AMBER SCHRIOCK at

Q: DOES A MARKETING STRATEGY REALLY MATTER?

A: Let’s compare this question to something universal – sports.

Do plays matter in organized sports?

Playing basketball since the 4th grade has taught me that plays are essential. Without them, everyone runs around without purpose, despite each believing that their actions will bring success. Without a common objective, you are left aimless.

The moral of the story? Strategy wins games!

On average, companies spend 1/4 of their marketing dollars on paid advertising. To avoid wasted dollars, developing a marketing strategy will help identify what is and isn't working.

We’ve found that the most pivotal questions for a successful marketing strategy are why your business does things, who you’re trying to reach, and ultimately what your end goals are - each requiring a custom strategy. Once goals are outlined, we help our clients develop actionable steps that achieve them.

So yes - a marketing strategy means everything for your marketing efforts and should be the backbone of every move you make. Ready to stop guessing with your marketing? Let us help you create a winning strategy! Email info@hexahive.co to schedule a free consultation.

Q: WHAT IS A “SHOP CONDO” AND WHY ARE THEY SO POPULAR?

A: A shop condo is an industrial shop that has been divided into individual shops and each owner takes title to their individual shop. Many shops are typically available to rent, but in the shop condo scenario, the owner actually purchases and owns their shop so they don’t pay rent. Interestingly, Bismarck was one of the first communities in North Dakota to embrace and develop shop condos. Thanks to some very creative developers, Bismarck has now enjoyed shop condo development for over two decades. Hundreds have been built, sold and occupied and this spring, we will see over 100 new shop condos come available.

These started out selling for as low as $70 PSF but today the asking prices are anywhere from $136 to $150 per square foot. Many use them to store their toys and use them as “man caves”. Others find these to be the perfect solution for small business owners to operate their small business out of and to establish equity in commercial real estate. To date, we have not seen the value of these shop condos drop in our area. And yes, there will be one available for you this spring.

Q: HOW CAN I SET THE MOOD FOR MY VALENTINE?

A: Valentines Day is quickly approaching, but your Valentine is tired of the same old flowers and chocolate. If you have smart devices, you can set the mood at home with minimal effort, even if you aren’t there. Alexa or Google can help by dimming the smart lights and playing their favorite (or romantic) music.

Open the Alexa app, open More and select Routines, then select Plus. Follow the steps to choose what starts the routine, then select the Add action to choose the actions in your routine. Save your work.

Open Google Home app, select Routines, New+, then Household or Personal. (It is important to note that all eligible home members can access the household Routines while personal Routines are only available to you.) Add at least one starter and one action. You may have to select a device for audio. Save your work.

Now you have the beginning of a romantic evening with your beloved. The rest is up to you!

Ndwbc Announces Dauer As New Executive Director

The North Dakota Women’s Business Center’s (NDWBC) Board of Directors announces the appointment of Christy Dauer as the organization’s next Executive Director.

Dauer’s nearly 20 years of experience working in or consulting with small businesses positions her as an exceptional leader for the organization.

Dauer received her BS in Business Administration from North Dakota State University and is an active member of the Fargo-Moorhead community. She started her relationship with the NDWBC as a volunteer. In 2019, she moved from her corporate roots to the non-profit sector and opened the NDWBC’s Eastern North Dakota Small Business Administration Program.

Prior to being named Executive Director, Dauer was the Senior Program Director at NDWBC, providing oversight of all client services and programming. She was instrumental in establishing NDWBC’s certified business coach program, the development of NDWBC’s women’s business leadership program and went viral with the popular Strong Women, Strong Coffee live programming.

Bianco Realty Sales Awards

Bianco Realty has announced their top REALTORS® for December: Shirley Thomas, Amber Sandness, Judy Maslowski, Tori Meyer, Greg Gerhard & Jane Thoele. These REALTORS® had the highest sales totals at Bianco Realty in December 2022.

Anne Carlsen Hires Jodi Duttenhefer

Jodi Duttenhefer, Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker, has joined the Anne Carlsen West Region team as the West Region Operations Director. In this role, Jodi will oversee operations for Bismarck and Minot Anne Carlsen services. Originally from Buffalo, SD, Duttenhefer earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Creighton University and a Master of Human Services with a specialization in Nonprofit Management from Capella University. Duttenhefer has many years of experience, including work in residential settings, schools, and community-based services.

