MEMBER PROFILE Exploring Leadership Soulutions Pg. 12
FULL HOUSE AT ANNUAL DINNER Nearly 900 guests attended the 29th Annual Dinner Pg. 14
CHAMBER EDC UNVEILS NEW LOGO The new logo was unveiled to the membership at the Annual Dinner in January Pg. 17
Connection FEBRUARY 2019
WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM
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50 YEARS AND GOING STRONG
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A BUSINESS PUBLICATION OF THE BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Molly Herrington ..................................................................Chair Brian Eiseman ...............................................................Vice Chair Val Weigel ......................................................................Secretary Kevin Strege ...................................................................Treasurer Ron Day ........................................................................Past Chair
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Bakken ......................................................City of Bismarck Scott Davis .........................................................City of Mandan Ron Day ............................................Marathon Petroleum Corp. Brian Eiseman ...............................................Stoneshire Builders Heather Fried ....................State Farm - Fried Financial Services Molly Herrington ...................................................................KLJ Chris Jones ...................................ND Dept. of Human Services Jim Peluso .........................................................Burleigh County Karl Lembke ......................................................Vaaler Insurance Wayne Munson ..............................................Bismarck Sign Co. Matt Sagaser ......................................................Doosan Bobcat Mike Schmitz .....................................................Widmer Roel PC Cody Schulz ........................................................Morton County Scott Staudinger .............................................Cloverdale Foods Kevin Strege ................................................Capital Credit Union Tom Todd ................................................Northwest Contracting Wendy Van Duyne .....................Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Val Weigel ..............................Basin Electric Power Cooperative Lee Weisbeck ..........................................................Starion Bank
CHAMBER EDC STAFF
Brian Ritter ...................................................................President Ross Frohlich ............................................Membership Director David Leingang .............................Community Growth Director Mary Masters .......................................Office Support Specialist Ryan Parsons ........................................................Vice President Shay Peterson ......................Membership Engagement Director Rebecca Rattei ................................ Communications Specialist Elliot Rust ................................................Chief Financial Officer Jaime Sabot ....................Workforce Development Coordinator Nathan Schneider ................................................Vice President Cathryn Sprynczynatyk .................. Communications Specialist AnneMarie Hansen ..................................Marketing and Events Lyndsey Scheurer.... Communications & Economic Development Intern 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-223-5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com
CONTACT INFORMATION Content Rebecca Rattei rrattei@bmcedc.com
Advertising David Leingang dleingang@bmcedc.com
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CONNECTION | CHAIR’S CORNER The New Year started off with a bang for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC with the 2019 Legislative Session kicking off, a successful annual dinner and the unveiling of our new logo and identity as the Chamber EDC. With so much happening in one month, the rest of 2019 has high standards to live up to! As a catalyst of communication, the Chamber EDC staff and Government Affairs committee have been pro-actively connecting with the business community, local legislators, the Governor’s staff and association partners to identify priorities and develop our legislative agenda. Subcommittees were formed to address behavioral health, infrastructure, and workforce needs. The outcome of these discussions resulted in a legislative agenda that is focused on ensuring funding options are in place for local communities to leverage to meet infrastructure funding needs, and supporting legislation that would provide our region’s employers and workforce improved access to quality, affordable behavior health resources. If you are interested in gaining more detailed insight on the bills the Chamber EDC is keeping a pulse on this session, join Brian or Ryan for coffee at the Capitol Café one morning, they would be happy to fill you in! The timing and excitement around the Annual Dinner made it the natural event to unveil our new identity to 850+ of our members and strongest supporters. It is with great enthusiasm and high hopes for the future that we embark on this new journey together. Throughout the month of February, the change in branding will become visible across all of our platforms, and staff email addresses will also be updated to reflect the new identity of the Chamber EDC. Leadership is also in the process of preparing for a strategic planning session to set forth the goals and objectives to guide the organization for the next several years – more to come on this in a future issue. As members of this diverse organization I encourage each of you to make sure you are using your Chamber EDC membership to its fullest extent. Let your voice, opinions, and ideas be heard through one of the organization’s committees and attend the various events hosted each month to continuously expand your professional network. Not sure how to best engage with the Chamber EDC? Attend one of our Chamber EDC 101 events where you can learn how to maximize your membership. In short, we want you to be involved, not simply a name on a list. The strength of our organization lies in the engagement of our membership! Thank you for your support of the annual dinner and mark your calendars for the Economic Outlook Forum scheduled for March 13. See you there!
Molly Herrington Chair, Board of Directors twitter.com/bismancedc facebook.com/bismancedc @bismancedc
Cover Photo: Maybelle Photography
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KIRKWOOD MALL — 50 YEARS AND GOING STRONG By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Photo Credit: Maybelle Photography
Keith Grotewold has seen a lot of innovations in nearly 50 years of tenancy at Kirkwood Mall. Grotewold is the owner of Lee’s Hallmark. Formerly known as Hatch’s Hallmark, the store was one of the original tenants of Kirkwood Mall when it was founded. Zales, Maurices and — up until last fall — Herbergers were also original tenants. When Kirkwood Mall opened in 1969, Grotewold said indoor shopping centers were an entirely new concept in the area. When the Hallmark store opened, it was essentially a 4,300 square foot kiosk building in the middle of what is now the north court of Kirkwood Mall. Grotewold remembers a woman leaving Woolworths department store with a cart full of unpaid merchandise. She came to the kiosk thinking the Hallmark store must be the central checkout point where she needed to pay. “It was a dramatic change,” Grotewold said. “They could come inside and be in an ‘air conditioned and carpeted mall.’ That alone was something if they put that in the (Kirkwood Mall) postcards.” According to Business Insider, mall construction peaked in the late-1980s with approximately 3,000 malls nationwide. More recently, there was a trend of malls closing nationwide, which, according to some sources, has plateaued. Jennifer Wilson is the General Manager of Kirkwood Mall owned by CBL Properties. Wilson said malls were popping up everywhere, some being built only one mile apart. The mall industry became saturated, and the malls that closed were older, those that didn’t keep up with retail trends, and those that didn’t remodel. Kirkwood Mall has bucked those trends.
Jennifer Wilson, General Manager of Kirkwood Mall
EVOLUTION OF KIRKWOOD MALL
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REGIONAL APPEAL
“We are dominantly the regional, covered shopping center,” Wilson said. “That niche for us is huge; we will continue to drive events that way. The region keeps shopping from us.”
Kirkwood Mall is celebrating 50 years since opening their doors in 1969.
Wilson said they attract customers from Glendive, Miles City, and Sidney, Mont.; from Dickinson, Williston, Devils Lake, and Jamestown; and from 100 miles into South Dakota. “(Kirkwood Mall) is the center of shopping in Bismarck, it always has been,” Grotewold said. “It’s like the old town square (concept) back in the old days. Kirkwood is that same idea. “It draws from a really large trade area. When people think of shopping, they think of coming to the mall. It’s been a great location for us.” Additionally, some malls have been hit hard by recent closures like the bankruptcy of Sears Corporation and Bon-Ton Stores, which owned Herbergers.
Photo Credit: Josh Stokka Design
Wilson said there have been a lot of parties interested in the former Herbergers space, and “the current focus is keeping our options open to create the best recipe for the mall and for the customer.” With 92,000 square feet of space, Wilson said the likelihood of the former Herbergers building staying as one piece is “highly unlikely.” Wilson said that when they are trying to fill an open space, they do local canvassing. They approach other properties in both the Bismarck-Mandan area and wider North Dakota. The goal is to convince businesses to open their next location in Kirkwood Mall.
