April Connection

MEMBER PROFILE Interiors by France Pg. 12

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE New committee forms to focus on Workforce Development in Bismarck-Mandan Pg. 15

IMPACT ED Tuesday, May 4 Pg. 21

Connection APRIL 2021

WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM

QUALITY OF LIFE

HE

A BUSINESS PUBLICATION OF THE BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC

H T AL

I LY

WO R

M

K

FA

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 Nathan 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 Jordan Nelson ................................................Sales Coordinator 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 Jordan Nelson jnelson@bmcedc.com

Life is for new beginnings What do you live for?

Success is about progress and is founded on hard work. First International Bank & Trust can bear some of the load, taking the work out of managing your accounts. Our experts can custom tailor banking solutions to best suit your operations, so you can get back to business.

BANKING | MORTGAGE | INSURANCE* | TRUST & INVESTMENTS*

FIBT.com 0274_2-21

2 4 Connection

*Not FDIC or any federal agency insured | No bank guarantee | May lose value

CONNECTION | CHAIR'S CORNER

I

hope that you’re as excited about this month’s edition of the Connection as I am!

Each month, the Chamber EDC team has wide ranging discussions about who or what should be featured in that month’s Connection. There are so many deserving people, projects, etc. in Bismarck-Mandan, that it often gets to be a difficult decision. So when discussing this month’s edition, it was refreshing when we didn’t have to choose just one. Instead, we get to spotlight six different quality of life amenities that will make Bismarck-Mandan that much more unique. Like so many of you, I am grateful to be a part of and live in a great community that offers a substantial quality of life for me and my family.

Doing so is critically important because venues like the Gateway to Science Center or Dakota Zoo may not necessarily seem like business or economic development projects, they very much are. That’s because amenities like these, which contribute greatly to Bismarck-Mandan’s quality of life, are what make our community stand out.

And our ability to stand out has never been important because potential employees, families and more have never had more choices as to where to call home than they have right now. So if we’re going to be successful in ultimately attracting and retaining them, we need to venues like those I mentioned earlier. So the next time we launch another talent attraction campaign or workforce development initiative to appeal to those who we want to come or stay here and fill some of our more than 2,700 open jobs, you can rest assured that we’re going to spotlight projects like these!

While attracting and retaining talent is an economic development effort, we’re staying busy with business advocacy activities as well. Most notably, we continue efforts to advocate our 2021 Legislative Agenda at the Capitol. Our agenda covers a number of different areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, COVID relief and more which you can always find represented in our Bill Tracking Sheet at www.bismarckmandan.com.

On the federal level, we’ve recently held meetings with staff from our Congressional Delegation as we advocate issues such as COVID relief and the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Bill (the Highway Bill). That access to our Congressional Delegation is something that’s very much appreciated and beneficial to our membership, so we’ll continue to work diligently with them.

Finally, on a lighter note, the Chamber EDC’s Annual Dinner is coming up on Thursday, April 29 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at the Bismarck Events Center. Joining us virtually, is our keynote speaker is 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 or to register, contact the Chamber EDC office at 701-223-5660. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

There’s a lot happening at the Chamber EDC, but none of it is possible without our members!

Valerie Weigel Chair, Board of Directors twitter.com/bismancedc facebook.com/bismancedc @bismancedc Cover Photo Credits (Clockwise): Architectural Concepts Inc., Northern Plains Dance, Bartlett & West, JLG Architects, Ducks Unlimited, Missouri Valley Heritage Alliance/ Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation/NDSU Department of Landscape Architecture

Connection 3 3

FEATURE | CONNECTION

QUALITY OF LIFE:

UPCOMING PROJECTS IN BISMARCK-MANDAN

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Sometimes we forget how good we have it in Bismarck-Mandan. We have great schools, safe communities, and amenities that create the special sauce to make a place feel like home.

Aaron Barth, Executive Director of Northern Plains National Heritage Area, is partial to the Missouri River. “When you’re so close to such a treasure that is right in our living rooms, you get so used to it,” Barth said. “We’ve got this big, beautiful river.

It’s so amazing.”

Bismarck-Mandan has a plethora of projects under construction that will continue to add to the quality of life in our communities.

CLAIRMONT FAMILY CONSERVATION PARK When Bill and Patricia Clairmont passed away in 2020, their stamp had already been left on the Bismarck community in the form of real estate, charitable donations, and a road bearing their name. Soon, the Clairmont Family Conservation Park in northwest Bismarck will extend their legacy.

Ducks Unlimited has been working with the Clairmont family for three years turning habitat adjacent to Clairmont Road into a conservation park. Eric Lindstrom, Managing Director of Development for Great Plains Region of Ducks Unlimited, is handling the project.

“We see immense value to our community in this natural asset,” Lindstrom said. “This will provide 116 acres of open space for public outdoor recreation and enjoyment.”

In phase 1, Lindstrom said the goal was to preserve and protect the property. Ducks Unlimited is raising $1.75 million. They are 90 percent toward that goal with $200,000 left to raise. Lindstrom said more than 100 individuals, businesses, foundations, and corporations have donated.

Ducks Unlimited purchased the property from the Clairmont family in December 2020 at a “bargain sale” according to Lindstrom. Now, Ducks Unlimited is enhancing the property during phase 2. They are restoring 20 acres of native prairie, planting trees, restoring two small wetlands, and adding interpretive signage about the value of North Dakota’s natural resources, wildlife, and environment.

“Grassland and wetlands will connect people in an urban community to North Dakota’s natural resources.”

4 4 Connection

CONNECTION | FEATURE Lindstrom said the area provides storm water storage, drainage, flood abatement, and filtration from storm water coming off the developed areas uphill from the park.

The area is home to deer, turkeys, and other wildlife.

“We feel special places like this really attract families to our community and provide some economic benefits,” Lindstrom said.

In phase 3, Ducks Unlimited will donate the park to Bismarck Parks & Recreation District, which will make additional improvements such as hardtop trails and park shelters.

“This is a unique project for us,” Lindstrom said. “We don’t do a lot of urban projects, but this is a great opportunity for us. We can provide an outdoor classroom on North Dakota’s natural resources.”

The park is currently open dawn to dusk. No motorized vehicles are allowed, and patrons are asked to leave it better than they found it.

“We are very humbled and appreciative to the Clairmont family and all the supporters for making this opportunity possible,” Lindstrom said.

MORTON MANDAN PUBLIC LIBRARY Libraries are in a group called “third places” in society. It is neither home nor work, but it is a location available to the general public such as a coffee shop or a park.

“Libraries are a space where everyone is welcome regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, religion, political views,” said Jackie Hawes, Library Director of Morton Mandan Public Library. “Everyone is welcome, and they receive the exact same level of service as the next person. Libraries are much more than books.”

Mandan is unique to have a downtown anchored by both a public library and greenspace. However, that library is bursting at the seams.

“We were out of space,” Hawes said. “Our staff area was nowhere near large enough. We were falling all over each other. As the community grows our services grow, and we need larger spaces.”

Programs were capped at 25 participants with waitlists. More storage space was needed to allow library staff to grow their outreach efforts in Morton County. Fortunately, an expansion of the Morton Mandan Public Library will be completed later this year.

The library’s current building was built in 1911 as a Northern Pacific Railroad freight house. It is on the National Register of Historic Places with its unusual yellow brick exterior. The library moved into the building in the early 2000s, and the city and county libraries merged in 2006.

“As community has grown and changed over the years, so has the library and the need for expanded library services,” Hawes said. “Basically, we ran out of room.”

In 2017, a plan was developed to have the library move across the street into the building that now houses Runnings.

It would have been a joint library and event space, which the general public ultimately rejected. In 2019, Energy Transfer Partners approached the library to ask how they could improve quality of life in Mandan. Energy Transfer Partners donated $3 million to the library and to the City of Mandan for improvements to neighboring Dykshoorn Park.

The project is currently under construction and slated for completion by the end of summer.

Connection 3 5

FEATURE | CONNECTION The new addition will include a large meeting room, larger staff area, lobby, and a patio and balcony extending into Dykshoorn Park. The library will have a new garage that will bring the bookmobile on site instead of being housed at the county garage miles away. The expansion will include a new children’s area and teen area.

“It’s a window looking on the science happening all across the state,” Demke said. “As our visitors look out on the beautiful scenery, they will see the energy corridor; they will see transportation; they will see the river system; and they will see weather systems. There is a lot of science out there that we can draw into the building.”

“We are looking toward the future, so we made sure the design is future focused as well,” Hawes said.

Hawes said the goal is to keep the library open and operating throughout the entire expansion.

The brand-new building will be 43,000 sq. ft. It will house an education wing including a laboratory classroom. Another area will include a maker space, that includes everything from 3D printing to sewing. Nearly 14,000 sq. ft. of gallery space will highlight science happening in North Dakota: water, agriculture, energy, transportation, aerospace, health, and the human body. A separate space called “Science First” will be designed for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

It will include some of the exhibits from the main gallery that have been revamped for young learners. For example, the main gallery will feature ballapalooza, an exhibit that demonstrates forces in motion through various experiments launching balls. The Science First area will show forces in motion through a scarf launcher.

