March Connection

MEMBER PROFILE North Dakota Petroleum Council Pg. 12

CHAMBER EDC TO HOST ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM Results from survey to be revealed Pg. 14

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Chamber EDC is lobbying on behalf of membership Pg. 15

Connection WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM

MAKING MOVES IN MANDAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON THE RISE

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 & ED 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 | PRESIDENT’S CORNER

t the Chamber, the BMDA and now the Chamber EDC, our mantra has always been that for all intents and purposes Bismarck-Mandan is one community.

Yes, there’s a river running through our community, but it doesn’t divide our community. Having said that, many individual parts make up our community and they have their own dynamics, opportunities and challenges. This month’s Connection will spotlight just how the City of Mandan is successfully all of those things.

For example, the City’s Restaurant Rewards Program has been incredibly successful in supporting restaurant locations in Mandan including Culver’s, Bennigan’s and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. The City was also pro-active in acquiring the former Central Market and Thrifty White Drug properties downtown and ultimately filling them with a new Runnings location. And after a few years of being vacant, the former Mandan Junior High has re-opened as the Historic Apartments on 4th Street.

You can read all about these projects and more later on, but suffice it to say, developments like this simply don’t happen by chance. They happen only after a tremendous amount of hard work, that is often not seen or acknowledged, has taken place. In this case, that work may have been crafting the programs that facilitated these new projects or it might have been the act of simply making a phone call to gauge the interest of an interested party. Whatever it was, it took effort and the City of Mandan should be applauded for all of the effort its leadership, staff and businesses expended in helping make all of these projects a reality.

Yes, the City of Mandan has helped position our community for another great year, but that’s not the only thing we should be excited about. The 2019 Legislative Session is still in full swing and looks poised to deliver new infrastructure development tools. Our Economic Outlook Forum will give us all a chance to see just how optimistic our businesses are for 2019 and why. And planning has already started for the Chamber EDC’s Educators Summer Workshop…no matter how far away summer may seem, right now.

So enjoy the March Connection and thank you for your continued support of the Chamber EDC!

Brian Ritter, President, Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC twitter.com/bismancedc facebook.com/bismancedc @bismancedc Cover Photo: Rebecca Brick

CORRECTION: The February edition of the Connection misstated the capacity of the new St. Mary’s Central High School. The new St. Mary’s Central High School will be able to accommodate 550 students. We regret the error.

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CHAMBER EDC FEATURE | CONNECTION

DEVELOPMENT ON THE RISE WHERE THE WEST BEGINS

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

Gloria Frohlich never realized she could qualify for income-based affordable housing. She had worked for her entire career, but the wages in her industries left her as an apartment renter in her retirement.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Brick

When Frohlich’s 92-yearold landlady informed her the building was being sold, Frohlich was at a loss for how she would find an affordable apartment.

“It was actually frightening after (the landlady) said she was going to go,” Frohlich said.

The former Mandan Junior High has been renovated into affordable housing.

Even in a post-oil boom housing market, Frohlich said she thought she would never be able to afford to rent nice housing.

A friend suggested the former Mandan Junior High School, which was being remodeled into the Historic Apartments on 4th.

What Frohlich found were vaulted ceilings, terrazzo floors, and modern appliances as well as walkability to downtown amenities and events such as summer concerts in the park. As the first resident to sign a lease, Frohlich had “the pick of the litter.” She chose an apartment that used to be a study hall. The hardwood floors still show the marks of where rows and rows of desks were screwed into the floor. Best of all, Frohlich prizes the large windows that help her eyesight.

“At the core of our business is development of affordable housing that exceeds expectations,” said Erin Anderson, Vice President of Development-Midwest Region for Commonwealth Development Corporation.

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HISTORIC APARTMENTS ON FOURTH – FORMER MANDAN JUNIOR HIGH Mandan Junior High was built in 1917 as the first school in Mandan. Adjoining buildings were added in 1924, 1954, and 1977. The building was originally a high school, but in its 92-year history it was also an elementary school, a junior high, and a sixth-grade academy. In 2009 the school was closed when the brand new Mandan Middle School opened.

In 2012 Mandan Public School District sold the property to Yegen Development. Without adequate financing to redevelop the school, Yegen donated it to Spirit of Life Catholic Church. In 2016 the church transferred ownership to Commonwealth Development Corporation, which specializes in affordable housing development.

Anderson said it is a challenge to convert any historic building into housing.

“It takes a lot of vision,” Anderson said. “You’re going into a building that is oftentimes soggy and moldy. You have to be able to see that vision of converting it into something new and getting it cleaned up from a state of deterioration.

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC FEATURE “The first thing is vision. The second thing is patience. The third thing is experience. The timeline is longer than new construction as you can imagine. You need experience, because there are oftentimes underlying issues in these buildings that you wouldn’t otherwise know about if you didn’t do these kind of projects.”

Commonwealth Development Corporation specializes in affordable housing development, but they don’t always seek out historic properties. Approximately 25 percent of their housing involves adaptive reuse, such as a historic school. Anderson said repurposing, sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and retaining the historic nature of a site are some of the principles of adaptive reuse.

“As you can imagine, throughout the country there have been quite a few schools abandoned as new schools are built,” Anderson said. “They do have a layout that is conducive to housing development.”

Former schools are more conducive to housing than other projects such as a historic warehouse or a historic factory. The layout of classrooms is often favorable to conversion into an apartment building.

BEFORE

Photo Credit: ND Housing Finance Agency

“(Adaptive reuse) takes a lot of vision,” said Erin Anderson, Vice President of DevelopmentMidwest Region for Commonwealth Development Corporation. “You’re going into a building that is oftentimes soggy and moldy.”

Photo Credit: ND Housing Finance Agency

AFTER “At the core of our business is development of affordable housing that exceeds expectations,” said Erin Anderson.

Commonwealth Development Corporation brought another area of expertise to the table, which was how to combine federal historic preservation tax incentives and federal low-income housing tax credits to make the project feasible.

Ellen Huber, Business Development and Communications Director for City of Mandan, said the project was able to maximize federal tax credits, financing options from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, and local incentives.

At the local level, the project qualified for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). Huber said the land is generating exponentially more in property taxes now than when it was a school or when it was sitting empty.

“It really took all layers, federal, state and local to make this project a reality,” Huber said.

In order to rent at Historic Apartments on Fourth, an individual has to be at or below 30 percent or 50 percent of area median income. Rent ranges from $499 to $775 depending on unit size and household income.

Anderson said the rents of affordable housing have to be at least 10 percent below market rate, and in many cases the rents of Commonwealth Development Corporation are significantly below market.

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CHAMBER EDC FEATURE | CONNECTION As of February, 19 of 39 units have been reserved, and 13 of those are occupied. Metro Plains manages Historic Apartments on Fourth.

The former Central Market building has set vacant since December 2013. The former Thrifty White Drug has been empty since July 2014.

“I was just looking for another avenue where I could have a nice place to live — I could have never guessed this — but a nice place to live while I grow old,” Frohlich said. “I want to live to be 100 now. It has given me a reason to want to live and to stay healthy and to keep going. You know, you get so depressed when you don’t see an out for your future other than survival. If I could look out for the next 30 years until I’m 100 at this beautiful, beautiful Christmas card view, I would be thrilled.”

“We started to say, ‘Do we need to nudge this along at all?’” Huber said. “You hope to have these things happen on their own in the private sector, but sometimes as the public sector you need to help nudge things along.”

WEST MAIN REDEVELOPMENT In addition to adaptive reuse of former Mandan Junior High, the City of Mandan has been working on business development opportunities such as West Main Street redevelopment, Restaurant Rewards Program, and entrepreneurial education and outreach.

Later this year, Runnings will open a brand new store on West Main Street in Mandan.

“We’re excited that when customers come into the store, they are going to be shocked and awed at the selection they will be able to find versus the old store,” said Dennis Jensen, Runnings Marketing Director.

On January 31, Runnings purchased two Main Street properties from the city: the former Central Market and former Thrifty White Drug buildings.

The properties had been listed for sale at $2.5 million.

The Mandan City Commission was concerned about the future of these properties and their importance to the downtown district and Main Street. Commissioners voted to acquire the properties in June 2017 using funds from the Mandan Supplemental Environmental Projects Trust.

“Those properties were anchors for Main Street,” Huber said. “They attracted customers from a broad radius to Main Street and downtown Mandan. The loss of those businesses had a major impact on business, particularly in downtown Mandan. There was a chance one or both properties could go in a direction that would not re-anchor Main Street. There was a chance it could go in a direction that wouldn’t generate property tax or sales tax. We had a big focus to increase sales tax and property tax, because those are keys to holding down property taxes.”

