March Connection

MEMBER PROFILE Bismarck & Mandan Tire Center Pg. 12

DOWNTOWN MANDAN SEES CHANGES Big changes are currently underway for downtown Mandan. Pg. 14

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM Thursday, April 1 Pg. 19

Connection MARCH 2021

WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM

Women

IN BUSINESS

A BUSINESS PUBLICATION OF THE BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Val Weigel ........................................................................ Chair Kevin Strege ...............................................................Vice-Chair Wendy Van Duyne ........................................................Secretary Mike Schmitz ................................................................Treasurer Brian Eiseman ............................................................ Past Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Evan Anderson ...........................................................Gizmonics Steve Bakken ......................................................City of Bismarck Andrea Birst ...............................................Glance Spa & Salon Nate Boehm ........................................................Morton County Brian Eiseman ...............................................Stoneshire Builders Amber Larson.....................................................City of Mandan Karl Lembke ......................................................Vaaler Insurance Becky Matthews ................................................Burleigh County Allan Miller ............................................................Anyleaks, Inc. Dr. Sara Weigel Ness ..............................Active Life Chiropractic Marnie Piehl ...........................................Bismarck State College Mike Remboldt ................................................................HIT Inc. Matt Sagaser ......................................................Doosan Bobcat Mike Schmitz ......................................Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs Garret Senger ...............................Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. Kevin Strege ................................................Credit Foundations Wendy Van Duyne .....................Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Val Weigel ..............................Basin Electric Power Cooperative Lee Weisbeck ..........................................................Starion Bank

CHAMBER EDC STAFF

Brian Ritter ...................................................................President Aasta Eggert .......Economic Development Marketing Specialist Ross Frohlich ............................................Membership Director Christine Nelson ....................................Event & Sales Manager Rebecca Pelkey .................................Communications Specialist Elliot Rust ................................................Chief Financial Officer Jaime Sabot ....................Workforce Development Coordinator Lyndsey Scheurer .........................Creative Marketing Specialist Nathan Schneider ................................................Vice President Josie Smyle ..................................................Events Coordinator Cathryn Sprynczynatyk .....................Communications Specialist

1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-223-5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com

CONTACT INFORMATION Content Rebecca Pelkey rpelkey@bmcedc.com

Advertising Christine Nelson cnelson@bmcedc.com

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CONNECTION | CHAIR'S CORNER

s you saw on the cover, this month we’re spotlighting women in business from across Bismarck-Mandan. While this may not be a new concept, what makes it unique is that all of these women have contributed to both our community and our organization. For example…

• Nicole Kivisto is both a community leader and featured speaker at last year’s Chamber EDC Economic Outlook Forum.

• Heather Jones is a past Board Member and Board Chair of the BismarckMandan Development Association (BMDA), one of the Chamber EDC’s predecessors.

• Andrea Birst is both a past Chair of the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Alumni Association (LBMAA) and a current Chamber EDC Board Member.

• Eve Kostelecky is a serial entrepreneur, community supporter and past panelist at various Mandan Tomorrow Plan – Economic Opportunity & Prosperity (EOP) Committee events.

After reading that list, it’s no secret as to why we asked each of these women to be a part of this month’s Connection. They’ve all contributed mightily to our community and to our organization, notably through some of our events. And on that topic, we do have a number of Chamber EDC events coming up that I hope you’ll consider attending.

First, on March 11, we’re hosting our first in-person Membership Mixer of the year at the Baymont Inn & Suites. We realize that some may not be comfortable with in-person events just yet and we certainly respect that, but we’re receiving increasing feedback from our members that they’re ready to do so. In addition to the opportunity to network with other members, this month’s Mixer will also have a cornhole tournament with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place!

Then on April 1, we’re hosting this year’s Economic Outlook Forum (EOF) with keynote speaker Jeremy Jackson.

Mr. Jackson is the Director of NDSU’s Center for the Study of Public Choice and Private Enterprise and will touch on the topic of, “North Dakota’s Economic Outlook; Where are we and where are we going?” The event will be held both virtually and in-person, so if you’d like to attend either way please contact Christine or Josie at Chamber EDC Office; 701-223-5660.

Finally, we’re hosting a very exciting Chamber EDC Annual Dinner on April 29 with keynote speaker Matthew Luhn; former Pixar Animation Studios Writer & consultant. Matthew has created stories and characters at Pixar, the Simpsons and beyond. He’s taken that creative experience and now works to bridge the gap between heart and business for clients such as Adidas, Target, Coca Cola and more. For more information, again, contact the Chamber EDC office.

It's an exciting time at the Chamber EDC and we’re so grateful that you’re all a part of it as members, volunteers and more.

Thank you for your continued support!

Valerie Weigel Chair, Board of Directors twitter.com/bismancedc facebook.com/bismancedc @bismancedc

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FEATURE | CONNECTION

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk From small business owners to the C-suites, women are successful in business across Bismarck-Mandan. Connection Magazine is profiling four businesswomen across four different sectors: mechanical construction, personal care, energy and healthcare.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

Mechanical contracting has been in my family for 104 years now. We have a legacy company in Minot, Mowbray & Son ... My great-grandfather, Harry Mowbray, emigrated from England ... and landed in North Dakota and started a plumbing business. My grandfather, Harry “Bud” Mowbray, took over — then my father, Harry “Bill” Mowbray. My brother, Harry “Travis” Mowbray runs the business now ...

I didn’t even assume there was an opportunity, because the name of the legacy business is “Mowbray & Son.” I studied business and accounting, and I did a short internship with an accounting firm. I didn’t love it, but I enjoyed the business aspect of it. When the opportunity came to branch to Bismarck, I was very excited about getting onto that ... (We purchased) an existing sheet metal business (in 1999). At that time, there were 12-15 employees ... Now, we have 48 employees out of the Bismarck office. Two years ago, we expanded and opened an office in Dickinson. We have eight employees out there ...

DISTRESS SUCCESS

Photo Credit: Rebecca Brick

Heather Jones President, City Air Mechanical

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I own a percentage of Mowbray & Son, and vice versa with my brother Travis. He is my business partner ... My Husband (Karl Jones) is a field foreman (for City Air Mechanical) ... We don’t work day-to-day together. He’s got his projects in the field, and I’m in here running the business. We always say we have a degree of separation.

CONNECTION | FEATURE WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS?

Probably my first mentor was my grandfather, Bud Mowbray.

He was old school — raised during the Great Depression.

He survived quite a bit in his life. He was born without any fingers on his left hand. He boxed in the Navy. He was a big strong man who never let anything keep him back. For his generation, he was a bit of a misogynist — except when it came to me. I could do anything in the world in his eyes. He lifted me up and encouraged me. It was wonderful for me.

Another is my father, Bill Mowbray, for all of the same reasons. He is my first call when I have a problem, my sounding board, my resource.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

My biggest motivator is the people that work for us ... The income they make from this business supports their families.

If we can stay strong and be successful and keep moving forward — that’s my biggest motivator is giving people those opportunities.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST RISKS YOU’VE TAKEN?

The most recent on was our Dickinson expansion ... The market out there had a lot of mistrust in contractors coming into town, breezing out of town, and not being held responsible for the work they did during the oil boom.

That’s been in our main focus on that market — to let people know we are a family who has been in business in western North Dakota for 104 years, and we want to bring that to Dickinson...

The scariest moment and happiest moment was the contract for the North Dakota State Penitentiary. Most of the commercial construction projects in North Dakota range from $500,000 to $4 million. When we bid the state penitentiary, that project was more than $10 million. It was more than two times bigger than any project we had done before. It was exciting and terrifying, and I held my breath the entire time ... It was a pretty substantial growth curve.

Also, purchasing this company — what a lot of people don’t realize — not only in the lending process but in the contracting process — for every job you take on, your house is on the line. It isn’t just the business assets that the bank cares about — it’s the personal assets as well. When you’re young and trying to build a family, every asset I tried to put my fingers on, the bonding company attaches it to the business. Looking at that risk we take every day is nothing to joke about.

