February Chamber Connection

CHAMBER CONNECTION Bismarck-Mandan

February 2017

BURGUM BEGINS A CONVERSATION WITH NORTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR DOUG BURGUM

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Missouri Valley Complex Burleigh County mulls plan to develop former Burleigh fairgrounds

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Member Profile Edgewood Vista - Mandan

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Ambassador of the Year Koenig accepts award at the Chamber Annual Dinner.

CHAMBER CONNECTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Brenda Nagel..................................................................................................................... Chair Ron Day .................................................................................................................... Chair-Elect Wayne Munson............................................................................................................ Secretary Craig Larson.................................................................................................................Treasurer Perrie Schafer ............................................................................................................ Past Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brenda Nagel ������������������������������������������Aetna Tracy Kindem...........H.A. Thompson and Sons Dan Pearson �����������������������������Northwest Tire Joe Duperre ������������������������������Kirkwood Mall Wayne Munson �������������������� Indigo Signworks Jasper Schneider ������������������������������������ NISC Greg Vetter �������������������������University of Mary Dr. Blake Feil ����������������������� Feil Orthodontics Ron Day......................Tesoro Mandan Refinery Nick Hacker................. ND Guaranty and Title Perrie Schafer ���������������� Schafer Financial Inc. Heather Fried ..... Fried Financial Services Inc. Jeff Herman ������������������������������������Petro Hunt Molly Herrington ����������������������������������������KLJ Craig Larson ���������������������������������Starion Bank Valerie Weigel........ Basin Electric Cooperative Kevin Magstadt ������������������ Wenck Associates Chris Jones ����������������� CHI St. Alexius Health Paul Brucker ������������������� Railway Credit Union Chad Hatzenbuhler ����� Bank of North Dakota Stacey Breuer ��������������������������Bobcat/Doosan Shannon Reichenberg ���������� Diversity Homes Mike Nathe................ Bismarck Funeral Home Scott Staudinger...................Cloverdale Foods

CHAMBER STAFF Scott Meske................................................................................................................ President Annie Bergrud.........................................................................................Chief Financial Officer David Leingang............................................................................ Community Growth Director Mary Masters................................................................................. Office Support Professional Ryan Parsons........................................................................................................Vice President Rebecca Rattei................................................................................ Communications Specialist Amanda Schwieters......................................................................... Member Services Director Chelse Simon..................................................................................Membership Sales Director Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Anderson ........................ Communications Specialist/ LBM Director Karly Palczewski...............................................................................Marketing & Events Intern

2 | Chamber Connection

CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber is Brewing Up Something Sweet Ambassador of the Fourth Quarter Chamber Selects Ambassador of the Year

CHAMBER EVENTS

February Membership Mixer: KLJ Economic Outlook Forum Chamber Spring Mixer

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COLUMNS Chair's Corner

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FEATURES

Cover Story 4 Member Profile 10 Ask-A-Pro 28 Chamber Perks 30 Chamber Ribbon Cuttings 34 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58502 701.223.5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com CONTACT INFORMATION Content: The Chamber - 701.223.5660 rrattei@bismancc.com

Advertise: Chelse Simon csimon@bismancc.com

MISSION STATEMENT: Leaders for prosperity. Advocates for business.

Chair's Corner

I

t is hard to believe the first month of 2017 is already behind us. As a Chamber, we plan for months for a big event like the Annual Dinner and just like ‘that,’ it’s over.

The 2017 Annual Dinner was once again a spectacular event for our business community. We are excited and grateful that Governor Doug Burgum and Lt. Governor Brent Sanford were able to join us. Governor Burgum shared some of his Main Street Initiative with us, something he had yet to do in public, and we were able to hear first hand some of his vision for North Dakota. The fantastic decorations, ambiance and the game show entertainment made the entire evening a first class event. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the entire staff for a fun and informative evening and a great launching point for 2017.

Speaking of 2017, as I am out and about attending many events and meetings, I am talking to many community members and I hear a lot of: “You at the Chamber should have done this or that” or; “Why did those people on that committee do that?” or; “Hey Brenda, now that you are Chamber Chair, you should…” (my personal favorite) The list of questions continues and I’m betting you hear it too, and it’s not just about Chamber committees, those comments can be made about many things in the community. I thought it might be a good use of the Chair’s Corner in the Connection to “challenge” our members to consider how they might get involved.

You can ask yourself: • Am I an active member of the Chamber and my community?

• Am I the kind of member that would be missed at events and meetings, or am I OK just to have my name on the list?

• Do I attend meetings and network with others or do I stay in my office or at home and criticize?

• Do I take an active role our community or am I satisfied to just belong?

I challenge our members to attend meetings and to be more than just a name on the list. You all have skills and ideas to share. Who knows who you might meet at a committee meeting, Chamber event or community function that will change and impact your business. You won’t know unless you go. BE ENGAGED! Speaking of being engaged; at the Capitol, we are busy tracking more than 20 bills that affect the issues identified by our Government Affairs Committee as priorities for this 2017 Legislative Session. More information will be forthcoming, but suffice to say, the first portion of the session has been quite busy with activity including Renaissance Zones, infrastructure funding, Medicaid expansion and tax incentives for businesses.

Thank you for a great start to 2017! Mark your calendars for the Economic Outlook event coming on March 16, presented by Starion Bank! I’ll be there, and I hope you will too.

twitter.com/bismanchamber

- Brenda Nagel Chair, Board of Directors

facebook.com/bismanchamber @bismanchamber

Chamber Connection | 3

FEATURE

BURGUM TALKS BUSINESS

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

North Dakota has seen boom times tied to commodities – both agriculture and energy.

Photo Credit: Communications PhotoNDDOT Credit: Karly Palczewski

With falling commodity prices came a tightening budget as Gov. Doug Burgum took office and the 65th Legislative Assembly convened. But Burgum has a vision on how to uncouple North Dakota’s economy from the swings of commodity prices and how to strengthen the state through his Main Street Initiative.

The new governor sat down with Chamber President Scott Meske to talk business, economics, entrepreneurship and commerce.

Scott Meske: Busy week all the way around. Are you getting settled in pretty North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle, left, swears in Doug Burgum as the 33rd Governor of North Dakota on Jan. 3. well?

Gov. Doug Burgum: I would say we’re still in progress. It feels a little bit like When I stepped back from Microsoft and did two more we’re a startup. I’ve got some key positions to fill. We startups — Arthur Ventures and Kilbourne Group — that don’t have all of our systems in place. whole thing was also about impact. How do we get SM: But yet you still have to operate, right?

DB: Yeah, you’ve got to operate. You’ve got to reach the goal. It was a physical move both personally and professionally. Getting the whole home base set up. My youngest is a senior in high school, so I’ve been trying to scoot back and forth to Fargo on weekends. So I’m not missing his senior year.

SM: Why did you want to run for governor?

DB: For me it was all about impact. There’s the old Teddy Roosevelt quote that the great prize in life is to be able to work hard at work worth doing. I’m really fortunate that all the work that I’ve done creating jobs and building businesses, attracting talent and capital back to North Dakota when we were building Great Plains (Software), when we were growing our base here and running a global business based out of Fargo as part of Microsoft — all that work had a lot of purpose to me.

4 | Chamber Connection

capital in North Dakota for startups — which was Arthur Ventures — and how do we build vibrant downtowns — (which) is what Kilbourne Group was doing. Those two companies did have a lot of impact, continue to have a lot of impact. When the opportunity arose, when Gov. (Jack) Dalrymple decided not to run, I said, “Hey, I would love being the CEO. Wow, that’s one CEO job in North Dakota that I wouldn’t mind doing.”

SM: It’s the top one, really.

DB: It was all about, “Can I have more impact there than what I’m doing?” That was the decision process.

SM: Throughout the campaign and so far in your new administration, you talked about diversifying the economy. Even when I was Williston, I heard when you were up there and I’ve heard other candidates — we’ve all talked about it here in North Dakota: What does that mean and what does that look like to you?

DB: The basic test of diversification is, “Can we build jobs and industries that are not dependent on forces beyond our control?”

www.bismarckmandan.com If we do commodity-energy and commodity-agriculture, To do that, that requires two things: It requires financial then we live with the swings. In this case we’re in a capital and it also requires human capital, because you situation where we went through a big cycle of low ag have to have the entrepreneurs and the innovators that prices and low energy prices and we saw what it does want to do that value-add. You have to figure out a way to our state budget, even our ability to deliver basic to build a business model here to do that, but there are a services. I’d say by contrast, if you take a look at Fargo lot of bright spots, people doing it. We want to continue — I don’t have all the metrics in place yet, but my sense to support those entrepreneurs and innovators that are is — it’s the most diversified working to make that happen. economy in the state.

Whether its healthcare and SM: I was very intrigued and To diversify an economy away services and technology probably excited when I head from commodity prices, you and manufacturing, there you talk about the Main Street have to think about, ‘How do are a lot of things going on Initiatives and the focus and energy we add value to energy here in there in the entrepreneurial on growing and prospering our community that are not tied downtowns in North Dakota. How the state? How do we add value to either the price of oil or does our workforce issue affect to agriculture here in the state?’ the price of ag. While there that? Is our workforce shortage tied - Gov. Doug Burgum have been some companies to a Main Street effort, or are they that have been affected, completely separate? the diversification is strong DB: Completely interlocked. I think enough that even in this it has to do with an understanding downturn, Fargo’s economy continues to grow. I think of labor force today and the labor shortage market that’s a test. One test is can you separate yourself from that we face as a state. We’ve always talked about the big price swings? low unemployment, sometimes with a sense of a pride. At least outside of our tribal lands we have low SM: I guess then the test is, “Can we take that model to unemployment, it’s a separate issue to talk about some other parts of North Dakota? And will it work?” I think of the 70-plus percent unemployment we see in some of that’s the big test for your administration and for our the tribal nations areas. business partners.

DB: To do that, to diversify an economy away from commodity prices, you have to think about, “How do we add value to energy here in the state? How do we add value to agriculture here in the state?”

Photo Credit: Karly Palczewski

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Gov. Doug Burgum speaks on his Main Street Initiative at the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Annual Dinner on Jan. 12.