Community efforts to recruit another grocery store such as Cash Wise, Coborn’s, SuperValu, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, and others were unsuccessful.

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC FEATURE Photo Credit: City of Mandan

The city hired ICON Architectural Group in December 2016 to assist with a vision plan. ICON recommended transforming the area into a regional destination and entertainment district dubbed The Railyard. Various site layouts were explored with concepts involving an event hall and library space.

After receiving additional public input, the City Commission voted in August 2018 to receive proposals from the private sector to Business has been booming for Bennigan’s since they opened last summer. buy or lease the buildings.

Runnings purchased the “We very much serve the agricultural customer, the rural buildings from the city for $1,025,000 and will invest at customer,” Jensen said. “Our stores cater to farmers, least $1 million in renovations. ranchers, agriculture hobbyists. But just as important are customers who live in town. They’re looking for pet sup“It’s becoming a great opportunity for an existing plies, lawn and garden supplies. They love that lifestyle business to expand the scope of their retail offerings f and we very much cater to that.” or the area,” Huber said.

The current Mandan Runnings store is located on Memorial Highway in a much smaller building.

Runnings plans to open the new store in September 2019.

“As (customers) come in the door, there is a common theme,” Jensen said, “they want more. More, more, more. We really could not give more at the current location.”

“This does not happen without a very strong group of customers that shop our stores,” Jensen said. “Without that demand, we’re nowhere. So we really appreciate the community support.”

Jensen said the new, larger space will allow Runnings to expand retail offerings like clothing, tools, pet supplies, footwear, and sporting goods. Despite softening agriculture prices in recent years, Jensen said the Runnings customer base remains strong.

RESTAURANT INCENTIVES When the City of Mandan surveyed their residents on community perceptions in 2017, they received a surprise. For years, the top request had been to lower property taxes. In the 2017 survey, there was a new top request: more restaurants.

“We’re very agriculturally driven; we’re weather driven,” Jensen said. “When the ag industry sees softer prices, that obviously is going to have an impact to us. It hasn’t been real severe that we’ve seen. At the end of the day, we always talk about it being a necessity business.

When the economy softens, you still have to feed your dog. You still have to mow the lawn. There’s not a lot at our store that you see and say, ‘Boy, that’s a luxury.’”

For nearly 75 years, Runnings has remained strong in the agricultural business, Jensen said. However, over the past decade, the company has evolved their offerings to rural and city consumers.

But the recent history of attracting restaurants and retail to Mandan can be rewound further — back to 2005.

“Mandan had been trending toward becoming a bedroom community,” Huber said. “(People) saw this could be the future, and determined they did not want this.

Because we were so under-retailed, the voices at that 2005 public input meeting said, ‘Yes, we do want you to go after retail. Hire somebody and get-er-done.’ That was among the goals when the city created a Business Development position.”

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CHAMBER EDC FEATURE | CONNECTION Over the years, Huber said they had courted many restaurants. They had reached out and either been told “No” or been ignored.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Brick

“We realized to keep doing the same thing was only going to get the same, disappointing results,” Huber said. “We realized we needed to try something different.

It really helped open doors and get face-to-face conversations with restaurant owners.”

The Mandan Growth Fund and Mandan City Commission voted in March 2016 to implement a Restaurant Rewards Program. All types of restaurants have been eligible, but the goal was to attract at least three sitdown, full-service casual dining establishments. Nearly three years later, that goal is largely accomplished.

The program provides a rebate of 1 percent local sales tax for the first five years of operation. Mandan also set aside $162,000 in the Mandan Growth Fund for interest buydowns through Bank of North Dakota’s Flex PACE program to assist restaurants that need financing.

Almost all of those funds are now committed.

Culver’s, which opened in September 2018, is one of the restaurants that tapped into the Restaurant Rewards Program.

Sammi Wu, Owner of Culver’s, said the Wu family opened their first Mandan restaurant in 1998, the former Rice Bowl.

After they sold Rice Bowl, Wu said the family still had the itch to start a new restaurant. Wu said they were looking for a sit-down, dine-in restaurant.

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The Mandan Depot Bier Hall, a German-Style bier hall, opened in the former Mandan train depot in 2017.

“The Culver’s product is very good,” Wu said. “The food is very good, and the culture is very nice, too. Instead of opening fast food, I thought, ‘Why don’t I open one that has good food, good atmosphere?’ You would not regret that you joined them.”

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC FEATURE Mandan’s Restaurant Rewards Program helped make the new Culver’s a reality.

“That helped a lot as a small business owner,” Wu said. “Without those, we could not have started it. That makes a big difference to us.”

Edgar Oliveira used Renaissance Zone incentives and the Downtown Storefront Improvement Program to open his first Mandan restaurant, Harvest Brazilian Grill, in 2011. He has since opened Station West Bar & Grill, James River Café, and Mandan Depot Bier Hall. Harvest Brazilian Grill is now known as Harvest Catering & Events.

Oliveira said that economic incentives helped make his restaurants possible.

“It’s hard to really quantify that,” Oliveira said. “Overall, my opinion would be that it decreases the financial pressure. When it’s your first (business), decreasing that financial pressure is really important. Especially when you’re on that first venture. That’s the hardest one.”

One year ago, Oliveira opened Mandan Depot Bier Hall in the former Mandan train depot on Main Street. The bar and restaurant is a German-style bier hall.

“I had been really concerned about the state of downtown and the state of the business environment in Mandan,” Oliveira said. “I wanted to invest in Mandan instead of going somewhere else.

“I wanted to make use of the Mandan Depot. In terms of downtown, that’s an iconic building. I felt we needed to do something there that was unique and interesting.”

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit was also able to capitalize on economic incentives.

After opening a location in Minot, Amanda Babb Zachmeier the Owner Operator of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, said they wanted to bring the restaurant to their hometown of Mandan.

“It’s a great location” Babb Zachmeier said. “We are located (on Memorial Highway) within 10 minutes of anywhere in Mandan as well as Bismarck.”

Economic incentives helped get the restaurant open 18 months ago.

“When you’re building a $200,000 business, it’s always good to have incentives to help you out on loans, so that it’s not so much out of your own personal pocket,” Babb Zachmeier said. “It’s nice to know that the local town wants to take care of a small business. Those (incentives) are much appreciated.”

The Restaurant Rewards Program is reviewed annually for effectiveness and continued need.

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CONTACT Jessica Gilbertson 701-221-9349 jessica.gilbertson@mslcc.com Connection 3 9

CHAMBER EDC FEATURE | CONNECTION “This (Restaurant Rewards) Program has been about fostering entrepreneurism and that attitude,” Huber said.

Photo Credit: City of Mandan

ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH The City of Mandan has been providing a steady schedule of entrepreneurial education programs each year. In 2018 the city hosted the Business Pitch Challenge, Business Start-Up 101, Downtown on Tap, and more.

In cooperation with the IDEA 11 start-ups applied to Mandan’s Business Pitch Challenge, and four were selected to present at Center, the Business Pitch the event held in November 2018 at Harvest Catering & Events.

Challenge held in November 2018 drew 11 applicants competing for a $10,000 forgivable loan from the Mandan Growth Fund. Approximately 110 community members participated in Downtown on Tap, a walking tour and networking social The 2018 challenge winner was Nordic Steel Systems, in May 2018. The purpose was to get a closer look at which provides the construction industry with revitalization progress and share ideas for the future of concrete-free foundations and exterior wall systems. buildings available for lease and sale.

“The visibility and awareness that (the Business Pitch Challenge) helped generate is beneficial to the community as a whole, short- and long-term,” Huber said. “It helped us to identify better who is thinking of starting a business.”

Business Start-Up 101 was in its sixth year in 2018, and Huber said it’s a hit every year.

“At any given time you have a different group of folks contemplating starting a business,” Huber said. “The biggest hit at the workshops is from people hearing from actual entrepreneurs.”

Fifty people who are thinking about starting businesses came to the event in September 2018. They heard from local business owners about their experiences in Mandan and gained information about resources and services to help with the opening of a new business.

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Previously the city held sessions in east Mandan following the opening of the Family Wellness center and in north Mandan following the opening of Starion Sports Complex. The first downtown walking tour was in 2017, and the city saw merit in hosting a second year in 2018.

“You’re trying to keep Mandan at top of mind for people contemplating ‘Where do I want to start a business?’”

Huber said. “It all grows toward improving our business climate and how it’s viewed by others.”

Cornerstone Bank welcomes Kristine Melby

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Kristine Melby has joined the Cornerstone Bank team as the Senior Vice President of Business Development.

Kristine works with businesses from across the Dakotas to help them reach their ďŹ nancial goals. She brings 20 years of banking and business expertise.