“As social services go away, libraries tend to pick up the slack,” Hawes said. “We have a lot of homeless population that hangs out here, and we can help them with resources.”

Hawes said she looks forward to the library continuing to anchor downtown Mandan.

“Libraries definitely have a positive impact on downtown commercial neighborhoods,” Hawes said. “They are highly regarded and seen as improving quality of life in neighborhoods. We help bolster downtown commercial and cultural activities. We draw visitors to the area after normal business hours. We are opening evenings and weekends — seven days per week.”

GATEWAY TO SCIENCE Good things come to those who wait. Gateway to Science had broken ground on their new construction site in October 2019 knowing they could get some work done before winter hit. Construction would resume in spring 2020, but then a pandemic shutdown North Dakota in March 2020.

One full year later, construction is poised to resume, and things should progress rapidly from there.

Beth Demke, Executive Director of Gateway to Science, calls the organization “North Dakota’s hands-on science center.”

They have begun construction on a new building on land leased permanently from the North Dakota University System on the Bismarck State College campus.

The property west of the MDU Resources Community Bowl overlooks the Missouri River.

6 4 Connection

“There is a demonstrated need to introduce young people to (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts from an early age so there is a natural progression from their early curiosity to a career path,” Demke said.

At the same time, Demke said the new facility will be their gateway to the rest of the state. What is currently one vehicle will expand to an entire fleet focused on mobile outreach programming.

CONNECTION | FEATURE “What we do now is phenomenal,” Demke said. “I think we do a fabulous job on a small scale. The project we have designed is going to blow it out of the water and make it so that we can impact so many more students.”

Even though the pandemic slowed down construction, exhibit development has continued all over the world. A water table is being developed in Florida.

Software for virtual exhibits is being created in Australia. An energy exhibit is under development in London. The majority of exhibits are being created at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The staff at Gateway to Science recognize they play a role in future workforce development that starts at a young age.

“We’re really the first step of that pathway of workforce development,” Demke said. “Starting with very young children we start introducing them to STEM concepts — not just the children but also their caregivers and parents who see those potential careers …

“We have a station on laparoscopy and right next to it is ‘This could be you.’ Students are immediately drawn to the handson concept, but then they also get that message of ‘This could be a career for you.’”

HERITAGE RIVER LANDING

Barth said he views the project as an economic engine. He said the goal is get visitors to spend more than four hours in Bismarck-Mandan. He said if people stay for more than four hours, they will get a hotel room and spend even more money in the community.

The biggest challenge came before the organization could even break ground.

Captain Meriwether’s Restaurant was a landmark on the Missouri River from 1991 until the disastrous flood in 2011. After Meriwether’s was torn down, Barth said the Ft. Abraham Lincoln Foundation received frequent inquiries.

“Before this building even got above the ground, it took at least two years of paperwork,” Barth said, “massive excavation, engineered fill, concrete piers before any construction began, $300,000 of prep work.”

“(People kept asking,) ‘Are you guys going to do something again? Are you going to rebuild there?’” Barth said. “It was a request phrased as a question.”

Barth said the building had to be built at or above the 2011 flood level. They worked with FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the North Dakota State Water Commission, and flood plain engineers. Barth is happy to provide that template for anyone else who wants to develop property along the Missouri River.

Ten years after the flood, the new Heritage River Landing will open in June. The building will be the headquarters for the Northern Plains National Heritage Area, an official designation from the National Park Service. It will feature an event space, gift shop, and a restaurant run by the owners of Terra Nomad. The exterior will include a two-story deck to take in views of the Missouri River. The architectural style of the building is reminiscent of post and beam warehouses that dotted the Missouri River from the 1870s to 1940s.

“Our mission is to deepen the sense of place for people and bring back the past stories, past architecture, past building,” Barth said.

“If we’re able to bring transparency to that — this stuff exists, this is what has to happen,” Barth said. “What if future projects could benefit from knowing our process?”

Barth said he would like to see a boardwalk with retail shops and perhaps even a hotel along the Missouri River.

“You’ve got to be in the business of hope and optimism,” Barth said. “How else are we supposed to get stuff done?”

Connection 3 7

FEATURE | CONNECTION

ZOO2020 It will be a quick drive along River Road from Heritage River Landing to the Dakota Zoo. Later this summer, Dakota Zoo will welcome penguins to their family of animals.

The penguin exhibit is under construction with the interior habitat nearly finished and the exterior habitat ready to be built. Later this summer, Dakota Zoo will receive African penguins, which are also known as African Black Penguins or Jackass Penguins because they sound like donkeys.

“The kids love an excuse to say, ‘jackass penguins,’” said Terry Lincoln, Director of Dakota Zoo. The penguins will live in an area previously inhabited by longhorn cattle, albeit it is a completely new exhibit. The longhorn cattle now live in the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The penguin habitat is part of Dakota Zoo’s wilderness trail.

Lincoln said it will help expand the center of the zoo.

“We’re trying to expand our centrum,” Lincoln said, “with the primate center, the Discovery Center, and the penguin area.

Adding restrooms and a playground helps us to do that.”

In addition, the penguin habitat will be built on some of the higher ground of the zoo, which helps with flood precautions.

“We are building it as naturalistic as possible,” Lincoln said.

“It’s the right depth of pool, right size of pool to meet the comfort and breeding of penguins. It’s all about what’s best for them.”

8 4 Connection

African Penguins are endangered. They live on the southwest coast of Africa. They are endangered due to oil barge traffic and overfishing. In addition, their guano is prized for fertilizer, which has led to habitat destruction. Their climate is similar to North Dakota, except the penguins aren’t used to our winters. They live on rocky coasts rather than snow and ice.

“They have facial features that help to reduce heat,” Lincoln said. “The colder they get, the more red they get. The heat dissipates from the body unlike other penguins found in colder climates.”

This is the same species of penguin as the Roosevelt Zoo in Minot. Both zoos are involved in the conservation of this endangered species.

“Not a lot of things need (conservation) more than penguins,” Lincoln said. “If we want to save these (penguins), we need to get involved now. The numbers used to range in the millions. Now, there are a few hundred thousand. They have declined 80 percent form 50 years ago.”

Despite the pandemic, Dakota Zoo had their second busiest year in 2020. They had 143,000 visitors.

“As the zoo grows and improve, it provides more year-round things for people to do,” Lincoln said. “People come to the zoo for entertainment. It’s our mission when they’re here to educate them about animals in general and conservation specifically … Plus, penguins are cool.”

CONNECTION | FEATURE

NORTHERN PLAINS DANCE Hollis Mackintosh Heid has big dreams that go beyond simply remodeling a new location for Northern Plains Dance. Ultimately, she would like to create an arts center for Bismarck-Mandan.

That doesn’t mean she wants to get all arts organizations under one roof. In fact, that wouldn’t be practical. Given how many arts organizations offer programming after school and after work hours, it wouldn’t be practical for everyone to colocate. But she still wants to create an arts hub that serves the entire community.

First and foremost, the newly remodeled building will be focused on dance. Northern Plains Dance has purchased the former Front Street Millwork and is in the process of remodeling it. When phase 1 is complete this spring, Northern Plains dance will have multiple dance studios, better parking, and handicap accessibility. The latter is important, because in addition to serving children who want to learn dance, they also serve adults with developmental disabilities and seniors who benefit from dance movement.

Once phase 1 is complete, the long-term goal is to create a fully functioning arts center with a presentation space seating 75-100 people and a small art gallery. The space would be usable for other arts groups.

“As part of the arts community for so long, we’ve noticed there is a need,” Heid said. “There is a need for useable space that is convertible in arts aspects and not in a conference or sports way. It’s awfully hard to have rehearsals at a hotel, because their rooms are designed for conferences.”

As a commercial account executive in Bismarck, Craig Walz is dedicated to matching each customer’s unique needs with the right tools and services for their business.

Call Craig today at 701-323-3009 to schedule a free consultation.

With more than 42,000 miles of fiber across the state, DCN and its 14 owner companies operate North Dakota’s most robust fiber optic network.

Like Gateway to Science and the Morton Mandan Public Library, Northern Plain Dance has a burgeoning outreach program that allows them to bring programming to rural communities.

“The arts have always been bubbling under the surface in Bismarck-Mandan,” Heid said. “They have really needed some air to really say, ‘We’re here and we’re important.’”

Connection 3 9

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!

NOW PRESENTING VIRTUALLY!

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 April 1, 2021 Reservations are required prior to the event.

10 4 Connection

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: Agency MABU 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 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 KK Bold Kraus-Anderson Construction Company KX News Leadership Bismarck Mandan Alumni Association MIDCO Moore Engineering, Inc. Nardini Fire Equipment 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

Connection 3 11

MEMBER PROFILE | CONNECTION

Interiors by France has been a member since 1989.