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WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER WOMEN LOOKING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD?

I would say, “Stop hesitating.” People might perceive there being walls for women in construction. I have also looked at it as having a lot of benefits as well. Construction can be very adversarial at times. I can be adversarial as well. When a woman walks into a room with a bunch of adversarial men, it brings the level down.

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FEATURE | CONNECTION TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

After high school, I enrolled in hair school with the intention to have a job while going to college ...

I started skipping (college) classes to do clients’ hair at the salon. I remember the day I skipped a final exam to go to work. I thought, “Okay, this is stupid. There is my answer.”

I worked at Spa D’Athena for seven years before I bought Glance. I got married in 2008 and bought the business in 2009. My husband (Jordin Birst) didn’t know what he was getting into ... I always had the thought of being a business owner in the back of my mind. If I was going to be a business owner, I thought downtown is the place I wanted to be. At 26-years-old I walked in there, and I had no idea what it would be like to be a business owner.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Brick

Andrea Birst

I bought it with a business partner, and a couple years later I bought out my business partner. It was Owner and Bosslady, a ghost town. I had few employees — not many Glance Spa & Salon stayed. At the time of cordless phones, I would take the cordless phone upstairs to my office. I had to start day-by-day finding new employees. It WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS? peaked at a staff of 26 people within a short amount of time.

My business partner didn’t see eye to eye, but all in all she was a huge mentor for me. She was very vocal in helping my WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MILESTONES? career and always pushing me hard in my career to grow and A big business culture shift for us was Feb. 2, 2016. That’s seek opportunities ... when we converted to our team-based business model.

Before it was a commission-based business model with I know this is cliché, but my entire team — especially because some booth rental. Glance grew to a staff of 26 people, I get to work with my sister (Heather Pitsiladis) every day ... and I worked hard to make them busy and help them make Your team are the people that listen to you and all of your a lot of money. But just like me, I didn’t see a career future for crazy ideas and tell you when you need to get your head on them in that ugly, competitive culture. I wasn’t going to work straight ... I would consider Heather a mentor in my life.... I’m hard at growing stylists when I couldn’t offer them any career the business sister and she’s the fun sister. She has a lot of growth opportunities. strengths that I don’t have.

I worked with Strategies (consulting company). They coach Strategies consulting company — I still have a coach today, hair salons on the team-based business model. I loved it. and I am very thankful for them. They have taught me a lot If I wouldn’t have done that, I probably wouldn’t own my and honestly helped save my company ... I’m also a coach salon today. It helped us not only lose the icky culture, but for them now. I coach nine salons right now across the U.S. also to become more profitable and to strengthen our I teach them our business model. I teach them how to grow culture overall. Now, every single one of my employees is an in leadership, how to grow their teams, and how to reengineer employee — they are not commission-based ... We don’t have their companies. to competitive with our guests. We can put our guests’ needs first ...

I had the opportunity to buy my building three years ago.

I knew I wanted to buy the building if I was going to keep changing Glance. I kept calling the landlord. Finally, one day he said, “When we’re ready to retire, I’ll give you a chance to buy it.” (When the time came), I was ready to do it.

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WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER WOMEN LOOKING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD?

First, life is short. Always seek opportunity and just go for it.

When I was buying the salon, I remember going to bank after bank after bank trying to get a loan. I still remember some of those conversations. It’s easy to get discouraged as a women.

There is a persona of being a female business owner. I think it’s important to just go for it. There is no such thing as failing, just lessons learned.

CONNECTION | FEATURE TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

I got the call for an interview with (MDU Resources) while I was on my honeymoon. I started in the corporate accounting department and spent a good portion of my career in different finance roles.

The last job I had at the corporate office was Chief Accounting Officer.

I’m on my ninth job, but I’ve been with (MDU Resources) my entire career. When I was asked to take on the role of Vice President of Operations for Montana-Dakota Utilities and Great Plains Natural Gas, it was a complete surprise.

I was wondering if they had the wrong phone number, because I had an accounting background, and this was an operations job ... It was a lateral move and one that was a really cool learning experience for me. I was in the role for a year, and then this job opened up. I’ve been in this role for six years.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN?

Photo Credit: Rebecca Brick

Nicole Kivisto

President and CEO, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., Great Plains Natural Gas Co., Cascade Natural Gas Corp., Intermountain Gas Co.

Taking the job as Vice President of Operations — because I didn’t have prior experience. That was seven years ago. I have been with the company 25 years, and for 18 years of my career I had been in finance.

I really felt like I knew the material. I knew the jobs; I knew the information. I was jumping to an (operations) role where I didn’t have the education in the area. I didn’t have the on-the-job training. I really needed to earn the respect of the people doing the job and work with them very closely.

The only way I was going to do that was to get to know the work, get to know the people. I did ride-alongs with the technicians to learn what they were doing day in, day out. It was a risk going into the job. If I could not earn the respect of the people, it was going to be hard to lead them.

WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS?

I would tell anybody they need to find a mentor. You don’t do any of this alone. Hands down, that has definitely been my experience.

You want someone who will push you. I had that early in my career. I had a mentor who would push me outside my comfort zone. Just as important, you need someone who will tell you the brutal truth when you don’t want to hear it.

I’ve got four kids at home. I was working pretty intense jobs and trying to raise a family. Sometimes you need someone to say, “You’re going to burn yourself out. You need to get home.”

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER WOMEN LOOKING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD? Be confident, but know what you don’t know. Sometimes as women we have a hard time with that confidence piece and believing in ourselves. Sometimes that can be our biggest weakness. We might not have all the skills needed. We also have to know what we don’t know and surround ourselves with others who do.

We know we will all fail, whether it’s in life or in work. The real test is how we respond to failure, pick up the pieces, and move forward.

You’re going to accomplish very little on your own. Find yourself some colleagues. Find yourself some friends outside work. As a team you are going to accomplish a lot.

Find a way to make a difference. In your career and in your life, go out and make a difference.

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FEATURE | CONNECTION TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

I have known that I wanted to be an optometrist since I was 8 years old. My uncle Mike Kostelecky was an optometrist. He had a parrot and he had dogs and he had a swimming pool. I thought, “If I want a pool someday, I have to be an optometrist.” That was the start. I shadowed him a couple times. I worked in a local clinic here for a few years to make sure it was the right fit. After undergrad at University of Mary, I went to southern California for optometry school.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Brick

I started working at a practice in town, and I became a partner. I had a great experience and mentors at that clinic. During that time, I Optometrist and Owner, opened Brea boutique, which Every Eye wasn’t a 5- or 10-year plan. It wasn’t in the plans at all. I knew nothing about business. Running my own WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS? retail business was not anything I was specializing in. After My husband, my family, my brother, my parents, my grandpa, having that, you get the confidence. You realize that you don’t my uncle Mike Kostelecky, and a good friend of mine, Alison have to know everything to start something. That gave me the Fallgatter, who is a business owner and a morally sound confidence to do something like this — opening Every Eye. human.

Dr. Eve Kostelecky

We owned this building. I sold Brea. When that owner left, the opportunity of this space opened up to us again. Having that experience running Brea and my experience at the clinic led me to think I might be able to do this on my own. It was a good opportunity to pay rent to myself.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MILESTONES?

Opening Brea was a huge milestone for me in that it exposed me to running all aspects of running a business — dealing with staff, expenses versus production. It was even learning how to set up a business — the legal side, the accounting side, getting a trade name, all those little things. The next milestone would be opening this clinic.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN? Going to optometry school. I had a little 1996 Honda Civic.

My dad and I packed it up. It had a little spoiler and a North Dakota license plate and a manual transmission, and I was moving to California. You invest a lot of time and money and dedication, and you aren’t guaranteed anything when you graduate. That was the biggest risk — just going for it.