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MEMBER PROFILE | CONNECTION

Since reorganizing in 1999, the North Dakota Petroleum Council has grown from 30 members to nearly 500 members.

MEMBER PROFILE

Featuring: Ron Ness

NORTH DAKOTA PETROLEUM COUNCIL

Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within the organization A: I have been with the North Dakota Petroleum Council for nineteen years. I work to coordinate the efforts and represent the interests of our member companies from all facets of the oil and gas industry in North Dakota. This includes representing the industry during the North Dakota legislative session as well as organizing responses and comments on pending regulations or other government action. We also have an active education and outreach campaign to keep the public informed and build good relationships in the communities where we operate.

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Q: Briefly tell us the history of North Dakota Petroleum Council.

A: The North Dakota Petroleum Council has been around since 1952. We reorganized in 1999 and in that time, we have grown from 30 members to almost 500 members.

The shale revolution in the Bakken has completely changed the industry, North Dakota is now the second largest producer in the country.

CONNECTION | MEMBER PROFILE Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted North Dakota Petroleum Council?

A: We have seen the state population, including BismarckMandan, grow along with the growth of the Bakken. The Bismarck-Mandan economy is stable with or without the Bakken, but we really saw an uptick in business activity when the Bakken was booming 2009 – 2014. That was a unique period in our state’s history, we will likely not see that happen again. The economy across the country was slumping badly and North Dakota and the Bakken became the place to invest and find work. That timing was fortunate because it would be very difficult now to attract that same investment capital and workforce it took to develop the resource and construct the infrastructure that was necessary to crack the code on the Bakken.

We also needed the massive investments in community infrastructure including hotels, apartments, hospitality, retail and commercial space throughout western North Dakota.

The Bakken continues to roll at a very high level and will continue to grow and expand but at a much different more steady and mature oil field pace that is driven by technology and competition for investment. Oil activity will flex up and down with oil prices, but the daily harvest of 1.4 million barrels of oil and 2.65 billion cubic feet of gas requires a huge amount of economic activity and workers.

It takes $20 million a day of investment capital to keep the roughly 65 drilling rigs making new wells operating and that doesn’t include the additional investment into pipelines, gas plants and other infrastructure. Every aspect of Bismarck-Mandan’s economy from home sales, retail, or job growth will continue to be positively impacted but I suspect it will be a steady climb not a leap.

Q: What industry trends are taking place?

A: The industry is improving technology and efficiency at record rates. This allows them to extract more oil from each well with fewer resources and a smaller environmental footprint. The Bakken is the oldest oil shale play, which keeps us on our toes and requires that the operators here get better at what they do to keep the investment coming here instead of oil shale plays in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Wyoming. The size of the Bakken prize is so great that it truly attracts the great minds of the world to find the next best thing. They know that if they can make it work in the Bakken, the world is their marketplace. The changes that we have seen in the technology just over the past few years have increased the productivity of every new Bakken well by around 25%. I don’t see this changing as we seem to have new ideas coming at us all the time. As we say in the industry, “The best plays – just get better”.

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

A: There have been plenty of monumental changes in the industry. In 1999, when I first started, no one saw the potential of the Bakken and the Mandan Refinery was in jeopardy of closing because of a lack of high-quality crude oil. Over the years, better technology has improved hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, and drilling rigs making it possible to produce Bakken oil at record levels with less environmental impact than ever before. These changes are more than just monumental they’re historical.

The President of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve has said this “oil shale technology is more amazing and impactful than the iPhone”. This has happened right here in North Dakota, it will be interesting to see what happens next.

Q: What does the future of North Dakota Petroleum Council look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: We are very optimistic and excited about the future.

We know the oil is in the ground and we are getting better every day at extracting it. This isn’t just a bright future for NDPC, it’s a bright future for North Dakota.

Q: North Dakota Petroleum Council became a member in 1999, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: We see the added benefit of having the ability to share our news as well as the industry news that is so important to keeping people informed. It is a great tool and keeps us connected to the business community.

Q: What should Chamber EDC members know about North Dakota Petroleum Council that may assist them?

A: The North Dakota Petroleum Council works hard to do what is right for North Dakota and we work very hard on improving our industry. We are happy to serve as a resource on any questions or concerns about the oil and gas industry and do our best to facilitate open communication.

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

CHAMBER EDC TO HOST ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM In January, the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC distributed a survey to gauge business performance in the Bismarck-Mandan area. With an increased participation in this year’s survey, we are excited to present the results at this year’s Economic Outlook Forum.

On Wednesday, March 13th at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center, join the Chamber EDC and Starion Bank as we find out what factors are influencing our local economy.

To reserve a table for $425, please call Shay or Dave at the Chamber EDC, 701-223-5660 or email speterson@ bmcedc.com or dleingang@bmcedc.com. Tickets for the event are $40 for Chamber EDC Members and $50 for General Admission. Tickets for day of the event are $45 for Chamber EDC Members and $55 for General Admission. To register for this event, please go to www.bismarckmandan.com.

THANK YOU SPONSORS: Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsors: Production Sponsor: Table Sponsors: Amy Hullet: Century 21 Morriosn Realty, Bank of North Dakota, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck State College, Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association, Capital Credit Union, Choice Bank, First International Bank & Trust, First Western Bank & Trust, Kirkwood Mall, Liberty Business Systems, NISC, University of Mary

Throughout this informative morning, guests will hear from our two panel discussions focused on industries, legislature and from our keynote: Dr. Roger Tutterow.

The agenda this year includes: KEYNOTE: On the Current Economic, Business & Political Dr. Roger Tutterrow Climate • Roger Tutterow, Ph.D. Professor & Henssler Financial Endowed Chair, Director of Econometric Center, Kennesaw State University Roger Tutterow is a Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University and serves as Director of the Econometric Center, an applied research center housed in KSU’s Coles College of Business. Dr. Tutterow has served as a consultant on financial economic and statistical modeling for corporate clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to closely held businesses. His analysis of the economic, business and political environments have been featured in a variety of media including Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Times and on CNN. ECONOMIC SURVEY RESULTS • Karel Sovak, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Business, University of Mary LEGISLATIVE PANEL DISCUSSION • Rep. Josh Boschee, House Minority Leader • Rep. Larry Klemin, Speaker of the House • Sen. Rich Wardner, Senate Majority Leader INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION • Dr. David Ripplinger, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Dakota State University • Kurt Schley, President, CHI St. Alexius Health • Jen Wilson, General Manager, Kirkwood Mall

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION UPDATE The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC is actively engaged in the ongoing 2019 legislative session, communicating with our area delegation and advocating on behalf of our members to encourage a strong regional business climate.

Guiding us through the current session is our 2019 Legislative Agenda. The agenda was developed in partnership with the Chamber EDC Government Affairs Committee, business members and area officials. As detailed in our legislative agenda, available at bismarckmandan.com/legislative-agenda, the organization has identified infrastructure, behavioral health and workforce as priorities. While the Chamber EDC team will monitor various pieces of legislation impacting business, these priorities will be our area of focus in the months ahead.

Please see below for updates on Operation Prairie Dog and HB1474.

INFRASTRUCTURE HB1066 – Operation Prairie Dog HB1066 would take the place of past hub cities legislation to provide infrastructure funding to both oil and non-oil producing counties and cities throughout North Dakota.

Infrastructure improvement and maintenance is critical to the development of North Dakota and our area businesses.

The Chamber EDC believes Operation Prairie Dog would provide much needed essential infrastructure funding throughout the state and testified in support of the bill at the January 15 hearing of the House Finance and Taxation Committee.

HB1474 – Street Utility Legislation A top priority for the Chamber EDC in our current legislative agenda is to advocate for legislation that would allow communities the ability to vote on and implement a street utility tax for use in funding infrastructure maintenance and development. HB1474 would provide communities with that option and the organization testified in support of the bill on January 31.

HB1474 received a DO PASS from the House Political Subdivisions Committee on February 15th. Amendments were added, including further definition of how the street utility tax is collected.

HB1474 PASSED through the House of Representatives with a vote of 81-12.

Chamber EDC Position: Support To learn more about the legislation the Chamber EDC is currently tracking, please contact rparsons@bmcedc.com.

HB1066 received a DO PASS from the House Finance & Taxation Committee on February 5th. Following the inclusion of amendments, the legislation was referred to the House Appropriations Committee. The adopted amendments included adjustments to the arrangement and amounts of the “buckets” used to provide infrastructure funding.

HB1066 PASSED through the House of Representatives with a vote of 80-12.

Chamber EDC Position: Support

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN:

LAW, LEGISLATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Law & Legislative Day During the legislative session, the Leadership BismarckMandan class spent a full day at the North Dakota State Capitol. The Leadership class spent the morning in the legislative committee hearings of their choice. The class observed hearings on human trafficking, missing and murdered indigenous people, anti-discrimination, public school calendars, and medical marijuana edibles.