France Splonskowski INTERIORS BY FRANCE Tell us about yourself and your role within your business.

A: ​My name is France Splonskowski and I am the owner of Interiors by France located in Bismarck, ND.

12 4 Connection

MEMBER SINCE 1989

Briefly tell us the history behind Interiors by France.

A: Since 1987, our interior design team has taken care of our clients’ projects from start to furnish. Interiors by France is a full-service, home furnishings and interior design studio with over 20,000 square feet of showroom space. Our staff can assist you with everything from initial flooring and color selections to furniture pieces, window treatments, and home accessories. Whether your project is large or small, our talented designers help you to visualize your ideas and exceed all your expectations.

CONNECTION | MEMBER PROFILE How does Interiors by France impact the BismarckMandan community?

A: From the moment you contact us here at Interiors by France, you’ll see why shopping local just makes sense when it comes to buying custom window coverings and other interior design solutions. We are dedicated to providing you with personal attention and the best possible service, including convenient in-home visits and professional installation. We offer high-quality products that are built to last and are selected with the needs and tastes of the local community in mind.

What trends are taking place in your industry?

A: The trends are constantly changing within the Interior Design industry. Right now, neutral, earthy paint tones are popular, as well as textured furniture and floor coverings.

Another trend we're seeing is creative storage concepts and the incorporation of desks/workspaces into living rooms as part of the norm, especially for those households where people are working from home.

What does the future of the Interiors by France look like, and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: For over 30 years, Interiors by France has been at the cornerstone of the latest design products and techniques.

Our showroom has a culmination of over 400 different product lines, all assuring the highest quality and satisfying the most discerning tastes. With such a wide variety of products at our fingertips, our designers are always able to create beautiful interiors that meet any and all budget constraints. We hope to continue that legacy throughout the years as we continue to serve Bismarck-Mandan and the surrounding areas. We’re here now, and we'll be here in the future when you need us again!

Interiors by France became a member in 1989, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: We continue to renew our Chamber EDC membership because of our long-term commitment to the BismarckMandan community and to further build our relationships with other local businesses.

What should other Chamber EDC members know about Interiors by France that may assist them?

A: The design services offered at Interiors by France are virtually limitless. From space planning, furniture and flooring selections, color coordination, accessory selections and placement, our team of experienced professionals will assist you with all the details – whether you are building a new home or remodeling your existing residence. With years of experience and creativity, our design team can do it all! We also employ an in-house installation crew that consists of over 40 individuals exceeding 200 years of combined experience. Installation supervisors are on hand at each job site to ensure the correct techniques are used to assure proper product performance & lifespan. Stop in and see our showroom or contact us today for an appointment.

LET US BE YOUR LIFELINE BOOST YOUR MARKETING WITH MABU

A DV E RT I S I N G

MEETING CO O R D I N AT I O N

A N I M AT I O N

BRANDING & DESIGN

AUGMENTED REALITY

P H OTO G R A P H Y

WRITING

V I D EO

WEBSITES

FULL ACCESS TO OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS

Connection 3 13

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | CONNECTION

BISMARCK STATE COLLEGE POLYTECHNIC MISSION

In 2018, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education directed BSC to “develop the structures necessary to respond to workforce needs with a new mission as a polytechnic.” Since then, the college has been working to expand its career-focused curriculum in all disciplines adding greater emphasis to blending theory and practice in hands-on learning environments.

Alicia Uhde was named BSC’s very first Polytechnic Program Outreach Director after previously working as a program manager in the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence.

Bismarck State College offers flexible career pathways for students in programs developed by employers and industry professionals. Programs will be initially offered in manufacturing/automation, cybersecurity, agriculture, energy, and health sciences. Programs will offer stackable credits so that students can take desired courses and earn industry specific certificates or continue to add credits to earn an associate degree or bachelor degree. This type of stackable credit program offers opportunities to both traditional students as well as incumbent workers who are looking to grow in their current employer or complete an unfinished degree.

BSC is now North Dakota’s only polytechnic institution and one of very few institutions in the nation to hold the polytechnic designation. Others include Milwaukee School of Engineering, Rensselaer Institute of Technology, New York Institute of Technology, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Cal Poly.

To learn more about Bismarck State College Polytechnic mission visit their polytechnic website.

14 4 Connection

ND DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NAMES NEW COMMISSIONER

On March 1, Governor Burgum appointed James Leiman to serve as state Commerce Commissioner. Commissioner Leiman had previously served as the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s director of Economic Development and Finance (ED & F) since March of 2018. As ED & F director, Leiman was responsible for statewide economic development and finance initiatives. Prior to joining Commerce, Leiman served as city administrator in Ada, Minnesota, from 2015 to 2018, and as chief of integration and synchronization for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2011 to 2015.

CHAMBER EDC ASSISTS NEW SALEM BUSINESS Chamber EDC staff facilitated an application from 6-in-1 Meats in New Salem for a $25,000 Morton County Development Funds grant. The existing facility was recently purchased by a group of 6 investors and are looking to double capacity of the facility as well as make some upgrades to obtain USDA certification. The group has already hired 2 people from Fargo and Grand Forks that have recently moved to New Salem and are looking to add 1 to 2 more in the next 2 years.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT The Morton County Development Fund is a program funded through the Chamber EDC’s annual investment from Morton County. On an annual basis the Chamber EDC requests $100,000 from the Morton County Commission as part of our annual budget. Morton County requires $25,000 of the total investment be set aside for projects in the rural areas of the county including the communities of Hebron, Glen Ullin, Almont, New Salem, and Flasher. If you have questions or a project in those areas please contact the Chamber EDC office.

CONNECTION | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NEW WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TAKES SHAPE

Last summer, officials from the City of Mandan, Morton County and Energy Transfer Partners broke ground on an ambitious new project late last year, the Chamber EDC formed a brand new committee to address what is one of the business community’s biggest challenges; workforce development.

While aided by Chamber EDC Staff, the aptly named Workforce Development Committee is chaired and led by Missouri Valley Family YMCA Human Resources Director Raquel Nachatilo. In addition to her role at the YMCA and her past involvement with the Chamber EDC, Raquel is also President of the Central Dakota Human Resources Association (CDHRA), making her a logical leader for this effort.

"I am passionate about developing strong partnerships between organizations, educators and students," said Raquel Nachatilo. "The Workforce Development Committee is seeking to connect the right people and centralize related efforts in order to achieve this goal.

This work is key to help assure that our students are prepared for the workforce, interested in the excellent career opportunities that we have to offer right here in our great community, and help businesses fill job openings. I am also looking forward to improving ways that we recruit, welcome and retain people interested in relocating to Bismarck-Mandan or those who are new to the community."

Along those same lines, the Chamber EDC has also engaged partners in higher education and Job Service North Dakota to investigate and develop more ways to connect area college students seeking internships with those area businesses who have opportunities to do so.

"One of the biggest gaps employers continue to tell us they struggle with is filling and finding quality internships," said Jaime Sabot, Workforce Development Coordinator at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. "We are excited to partner with higher education and see how we can work together with our local businesses to help in filling these needs. The Workforce Development Committee will play a key role in providing suggestions on ways to further these partnerships.

Of course, these efforts are designed to retain talent already here in Bismarck-Mandan as part of a longterm strategy to help fill some of our community’s more than 2,700 open jobs. In the short-term, the committee will continue providing feedback on how to tailor the Chamber EDC’s talent attraction efforts which are geared towards attracting new residents to the community.

The Committee, consisting of human resources professionals and others from the business community, meets monthly and have initially focused their efforts on developing even more experiential learning opportunities for area students. Programming already exists that is focused towards high school students via the Chamber EDC’s Job Shadow Week along with area educators through E2: Educators Experience. Consequently, the committee is discussing programming and/or initiatives specific to middle school students by which the business community can expose them to as many occupations as possible so that they can use that information as they develop high school class schedules that may include career and technical education (CTE) courses.

In addition, the committee has discussed how to better educate businesses across Bismarck-Mandan as to how they can host college interns in addition to the resources available to help them do so. While larger employers with dedicated human resources departments are already equipped to do so, many small businesses are not and could benefit from additional information.

Connection 3 15

CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

CHAMBER EDC RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING TEACHERS The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC has officially closed the window for nominations and letters of support for the 2021 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award!

OUTSTANDING Teacher of the Year

Presenting Sponsor:

The Crystal Apple Award will have five Award Sponsor: winners, selected by the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Ad Hoc Committee. Those five awards will go to a primary educator in both Bismarck and Mandan, a secondary educator in both Bismarck and Mandan, and an individual from a higher education institution and will each be presented at the special surprise events.

PRIMARY EDUCATION Sheri Achtenberg Cassandra Baker Pam Berg Sheila Blotsky Hannah Chumley Megan Crawford Kim Garrison Kayla Grande Emily Himmelspach Tami Iszler Kristen Just Kathy Keller Stacey Knodel Amber Kocourek Denise Leapaldt-Johnson Jennifer Lucas Lindsay Mock Melissa Mutschler Alexandra Randall Andrea Sagsveen Cindy Scott Amy Steiner Scott Streifel Darla Torgerson Neva Weninger Catherine Zweber

16 4 Connection

YOU CAN BE A PART OF SOMETHING REALLY SWEET!