I feel so fortunate to be able to work with my parents ... My dad (Neil Kostelecky) is an optician technician. It is truly an honor to be at this point in my life and be able to spend more time with them, even if it is work-related. The dinner discussions have definitely changed. This is the second time in my professional career that I get to work with my mom (Pam Kostelecky) as she helped at Brea boutique as well. My mom does the marketing for the clinic. She knows me best and how I would want the business represented, which takes a lot off my plate.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER WOMEN LOOKING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD? I would say this to anyone pursuing any career — don’t be afraid to blaze your own trail, but be kind along the way.

Find people who are wiser than you to push you and guide you. The world can be harsh. Having a personal committee that knows you and what you stand for is crucial when the going gets tough and decisions get clouded and you need support. The world is also so beautiful; don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

Editor’s Note: The interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

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CONNECTION | FEATURE

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

6:00PM - SOCIAL | 7:00PM - DINNER Be a part of Bismarck-Mandan’s premier event where the Chamber EDC will celebrate our accomplishments of 2020, moving up and onward! We will also give our members a look toward what the coming year will bring to the Bismarck-Mandan business community. This prestigious evening is full of fun, socializing, awards, and recognition. Come and enjoy spending the evening with over 1,000 of your fellow Chamber EDC Members.

It’s a night to remember!

FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Matthew Luhn With over 25 years' experience creating stories and characters at Pixar Animation Studios, The Simpsons, and beyond, Matthew Luhn’s story credits include Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, Monsters Inc., Monsters University, Finding Nemo, UP, Cars, and Ratatouille.

Alongside his story work in Hollywood, Matthew also trains companies, organizations, and other professionals how to craft and tell stories to bridge the gap between heart and business to build better brands and business communication. Some of his clients include Adidas, Target, Coca-Cola, Procter and Gamble, BMW, Warner Brothers, Sony, and Google.

Reserve your table

TODAY!

bismarckmandan.com

701.223.5660

Tickets may be reserved until Aptil 1, 2021 Reservations are required prior to the event.

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

THANK YOU ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORS! PRESENTING SPONSORS:

CHRYSLER I DODGE I JEEP I RAM

GOLD SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSORS: Dakota Community Bank & Trust Eide Bailly Environmental Services Huck Financial Group

Indigo Signs Knife River Corporation MDU Resources Group

TABLE SPONSORS: Amy Hullet: Century 21 Morrison Realty Bank of North Dakota Bartlett & West Basin Electric Power Cooperative Baymont Inn & Suites Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck Event Center Bismarck State College Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND Bremer Bank Capital City Construction Capital Credit Union Capital Electric Cooperative CHI St. Alexius Health Cloverdale Foods Consolidated Construction CornerStone Bank Crowley Fleck Dakota Appraisal & Consulting Dakota Credit Union Foundation

EMC Insurance First International Bank & Trust First Western Bank & Trust Gate City Bank ICON Architectural Group KFYR-TV Kirkwood Bank & Trust Kraus-Anderson Construction Company KX News Leadership Bismarck Mandan Alumni Association MIDCO Moore Engineering, Inc. National Information Solution Cooperative Northwest Tire Odney Plains Commerce Bank Schmitz Holmstrom CPA Starion Bank Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation United Tribes Technical College University of Mary

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MEMBER PROFILE | CONNECTION

Bismarck Tire Center has been a member since 1991.

Mandan Tire Center has been a member since 1989.

Rachel Gietzen BISMARCK MANDAN TIRE CENTERS Tell us about yourself and your role within your business.

A: ​My name is Rachel Gietzen and I am the Owner of Quik Service Inc., better known as Bismarck and Mandan Tire Centers.

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MEMBER SINCE 1989 & 1991

Briefly tell us the history behind Bismarck Mandan Tire Centers.

A: Bismarck and Mandan Tire Centers have been in our community for nearly 65 years. We are a third-generation family-owned business, owned previously by my father and my grandfather before him.

CONNECTION | MEMBER PROFILE How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Bismarck Mandan Tire Centers?

A: The growth of Bismarck and Mandan has brought new customers to our Tire Centers! It has also brought new competitors into our market place which helps us all to continually raise our bar to make our business and industry better for our customers.

What trends are taking place in your industry?

A: There is an evolution of the vehicles that we have known in years past.

Vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced. Manufactures are moving toward all electric fleets. GM recently announced that it will stop selling gas powered vehicles by 2035.

YOUR LOCAL COMMERCIAL HVAC PROS!

This means that the technicians who work on these advanced vehicles must be constantly advancing their skill set as well. Becoming an Automotive Mechanic of the future is an exciting skilled career trade. My hope is that we will see investment into the technical schooling of grooming the next generation of mechanics.

Have there been any monumental changes within your industry that you’ve had to deal with?

A: I think the COVID pandemic has been a very large change to our industry.

With the large amount of people working from home and the many community shut-downs, that has meant that people have been driving less and have had more time to tinker on their vehicles at home. It has also been important for us to pivot to learn how to keep our customers and staff safe in our shop environment while driving confidence to come and visit our facility. We truly appreciate each customer who continues to shop local with us!

What does the future of the Bismarck & Mandan Tire Centers look like, and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: The future is bright for Bismarck & Mandan Tire Centers! As we have done for nearly 65 years, we will continue to flex and adjust to the needs of our community and our industry. I think we are going to see a lot of exciting evolution out of the automotive industry over the next 20 years or so. From autonomous vehicles with “smart tires” on them, to fully electric vehicles and everything in between. We will be ready to help the customers of today and tomorrow.

Bismarck Mandan Tire Centers became members in 1989 and 1991, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: I feel like it is important to be well connected within the communities that we serve and being a member is one way that I support and connect with our community.

8. What should other Chamber EDC members know about Bismarck Mandan Tire Centers that may assist them?

A: Other members should know that Bismarck and Mandan Tire Centers are full-service auto service centers. A lot of people think we just do tires, or just car and pickup tires. We do all kinds of mechanical repairs, exhaust work, farm tires, farm service calls, commercial tires, 24-hour emergency road side tire service, small to medium OTR tires, recreational vehicle tires, and of course passenger and truck tires.

We are a Goodyear Tire and Service Network Dealer. That means that we have the power of the Goodyear name and nationwide limited warranty standing behind all we do. We accept National Fleet Accounts and have special pricing for Government Accounts.

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701-214-9533 Call or Text 24/7 for Service!

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | CONNECTION

DOWNTOWN MANDAN SEES BIG CHANGES

Last summer, officials from the City of Mandan, Morton County and Energy Transfer Partners broke ground on an ambitious new project to improve both the Morton Mandan Public Library and Dykshoorn Park.

For years, the area surrounding the Library and Dykshoorn Park have served as the unofficial ‘living room’ of downtown Mandan. The area hosts Art in the Park, Buggies-NBlues and numerous other events, all organized by the Mandan Progress Organization. And each time, an army of volunteers descends upon the Park to set up temporary fencing, bathrooms and more in preparation for that event.

The planned improvements to the Park include a main entrance off 4th Ave NW, permanent decorative fencing for Dykshoorn Park, the installation of shade sails in front of the bandshell, meandering walking paths, light elements that tie in the history of the railroad and gas fire pits.

Adjacent to Dykshoorn Park is the Morton Mandan Public Library, which has seen its usage grow as the community has grown. As a key part of the overall project, upgrades to the Library will include an approximately 8,000-squarefoot addition with a new library entrance/atrium, a public meeting room that can seat up to 300 people, public restrooms and a bookmobile garage with equipment storage. The existing 13,000-square-foot library building will be remodeled with HVAC and electrical upgrades as well as door and window replacement, masonry restoration, new interior finishes and other traffic pattern improvements.

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The new library addition will be located adjacent to Dykshoorn Park, with public access to many of these public meeting spaces and permanent restroom facilities.