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and North Dakota Chief Supreme Court Justice Gerald VandeWalle spoke to the Leadership class. In the afternoon, the class observed the House and Senate floor sessions, and some were seated with Representatives during the floor session.

Economic Development Day Economic Development Day was hosted in Mandan at National Information Solutions Cooperative. The day started with a Large and Small Business Panel including Scott Staudinger, Cloverdale Foods; Jared Stober, Two Track Malting and Nordic Steel Systems; and Amber Larson, Larson’s Tattooing and Mandan City Commissioner. The panel was asked how each of their companies got started in business and got started in Mandan.

When Amber Larson and her husband Jon moved to Mandan more than 10 years ago, they bought their downtown Mandan home because it was a residential home in a commercial zone. The home’s large, detached shop allowed her husband to run his airbrushing and upholstery business.

He apprenticed in tattooing since it was analogous to his artistic airbrushing skills. When it came time to open a tattoo shop, they looked at options all over Mandan and Bismarck.

They found that the cheapest option was to buy a historic location in downtown Mandan and renovate it themselves.

Scott Staudinger said that Cloverdale Foods is a fifth-generation family-owned company, which is impressive since it’s hard for family-owned businesses to get past the second or third generation. Workforce recruitment and retention is a major issue for Cloverdale. Subsequently, Cloverdale began recruiting from U.S. territories Guam and Puerto Rico to Mandan, N.D. Jared Stober is a serial entrepreneur and start-up creator.

He is CEO of Two Track Malting, which provides farm to pint malt for the craft beer industry. He described Two Track Malting as “just getting out of the start-up phase,” while Nordic Steel Systems is a “full-blown start-up.” Nordic Steel Systems recently won the Mandan Business Pitch Challenge.

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Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle, North Dakota Supreme Court, speaks to the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class on Law & Legislature Day on Jan. 23.

OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING: Presenting Sponsor

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

Law & Legislative Day Co-Chairs: Karie Mischel — Starion Bank Janelle Moos — CAWS ND Krista Rausch — N.D. Association of Rural Electric Coop.

Economic Development Day Co-Chairs: Nathan Schneider — Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Wendy Van Duyne — Stantec Breakfast/Lunch Sponsors: Starion Bank — (Law & Legislative Day) Stantec — (Economic Development Day)

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

CHAMBER EDC SEEKS SUPPORT FOR NOMINATED TEACHERS

For over 30 years, educators in Bismarck and Mandan OUTSTANDING have been receiving Teacher of the Year the Crystal Apple, which is a symbol for outstanding passion and accomplishment in the teaching field. Five winners of the Crystal Apple will be selected by the Chamber EDC’s Excellence in Business and Education Committee, and are awarded at special surprise events. Those five awards go to a primary educator in both Bismarck and Mandan, a secondary educator in both Bismarck-Mandan, and an individual from higher education institutions from around our area.

But the work is not done yet! The Chamber EDC has received over 45 nominations, and now is the time to send in letters of support for these educators! We need Students, parents, business professionals, principals, friends, and other teachers to submit letters of support and recommendation for the nominee of their choice.

Please contact the Chamber EDC, or, head over to, https:// www.bismarckmandan.com/committees, and scroll to the Excellence in Business and Education Committee and click to view the list of nominated educators and submit letters of support for those you think deserve the Crystal Apple.

Letters of support must be received at The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC office by March 15th, 2019. They may be mailed to: 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503; or emailed to dleingang@bmcedc.com.

Presenting Sponsor:

SHAKE OFF THE WINTER FOR SPRING MIXER

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your business by participating in the 19th Annual Spring Mixer scheduled for Thursday, April 4th at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center from 5:00pm – 7:30pm.

Hundreds of people are anticipated to browse nearly 50 member booth displays. Attendees have the opportunity to network ,learn about local businesses and also have the chance to win door prizes. So join us for a wonderful evening with your co-workers sampling an excellent spread of hors d’oeuvres and beverages!

This is also a fantastic time to get creative! We will be doing a contest for the best decorated Spring Mixer booth! If voted number one by attendees and participants, you will receive a free booth space at the Chamber EDC Holiday Mixer in December.

The Spring Mixer provides Chamber EDC members the chance to present their products and services in a fun and exciting way. The $300 investment includes four event tickets, exposure to hundreds of potential customers, promotional mention in the Chamber EDC link, Connection business magazine, and social media outlets.

For more information contact Shay at 701-223-5660 or email speterson@bmcedc.com. You don’t want to wait and miss out on a booth space.

Award Sponsor:

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

CHAMBER EDC STUDENTS SPEND DAY AT CAPITOL

Members of the 2018/2019 Chamber EDC Student group spent a day at North Dakota’s State Capitol. Thanks to an action packed agenda put together by MDU Resource’s Cory Fong, the Chamber EDC’s Students had the opportunity to interact with many state officials.

Christy Cameron, with the YMCA, runs students through a mock committee hearing exercise.

Students started the day learning about North Dakota’s unique Legislative process from none other than Speaker of the House, Representative Larry Klemin.

Students then began to see the process in action as they were led by Chamber EDC’s Government Affairs Committee members and sat in on committee hearings.

The group then convened for a quick panel discussion and lunch with lobbyists. Levi Andrist led the panel discussion between students and Kayle Effertz Kleven, Megan Houn, Carlee McLeod, and Kayla Pulvermacher, who educated the students on the role of lobbyists during session, and what is at stake if they don’t do their job correctly!

The group then rushed to the House and Senate chamber floors for a first-hand experience with representatives and senators from around North Dakota.

To wrap up the day, all students took the actions and procedures they experienced from the day and put it to the test while they experienced a mock committee hearing lead by the Missouri Valley Family YMCA’s Christy Cameron.

The Chamber EDC would like to thank its area high schools for allowing the students to take in this action packed day.

Of course this day would not have been possible without the support from Montana-Dakota Utilities for providing lunch and refreshments for the students.

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

indigosignworks.com | 701.250.9696 | 3521 Memorial Hwy, Mandan

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

ITS ALMOST TIME TO REGISTER FOR LEMONADE DAY 2019!

Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan is coming back this summer, June 15th!

//

Beginning April 1st, register your youth or mentee in this educational experience that pairs students and mentors together to learn how to create, own, and operate their own business in the form of a lemonade stand!

Focus on your business.

Not your IT.

BISMARCK-MANDAN

Once registered, youth and mentors will be included in all Lemonade Day communications that will keep you and your entrepreneur up to date on backpack/ workbook pickups, and tips and tricks for running a successful business.

Last year, Lemonade Day saw a 60% increase in youth participation with 556 registered participants — 206 more than the year before!

With growing interest in the program and participants last year making an average profit of $220 in 6 hours, it’s safe to say that this summer, June 15th, Bismarck-Mandan will have more Lemonade than they know what to do with.

The question is; will you be a part of the fun this year?

Registration opens up April 1st. To learn more go to https://lemonadeday.org/ bismarck-mandan or call Dave and Shay with the Chamber EDC at 701-2235660, or email them at dleingang@bmcedc.com, speterson@bmcedc.com.

OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING:

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Main Squeeze: Lime-Light Sponsor:

Request your FREE managed services consultation.

Fresh Squeeze:

Learn more at netcenter.net/managedservices

Lemon head Sponsors: American Bank Center, Bartlett & West, Doosan/Bobcat, First Western Bank & Trust

800.723.5353

@bismanlemonadeday

|

netcenter.net

@NetworkCenter

facebook.com/lemonadedaybismarckmandan

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twitter.com/BisManLemonDay

@NetworkCenterInc

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CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: HAMPTON INN & SUITES

Date: Thursday, March 7, 2019 Location: Hampton Inn & Suites

2020 Schafer Street, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend Save the date for the March Madness Membership Mixer! On Thursday, March 7th, Hampton Inn & Suites

by Hilton will be hosting our Membership Mixer at their location 2020 Schafer Street in Bismarck from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

This event is a great opportunity to network, to celebrate the upcoming March Madness, and enjoy delicious basketball theme concession like appetizers, Guests have the opportunity to win door prizes and complementary refreshments will be available.

RSVP’s can be done online at business. bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar or by calling Ross at 701-223-5660.

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:

In January, the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC distributed their survey to gauge business performance in the Bismarck-Mandan area. With an increased participation in this year’s survey, we are excited to present this year’s survey results! On Wednesday, March 13th at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center, join the Chamber EDC and Starion Bank for this informative morning.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from experts in their industries, listen to variety of panelists, and see the valuable survey data firsthand. The Economic Outlook Forum will feature a Legislative Panel and Industry Panel as well as our keynote: Dr. Roger Tutterow from Kennesaw State University.