Bismarck-Mandan Lemonade Day for 2021 will be here before we know it on Saturday, June 19th. This means it is time for young entrepreneurs BISMARCK-MANDAN to create their most delicious lemonade served in a cup, but first, they need to sign up!

Area kiddos are encouraged to register online at https:// lemonadeday.org/bismarck-mandan, with help from a responsible parent, mentor, or teacher.

Registration can also be done in person on Saturday, May 8th, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at our Lemonade Day Kickoff Event at the Dakota Zoo.

SECONDARY EDUCATION April Blotske Stephanie Bouche Thomas Bushaw Courtney Carlson Nick Emmel Randi Fuchs Sean Gandy Ian Grande Hunter Hager Zach Hassler Rebecca Helbling Janae Jackson Susan Janko Nicole Key Jordan Kleinjan Lucas Moormann Luis Moreno Melissa Mortvedt Loren Nieuwsma Brent Schafer Rachel Schaffner Nicole Senger Peder Stenslie Matthew Thorton Chantell Williams Richard Zander

Attend this event in the Dakota Zoo parking lot to “kick off” Lemonade Day by joining the fun with face painting and grabbing a business kit, which includes a FREE Children’s Pass with a paying adult to be used on this day at the zoo!

HIGHER EDUCATION Janet Bassingthwaite Carmen Cain Vance Vesey Susan Weigum Brett Williamson

Lemon Head: ABRA Auto Body & Glass, American Bank Center,

Once registered, each participant will get a confirmation email that they are signed up with next steps and tips to ensure the success of each young entrepreneur!

If you are interested in learning more, or have any questions, please contact Christine at cnelson@bmcedc. com, Josie at jsmyle@bmcedc.com, or call the Chamber EDC at 701-223-5660.

Thank You to our SWEET sponsors!

Main Squeeze Sponsor: Lime-Light Sponsors: Fresh Squeeze Sponsors:

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

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

LET’S CELEBRATE BISMARCK-MANDAN BUSINESSES

REGISTER “FORE” THE CHAMBER EDC GOLF SCRAMBLE

The Chamber EDC and its Celebrate Bismarck Mandan Ad Hoc Committee are thrilled to honor local celebrities and businesses at the 17th annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan Award Ceremony this September.

Join us for the Chamber EDC Golf Scramble, presented

by Eide Ford Lincoln, on Monday, June 14th at Apple Creek Country Club. Don’t wait to get yourself or your team registered for a fun day on the green as the number of spots available is limited!

Starting NOW until May 31st, nominations will be accepted for the following awards:

Individual player fee is $175 and includes: golf fee, golf cart, driving range, lunch and dinner and an opportunity to win great door prizes from our sponsors!

GRANITE AWARD This award is presented annually to a company that has been in business for at least 50 years, has been a Chamber EDC member for the last five years, and has shown a commitment to the community of BismarckMandan.

NEW ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Any individual who serves as a majority owner and operates or has main responsibility for operating a small business with a 3-year record of accomplishment and no more than 10 years.

SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Any individual who owns and operates or has main responsibility for operating a small business. Partners who jointly own and operate a small business can be nominated as a “team,” so long as the number of individuals in the team nomination does not exceed four.

MIKE FINK AWARD FOR STEADY GROWTH AND PROFITABILITY This award honors small businesses that have been in business for at least 5 years, have shown revenue growth over the last three years by at least 20 percent, and are currently members of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. Nomination deadline is end of day, Monday, May 31st.

You can nominate a qualifying business by going to www.bismarckmandan.com/committees or by contacting Josie at jsmyle@bmcedc.com or 701-223-5660.

Registration starts at 10:30am and a shotgun start at 11:30am. There will be plenty of prizes, contests, food, and refreshments, so mark your calendars and start putting your team of FORE together!

Please contact Josie at jsmyle@bmcedc.com, or call the Chamber EDC, 701-223-5660, to register you or your team.

Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsors: Hole Sponsors: Amy Hullet: Century 21 Morrison Realty,

APT, Inc., Baymont Inn & Suites, Bismarck Cancer Center, BNC Bank, Capital Credit Union, Consolidated Construction, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, First Western Bank & Trust, ICON Architectural Group, Investcore, Inc. – Silver Ranch Development, Probitas Promotions, Radisson Hotel

Putting Green Sponsor: Vogel Law Firm Tee Prize Sponsors: Amy Hullet: Century 21 Morrison Realty, Bismarck Municipal Airport

Golf Cart Sponsor: Investcore, Inc. – Silver Ranch Development

The 2021 Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan Award Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, September 22nd.

Connection 3 17

CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN: MEDIA DAY AND FAITH, VALUES, ETHICS DAY MEDIA DAY The Leadership class met downtown to experience multiple media sites on Media Day. The class toured KFYR-TV, Dakota Media Access, and Mojo Radio all within a two-block radius. A news director panel brought together TV, radio, and print including Tia Streeter, KX News; Dave Thompson, Prairie Public Radio; and Amy Dalrymple, The Bismarck Tribune.

Gloria David and Kalen Ost presented on “COVID-19 Community Communications and Media Relations.” David is the Public Information Officer for City of Bismarck. Ost is an Emergency Preparedness Information Specialist for BismarckBurleigh Public Health.

FAITH, VALUES, ETHICS Faith, Values, and Ethics has been dubbed FaVE The Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class tours KFYR-TV during Media Day on Feb. 5.

Day, and it is a favorite day for some among the class. The day kicked off with a panel on “Diversity of Faith in our Community.” Panelists were Pastor Harold Chin, Seventh-Day Adventist Academy; Narasimhan Kandooru, representing the Hindu faith; and President Steve Osmond, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The class participated in an exercise to examine their core values that guide them as emerging leaders. Dr. David Echelbarger, University of Mary, led the class in an exercise on ethical decision making.

OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING: Presenting Sponsor:

When You’re Ready, We’ll Be Here.

Gold Sponsor: Program Sponsors:

BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®

Media co-chairs: Trish Helgeson – Agency MABU Tammy Langerud – MDU Resources Group Faith, Values & Ethics co-chairs: Teresa Grothe – Aetna, a CVS Company Rev. Gary Heaton – Sanford Health Jessica Wetsch – State of North Dakota

18 4 Connection

Lunch and Breakfast Sponsors: Agency MABU – Media Day Tom Ault with Point CPA – Faith, Values, Ethics Day Teresa Grothe – Faith, Values, Ethics Day Jessica Wetsch – Faith, Values, Ethics Day

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

Happy.

Watching.

Surfing.

Talking.

Midco.com

Internet. TV. Phone.

Connection 3 19

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

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 catering by Old Ten Bar & Grill along with refreshments and some business after hours. This fun event will also be giving away a wide variety of door prizes to attendees in the form of gift cards, coolers, & much more!

Mixers are FREE for Chamber EDC members to attend.

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

20 4 Connection

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 virtual 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

IMPACT ED

Date: Tuesday, May 4, 2021 Location: Baymont Inn & Suites

2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM

Admission: $35 for Chamber EDC Members

$45 for General Admission Gold Sponsor: The premier Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Economic Development event is coming up on May 4th from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Mandan.

Impact ED highlights Economic Development as one of the key components of the Chamber EDC’s efforts. This year’s keynote speaker, Chad Chancellor of The Next Move Group, will inform attendee’s about the current affairs of economic development and how to recruit businesses to your community.

The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC will also provide updates on a few of the economic development activities from 2019 through early 2021. Lunch will be served.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event or a table sponsor, contact Nathan Schneider by calling 701-2235660.

DRINKING WATER. WASTEWATER TREATMENT. WATER RESOURCES.

SOLVING YOUR MOST PRESSING WATER CHALLENGES. With SEH, you are a true partner and collaborator.

Engineers | Architects | Planners | Scientists 701.354.7121 | sehinc.com/subscribe

Connection 3 21

CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION

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

Mark your calendar 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 in 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 attendees 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.

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN FIELD PRESENTATIONS

Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Location: Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Time: 9:00AM - 11:00AM

Admission: Free to Attend Presenting Sponsor: Each year the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class breaks into multiple groups to work on field projects addressing community needs. The class will be presenting their projects Wednesday, May 19 at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. 9:00am - 9:45am — Talking Trails Bismarck has an abundance of world class outdoor art displays and historical architecture in the downtown area.

Without an in-depth knowledge of these art displays and historical settings, they can be overlooked by the average citizen and completely missed by visitors to Bismarck. Our project will link all of the incredible stories behind the art and architecture utilizing the popular “Talking Trails” application for smartphones.

Team members are Melissa Barth, Weston Dressler, Rich Garman, Annique Lockard, Tina Stanger 10:00am - 10:45am — Ride Share The goal of our project is to provide specific drop-off and pick-up locations for rideshare services at high-traffic areas. This project will include designated signage for drop-off and pick-up locations, integration with rideshare vendors, and an awareness campaign for our community.