Photo Credit: Maybelle Photography
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Photo Credit: Maybelle Photography
CHAMBER EDC FEATURE | CONNECTION “It speaks for itself that 30 percent of our mall is owned by local owners,” Wilson said. “A&B Pizza is across the street from their main store, and they say it’s very successful, easy to run. “Merle Norman, Out of Town, Blue Hawk Audio and Video, ND Embroidery & Gifts — they are your neighbors. They are people that live next door to you and down the street. People in Bismarck really like to support local. Having boutiques in the mall has helped bring the downtown shopper into the mall as well.” Kirkwood Mall is composed of 50 percent national tenants, 30 percent local tenants, and 20 percent regional tenants. “We are grateful that (Wilson) and Kirkwood Mall promote the locally owned businesses in the mall,” Grotewold said. “It’s pretty impressive (the number of locally owned stores). I think that’s part of why the mall has been successful as opposed to others in the country.” Kirkwood Mall’s pop-up shop is a space that online retailers can lease week-by-week. Having a temporary brick and mortar location allows the online retailers to have face-to-face interaction with their local customers. Wilson said one pop-up shop, Your Own Two Wings, has a many sales in one week at the pop-up shop as a typical month online. The 2018 renovation of Kirkwood Mall resulted in 70 percent porcelain tile floors and 30 percent carpeted seating areas.
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FLOODING AND RENOVATIONS
Photo Credit: Maybelle Photogrpahgy
One way Kirkwood Mall has kept things fresh and innovative over the decades is by renovating. The most recent renovation resulted in 70 percent porcelain tile floors, 30 percent carpeted seating areas, food court seating, soft seating, three sets of high-top tables with charging stations, new paint, and a new facade for the south entrance. “It gives the mall more energy,” Wilson said. “That’s why I wanted tile floors in the mall. It gives a shopping energy to the mall. You can hear the click of feet on the tiled floors. You can hear the rustle of shopping bags. It gives a sunlight energy to the mall. People are now noticing our sky lights in the mall. People had never notice them before, and they have been here for (50 years).” Wilson said they leveraged a combination of local and national contractors to make it all work. Locally, the mall hired Bob Eckert Painting, Capital City Construction, Dakota West Contracting, Cooling & Heating Unlimited, and Ennen Electric. Nationally, the mall hired a company from Iowa that specializes in mall flooring. The latest round of renovations was jumpstarted by the interior flood of 2017. When a water line broke on February 8, 2017, the water and mud impacted 66 tenants. Lee’s Hallmark was ground zero. The water stretched from Target to I. Keating Furniture to Herbergers, although none of those three anchor tenants had to close. Kirkwood Mall was closed for one day. Everything north of Herbergers was closed for four days. Wilson credits Arrow Service Team, Specialized Cleaning & Restoration, and Advanced Cleaning & Restoration for getting the mall reopened so quickly. Arrow Service Team worked with a business in Minneapolis to get 85,000 square feet of carpet. The carpet was loaded onto three semis and delivered overnight. Magi-Touch Carpet started laying carpet at 6 a.m., and the mall completely reopened at noon on Sunday — four days after the flood.
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“My basis for everything was the make sure the mall was ready to be open as fast as possible and to make sure the tenants were my number one priority,” Wilson said. “They depend on sales, so if they have no sales coming in, they can’t pay their employees. That was key. We opened at noon on Sunday.” At the same time, Wilson said they aired on the side of caution for every decision to make sure they did things right. Wilson is currently writing a flood remediation guide for all of CBL Properties.
What inspires you, inspires us. 701.255.1091 | eidebailly.com
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CHAMBER EDC FEATURE | CONNECTION Photo Credit: Maybelle Photography
OUTLOT DEVELOPMENT
In recent years, CBL Properties has renovated the Kirkwood Mall parking lots and developed outlot parcels that now house Lucky’s 13 Pub, Panera Bread, Verizon, Caribou Coffee, and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Lucky’s 13 Pub opened on July 27, 2017, and Denver Tergesen is General Manager of the Bismarck location.
“We love being on the south side of town,” Tergeson said. “We love 3rd Street. There are a lot of other businesses The interior flood of 2017 jumpstarted renovations that were completed in 2018. we compete with, but we’d rather have competition. It makes us do better and be our best. The competition really drives us and makes us go Tergeson said Lucky’s 13 Pub gets a lot of foot traffic from adjacent hotels. The location on the corner of 3rd Street above and beyond.” and East Bismarck Expressway means traffic entering the mall from the south drives past Lucky’s 13 Pub first. In addition, the restaurant receives foot traffic from Scheels and Kirkwood Mall. Being located on a mall property gives the Bismarck restaurant a different feel from other Lucky’s 13 Pub locations. Tergeson said late-night he sees more of a restaurant crowd than a bar crowd. “Even though we are open until 1 a.m., there’s not a lot going on this part of town at 1 a.m. as opposed to downtown,” Tergeson said. “(Downtown) you can go to four, five different places and bar hop. We have more of a restaurant feel even though we are a pub.” With all of that traffic, the Bismarck location of Lucky’s 13 Pub is the No. 1 store companywide. Wilson said all of the outlots rank within the top 10 percent of their corporations. “I think (the outlot development) was far, far, far overdue,” Wilson said. “The areas they developed were areas traditionally not occupied by vehicles, even on Black Friday. It’s prime real estate.” Kirkwood Mall continues to develop and innovate.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - LEE’S HALLMARK Member of Chamber EDC: Since 1971 Founded: 1970 on Black Friday Lee’s Hallmark is one of the original tenants of Kirkwood Mall. The store opened in 1970 on the day after Thanksgiving, which was not yet known as Black Friday. The Grotewold family purchased the franchise rights to Hatch’s Hallmark. Since the Hatch’s franchise ended in 1995, Lee’s Hallmark has been an independently owned and operated card and gift store with Hallmark serving as the primary vendor. Keith Grotewold, son of the original owners, is the owner of Lee’s Hallmark today. Grotewold said over nearly 50 years, their core business is still the same. Lee’s Hallmark sells social expression gifts — cards and gifts to help people celebrate events in their lives. Hallmark keepsake Christmas ornaments have been sold for 45 years, and Grotewold has seen that purchase become a tradition for families. But he also attributes their longevity to the ability to change and innovate with different trends. Grotewold said he has seen many trends over 49 years from Pet Rocks to Beanie Babies to Webkinz. “We have great customers supporting us in this market,” Grotewold said. “We have tried to stay up with the trends and have the things that are important to people.” Grotewold has seen numerous changes and remodels in Kirkwood Mall over 50 years. Perhaps the most recent, notable event was the interior flood of 2017. At 8:45 a.m. on February 8, 2017, Grotewold discovered water and mud pouring into his store from underground. Approximately 10 feet beneath Lee’s Hallmark, a pipe had burst in -12 degree weather. Because the external shut off was located outside in the parking lot, and the weather was -26 degrees with wind chill, it took workers 1 hour and 40 minutes to turn off the water. More than 60 tenants inside Kirkwood Mall were flooded. The water spread from Target to I. Keating Furniture to Herbergers, although none of those three anchor tenants had to close. Kirkwood Mall was closed for one day. Everything north of Herbergers was closed for four days. The water and mud which flooded upward left a cavern beneath the Hallmark store. The concrete had heaved, and the store had to be rebuilt from the floor to ceiling. For Lee’s Hallmark less than a week before Valentine’s Day, the timing couldn’t have been worse. But four days later, the Hallmark store opened in another mall location, from which they operated for the next six months. Grotewold credits Kirkwood Mall saying they were great to work with during the flood. “We are just happy to be here,” Grotewold said. “(We are) happy to be a local business that has been able to survive and thrive for that many years. It’s all due to the loyalty of the customer.”
2nd ANNUAL HILLVIEW CUP Team Long Drive Event Hosted by Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center
SAVE THE DATE! Friday, March 29, 2019 Golf Etc. in Bismarck This one-of-a-kind golf event is a driving contest counting yardage from a team of 4 golfers. A golf ball is hit as many times as possible and the total distance is recorded for each teammate at achieve the greatest aggregated distance possible. Teams are asked to raised a minimum of $200 to register, but there are fantastic prizes for teams that raise more! Sponsorships are also available. Visit mslcc.com/hillviewup for more information. CONTACT Jessica Gilbertson 701-221-9349 jessica.gilbertson@mslcc.com Connection 3 9
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NEW ST. MARY’S CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL SET TO OPEN FALL 2019 By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Those who are responsible for the new St. Mary’s Central High School know they are not only building a high school for 2020. They are also building a high school for 2070. “When we’re looking at the future of education, we want to make sure that we have an academic center that is malleable,” said Gerald T. Vetter, President of Light of Christ Catholic Schools. Construction on the new St. Mary’s Central High School is scheduled to finish this fall. “Honestly, education in 7-10 years should look a little different than Reed Ruggles is the Principal of St. Mary’s Central High it does today. And education 7-10 School. years after that should look different as well.” Before there was ever a shovel in the ground, Vetter said staff development took place to create “malleable, flexible and elastic” education. The new high school is being designed with “21st Century skills” in mind: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. “As we’re collaborating, what you’re doing in religion class can also be discussed in social studies,” Vetter said. “You could also be reading something in English class. Right now, my daughter is reading ‘Animal Farm’ (by George Orwell). How can we still be in silos? What she’s reading in there can also be discussed in Government.”