The synergy between the Library and park improvements will greatly improve the outdoor events that occur within this space throughout the year.

All of these improvements are made possibly by a generous $3 million gift from Energy Transfer Partners, approximately $2.2 million from the Mandan Visitors Fund and $600,000 from the Mandan Supplement Environmental Projects Trust (MSEPT).

“This area is a vital hub for the City of Mandan, It’s businesses and the community at large along with our events and would not be possible without the generous support of Energy Transfer Partners. It is great to see such a fabulous private / public partnership transform our downtown and keep all great Mandan tradition's alive for generations to come,” said Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling.

You can follow progress on the project anytime by visiting the City of Mandan’s website at www.cityfomandan.com.

CONNECTION | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NPCC PROVES VALUABLE FOR COMMUNITY More than ten years ago, the City of Bismarck converted a piece of property near the Bismarck Airport into the Northern Plains Commerce Centre (NPCC).

Originally conceived as an intermodal facility where freight would be flown, trucked or railed to and from the facility within shipping containers, the NPCC evolved into what it is today; a 243-acre, rail-served industrial park.

The NPCC has access to both Canadian Pacific and the BNSF railroads via the DMVW Railroad for those who utilize the facility’s rail spur. Having rail access is important as it makes the property more marketable due to the limited availability of rail-served shovel-ready industrial property in Bismarck Mandan. In addition, the truck route between Interstate 94 and the NPCC is considered a heavy haul corridor for those who move their freight by truck.

The companies that are utilizing the NPCC’s features include the very first tenant: Doosan Bobcat. Originally built over a decade ago, the company’s first building in the NPCC has grown and expanded into what is now a center for research & development known as the Acceleration Center. Other tenants who have since located in the NPCC, include: Northern Metals Recycling, Missouri Basin Materials, Tubular Transport & Logistics, Old Dominion, Cintas, Pulse USA and Traffic Safety Services. All together these businesses employ hundreds of community members and without the NPCC these jobs may not be possible.

With the properties purchased by the companies in the NPCC, it leaves approximately 50 acres of developable property remaining. This available property, in addition to other available industrial property across BismarckMandan, is one of the advantages we promote in our economic development marketing efforts.

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

REGISTER NOW & READ BELOW TO LEARN HOW! BISMARCK-MANDAN LEMONADE DAY Bismarck-Mandan Lemonade Day is back this summer, so start getting ready to make something sweet on June 19th!

Registration is now open for your young entrepreneur along with their mentor, to sign up for this fun, educational experience.

This free, project-based learning experience shows kids how to start, own and operate their very own business with the guidance and support of a responsible mentor. The mission of Lemonade Day is to help today’s youth become the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers and forward-thinking citizens of the future…one lemonade stand at a time!

Once registration is completed, youth and mentors will be included in all Lemonade Day communication to keep you and your entrepreneur updated on backpack/workbook pickups and to receive tips and tricks for running a successful business. Many young entrepreneurs throughout Bismarck-Mandan took part in last year’s Lemonade Day and we highly encourage any future young business owners you know to join us this year!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW and backpacks and workbooks will be available in May! To learn more or to register, visit https://lemonadeday.org/ bismarck-mandan; call the Chamber EDC office at 701223-5660, or email Christine Nelson at cnelson@bmcedc. com or Josie Smyle at jsmyle@bmcedc.com.

A special thanks to our sweet sponsors: Main Squeeze Sponsor: Lime-Light Sponsors: Fresh Squeeze Sponsors:

Lemon Head: ABRA Auto Body & Glass, American Bank Center, Bartlett & West, Bobcat/Doosan, Every Eye, P.C., First Western Bank & Trust, Gary Tharaldson School of Business – University of Mary, Gizmonics, LLC., Grand Junction Grilled Subs, Haga Kommer, Mr. Squeegee Window Cleaning, Scheels, Subway, Terry’s Health Products, Tires Plus, Vue Community Credit Union

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

SEEKING SUPPORT FOR OUTSTANDING TEACHER NOMINEES Each year, the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC OUTSTANDING honors all of the Teacher of the Year following educators from both Mandan and Bismarck: Primary Educator, Secondary Educator as well as a Higher Ed. Educator, for the Crystal Apple Award. This 30-year tradition continues to honor five winners that are selected by the Chamber EDC’s Excellence in Business and Education Committee.

Throughout February, nominations for the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award were collected and the Chamber EDC received over 80 nominations! Now it is time that we ask for extra support as we are ready to collect letters of support for each of these nominees.

We need students, parents, business professionals, principals, friends and other teachers to submit their letters of support and recommendation for their nominee of choice!

Please contact the Chamber EDC or go to www. bismarckmandan.com/committees. Scroll to the Outstanding Teacher of the year Ad Hoc Committee and click to view the list of nominated educators. Then, submit letters of support for those you think should receive the Crystal Apple.

Letters of support must be received at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC office by March 14, 2021.

They may be mailed to the Chamber EDC’s office at the address below or emailed to cnelson@bmcedc.com

Attn: Christine Nelson Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC 1640 Burnt Boat Dr. Bismarck, ND 58503

Presenting Sponsor: Award Sponsor:

Let our experts help you custom-design an employee benefits package that works for you today and helps you get to where you want to be tomorrow.

Let’s get started on your employee benefits plan.

Ryan Hartje Bismarck 701.255.5562

N O R T H D A K O TA S T Y L E

EmployerPlansND.com

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, LEGISLATURE & AGRICULTURE LAW & LEGISLATURE Law & Legislature Day met at Mandan City Hall and the Morton County Courthouse. Bismarck City Administrator Keith Hunke and Mandan Business Development Director Ellen Huber spoke on “Your Role as a Citizen: Driving Change Within Your Community.”

Robin Thorstenson moderated a panel discussion on “Serving Your Community in Volunteer or Elected Roles.” The panel included alumni of the Leadership program who serve on volunteer or elected municipal board: Amber Larson, Dave Lehman, Todd Van Orman, and Maria Walen. At the Morton County Courthouse, Mandan Municipal Mandan Municipal Judge, DeNae Kautzmann, speaks to the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Law & Judge DeNae Kautzmann spoke on Legislature Day at Morton County Courthouse. how city ordinances are adjudicated in the court system. Two legislators joined the class virtually during the OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING: legislative session: Sen. Erin Oban (D-Bismarck) and Rep. Todd Porter (R-Mandan).

Presenting Sponsor: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & AGRICULTURE Economic Development Day kicked-off with a panel on “COVID Impacts on Restaurant/Retail/Hospitality.” The Gold panel included Jennifer Wilson of Kirkwood Mall, Tyler Sponsor: Gangl of Gangl Hospitality, and Colton Shoults of Grand Junction Subs, Laughing Sun Brewery, and The Craftcade.

Wilson said that the initial statewide shutdown happened Program during the Class A and Class B basketball tournaments, Sponsors: which are “like another Christmas for tenants.” Stores had ordered extra product and planned special offers Law & Legislature co-chairs: to maximize the foot traffic. Shoults said Laughing Sun Karie Mischel - Starion Bank Brewery recently restarted live music events in January.

Krista Rausch – N.D. Assoc. of Rural Electric Coop.

With all of the pent-up demand, business has been high.

Dot Frank - Mandan Progress Organization They have expanded outdoor space, deployed outdoor heaters, and expanded the stage — which has doubled the Economic Development & Agriculture co-chairs: square footage available to customers. Gangl said the lack Nathan Schneider - Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC of events hit their hotels hard. They targeted companies Wendy Van Duyne – Stantec who employed essential workers — such as traveling nurses and construction workers — to raise hotel occupancy. The Lunch Sponsors: day closed with a panel on “Impacts of Agriculture on the Starion Bank (Law & Legislature) Community.” Panelists were Amber Boeshans, Midwest Cappuccino on Collins (Law & Legislature) Dairy Association; Craig Malm, Farm Credit Services; and Stantec (Economic Development & Agriculture) Jared Stober, Two Track Malting.

BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

HOSPITALITY PANEL NEW AT 2021 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM

Every year the Chamber EDC distributes the annual Economic Outlook Survey to our members to obtain their feedback on the economic performance of their organization throughout the year. With the results of this detailed survey, we are able to provide our members with insight on the Bismarck-Mandan economic climate and prepare them for what is to come in the year ahead. The Chamber EDC and Starion Bank are excited to host Dean of the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at the University of Mary, Dr. Karel Sovak, as he shares the results from this year’s survey.

On Thursday, April 1st at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center, the Economic Outlook Forum will feature perspectives from multiple different industries through the discussions of both the industry and hospitality panel.

To reserve a table for $425, please contact Christine Nelson at cnelson@bmcedc.com or Josie Smyle at jsmyle@ bmcedc.com, or call the Chamber EDC office at 701-2235660.

The agenda this year includes: KEYNOTE: North Dakota Economic Outlook: Where are we, and where are we going?

• Jeremy Jackson Director, NDSU Center for the Study of Public Choice and Private Enterprise (PCPE)

Jeremy Jackson

The 2021 Economic Outlook Forum keynote, Jeremy Jackson, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of microeconomics, public economics, and game theory Cost to attend the Economic Outlook Forum is $40 for and strategy. His research covers diverse topics, including Chamber EDC members (Virtual or In-Person) and $50 for public choice and the political economy; the social conseGeneral Admission. To register for this event, please go to quences of economic freedom; happiness and well-being; https://business.bismarckmandan.com/events. and philanthropy and nonprofits. His research has been published in Applied Economics, European Journal of Political Economy, Public Choice, Contemporary Economic REGISTER ONLINE AT BISMARCKMANDAN.COM Policy, Journal of Happiness Studies, and other refereed and non-refereed sources. He is also the author of a quarterly Presenting North Dakota Economic Outlook Report which provides a Sponsor: forecast of economic conditions of the nation, North Dakota and its major metropolitan areas.

Gold Sponsors:

INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION

BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®

Table Sponsors: American Bank Center, Amy Hullet: Century 21 Morrison Realty, Bank of North Dakota Bismarck Cancer Center, Bismarck Mandan Home Builders Association, Bismarck State College, Capital Credit Union, Dakota Carrier Network, Eide Bailly, First International Bank & Trust, First Western Bank & Trust, MDU Resource Group, National Information Solutions Cooperative, Sanford Health, University of Mary, United Tribes Technical College

Moderator – Jillian Lagasse Vice President of Marketing, Capital Credit Union

• Dr. Mike LeBeau - President, Sanford Health Bismarck • Brenda Nagel - Vice President for Public Affairs, University of Mary • Ron Ness - President, North Dakota Petroleum Council ECONOMIC SURVEY RESULTS • Dr. Karel Sovak - Associate Professor of Business, University of Mary HOSPITALITY PANEL DISCUSSION

Moderator – Dot Frank Executive Director, Mandan Progress Organization

• Tyler Gangl - General Manager, Baymont Inn & Suites • Tyler Halm - Store Lead/Partner, Scheels • Curt Miller - Owner, Old Ten Bar & Grill

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CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: INDOOR GOLF BAYMONT INN & SUITES TOURNAMENT Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021 Location: Baymont Inn & Suites

2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM

Admission: Free to Attend

Membership Mixers are back!

Save the date for this March Membership Mixer!

Baymont Inn & Suites will be hosting the March Membership Mixer on Thursday, March 11th at their location at 2611 Old Red Trail in Mandan from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

Join fellow Chamber EDC members for this Membership Mixer while we enjoy hors d’oeuvres along with an open bar provided by the Baymont Inn & Suites! This fun event will have a cornhole tournament that will be giving away prizes to those who place 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the tournament!

Mixers are FREE for Chamber EDC members to attend.

Please consider attending and bringing colleagues from your workplace! RSVP’s are appreciated and can be made by registering online at https://business.bismarckmandan. com/events or by contacting Josie Smyle at jsmyle@ bmcedc.com.

Date: Friday, March 19, 2021 Location: Golf Ect

511 Airport Rd, Bismarck Time: 10:00AM - 4:30PM

Admission: $75 for Individuals

$175 for Team of Two You don’t want to miss out on the Chamber EDC’s newest event, the Chamber EDC Indoor Golf Tournament! This brand new addition is scheduled for Friday, March 19 at Golf, Etc. where two-person teams will compete in a 9-hole scramble over three flights at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm.

There will be snacks, pizza and drinks at the event along with prizes for the top 3 teams and most fairways hit.

Registration is $150 / team or $75 / individual and will be online at www.bismarckmandan.com.

Eagle Sponsor: Birdie Sponsor: Drink Sponsor:

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2021 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center

800 S 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 7:45AM - 11:30AM

Admission: $40.00 for Chamber EDC Members

(Virtually or In-Person)

$50.00 for General Admission

(Virtually or In-Person) Presented By:

Join us and fellow Chamber EDC members on the morning of Thursday, April 1st, as we are excited to share this year’s Economic Outlook Survey results! In January, the Chamber EDC distributed this survey to gauge business performance in the Bismarck-Mandan area.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear firsthand from various industry experts and local professionals on what challenges we faced in 2020 and receive an insight on what is to come in 2021. The Economic Outlook Forum will feature various industries such as health, education, energy and hospitality as well as a local keynote speaker: Jeremy Jackson – Director/Professor of Economics at North Dakota State University.

Cost to attend the event is $40 for Chamber EDC Members (Virtual or In-Person) and $50 for General Admission. You can register online at https://business. bismarckmandan.com/events.

Please contact Christine Nelson at cnelson@bmcedc. com, or Josie Smyle at jsmyle@bmcedc.com, or call the Chamber EDC office at 701-223-5660 to find out more details about this informative event.

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CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: ANYLEAKS Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021 Location: Anyleaks

140 Riverwood Ave SE, Mandan Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM

Admission: Free to Attend Save the date for the April Membership Mixer!

On Thursday, April 22nd from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Anyleaks will be hosting the April Membership Mixer at their location at 140 Riverwood Ave SE in Mandan.

Join fellow Chamber EDC members for this Membership Mixer while we enjoy refreshments and some business after hours. This fun event will also be giving away door prizes to attendees in the form of gift cards, coolers, & more!

Mixers are FREE for Chamber EDC members to attend.

Please consider attending and bringing colleagues from your workplace! RSVP’s are appreciated and can be made by registering online at https://business.bismarckmandan. com/events or by contacting Josie Smyle at jsmyle@ bmcedc.com.

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ANNUAL DINNER

Date: Thursday, April 29, 2021 Location: Bismarck Events Center, Hall B Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM

Admission: $75.00 for Chamber EDC Members

$85.00 for General Admission Presented By: CHRYSLER I DODGE I JEEP I RAM

This year’s keynote speaker, Matthew Luhn, comes with quite a lineup of experience creating stories and characters at Pixar Animation Studios, The Simpsons, and beyond, Luhn also works to bridge the gap between heart and business for clients such as Adidas, Target, Coca-Cola, Proctor and Gamble, BMW, Warner Brothers, Sony and Google.

Call 701-223-5660 to reserve your table and start planning your evening! Tickets can also be purchased at https://www.business.bismarckmandan.com/events.

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: HOLIDAY INN BISMARCK Date: Thursday, May 13, 2021 Location: Holiday Inn Bismarck

3903 State Street, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM

Admission: Free to Attend

Save the date for the May Membership Mixer!

On Thursday, May 13th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Holiday Inn Bismarck will be hosting the May Membership Mixer at their location at 3903 State Street, Bismarck.