To reserve a table for $425, please call Dave or Shay at the Chamber EDC, 701-223-5660 or email dleingang@ bmcedc.com or speterson@bmcedc.com. The cost to attend this event is $40 for Chamber EDC Members $50 for General Admission. Tickets for day of the event are $45 for Chamber EDC Members and $55 for General Admission. To register for this event, please go to www. bismarckmandan.com.

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

CHAMBER EDC SPRING MEMBERSHIP MIXER: MIXER ANYLEAKS Date: Thursday, April 4, 2019 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center

800 S 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 5:00PM - 7:30PM Admission: $5.00 plus a Business Card

Date: Thursday, April 11, 2019 Location: Anyleaks

140 Riverwood Ave SE, Mandan Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your business by participating in the 19th Annual Spring Mixer scheduled for Thursday, April 4th at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center from 5:00pm – 7:30pm.

Hundreds of people are anticipated to browse nearly 50 member booths.

Does this winter season have you suffering from cabin fever? Well, remedy that with some spring fever by joining us for our April 11th Membership Mixer with Anyleaks!

This is a great opportunity to network with coworkers and the business community. Also it is a great opportunity to get creative with your booth. We will be holding best decorated Spring Mixer booth contest. If voted number one by attendees and participants, you will receive a free booth space at the Chamber EDC Holiday Mixer!

Anyleaks will be hosting our April Membership Mixer at their location at 140 Riverwood Ave SE, Mandan. This is a great opportunity to network and enjoy a variety of hor’s d’oeuvres and refreshments.

It’s free to attend, RSVP online at business. bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar.

For more information or to reserve your booth, contact Shay at 701-223-5660 or email speterson@bmcedc. com. Don’t wait and miss out on a booth space!

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CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION

BISMARCK - MANDAN

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: STARION BANK

Date: Thursday, April 25, 2019 Location: Starion Bank

333 N. 4th Street, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend Starion Bank is celebrating 50 years in 2019!

Join us on Thursday, April 25th for our April Membership Mixer as Starion Bank celebrates their 50th anniversary of Larson family ownership.

Stop by their 333 North 4th Street location. This event is a great opportunity to network, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, and refreshments.

It’s free to attend, RSVP online at business. bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar.

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LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN FIELD PRESENTATIONS

Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2019 Location: Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Time: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Admission: Free to Attend

Each year, the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class breaks into several groups to work on field projects addressing community needs. The class will be presenting their projects Wednesday, May 15 at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. If you would like to attend any of these presentations, please RSVP to Cathryn Sprynczynatyk at 701-223-5660 or email cathryn@bmcedc.com.

Visit eidebailly.com/business-trends to see the full schedule. CPE available.

2019

BUSINESS TRENDS WEBINAR SERIES INSPIRED IDEAS. TARGETED RESULTS.

JOIN US! Having the right information at the right time is critical to making business decisions that lead to success. Our free 2019 Business Trends Webinar Series was designed with this in mind! We’ve put together another great year of educational and informational webinars designed to keep you informed on innovative strategies to stay successful and compliant in a competitive marketplace.

What inspires you, inspires us.

701.255.1091 | eidebailly.com/business-trends

MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

UNIVERSITY OF MARY SURPASSES GOAL AND CLOSES PHASE-I OF VISION 2030 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN It took only three-and-a-half years for friends and donors across North Dakota and the rest of America to help the University of Mary raise $100,912,768 and blow past a Phase-I goal of $96 million. Phase-I by itself now stands as the largest successful capital campaign in the history of western North Dakota; Vision 2030, Education for Life, is a three-phased strategic plan and capital campaign totaling $272 million.

“Words cannot express how honored and humbled we feel on this bright day,” said On Feb. 12 University of Mary announced the fundraising total from Phase-I of their University of Mary President Monsignor James capital campaign: $100,912,768.

Shea at a press conference on campus. “All of you worked with us tirelessly to enact the vision of Education for Life, a bold and expansive plan based on three essential themes of distinction, service, and Completed components of Vision 2030 include 250,000 square feet of new campus space—virtually a new campus: relationships. What we dreamed about together is coming a new 276-bed residence for women; a massive fieldhouse true even before our eyes, and your generosity represents an unprecedented investment in our students, in the future and wellness center; a new permanent landmark for the original, wooden cross that marked the University’s humof North Dakota, and in the great enterprise of Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine education for a new generation.” ble beginnings; a beautiful new prayer grotto for students and the public to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus and the University’s namesake; a new state-of-the-art Lumen Vitae The co-chairs of Vision 2030, Senator Kevin Cramer and University Center — the campus hub; a new Workforce Fargo businesswoman Heather Butler, provided messages of congratulations, both to benefactors and to hundreds of Development Initiative that helps employers in this state attract new workers and provides an opportunity for them volunteers involved in the multi-year effort. to retain and develop their employees; and the start of a new hands-on School of Engineering facility that, from day “This wasn’t easy,” said Cramer. “Nothing important, pioone, reimagines the way students learn from faculty and neering, and life-giving is ever easy. We knocked on your each other, and network with mentors and engineering doors and rang your phones. We sat at your tables and firms across North Dakota and the United States. broke bread together. We made time and financial sacrifices together. In the end, we all came together sharing a common vision for what the future should hold for the University of Mary.”

Butler added, “The role of the University of Mary is not only essential to the future of our state, but also our country— and all of us play a significant role in its journey towards national prominence and distinction as we navigate its course to the year 2030.”

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The point person and leader of the historic Vision 2030 Capital Campaign is Jerome Richter, the University’s Vice President for Public Affairs. He noted that during Phase-I of the campaign University of Mary received more than 7,500 gifts from contributors of all ages with a variety of donation amounts—from $5 to more than $10,000,000. But he says such an astonishing achievement speaks to everyone’s commitment to something bigger than themselves; it represents so much more than just a monetary mark, or bricks and mortar.

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

BERGSTROM ELECTRIC RECEIVES “EAGLE” AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION In January, the Minnesota/North Dakota Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) honored recently completed member projects at the 2018 Excellence In Construction Banquet at The Metropolitan in Minneapolis, MN. Bergstrom Electric, Inc. headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota, received a top award from the Minnesota/ North Dakota Associated Builders and Contractors for its Four Winds Alternative & CTE High School project in the “Electrical Contracting: 0 to $500,000” category. Bergstrom also received Pyramid awards for their work on the Minnkota Power Cooperative’s $65 million new campus and the North Dakota Surgery Center, both located in Grand Forks.

Bergstrom Electric was the electrical contractor on all three projects.

First Western is people you know, who know you.

304 East Front Avenue, Bismarck (701) 255-4400

ABC’s awards program is designed to publicly recognize the quality and innovation of merit shop construction and to honor all the members of the construction team, including the contractor, the owner and the design team responsible for the project. The winning projects were selected from entries submitted across the state and were judged on complexity, attractiveness, unusual challenges, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety, and budget.

The $3.5 million Four Winds School is the first net zero school constructed on tribal land in the United States, and the first net zero school ever in North Dakota. A “Net Zero” school is an energy efficient building that produces as much energy as it consumes every year. The unused power is sold back to the power supplier. Some of the features that contribute to its Net Zero status include 264 photovoltaic (solar) panels, a ground-source geothermal heating/ cooling system, and solar tubes for free lighting.

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

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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

YMCA PARTNERS WITH LOCAL NON-PROFITS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAM

The Missouri Valley Family YMCA is pleased to partner with Ministry on the Margins, Team Kaizen and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, on a special new program, “Children of Incarcerated Parents.”

BOOTH SPONSORS:

Anytime Fitness Arvig Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck Home2Suites Bismarck Parks & Recreation Burleigh County Senior Adults Program D & M Industries EverSpring Inn & Suites Forum Communication Printing Gate City Bank Gateway to Science Liberty Business Systems Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center North Dakota ESGR New Vision Security Radisson Hotel University of Mary

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019

BISMARCK HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER 5:00PM - 7:30PM ADMISSION: $5.00 + BUSINESS CARD 26 4 Connection

These four community organizations have come together to offer an opportunity for children, whose parents are facing incarceration, to experience a safe and active running program with Team Kaizen. While kids enjoy some fun fitness, their families receive guidance from Ministry on the Margins through the support group, “When a Loved One is Incarcerated” which is open to all without registration.

The goal of this incredible new program is to create positive wellness experiences for children and families facing challenging times, while offering them valuable mentorship, resources and recreation. “Children of Incarcerated Parents” is a free program that has the potential to shape futures and change lives.