The new gymnasium will be finished just in time for the Fall 2019 school year.
“The sweet spot is where they are being pushed harder, and they are still successful,” Ruggles said. “They begin to own their education.” The new high school will have rooms designed for collaboration, laboratories, lectures, auditoriums, and think tanks. The school will have three to four think tanks on each floor with whiteboard walls and plug-ins for students to connect their laptops to screens. The school will have fireplaces where students can curl up with books. The centrally located media center and library will have spaces that transition from quiet study to loud collaboration. “What we’re learning in our professional development plan is engaging kids,” Ruggles said. “It’s not all hinging on direct instruction, but hinging on strategies that allow kids to engage in student-centered learning. You can’t do that in a hallway that is filled with 250 lockers.” The new St. Mary’s Central High School is designed in a semi-circle with four connected wings: academic, athletic, fine arts, and the chapel.
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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC FEATURE Vetter and others toured Lourdes High School in Rochester, Minn., and took inspiration from the campus’ half moon shape.
The new chapel at St. Mary’s Central High School is the heart of the campus.
“It was beautiful, it was functional, and it felt like it would be the perfect center for our future,” Vetter said. However, they made some key changes. Ruggles said they wanted to open up the central library and media center. “Why don’t we let that library space be the hub? We removed the enclosed glass and added a catwalk instead,” Ruggles said. “We opened it up. When you look in you see a cross. “Around that student center are all of our classrooms. They each have their own collaboration spaces. You have a student center that is very usable. It can serve as a collaboration space, and it opens up the classrooms.” When grades 9-12 move to the new high school, the original 1951 campus will officially become St. Mary’s Academy, serving grades 6-8. “This current building is not worn out,” Vetter said. “It’s well-used. Every square inch of this place is being used. It’s going to be a wonderful home for our sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.”
The new high school can accommodate 550 students.
Vetter said he gives tours of the school to graduates from the 1950s and 1960s. Two years ago, he was giving a tour to a man in his 70s who pointed to an area and said, “That’s where I met my wife.” The couple were sophomores at St. Mary’s Central High School when they met. When the new St. Mary’s campus opens in Fall 2019, Vetter is confident the academic center, cafeteria, and athletic center with be complete. The fine arts center will be completed as soon as possible. Vetter said as long as they have one classroom completed in the fine arts center, then the auditorium can be opened in October. The landscaping, athletic stadium, and turf field will be close to completion as well. Due to the architectural complexity of the chapel, the chapel will be completed at a later date. The student academic wing will be the center of campus. “Here is the beautiful thing about our school that hasn’t changed since 1951 or even 1878 (when Catholic education was founded in Bismarck),” Ruggles said, “when you walk in, it’s very clear that this place is about fostering relationships.”
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MEMBER PROFILE | CONNECTION
Dave Leingang of Exploring Leadership Soulutions has been a member of the Chamber EDC since 2013.
MEMBER PROFILE
Featuring: Dave Leingang EXPLORING LEADERSHIP SOULUTIONS
Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within the organization A: I retired from the United States Navy in 2003 with twenty one years of service. After retiring I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. In 2011 I become a certified coach, speaker and trainer as a John Maxwell Team Founding Partner. I’ve been facilitating strategic planning processes, leadership classes and mastermind groups to businesses and government organizations for over twelve years in both traditional and distant learning environments.
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Q: Briefly tell us the history of Exploring Leadership Soulutions A: I started Exploring Leadership Soulutions in 2011 when I started facilitating classes and mastermind groups on John Maxwell’s Leadership Development Programs. In 2013 I purchased the Mastering Leadership Skills curriculum from Corporate Human Services. These eight different leadership seminars consist of a variety of topics for all levels of leadership.
CONNECTION | MEMBER PROFILE Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Exploring Leadership Soulutions? A: I see that the growth in the area is impacting the training and development field in two ways. One, with the increased economy organizations budgets are more stable and they’re more likely to invest in training. On the other side I also see that employees are too busy to take the time to attend training. Most organizations have experienced in increase in workloads due to the growth, but if the organization doesn’t hire additional employees, then the priorities are to focus on the work.
Let’s show the world what we can do together. Day by day. Project by project. Together we’re renewing infrastructure and keeping the world in business.
Q: What industry trends are taking place? A: Organizations are using more online training platforms to train their employees, short training sessions that can be accomplished on the employees schedule while sitting at their work station. Q: Have there been any monumental changes in the industry that you’ve had to deal with? A: The first one is the move toward using more online training platforms. This gives someone in the training industry the ability to reach more clients then those in your immediate area. The other area is the move for larger organizations towards a centralized training philosophy, they have their own trainers and curriculum. Smaller organizations that don’t have the need to have a full time trainer on staff rely on independent trainers. Q: What does the future of Exploring Leadership Soulutions look like and the industry as a whole look like to you? A: I always intend to facilitate the John C. Maxwell Leadership Develop Programs and the Mastering Leadership Skills curriculum. But in the future the Mastering Leadership Skills seminars will be available on an online platform. I also intend to offer the Mastering Leadership Skills seminars to organizations looking for curriculum for their trainers to facilitate, a “train the trainer” option. Q: Exploring Leadership Soulutions became a member in 2013, why do you continue to renew each year? A: I like the networking events. Q: What should Chamber EDC members know about Exploring Leadership Soulutions that may assist them? A: Exploring Leadership Soulutions offers the John Maxwell Leadership Development Programs in one hour, full day, and multiple week session formats. The Mastering Leadership Skills seminars are typically full day sessions that can be modified to the organizations programs and policies. My leadership philosophy is, “We are here to serve, not to be served.”
Building a Better World for All of Us Engineers | Architects | Planners | Scientists
sehinc.com/subscribe • 701.354.7121
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THAT’S A WRAP! ANNUAL DINNER A HUGE SUCCESS
The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC would like thank all the guests that braved the cold and came to celebrate last year and the restructure of the debut of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC us at the 2019 Annual Dinner. Chamber EDC president, Brian Ritter, emceed the night’s program and welcomed special guests to the stage. We were very fortunate to hear from the Consul General of Canada, Ariel Delouya, and Governor Doug Burgum, who introduced our featured keynote speaker, Paul Long! Paul’s energetic presentation got people out of their seats as he challenged them to look at how they approach life. Also, thank you to our outgoing chairs, Ron Day (Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce) and Kevin Magstadt (Bismarck-Mandan Development Association) for the recap of the past year and the restructure process over the past year; and to our incoming Chamber EDC chair, Molly Herrington, for providing details of what is planned in 2019 and unveiling the new logo for the Chamber EDC. Last, but certainly not least thank you to our sponsors who helped make this night possible! We appreciate your continued support and involvement in everything we do!