We will focus on Bismarck and Mandan downtown areas, the Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck State College (BSC), and the Bismarck Airport, as they are the locations that would likely see the most benefit from having designated rideshare locations.

Team members are Sean Cleary, Jillian Lagasse, Amy Mazigian, Kari Schmidt, Katie Schulz

22 4 Connection

If you would like to attend any of these presentations, please RSVP to Cathryn Sprynczynatyk at 701-223-5660 or cathryn@bmcedc.com.

CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN GRADUATION

Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Location: Baymont Inn & Suites

2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM

Admission: $25.00 per person Presenting Sponsor:

CHAMBER EDC GOLF SCRAMBLE

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

8921 E Highway 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:

Join us Wednesday, May 26 at Baymont Inn & Suites with the 32nd class of leaders as they graduate from the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan program.

Save the date and register FORE the Chamber EDC Golf Scramble on Monday, June 14th at Apple Creek Country Club. Don’t wait to sign up as number of spots available is limited!

You are invited to attend and celebrate the Class of 2021.

Registration and networking begin at 11:30am, lunch and program and noon.

Individual player entry is $175 and includes: golf fee, golf cart, driving range, lunch and dinner, and an opportunity to win great door prizes from our sponsors!

Leadership Bismarck-Mandan, Class of 2021: Melissa Barth – Aetna, a CVS Health Company Sean Cleary – NISC Weston Dressler – Sanford Health Rich Garman – Great River Energy Jillian Lagasse – Capital Credit Union Annique Lockard – Office of Attorney General Amy Mazigian – Gate City Bank Kari Schmidt – City of Mandan Katie Schulz – North Dakota Women's Business Center Tina Stanger – University of Mary Gold Sponsor: MDU Resources Group

Registration begins at 10:30am and shotgun start is at 11:30am. Mark your calendars and start putting your team of 4 together as there will be plenty of prizes, contests, food, and refreshments!

Please contact Josie Smyle, jsmyle@bmcedc.com with any questions or to register yourself or your team.

The cost for attending is $25.00 per person and includes lunch. Table sponsorship is $275. Register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events or by calling the Chamber EDC at 701-223-5660.

Connection 3 23

MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

ADVANCED BUSINESS METHODS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

The kick-off to the new year of 2021 brought even more excitement, as Advanced Business Methods (ABM) celebrates 50 years in operation. ABM is a North Dakota based office equipment and document solutions provider for organizations of all kinds, with locations throughout North Dakota in West Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot, Dickinson and Williston.

Beginning in 1971, ABM was humbly founded by two brothers with separate locations in West Fargo and Bismarck. Later, in 1979, the two brothers joined their locations together, setting ABM up for success across the state of North Dakota. Printers, copiers, scanners and more have evolved over the years, as has the technology that ABM has been providing customers. During 1971, the sales team was selling the basics of printers, as well as typewriters, while now the technology can be running right from a smart phone.

The employee-owned (ESOP) business will spend moments throughout the entire year of 2021 celebrating its achievement, as well as highlighting the growth that is to come.

INSPIRED TO FOCUS ON OUR MISSION

WE CAN HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS

Governance, compliance, and financial and operational issues can dominate your time and resources. Let us help you with these challenges so you can keep your attention on what matters most: your mission.

701.255.1091 | eidebailly.com/nonprofit

24 4 Connection

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES RETURN TO MANDAN

The Mandan Progress Organization (MPO) is anticipating record turnouts for their traditional 4th of July events as registration opens for the Parade, the Rodeo readies for ticket sales and Art in the Park space sells.

“We’re excited to get back to business as usual,” said Layn Mudder, president of the MPO Board of Directors.

“Committees have been busy prepping for the summer event season and I’m happy to announce that registration for the Parade is now live.”

Mandan has developed a reputation as the place to be over the Independence Day holiday. For 140 years, the City has played host to a 4th of July Parade and Professional Rodeo. They’ve also been home to the Art in the Park Festival for more than 40 years.

Businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in the Parade that makes its way down the length of Main Street in Mandan. The 2021 Parade theme is “Saluting Those Who Serve,” which has taken on new meaning post-COVID. “Our 2021 theme is carried over from last year’s cancelled event,” says Parade Chairman Dennis Friesz. “Prior to the pandemic, the theme was in support of our armed services. Now, the definition of those who service includes first responders, healthcare workers, frontline workers and more.”

In addition to the Parade, Mandan is home to a PRCA Rodeo July 2-4 and the Art in the Park Festival on July 3-4.

Information and registration for the 2021 Mandan Parade is available online at www.MandanParade.com.

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

NEWSWEEK RECOGNIZES DAKOTA COMMUNITY BANK & TRUST AS BEST SMALL BANK IN NORTH DAKOTA Recently, Dakota Community Bank & Trust was named "North Dakota's Best Small Bank" by Newsweek Magazine.

Topping the list for small banks in North Dakota, this announcement came with Newsweek's first-ever ranking of the financial institutions that best serve their custom-ers' needs in today's challenging times.

"It makes me very proud of all of our staff and all of the good things they do for our communities," said Dakota Community Bank & Trust President Dale Pahlke.

For Dakota Community Bank & Trust, this 2021 recognition came as a surprise just one year after celebrating its 80th anniversary, specifically at a time when bankers worked extremely hard to help keep area businesses supported and thriving during an unstable economy due to the worldwide pandemic.

"This award further verifies that Dakota Community Bank & Trust takes doing good pro-jects in our communities and for the residents of our communities very seriously," stated Pahlke.

The methodology in which Newsweek used to select this recognition of Best Small Bank in each state needed to have at least one branch per 100,000 residents, be less than $10 billion in assets and had to be among the five banks with the most branches in the state. All together, 55 separate factors were assessed, covering a wide variety of fees, current and historical interest rates, account terms, consumer service features, mobile app satisfaction and bank profile.

UND Center for Family Medicine

BISMARCK’S FAMILY CLINIC · Accepts most insurance plans · Works with both local hospitals

· On-site pharmacy · Same day appointments available

· Easy parking · Convenient location

Call 701.751.9500 for an appointment www.cfmbismarck.und.edu · 701 E. Rosser Ave. Bismarck U N D C e n t e r f o r Fa m i l y M e d i c i n e a c c e p t s a v a r i e t y o f i n s u ra n c e p o l i c i e s i n c l u d i n g M e d i c a re , M e d i c a i d a n d B l u e C ro s s B l u e S h i e l d ( i n c l u d i n g t h e P r i m e C a re n e t w o r k & S a n f o rd H e a l t h n e t w o r k ) . Th e U N D C e n t e r f o r Fa m i l y M e d i c i n e c l i n i c i s d i re c t e d b y t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h D a k o t a S c h o o l o f M e d i c i n e a n d H e a l t h S c i e n c e s D e p a r t m e n t . Th e c l i n i c i s s t a ff e d b y a t e a m o f b o a rd - c e r t i f i e d f a c u l t y p h y s i c i a n s , n u r s e s , p h a r m a c i s t s , a n d 1 5 l i c e n s e d re s i d e n t p h y s i c i a n s ( M D s ) .

Connection 3 25

MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

UNIVERSITY OF MARY RANKED 12TH IN THE NATION FOR BEST RURAL HIDDEN GEM COLLEGES FOR 2021

One of America’s leading online college planning resources has ranked the University of Mary as one of the Best Rural Hidden Gem Colleges in the U.S. for 2021. College Raptor ranked the private, Catholic, university in Bismarck, ND, 12th in the country among thousands of schools receiving fewer than 5,000 applications, fewer than 7,000 undergraduate students, and an acceptance rate above 10 percent.

According to College Raptor, colleges are ranked based on a combination of factors, including graduation rates, campus diversity, endowment per student, and other data as reported via the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) for the most recently-available enrollment year.

“If you prefer space and a more relaxed atmosphere to the hustle and bustle of a big city, a rural college might be ideal for you,” said College Raptor. “Many of the best college towns are located in rural settings and many of them have the strong sense of community among their students.

Additionally, given the current pandemic, many students and families are looking into colleges that are more isolated or even closer to home. For that reason, we wanted to highlight some amazing ‘Hidden Gems’ in rural areas.”

The University of Mary became one of the first higher education institutions in America to announce it would be reopening face-to-face instruction this fall 2020, and implemented a comprehensive Return to Campus COVID-19 plan for students, faculty, and staff to follow.

“The University of Mary is a private, Christian, Catholic, Benedictine university that welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds,” said Richard “Chip” Hinton, director of University Admissions at Mary. “Our commitment is to help students to live fully, to live well, so that they’re not just existing, but really living; not just surviving, but thriving.

Our student body hails from 11 different countries and 48 different states where they converge upon the idyllic Bismarck-Mandan community to be able to enjoy our 89 miles of recreational trails, 30 scenic parks, and six golf courses.