Chamber Connection | 5

FEATURE

Photo Credit: Melanie Sioux Photography

Even in a low unemployment environment, if you go to a St. Alexius or a Sanford or an Essentia or an Altru and ask, “Do you have all the nurses?” No. We’re at, what, 1,000 nurses short in the state? Some organizations are hundreds of nurses short just within the organization. Then it gets worse when you get to the rural areas.

If you say, “Hey, do we have enough software engineers in this state?” Absolutely not.

Everybody you talk to has got software engineering Chamber Pres. Scott Meske, right, speaks with Gov. Doug Burgum roles that are open. When you get into skilled workforce regarding business issues in the Governor’s office on Jan. 10. for key positions across multiple industries, we’ve How do people fill those jobs today? It doesn’t matter got a workforce shortage. Right now I think there’s close if you’re a Millennial or an Empty Nester, people are to 15,000 jobs open (in North Dakota). ... I said to the choosing where they want to live first, and then they do cabinet heads the other day, if we did one thing in the the job second... next four years, if we filled all those 15,000 jobs open in this state it would be like creating a Jamestown in North The Main Street Initiative has three elements. No. 1 is Dakota in terms of the impact on restaurants and housing workforce and recruitment. No. 2 is the efficiency of and car purchases and schools... infrastructure, that’s to keep property taxes down. No. 3 is the health-related piece. Part of health in our nation www.BNCbank.com relates to people walking, not driving.

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6 | Chamber Connection

SM: We talked about downtown, we touched on it a little bit. Here’s one of the hotbeds here: Renaissance and (Tax Increment Financing) TIF zone uses. Both in some of the larger cities. There’s a couple bills already introduced in the legislature. In general, what’s your take on communities using Renaissance Zone sorts of tools in order to be livable and walkable?

DB: We have to make decisions that benefit the common good. That’s what we have to do. There’s a giant misconception that’s out there around these incentives that are being debated, and I think some of the debates are occurring without data. When we can bring data into a discussion, then ideology can leave the room, and we can focus on the data. All the data that I’ve looked at would tell you that the incentives, when applied toward mixed-use infill, lower taxes for everybody. If you incent people to sprawl, that raises taxes...

www.bismarckmandan.com Bismarck’s got an unusual thing, because it’s the only one that I know of in the state that that’s what I would call a permanent TIF. The brand of TIF gets sullied by the permanent nature of the Bismarck TIF, which then creates a political reaction by folks. In my view, the permanent TIF shouldn’t be a part of the equation. Those things ought to go away. All the programs that we have ought to focus toward incenting private investment in places where we’ve got existing infrastructure.

The interesting part of this whole discussion is that you’re asking me about incentives that have initials, TIF, PILOT, Ren Zone. The discussion that’s not happening is, “Where is the real subsidy occurring?” The real subsidy is occurring when we take taxpayer money and build new roads on the edge without any tax review, without any analysis, without any ROI. There’s no scrutiny on any of that...

Photo Credit: Karly Palczewski

www.indigosignworks.com

DESIGN

(We’re) working with the Bank of North Dakota trying to create a 180 degree turn, because the Bank of North Dakota today has programs that incent green field (development), and what we really need to be doing is incenting mixeduse infill.

SM: There have been a lot of whispers and talks about the Department of Commerce. What is your vision for the Department of Commerce?

DB: The Department of Commerce is an important tool for government, because it’s the primary agency driving economic development in the State of North Dakota. It’s essential. That’s why we’re still having an external search for a strong leader for that organization...

(With the Main Street Initiative), we can have stuff for everybody to do across that group, but Commerce hits on all of those cylinders. When we’re thinking about finding that leader, it’s got to be somebody that’s going to be the champion of that Main Street Initiative.

SM: After this first four years, how are you going to measure your time here in this office? How are you going to measure your success?

DB: We have an opportunity as a state, whether it’s in education, in health care. We have an opportunity to do things completely differently. Every state ought to be a platform for innovation. We’re 750,000 people. We can be more nimble. There’s a lot of things that we really should be able to do that set us apart. That’s when we talk about the relentless pursuit of exceptional.

We’re not trying to be above average. We’re trying to be exceptional and be exceptionally great at the stuff that we do.

FABRICATE

INSTALL

SERVICE

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Chamber Connection | 7

FEATURE

BURLEIGH FAIRGROUNDS GETTING MAKEOVER

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Burleigh County has a hidden gem of a recreation site, and it’s hidden in plain sight.

Discover your path to

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Come see the exciting changes happening at our community.

New independent living and memory care homes available!

“There are approximately 25,000-30,000 vehicles that cross that (Bismarck Expressway) daily on Highway 10,” said Burleigh County Commissioner Kathleen Jones. “You know that Buckstop Junction is there and NDSU extension is there. But I was amazed the amount of people that didn’t know we have a rodeo grounds there.”

The Missouri Valley Complex was purchased by Burleigh County in the 1980s to build county fairgrounds. The fairgrounds were built, but the county fair never really took off.

When the last Burleigh County Fair was held almost a decade ago, Jones said no one made money — not the county, not the fair vendors.

Over the decades, the parcel has been developed to include Buckstop Junction, NDSU Burleigh County Extension, an outdoor horse arena, a motorcross track, 4-wheel ATV practice and community gardens. Those activities will stay, but large portions of the parcel remain unused.

Last year, Burleigh County Commission and Burleigh County Park Board commissioned Bartlett & West and Ubl Design Group to develop a Master Plan for the Missouri Valley Complex.

Bartlett & West engineering firm executed a series of public meetings and surveys to determine what the residents of Burleigh County wanted for recreation.

“We heard quite a bit of support for trails, playgrounds, opportunities for an off-leash dog park,” said Wendy Van Duyne, project manager landscape architect at Bartlett & West. “We also heard quite a bit of support for a multi-use recreational facility.”

The one thing that didn’t show up in the surveys was a desire for county fairgrounds.

“After reviewing the surveys we decided we heard three things: a place for horse, animals livestock shows; walking trails; dog park; and the fourth would be mountain bike trails, which the topography would be ideal for.

“Out of all these surveys, we never once heard (county) fair.”

LEARN MORE: 701-557-9289 TouchmarkBismarck.com TOUCHMARK ON WEST CENTURY Full-service Retirement Community 1000 West Century Avenue • Bismarck, ND 58503 701-323-7000 • Touchmark.com 1614074 © Touchmark, LLC, all rights reserved

8 | Chamber Connection

Based on public input, four phases have been proposed in the Master Plan.

Phase 1A: (1-2 years) Walking trails and pedestrian amenities, off-leash dog park, nature-themed playground, expansion of community gardens, preliminary dirt work on outdoor arena, soil borings

www.bismarckmandan.com “The first phase would introduce pedestrian trails and will have more than 3 miles of trails,” Van Duyne said. “They’re trying to get those in as soon as possible to engage the community with the natural beauty of the site.”

For more information, go to www.missourivalleycomplexplan.com.

Phase 1B: (3-5 years) Outdoor arena and natural amphitheater, indoor arena, parking areas, grading new access road, terracing, additional dirtwork.

Phase 2: (5-7 years) Develop further site infrastructure to support a possible future indoor sports complex.

“The one thing nice about this plan that no other plan has had, we’re leaving 55-60 acres available should there be a need for some sort of sporting arena,” Jones said. “I’m told we’re doing good with ice right now, because both Bismarck and Mandan are each adding an extra sheet.”

The Burleigh County Commission and Park Board will re-evaluate needs for a multi-use sports complex at a later date. Although hockey and skating needs may be met by then, Jones said there may be a need for indoor soccer facilities.

Phase 3: (10 years) Indoor rodeo and equine arena, community building, farmer’s market pavilion, demonstration, additional playground.

One of the biggest surprises from the surveys and public meetings was the need for an equine facility in the region.

“I met more people that belong to national (equine) organizations, that belong to every type of equine club you can think of,” Jones said. “We have people living just north of Bismarck that sit on national boards. Our plan came about because of their input.”

The regional equine community is driving to Wyoming and South Dakota for their events, which Jones said creates a market for equine events in North Dakota.

“The equine people spoke about their needs without driving 200-300 miles to participate in their particular club events, whether it be quarter horses or dressage horses,” Jones said.

The proposed equine and rodeo facility will take advantage of the natural topography of the Missouri Valley Complex, which includes rolling prairie hills.

The outdoor rodeo arena will be adjacent to one of the hills in order to create a natural amphitheater, rather than construct bleacher seating. The hiking and mountain biking trails will also be designed according to the site’s topography.

“The trail system works around the existing site elements, but it creates for a nice trail experience,” said Jeff Ubl, principal architect of Ubl Design Group. “You go into different ecosystems, you have the hills, you have some challenges to it.”

Jones said the vision for developing the Missouri Valley Complex is to harness the site’s natural beauty.

“People want to do things to connect with nature,” Jones said. “We’ve become a healthy society in my lifetime.

They want to be able to practice with their animals, take their family some place and let their dogs run and let the kids play.

Chamber Connection | 9

CHAMBER

Profile

News

events

Lynn Boehm, Scott Bernstein and Gwen Beckler of Edgewood Vista - Mandan.

MEMBER PROFILE Featuring Scott Bernstein

EDGEWOOD VISTA - MANDAN

Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within the organization.

A: I’m the Executive Director at Edgewood Mandan, which essentially means, I never have a dull moment.

I oversee the daily operation of a lot of moving pieces – clinical, dining services, environmental, marketing, activities, and the list goes on. However, my focus is simple: Make sure our residents receive the best possible care and service and make sure my amazing staff receives the best possible care and service.

10 | Chamber Connection

Q: Briefly tell us the history of Edgewood Vista Mandan.

A: Edgewood Mandan is one of the newer members of the Edgewood Management Group of properties.

As the leading operator of senior living communities in the Upper Midwest, EMG owns and/or operates over 50 independent living, assisted living and memory care communities with over 3,000 beds in seven states and employs nearly 2,200 people. A few years ago EMG decided that Mandan needed their own Edgewood Assisted Living — and the rest is history.

www.bismarckmandan.com Technology Support Q: What differentiates Edgewood Vista - Mandan from its competitors?

A: Edgewood, as a company, has deep roots in North Dakota — because it’s a North Dakota company. Edgewood Mandan is an expression of the company’s commitment to serve the residents of our great State. At the end of the day there’s only one focus — The Resident. What we do is similar to any other assisted living, but WHY we do it can even be felt when people walk through the door.

Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Edgewood Vista Mandan?

A: Mandan is a growing community but more significantly, Bismarck-Mandan is a growing medical hub. This means many people feel they would be better served by living closer to treatment options. They find Edgewood Mandan, with its clinical staff, transportation to medical appointments and social opportunities a perfect carefree way to live.

Q: What industry trends are taking place?

A: Unlike some industries, creation actually works in our favor. Since we are all hard-wired to age every person could have the opportunity to live at Edgewood Mandan. North Dakotans are aging and the age wave of boomers has just begun.

Q: Have there been any monumental changes in the industry that you’ve had to deal with?

A: One of the most significant changes impacting out “industry” is in the workforce. Finding qualified and competent staff is, and will continue to be, one of our major challenges. While this is a national concern, in North Dakota we are acutely aware of this change and challenge.

Q: What does the future of Edgewood Vista - Mandan look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: The need for assisted living in Mandan is only going to increase. In particular the need for Memory Care, as boomers age, could potentially equal or be greater than the need for assisted living. We always have an eye on the future because we know the best assisted living and memory care are yet to be invented and we are committed to being the premier provider.

Q: Edgewood Vista - Mandan became a member in 2013, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: The Chamber links us to the diverse business community. While we belong to other industry specific organizations, the Chamber opens the door for cross-pollination. You never know where the next great idea is going to come from; It could be the excavator, plumber, architect, or owner of the hair salon. That’s what I like about the Chamber.

Q: What should Chamber members know about Edgewood Vista Mandan that may assist them?

A: Edgewood Vista Mandan isn’t just an assisted living for seniors. It’s a vibrant community where groups host meetings because we have great food.

We also love to resource families who are just wondering about assisted living or memory care. Even if you don’t live here we can still be friends.

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Chambers Kicks-Off 2017 in Winning Fashion Thank you to all of our guests that attended our 27th Annual Dinner celebration on Thursday, January 12th, at the Bismarck Event Center. We had the amazing opportunity to kick-off our evening recognizing the new Canadian Consul General in Minneapolis, Khawar Nasim, and our featured speaker, Governor Doug Burgum as one of the first public appearances of his new administration. Lastly, we wrapped up the evening with an engaging round of interactive trivia question with the Big Quiz Thing, a live trivia show out of New York.

Congratulations to the top three teams from The Big Quiz Things two rounds: 1. Big Bucks; 2. DC Bees (tie); 3. Hullet’s Heroes (tie) Also, thank you to our outgoing Chair, Perrie Schafer, for the recap and hard work dedicated to the Chamber over the past year; and to our incoming Chair, Brenda Nagel, for providing the details of what you’ll see coming in 2017.

Brenda also helped kick-off the announcement of our new event coming June 17, 2017, Lemonade Day! The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals Network are partnering, along with the help of our City Champions, Jena Gullo from the MSA United Way and John Bollinger from the Bismarck Larks to bring this free, fun experiential Learning program that teaches kids how to start, own and operate their very own business, a lemonade stand.

Last, but not least, thank you to our sponsors who helped make this night possible! We appreciate your continued support and commitment in everything we do!

THANK YOU ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORS! Presenting Sponsors: CHRYSLER I DODGE I JEEP I RAM

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors: Basin Electric Power Cooperative Consulate General of Canada Dakota Community Bank & Trust Environmental Services LTD Knife River KXMB CBS 12 Schafer Financial Inc. Ulteig Engineers Entertainment Sponsor:

Live Entertainment Provided by:

Table Sponsors:

Aetna Amy Hullet with Century 21 Landmark Realty Bain Agency Bank of North Dakota Bismarck Cancer Center Bismark Event Center Bismarck State College Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND Brady Martz & Associates Bremer Bank BNI Coal LTD Capital City Construction Capital Credit Union Capital Electric Cooperative CHI St. Alexius Health Choice Financial Cornerstone Bank Crowley Fleck Dakota Appraisal & Consulting EAPC Architects Engineers Farm Credit Services of Mandan First International Bank & Trust

H.A. Thompson & Sons Indigo Signworks KFYR-TV Kirkwood Bank & Trust KLJ Moore Engineering NISC North Dakota Guaranty & Title Northern Improvement Co. Northwest Tire Inc. Odney Railway Credit Union Tesoro Mandan Refinery The Painters Inc. Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac Starion Bank United Tribes Technical College University of Mary U.S. Bank Wells Fargo Bank Wenck Associates, Inc. Widmer Roel PC

CHAMBER

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Along with the great speakers and entertainment at this year’s 2017 Annual Dinner, the Chamber officially announce the beginning of Lemonade Day BismarckMandan. Even more so, the Chamber excitedly announced their partnership with the BismarckMandan Young Professionals Network to help spearhead this program. However, the fun did not stop there. Along with all the sweet announcements, the City Champions for the program were revealed.

John Bollinger and Jena Gullo share their excitement about Lemonade Day at the 2017 Chamber Annual Dinner.

The faces and voices for this year’s Lemonade Day are Jena Gullo - Executive Director Missouri Slope Area United Way, and John Bollinger - General Manager of the Bismarck Larks Collegiate Baseball Team. Together, these champions will assist in spreading information about the program as well as helping to garner all the necessary ingredients needed to make Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan a success for all participating youth.

Lemonade Day is a free, fun, experiential learning program that teaches kids how to start, own and operate their very own business — a lemonade stand.

Children who register will receive a free backpack and Entrepreneur Workbook that will teach them to: • • • • • • • •

Photo Credit: Karly Palczewski

BISMARCK-MANDAN IS BREWING UP SOMETHING SWEET

Set a goal Create a business plan Create a Budget Find an investor Advertise their business Build a lemonade stand Provide customer service Make spending decisions

Once a young entrepreneurs pay their investor back, they keep all of the money they earn and are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some of their profit with a local charity, non-profit, or someone in need.

Though the program is geared toward 3rd – 8th graders, anyone can be involved in Lemonade Day! Young entrepreneurs with lemonade stands need mentors, investors, business partners, great locations, and customers! Sponsors and volunteers are also needed to make Lemonade Day a success.

Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan will be June 17th, 2017; our goal is to register 500 youth who in turn will start new businesses all across Bismarck-Mandan - on a single day. Registration opens up in March! Learn more at www.bismarckmandan.lemonadeday.org; or call David Leingang with the Chamber at 701-223-5660, or email him at dleingang@bismancc.com.

Main Squeeze Sponsor:

Fresh Squeeze Sponsors: BISMARCK-MANDAN

Lemon Head Sponsor: Eide Bailly LLP @bismanlemonadeday twitter.com/BisManLemonDay

14 | Chamber Connection

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www.bismarckmandan.com

CHAMBER HOSTS ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM Last month, the Bismarck Mandan Chamber distributed a survey for the fifth year to gauge business performance in the Bismarck-Mandan area and national level. Join us on Thursday, March 16th, to find out what factors are influencing the local economy. This half-day presentation will feature a discussion on infrastructure, a panel on legislation, as well as a panel with professionals from a variety of different industries that will inform us on the current community and how certain industries connect to one another.

Hear from industry leaders on the factors that impacted their business in 2016 and their predictions for the year ahead. Topics include: • Healthcare • Education • Manufacturing • 2017 Legislative Session

Cost to attend the Economic Outlook is $35.00 — Members and $40.00 — Non-Members before the event; $40.00 — Members and $45.00 — Non-Members the day of the event. Tables are still available for only $375 each. If you are interested in having a table sponsorship contact Dave at dleingang@bismancc.com or Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com or call 701-223-5660 to find out more details. You can register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar.

Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor:

Table Sponsors: Amy Hullet - Century 21 Landmark Realty,

Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Capital Credit Union, NISC

AMBASSADOR OF THE FOURTH QUARTER Congratulations to Desri Neether as our “Fourth Quarter Ambassador” recognition in 2016!

Desri Neether is a Realtor for Bianco Realty and has been an active Chamber Ambassador over the last two years.

Since joining the committee, she has been very active in attending over 50 percent of ribbon cutting ceremonies and keeping the group up-to-date on business activity in the community.

In addition to being a realtor, Desri is a Pharmacist at St. Alexius Mandan Pharmacy. Desri was born in Bismarck, but grew up in Williston, ND. She eventually attended college at NDSU for a Doctorate of Pharmacy.

The Ambassador Committee presented Desri Neether with the Ambassador of the Quarter Award.

Desri is active throughout the community and in addition to her role as a Chamber Ambassador, she is also, the Vice President of Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors and, as a breast cancer survivor herself, Desri played a huge role in starting a support group in the community for young cancer survivors and current cancer patients called “The Young Survival Coalition Face – 2 – Face Network”! On her down time, she enjoys playing on volleyball leagues, running, relaxing at her Lake Cabin, and traveling in the winter.

When asked why she liked being a part of the Ambassador Committee Desri said, “First of all, I really enjoy working with the team of Ambassadors; it’s a group of people and business professionals I love being around.” Lastly, “I love seeing the excitement of the new entrepreneurs, and business owner. It’s a great reminder of what an amazing community we have in Bismarck- Mandan.”

Congratulations again Desri, from the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber staff and thank you for your dedication to the Ambassador Committee and our business community!

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LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN: EDUCATION AND HEALTH DAYS EDUCATION DAY Leadership Bismarck-Mandan closed out 2016 with Education Day hosted at Bismarck State College.

Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota State Superintendent for Public Instruction, presented her plan for the first 100 days of her newly elected term. Baesler said in April North Dakota will complete a new statewide accountability plan. This will replace No Child Left Behind. The Department of Public Instruction will work with the legislature on three key issues: No. 1 Increase the availability of dual credit and advanced coursework for students; No. 2 Strengthen our state support for early childhood education; No. 3 Introduce an Innovative Learning Bill to give school districts flexibility to allow credits for learning outside of the school.

Baesler said her mission statement for the Department of Public Instruction is to graduate students choiceready, prepared to pursue a post-secondary degree, enroll in a technical college, enter the workforce or join the military.

On the Superintendents panel, Dr. Mike Bitz, Mandan Public Schools, and Tamara Uselman, Bismarck Public Schools, spoke to the class. Uselman said growth is good. She said she has been in small towns where the elementary school closes, and she described it as the last thing you want to do. Mandan Public Schools has worked with a demographer who informed Bitz that “What happens in Bismarck, happens in Mandan.” Bitz gave the example that if Bismarck gains 100 students, Mandan gains 25.