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THANK YOU ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORS! PRESENTING SPONSORS:
GOLD SPONSORS:
SPEAKER SPONSOR:
Alumni SILVER SPONSORS: Dakota Community Bank & Trust Environmental Services Indigo Signworks
MDU Resources Group, Inc. Northern Crane & Rail Services Schafer Financial
PRODUCTION SPONSOR:
TABLE SPONSORS: Aetna Bank of North Dakota Bartlett & West Basin Electric Power Cooperative Baymont Inn & Suites Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck Event Center Bismarck Sign Company Bismarck State College Bismarck Tribune Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Brady, Martz & Associates Bremer Bank Capital City Construction Capital Credit Union Capital Electric Cooperative CHI St. Alexius Health Choice Bank
Cloverdale Foods Company Consolidated Construction Co. CornerStone Bank Crowley Fleck PLLP Dakota Appraisal & Consulting Dakota Home Care EMC Insurance Farm Credit Services of Mandan First International Bank & Trust First Western Bank & Trust Gate City Bank HA Thompson & Sons ICON Architectural Group JLG Architects KFYR-TV Kirkwood Bank & Trust KK Bold KLJ
Kraus-Anderson Construction Company Liberty Business Systems Marathon Petroleum MIDCO Moore Engineering Inc National Information Solutions Cooperative Northwest Tire Inc Odney Plains Commerce Bank Railway Credit Union RJR Maintenance & Management Stantec Consulting Services Inc Starion Bank The Painters U.S. Bank United Tribes Technical College University of Mary Wells Fargo Widmer Roel
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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION
CHAMBER EDC TO HOST ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM In January, the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC distributed its annual Economic Outlook survey to gauge business performance in the Bismarck-Mandan area and national level. By participating in this short 12 question survey about your organizations challenges and successes, the Chamber EDC is able to compile economic input for our membership to inform and prepare them for what lay ahead. Wednesday, March 13th at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center, please join The Chamber EDC and Starion Bank as we find out and present the results of this year’s Economic Outlook Survey. Throughout this morning forum, guests will get a local, regional and national economic outlook.
Karel Sovak, Associate Professor of Business, University of Mary
This year’s program will include: ECONOMIC SURVEY RESULTS - Dr. Karel Sovak, Associate Professor of Business, University of Mary LEGISLATIVE PANEL DISCUSSION - Representative Josh Boschee, House Minority Leader - Senator Rich Wardner, Senate Majority Leader Additional Panelists TBA INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION - Kurt Schley, President, CHI St. Alexius Health - Jennifer Wilson, General Manager, Kirkwood Mall Additional Panelists TBA Keynote speaker to be announced soon! To reserve a table for $425, please call Dave or Shay at, 701-223-5660 or email dleingang@bmcedc.com, speterson@bmcedc.com. Cost to attend the Economic Outlook is $40.00 — Members and $50.00 — General admission. To register for this event, please go to http://business.bismarckmandan.com/ events/calendar THANK YOU SPONSORS: Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsors:
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Table Sponsors: Amy Hullet: Century 21 Morrison Realty, Bank of North Dakota, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association, Capital Credit Union, First International Bank & Trust, First Western Bank & Trust, Kirkwood Mall, Liberty Business Systems, NISC, University of Mary
CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS
BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC UNVEILS NEW BRANDING The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC launched a new organizational logo at the January 24th Chamber EDC Annual Dinner, marking the beginning of the new Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC organization. The new logo represents the Chamber EDC’s commitment to business advocacy and economic development to ensure our region is a progressive, business-friendly environment. The logo unifies the diverse range of resources and capabilities of the Chamber EDC and increases the Chamber EDC’s brand recognition through all regional industries, ranging from small businesses to our largest corporations. The previous branding of both the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and Bismarck-Mandan Development Association served both organizations well. The merger of the two organizations provides the Chamber EDC the opportunity to grow its range of economic development and advocacy efforts to provide members with expanded workforce resources, professional development opportunities, and networking.
To complete the new identity of the organization, the Chamber EDC has also launched their new website, www.bismarckmandan.com, with new content and resources to further assist regional businesses and organizations in their development.
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LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN: HEALTH AND EDUCATION Health Day The Leadership class participated a panel discussion of CEOs in the health care industry. Scott Banks, CFO of CHI St. Alexis Health said he feels that healthcare billing should be like a good referee in a football game. Ideally, it should not be a noticeable part of the process. There should be no bad calls. The most noticeable part of the process should be quality care. Dr. Craig Lambrecht, President of Sanford Health Bismarck, said that more and more physicians practice precision medicine. If you’re a warrior patient, you can get both of your knees replaced in one day. The days of hospitalization after gall bladder surgery are over. The days of waiting three weeks for your mammogram results are over. Now, those results are available the next day on your secure healthcare app.
Dale Hoerauf, Director of the Bismarck Career Academy, gives a tour to the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class on Education Day.
Marvin Lein, President of Mid Dakota Clinic, said that unfortunately cost is driving healthcare right now — what hospitals charge, what insurance providers cover, and what’s left for the patient to pay. Ideally, it would be good for every patient to know their costs up front. Patients could take that into account in consultation with their doctors. Do you really choose to get a double knee replacement at age 89? Education Day Education Day was held at Bismarck Career Academy, where Director Dale Hoerauf took the Leadership class on a tour. Hoerauf demonstrated how Bismarck Career Academy is training a 21st century workforce through programs in aviation, nursing, graphic design, auto mechanics, welding, and botany. Students receive ratings on career readiness in time management in work, focusing on a project, communicating well, working safely, using resources to complete work, and engaging actively and respectfully. Bismarck Career Academy is a partnership with Bismarck State College. The class learned about English Language Learners from Michele Svihovec, Director of English Language Learning for Bismarck Public Schools. Svihovec said the English Language Learner population in Bismarck-Mandan is still growing. There are 60 different languages spoken in Bismarck Public Schools by 295 ELL students. Language include Spanish, French, Arabic, Tagalog, Haitian Creole, English-based Creole, Russian, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Urdu, Albanian, German, Mandarin Chinese, Romanian, Japanese, Italian, Igbo, and Chamorro.
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OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING: Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsor: Program Sponsors: BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative
Health Day Co-Chairs: Kilee Harmon — CHI St. Alexius Health Marnie Walth — Sanford Health Education Day Co-Chairs: Joyce Hinman — Retired Educator Alicia Uhde — Bismarck State College Lynn Wolf — Retired Educator Breakfast/Lunch Sponsors: CHI St. Alexius Health — (Health Day) Sanford Health — (Health Day) Bismarck State College — (Education Day) Bismarck Public Schools — (Education Day)
CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS
CHAMBER EDC HOSTS JOB SHADOW WEEK Do you have a high school junior, senior or college age student? Please share with them the opportunity to take part in Job Shadow Week. Currently there are more than 60 employers registered and 118 different job shadow opportunities available to learn more about. The student can spend 2 to 4 hours at a company that matches their interest. See what daily routines and work activities are part of this career and what degree, diploma or certificate is needed to perform this occupation. Your child has the opportunity to make connections that may lead to future internship or other practical experience. Online registration for students will start February 4, 2019 and run through February 15, 2019. Questions? Contact Jaime Sabot, Workforce Development Coordinator at 701-223-5660.
CHAMBER EDC DIRECTORIES NOW AVAILABLE The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC is proud to announce the 2019 Community Guide + Chamber EDC Directory is now available!
The Community Guide + Chamber EDC Directory is full of fun and exciting activities to do in Bismarck-Mandan. The guide also has interesting facts and the latest statistics of our growing community. Also, the directory has a complete listing of all the Chamber EDC members. Members can view the directory anytime, anywhere online at www.bismarckmandan.com or pick up copies at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC.
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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION
PLANTING THE SEED: THE EVOLUTION OF AGRICULTURE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC’s Agricultural Committee is proud to collaborate with Farm Credit Services of Mandan in hosting this informative luncheon during their 42st Annual KFYR Radio Agri International Expo. You are encouraged to join other business professionals from Bismarck-Mandan for a free lunch and engaging topic on February 12th from 11:30am 1:00pm! A panel of professionals in various areas of technology influencing and interacting with agriculture will inform attendees on the evolution of the Ag. Industry over the past decade.
OUTSTANDING TEACHERS DESERVE OUTSTANDING AWARDS! It’s that time of the year again! The OUTSTANDING Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC have Teacher of the Year officially opened up nominations for the 2019 Outstanding Teacher of the Year award! From now through February 15th, 2019, please nominate the educators you think are deserving of the crystal apple.
Lunch will be served but seating is limited.
Every year, the Chamber EDC honors a Primary Educator, and Secondary Educator from both Mandan and Bismarck, and a Higher Ed. Educator.
To register for this event, please go to http://business. bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar or contact David, dleingang@bmcedc.com, or Jaime Sabot, jsabot@ bmcedc.com. For more information, call the Chamber EDC’s office, 701-223-5660.