Join fellow Chamber EDC members for this Membership Mixer while we enjoy a tasty Nacho Bar along with refreshments and some business after hours. This fun event will be giving away door prizes to attendee’s in the form of a certificate for a free night stay at the Holiday Inn! Mixers are FREE for Chamber EDC members to attend.

Please consider attending and bringing colleagues from your workplace! RSVP’s are appreciated and can be made by registering online at https://business.bismarckmandan. com/events or by contacting Josie Smyle at jsmyle@ bmcedc.com.

CHAMBER EDC GOLF SCRAMBLE

Date: Monday, June 14, 2021 Location: Apple Creek Country Club

8921 County Rd 10, Bismarck Time: 10:30AM - 4:30PM

Admission: $175.00 per player

* Includes 18 holes, golf cart, lunch, dinner, driving range and tee prize Presented By: Mark your calendar for our annual Chamber EDC Golf Scramble on Monday, June 14th at Apple Creek Country Club! Join us and several Chamber EDC members for an exciting, interactive 18-hole scramble.

Registration starts at 10:30am with an 11:30am shotgun start. Players will compete in teams of four. You may either sign up individually ($175/person) and we will assign you to a team or as a full team of four ($700/team.) You'll also receive a boxed lunch when you check-in and instructions for where to go. While on the course, you will be provided with beverages, snacks and other fun activities provided by our hole sponsors.

Spots fill up quickly, so don't wait to register. Call 701-2235660 today or email Josie at jsmyle@bmcedc.com for a registration form.

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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

MANDAN’S 2020 ECONOMIC INDICATORS GENERALLY IMPROVE DESPITE CHALLENGING YEAR City of Mandan management monitors several local economic indicators. The majority of statistics for the 2020 calendar year are now available.

Local Usage Taxes • 1.75% sales tax. Collections reached a record of $5 million, up 23% from 2019. The City uses revenue from a 1% sale tax, amounting to nearly $2.9 million to reduce property tax plus assist with infrastructure costs, economic development and municipal debt reduction. Revenue from a 0.75% tax, generating about $2.1 million, is applied to pay off a bond issued for a voter-approved sports complex.

• 1% restaurant and lodging tax. Collections were also at a record $523,000, up 7% from 2019. Revenue is used for purchasing, equipping, improving, construction, maintenance, repair, and acquisition of buildings or property consistent with visitor attraction and promotion.

• 2% hotel occupancy tax. Collections were up 4% at $50,213, but still down 30% from the peak in 2012.

Revenue is used to promote, encourage and attract visitors to the city. The majority is allocated to the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Taxable Sales and Purchases.

The total through the third quarter was nearly $210 million.

That is up 5% from same period for 2019 and significantly stronger than state levels. Statistics on the 2020 fourth quarter will not be available from the state tax department until later this spring.

Job Openings.

North Dakota Job Service reported 2,417 online job openings in January 2021 for Burleigh and Morton counties.

That’s 187 fewer openings than a year prior. For the state, there were 13,228 open positions in January, a decrease of 2,661 compared the year before.

Residential Building.

The City Building Inspection Department issued permits for 120 new residential units in 2020. Single family home construction was up at 95 units compared to 73 the year prior, but the total was down from 195 a year ago because there were no truly new multi-family projects started in 2020.

One multi-family permit was issued for a rebuild of a 42-unit building damaged by fire in 2019.

Commercial and Industrial Building.

The city issued permits for new construction, remodeling and addition projects totaling $37 million, up from 2019’s $18 million.

Value of all Building Activity.

The value of all projects for which building permits were issued is nearly $62 million, up from $46.5 million last year.

Real Estate Sales.

The Bismarck Mandan Board of Realtors reports that the average sale price of residential property in Mandan was $260,773, up from $249,806 in 2019. This is on 402 units sold, compared to 298 the year prior. The average time on the market was 58 days, shorter than 78 in 2019. The statistics include single-family home, condo, twin home and duplex sales reported through the multiple listing service.

Thank you Mandan Parks & Rec for choosing us as your I.T. provider for 10 years!

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The City of Mandan Assessing Department recorded 879 transactions for the year encompassing both commercial and residential properties, with 668 for transactions above a zero dollar amount and 420 of which were normal, arm’s length transactions. This compares to 727 total transactions in 2019, 372 of which were normal, arm’s length transactions. These are sales on the open market between two unrelated parties, each with reasonable knowledge of market conditions and under no undue pressure to buy or sell. Other transactions might be between family members or involving other special circumstances.

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

AMERICAN BANCOR, LTD. ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF CITIZENS STATE BANK AND CITIZENS INSURANCE AGENCY OF FINLEY, N.D.

American Bancor, Ltd., the multibank holding company for American Bank Center, is proud to announce the acquisition of Citizens State Bank and Citizens Insurance Agency. Pending regulatory approval and other customary conditions, this is expected to officially take effect in April 2021. With locations in Finley, Northwood and Cooperstown, N.D., Citizens State Bank has approximately $135 million in bank assets. Citizens State Bank and Citizens Insurance Agency are locally owned institutions which have been in the Sayer family for more than 76 years.

The organizations will be merged into American Bancor, Ltd., but will continue to operate independently as Citizens State Bank and Citizens Insurance Agency, with Chad Aberle remaining as President.

“We are excited about our future with American,” says Aberle. “For 85 years, we have taken great pride in serving our communities. This new venture will allow Citizens State Bank to expand our services to enhance our customers’ financial success. Our customers will continue to work with the great staff of Citizens State Bank and Citizens Insurance Agency, but will have access to even more opportunities for their banking and insurance needs. We share similar values with American. Our cultures of encouraging community involvement will continue as we serve our agricultural and small business customers.”

American looks forward to building on the success of Citizens State Bank and providing additional resources to expand their banking, investment and insurance businesses.

Come by our liquor superstore in Bismarck and browse endless aisles (and walk-in beer cooler) of everything liquid and delicious.

Our selection is

!

“This partnership will continue to provide local, community banking and financial services to these towns and the surrounding areas. American’s roots are in serving agricultural customers in rural communities and we look forward to continuing to expand our geographic presence in North Dakota. We are thrilled that Citizens State Bank and Citizens Insurance Agency have decided to join our team,” says American President and CEO Dave Ehlis.

American is a company of advisors who work directly to contribute to the financial stability and growth of every community in which it belongs.

3025 Yorktown Drive, Bismarck 701.751.7373 www.williquors.com Connection 3 25

ASK A PRO | CONNECTION

CHRIS NELSON at

STEPH LANDWEHR at

DR. REYNOLDS at

204 W Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-255-0042

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

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

Q: I'M LOOKING AT BUYING A CAR; WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST?

Q: HOW DO I DEVELOP A DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGY?

A: Whether you’re buying your first car or

A: Digital marketing refers to advertising

Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN SIDE-EFFECTS BETWEEN SMOKING CIGARETTES OR E-CIGARETTES? A: From your bones to your bladder,

your dream car, the first step is to review your budget and visit your financial institution. At Capital Credit Union, our lending experts will talk you through rates on new and used vehicles and options for repayment terms. We’ll also review companion products for auto loans, including affordable warranty packages, life and disability payment protection and Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) which will help pay the difference between your loan balance and the amount you receive from insurance if your vehicle is stolen or damaged beyond repair. Capital Credit Union also offers an easy online application so you can get preapproved and know your rate, terms, and payments before you begin your search.

Once you’re preapproved, you’re ready for the fun part – shopping! Then, before you know it, you'll be driving off in the vehicle of your dreams.

For more information on preapprovals or to contact a financial services representative, visit capcu.org.

Insured by NCUA. NMLS# 744424.