HEALTH DAY A CEO round table of Kurt Schley, Market CEO-CHI St. Alexis; Marvin Lein, President-Mid Dakota Clinic; and Dr. Chris Meeker, Vice President and Chief Medical OfficerSanford Health spoke on “The Changing Landscape of Healthcare.”

The panel was asked if there is a silver bullet to fix the United States healthcare system. Each panelist had different thoughts on the silver bullet. Schley noted the United States spends 20 percent of gross national product on healthcare. He listed positives and negatives for other healthcare systems in the world. Schley also noted better coordination of care can help.

16 | Chamber Connection

Meeker had a twofold response: No. 1 is lifestyle changes such as reducing obesity, diabetes, kidney failure and heart problems; and No. 2 is changing the attitude toward palliative care since one-third of Medicare spending happens in the last month of an individual’s life. Meeker noted North Dakota does rural healthcare as well as anywhere in the country.

According to Schley, bigger is better when it comes to healthcare systems. When clinics can coordinate with hospitals and larger healthcare systems, better coordination of care and better implementation of medical techniques happens.

Dr. Michael LeBeau of Sanford Health spoke on “Preventative Health’s Impact on Hospitals, Businesses and Individuals.” Health insurance rates for employer plans increased an average of 7 percent per year from 2002-2012 and another 4 percent per year 20132016. LeBeau said employers are looking at selective strategies including wellness programs, a surcharge for smokers, HSAs and HRAs and high deductible plans.

OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING: Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor: Program Sponsors: BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®

Binder Sponsor: Capital Trophy Education Day Chairs: Lynn Wolf – Sunrise Elementary School Joyce Hinman – Retired Alicia Uhde – Bismarck State College Health Day Chairs: Kilee Harmon – CHI St. Alexius Health Marnie Walth – Sanford Health Breakfast/Lunch Sponsors: Bismarck State College (Education Day) Lynn Wolf, Joyce Hinman & Alicia Uhde (Education Day) CHI St. Alexius Health (Health Day) Sanford Health (Health Day)

www.bismarckmandan.com

KOENIG NAMED AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR Photo Credit: Karly Palczewski

Congratulations to Fred Koenig, Bismarck-Mandan’s 2016 Ambassador of the Year! Fred is a Business Broker with Transworld Business Advisors and has been an outstanding ambassador. Fred’s commitment to this committee does not go unrecognized, and the Bismarck–Mandan Chamber is very appreciative of his continual investment.

This year the ambassadors participated in more than 115 ribbon cuttings welcoming new businesses to the community, congratulating business expansions, recognizing new business owners, and acknowledging business re-locations. They also serve as greeters at our monthly membership mixers, the Holiday Mixer, our Annual Dinner and many other Chamber events, as needed.

Fred Koenig was named Ambassador of the Year by his fellow committee members.

Chad Johnson Bismarck Market President

At the end of the quarter an outstanding member of the group is recognized for their attendance and involvement as the “Ambassador of the Quarter.” At the end of the year one of the four is selected by the Ambassador Committee as the “Ambassador of the Year,” and revealed at our Annual Dinner celebration.

Lindsay Kinnischtzke Loan Assistant

Richard Keller Vice President-Business Lending

Your Business is Our Business.

At First Western Bank & Trust, banking isn’t just about money. It’s about building relationships with the people and businesses we serve. Together, Chad, Lindsay and Richard have over 50 years of experience in helping people make smart financial choices.

Whether you’re a new start-up or an established business, we’ll work with you to provide the financial services you need to succeed.

324 Third Street North, Suite 3 in Bismarck 701-255-4400

bankfirstwestern.com Member FDIC

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ECONOMIC Outlook Forum

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: KLJ

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Date: Thursday, February 23, 2017 Location: KLJ

4585 Coleman Street, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend Chamber members are invited to attend our February Membership Mixer hosted at KLJ’s location on 4585 Coleman Street on Thursday, February 23rd, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Mixers are free to attend, and anyone that works for a business member is welcome to attend. Join in celebrating national engineering week by enjoying a delicious array of appetizers and cool refreshments, as you network with individuals throughout the business community.

RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by emailing Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com or by contacting the Chamber at 701-223-5660.

Date: Thursday, March 16, 2017 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center

800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 7:00AM - 11:30AM Admission: $35.00 for Chamber Members

$40.00 for Non-Members Presenting Sponsor:

This January, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce distributed a survey for the sixth year to gauge business performance in the Bismarck-Mandan area and national level. Join us on Thursday, March 16th, to find out what factors are influencing the local economy. This half day presentation will feature a large panel of professionals, in a variety of different industries that will inform us on the current community.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear from experts in their industries, listen to a variety of panelists, and see the valuable survey data firsthand.

Cost to attend is $35.00 for Members and $40.00 for Non-Members before the event; $40.00 for Members and $45.00 for Non-Members the day of the event. If you are interested in having a table sponsorship contact Dave at dleingang@bismancc.com call 701-223-5660 to find out more details. You can register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar.

Hosted By: impactgiveback.org

24 Hour Online Fundraising Event

2.9.17

On this day, Thursday, February 9, we encourage you to donate to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

Help us provide hope, help and healing to our area cancer patients.

To make a secure online contribution to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, simply go to www.impactgiveback.org on February 9 and click on the Giving Hearts Day “Donate” button.

18 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: GREENLIGHT SYSTEMS Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017 Location: Greenlight Systems

1365 Tacoma Ave. Suite #1, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend

Don’t miss next month’s membership mixer hosted by Greenlight Systems on March 30th, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. This is a wonderful way to meet other members within the business community and enjoy some cool refreshments and hors d’oeuvres!

Mixers are free for Chamber members to attend, so grab a co-worker and come check out Greenlight Systems awesome automation abilities and the opportunity to win some cool door prizes!

RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by emailing Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com or by contacting the Chamber at 701-223-5660.

CHAMBER SPRING MIXER

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2017 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center

800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 5:00PM - 7:30PM Admission: $5.00 + A Business Card Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your business by participating in the 17th Annual Chamber Spring Mixer scheduled for Thursday, April 13th, at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel from 5:00pm - 7:30pm.

The Chamber Spring Mixer is a great opportunity to showcase your business by showing off your products and services. The $300 investment includes four event tickets, exposure to hundreds of potential customers, promotional mentions in the ChamberLink, Chamber Connection and Chamber website, as well as on event signage.

Contact Amanda Schwieters at the Chamber to get more details at 701-223-5660 or by emailing her at aschwieters@bismancc.com.

Chamber Connection | 19

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STARION BANK RECEIVES SBA DIRECTOR’S AWARD Starion Bank received the Director’s Award from the North Dakota District Office of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Lenders are chosen annually for their commitment to small business financing using SBA programs. Starion is among the top five North Dakota lenders being recognized and was the third largest lender of SBA loans in the state. In fiscal year 2016, Starion approved 13 loans and $2.17 million in small business financing under the SBA’s loan program.

“As a family-owned business, it is important to us that we support small businesses,” explains Craig Larson, Starion president/CEO. “We want to help ensure longterm success because when small businesses flourish, the entire community benefits. Partnering with local businesses for their financial success is a core value of Starion Bank and we are proud to provide the support and services small businesses need to succeed.”

Why try to cook for one and eat at home alone...

Stacy Hall (Starion chief information officer/chief operations officer), Don Morgan (Starion chief credit officer), Craig Larson (Starion President/CEO), Dave Rogstad (Starion business banking officer/VP), Al Haut (North Dakota District Office of the U.S. SBA deputy district director), Dale Van Eckhout (SBA senior area manager – Bismarck), Deb Kantrud (SBA lender relations) and Jay Feil (Starion Bismarck market president.)

This is the seventh year that Starion has received the SBA Director’s Award.

In fiscal year 2016, which ended September 30, SBA assisted small businesses in North Dakota through 225 loans valued at over $60.3 million.

when you can enjoy a delicious meal with friends at Edgewood!

REDEFINE SENIOR LIVING

73% of family members see senior’s nutrition improve after moving into assisted living.

Call now to learn about Edgewood’s move in special!

701-751-5300 • edgewoodseniorliving.com 20 | Chamber Connection

CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH RECOGNIZED

BY THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION/ AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION

www.bismarckmandan.com

CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck was recently recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for quality healthcare achievement in a 2016 U.S. News & World Report congratulatory ad. CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck received the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and an Honor Roll Award for Target Stroke. CHI St. Alexius Health was the only hospital in the Bismarck area to receive this recognition.

“These awards recognize CHI St. Alexius Health’s success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines,” said CHI St. Alexius Health President Kurt Schley. “Receiving these recognitions demonstrate our commitment to being one of the top hospitals in the region for providing aggressive, proven stroke care.”

“We are very pleased to have been recognized by the Get With The Guidelines program,” said Dr. Shiraz Hyder, neurologist and CHI St. Alexius Health’s vice president medical affairs. “We have extremely talented and dedicated physicians, nurses and staff and our team approach allows us to successfully implement quality measures which provide our patients with the best outcomes possible.”

To receive the Gold Plus Quality Award, CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck achieved 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement indicators for two or more consecutive years and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with five or more select quality measures in stroke. The Honor Roll Award recognized CHI St. Alexius Health for achieving one calendar quarter of 50 percent or higher of door-to-needle times within 60 minutes of applicable stroke patients.

#EIDELIKE I’D L IK E T O K NOW M Y BUSINESS IS PRO T EC T ED

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w w w.eideb ailly.com | 701.225.1091

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So You’re Saying You Work With Businesses? Yup. When it comes right down to it, you just have to remember one thing about us: we just love giving loans to businesses like yours.1 And because we’re a credit union, we can offer lower rates on loans and higher rates on deposits.

Stop by our Main Office or call today to learn more about our business loans, checking accounts and other great business services.