To submit a nomination, head over to, www.bismarckmandan.com/committees, and either fill out a form electronically and email to David Leingang, dleingang@bmcedc.com, or print and fill out and mail to the Chamber EDC’s office, Attn: David Leingang Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC 1640 Burnt Boat Drive Bismarck, ND 58503 Deadline to submit nominations is February 15th, 2019 For any questions about the nominations, or the award process, please call the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, 701-223-5660 Program Sponsor: Award Sponsor:
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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS
CHAMBER EDC PROGRAM SQUEEZES FUN INTO COMMUNITY
Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan is coming back this summer! It’s time to begin thinking warm thoughts as we look to June 15th for this year’s Lemonade Day!
Making a return for it’s third year, Lemonade day Bismarck-Mandan will be setting up shop with area youth on one single day to serve up some refreshing lemonade. Lemonade Day is a free, fun, project based learning experience that teaches kids and responsible mentors 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: • 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
Together, these champions will assist in spreading information about the program as well as helping to blend all the necessary ingredients needed to make Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan another success for all participating youth. If you or your organization is interested in helping Lemonade Day succeed and help the program grow, please consider becoming a sponsor. Reach out to Dave Leingang or Shay Peterson at the Chamber EDC for more information on how you can be involved.
Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan will be June 15th, 2019; Registration opens up in March with backpacks available in April! Learn more at https://lemonadeday.org/ bismarck-mandan; or call the Chamber EDC at 223-5660, or email David Leingang at dleingang@bmcedc.com.
Once a youth pays their investor or mentor back, they keep all of the money they earn and are encouraged to spend some, save some, and/or share some of their profit with a local charity, non-profit, or someone in need.
OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING:
Lemonade Day is for everyone! Though its 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!
Lime-Light Sponsor:
Returning for this year’s Lemonade Day are City Champions, Jena Gullo - Executive Director Missouri Slope Area United Way, and John Bollinger - General Manager of the Bismarck Larks.
Main Squeeze:
Fresh Squeeze: Lemon head Sponsors: American Bank Center, Bartlett & West, Doosan/Bobcat, First Western Bank & Trust @bismanlemonadeday
twitter.com/BisManLemonDay
facebook.com/lemonadedaybismarckmandan
BISMARCK-MANDAN
June 15, 2019 Lemonade Day is a fun, experiential program that teachers kids how to start, own and operate their very own business, a lemonade stand! www.bismarckmandan.lemonadeday.org
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CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION
CHAMBER EDC 101 MAXIMIZING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
PLANTING THE SEED
Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Location: Bismarck Event Center, Prairie Rose Rooms 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Admission: Free to Attend Presenting Sponsor: The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC’s Agricultural Committee is proud to collaborate with iHeart Media in hosting this informative luncheon during their 42st Annual KFYR Radio Agri International Expo. You are encouraged to join other business professionals from Bismarck-Mandan for a free lunch and engaging topic! A panel of professionals in various areas of technology influencing and interacting with agriculture will inform attendees on the evolution of the Ag. Industry over the past decade. Guests are invited to attend this informative discussion between panelists from AgCinect, Direct Ag. Supply, and RDO Equipment as they talk about Smart Farms/ Ranches, GPS utilization, and drone usage and how the evolution of these technologies in Agriculture is affecting their organization, workforce, and economy from their perspective.
CHAMBER EDC 101
Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Location: Chamber of Commerce 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM Admission: Free to Attend Are you interested in learning how to make the most out of your membership? Save the Date and join us on Tuesday, February 13th from 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. Chamber EDC staff will explain our programs, benefits, committees, and other opportunities on how to maximize your membership. Whether you are a brand new member, a long-time member or just want to learn more about membership this is the event for you! Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to insure a meal by either contacting the Chamber at 701-223-5660 or by emailing Ross Frohlich at rfrohlich@bismancc.com.
To register for this event call the Chamber EDC at 701-223-5660.
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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC EVENTS
MEMBERSHIP MIXER: KLJ
Date: Thursday, February 21, 2019 Location: KLJ 585 Coleman St, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend Save the Date for the February Membership Mixer! This free event is a great opportunity to network, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Join us on Thursday, February 21st, as KLJ will be celebrating Engineers Week by hosting our membership mixer at their location 4585 Coleman Street in Bismarck from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. RSVP are appreciated and can be made online at www. bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar or by emailing Ross at rfrohlich@bismancc.com.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center 800 S 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 7:00AM - 11:30AM Admission: $40.00 for Chamber Members $50.00 for General Admission Presenting Sponsor:
Find out what elements are driving our local, regional, and national economy at this year’s Economic Outlook Forum, presented by Starion Bank! On Wednesday, March 13th, from 7:00am – 11:30am, join fellow Chamber EDC members as we hear first hand from experts and local professionals from various industries what challenges we have endured in 2018 and what to be mindful of in 2019. Cost to attend the Economic Outlook Forum is $40.00 for Members and $50.00 for General Admission. You can register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/ events/calendar. Please contact Dave at dleingang@bmcedc.com, Shay at speterson@bmcedc.com, or call 701-223-5660 to find out more details.
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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION
MANDAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS RECEIVES GRANT FROM MARATHON PETROLEUM Mandan Public Schools is pleased to announce it has received a $35,000 grant from Marathon Petroleum Corporation, through the company’s Foundation. These funds will support the Welding and Agriculture Mechanics Program at Mandan High School.
Mandan Public Schools mission is to provide students with rigorous, personalized learning experiences and to help them develop the social and emotional skills to become productive citizens. These grant funds will help guide our mission by improving the safety equipment in the CTE labs and updating the equipment to resemble that in the industry closely. The grant will benefit about 150 Mandan High School Students this year and many more in years to come. “We are so thankful for this generous donation from our community partner, Marathon Petroleum. These funds will enable us to enhance our Welding and Ag Education labs to provide a safe and modern experience for our students,” said Mr. Jeff Fastnacht, Asst. Superintendent, Mandan Public School Dist. #1.
First Western is people you know, who know you. 304 East Front Avenue, Bismarck (701) 255-4400
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Marathon is a highly-integrated refining, marketing and midstream company, and is proud to manufacture the affordable, safe, clean and reliable products that help make modern life possible. Since completing its combination with Andeavor On Oct. 1, 2018, Marathon operates the nation’s largest refining system, which includes the Mandan and Dickinson refineries. The company has long-established core values of health and safety, environmental stewardship, integrity, diversity and inclusion, and corporate citizenship. “At Marathon, community investment is an integral part of our business,” said Ron Day, Marathon Petroleum’s Government and Public Affairs Manager in North Dakota. “We believe that promoting and contributing to the health and vitality of the communities in which we have the privilege to operate is essential to our success.”
At First Western Bank & Trust, we’re more than your trusted financial institution. We are North Dakota founded and locally owned. Decisions are made right here and quickly by our seasoned staff of Bismarck professionals - people you know, who know you. For proven business leadership in banking, visit our team for all your financial needs. Because we’re not just here for you, we are you. First Western Bank & Trust. You can bank on us.
firstwestern.bank Member FDIC
CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS
THOUSANDS OF NORTH DAKOTANS TO BENEFIT FROM ENERGY TRANSFER’S $2 MILLION DONATION FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The Energy Transfer/Sunoco Foundation and Energy Transfer (collectively “Energy Transfer”) presented the University of Mary with a $2 million check, kicking off the university’s new Workforce Development Initiative. The contribution is part of a $5 million donation from Energy Transfer that was announced last April, of which $3 million went to the University of Mary’s new School of Engineering. The goal of the Workforce Development Initiative is to bridge the communication gap between educational providers and industry leadership, with the ultimate objective of developing a curriculum that will lead to job creation for North Dakotans. The University of Mary is leading the program, building on the focus and leadership of Governor Doug Burgum, the great work of the state of North Dakota, and the generosity of Energy Transfer’s $2 million gift.
Brian Opp, who is in charge of the new Workforce Development Initiative as the Workforce Development Strategist at the University of Mary. Opp laid out the details of the new initiative and how his new department will bring education and the state’s workforce together for employee retention and the creation of thousands of jobs in North Dakota.