Ndpc Welcomes Klute And Kautz

The North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) announced two new hires, Ryan Klute and Reva Kautz.

As Regulatory Affairs Manager, Ryan Klute will manage the Regulatory Committee within the organization that is made up of industry experts. His focus will be on the ever-changing Federal Regulatory landscape and spearheading research and response for the NDPC. Ryan is from York, Nebraska and has a bachelor’s degree in Geology. His extensive experience as a consultant in the oil and gas industry will provide NDPC with regulatory knowledge as seen from multiple viewpoints.

As Communication Director, Reva Kautz, will be creating the narrative for our members through social media posts, website updates and other media requests of NDPC. She will also be taking on communications and promotion aspects of the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation, assisting Tessa with community outreach efforts. Reva was raised in southwest North Dakota and has worked in public relations, communication, outreach, sales, and marketing roles in Bismarck for many years. She has her MBA from University of North Dakota.

NDIRF’S WINGENBACH EARNS AINS DESIGNATION

The North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund (NDIRF) is proud to announce Member Services Representative Carrie Wingenbach recently received an Associate in Insurance (AINS) designation.

The Associate in Insurance (AINS) designation provides a broad understanding of the insurance industry for insurance professionals. To receive this designation, Wingenbach completed courses and tests in general insurance, commercial insurance, and commercial risk management.

Sanford Health Honors Employees Of The Year

Four individuals were named 2022 Sanford Health Employees of the Year for the Bismarck region.

• Sanford Clinical Employee of the Year:

Haley Gilstad, BSN, RN, CEN, SCRN, RN, Program Specialist

• Sanford Management Employee of the Year: Samantha Richter, BSN, RN, CNML, SCRN, Director of Nursing Inpatient

• Sanford Support Services Employee of the Year: Donald Heley, Senior Financial Analyst

• Sanford Physician of the Year: Justin Reisenauer, MD, FACEP, AWEP, Physician of Emergency Medicine

On an annual basis, Sanford Health employees have the opportunity to recognize their peers by nominating them for Employee of the Year Awards. First awarded in 2013, these awards were established to recognize employees who exemplify the Sanford values and consistently demonstrate exceptional performance in a manner that promotes a positive environment involving employees, physicians, patients and visitors.

Bmhba Welcomes Patera

The BismarckMandan Home Builders Association welcome Jennifer Patera as the new Director of Communications and Marketing.

Patera and her husband, Seth, have seven children and two fur babies, Ity and Tito.

Capital Credit Union Promotes Lagasse

Jillian Lagasse was recently promoted to chief marketing and member experience officer at Capital Credit Union. In this position and as a member of the credit union’s Executive Team, Lagasse will manage all aspects of the credit union’s Marketing Department and Contact Center, as well as employee training and other areas supporting the overall member experience.

Lagasse graduated from the University of Mary in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in social science/business. She is a current chair of the Local Issues Committee for Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC and Optimist Impact Grant for Bismarck Optimist Club and is a member of the University of Mary Alumni Association and Missouri Valley Family YMCA Board of Directors.

Lagasse has been with Capital Credit Union since July 2018, most recently as vice president of marketing and member experience. She and her husband Ryan live in Mandan with their three daughters.

Mccormick Joins Pediatric Partners

Cody McCormick joins Pediatric Partners, a member of the Sevita family, as the Mental Health and Applied Behavior Analysis programs manager. He is originally from Wisconsin, but recently relocated to Bismarck with his wife, Becca, and two kids, Lucy and Leo.

McCormick received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, his Masters in ABA from St. Cloud State University and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is a licensed mental health provider in several states and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2017, with a decade of experience in working with children with various developmental disabilities.

In his free time, McCormick enjoys being outdoors (golfing, trap shooting and fishing) and spending time with his family. He is also an avid sports fan, particularly the Green Bay Packers and Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Bismarck Aero Center Welcomes Olson

Bismarck Aero Center would like to welcome Lance to our growing team as the new Director of Finance and Accounting. Lance is a graduate of Moorhead St. University with a BA in Accounting and has a proven track record as CFO. He has been responsible for general accounting, finance, processes improvements, strong leadership, and money management. Lance will be reporting directly to the CEO and will be responsible to help collaborate on the direction and growth of our organization. As Director, Lance’s daily duties will include oversight of our finance and accounting activities at BAC. In addition, his role will focus on process improvements, cash flow management, vetting new opportunities, and growing profitability.