“Children of Incarcerated Parents” is open to kids ages 8-18, who have an incarcerated parent, and their caregivers. The program meets every Monday from 7:00pm - 8:00pm at the YMCA. To register, contact Dan Kuntz at 701-751-9708 or dan.kurtz@bismarckymca.org.

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

MESSAGE FROM NEW BPS SUPERINTENDENT Contributed by Dr. Jason Hornbacher My family and I want to thank all of you for the opportunity to serve this great community! I am a former Bismarck Public School graduate and I am indebted to the Bismarck educators of long ago who provided me the educational foundation to follow my dreams. I am also grateful to all of you who continue to help me learn and grow as a professional.

Let’s show the world what we can do together.

Day by day. Project by project.

Together we’re building better places that bring the world closer.

Dr. Jason Hornbacher

I have worked for BPS for 29 years and started my career as an instructional aide. I have taught at the elementary, middle and graduate levels. I served as an assistant middle school principal, middle school athletic director, principal, adjunct professor and consultant.

I am a proud Veteran of the Armed Services. Amy and I have been married for 28 years and we have two beautiful children Alexandra Hornbacher (25) and Lauren Hornbacher (17). Carol and LeRoy Hornbacher, my mother and father, continue to be there for me each and every day.

I have a deep passion for the Bismarck Community, Bismarck Public Schools, but most importantly a passion to serve all students. I will work with all of you to create the conditions for all students to succeed in life and follow their dreams. Thank you for this opportunity to serve all of you in this position called the superintendency.

NOTE: The Bismarck School Board recently accepted the retirement of interim superintendent Dr. Jim Haussler in conjunction with their approval of Dr. Hornbacher’s contract. Haussler will be available to support and consult with Hornbacher until July 1. Hornbacher will start his superintendent’s role on March 1st and the district will find temporary coverage for his principal duties at Dorothy Moses Elementary School by then.

Building a Better World for All of Us Engineers | Architects | Planners | Scientists

sehinc.com/subscribe • 701.354.7121

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ASK A PRO | CONNECTION

CASSIE STAIGER-JETER at

Bismarck • Mandan, ND 58554 701-751-7060

Q: CAN I MAKE MY DREAM VACATION AN AFFORDABLE VACATION? A: There are dream vacations and there

are affordable vacations. My job is to combine the two. If you have your heart set on a specific destination but the budget could be an issue the trick is in the timing.

Let’s send you during the off-season or the months surrounding peak season so that you can enjoy the combination of low hotel/resort rates, local weather, and quieter hot spots.

Since air and hotel rates ebb and flow with travel demands there is a good chance we can find you lower airfare and hotel or hopefully both! This option holds true to most destinations such as Disney, cruises, all-inclusive Mexico and Caribbean destinations, Europe….the list goes on.

I know we are barely into 2019, however, we’re already finding great rates for January of next year and Fall/early Winter travel is pricing out wonderfully. Europe tickets are coming in as low as $550 out of Bismarck too. If a vacation is on your horizon make sure to give us a call!

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WES DICKHUT at

TAYLOR HILL at

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

1929 N Washington St, Ste GG, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-222-6100

Q: SLOPE STABILITY: IS MY HOME SAFE? A: Our topography formed over thou-

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT AND NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT? A: Reinforcement means something

sands of years through the process of erosion. Most hillsides are in a state of equilibrium, meaning the forces that are pulling the hillside down are equal to the strength of the soil holding it up.

We often build homes along valleys, sloughs and creeks to take advantage of the beautiful views. However, there are a few things that could impact your hillside equilibrium. Irrigating a lawn can trigger a landslide by increasing the weight and decreasing the strength of the soil. Placing new soil on top of a slope also increases the forces that could move the slope.

Removing soil at the base of the slope to make more level ground will also cause a landslide since the upper soil will no longer be held back. Steep, wet slopes are not in equilibrium!

A geotechnical engineer can take soil samples, perform soil strength testing, and design a retaining wall or slope with reinforcing materials. The cost of the evaluation and design will be much lower than attempting to repair a slope after it has begun to slide.

followed a behavior that is going to cause that behavior to increase in the future.

Positive and negative in this situation refers to adding or removing something.

Positive reinforcement results in the behavior being rewarded with the presentation of something and the behavior continuing or increasing in the future. For example, babies repeat words and sounds because they get a reaction from parents. Children do chores because they are given praise or an allowance for completing those jobs. Adults go to work because they are given a paycheck for finishing tasks. All of the actions result in receiving something desired after the behavior is finished and they continue to occur in the future.

Negative reinforcement results in something being removed or avoided and the behavior continuing or increasing in the future. For example, we brush our teeth to avoid cavities or remove stains. People put on their seatbelts to avoid the car beeping, traffic tickets, and being hurt in an accident. All of the actions result in avoiding or removing something unwanted and they continue to occur in the future.

CONNECTION | ASK A PROS

DR. REYNOLDS at

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

MIKE MABIN

JOEL BLANCHARD, MD

at

at

1003 Gateway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-250-0728

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

Q: WHAT IS AUGMENTED Q: MY MOTHER PASSED AWAY Q: WHAT IS A PRE-PLACEMENT REALITY? FROM COLON CANCER A EXAMINATION AND WHY DO I A: The term “augmented reality” or “AR” FEW YEARS AGO. ARE THERE NEED ONE? may be unfamiliar to many people; howevANY SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS I A: Employees who don’t have the physical er, everyone has probably seen it in action. ability to perform the essential functions of SHOULD BE WATCHING FOR? For example, when watching a football their job are at risk for workplace injuries.

A: In the early stages of colorectal cancer, game on television, AR is used to superim- A pre-placement examination (PPE) is symptoms may be minimal, or not present at all, which is why screening is so important. As a tumor grows, it may bleed or obstruct the intestine, causing symptoms such as weakness and sometimes shortness of breath. Additional warning signs include:

• Bleeding from the rectum • Blood in the stool or in the toilet after having a bowel movement • Dark or black stools • A change in bowel habits or the shape of the stool (e.g., more narrow than usual) • Cramping or discomfort in the lower abdomen Colon cancer usually begins as a noncancerous growth called a polyp that develops on the inner lining of the colon or rectum and grows slowly, over a period of 10 to 20 years. People with an average risk of colon cancer should consider screening at age 50, but people with an increased risk, such as family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner.

pose a yellow line over the playing field to show the location of the next “first down” marker.

Other examples of AR include Pokémon Go, as well as the IKEA app, which allows users to superimpose photographs of furniture into their home settings. AR is simply a method of superimposing digital content into a real-world scene. Cameras installed in smartphones, tablets, goggles and other devices are normally used to view the digital content.

AR has been around for a long time, but it’s only now that technology is enabling it to go mainstream. Smartphones are starting to integrate AR into their standard features. Experts predict the use of AR will become commonplace to everyday life in the next year or two.

an evaluation that a potential hire goes through to determine if they are able to perform a job safely. An employer can extend a job offer that requires a prospective employee to undergo and pass all components of a PPE. A PPE typically includes a physical examination, a health history review, a drug screening and a job function test.

It’s important for an evaluating provider to know as much as possible about the job for which they are performing the evaluation. The more relevant workplace tasks that are measured, the more helpful the report will be for an employer. A detailed job function test can also be an effective tool to help prevent injuries.

To learn more and experience AR in action, visit www.innovatar.io.

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MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION SANFORD HEALTH WELCOMES PEDIATRIC HOSPITALIST Danielle Thurtle, MD, pediatric hospitalist, has joined the Sanford Bismarck pediatric Danielle Thurtle, MD hospitalist (PICU) team.

She will provide pediatric care to patients at the Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck.

Dr. Thurtle graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb. and completed her internship and residency at Brenner Children’s Hospital/ Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, N.C. BRAUN INTERTEC WINS AGC SAFETY AWARD

Braun Intertec is the recipient of the 2018 Safety Award-Associate Division which is awarded by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of North Dakota at their 69th annual convention in Minot. This award recognizes dedication and persistence required for companies to maintain outstanding safety culture and performance during the 2017 construction season.

INDIGO SIGNWORKS ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL MANAGER OF NORTH DAKOTA Indigo Signworks announces the addition of Matt Brasel as General Matt Brasel Manager of North Dakota.

He will be overseeing operations through the Director of Sales and Director of Operations within the region.

Brasel brings with him 13 years of senior management experience in the custom sign manufacturing industry, as well as a history in the communities Indigo Signworks serves. His established track record of leadership will guide our Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck and Minot locations to deliver a high standard of quality and service to our customers.