The University of Mary is collaborating with marketing leaders, employers, higher education facilities, and the Greater North Dakota Chamber to conduct research among a minimum of 50 employers across the state, to determine how and where higher education can best serve workforce needs. Once the research is concluded, which is expected to be completed in the late spring of 2019, the university will analyze the data and engage content-area experts to develop a curriculum—awarded on a part-time basis—that matches industry needs of the moment. This gift has allowed the University of Mary to hire three full-time positions, carefully tailored to meet the unique demands that workforce development in North Dakota require: a Workforce Development Strategist who specializes in assessing and clarifying workforce needs through all available sources; a Senior Curriculum Design Specialist for Workforce Development to coordinate closely with the Workforce Development Strategist crafting tailored academic programming that meets demonstrated needs; and Project Manager for Workforce Development to manage projects and assuring successful completion and coordinating with other university departments.
Since that time, the University of Mary has worked in partnership with many industry leaders, other colleges and universities, and even entire communities, such as Watford City, to create programs specifically designed for working adults. These customized programs often shared two goals: developing news skills in prospective or newly hired employees, and assisting in the retention of talented professionals by investing in their professional development. This donation by Energy Transfer brings University of Mary’s record-setting three-phased Vision 2030 Capital Campaign total to nearly $94 million—only $2 million shy of its Phase I goal of $96 million. When the campaign is completed in 12 years, it will have raised a total of $272 million. With over 250,000 square feet of new space created on campus within the last two years, Vision 2030 is part of a continued effort and mission to better serve the needs of this region and beyond.
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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION
FIRST INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE ACQUIRES JOHNSON & JOHNSON INSURANCE AGENCY First International Insurance announces today the acquisition of Moorhead, MN insurance agency, Johnson & Johnson Insurance. “We are excited to have the employees of Johnson & Johnson join the First International Insurance family,” says Daniel Toy, VP/Director of Insurance. “Both organizations operate as independent insurance agencies, providing a wide array of personal and commercial insurance products allowing agents to shop multiple companies and find the best coverage and value. It will be a smooth transition for all involved.” Clients of Johnson & Johnson Insurance can expect a seamless transition. Their relationships with their existing agents will remain in place and they will continue to offer commercial and personal insurance with expert service at the insurance office, located at 1730 30th Avenue South in Moorhead. “It was important to us to find a company that had similar values and believed in providing the same exemplary level of one-on-one service for clients. We are in good hands and are excited for our future,” says Greg Johnson, Insurance Agent and Manager of Johnson & Johnson Insurance. First International Insurance is a division of First International Bank & Trust. Peter Stenehjem, the company’s President, shares, “Since the early stages of our company’s history, being able to offer insurance protection to our customers was important. Our interest is in our customers’ overall financial health. Having insurance experts who can help families and businesses in our communities secure the proper insurance protection is important as a full service community bank.”
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CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS
REDEVELOPMENT OF JR. HIGH BRINGS AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO HEART OF MANDAN A community landmark, once commonly known as Mandan’s Jr. High School, was celebrated today as Historic Apartments on 4th, an affordable home for individuals and families.
The former Mandan Junior High School has recently been renovated for affordable housing for individuals and families.
“With the first tenants moving in this week, the Grand Opening celebration offered community members the opportunity to roam the halls of the school one last time,” said Erin Anderson, The Commonwealth Companies vice president of development. Mandan Public School District sold the property in 2012 to Yegen Development who, after failing in its attempt to redevelop the school, donated it to Spirit of Life Catholic Church. In 2016, the church transferred ownership to Commonwealth with the understanding that it would become affordable rental housing. The renovation Commonwealth spearheaded preserved the property’s historic features including terrazzo flooring, woodwork and school lockers, while providing the new tenants with 39 one- to three- bedroom apartments with modern amenities including energy-efficient appliances, central air conditioning and secured entrances.
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“NDHFA is pleased to be able to provide the support needed to transform the property, restoring a community landmark and bringing affordable housing to the heart of Mandan,” said Jolene Kline, NDHFA executive director. “The development resources the agency provided creates homes and being able to afford a ‘home’ is crucial to every North Dakotans’ wellbeing.” NDHFA awarded $698,822 in tax credit authority to the project through the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. The credits were syndicated by Redstone providing $6.2 million in project equity. NDHFA also awarded the project more than $1 million from the National Housing Trust Fund. Historic Apartments on 4th received $1.3 million in Historic Tax Credits from the US Department of the Interior, and the City of Mandan approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes which reduced the development’s property tax burden. Construction financing was provided by Sterling Bank. The total cost of the redevelopment was more than $8.8 million.
Located at 406 4th Street NW in Mandan, ND, the original building on the site was completed in 1917, it and three adjoining buildings, constructed in 1924, 1954 and 1977, were redeveloped to create the apartments, a community room, fitness center, and a small daycare center with a private playground. All of the housing units at Historic Apartments on 4th are reserved for income-qualified households and rent for $499 to $775 depending on unit size and household income. In addition to running the on-site daycare, the Mother Teresa Outreach, an affiliate of Spirit of Life Church, will offer supportive services to tenants who have experienced housing instability. Individuals interested in learning more about the apartments should contact Kaycee Boehm, the property’s onsite manager, (701) 751-1542 or customerservice@metroplains.com.
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ASK A PRO | CONNECTION
STEVE KELSCH at
1661 Capitol Way, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-250-9400
DR. KREOFSKY at
500 N 8th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-222-6100
ERINN LARKIN at
1929 N Washington St, Ste GG, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-222-6100
Q: OUR BACKUP COSTS HAVE GOT- Q: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS I CAN Q: WHAT IS APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS, AND WHAT TEN OUT OF CONTROL. HOW DO TO HELP PREVENT ME FROM SERVICES DOES ANNE CAN WE REDUCE THESE COSTS? GETTING CANCER? CARLSEN CENTER OFFER? A: This is one of the concerns that we hear A: There are more than 100 types of most often. Over time your data sizes will cancer in the world. Even though this is an A: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is continue to grow, and you pay for offsite backup by how much you are storing. The fact is that you own your data. It is up to you to decide what is important to back up and what is not. Your IT provider will never remove things from your backup unless you tell them to. Your IT provider’s job is to make sure anything on servers is backed up whether it is important or not. It is your duty as a business owner to tell your IT provider what needs to be backed up and what does not. We have seen several instances where large amounts of data that has no useful purpose stored on a server where the customer was paying to back up that data. All of this costs money. Your employees need to know that only essential data should be stored on the server. Also, a good house cleaning is something that should be done every year to get rid of unnecessary data or move that data to another device so you are not paying monthly to store it.
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alarming number, by taking time to focus on cancer prevention, you can lower your risk of getting cancer and many cancer-related deaths can be prevented.
Research has shown that more than 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States can be attributed to preventable causes – things like smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun. As a result, steps like quitting smoking (or never starting in the first place), maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, protecting your skin from the sun, and getting vaccinated against the viruses that cause certain cancers can dramatically reduce your risk of certain cancers. Another important preventative step is making sure you get regular medical care. Self-exams and screening for various types of cancers- such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix, and breast-can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Prevention is the first step in fighting the battle
an evidence-based approach to teaching that uses techniques such as positive reinforcement to teach people new skills and increase positive behaviors. Skills and behavior programs are individualized to the needs of the person rather than using a “one size fits all” approach. Anne Carlsen Center offers Applied Behavior Analysis services in Bismarck, Minot, Jamestown, Fargo, and Grand Forks. Services include assessments, skills training, and behavior programming, as well as parent training and monthly meetings with parents. Assessments are conducted by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to determine the needs of the client. The BCBA writes programming for the client that is carried out by a Registered Behavior Technician during each client’s session. Programming is monitored through data collection and continued observations by the BCBA and changed when necessary to meet the needs of the client. Sessions are conducted in a center setting as well as out the in the community, depending on the needs of the client. Currently ABA services only available for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis.