Myron Aune

Business Services Manager NMLS# 630547

Ryan Welder Business Credit Analyst NMLS# 515518

Brad Shetler

Chris Barry

Business Services Officer

Business Services Officer

Kacie Iglehart

Caryn Warden

NMLS# 744427

Business Services Associate

NMLS# 1539813

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BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOND ELECTION MARCH 7

It is important to make clear how the funding proposal for secondary space will work. The need is real and has been validated in this “new economy” when the school demographic planning firm of RPS Associates conducted a study and confirmed in October of this year that BPS can expect another 1,900 students in the next five years with 1,500 of those coming to the secondary schools. Their K-12 projections for BPS have been 99% accurate. All the middle schools will be over capacity next year; CHS is already over capacity. A 75 person community committee worked last year to develop solutions for the School Board to consider.

The community will be asked the question about support for or against additions to our three middle schools and Century High School, an auditorium for BHS, and some renovations to all.

Bottom line, BPS wants to retire and replace debt. The original Horizon Middle School building will be paid off by 2018 as will several other projects. This retirement of debt is what allows the proposed $57.5 million improvements to be made without raising mills from what they were in 2015-16. We have posted an online calculator so you can see the impact of “retire and replace” on your own home. Go to www.bismarckschools. org under the green Bond Election 2017 tab on the left.

People ask why BPS needs to hold an election. Anytime BPS needs to sell bonds on the open market for our projects, voter approval to do so is required, even if debt is retired and replaced. BPS would also apply for approximately $15 million of the $57.5 million from the North Dakota school construction loan fund at an interest rate of about 2%. The building fund is not large enough to provide for middle and high school space expansion.

Of course, if there were no bond, your taxes for school bonded indebtedness would fall. But BPS’s goal is to improve needed secondary space while controlling debt through “retire and replace” strategy.

People ask why a March election. BPS needs space open by the fall of 2018-19. If we want to approve bids and get in the ground this year, we felt the election should be March 7 at the latest. Note, there is no June election this spring.

204 W. Thayer Ave., Bismarck • 255-0042

It’s Not Just Business. It’s Personal.

www.capcu.org 1

Based on credit approval. Federally insured by NCUA.

22 | Chamber Connection

Please submit them to renae_walker@bismarckschools. org. They will be added to a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document at www.bismarckschools.org under the green Bond Election tab on the left. Drawings of each project are also posted there.

www.bismarckmandan.com

NAME CHOSEN FOR JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN SANFORD HEALTH AND THE GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY

In July, Sanford Health and the Good Samaritan Society announced a joint venture to improve senior services in the Bismarck-Mandan area. The joint venture includes a new 120-bed rehabilitation/skilled care center being built in southeast Mandan, Sanford Health Sunset Drive Continuing Care Center, Sanford Health St. Vincent’s Continuing Care Center and the Good Samaritan Society –Bismarck campus.

We are pleased to announce that Prospera will be the name of the joint venture. Names have also been chosen for the new Mandan location and the former Good Samaritan Society – Bismarck campus. The new Mandan location will be called Miller Pointe – a Prospera Community. The former Good Samaritan Society – Bismarck campus will be called Augusta Place – a Prospera Community. Other locations will keep their location names. For example, Sanford Health Sunset Drive Continuing Care Center, will now be called Sunset Drive – a Prospera Community.

The joint venture will provide the Bismarck-Mandan area with 397 rehabilitation/skilled nursing beds, 18 basic care beds, 16 assisted living units, 77 senior apartments and two twin homes.

Miller Pointe – a Prospera Community, located at 3500 21st St. SE in Mandan near Prairie West Golf Course, is targeted to open March 2017.

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KLJ ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP The Board of Directors of KLJ Solutions Holding Co., parent organization of Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Inc. (KLJ), headquartered in Bismarck, ND, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Anagnost as the organization’s new chief executive officer (CEO). The transition, effective immediately, is a result of former CEO Niles Hushka’s decision to retire at the end of 2016.

Hushka served the Company for more than 35 years and, for nearly a decade, led the Company as President and CEO. Known as an innovator, Hushka and his leadership team led the Company’s dramatic growth over the past decade. During his 35 years with the Company, Hushka served in many roles, including director of aviation services, as well as marketing director.

Over the past few years the Company has taken great strides to establish a governance structure and leadership capability needed to ensure the continued success. This included the addition of the Company’s first external board members and the establishment of a succession planning process for key positions.

Building a Better World for All of Us

®

Our North Dakota team is located in Bismarck and our employee-owners understand how the decisions we make in the field will impact your community. We will continue to provide feasible, right-sized, technical solutions for all of your planning and engineering needs including: Transportation/Traffic/Rail Civil/Municipal Water/Wastewater Flood Control/Stormwater Industrial Development Residential/Commercial Development Solid Waste/Transfer Stations Environmental Architecture/Buildings Community Planning Economic Development FundStart™ Surveying Aviation Construction Services Energy 701.354.7121 • sehinc.com

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Anagnost, a registered professional engineer, and 30year veteran of the engineering consulting industry, joined KLJ in 1991 to develop the Telecommunications practice. He joined the Board of Directors in 2001 and transitioned into the CFO role in 2007. He provides strong technical, business, and fiscal leadership to the Company. As part of the senior executive leadership team, Anagnost challenges traditional thought processes and brings a unique perspective to opportunities and decisions.

When considering the shoes he will be filling, Anagnost reflected on the skills and traits he has admired about Hushka over the years, and about the tremendous opportunity he sees for the Company.

Additionally, effective immediately, Barry Schuchard, KLJ’s current Chief Production Officer (CPO), will also serve as President of the Board. In this role, Schuchard, who most recently served as Vice President of the Board, will lead the Board in its governance of the Company. Schuchard joined KLJ in 1983 and has been instrumental in the success of the surface transportation practice, which he led from 2001 until 2008 when he moved into the role of CPO. As the Company’s CPO, Schuchard is responsible for the Company’s customerfocused delivery of a comprehensive portfolio of engineering, survey and science-led services. “It has been wonderful working with Niles over the past 30 years. I have learned so much from him, and look forward to continuing many of the great things we set in motion together,” said Schuchard.

The Company is looking forward to 2017 and furthering its mission of providing client-focused solutions, infrastructure development, specifically in the public works sector, energy industry and land, as well its continued focus on engineering, survey and sciences.

“Knowing our strength has been the ability to identify opportunities, emanating from our clients’ needs, and creatively and innovatively respond to them, we want to maintain that sharp focus, keeping our clients first and foremost in our minds,” stated Anagnost. As for Hushka, he has never been one to slow down, he is looking forward to a few more hikes and bicycle rides.

Hushka plans to retire with his wife, Ginger, in Bozeman, Montana. They have plans to travel, spend time with family, and as opportunities present themselves, Hushka hopes to expand his interest in development projects around Montana.

BISMARCK/MANDAN WOMEN CHOSEN AS LEADERS FOR 2017

www.bismarckmandan.com

Center for Technology & Business (CTB) is pleased to announce the selected participants of the sixth class of the CTB Women’s Leadership Program in Bismarck/ Mandan. Participants were chosen from a pool of applicants submitted by outstanding women in the community looking to connect, grow and pay it forward through a challenging and inspiring experience.

The women will join the statewide network of highly motivated and forward thinking individuals that are making a difference all across North Dakota.

Eichelle Armstrong Kelly Bachmeier - Falkirk Mining Company Lacie Baumgartner - eCapital Advisors Marie Bittner - Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Shalique Boehm - Heather Fried State Farm Kelly Geiger - City Air Mechanical, Inc. Morgan Hayden - Morgan Hayden Insurance Agency, Inc. Sommer Jacob - Studio North Ann Johansen - Brady Martz & Associates, P.C. Tracey Krusi - Basin Electric Power Cooperative Joanne Lassiter - University of Mary Annie Lindseth - Basin Electric Power Cooperative Amanda Moen - Widmer Roel PC Erin Reidman - St. Gabriel’s Community Nichole Rohrich - Basin Electric Power Cooperative Sarah Rooney - Ameriprise Financial Amber Sandness - Bianco Realty / Specialized Cleaning & Restoration Inc. Ashley Weightman - KLJ Solutions Holding Co. Lori Welder - KLJ Melissa Yackley - Gate City Bank The CTB Women’s Leadership Program is a unique six month program dedicated to expanding the personal, professional, community and health leadership skills for women of all ages and backgrounds in Bismarck and Mandan. Throughout the program participants will hear from an array of top leaders representing North Dakota and beyond that will guide and challenge the women to take the next steps in their leadership development.

Participants will gain hands on experience through leadership exercises and a philanthropy challenge.

This is the sixth year of the successful and highly anticipated program. In total, the CTB Women’s Leadership Program participants for Bismarck-Mandan have raised over $136,000 in cash and in-kind donations for local organizations. The public will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on June 15, more information to follow.

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KRAMER AGENCY EARNS 2016 BEST PRACTICES AGENCY WINNER

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Kramer Agency, a part of the Warner Organization, has qualified to be part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the national “Best Practices” study for 2016.

Of the 40,000+ agencies in the US only 1,800 independent agencies were nominated to take part in the annual study, but only 254 agencies are selected for the honor. To be chosen, agencies had to be the top-performing agencies in their revenue category.

“We qualified based on our exceptional customer service, growth, stability, and financial management.

Looking forward to our trip in January to be honored at the National IIABA Best Practices conference in Austin, TX.” says, Brian Hayer, President.

Kramer Agency was founded over 60 years ago and offers its customers insurance products from a variety of different companies for all lines of insurance; property, casualty, life and health—as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products.

CREATE YOUR

SMILES

WITH US

Crystal D. Overby, DDS • James A. Nelson, DDS • Kristin R. Schoch, DDS

1700 E. Interstate Ave, Bismarck 701-222-GRIN • www.polished-dental.net 26 | Chamber Connection

BCC BEGINS NUTRITION PROGRAM FOCUSED ON CANCER SURVIVORS The Bismarck Cancer Center kicks of their “Live Well” series on February 6th. This 12-week nutrition program focuses on empowering cancer survivors with the tools they need to live healthy, happy lives after they have completed treatment.

Throughout the program, local cancer survivors will attend individual and group education sessions with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who is board certified in oncology nutrition. The RDN will educate survivors about healthy eating strategies, including tips on eating out, reading nutrition labels, and cooking and recipe modification. Individual sessions are designed to meet individual needs, help problem solve and goal set. Group sessions are to expand knowledge, to provide tools and to practice strategies discussed throughout the 12-weeks series. “Live Well” will also feature several guest speakers. These healthcare professionals will cover tops such as emotional health, exercise, and supplement use.

