networking
Networking with strangers can be a terrifying experience for many people, especially when it’s in-person. What do you say? What if you’re awkward? What if you don’t make a good first impression? Don’t worry – prepare! 1. Know How To Break The Ice
•Don’t cross your arms •Keep a strong smile all night long •Hold strong eye contact
Feel weird keeping eye contact? Try just staring at the bridge of the other person’s nose instead.
Struggling for ice breakers? Instead of trying to memorize one-liners, keep things simple.
4. Ask Great Questions
“A simple ‘Hello, my name is ___’ is more than sufficient if said with a smile,” said Adam LoDolce. “Or, my favorite, ‘So, what brings you here?’”
“If you are uncomfortable doing the talking, then ask interesting and thought provoking questions,” LoDolce suggested.
2. Get Warmed up
Here’s an example: “Oh, you’re an architect? What’s it like building something that you know will be around for hundreds of years?”
Don’t start batting without a few practice swings! Make sure you talk to a few people before you hit up your main target – it will ease your nerves and make you feel more comfortable. “The moment you walk into the room, just start chatting it up with someone to warm up a bit,” LoDolce suggested. “Before you know it, you’ll feel comfortable chatting up the big time CEO across the room.” 3. Be Aware Of Your Body Language Did you know that 93% of communication is nonverbal? In order to give off a positive impression, LoDolce suggests doing the following:
printing copying direct mail imprinted apparel advertising specialties 910 central avenue | egf mn 56721 | 218.773.2577 402 hill avenue | grafton nd 58237 | 701.352.0640 morganprinting.com 12
5. Have Fun Whenever you attend a networking event, above all else, focus on having a good time. People will be attracted to your good attitude. “If you’re enjoying yourself, people will enjoy your company,” said LoDolce. And, even if all fails, at least you can say you had a great night! Ariella Coombs Careerealism.com