Brasel holds a BS in Pre-Medicine from Concordia College of Moorhead and studied Architectural Studies at North Dakota State University in Fargo

MANDAN AGRICULTURE TEACHER SELECTED FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP Tanasha Wanner, Agriculture Teacher at Tanasha Wanner Mandan High School is one of a select group of agriculture teachers nationwide who received the 2018 Teachers Turn the Key professional development scholarship from the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

The Teachers Turn the Key scholarship brings together agricultural educators with two to four years of experience and immerses them in three days of professional development that addresses issues specific to the early years of teaching agriculture. Participants also have the opportunity to become involved in NAAE leadership and network with other NAAE convention attendees. TTTK awardees come away from the experience with a long-lasting peer cohort and tools that will help them have successful careers as agricultural educators

KK BOLD WELCOMES NEW ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE KK BOLD announces and welcomes Kaley Schwab as their newest Account Executive. Her roll Kaley Schwab will be to oversee several of the local advertising agencies largest client accounts.

Schwab has a digital media studies degree from Lee University. She has worked as a reporter for KX News as well as a communications specialist for United Tribes Technical College. Schwab’s working knowledge of the media of western North Dakota, along with her work on major marketing events, makes her an invaluable asset to our clients.

WALD NAMED ADVISOR OF THE MONTH Securian Financial Advisors of ND, Inc. is pleased to announce that David Wald has been named Advisor of the David Wald Month for January based upon his production and NEW HEAD CHEF AT service to his clients. Wald has been a RADISSON DOWNTOWN representative with Securian since August The Radisson 2008 and is located at 4431 Memorial Downtown is pleased Highway in Mandan. to announce the Wald is a Registered Representative promotion of Eric Sease and Investment Advisor Representative of to Head Chef for in house Securian Financial Services, Inc. member Eric Sease conferences, large events FINRA/SIPC. as well as the Terrace

Restaurant and Off Broadway Lounge.

SCHAFER APPOINTED Sease is a native of Bismarck and has a lot TO AARP NORTH of culinary experience including 17 years DAKOTA EXECUTIVE working in Minneapolis and studying at Le COUNCIL Cordon Bleu. He has worked in Bismarck Ellen Schafer of as the sous chef at 40 Steak & Seafood and Bismarck has been kitchen manager at Peacock Alley. appointed to the AARP Ellen Schafer North Dakota Executive ANDERSON JOINS Council.

MABU Schafer is a highly-skilled career Agency MABU recently welcomed Debra professional who worked 35 years as a registered nurse and nine years as a Anderson to its team as a licensed practical nurse in hospital, nursing client services manager. home, clinic, and home health and hospice Anderson has 25environments. She worked as a medical Debra Anderson plus years of marketing oncology nurse for 25 years of her career. and public relations experience in private, public and nonprofit organizations in North Dakota and Oklahoma. She is a graduate of the University of North Dakota with majors in English and public relations.

Share your business news with the Chamber EDC. Email press releases to Rebecca at rrattei@bmcedc.com.

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CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS MISSOURI VALLEY FAMILY ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS The Missouri Valley Family YMCA announces the appointment of seven new members on its Board of Directors, as well as the appointment of one new member on its Board of Trustees.

Joining the Board of Directors are Nora Frueh, Stacey Geiger, Russ Hanson, Brian Ritter, Kurt Schmidt, Arnie Strebe and James Tyler, Jr. Joining the Board of Trustees is Eric Hardmeyer.

Nora Frueh is the CFO at the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund. She and her family, husband Dave, daughters Hadley and Harper, have been members of the YMCA for 10 years.

Stacey Geiger is the HR Manager at Bismarck Public Schools. She was previously with Mandan Public Schools for 21 years.

She and her family, daughter Darien, son Brodey and grandson Rowen have been members of the YMCA for nearly six years. She also serves on the United Way committee.

Russ Hanson is the Executive Vice President at the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota. He is the past National Chair of the AGC Executive Leadership Council and the Chair of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute.

He has been a YMCA member for 30 years!

Brian Ritter is the President of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. Brian is a native and life-long resident of this community, where he resides with his wife Kim and daughters Claire and Eve. Kurt T. Schmidt is the VP of Information Technology at Capital Credit Union. He and his family, wife Theresa, daughters Amber and Ashley and son Eric, have been members of the YMCA for 17 years.

Arnie Strebe is the President of Starion Bank. He and his wife Sigrid have been members of the YMCA for 25 years. Arnie also serves on multiple organizations in the community including Northern Plains Dance, the Workforce Development Council, the Ronald McDonald House and the University of Mary Emerging Leaders.

Jim Tyler is a Partner/Owner of EAPC Architects Engineers. He and his family, wife Karen, daughter Kathryn and son Brennan, have been members of the YMCA for six years. Jim also serves as the University of Notre Dame Alumni Club President for North Dakota and as a board member for the Construction Development INC (CDI).

EIDE BAILLY ANNOUNCES RISING STAR AWARD WINNER & NEW CPA Eide Bailly LLP, a regional certified public accounting and business advisory firm, is proud Kristie Rants to announce that Kristie Rants, Business and Outsourcing Strategy Manager, recently received the firm’s Rising Star Award. The Rising Star Award recognizes top performers who consistently demonstrate Megan Hansen behaviors beyond what is expected of them in their position and uphold the firm’s culture. A Rising Star can be identified by the following characteristics: • Lives the Eide Bailly culture through his/her everyday actions.

• Supports and contributes to the firm’s Master Plan through business development and recruiting activities.

• Delivers on our Client Experience by making sure our clients feel understood, connected and confident.

• Serves as a mentor and advocate for others, helping them develop their knowledge and skill sets, and advance in their careers.

• Understands Eide Bailly business and rises above others through their work and leadership roles.

Eide Bailly is also pleased to announce that Megan Hansen has earned her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Hansen, a senior audit associate, has been with the firm close to two years.

May Wu

WU AND O’CONNELL JOIN BIANCO REALTY Bianco Realty is excited to announce the newest REALTORS® to join their professional Real Estate Team: May Wu and Lea O’Connell. Wu and O’Connell look forward to helping clients with their Real Estate needs, achieving their dream of home ownership and providing a Tradition of Excellence!

STARION PROMOTES, HIRES IN MANDAN Starion Bank has promoted one individual and hired three at its Mandan location.

Monika Kitzan has Monika Kitzan been promoted to accounting specialist III (Proof). She joined Starion in 2006 as a part-time proof operator and in 2008 joined the team full-time. In 2015, Kitzan was promoted to proof operator II. Andrea Mathern Andrea Mathern joined Starion as an accounting specialist II (Proof). She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. Catherine University in Minnesota.

Julie McCabe Mathern has come to Starion with administrative and customer service experience.

Julie McCabe joined Starion as a senior internal auditor. McCabe has nearly 30 years of auditing experience. She earned Jamie Messer a bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Dakota State University. McCabe is also a graduate of the North Dakota School of Banking, holds the Certified Internal Audit designation from the Institute of Internal Auditors and a Certificate in Loan Review from the Bank Administration Institute.

Jamie Messer is a universal banker I. He earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in business and organizational leadership and a Spanish minor from Arizona State University. Messer has customer service experience in several industries.

Lea O’Connell

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MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION CAPITAL CREDIT UNION PROMOTES FALTER Kari Falter was recently promoted to financial services representative at Capital Credit Union’s Mandan Branch.

Kari Falter In this role, she will be responsible for consumer lending including auto, RV and home equity loans, delivery of deposit products such as money market accounts and certificates of deposit, and actively soliciting, promoting, and servicing credit union products and services.

Falter earned an associate degree from Bismarck State College in 2016. She has been with Capital Credit Union since July 2016, most recently as a head teller at the Mandan Branch.

SANFORD HEALTH WELCOMES INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY Christina Gisvold, FNP-C, interventional radiology, has joined Christina Gisvold Sanford Health in Bismarck. She works alongside Drs. Andrew Miller and Brent Herbel providing state-of-the-art image-guided diagnosis and therapy for a wide variety of conditions of the chest, abdomen and extremities. These procedures are minimally invasive and utilize the latest in image-guided technology to provide faster results and recovery times.

Gisvold received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Mary in Bismarck.

DCN HIRES FIRST-EVER INTERN STRONG DCN (Dakota Carrier Network) has hired University of Mary senior Greg Strong as its firstever intern. Strong will Greg Strong graduate with degrees in Computer Information Systems and Information Technology Management in April.

Over the course of his internship, Strong will assist DCN’s operations and marketing departments, providing support in the form of application administration, web-based programming and development, and project management.

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Kevin Bowen

Kevin Riley

Leslie Watson

THREE EMC BISMARCK BRANCH UNDERWRITERS AWARDED CPCU DESIGNATIONS EMC Insurance Companies announces three Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) professional designations at the Bismarck Branch in North Dakota.