For the adventuresome spirit, we offer wildlife and hunting clubs, downhill skiing and snowboarding during the winter, and kayaking, canoeing, and fishing during warmer months.

The appeal of the spectacular views from the bluffs that overlook the Missouri River valley, is obvious, not only to all of us, but Lewis and Clark who also traversed these parts over two centuries ago in 1804.”

Of the top 25 schools cited, the University of Mary has the largest student population at approximately 3,800.

The University of Mary is also North Dakota’s top ranked Plains Region Hidden Gem on College Raptor.

Also, this past October, the personal-finance website, WalletHub, released its 2021 Best College & University Rankings report and the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, is also ranked No. 1 in North Dakota.

Saturday, May 8 Sixteen03 Main Events

PRESENTS

vegas N I G H T

5:30-6:30pm: Doors Open 6:30-9:30pm: Casino Fun

Including Poker, Roulette, Craps and Blackjack

9:30pm-12am: Dance Evening will include food, live music, games and more!

REGISTER AT: BISMARCKCANCERCENTER.COM/EVENT/CASINONIGHT/ Proceeds benefit the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, providing support services for those treated at the Bismarck Cancer Center.

26 4 Connection

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH BISMARCK AMONG NATION’S 250 BEST HOSPITALS

CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck was among four CHI facilities in the Midwest Division named to the Healthgrades 2021 list of America’s 250 Best Hospitals.

The distinction places these facilities among the top 5% of nearly 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for its superior clinical performance as measured by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians, and health systems. CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy and CHI Health Lakeside — both in Omaha, Nebraska and CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska, were also selected.

“It’s a reflection on our associates, our care-givers, our medical staff partners and all they do — day in and day out — in taking care of our patients and taking pride doing it,” said Kurt Schley, president of CHI St. Alexius Health.

“Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic and everything that has come with it, it just shows that this is a calling and a ministry and we’re happy to serve. We’re honored to be receiving this distinction from Healthgrades.”

Recipients of the Healthgrades America’s 250 Best Hospital Award stand out among the rest for overall clinical excellence across a broad spectrum of care. During the 2021 study period (2017 through 2019), these hospitals showed superior performance in clinical outcomes for patients in the population across at least 21 of 32 most common inpatient condition and procedures — as measured by objective performance data (risk-adjusted mortality and in-hospital complications).

In the 2021 model year, patients treated in hospitals achieving the award had, on average, a 27% lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award, as measured across 19 rated conditions and procedures for which mortality is the outcome.

During that same period, if all hospitals performed similarly to those achieving the Healthgrades America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award, more than 165,000 Medicare lives could have potentially been saved.

Connection 3 27

ASK A PRO | CONNECTION

ANDREA SCHRIOCK at

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

TYLER ARTLIP at

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

Q: WHAT ARE SOME APRIL FOOL'S Q: CAN I USE A HOME EQUITY LOAN DAY TRICKS FOR NON-TECHS? TO CONSOLIDATE MY DEBT? A: No need to rearrange furniture or plastic wrap the toilet seat for these pranks!

•

Flip the computer display screen upside down: In Windows hit Control+Alt+Down arrow, for a Mac hold Command+Option, while holding those two buttons go to the System preferences and Display, a new menu called Rotation will appear, flip the display and save or undo.

•

Busy mouse pointer: in Windows go to the Control Panel>Mouse>Pointers and change the Normal pointer to the working one, for Mac go to the System Preferences>Accessibility>Display and drag the cursor size all the way to the right to make the mouse pointer gigantic.

•

Block the mouse sensor with a Post-it note.

•

Plug in a wireless keyboard and randomly hit keys from a safe distance.

Please prank responsibly.

28 4 Connection

DR. KREOFSKY

A: Absolutely! Debt consolidation is one

of the most common uses for a home equity loan, and it’s the first option we look for with larger debt amounts. You can consolidate almost any type of debt into a home equity loan, but we often see the most savings when consolidating credit card debt. Home equity interest rates are typically significantly lower than credit card rates, which can result in not only slashing your monthly payments, but also saving thousands of dollars in interest over the long run.

People often think of a home equity loan as only being an option when it’s directly related to their home, for example when remodeling. In reality, a home equity loan can be used for a wide variety of purposes – buying land, wedding expenses, vacations, as a bridge loan when building or buying a new home… virtually anything! If you’ve been in your home for a few years, had a strong down payment when you purchased, or have increased its value through home improvements, a home equity loan is a great option to tap into the equity you’ve built!

Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS# 515520.

at

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

Q: MY MOTHER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH COLON CANCER A FEW YEARS AGO; I’M 36 YEARS-OLD AND WONDERING WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I LOOK FOR? A: An estimated 1 in 20 Americans will

develop colorectal cancer at some point during their lifetime. It is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum become abnormal and divide without control, forming a a tumor. People with an average risk of colon cancer should consider screening at age 45, but people with an increased risk, such as family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease), history of polypsshould begin screening sooner. If you have a first degree relative with colorectal cancer, you should begin colonoscopies at the age of 40 or 10 years before the relative’s age at the time of diagnosis Symptoms: •

Bleeding from the rectum

•

Change in bowel habits

•

Bloating, fullness/cramps

•

Weight loss for no reason

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. Many lives could be saved by understanding the risks, increasing screening rates, and making healthy lifestyle changes. Colorectal cancer risks are strongly linked to diet, weight, and exercise.

CONNECTION | ASK A PRO

MICHAEL HERZOG, PGA at

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

MARLEY ZACHMANN at

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

701-751-3064

Q: IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE Q: WHY DO I HAVE A RUNNING INJURY EVERY SPRING? DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CARRY A: When spring is in the air, we become AND TOTAL DISTANCE? eager to start running. Your injury could A: Yes. Both are important in making a club selection, but the problem with total distance when we ask amateurs how far they "hit" a club is almost always based on total distance. This means carry distance plus roll-out (with roll-out being how far the ball rolls after it lands).

1. That's a mistake. Total distance is not the number you should be using when selecting a club. The reason is because roll-out is not consistent.

2. Roll-out changes from club to club: high-loft clubs roll out less than low-lofted clubs. It changes from course to course depending on the firmness or softness of the greens.

3. It changes from day to day on the same course depending on conditions: wet greens won't roll out as much as dry firm greens. It changes from hole to hole: high, exposed greens dry out and firm up more than low protected greens.

The key part of the carry distance puzzle is knowing your carry distance for every club in your bag. Schedule a fitting or lesson by emailing me at headpro@hawktree.com.

Let’s utilize the latest in Trackman 4 technology and get a good baseline for your carry distance with all clubs. You’ll play better golf!

be an unresolved movement dysfunction, or you are increasing your speed/distance too quickly and thereby increasing your risk of injury. A running assessment from a physical therapist can provide an answer and more importantly get you back to your optimal function.

During your assessment your physical therapist will ask you questions about your pain, injuries, running goals, training and shoe-wear. Your PT will complete a full evaluation of your spine, pelvis, lower extremity posture, alignment, joint mobility, flexibility, strength and gait analysis. Once your PT identifies the cause of your pain or injury a personalized plan of care can be implemented, or your PT might recommend a stretching routine and have you increase your running intensity by no more than 10% per week to minimize your risk of injury or injury reoccurrence. Whether your PT implements a plan of care based on the assessment or provides recommendations it will be specific to you and your optimal function.

JOEL BLANCHARD, MD at

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

Q: CAN WE STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 WITHOUT A VACCINE? A: Public health measures, such as wear-

ing a face mask and social distancing, help to slow the spread of COVID-19, but they do not stop the virus from spreading.

For this to happen, we must reach herd immunity. This is achieved when a large percent of the population has antibodies to fight the infection, so even if people are exposed, they do not get sick.

Herd immunity has never been reached in the past without a vaccine for diseases like polio, measles, chickenpox or Ebola.

Before vaccines, diseases would spread for an undetermined period of time before the number of those infected would drop.

But months or years later, any disease could return. With the arrival of vaccines, human life expectancy has nearly doubled.

Contact us to keep your stride (701)7513064! No referral needed. optimumtherapies.com/north-dakota/

Connection 3 29

MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION EIDE BAILLY WELCOMES BABECK, ISHAUG AND MASLOW TO BISMARCK OFFICE Eide Bailly is proud to welcome KenaDee Babeck, Ethan Ishaug KenaDee Babeck and Emma Maslow to the Bismarck office.

Babeck graduated from NDSU in December 2019 with degrees in Accounting and Business Administration and a certificate in Ethan Ishaug Entrepreneurship. She started as an audit intern in January of 2020, transitioned to tax associate in January of 2021 and will shift to the audit department in April 2021 after busy season.

Her current primary role Emma Maslow is preparing tax returns for business clients, researching tax issues as they occur and assisting staff with tax software problems.

Ishaug graduated from Minnesota State University, Moorhead in December 2020 with a degree in Accounting. He started as a tax intern at Eide Bailly in January of 2020 and was hired as a tax associate in January of 2021. His primary role is to assist in preparing tax returns for business clients, researching tax issues as they occur and assisting staff with tax software problems.