CONNECTION | ASK A PROS
CASSIE
STAIGER-JETER at
JEREMY SKOGLUND at
Bismarck • Mandan, ND 58554 701-751-7060
304 E Front Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58504
Q: FOR OUR NEXT VACATION WE ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW DESTINATION. HOW SHOULD WE GO ABOUT TRAVELING TO A NEW AREA WE’RE NOT FAMILIAR WITH? A: We have all been there. We love a
Q: SHOULD I CHOOSE A ROTH OR TRADITIONAL IRA? A: It’s always nice to have options, but
certain vacation spot because of the service, accommodations, and the memories we have made with our loved ones that we stick with. But we all have that one destination on our bucket list that is outside of our comfort zone. Our advice. GO! Whether it is alone, with your loved one, or family. JUST GO! A few tips: • Do your research! Make sure you are aware of the travel time, accommodations, transportation, language, time change, must sees, weather, and currency. The more prepared you are the less surprises you will have upon arrival. • Ask the locals! Locals are open to talking all about their humble abode. Ask about best places to dine, local hideaways, and why they love living there! • If you need help diving into the details enlist the help of a travel planner. We thrive on the planning process, the hype leading up to your trip, and excitement of hearing all your stories when you get home! Now we ask you... What does your wanderlust heart desire?
701-255-4400
JOEL BLANCHARD, MD at
2603 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-323-5222
Q: HOW CAN AN EMPLOYER MONITOR THEIR HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM IN ORDER TO ADEQUATELY PROTECT EACH WORKER? A: Every worker must undergo an
sometimes options make it harder to choose. I like having options at restaurants, but I hate trying to decide between all the options available when I’m shopping for audiogram once they’re first exposed to a vehicle. Maybe the cost has more to do a dangerous noise level. This baseline with my frustrations there? audiogram must be performed when they When you look at Individual Retirement have been away from any noise exposure Accounts, there are a few things to know for 14 hours. This ensures that the correct about each type. If you want the tax baseline hearing level is documented. benefit now, go for a Traditional IRA as The worker must then have a yearly your contributions can be tax-deductible audiogram to compare with their baseline as long as your income is under a certain limit. If you want the tax benefit later, Roth audiogram. A physician/audiologist must review their results and determine whether IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals, which or not their hearing is being well protectcould be very beneficial if your IRA sees ed. A decrease in hearing may indicate considerable earnings. that the hearing protection provided at While you can likely contribute to a work is not adequate or may need to be Traditional IRA, there are income limits re-fitted. The worker may also need further that could keep you from contributing to a education to make sure he is wearing hearRoth IRA. There are required minimum ing protectors correctly, both at work and distributions (RMDs) after age 70 ½ that at home. Hearing loss from noise exposure you are required to take if you have a is completely preventable, but permanent Traditional IRA. Roth IRA’s do not have once it occurs. RMDs, and you can withdraw your contributions after five years penalty-free. Don’t forget that you have until April 15, 2019, to make a 2018 IRA contribution.
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MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION SANFORD HEALTH WELCOMES NEW NURSE PRACTITIONERS Brittany Hearn, FNP, gastroenterology, recently joined Sanford Clinic in Bismarck. As Brittany Hearn, FNP a gastroenterology provider, she will work on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the pancreas, gallbladder, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon. Brittany graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck with a doctorate in nursing practice.
Scott Beeler
EIDE BAILLY LLP ANNOUNCES NEW HIRE AND PROMOTION Eide Bailly LLP, a regional certified public accounting and business advisory firm, has hired Scott Beeler. Beeler serves as an Tax Senior Associate and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from University of Mary. Mitch Hersch was also promoted to Audit Senior Associate.
WELDER JOINS CUAD STAFF The Credit Union Association of the Dakotas (CUAD) is very pleased to announce that Lori Welder has joined our Lori Welder staff as the new Director of Communications at the Bismarck office. Welder brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and design to the association. She received an AAS Degree in Commercial Art from Bismarck State College and completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Communications and Marketing at Moorhead State University. She is also a graduate of the Women’s Leadership Program of Bismarck – Mandan, is an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels and United Way, and serves on the advisory board for the Bismarck State College Computer and Technology program.
BLUMHAGEN NAMED VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF NORTH DAKOTA TELEVISION AND DIGITAL OPERATIONS Nexstar Media Group, Inc. announced that Tammy Blumhagen has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager of Mitch Hersch KXMB-TV (CBS), KXMC-TV (CBS), KXMD (CBS), KXMA-TV (CW) and associated digital services including myndnow.com, BAIN AGENCY WELCOMES SOLBERG serving Minot, Bismarck, Dickinson and Brent Solberg has joined Bain Agency Williston, ND. Prior to her promotion, she as a Commercial Lines Account Executive. most recently served as Director of Sales Brent has been in the Insurance Industry at Nexstar’s central and western North since he graduated from Valley City State Dakota television and digital operations. University in 2007. The first two years in the Ms. Blumhagen will assume her new Insurance Industry, Brent spent wholesaling responsibilities immediately and report life insurance and annuities, and he has to Julie Pruett, Senior Vice President spent the last nine years in sales of personal and Regional Manager for Nexstar lines, commercial lines & health insurance. Broadcasting, Inc. Before Nexstar’s acquisition of Reiten HELPHREY JOINS Television’s central and western North ALLIANCE REAL ESTATE Dakota CBS station affiliates in early 2016, Alliance Real Estate is Ms. Blumhagen served as Corporate Sales Manager for Reiten where she was proud to announce that Scott Helphrey has joined responsible for developing revenuegenerating strategies for the stations’ our team of professional local programming and leading all REALTORS®. Today, Scott Scott Helphrey is still active in the military, aspects of sales across its local, national and digital advertising verticals. Prior to continuing work on his that, she served as Owner and Principal master’s degree, and found a passion in Consultant for Blueprint Media where she real estate while designing the retrofit of provided strategic direction, branding, his house into a 1950’s craftsman- inspired media planning and creative concept ranch. development services to local businesses.
GRAEBER RECEIVES SR. BONIFACE TIMMINS AWARD Tod Graeber, administrator of CHI St. Alexius Health Garrison Memorial Hospital and Tod Graeber Turtle Lake Community Memorial Hospital and director of the Transitional Care Unit in CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck, was awarded the prestigious Sr. Boniface Timmins Award during CHI St. Alexius Health’s Annual Associate Banquet on October 23, 2018. Graeber is recognized for his leadership and described as an honest man and a man of integrity. He is passionate about rural health care and having thriving facilities that serve their communities. One project he recently initiated is the Dakota Nursing Program, a way to educate nurses at home in order to respond to the nursing shortage. Graeber is described as having compassion for the elderly, often walking through the Skilled Nursing Facility in the capacity of a visitor and not as the administrator. GANGL AND GELOFF EARN CERTIFICATIONS Nagoshia Gangl, human resources business partner at Starion Bank, has earned the SHRM Certified Professional Nagoshia Gangl (SHRM-CP) credential through the Society for Human Resource Management. Gangl joined Starion in August 2009. She served in the roles of teller, customer service representative and teller Rick Geloff supervisor. In 2014, she joined the human resources team. Gangl earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Dickinson State University Rick Geloff, financial reporting manager, VP, at Starion Bank, has earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) accreditation from the North Dakota State Board of Accountancy. Geloff first joined Starion in 2013 as a credit analyst. He has also served in the roles of business banking officer and special assets officer, VP, prior to being promoted to his current position in May 2018. He is located at the downtown Bismarck branch.
Share your business news with the Chamber EDC. Email press releases to Rebecca at rrattei@bmcedc.com.
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CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS SANFORD HEALTH WELCOMES NEONATOLOGIST Karen Brown, MD, neonatologist, has joined the Sanford Children’s team in Bismarck. The Karen Brown, MD North Dakota native has 18 years of experience as a neonatologist in the Bismarck community. As a neonatologist, she will provide care for newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Dr. Brown graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in Grand Forks and completed her residency in pediatrics from the University of Hawaii Integrated Pediatric Residency Program in Honolulu.