Information provided in “Live Well” is are proven to be effective methods in weight management and cancer survivorship. The program is intended for cancer survivors that have completed treatment at least three months ago and are looking to improve their health through nutrition and exercise. For more information or to register, please contact Amanda Ihmels at 701.222.6154 or aihmels@bismarckcancercenter.com.

www.bismarckmandan.com

NORTH DAKOTA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS RECOGNIZE CAPITAL CREDIT UNION AS 2016 BEST PLACE TO WORK

Through the Best Place to Work awards, North Dakota Young Professionals Network (NDYP) recognizes businesses that provide high quality jobs and a work environment enticing to and in support of young professionals in order to support ongoing economic, workforce and community development initiatives across the state.

NDYP is pleased to announce the selection of Capital Credit Union as the 2016 NDYP Best Place to Work.

“Capital Credit Union has shown tremendous innovation in the way they approach inclusion of young professionals in every level of their organization.

They believe in the value of young professionals, not their limitations and this type of environment is key to developing a strong and forward thinking workforce that leads to successful organizations and strong communities,” explains Laurie Morse-Dell, NDYP Coordinator.

In addition to amazing benefits and incredible perks focused on work-life balance and professional development, Capital Credit Union also offers rewards and incentives to employees for participation in community events and volunteer opportunities through their Step Forward program. Young professionals want to be engaged and active citizens so these types of opportunities through an employer are particularly enticing to this generation.

“We choose to work here because from the first time you walk in the door you feel valued as a member. As an employee this is magnified innumerably. You feel valued regardless of age or experience, and you make a difference in people’s lives every day. There is an awesome work environment where you continue to learn and are challenged to grow and try new things.

You can feel good knowing that your unique input, experience, and ideas are going to have an impact in yourwork day, in the company and in the lives of the people we serve,” explained Mikkelsen.

Runners up as Top Places to Work include the following employers: Applied Engineering, Bismarck; Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck; Braun Intertec, Bismarck; Edward Jones, West Fargo; Gate City Bank, Fargo; KLJ, Bismarck; North Dakota Department of Commerce, Bismarck; Odney, Bismarck; Onsharp, Fargo; Sundog, Fargo; and Ulteig, Fargo. The runners up each showed commitment to the growth and professional development of young professionals as well as creative incentives that provide an engaging and meaningful workplace that young professionals crave.

Capital Credit Union’s emphasis on company culture and the core value they call “Visionary” means that the entire team is united to move the organization forward by challenging each employee to stretch, grow and try new things. This year they implemented the Process Analysis and Optimization (PAO) program.

Four groups of team members spent several months analyzing specific areas within the organization to identify areas of improvement both big and small.

The key to the program - teams included staff from all areas of the organization who did not directly work in the area they were analyzing and specifically excluded senior management. The process encouraged team members to build leadership and analytical skills and provided fresh ideas that are now being implemented to strengthen the organization.

Capital Credit Union was nominated for the award by Nicole Mikkelsen, Vice President of Human Resources at the company and a team of employees.

Chamber Connection | 27

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PAT BRUNELLE

3101 North 11th Street, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-224-9521

WAYNE YEAGER

1355 Airport Road, Bismarck, ND 58504 701-557-3698

DR. RUSSO

500 N 8th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-222-6100

Q: DO THE LONG TERM BENEFITS Q: WHAT IS NATIONAL CANCER Q: WHY IS THE COLD/FLU OF “GREEN” DESIGN SEASON GENERALLY DURING PREVENTION AWARENESS ELEMENTS OUTWEIGH ANY THE WINTER? MONTH? POTENTIAL HIGHER COSTS? A: The flu season can begin as early as A: There are more than 100 types of October, but usually does not start in A: While a desire to incorporate certain cancer. Even though this is an alarming earnest until December. Cold weather does not cause colds or flu, but is a contributing factor. Cooler, drier air promotes the transmission of the viruses from person to person by making it easier for the virus to be airborne. The summers wet , humid air pulls the viruses to the ground making it less likely to be inhaled and spread. Another theory is the lower levels of Vitamin D in a person (because of less sun exposure during the winter) can weaken the immune system. Finally, the “enclosed space theory,” suggests that because people spend more time indoors in the winter, they are more likely to spread germs to one another. Regardless of these factors, staying healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising, supplementing with Vitamin D, getting the flu shot, maintaining good hygiene, and covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing will go a long way from spreading colds and flu.

28 | Chamber Connection

green elements into a commercial construction project can sound daunting, an analysis of commercial construction data shows us that a significant number of projects report minimal or no cost increase to incorporate reasonable levels of sustainable design. So, the answer is yes.

Of course, depending on the type, scope and size of a project, there can be additional initial cost when incorporating green design elements into a project.

But many studies show that the average increase in first-cost premium can be as low as 1-2% to include moderate levels of sustainable design.

With that being said, one of the keys to incorporating green elements into a building project is to have a greening discussion early in the design process.

Many issues pertaining to initial cost overruns can be alleviated by developing a dialogue early in the schematic phase by the design and construction team, subcontractors and material suppliers.

The requested green elements should be clearly outlined and detailed during the design development phase, confirming the capital and operating benefits over the expected life of the building are real.

By providing that information, the building owner will have a better understanding of the true value of such an investment.

number, by taking time to focus on cancer prevention and the actions you can take to lower your risk of getting cancer can help reduce the number of new cancer cases and many deaths can be prevented.

While there are many cancer causing factors that we have no control over, we can incorporate several very important cancer prevention measures in our daily lives. A combination of a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight are all key factors in cancer prevention. It is also important to avoid known cancer-causing substances, limit alcohol use, avoid tobacco, protect your skin from sun, and avoid indoor tanning to list a few.

Another important step in taking cancer prevention into your own hands is making sure you get regular medical care. Self-exams and screening for various types of cancer — such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful.

Contact your healthcare provider or the Bismarck Cancer Center to learn more about prevention and screening opportunities. Prevention is one step in fighting the battle.

www.bismarckmandan.com

Ask a Pro with

WES DICKHUT, PE at

1502 Grumman Lane Bismarck, ND 58504 701-255-7180

Q: HOW DOES THE EXPENSE OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING ADD VALUE TO MY PROJECT? A: Any construction project is going

to have tension between maintaining high quality, keeping to a schedule, and being under budget. Construction materials testing services are intended to objectively monitor the quality of the project and confirm you are getting what you paid for. Designers have selected minimum performance standards required for the materials used in construction project, but these standards are not verifiable just by looking at them. For example, soil must be placed in thin lifts, moisture conditioned and compacted to meet minimum relative compaction specifications to provide intended support. Concrete must have a certain strength to support the building and pavement loads and should contain sufficient air content to survive the harsh winter conditions without disintegrating.

Some conditions need to be observed and documented at the time of construction, such as the placement of reinforcing steel in basement walls or the placement of drain pipes below floors.

Braun Intertec has experienced construction materials testing professionals that can provide value to your projects by working with the designer to describe the condition and provide a practical solution with acceptable material.

with

JOEL BLANCHARD, MD at

2603 E. Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-323-5222

with

STEVE KELSCH at

1661 Capitol Way, Suite 102, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-250-9400

Q: WHAT MEDICAL CONDITIONS Q: SHOULD I LEASE OR BUY CAN ARISE FROM EXPOSURE TECHNOLOGY? TO COLD TEMPERATURE A: We have been asked many times AND HOW CAN THEY BE if it’s better to lease equipment or PREVENTED? purchase it. Here are a couple of things to consider. If you get five years out of A: The first stage of damage from a piece of technology, you are doing exposure to cold is frostnip. The skin’s texture becomes firm and waxy with this condition and numbness of the fingers occurs. Frostbite occurs following complete constriction of blood flow to an area and tissue damage begins. The ears, nose, cheeks, feet and hands are the areas most commonly affected by cold temperature-related injuries. If an individual remains in a cold environment, the core body temperature drops and hypothermia is diagnosed when the body temperature falls to 95°F or under. If the body temperature continues to drop, conditions become life-threatening and moderate hypothermia becomes present at a core body temperature below 90°F. Individuals are frequently unresponsive and require emergency treatment once the core body temperature drops below 82.5°F. You can prevent cold temperaturerelated injuries by decreasing time spent outdoors in cold, wet or windy weather. Dress should consist of several layers of loose, warm clothing and a hat or headband that fully covers the ears. Mittens are preferable to gloves.

Also preferred are socks and sock liners that fit well, repel moisture and provide insulation.

pretty good. If you purchase that equipment, you have to consider how to safely and environmentally get rid of that hardware at the end of its life.

That can cost anywhere from $25 to $50 alone depending on the piece of gear. So doesn’t it make sense to lease technology purchases? At the end of a three, four or five year lease, you turn the old equipment in and replace it with new.

Instead of depreciating equipment that you own, you can write off the lease as a business expense.

If you have a lot of stuff to replace at one time, a lease will avoid a large capital outlay up front and make payments instead. Maybe the biggest cost savings to leasing is that it forces you to replace equipment at timed intervals, which will save in maintenance costs of trying to keep older equipment functioning properly. Leasing is very budget friendly— you know exactly what you will spend over the life of the purchase.

In the end the costs are about the same when you include the costs to maintain that equipment. In my mind leasing is a better value in the long run.

Chamber Connection | 29

COMMUNITY

NEWS

CHAMBER Perks Raumi Kudrna, RN, Named Nursing Director at CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck

CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck recently named Raumi Raumi Kadrna, RN Kudrna, RN, nursing director of its inpatient surgical department. As nursing director, her additional responsibilities include overseeing the bariatric program, orthopedic total joint program and critical care/surgical nursing flex pool.

Raumi began her career with CHI St. Alexius Health in 1998 as a certified nursing assistant and clerk on the medical/oncology unit. In May of 2003, she transitioned to CHI St. Alexius Health’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as a registered nurse (RN). Two years later, Raumi was promoted to ICU clinical coordinator/ supervisor.

Raumi holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is pursuing her master’s in Nursing Leadership and Management. She is certified by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses as a critical care registered nurse.

Credit Collections Bureau Announcements

Credit Collections Bureau announces that Matt Ray has been named the collector of the month for November 2016 and Luann Nygard is the employee of the month for November 2016.

Darlene Dell has been promoted to Collection Associate and Amber Nelson has been promoted to Collection Specialist.

30 | Chamber Connection

ASK-A-PRO

PERKS

Bismarck Aero Center Welcomes Derosier and Ternes

Bismarck Aero Center has recently hired Nicolette Derosier as an office and communications administrator and Jonathan Ternes as a certified flight instructor.

After recently completing Nicolette Derosier her Bachelors of Science in Communications from the University of Mary, Derosier has chosen to stay full time with Bismarck Aero Center. She has worked there since the fall of 2014 as an evening CSR with the Flightline Department and worked as our Communications Intern during the 2016 fall semester.

In her new role as Office and Communications Administrator, Derosier will continue on with her evening CSR responsibilities, as well as working directly with the Maintenance Department assisting with the work order/billing process. In addition, Derosier will take on projects that are related to organizational development, human resources, marketing and communications.

Ternes began providing flight instruction the first of the year. Ternes brings his exceptional talent for flying and certifications as a flight instructor for single engine, multi-engine, and instrument ratings.

Ternes’s career in aviation started over 12 years ago, dating back to his experience in the H-60 Helicopter.

This includes being deployed overseas during his service in the U.S. Army. After his military experience, Ternes returned to North Dakota to complete his B.S. in Aeronautics at University of ND. Since graduating, he has worked at university as a Certified Flight Instructor, Express Jet Airlines as a first officer and a local 135 operation as chief pilot.

KLJ Hires Dalzell

KLJ, an engineering, surveying and planning firm, hired Emily Dalzell in its Bismarck office.

Dalzell is a public relations specialist. She earned a bachelor’s degree in university Emily Dalzell studies with an emphasis in business communication from Dickinson State University in addition to an associate degree in graphic design and an associate degree in arts from Bismarck State College. Dalzell has eight years of experience in marketing and communications.

Choice Financial Hires Widmer

Alison Widmer recently joined Choice Financial as a Frontline Customer Service Representative.

Widmer grew up on a farm and was involved with 4-H for over nine years. Outside of work she enjoys raising cattle, riding horse, concerts, rodeos, and NDSU football games. Widmer has been involved in various community service projects and is a very outgoing person that loves getting to know new people.

Securian Financial Advisor of the Month

Securian Financial Advisors of ND, Inc. is pleased to announce that Brian Neuhardt has been named Advisor of the Month for December based upon his production and service to his clients. Brian has been a representative with Securian Brian Neuhardt since May 2003 and is located at 4431 Memorial Highway, Mandan.

Brian is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC.

www.bismarckmandan.com Gangl Hospitality Welcomes New Staff Gangl Hospitality, which owns and operates both the Ramada Bismarck Hotel and the Baymont in Mandan, would like to introduce Laurie Schumacher as the Regional Director of Sales, Jo Ellen Kralicek as the new Sales Manager, Allison Braun as the Laurie Schumacher Director of Sales and Jessie Savre as the new Sales Manager.

Schumacher has been with the properties for over 25 years and looks forward to continue building relationships with current clients as well as building new client relationships.

Schumacher is excited about Jo Kralicek uniting the new sales team working together towards one goal that will be best for both properties but most of all customer service for our clients.

Kralicek will be in charge of coordinating and managing special events and group sales for the hotels. Currently Jo is at Allison Braun the Ramada Bismarck Hotel, but can help you with your group needs for either property.

Before joining the Ramada, Kralicek was Director of Sales for the Holiday Inn and the Candlewood Suites. Prior to that, she was at the Bismarck Tribune. Kralicek has an B.A. in Jessie Savre Advertising from University of North Dakota and lives in Bismarck with her family.

Braun joined Baymont in April 2016. She has over 20 years of sales, management and customer service experience. She prides herself in exceeding the customers’ needs and expectations. She’s married with three children, enjoys golfing, running and hanging with family in her spare time.

Savre joins us as one of our new Sales Managers.

Please feel free to contact Savre or any of the rest of the sales team to provide you with superior customer service for any of your hospitality needs.

David Joins Houston Engineering, Inc.

Ryan David, EI, joins Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) as a civil engineer working out of our Bismarck office. Ryan has worked part-time since August, Ryan David and we’re happy to have him join our team full-time! Ryan will support the efforts of HEI’s water supply group as well as perform engineering and construction management tasks for water supply and municipal infrastructure projects.

A Bismarck native, Ryan earned his BS in civil engineering from North Dakota State University (NDSU) in 2014 and expects his MS degree in environmental engineering from NDSU this May. Ryan previously worked for Moorhead Public Service as a part-time operator and interned at HEI for two summers, performing construction inspection and survey duties.

Larks Announce First Inaugural Season Player, NDSU Infielder Mason Pierzchalski

The Bismarck Larks announces the signing of Mason Pierzchalski, a junior infielder from North Dakota State University.

Pierzchalski is a 6-foot-2 infielder from Sammamish, Wash.

He played plenty this past season for the Bison, playing in all 54 Mason Pierzchalski games, tallying a .251 batting average with 45 hits in 179 at bats, along with 20 RBI’s.

He also ranked second among all fielders at NDSU with 78 fielding assists.

Mason is currently an accounting major at North Dakota State, and is the son of Michael and Karey Pierzchalski

Starion Bank Promotes, Hires

Starion Bank has promoted two individuals and hired two in Bismarck and Mandan.

Laken Moore has been Cornerstone Bank is proud to announce that the promoted to finance specialist following individuals have maintained certification II. Moore joined Starion in 2012 under the Independent Community Banks of North as an accounting specialist, Dakota (ICBND) Certified Frontline Professional becoming a finance specialist program.

Laken Moore I in 2014. She earned a Cindy Jesperson, Customer Service Rep/Teller bachelor’s degree in finance and Elka Herr, Customer Service Rep management from Minot State Shantel Hellman, Personal Banker/Customer Service Rep University and an accounting Sallie Wilz, AVP, Personal Banking Officer/Customer degree from the University

Service Manager of Mary, and has been in the The ICBND Certified Frontline Professional Program banking and insurance industries is a program designed specifically for financial for more than 10 years. Moore employees that provides a mean of personal and is located at the downtown professional development through education.

Kara Johnson Bismarck branch.

Kara Johnson has been Cornerstone Bank Promotes Weigel promoted to loan operations

Derek Weigel has been specialist I after working as a promoted to AVP/Business loan servicing assistant since Banker at Cornerstone Bank June 2016. In her new position, in Bismarck. Weigel joined Johnson’s responsibilities include Cornerstone Bank as a Retail processing loan information, Manager in June 2008. He was producing appropriate Aimee Dahm promoted to Business Banker/ documentation and performing Derek Weigel Credit Analyst in October 2012 quality control checks. She and transitioned to Business earned a degree from Rasmussen Banker in August 2014.

American Insurance Center Opens College and has several years of Mandan Location customer service experience.

Bowlinger Receives Aimee Dahm and Rachel American Insurance Center has recently expanded Certification Wingenbach joined Starion their offices to include Mandan, ND. as accounting specialists in Debra Estes, Personal Lines Account Manager; Ryan Robin Bowlinger, MS, Mandan. They are responsible for Heth, Commercial Lines Producer; and Nevada Silha, RN, CPHQ, has successfully Rachel Wingenbach balancing customer and general Ag Insurance Producer are now based in Mandan. The completed the requirement ledger accounts, and performing new office is located at 101 East Main Street inside the to become a board certified various banking transactions. Dahm is an accounting American Bank Center building. professional in healthcare Robin Bowlinger “We are thrilled to be a part of the Mandan quality by the Healthcare Quality specialist II. She graduated from Rock Valley Community College in Rockford, Ill., and has several years of community,” said Todd Kovash, American Insurance Certification Commission.

Market Manager in Bismarck. “It’s a perfect fit for us to Bowlinger works in the quality department at Sanford banking, accounting and retail experience. Wingenbach is an accounting specialist I. She attended the University join our colleagues at American Bank Center and bring Health in Bismarck. of Minnesota Morris and has several years of retail more services to Mandan.”

She has been with Sanford for 28 years. experience.

Cornerstone Bank Team Members Earn Certification

Chamber Connection | 31

COMMUNITY

ans for Ezell. Davis says he has no doubt NEWS Bismarck Bucks Hunt Professional iveness off the ball. Down I watched the kid play Talent We are lucky to get a young man with his The Bismarck Bucks season is be an all-league kindquickly of guy.” approaching and head

ASK-A-PRO PERKS Dr. Charchenko Joins CHI St. Alexius Health Urology Clinic

Carr Joins BNC’s Mandan Branch

BNC National Bank recently Cameron Charchenko, MD, has hired Linton, ND native Kyle joined CHI St. Alexius Health Carr as a Business Banker. Carr Urology Clinic. Dr. Charchenko graduated from the University of is a urologist specializing in coach, Richard Davis is on the Minnesota and has over seven the diagnosis and treatment of hunt for professional talent.

Tyrone Ezell Kyle Carr years of experience in financial prostate, kidney and bladder The Bucks recently signed three services and banking. Carr’s cancers, kidney stones, and Photo Courtesystandouts of Tyrone Ezell who will join their Cameron Charchenko office is at BNC’s Mandan Branch, located at 2711 holmium laser enucleation of roster this season, Tyrone Ezell, the prostate (HoLEP) for enlarged Sunset Drive NW, and he can be reached at 701-667Jawan Jamison and Melvin egan his pro career with the Houston 8883 or at KCarr@bncbank.com. prostates.

Tavaras. aints. If football wouldn’t have worked Dr. Charchenko received his medical degree from Ezell is a defensive lineman the Bucks are excited to have him in from the University of Pittsburgh UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand KAT Communications Welcomes New Forks, N.D. He completed a general surgery internship, Account Executive where he was a three-year urology residency, and six month minimally invasive starter. He signed with the Jawan Jamison Kat Communications is excited e-year starter for the University of Houston Texans before moving urologic surgery fellowship at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, to announce a major addition to c Coast Conference (ACC) team during Minn.

Dr. Charchenko is skilled in robotic surgical to New Orleans to play for the their sales team with the hiring procedures using the da Vinci® Surgical System. CHI St. Saints. of Ryan Steinman. Ryan has Jamison is a running back from Alexius Health utilizes the most sophisticated da Vinci® accepted the position of Account Surgical System in the state.