Kevin Bowen, Kevin Riley and Leslie Watson have been awarded CPCU designations by The Institutes. The Institutes is an independent, nonprofit educational organization that confers the CPCU designation on people who complete eight rigorous courses, national exams and meet its ethics and experience

requirements.

Kevin Bowen has been with EMC since 2015. Bowen has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He also has the Associate in General Insurance (AINS), Associates in Risk Management (ARM) and Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU-M) designations.

Kevin Riley has been with EMC since 2014. Riley has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He also has the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) and Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU) designations.

Leslie Watson has been with EMC since 2009 and has held several roles within the branch. She also has the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) and Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU) designations.

SCHATZ JOINS LUXE BEAUTIQUE

Madison Schatz has joined the team at Luxe Beautique as a Licensed Cosmetologist. She graduated from Headlines Madison Schatz Cosmetology School in Rapid City, South Dakota and is originally from Linton, ND. Schatz will be offering haircuts, colors, manicures, and pedicures.

KK BOLD PROMOTES EGGL TO ACCOUNT MANAGER KK BOLD announces Ashley Eggl’s promotion to Account Manager.

Eggl is based out of the Ashley Eggl marketing firm’s Minot, ND office.

Ashley’s professional expertise comes from a double major in Marketing and Management, working in management and her years of experience working with clients for KK BOLD. Her aptitude for seeing the overall marketing picture and putting it into place as well as her excellent rapport with clients makes her an invaluable asset to KK BOLD. HERZOG NAMED MASTER KIDS COACH

BY U.S. KIDS GOLF Michael Herzog Herad Golf Professional, from Hawktree Golf Club, located in Bismarck, Michael Herzog ND has been named to U.S. Kids Golf’s annual list of Master Kids Coaches. The Award recognizes the world’s most outstanding youth golf instructors, and Herzog is part of a select group that earned Top 50 accolades three times, earning the Master Kids Coach Award.

Since 2004, U.S. Kids Golf has honored the best youth golf teachers with the Top 50 Kids Teacher Award. Applicants complete an online survey and winners are chosen based on their contributions to youth golf, including: experience and time devoted teaching young golfers; innovation, creativity and fun in their programs; communication; parental involvement; use of a well-organized instruction program and an overall effort to grow the game.

In 2008, U.S. Kids Golf introduced the Master Kids Coach Award which honors those who have been awarded the Top 50 Kids Coach Award three times. Herzog joins the elite list of 167 Master Kids Coaches along with 11 others who are being recognized this year.

CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS SANFORD HEALTH WELCOMES GENETIC COUNSELOR Arielle Flynn, genetic counselor, has joined Sanford Health in Bismarck as a maternal fetal medicine Arielle Flynn genetic counselor. The board certified genetic counselor specializes in ultrasound findings, family history of genetic conditions and abnormal prenatal screenings. She graduated from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D.

CORNERSTONE BANK WELCOMES MELBY Kristine Melby has joined Cornerstone Bank as the Senior Vice President of Business Development. Melby works with Kristine Melby businesses from across the Dakotas to help them reach their financial goals. She brings over 20 years of banking and business development experience.

Originally from Bowbells, North Dakota, Melby earned her bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University in Finance and Marketing. She currently resides in Bismarck BIANCO REALTY SALES AWARDS with her husband, Kyle, and three children.

Bianco Realty has announced their Melby values her role as a neighbor and top six “REALTORS® OF THE MONTH” for contributor and has been very involved with January: Shirley Thomas, Amber Sandness, many community organizations including Darcy Fettig, Tori Mathern, Judy Maslowski the United Way Day of Caring, Women and Char Huelsman. These six REALTORS® United, Reading First, Junior Achievement, had the highest sales totals at Bianco Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Realty in January 2019 Club and as a youth coach with the YMCA.

CFA OF NORTH DAKOTA HIRES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gwen Beckler has been hired as the new Executive Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Association Gwen Beckler of North Dakota. Beckler has a diverse background in Marketing, Fundraising and Advancement, Advocacy, Training, and Education, along with a Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership.

Beckler succeeds Ken Karls who retired in December after 30 years with CFA.

MARCH 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*

Mon, 18th

Tues, 5th

5:30 pm Mandan City Commission

Mon, 4th

5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission 5:30 pm Mandan School Board*

Tues, 19th 1:30 pm

5:30 pm

Thurs, 21st 5:15 pm

Tues, 5th

5:30 pm Mandan City Commission

Mon, 25th

5:30 pm Mandan Planning Commission

Thurs, 7th

5:00 pm Bismarck Board of Adjustment

Mon, 11th

Tues, 12th

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*

Wed, 27th

5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission 5:15 pm Bismarck School Board

5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission

Wed, 13th 8:00 am Burleigh County Water Resource District

5:15 pm Burleigh County Planning Commission Thurs, 14th

5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission 5:30 pm Mandan School Board Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board Mandan City Commission Bismarck Park Board

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

5:30 pm Morton County Commission* Connection 3 33

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. To find out how you can get a free ribbon cutting from the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, please call Ross at 701-223-5660.

BISMARCK AERO CENTER Jon Simmers, Shae Helling and staff, celebrating new renovation of their location at 2301 University Drive, Bldg 53.

Phone: 701-223-4754. Member.

AMERICAN BANK CENTER Lyn Moody, Branch Manager, at their new location at 1615 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck. Phone: 701-250-3650.

Member.

LUMINATE STUDIO Roxanne Jablonsky, Owner, at her new business at 1411 Mapleton Ave, Bismarck.

CASH WISE FOODS Bryan Waege, President, at their new location at 1680 East Capitol Ave, Bismarck. Phone: 701-258-6689.

Member.

BUSINESS SERVICE WITHOUT LIP SERVICE No-nonsense lending and insurance advice.

WeAreAmerican.bank ADV-062

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CONNECTION | NEW MEMBERS 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. To find a complete listing of Chamber EDC members, view the Member Directory online at www.bismarckmandan.com.

La Carreta of Bismarck 505 E. Bismarck Expressway Bismarck, ND Eliud Tena (701) 258-1631 Mexican restaurant.

Sterling Optical 1487 LaSalle Dr. Bismarck, ND Kelsie Butts (701) 354-7500 We specialize in eye exams and provide quality eyeglasses, contact lenses and designer frames.

Darrell’s Brew ‘N’ Que 4401 Coleman Street Bismarck, ND Darrell Matthews (701) 955-2694 BBQ & Catering Restaurant.

AgCinect 316 S Broadway Suite 2 Linton, ND Todd Nagel (701) 355-6406 Comprehensive farm and ranch solution used to track crop details, livestock, accounting/financials, and much more. Manage your entire farm and/or ranch operation all in one instance.

Bis-Man Mentor Squad 600 South 2nd. Street, Suite 308 Bismarck, ND Deanna Larson (701) 222-0797 Bis-Man Mentor Squad provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better - forever.

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. 2525 River Road Bismarck, ND Steve Adair (701) 355-3500 World’s largest and most effective wetlands conservation organization. The Great Plains Regional Office oversees conservation activities in eight states: N.D., S.D., Mont., Wy., Col., Minn., Iowa, and Neb. Stage Stop Liquors, Inc. 611 6th Ave SE Mandan, ND Luke Clausen (701) 663-7768 Locally owned, Mandan’s largest selection of beer, wine and spirits.

Stage Stop Saloon and Grill 611 6th Ave SE Mandan, ND Luke Clausen (701) 663-0345 Great food, drinks and live music.

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Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Connection 1640 Burnt Boat Drive Bismarck, ND 58503

UPCOMING CHAMBER EDC EVENTS MARCH MEMBERSHIP MIXER: HAMPTON INN & SUITES Date: March 7, 2019 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Hampton Inn & Suites – 2020 Schafer Street, Bismarck

Presented by:

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • Time: 7:00am - 11:30am Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center – 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck CHAMBER EDC SPRING MIXER Date: Thursday, April 4, 2019 • Time: 5:00pm - 7:30pm Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center – 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck APRIL MEMBERSHIP MIXER: ANYLEAKS Date: April 11, 2019 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Anyleaks – 140 Riverwood Ave SE, Mandan APRIL MEMBERSHIP MIXER: STARION BANK Date: April 25, 2019 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Starion Bank – 333 N 4th Street, Bismarck

Join the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC for our half-day seminar featuring panels of professionals, in a variety of different industries that will discuss Bismarck-Mandan’s business performance.

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center 7:00am - 11:30am Purchase tickets online at www.bismarckmandan.com

The Bismarck Cancer Center provides world-class radiation therapy services to individuals with cancer.

Exceptional cancer treatment and caring support for your body, mind and spirit.

YOUR PARTNER AGAINST CANCER

bismarckcancercenter.com 701-222-6100|500 N 8th St|Bismarck, ND 58501