Maslow graduated from the University of Mary in August 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She started as an audit intern in January of 2020, transitioned to tax associate in January of 2021 and will shift to the audit department in April of 2021 after busy season. Her primary role is to assist in preparing tax returns for business clients, researching tax issues as they occur and assisting staff with tax software problems.

Shawna Piatz

PIATZ ELECTED AARC BOARD CHAIR AT ANNUAL MEETING Shawna Piatz was elected chair of the Abused Adult Resource Center Board of Directors following the AARC’s annual meeting held

virtually.

Piatz is chief auditor of the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System. She replaces Greg Gunderson, retired CEO of Investment Centers of America, Inc., who served as chair since 2019.

Other officers elected were: vice chair Bruce Haskell, retired District Judge, treasurer, Dave Clark, retired Executive Vice President, Bismarck State College, and secretary, Christine Hogan, staff attorney for the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project.

BISMARCK-MANDAN CVB ANNOUNCES NEW HIRE AND PROMOTIONS The Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau announced recent staff changes.

DeAnn Kuntz DeAnn Kuntz joined the BMVCB on December 1 as the Comptroller. She most recently was an Accounting Associate at Hauck & Associates.

Camie Lies was promoted to Director of Marketing and Camie Lies Communications. Lies has been with the BMCVB since 2001 and was the Bureau’s Communications Manager.

Lindsey Morey was promoted to Director of Sales. Morey was Lindsey Morey been with the Bureau for three years and held the position of Sales Manager prior to this change.

BREMER BACK HIRES AG BANKER Bremer Bank in Bismarck has hired Hallie Burghart as an Ag Banker. Burghart will be responsible for providing Hallie Burghart financial guidance to be a strategic partner and valuable resource. By building longterm customer relationships based on prudence, responsibility, and trust, she helps individuals, families, and agricultural organizations establish and meet their financial goals.

Burghart comes to Bremer with over four years of experience working in the banking field, with three years spent working in agriculture underwriting.

She grew up on a cattle operation near Mandan and remains active in the dayto-day operations of the ranch. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administrations with an associate in agriculture business from Dickinson State University.

Brittney Roehrich

ROEHRICH NAMED MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR FOR THE BISMARCKMANDAN HBA The BismarckMandan Home Builders Association has hired Brittney Roehrich as the new Membership

Director.

Brittney comes to the BismarckMandan Home Builders Association with over ten years of experience in Marketing, E-Commerce, and Merchandising. She received her bachelor’s degree in Retail Merchandising at North Dakota State University and graduated with a minor in Business Administration.

She grew up in Minot and moved to Fargo to pursue her bachelor’s degree.

She lived there for thirteen years before moving to Bismarck last year with her husband

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

30 4 Connection

CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS LIMPERT JOINS INTERSTATE ENGINEERING AS OFFICE MANAGER Interstate Engineering is proud to announce and welcome Mark Limpert as Mark Limpert the Office Manager of the Mandan office. Limpert, a Senior Project Manager, has years of Departments of Transportation experience, municipal relationships, transportation infrastructure management, and client relations experience to add to the vibrant team.

Limpert has over 30 years of experience throughout the Great Plains region, with projects as far east as Minneapolis and as far west as Wyoming.

With a passion for seeing large projects come together, he is driven by building and maintaining connections, both in infrastructure and with clients.

AHMANN, DNP, JOINS CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH CHI St. Alexius Health is pleased to welcome Jessica Ahmann, DNP, to its palliative care and supportive care teams.

Jessica Ahmann, DNP Ahmann 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 New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M. She completed her doctorate in nursing practice at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D. Jessica is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and is a member of the North Dakota Nurse Practitioner’s Association and Oncology Nursing Society.

NDIRF HIRES KISTLER AS UNDERWRITING SUPPORT SPECIALIST The North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund (NDIRF) recently hired Renae Kistler as an Renae Kistler Underwriting Support Specialist. In this role, Kistler is responsible for reviewing and managing applications and renewals for NDIRF’s general liability, business auto, and inland marine coverages.

Kistler brings nearly 10 years of industry experience to the NDIRF, serving in sales, underwriting, and operations management for home, auto, farm, life, and business insurance.

BREKKE, GILBERTSON AND HOUSTON JOIN MABU Agency MABU is ringing in the New Year by welcoming Larry Brekke, Jessica Gilbertson, and Larry Brekke Mackenzie Houston to their team. Brekke, Gilbertson and Houston will each play key roles in client services, creative projects, video production and website development.

Jessica Gilbertson Brekke joins Agency MABU as a senior multimedia coordinator.

Brekke’s early background is in graphic design and print advertising, where he spent 12 years working with agencies in Minneapolis. Over Mackenzie Houston the past two decades, Brekke has expanded his skillset and experience to include motion graphics, editing and 3D animation. Brekke will contribute to a variety of MABU’s creative services including video editing, animation, and graphic design.

Gilbertson brings over 15 years of experience to Agency MABU in nonprofits, tribal relations, healthcare, public policy, and communications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Dakota. She is also an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Gilbertson will be playing a vital role with indigenous initiatives as a marketing manager.

Houston joins Agency MABU as a senior intern from the University of Mary, where she will graduate in April 2021, with her bachelor’s degree in mass communication. Houston has focused her area of study in public relations and marketing, where she will apply her knowledge and skills at MABU in areas such as media buying, content strategy and digital advertising.

BRUCKER NAMED CULAC AMBASSADOR Paul Brucker, President of Railway Credit Union has been named a Credit Union Legislative Action Council Paul Brucker (CULAC) Ambassador for his achievements in 2020.

The announcement was made during the recent CULAC Annual Meeting.

CULAC is the federal Legislative Action Council for the Credit Union National Association and is the national PAC that contributes to our federal candidates with input from the Dakota Credit Union Association. The Ambassadors Program is a CULAC Trustee involvement program with the main goal to increase Trustees’ involvement in CULAC fundraising in their respective state.

BIANCO REALTY SALES AWARDS Bianco Realty has announced their top 10 "REALTORS® of the Month" for January: Darcy Fettig, Nate Seifert, Judy Maslowski, Brenda Foster, Tori Mathern, Shirley Thomas, Amber Sandness, Jane Thoele, Gerard Mathern & Kim Olson . These ten REALTORS® had the highest sales totals at Bianco Realty in January 2021.

CERMAK PROMOTED TO SENIOR PROGRAMMING AND MARKETING MANAGER Madison Cermak has been promoted to Senior Programming and Madison Cermak Marketing Manager at the Downtown Business Association of Bismarck 501c6. Cermak has been at the Downtowners for more than six years and is actively involved in the organization’s mission. She also volunteers with Junior Achievement, 1 Million Cups Bismarck-Mandan, Go! Bismarck Mandan, Radio Access 102.5 Advisory Team and many other community and downtown initiatives. She also works with the Downtown Bismarck Community Foundation 501c3 and ND Downtown Coalition. Cermak is a graduate of Bismarck High School and North Dakota State University.

Connection 3 31

MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION JOEL BIRD, JASON KIRCHMEIER, AND DAVID SCHLAFMAN HONORED AS BESTIN-STATE WEALTH ADVISORS BY FORBES MAGAZINE Joel Bird Joel Bird, Jason Kirchmeier, and David Schlafman, Private Wealth Advisors with Ameriprise Financial in Bismarck, were named to the list of “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” published by Jason Kirchmeier Forbes magazine. The list recognizes financial advisors who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism and success in the business.

The rankings are based on data provided David Schlafman by thousands of the nation’s most productive advisors. Bird, Kirchmeier, and Schlafman were chosen based on assets under management, industry experience, compliance record and best practices in their practice and approach to working with clients.

FIRST WESTERN BANK & TRUST PROMOTES KOSTELECKY Joel Kostelecky has been promoted to Bismarck Market President at First Western Bank & Joel Kostelecky Trust. He is located in our Bismarck Downtown location. Kostelecky is a Bismarck native, who graduated from Bismarck St. Mary’s High School High and Minot State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. He is an active volunteer for Junior Achievement and has 20 years of banking & financial experience.

FOUR EARN PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING LICENSE KLJ Engineering is proud to recognize four individuals who recently earned their Professional Sean Kelly Engineering (PE) Licenses.

Sean Kelly, PE, recently received his PE in Minnesota and North Dakota. Kelly works in KLJ’s West Fargo office and has a wide range of experience including roadway design and Amanda Vetter construction inspection.

BPS HIRES SASHAY He earned his master’s SCHETTLER AS INDIAN degree in engineering EDUCATION DIRECTOR management from Duke University and a civil Bismarck Public engineering degree Schools has hired Sashay from North Dakota State Schettler as their first ever University. full-time Indian Education Sashay Schettler Bryan Tykwinski Amanda Vetter, PE, Director. Bismarck Public recently received her Schools Superintendent, PE in North Dakota.