Rutgers University. He rushed Executive. He brings with him

Dr. Charchenko is a member of the American for more than 2,000 yards in his five years of sales and marketing Photo Courtesy of Jawan Jamison Urologic Association, Mayo Fellows Association and college career and was one of Ryan Steinman experience along with a strong Rutgers most decorated young Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.

Football league relationship network to grow athletes.

In 2013, was aa sive NFL In 2013, hehewas Melvin experience.

Tavaras KAT’s footprint in North Dakota. Ryan also is currently seventh-round draft pick by the . Jamison wore the burgundy jersey for a serving on the Leadership Bismarck Mandan Alumni Washington Redskins.

Association Board. onths.

Tavaras is a defensive back from South Dakota State University. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent in 2015 and participated in the Vikings training camp. runswick, New Jersey. He rushed for more

most decorated young athletes.

ansferring from Ventura College in Photo Courtesy of Dave Eggen/Inertia Sports Media

FEBRUARY LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

ed excellence on the field and in the favorite North Dakota State nkrabbits was suffered the kind ofloss guy he wanted on hisTelevised on Government Access, cable channel 2 & 602 HD. a 27-24 to the ship.

Taveras then finished his ped at the chance to have him suit up in a on KDAK 102.5 FM radio. Streamed online at www.freetv.org.

Broadcast es that same year.

Wed. 8:00 averas showed up 1st on his radar, Coach

am Burleigh County Water

pm Burleigh County Commission 5:30 pm Mandan School Board

Tues, 21st 2:30 pm

5:00 pm

5:00 pm

7:00 pm

5:30 pm Mandan City Commission

Wed, 22nd

Wed, 8th

5:15 pm Burleigh Planning Commission

Thur, 9th

Mon, 13th

5:30 pm Morton County Commission *

Thurs, 23rd 3:30 pm Burleigh County Social Services

5:30 pm Political Subdivision

Tues, 14th

5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission

Thurs, 16th

5:15 pm Bismarck Park Board

ndoor football, but all I have toResource say is – we District

had a phenomenal football career and it’s

and is anMon. unbelievably 6th talented

5:00

smarckbucks.com or at 406-861-

Tue, 7th

5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:30 pm Mandan Park Board *

Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board Burleigh County Commission * Mandan City Commission Mandan School Board

5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission

Mon, 27th 5:15 pm Bismarck School Board

5:15 pm Mandan Planning Commission * Tues, 28th 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission

5:30 pm Morton County Commission * Meetings are replayed several times on the Government Access channel and are available for viewing online (Watch on Demand) at www.freetv.org. * Delayed Playback

32 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com American Trust Center Welcomes Kempel as Investment Advisor

American Trust Center is pleased to announce Melinda (Ebach) Kempel has joined their team in Bismarck as a Registered Investment Advisor. Kempel will be responsible for advising clients of issues and trends with their personal and corporate Melinda Kempel investment accounts.

Kempel brings with her more than 21 years of experience in the investment industry and hold her FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 and 66 securities licenses as well as North Dakota Life, Health and Annuity insurance licenses. Most recently, Kempel was a Regional Associate with Invest Centers of America, Inc., serving as the ‘go to” person for 110 financial advisors. She will use her knowledge and experience to serve her clients, making sure their needs are met and exceeded with confidence and excellence.

Kempel holds her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Minot State University. She resides in Bismarck with her husband, Michael, and their three sons.

Six HEI Employees Earn Professional Engineering Registrations

Nic Cullen

Six Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) employees earned their professional engineer (PE) registrations. Congrats to Bjorn Berg, Nic Cullen, Thomas Eskro, Garrett Monson, Andrew Vistad, and Jacob Wognum on this great accomplishment!

Berg, Eskro, and Wognum all serve out of HEI’s Fargo office, Cullen and Vistad serve out of HEI’s Bismarck office, and Monson serves out of HEI’s Maple Grove office.

Sanford Nurse Receives Certification

Kim Erlandson

20 years.

Kim Erlandson, BSN, RN, CGRN, is now a board certified gastroenterology registered nurse by the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses. Erlandson works in the endoscopy department at Sanford Health in Bismarck.

She has been with Sanford for

Obritsch Joins Board of Directors

FirstChoice Clinic announces Dr. Jerry M. Obritsch to join the Board of Directors overseeing the operation of the organization’s three clinics across North Dakota, Andrew Vistad located in Fargo, Bismarck and Devils Lake.

Dr. Obritsch was born and raised in Dickinson, ND where he received his undergraduate degree from Dickinson State College. He graduated with his medical Three Join Bianco Realty degree from the University of North Dakota in 1987 and Bianco Realty is excited to announce three new completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology REALTORS® to join their professional Real Estate Team: at the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Kevin Juergens, Missy Moritz and Danny Weigand.

1991.

Juergens, Moritz and Weigand look forward to helping Dr. Obritsch has been the Attending Physician at Mid clients with their Real Estate needs, achieving their Dakota Clinic Center for Women in Bismarck since 1991 dream of home ownership and providing Bianco where he is also the Medical Director of Ultrasound Realty’s Tradition of Excellence! (since 1994) and is an American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) since 1992.

ECONOMIC Outlook Forum

Join us on Thursday, March 16th, to find out what factors are influencing the local economy.

This half-day presentation will feature a discussion on infrastructure, a panel on legislation, as well as a panel with professionals from a variety of different industries that will inform us on the current community and how certain industries connect to one another.

Presented by:

Gold Sponsor:

Thursday, March 16, 2017 | 7:00am - 11:30am Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center, Bismarck Purchase tickets online at www.bismarckmandan.com or by calling 701-223-5660 Chamber Connection | 33

Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon cuttings are conducted by a committee of Chamber volunteers called Ambassadors. Businesses qualify for a ribbon cutting if they open, move, and remodel, are under new ownership, change their name, or offer a new product or service. To schedule a ribbon cutting, please call Amanda Schwieters at 701-223-5660 or email aschwieters@bismancc.com.

KIRKLAND’S - HAY CREEK SHOPS Hay Creek Shops: Danielle Baumgartner, Manager at her new business on 1409 LaSalle Dr. in Bismarck. Phone: 701-250-8834

WIDMER ROEL Mike Schmitz, Manager and team at their new location on 1400 W. Century Ave. in Bismarck. Phone: 701-221-2655.

Member.

CAFFE AROMA Emily Burrows and Tina Wetzel, Owners, at their new location on 324 E. Broadway Bismarck. Phone: 701-258-0204. Member.

34 | Chamber Connection

SLEEP NUMBER - HAY CREEK SHOPS Hay Creek Shops: Jessica Szarkowski, Manager at her new business on 1499 E. LaSalle Dr. in Bismarck. Phone: 701-495-0808.

Member.

THE CAPITAL GALLERY David Borlaug, President and staff at their new location on 109 N. 4th St. in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-1698. Member.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS Katie Lauckner, Manager and staff at their newly remodeled space on 3001 N 15th St. Bismarck. Phone: 701-221-0850.

Member.

www.bismarckmandan.com

Welcome new members

The Chamber of Commerce encourages all members to do business with each other. The following companies and organizations have recently made an important investment in their business by joining the Chamber. Please consider them for your professional and personal needs.

To find a complete listing of Chamber members, view the Member Directory online at www.bismarckmandan.com.

Impact Foundation 4141 28th Ave. S Fargo, ND Amanda Sayre (701) 271-0263 Impact Foundation helps nonprofit leaders develop exceptional fundraising and leadership skills to vastly expand their impact.

Grand Junction Grilled Subs 4303 Ottowa St. Bismarck, ND Colton Shoults (701) 214-2025 Grand Junction offers gourmet sub sandwiches grilled to perfection right before your eyes and fresh-cut fries that will have your taste buds celebrating!

Lincoln Fitness 109 N. McDougall Dr. Lincoln, ND Chasity Gabriel (701) 751-5044 Fitness center located in Lincoln. Open 24/7 and includes Kidz Zone area M-TH 4:30-7:30 for only $15 per month. Total convenience for Lincoln and surrounding areas!

Signature Events Mandan, ND Renee Murrish (701) 226-1640 Event planner & coordinator that does the details as you enjoy your event with your guests. Specializes in weddings, corporate & public events. Proudly located within Harvest Events, Mandan.

Chief Construction, Inc 305 10th Ave SW Mandan, ND Cindy Knoll (701) 751-0374 Placement of underground gas, electric, cable TV and telephone lines, using underground boring equipment and trenching machines.

BeBizzy Consulting Mandan, ND Marv Dorner (701) 214-6271 We are an experienced designer & marketer for websites and online properties specializing in Wordpress, social media & online advertising. We’ve also worked with Verizon Wireless and Ford Motor Co.

NOTHING SHOULD BE SCARIER

Not Even Starting a Business This is your year. With a full suite of banking, insurance and wealth-management services, American is here to help you face your fears and change your perspective. You aren’t flying into a trap.

Between you, a lender, agent and advisor, you’ve got eight eyes and eight legs. Now weave a web to catch incoming opportunities.

American. Right Here. Right for You.

WeAreAmerican.com Chamber Connection | 35

Bismarck-Mandan ChamberConnection 1640 Burnt Boat Drive P.O. Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502

Upcoming Chamber Events FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP MIXER: KLJ Date: Thursday, February 23, 2017 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: KLJ – 4585 Coleman Street, Bismarck ECONOMIC Outlook Forum

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Date: Thursday, March 16, 2017 • Time: 7:00am - 11:30am Location: Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center – 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck

ECONOMIC Outlook Forum Presented by: Join the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce for our half-day seminar featuring panels of professionals, in a variety of different industries that will discuss Bismarck-Mandan’s business performance.

MARCH MEMBERSHIP MIXER: GREENLIGHT SYSTEMS Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Greenlight Systems – 1365 Tacoma Ave Suite #1, Bismarck CHAMBER SPRING MIXER Date: Thursday, April 13, 2017 • Time: 5:00pm - 7:30pm Location: Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center – 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center 7:00am - 11:30am Purchase tickets online at www.bismarckmandan.com

Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to promote teamwork, provide solutions and enhance productivity.

Counseling Services • Marital and family • Work-related issues • Emotional and behavioral • Alcohol and drug dependence

Other Services • Management consultations and training • Education and training • Crisis line • Online resources • Informational materials

Employee Assistance Program 701.530.7195 • CHIStAlexiusHealth.org