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delivered through digital channels like search engines, websites, social media, email, and mobile apps. A digital marketing strategy is a plan of action that helps your business achieve specific goals using these online marketing channels.

smoking can damage just about every part of your body. And your lungs are front and center. Smoking is by far the leading cause of lung cancer, even for nonsmokers who get it from secondhand smoke. Just a few First, identify your goal(s), budget and timeline. Then, think about who your target cigarettes a day, or low levels of secondhand smoke, can hurt your lungs. The audience is and where they’re spending their time online. Next, evaluate your exist- number of years you smoke has an even bigger effect. So, the sooner you quit, the ing digital channels and assets including better. owned, earned and paid media. Owned media consists of assets you own (i.e., E-cigarettes are not safe either and the website and social media profiles). Earned dangerous chemicals and the amount of media, or word-of-mouth, is content you nicotine in vapes is higher than cigarettes. have not paid for or written yourself. Paid This creates a much greater addiction rate. media refers to the platforms you spend Some pods are equal to up to 9 packs of money on to capture the attention of your cigarettes. Contrary to what many people customers. Determine the best solution to think, e-cigarettes are not just water vapor. help you meet your goal, then incorporate They include chemicals such as formalthe channels that work best for your busidehyde, heavy metals such as lead and ness. Finally, it’s crucial to determine your nickel, and particles that can get stuck in KPIs (key performance indicators) and how the deepest parts of your lungs. you plan to measure the success of your Your body has an amazing ability to heal. marketing efforts.

Within just hours of your last cigarette, Once you have this framework, create your health starts to get better. Nicotine a project document that maps out the replacement therapy, medications plus plan you’re going to take to achieve your counseling will double their chances of goals. This will help you communicate your quitting. Free coaching and cessation strategy and set you up for a successful medications are available from NDQits: campaign. call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or nd.health.gov/ ndquit.

CONNECTION | ASK A PRO

MICHAEL HERZOG, PGA at

TOM KRANDA at

GRANT JUDAH, MD at

3400 Burnt Creek Loop, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-355-0995

4204 Boulder Ridge Rd, #100, Bismarck, ND 58503

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

Q: EVERY DAY MORE AND MORE GOLFERS REALIZE WHY HAVING A HANDICAP INDEX IS SO IMPORTANT, BUT DO YOU KNOW WHY? A: By playing with a Handicap Index, you

Q: HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP MY GOLF GAME? A: Physical therapy can reduce the risk

Q: WHY IS ERGONOMICS WHILE WORKING FROM HOME IMPORTANT? A: Home furniture typically lacks adjust-

can compete with golfers of any skill level without having to give out strokes arbitrarily. Using this Index, you can compete against your own potential scoring ability instead of other golfers’ scores.

Here’s why...

1. Because every golfer deserves to know their own potential in golf.

One thing is to believe that you are good or even great at golf, and another is to have a trustable measure, like your golf handicap, that confirms how good you are.

2. To show how a player’s performance improves/deteriorates in time.

The game of golf has so many variables that make it impossible for a player to follow-up with his/her progress. Different courses, weather, playing times, groups, etc. At the end of the day, only your golf handicap will help tell if you are improving in time.

To establish and maintain a Handicap Index, a player must be a member of an authorized golf club. Most golf courses, public and private, are authorized. Free for kids 17 and under. For adults, fees can range from $30-$35 per year. For more questions about obtaining a handicap feel free to email me at headpro@hawktree.com.

701-751-3064

of repetitive motion injuries and improve your golf performance. Our Certified Functional Golf Specialist will evaluate your functional movement (how your body moves) including golf-specific movements to assess your golf swing in relation to how your entire body is functioning through the swing.

It is possible to be experiencing pain in your elbow, but the true impairment is actually in the spine or hips. Your physical therapist can identify the cause of your pain or injury and implement a personalized plan of care. Your plan may include enhancing your strength, flexibility, balance or your posture when addressing the ball. Through education on proper movement patterns, hands on treatment techniques if needed and therapeutic exercises you’ll be prepared for a healthy, injury free, golf season.

To achieve your personal best contact us at (701)751-3064. There is no referral needed to access quality physical therapy.

See your Movement Specialist today! Visit Optimum Therapies at www.optimumtherapies.com/north-dakota/

able features and support that places the body in good working positions. Over time, stress from awkward posture or improperly positioned equipment, such as a computer mouse, keyboard or monitor, can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries or pain in the muscles, bones, joints, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive and/or improper body positioning.

Improving home ergonomics promotes a comfortable, neutral working posture. If you experience pain or discomfort while working from home, basic home adjustments can help. These include: • Using a chair with a supportive backrest • Keeping equipment at a comfortable working height A professional ergonomic assessment may be beneficial when basic home adjustments do not resolve your pain or discomfort.

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MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION BISMARCK MOTOR COMPANY ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF SANDVIG AS USED CAR MANAGER Bismarck Motor Company, voted the area’s Best Car Dealership Rod Sandvig

by Bismarck Tribune Readers, is pleased to announce that Rod Sandvig has joined the company as its Used Car Manager.

Sandvig brings more 30 years of automotive experience to the company.

FIRST COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION HIRES SANDERSON First Community Credit Union recently hired Mark Sanderson as the Retail Manager for the Mark Sanderson Bismarck market.

As a Retail Manger, Sanderson is responsible for directing and managing the activities of the Bismarck and Mandan market to meet the financial service needs and objectives of the membership.

STARION BANK PROMOTES ATKINSON Sanderson graduated from the University of Mary with a degree in Krystall Atkinson has been promoted to the Retail Manager position in Bismarck/ business administration. He brings 13 Mandan. For the past six months Atkinson years of financial and lending experience to FCCU, having previous experience with worked as a Senior Universal banker with Starion Bank.

Starion. She has over 11 years of retail banking experience while having served HDR WELCOMES NYSETHER in many different leadership roles in the community.

Ken Nysether, P.E. has joined HDR as As Retail Manager, Atkinson is a senior water resources project manager responsible for managing and directing in North Dakota. Based in Bismarck, ND, brach operations. She will ensure quality Nysether will provide project management customer service, oversee employee services for HDR’s water resources projects growth and development, and work to in the North Dakota, South Dakota, and achieve metrics and goals set by the Wyoming markets and provide support Executive Team. Atkinson says she is as needed throughout the North Central “thrilled to have an opportunity to lead Region. within the organization, and I look forward Since graduating from North Dakota to growing with my teammates and the State University with a degree in civil Bank as a whole in this new position.” engineering, Nysether has focused his Outside of her work, Atkinson currently professional career on municipal, water, serves as the PTO President for Grimsrud wastewater and transportation projects in Elementary in Bismarck and she loves North Dakota. He will be continuing to do to spend time with her family on the so as a senior project manager for projects weekends. undertaken by the Bismarck office.

GROSS JOINS NORTH DAKOTA LONG TERM CARE ASSOCIATION Mirranda Gross has joined the staff of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association as the Mirranda Gross Education Assistant.

Mirranda graduated from the University of Mary this April with a Bachelors in Marketing and Healthcare Administration. She currently has her CNA license and has approximately five years of CNA/CMA experience in Long term Care. Mirranda will assist with training events, the annual convention and fall conference as well as being the trade show coordinator and associate membership coordinator. Before joining the NDLTCA team, Mirranda worked for HIT Inc. Dakota Alpha as their administrative assistant.

CAPITAL CREDIT UNION PROMOTES GRIFFIN AND SMITH Jon Griffin was recently promoted to chief lending officer at Capital Credit Union’s Jon Griffin Main Office.

In this role, he will oversee Capital Credit Union’s lending culture, credit quality and portfolio management, as well as new business development and ongoing relationship Sean Smith management for the Business Services GRACE, MD, JOINS CHI ST. ALEXIUS NEIS PROMOTED TO Department. In addition, he will oversee HEALTH PAIN CLINIC OFFICE MANAGER the Legal & Risk Management Department.

CHI St. Alexius Health Sherri Neis has Sean Smith was recently promoted is pleased to welcome recently been promoted to vice president of legal and risk Patrick D. Grace, MD, to its to Office Manager for management at Capital Credit Union’s pain medicine team.

Precision Wood Finish a Main Office.

Grace received division of The Painters Inc. In this role, he will monitor new and Sherri Neis his medical degree Sherri joined Precision existing regulations to ensure compliance from Medical College Wood Finish as an Office with credit union policies and provide Patrick Grace, MD of Georgia, Augusta, Assistant in 2018. She has over 30 years of legal support for contract review and Ga., and completed customer service experience and owned disclosure requirements. He will also an anesthesiology residency at Wake and operated a business with her husband oversee Capital Credit Union’s legal, Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, for 21 years. She is responsible for the collections, compliance and Bank Secrecy N.C. He completed his fellowship in day to day operations of production for Act departments. multidisciplinary & interventional pain both paint and stain finishing jobs for new medicine at the University of Kansas construction and remodel clientele.

Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan. She belongs to the Bismarck Mandan chapter of Professional Women in Building.

Sherri lives in Bismarck with her husband Scott and her two teenage sons, Parker and Connor.

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

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CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS HALVERSON EARNS MASI CERTIFICATE The Advertising Specialty Institute has awarded Jane Halverson of Dakota Promotions & Printing with a Master Jane Halverson of Advertising Specialty Information (MASI) certification – the industry equivalent of a master’s degree.

MASI holders are recognized as the true industry experts who’ve cultivated profitable and collaborative relationships with distributors, suppliers and decorators.

This designation is a testament to their contributions to the advertising specialty industry.

BIANCO REALTY WELCOMES NEW AGENTS Bianco Realty is excited to announce the newest REALTORS® to join their professional Real Estate Team: Jennifer Saari, Amanda Eberle, Brooklyn Pringle and Paxtyn Steckler.

These agents look forward to helping clients with their Real Estate needs, achieving their dream of home ownership and providing a Tradition of Excellence!

LOCAL CO-OP COMMUNICATOR EARNS NATIONAL CREDENTIAL The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives Krista Rausch (NDAREC) is pleased to announce that Krista Rausch, communications specialist, has earned recognition as a professional communicator in a national certification program offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Rausch has met the requirements to become a Certified Cooperative Communicator (CCC), which signifies standards of professionalism in communications and competency in the electric cooperative industry. Since 1985, fewer than 500 electric cooperative communicators have attained CCC status.

DAKOTA COMMUNITY BANK & TRUST WELCOMES MIKE ROSS Dakota Community Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that Mike Ross has accepted the position Mike Ross of Senior Loan Officer.

Ross, originally from Faith, South Dakota, brings over six years of direct commercial, ag and retail banking experience to the bank alongside an additional eight years of strategic and financial positioning knowledge. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, he will be responsible for servicing and maintaining a current portfolio as well as developing new business and capturing market growth.

LEIER JOINS CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH CHI St. Alexius Health is pleased to welcome Jennifer Leier, FNP-C, to its interventional radiology care team.

Leier received her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D., and Master of Science in nursing from the University of Mary.

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.

Thurs, 25th Mon, 1st

5:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm

ITG (Political Subdivisions) Burleigh County Commission Mandan School Board*

Tues, 2nd

5:30 pm

Mandan City Commission

Thurs, 4th

5:00 pm

Bismarck Board of Adjustment

Mon, 8th

Tues, 9th

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck School Board Mandan Park Board*

5:15 pm

Bismarck City Commission

Wed, 10th 8:00 am Burleigh County Water Resource District

5:15 pm Burleigh County Planning Commission Thurs, 11th

9:00 am 4:00 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck Parking Authority Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority Morton County Commission*

Mon, 15th 10:00 am

5:00 pm

5:30 pm

Metropolitan Planning Org. Technical Advisory Committee Burleigh County Commission Mandan School Board*

Tues, 16th 1:30 pm

4:00 pm

5:30 pm

Wed, 17th 3:30 pm

Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board Burleigh County Human Service Zone Board Mandan City Commission

Thurs, 18th

Mon, 22nd

5:15 pm

Bismarck Park Board

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck School Board Mandan Planning Commission*

Tues, 23rd

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck City Commission Morton County Commission*

Wed, 24th

5:00 pm

Bismarck Planning Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

Meetings are replayed several times on the Government Access channel and are available for viewing online (Watch on Demand) at www.freetv.org. * Delayed Playback

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

CENTURY 21 Tricia Schlosser, Kristin Eisenzimmer and staff celebrate the grand opening of their new location at 1142 W Turnpike Ave, in Bismarck. Phone: 701-223-6654. Member.

EPIC COMPANIES Team celebrates the opening of Area 57 mixed use development on the 200 block of East Greenfield Lane in north Bismarck.

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DENIZEN PARTNERS Team celebrates the ground breaking of the 630 Main Ave mixed use building in downtown Bismarck. Member.

GREAT PLANS FOOD BANK Steve Sellent,Melissa Soblolik, Kathy Schneider and team celebrate grand opening of a new regional service center at 1315 S. 20th Street in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-6188. Member.

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.

AARP North Dakota 107 W Main Ave., Suite 125 Bismarck, ND 58501 Josh Askvig (701) 355-3642 AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. AARP advocates for health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.

Aflac – Christy Jelsing Agency 1213 S. 7th Street Bismarck, ND 58504 Christy Jelsing (701) 595-3680 Aflac's supplemental insurance can help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover. Pays policy holders directly.

Accident, cancer, critical care and short term disability.

SP&E, Inc. 1925 Frontier Drive Bismarck, ND 58504 Jeremy Buller (701) 222-4775 Selling, installing and servicing auditorium seating, bleacher seating, gym equipment, OP walls and lockers!

The Paddle Trap on the Missouri 2500 Pirates Loop Mandan, ND 58554 Michelle Kaufman (701) 202-3421 Year round food and drinks to crave. Brunch, lunch, dinner and a welcoming kids menu. Bring the whole family for a wonderful experience on the riverfront.

Poppy’s Promise, LLC 1221 W Divide Ave., Ste 2 Bismarck, ND 58501 Lorena Poppe (701) 204-7870 Poppy's Promise/Keeping the Promise provides support and services to kids and young adults with disabilities and their families.

American Solutions for Business 31 E. Minnesota Ave. Glenwood, MN 56334 Larry Zavadil (320) 267-4002 American Solutions for Business specializes in print, promotional products, office supplies and eCommerce.

Amici Pizza Company 3001 Yorktown Drive, Ste 6 Bismarck, ND 58503 Todd Surdez (701) 751-0327 Progressive, yet authentic, pizza and pasta restaurant set out to be different from the others.

Sixteen03 Main Events 1603 E Main Ave. Bismarck, ND 58501 Michelle Kaufman (701) 255-6246 Event center offering a hip, urban warehouse that makes any occasion memorable. Parties up to 450 people are welcome for dinners, receptions, business meetings, soirées an media events.

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

UPCOMING CHAMBER EDC EVENTS MEMBERSHIP MIXER: BAYMONT INN & SUITES Date: March 11, 2021 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Baymont Inn & Suites – 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan CHAMBER EDC INDOOR GOLF TOURNAMENT Date: March 19, 2021 • Time: 10:00am - 4:30pm Location: Golf Etc – 511 Airport Rd, Bismarck BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC

Agriculture Committee

PLANTING THE SEED Date: March 24, 2021 • Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC – 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM Date: April 1, 2021 • Time: 7:45am - 11:30am Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center – 800 S 3rd Street, Bismarck

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: ANYLEAKS Date: April 22, 2021 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Anyleaks – 140 Riverwood Ave SE, Mandan

CHAMBER EDC ANNUAL DINNER Date: April 29, 2021 • Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Bismarck Event Center, Hall B – 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: HOLIDAY INN Date: May 13, 2021 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Holiday Inn – 3903 State Street, Bismarck

MODERN MEDICINE. classic care.

ADVANCED RADIATION THERAPY SERVICES with a compassionate and caring team bismarckcancercenter.com|701-222-6100