Dr. Jason Hornbacher stated, “BPS is lucky Vetter provides design to have Mrs. Schettler in this position. services to KLJ’s surface Her experience in the field of education, transportation team in her proven ability to forge relationships, our Dickinson office and comprehensive understanding of location. She specializes Indigenous cultures provides BPS a unique in preliminary and blend of leadership and passion that will Mike Hinshaw final roadway design CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH benefit the entire community.” and modeling, traffic PINEHURST CLINIC Schettler began working as a special operations analysis, planning studies, RE-OPENS AND DR. education aide for Wachter Middle intersection design and plan preparation.

MCDONOUGH JOINS School in the fall of 2018. From there, Vetter has a civil engineering degree from CHI St. Alexius Health she transitioned into the role of Cultural North Dakota State University.

Responsive Coordinator for the district. is excited to announce the Bryan Tykwinski, PE, recently received She majored in American Indian Studies re-opening of Pinehurst his PE in North Dakota. Tykwinski works Denise McDonough at the University of North Dakota, and Clinic and the joining of in KLJ’s Valley City office as a design Denise McDonough, MD, currently is in the process of completing engineer with experience in environmental her master’s in Teacher Leadership from a family medicine specialist. documentation, roadway design and the University of Mary.

Dr. McDonough is an experienced construction management. He earned family physician who has practiced in his civil engineering degree from the BIANCO REALTY the Bismarck-Mandan community for 20 University of North Dakota.

ROOKIE AWARD years and has lived her entire life in North Mike Hinshaw, PE, recently received Dakota. She emphasizes health promotion Pam Schafer and Lisa his PE in Montana. Hinshaw serves as and is especially interested in providing Young Bear have both Market Manager for KLJ’s municipal care to patients of all ages – infants to earned Bianco Realty's market working in the Bozeman, MT office. seniors. She likes to get to know her 2020 Rookie of the Year He specializes in hydraulic design and patients and their families, is very thorough Pam Schafer Award! Schafer and construction including water modeling, and treats her patients as she would like to Young Bear have been hydrological and hydraulic analysis, be treated. with Bianco Realty since channel modeling and detention pond the start of their Real design. He received his civil engineering Estate careers. degree from Montana State University along with a BS in accounting from Appalachian State University.

Lisa Young Bear

32 4 Connection

CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS STARION BANK NAMES MORGAN CEO Starion Bank has named Don Morgan CEO-elect. Morgan will also remain president, a position he has had with Don Morgan the bank for just over a year. Craig Larson will remain CEO and chairman of the board.

With the additional responsibilities of CEO-elect, Morgan will focus more on the overall strategy and vision for the bank, in addition to his current management of the day-to-day operations for Starion Bank.

Morgan, a certified public accountant, has been with Starion since 2012 when he joined the bank as vice president for credit administration. The next year he was promoted to chief credit officer. In 2014, he became a member of Starion’s Executive Committee which is responsible for initiating key actions within the organization, reviewing financial data, and setting major project priorities. Morgan was most recently promoted to president of Starion Bank in January 2020.

SUBRAMANIAN NAMED DCN INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER Aparna Subramanian has accepted the position of information systems manager at Dakota Aparna Subramanian Carrier Network (DCN).

As IS manager, Subramanian will lead the team and all activities related to internal information technology, application development and administration, information security, product development, cloud services, and sales engineering. Additionally, she will be responsible for the information systems budget and planning and directing the installation and maintenance of IT hardware and software.

After graduating from Dickinson State University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and math, she joined Consolidated Telcom in Dickinson for six years as an internet support and network technician. In 2014, she became part of the DCN team as ethernet/IP technician. In 2017, she was promoted to sales engineer and moved into the role of systems engineer in January 2020.

BREUER NAMED STATE CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER The Office of Management and Budget today announced Stacey Breuer has been named the Chief People Officer Stacey Breuer (CPO) for the state of North Dakota.

Breuer brings over 20 years of experience to the CPO role, holding a variety of human resources leadership positions in manufacturing, consulting, government and non-profit industries, most recently serving in communications and HR leadership roles at Doosan Bobcat North America.

A native of Bismarck, Breuer has a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree with a human resources concentration from the University of Mary in Bismarck.

Breuer will replace interim CPO Lisa Kudelka.

APRIL 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, 1st

5:00 pm

Bismarck Board of Adjustment

Mon, 5th

5:00 pm 5:30 pm

Burleigh County Commission Mandan School Board*

Tues, 6th

5:30 pm 7:00 pm

Mandan City Commission Board of Equalization

Thurs, 8th

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

Bismarck Parking Authority Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority Morton County Commission*

Mon, 12th

Tues, 13th

5:15 pm 5:30 pm

Bismarck School Board Mandan Park Board*

5:15 pm

Bismarck City Commission

Wed, 14th 8:00 am Burleigh County Water Resource District

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

5:15 pm

Bismarck Park Board

Mon, 19th 10:00 am

5:00 pm

5:30 pm

Tues, 20th 1:30 pm

4:00 pm

5:30 pm

Wed, 21st 3:30 pm

Metropolitan Planning Org. Technical Advisory Committee Burleigh County Commission Mandan School Board* Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board Burleigh County Human Service Zone Board Mandan City Commission Historic Preservation Commission

Mon, 26th 5:15 pm Bismarck School Board

5:30 pm Mandan Planning Commission*

Tues, 27th 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission

5:30 pm Morton County Commission* Wed, 28th

5:00 pm

Bismarck Planning 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

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.

CITY OF BISMARCK

INTEGRA REALTY GROUP, INC.

City of Bismarck celebrates the grand opening of the reconstruction of 43rd Ave NE in Bismarck.

Phone: 701-355-1300. Member

SABOR LATINO

CC'S PHYSICAL THERAPY

Raymond Perez, Savita Persaud and team celebrate the grand opening of their location at 316 W Main Street in Mandan. Phone: 701-751-0958.

project

HOPE

2021

A COMMUNITY WELLNESS EVENT BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

WEEK OF MAY 3-7, 2021 BISMARCK/MANDAN 34 4 Connection

Jamie McClean and team celebrate their relocation to 241 46th Ave SE in Mandan. Phone: 701-751-6377. Member.

April Mettler and team celebrate their new location at 207 W Front Ave in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-0994. Member.

CELEBRATE project HOPE WITH US! Join area businesses in supporting project HOPE, a community wellness event providing awarenessabout prevalent cancers in North Dakota as well as prevention and wellness information.

BISMARCKCANCERCENTER.COM FACEBOOK.COM/BISMARCKCANCERCENTER TWITTER.COM/BISCANCERCENTER

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.

North Dakota Trade Office 4844 Rocking Horse Cir. Suite #1 Fargo, ND 58104 Drew Combs (701) 929-6711 The NDTO is a membership-based, private/public partnership that provides education, research, engagement, advocacy, and expertise so that North Dakota companies develop their export business.

Peak Automotive 1706 43rd Ave SE Mandan, ND 58554 Clifton Hon (701) 663-4227 We take our years of experience in auto buying and selling arena, combine that with our extensive research and dealer relationships, do the research and present the options back to you.

Shane Idyle Agency 107 W Main Ave. Suite 50 Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 955-5096 As your local Farmers® agent, I help customers like you identify the insurance coverage, to help you better understand your coverage options--whether that's auto, home, renters, business and more.

Realty One Group Encore 202 E Greenfield Ln Bismarck, ND 58503 Patrick Koski (701) 226-4777 Realtor group who assist with various real estate categories including residential, luxury, water-front, commercial, development, income-producing and more!

The Barber 2101 40th Ave SE #122 Mandan, ND 58554 Kevin Mosser (701) 833-6891 Licensed barber for 28 years, specializing in flat tops, high & tights, fades and more!

Premier Homes 2041 40th Ave SE #112 Mandan, ND 58554 Wade Vogel (701) 226-1809 Our belief is that thoughtful design, value and comfort are more important to our customers than sheer size. Our team maximizes the potential of each square foot and dedicated to customer satisfaction.

Credit Foundations Bismarck, ND 58503 Kevin Strege (701) 220-5145 Business and ag credit review and consulting.

Connection 3 35

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

UPCOMING CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

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 IMPACT ED Date: Tuesday, May 4, 2021 • Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm Location: Baymont Inn & Suites – 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan MEMBERSHIP MIXER: HOLIDAY INN Date: May 13, 2021 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Holiday Inn – 3903 State Street, Bismarck LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN FIELD PROJECT PRESENTATIONS Date: May 19, 2021 • Time: 8:00am - 11:00am Location: Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC – 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN GRADUATION Date: May 26, 2021 • Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: Baymont Inn & Suites – 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan CHAMBER EDC GOLF SCRAMBLE Date: June 14, 2021 • Time: 10:30am - 4:30pm Location: Apple Creek Country Club – 8921 Country Rd 10, Bismarck

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 Social - 6:00pm; Dinner - 7:00pm TICKETS www.bismarckmandan.com