CAPITAL CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES CHIEF LENDING OFFICER Capital Credit Union announced the hiring of Kevin Strege as chief lending officer. Strege Kevin Strege has more than 30 years of professional experience in the financial services industry. As chief lending officer, Strege will oversee Capital Credit Union’s lending culture, credit quality and portfolio management, as well as new business development and ongoing relationship management for the business services and mortgage lending departments. Strege joins the Capital Credit Union team from Cornerstone Bank, where he had been business banking manager since 2015. He has held various positions in BIANCO REALTY SALES AWARDS the financial services industry since 1985, Bianco Realty has announced their including market manager at Bremer Bank top six “REALTORS® of the Month” for in Bismarck and business banking manager November: Shirley Thomas, Judy Maslowski, at Wells Fargo Bank in Bismarck. Amber Sandness, Jane Thoele, Darcy Fettig Strege earned bachelor’s degrees in and Amy Asche. These six REALTORS® had accounting and business administration the highest sales totals in November 2018. from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
BRAUN INTERTEC WELCOMES LINDEMAN TO BISMARCK OFFICE Corey Lindeman has joined Braun Intertec as a staff engineer specializing in geotechnical and Corey Lindeman environmental evaluations, proposal development and construction materials project management. Lindeman has more than eight years of experience, including being a research scientist in the oil and gas industry. KUCERA JOINS CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH Will Kucera, PA-C, has joined CHI St. Alexius Health Neurosurgery Clinic. As a physician assistant, Kucera assists in the surgical treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spine and spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves, and the post-operative management of patients. Kucera received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. and his Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D.
FEBRUARY LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS Televised on Government Access, cable channel 2 & 602 HD.
Broadcast on Radio Access 102.5 FM radio. Streamed online at www.freetv.org.
Mon, 4th
5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission 5:30 pm Mandan School Board*
Tues, 5th
5:30 pm Mandan City Commission
Thurs, 7th
Wed, 20th
5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission
Thurs, 21st
5:15 pm Bismarck Park Board
5:00 pm Bismarck Board of Adjustment
Mon, 25th
5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:30 pm Mandan Planning Commission*
Mon, 11th
5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:30 pm Mandan Park Board*
Tues, 26th
5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission 5:30 pm Morton County Commission*
Tues, 12th
5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission
Wed, 27th Thurs, 28th
5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission
Wed, 13th 8:00 am Burleigh County Water Resource District 5:15 pm Burleigh County Planning Commission Thurs, 14th
5:30 pm Morton County Commission*
Tues, 19th 1:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board Mandan City Commission Mandan School Board
3:30 pm Burleigh County Social Services 5:30 pm ITG (Political Subdivisions)
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
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RIBBON CUTTINGS | CONNECTION Ribbon cuttings are conducted by a committee of Chamber EDC 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.
FITLIFE TRAINING STUDIO Dr. Kat Haux, Owner, at her new business located at 7316 Yukon Drive, Bismarck. Phone: 701-471-3906. Member.
MARCO Kevin Lacher, Jason Moe, Kevin Johnson, Dan Solberg and Brenda Wall at their new location at 2906 Morrison Ave, Ste 1, Bismarck. Phone: 701-250-2101. Member.
CONTRACTORS SUPPLY Ken Salwey at his new business located at 1600 Industrial Drive, Bismarck. Phone: 701-214-5799. Member.
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BED N BISCUIT RANCH Lila Teunissen, Michelle Thomsen and Ken Fricke at their new business located at 8700 80th Street, NE Bdg 2, Bismarck. Phone: 701-415-0494. Member.
CONNECTING POINT Bryan Waege, President, at their new location at 1680 East Capitol Ave, Bismarck. Phone: 701-258-6689. Member.
TRAPPED IN BISMARCK Travis Walterson, Owner, at his business at 3333 E. Broadway Ave, Ste 12, Bismarck. Phone: 701-595-0119. Member.
CONNECTION | RIBBON CUTTINGS To find out how you can get a free ribbon cutting from the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, please call Ross at 701-223-5660.
FIRST WESTERN BANK & TRUST
TECTA AMERICA DAKOTAS
Brenda Foster and Chad Johnson at their new location at 304 E Front Ave, Bismarck. Phone: 701-255-4400. Member.
David Rinas and Colby Caster at their new location at 213 Riverwood Ave SE, Mandan. Phone: 701-663-8972. Member.
ANAMA CUCINA
HISTORIC APARTMENTS ON 4TH
Kenny and Kendra Howard, Owners, at their new business located at 101 N 5th Street, Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-1738. Member.
Renovated apartments located at 406 4th Street NW, Mandan. Phone: 701-751-1542. Member.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BISMARCK CANCER CENTER FOUNDATION
On this day, Thursday, February 14, 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.givingheartsday.org on February 14 and click on the Giving Hearts Day “Donate” button. Connection 3 33
NEW MEMBERS | CONNECTION The Chamber EDC 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 EDC. Please consider them for your professional and personal needs.
Redline Motorsports LLC 1721 Michigan Ave Bismarck, ND Dauntae Martin (701) 426-0083 Offering a wide range of services from servicing bikes, four-wheelers, UTVs, lawn mowers, snow blowers, snowmobiles, and just about anything else with a small engine.
Stonehome Brewing Company 1533 N 12th Street Bismarck, ND Kim Bahm (701) 751-1445 A North Dakota born brewery, featuring small batch craft beers and appetizing brew pub style menu. Relaxed atmosphere offering great food and a full bar. Fun for all ages.
Bismarck Sign Co. LLC 1926 Frontier Dr. Bismarck, ND Wayne Munson (701) 751-7777 We provide creative options to advertise your business with signs, wraps, interior and design.
Bed N Biscuit Ranch 8700 80th St. NE Bdg 2 Bismarck, ND Lila Teunissen (701) 425-7289 Dog and cat boarding, grooming and training.
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CONNECTION | NEW MEMBERS To find a complete listing of Chamber EDC members, view the Member Directory online at www.bismarckmandan.com.
Rock Point 2500 Pirates Loop Mandan, ND Bill Kramer 701-751-3348 Rock Point Located in Mandan, ND on the scenic banks of the Missouri River Bismarck Mandan’s Premier Entertainment Venue! Construction Engineers, Inc. 100 Collins Ave Suite 102 Mandan, ND Mike Dunn (701) 989-7994 Construction Engineers provides construction management and design-build services. Our broad experience provides the best service in the industry.
Mandan Depot Bier Hall 401 W Main Street Mandan, ND Edgar Oliveria (701) 721-8878 Nestled in the historic Mandan Depot, it recreates the Bier Hall tradition of German food, an excellent selection of German beer plus local favorites, designer (Euro) games, and a welcoming feel. The TeeHive - Move U Performance Apparel Bismarck, ND Scott Pickard (701) 741-6522 We do custom screen printing, embroidery & have our own brand of performance apparel (Move U Performance Apparel). We are owned by ‘’Just for Kix’’, a nationally known dance company in Baxter, MN.
JOB SPRING 2019
FAIR
& INTERNSHIP
BISMARCK STATE COLLEGE NATIONAL ENERGY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Save time and money by recruiting for all your staffing needs at one time. Reserve your booth space for $150 at bismarckstate.edu/jobfair.
CSV-021-0119
FEBRUARY 21, 2019 4-6:30 P.M.
MEET POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES!
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Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Connection 1640 Burnt Boat Drive Bismarck, ND 58503
UPCOMING CHAMBER EDC EVENTS PLANTING THE SEED Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 • Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: Bismarck Event Center, Prairie Rose Rm – 315 S 5th St, Bismarck
CHAMBER EDC 101 MAXIMIZING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
CHAMBER EDC 101: MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 • Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm Location: Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC – 1640 Burnt Boat Dr, Bismarck FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP MIXER: KLJ Date: Thursday, February 21, 2019 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: KLJ – 4585 Coleman Street, Bismarck, JOB SHADOW WEEK Date: February 25 - March 1
OUTSTANDING Teacher of the Year Know an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond the classroom? Nominate them for Outstanding Teacher of the Year! Go to www.bismarckmandan.com/ committees/
MARCH MEMBERSHIP MIXER: HAMPTON INN & SUITES Date: March 7, 2019 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Hampton Inn & Suites – 2020 Schafer Street, Bismarck ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • Time: 7:00am - 11:30am Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center – 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck
LOGO COMING
CHAMBER EDC SPRING MIXER Date: Thursday, April 4, 2019 • Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center – 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck
Simplify
YOUR DAILY BUSINESS
Starion Bank provides essential payment options for all types of businesses. We offer solutions to easily pay bills, collect payments or manage payroll, all with advanced security measures to keep your money safe. We’ll take the time to understand your unique banking needs and find the right solutions.
Ashley Kittleson Cash Management Officer | ashleyk@starionbank.com | 250-1468 Member FDIC
Deadline for nominations is February 15, 2019. PROGRAM SPONSOR:
AWARD SPONSOR: