CHAMBER CONNECTION Bismarck-Mandan
May 2017
Burleigh-Morton County Detention Center Counties Join Forces To Build New Jail Facility
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Cybersecurity Cybersecurity for Main Street
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Member Profile Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park
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Celebrating Bismarck-Mandan Chamber accepting nominations for Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan.
CHAMBER CONNECTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Brenda Nagel..................................................................................................................... Chair Ron Day .................................................................................................................... Chair-Elect Wayne Munson............................................................................................................ Secretary Craig Larson.................................................................................................................Treasurer Perrie Schafer ............................................................................................................ Past Chair BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brenda Nagel............ Independent Consultant Tracy Kindem. H.A. Thompson and Sons Dan Pearson �����������������������������Northwest Tire Jasper Schneider ������������������������������������ NISC Wayne Munson �������������������� Indigo Signworks Dr. Blake Feil. Feil Orthodontics Greg Vetter �������������������������University of Mary Nick Hacker. ND Guaranty and Title Ron Day......................Tesoro Mandan Refinery Heather Fried . Fried Financial Services Inc. Perrie Schafer ���������������� Schafer Financial Inc. Molly Herrington ����������������������������������������KLJ Jeff Herman ������������������������������������Petro Hunt Valerie Weigel. Basin Electric Cooperative Craig Larson ���������������������������������Starion Bank Chris Jones ND Dept. of Human Services Kevin Magstadt ������������������ Wenck Associates Chad Hatzenbuhler...... Bank of North Dakota Paul Brucker ������������������� Railway Credit Union Shannon Reichenberg ���������� Diversity Homes Stacey Breuer ��������������������������Bobcat/Doosan Scott Staudinger...................Cloverdale Foods Mike Nathe................ Bismarck Funeral Home
CHAMBER STAFF Scott Meske................................................................................................................ President Annie Bergrud.........................................................................................Chief Financial Officer David Leingang............................................................................ Community Growth Director Mary Masters................................................................................. Office Support Professional Ryan Parsons........................................................................................................Vice President Rebecca Rattei................................................................................ Communications Specialist Amanda Schwieters......................................................................... Member Services Director Chelse Simon..................................................................................Membership Sales Director Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Anderson ........................ Communications Specialist/ LBM Director Karly Palczewski...............................................................................Marketing & Events Intern
Chad Johnson Bismarck Market President
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Lindsay Kinnischtzke Loan Assistant
CHAMBER NEWS
Hoeven Holds Roundtable for Chamber Members Celebrating Bismarck-Mandan Bitz Named Ambassador of the Quarter
CHAMBER EVENTS
Membership Mixer: McQuade Distributing Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Graduation Chamber Golf Scramble
COLUMNS Chair's Corner
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FEATURES
Cover Story 4 Member Profile 12 Ask-A-Pro 32 Chamber Perks 34 Chamber Ribbon Cuttings 38 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck, ND 58502 701.223.5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com CONTACT INFORMATION Content: The Chamber - 701.223.5660 rrattei@bismancc.com
Advertise: Chelse Simon csimon@bismancc.com
MISSION STATEMENT: Leaders for prosperity. Advocates for business.
Richard Keller Vice President-Business Lending
Chair's Corner
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f you are like most in North Dakota, you are likely feeling a sense of excitement at the sight of green grass and the rain showers that are helping to settle the dust and if you are associated with agriculture, you are really picking up the pace and taking advantage of the longer days to get all the necessary tasks completed that come with Spring seeding. It’s a beautiful time of year as we transition to the Spring season and I hope everyone is taking a bit of time to actually enjoy the great outdoors and the beauty of our surroundings in Bismarck and Mandan. It’s also shaping up to be a busy Spring season at the Chamber and I encourage you to check out the activities on the near horizon. As Chair of the Leadership Bismarck Mandan Program Steering Committee, I’ve had the honor to meet and interact with some pretty incredible people in our community who have implemented some great projects. The class of 2017 will be presenting their projects on May 17. The presentations are open to the public and you won’t be disappointed by the teams this year as they share what they are doing to influence school transportation issues, food donations and public art and the ND Music Hall of Fame. The class will graduate on May 24 after a year of incredible issue days and learning. Leadership Bismarck-Mandan is an amazing program that allows us to infuse leaders in to our community and applications for the 2017-2018 program will be accepted soon for those interested. As Chamber members, we benefit from the access we can provide to policymakers. Local, state and federal officials look to the Chamber for issue input and for access to our local business leaders. This is one of the core functions of the Chamber and one of the best reasons for being involved. This past month, the Chamber hosted a roundtable discussion with U.S. Senator John Hoeven and 30 Chamber leaders at the Chamber office. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented Senator Hoeven with the “Spirit of Enterprise” Award, which goes to federal officials who are supportive of the US Chamber’s policy objectives. We were glad to host the dialogue and look forward to continuing to work with all of our elected officials on issues that matter to our businesses. I want to give a BIG thank you to Chamber Staff, our booth sponsors and major sponsors for a fantastic 2017 Spring Mixer! We had approximately 500 people in attendance and met many great businesses in Bismarck and Mandan. Lastly, thank you to Joe Duperre, General Manager from the Kirkwood Mall for his service on the Chamber Board of Directors. Joe has accepted a position outside of our area, and we wish him well in his new adventure. Mark it down – Leadership Presentations on May 17, McQuade’s Member Mixer on May 18, Leadership Graduation on May 24 and the Chamber Scramble Golf Outing coming June 12! Contact any one of our great Chamber staff to learn more details on all of the events and I’ll look forward to seeing you out and about. Yours in Success,
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- Brenda Nagel Chair, Board of Directors
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Chamber Connection | 3
FEATURE
LAW AND ORDER:
TWO COUNTIES COMBINE FORCES TO BUILD NEW JAIL FACILITY
By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Photos by Karly Palczewski
Six years ago, Burleigh County Detention Center had room for every single inmate. Not one bed was rented elsewhere to house Burleigh County inmates. “(In 2011) we did not spend a penny,” said Pat Heinert, Burleigh County Sheriff. Five years later in 2016, Burleigh County spent $1.1 million on housing inmates outside the Burleigh County Detention Center. That included transportation costs, officers’ time and vehicle maintenance on top of rent paid to other jails to house inmates. When Chicago-based firm Kimme and Associates did an analysis of needs for the Burleigh County Detention Center, the company projected a trend line based on population growth. “That was before the oil boom,” Heinert said. “It became a spike line.” The study by Kimme and Associates indicated the two counties should look at a combined center, and it should be expandable. “Luckily the spike with the oil industry came at the planning phase for us,” Heinert said. “We could expand, and that’s what we did.”
Beginning with the moment inmates enter the detention center’s sally port, the aim is to save street officers time. “One of the big things is, we don’t want the street officers having to wait around for us,” said Sgt. Casey Kapp.
The Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department started noticing an uptick in crime in 2013, and the oil boom “hit” Burleigh County in spring and summer 2014. Residents of Morton and Burleigh counties voted on June 10, 2014, to approve a half-cent sales tax to pay $70 million for a joint Burleigh-Morton County Detention Center. Early on, the stakeholders determined a sales tax was what they wanted to ask voters to approve as the funding mechanism.
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“We looked at the demographics of who is in our facility,” Heinert said. “It’s not just people from Burleigh and Morton counties. It was imperative to us that other people who come to our communities to commit crimes, they help pay for it as well.” The joint jail is owned 85 percent by Burleigh County and 15 percent by Morton County. The two counties are funding construction based on those same percentages as well. The cities of Bismarck and Mandan are charged on a daily basis per inmate.
www.bismarckmandan.com With more than 500 beds in the new facility, revenue will be gained by renting beds to other law enforcement agencies. Heinert said they have been in talks with U.S. Marshall Service, U.S. Border Patrol and Federal Bureau of Prisons to rent beds.
The current booking process at the Burleigh County Detention Center can book two people at a time — and it’s not efficient according to Heinert. Morton County can book one. The new detention center will be able to book six people at a time.
Beginning with the moment inmates enter the detention center’s sally port, the aim is to save street officers time. Currently, it takes a police officer 60-90 minutes to book a person into the county jail. The new facility is designed to take as little as 10 minutes.
At booking, the individual will be classified based on crime, background, if the individual has been in jail before or if the individual has failed to appear for court. The current system only classifies individuals as pre-trial or post-trial and male or female.
“One of the big things is, we don’t want the street officers having to wait around for us,” said Sgt. Casey Kapp.
“Right now at our current facility we could have a minimum, a medium, and a maximum all in the same housing unit,” Kapp said. “It’s just not a good way to do business. We need to separate predators from those that are non-violent.”
Heinert calculates this can save the City of Bismarck two officers per day just by reducing time spent at the jail. A high-speed garage door at the sally port speeds things up for an officer with a combative individual in the squad car. The booking area includes interview rooms and lab rooms for a blood draw or a breathalyzer test.
Heinert said they don’t want a lower level inmate “learning the system.” “We don’t want to teach guys who committed theft how to commit burglary,” Heinert said.
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Chamber Connection | 5
FEATURE The new detention center will have separate housing for minimum, medium and maximum security. On the minimum security side, the furniture is a little softer. It’s not metal; it’s hard resin plastic with moveable game tables.
Each pod in the new facility will have a classroom. The new detention center will have cognitive skills classes, GED, work study classes, Alcoholics Anonymous, AlAnon meetings, mental health work, ministry work, Bible study and church service on Sunday mornings.
On the maximum security side, Heinert said it’s “harder.” The furniture is stainless steel, and it doesn’t move. The TVs are smaller with more limited channels.
Using a federal grant, the county was just able to hire a new behavioral health specialist.
“It’s more limited, more locked down,” Heinert said. “It’s based on behavioral habits. We want them to behave better while they are in the facility.”
Inmates will also have the opportunity to work in dishwashing and laundry and be able to earn a limited amount of money in prison.
The recreation room is indoors with fresh air and windows 20 feet up from the ground. The recreation room will have weights, and Kapp said they are considering a Wii or Xbox gaming system. “You can either keep the inmates busy, or they keep you busy,” Kapp said. “The less you give them to do, the more they’re going to keep you busy.”
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The last 90 days will be devoted to reintegrating inmates into the community. “(We’re) trying to convince them that coming back into the community as a person that is working and thriving is a lot better than a person that is on drugs or alcohol,” Heinert said. The new Burleigh-Morton County Detention Center is scheduled to open in June.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Another big advantage to the new facility is more programming for inmates. At the current Burleigh County Detention Center, classrooms have been converted to housing for the increased inmate population. With the new detention center, Heinert said they will be able to hire a second programming person.
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“Some of those people shouldn’t really be in jail, but there is nowhere else for them to go in this community,” Heinert said.
June 2-4 Rug Rat Softball Tournament June 3
Tractor Trek
June 3
Carz-N-Cures
June 10
Volkowitsch Golf Open
June 11
Tenth Ave North Christian Concert
June 17
Harleywood Night Motorcycle Run
June 22
BCC Night at the Bismarck Larks
July 4
Mandan 4th of July Road Race
www.bismarckmandan.com
MASTER CONTROL Each pod will run independently from the rest of the detention center. Doors, lights and electrical are also run out of a master control room. The design, based on a detention center in Eau Claire, Wis., allows inmates to be monitored more efficiently by fewer corrections officers.
BOOKING The current booking process at the Burleigh County Detention Center can book two people at a time — and it’s not efficient according to Burleigh County Sheriff Pat Heinert. Morton County can book one. The new detention center will be able to book six people at a time.
INMATE HOUSING At booking, an individual will be classified based on crime, background, if the individual has been in jail before, if the individual has failed to appear for court before. The current system only classifies individuals as pre-trial or post-trial and male or female. Chamber Connection | 7
FEATURE
CYBERSECURITY: WHAT CAN A SMALL BUSINESS DO?
By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk
THE EXPERTS Jeffrey K. Van Nest, Media Coordinator for FBI Minneapolis Field Office
A big phishing scam happened right after the Super Bowl. “Tom Brady got a DUI last night celebrating the Super Bowl. Check out the picture.” That never happened. By clicking on it, that threw the keys to enter your network. — Kelsch, NRG
Dale Van Eckhout, Senior Area Manager for Small Business Administration
Ransomware
Steve Kelsch, Vice President of NRG Technology Services
Ann M. Beauchesne, Senior Vice President, National Security & Emergency Preparedness Department, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
TOP RISKS Business Email Compromise
A fraudster somehow receives information about a business. They’ve infiltrated the businesses email. They’ve used malicious software or malware in order to harvest emails form the business. They have figured out who has the authority and how money is moved from the business to vendors to creditors — how funds are authorized through the business. They will use a number of different techniques to initiate an unauthorized transfer from the business into an account that is controlled by them. In a business, there is a controller who will typically authorizes wire transfers. Under this scheme, an individual seeking to carry out fraud will send an email appearing to be forma high ranking individual in the organizations directing the controller to wire money to an account. This comes from a spoofed email account. “We have seen it involving of course large corporations, academic institutions, and we have seen it all the way down to real estate transactions where someone is posing as an escrow agent and is orchestrating a wire transfer form a property purchaser. It really runs the gamut.” — Van Nest, FBI
Phishing
The most common way hackers get in is because one of your employees allows them to get in. They’ll send out a phishing email that looks really juicy and something you’ve just got to take a look at. As soon as you click on it, it infects the machine or opens the door for them to get in and the attacks to begin. 8 | Chamber Connection
Phishing can lead to other types of attacks. Once you’ve reeled somebody in, you can really take the code do whatever you want to do. We’re talking about ransomware, spyware, viruses and the latest is a Denial of Service attack. They’ve infected thousands of machines all around the world. They can say everybody right now focus on one company, and they can flood your internet with so many requests at one time that it shuts your internet down. Typically you get an email saying, “You see what we can do, we can shut down your internet. Pay us a ransom and we won’t do that again.” NRG worked with a Bismarck-Mandan non-profit that dealt with donations. They had a ransomware attack that got into financial records and basically locked or encrypted all of those files. Unfortunately this place did not have good method or backup way to quickly restore all of their data. “These guys were lucky they had a copy from a month ago, otherwise they would have lost everything. But they lost a month’s worth of data. We’ve seen people who have lost everything.” Ransomware hit a large healthcare network elsewhere in the country. It completely shut down the hospital. All the medical records, everything was held hostage. They ended up paying the ransom in order to get their data back. In their scenario, it was worth it to be able to function. Hackers started out by asking for $10 million. The hospital negotiated them down to $100,000. “You’re essentially dealing with the mob.” — Kelsch, NRG
Internet of Things Think about the internet of things — anything that has an on-off switch. Anything that is connected to the internet is hackable, whether it’s your coffee maker, your car, your FitBit. Everything can be hacked. — Beauchesne, U.S. Chamber
www.bismarckmandan.com Internet has become the new avenue for fraud “(We’re) always concerned about just straight up fraud that has migrated to the internet. It could be credit card fraud type schemes where businesses have a web presence and are involved in internet sales. That’s been happening for years, it’s just the fraud has moved online.” — Van Nest, FBI
WHO IS AT RISK? “We say cybersecurity is core business issue. If you’re connected to the internet than you have something that can be stolen.” — Beauchesne, U.S. Chamber
Let’s show the world what we can do together. Day by day. Project by project. Together we’re bridging what’s possible and moving the world forward.
“If you use a computer, you are being targeted on a daily basis. In general the bad guys are going after the lowest hanging fruit out there or the places with high value data, meaning somebody with credit card information, somebody with social security numbers on file.” — Kelsch, NRG “Cybercriminals have surpassed the illegal drug trafficking as far as cost as a criminal moneymaker. Thieves do not discriminate, they target vulnerable computer system regardless of large corporation, a small business or a home user.” — Van Eckhout, SBA
ISN’T IT JUST MAJOR CORPORATIONS THAT ARE GETTING ATTACKED? IS MY SMALL BUSINESS REALLY AT RISK? “Larger companies, businesses are putting resources on these threats, and they’re becoming more secure. As larger companies, larger organizations become more secure, the threat is going to migrate to those who haven’t taken precautions.” — Van Nest, FBI “Small businesses have valuable information that cybercriminals seek — including customer data, employee data, bank account information, access to business financing and intellectual property.” — Van Eckhout, SBA Every business has something, they have crown jewels they don’t want stolen. It could be employees’ personal information, it could be clients’ records. If your website is hacked, it could hurt your brand. If you’re a smaller company that’s part of the supply chain, a bad guy may go to you because you’re easier to hack into than a larger company. We’ve seen that with an HVAC vendor hacked into to get to a larger company.” — Beauchesne, U.S. Chamber
Building a Better World for All of Us Engineers | Architects | Planners | Scientists
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FEATURE WHAT CAN WE DO?
Call the professionals.
Train your employees.
“It’s not that expensive to consult with professionals to make sure you’re safe. The ramifications are too important to try and do it yourself. We’re from North Dakota; we like to do it ourselves if we can. For the same reason you buy insurance with your building, you should buy and work with a reputable IT provider that deals with these things specifically.
If you have employees, they’re going to click on things they shouldn’t be clicking into. You have to protect yourself beyond that.
Backup and Disaster Recovery Solution
Backing up to a USB drive or backing up once a week doesn’t work anymore. A lot of clients have moved to an hourly snapshot to back-up data. Hourly backups run in the background; you don’t even notice. Most are cloudbased and stored securely at an offsite location. Business continuity comes into play. If you’ve got a good backup solution, you’ve got a good disaster recovery solution. If your building catches on fire, someone can be working from home as if they’re still at the office, anywhere they have an internet connection.
Don’t be the lowest hanging fruit.
Make sure your systems are patched. Make sure security updates have been run. Make sure your firewall doesn’t have holes open in it to the outside world. The bad guys are out there searching for the lowest hanging fruit.
“There’s an old adage — if a business loses its data, they’re not likely to be in business in within 18 months. It’s like a building burning down. You have lost access to your data. Business have a really hard time coming back from that if they haven’t taken precautionary measures to protect that. — Kelsch, NRG
RESOURCES Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — http://IC3.gov Source for fraud alerts and cybercrime trends FBI Minneapolis Field Office Phone: 763-569-8000 Businesses that are victims of cybercrime can report fraud to the FBI. National Institute of Standards and Technology NIST.gov/cyberframework
10 | Chamber Connection
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Chamber Connection | 11
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Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth and Lumiere during last summer’s performance of Beauty and the Beast at Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park
MEMBER PROFILE Featuring Susan Lundberg
SLEEPY HOLLOW THEATRE & ARTS PARK
Q: Briefly tell us the history of Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park. A: Over 28 years ago, Sleepy Hollow Theatre started as a “what if?” in the family of Bud and Evelyn Lundberg and their daughters, Stephanie and Susan. “If you had lots of time and money, what would you do in Bismarck?” The answer was “we’d start a theatre and give students a place to grow and learn!” Building on this idea, we initiated meetings with the Bismarck Parks & Recreation District and community members which resulted in the affirmation of this need. A board was established and Sleepy Hollow Park selected as the outdoor site with its natural amphitheatre setting. With an initial $1,000 grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, board members stood on the hill to determine the location of the stage so that audience members were sheltered from the sun as much as possible. Students from the State Industrial School constructed the wood stage with 2 x 6 planks on sand with railroad ties donated by Burlington Northern and access to the amphitheatre via an Eagle Scout bridge project. 12 | Chamber Connection
The first show opened with Governor Arthur Link playing the violin. Throughout the years, quality productions have showcased talented young people taught by professional directors.
The first stage lasted for over 20 years, with a 100 foot Leach Foundation Stage, Starion Wings and North Dakota Tourism support along with David E. Davis Orchestra Pit constructed in 2013-15. Basin Electric’s 42-foot Light Towers greatly enhanced lighting capabilities. Initially, Sleepy Hollow worked with the then active Junior Service League as a non-profit and subsequently acquired their own 501c3 status. In 2011 Sleepy Hollow signed a formal agreement with the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District for the total management and development of the park. With both economic and cultural impact, over 225,000 people have enjoyed events at Sleepy Hollow Arts Park.
Since the very beginning Sleepy Hollow has charged forward at full speed with ambition, purpose and excitement. The idea has always been not to turn students into actors, but to help them grow in confidence and experience which will benefit them all their lives.
www.bismarckmandan.com Q: What differentiates Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park from its competitors? A: The arts always compliment one another; the more exposure to music, theatre, dance and the visual arts, the better! There is nothing more energizing than live performances—they are experiences one never forgets. The attractive outdoor setting is unparalleled/one-of-akind—intended to enhance all the senses. Q: 4. How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park? A: You are either going forward or back for there is no standing still. Sleepy Hollow has consciously evolved every year. An obvious example is our growth from one musical to three: Aladdin, Hairspray and Little Shop Of Horrors in 2017. Educationally we feature arts education giving more student opportunities for growth in visual arts plus elementary and middle school theatre camps along with a camp for special needs children this year and more. As the population grows with more diversity, it is the arts which incorporate students and new people into our communities. Q: What industry trends are taking place? A: The need for the arts is more necessary than ever. The role of the arts and humanities are critical in setting the glue that holds a massive, diverse, consumptionoriented society such as ours together. That is why SHTAP has increased the scope of our programming. SHTAP will feature more than 150 performing students and 40 seasonal professionals. Hundreds of students enroll in our classes and camps. Q: Have there been any monumental changes in the industry that you’ve had to deal with? A: Technology needs have greatly changed—stage lights and sound have had to keep pace. This led to $100,000 in electrical upgrades and the 42-foot light towers to enhance stage ambiance. Marketing now extends beyond print to the internet. Obviously more tickets and registrations are taken on-line. Q: What does the future of Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park look like and the industry as a whole look like to you? A: SHTAP will become an outdoor center for the arts in North Dakota. We have focused growth plans as we know that the arts are synonymous with civilizations. It lasts and matters. It’s what addresses the wellness of people, reflects our humanity, shares insights into life and gives hope.
Q: Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park became a member in 2002, why do you continue to renew each year? A: Community involvement and support. We are all working together to make our communities places in which we want to live, thrive, grow and move into the future. Q: What should Chamber members know about Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park that may assist them? A: SHTAP is unique as an educational entity with outdoor musical experiences. SHTAP also rents costumes and is the largest shop of its kind in the state, costuming over 25 shows annually throughout North Dakota and beyond. With our attractive setting, gazebo and facilities, the site also hosts a full schedule of weddings complete with decorating services. Sleepy Hollow continually strives to be a vibrant piece of the fabric of our communities.
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HOEVEN HOLDS ROUNDTABLE FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS Sen. John Hoeven held a business roundtable on April 18 at the BismarckMandan Chamber of Commerce with business leaders and CEOs from the Bismarck-Mandan region. Hoeven outlined his work to provide regulatory relief and build a better business climate for the nation’s job creators.
Hoeven was also presented with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit Sen. John Hoeven was presented with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award in recognition of his support for pro-growth, pro-jobs policies in the Senate. From left: Scott Meske, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce; Sen. Hoeven; of Enterprise Award in Molly Smith, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Andy Peterson, Greater North Dakota Chamber. recognition of his support for pro-growth, pro-jobs policies in the Senate. The senator received a 100 percent score from the US “The (Trump) Administration and Congress have talked Chamber for votes in 2016. about (passing health care) in three steps,” Hoeven said, “passing some legislation, then making change “We’re focusing on the fundamentals to get our from a regulatory standpoint, then coming back and economy going and growing again,” said Hoeven. “That passing additional legislation. The objective is to get includes rolling back burdensome regulations that have both parties engaged, to make it bipartisan. So you get been creating uncertainty and making it harder to do something that’s good and something that lasts. business. Thank you to the Chamber for this award and I look forward to continuing to work with them to support Hoeven is working to re-introduce in the current businesses, create jobs and strengthen our economy.” Congress his Move America Act to help states to build Hoeven spoke on health care, infrastructure, regulatory and repair infrastructure by expanding tax-exempt relief, energy, agriculture and international affairs. funding for public-private partnerships. The Move Hoeven said part of his focus is reducing federal America Act would help states fund infrastructure regulations. projects through tax-exempt bonds and tax credits to leverage additional private equity investment at a lower “What does that mean? That means reducing the cost to states. regulatory burden,” Hoeven said. “And of course we do that so we can get that economic growth and The Move America Act provides greater flexibility to job creation. And it comes from a real belief that help states fund important job-creating infrastructure we shouldn’t have a federal-size-fits-all approach to projects that would otherwise not be built. The senator regulation. We should allow the states to drive the outlined this legislation to Transportation Secretary approach to building that business community. It’s what Elaine Chao in a meeting earlier this month. I call a ‘states first’ approach.” “The work that all of you do that our Bismarck Chamber, On behalf of Chamber members, Chamber President statewide and certainly the U.S. Chamber is so important,” Scott Meske asked how the health care issue going to Hoeven said. “Jobs for me is always job No. 1.” be resolved in Washington. Hoeven described health care as a work in progress.
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STATE LEGISLATURE: VERSION 65.0
www.bismarckmandan.com
As the 65th Legislative Assembly finishes its biennial work, most organizations like to tally up “wins” and “losses.” That’s not always as easy as it sounds. Many bills can end up being a good compromise, when they started out as harmful; and some can turn into bad laws after starting out on the right track. Here are a few key issues from our 2017 Legislative Action Plan and how the legislative branch handled them this session. u Requesting an interim study committee on local infrastructure funding options (HB 1355): Rep Mike Nathe (R-30) introduced this bill for us, which ultimately was defeated in the House 57-36.
u Maintenance of renaissance zone authority: There were several bills dealing with RZ and TIF uses. Sen. Dwight Cook (R-34) worked a significant compromise package into his bill (SB 2166), which ultimately was signed by the Governor. The bill includes clarifying language on the use of the two incentives, and calls for a study on their use across North Dakota. u Medicaid expansion: Language was included in the Dept. of Human Services budget (HB 1012) that extends the Medicaid expansion funding in North Dakota.
u Behavioral Health, specifically licensing for in state and out of state practitioners (SB 2033): The bill was amended several times throughout the process, and was signed by the Governor on 4/17. Other legislation we monitored or worked on with other partners or Chambers:
u Sunday opening laws repeal (Blue Laws), HB 1163 – bill passed the House, defeated in Senate by two votes. Expect another attempt at this next session. u Supporting a study committee on competition between private sector and government entities (HB 1162). The bill passed the House by a wide margin, 83-8, and failed in the Senate by a vote of 41-5.
u Authority of home rule counties and cities to levy certain taxes, SB2326 – This bill as signed by the Governor on 3/29, prohibits cities from imposing fuel or vehicle taxes, and clarifies their ability to levy several taxes. We’ll be watching which topics and bills get turned into interim study committees and making sure our priorities are considered. Thank you to everyone on the Government Affairs Committee for their work last year and this to make our legislative action plan heard in the State Capitol! Chamber Connection | 15
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SQUEEZE A LITTLE SUCCESS INTO YOUR LIFE! June 17th is almost here, but there is still time register for this year’s Lemonade Day! This program is empowering today’s youth to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs by teaching them how to create, own and operate their own business in the form of a lemonade stand. Parents, Teachers, or Youth Leaders are encouraged to become a mentor and register youth at http:// bismarckmandan.lemonadeday.org. After the mentor and young participant are registered, they should take their confirmation email with them to pick up their Lemonade Day kit at any of the following locations; • Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck • Bank of North Dakota Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm 1200 Memorial HWY, Bismarck • Mandan Brave Center Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm 901 Division St NW, Mandan • Raging Rivers Water Park Monday – Thursday from 8:00am – 5:00pm Fridays from 8:00am – 4:00pm 2600 46th Ave SE, Mandan
Once you collect your kits, the fun begins by working through the workbook and setting goals, making a plan, working the plan and achieving dreams. Be sure to check out Bismarck-Mandan Lemonade Day on Facebook for all the sweet updates and tips to become a successful entrepreneur!
Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan will be June 17th; our goal is to register 500 youth who in turn will start new businesses all across Bismarck and Mandan - on a single day.
If you are interested in learning more, or have any questions, please contact David Leingang at dleingang@bismancc.com or call the Chamber at 701223-5660. Main Squeeze Sponsors:
Fresh Squeeze Sponsors:
May 24, 2017 - Bismarck Event Center 5:30-9:00 PM The event will feature Andrew Zimmern, host of Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods". Andrew will share his story of overcoming homelessness and addiction to becoming a world-renowned chef, global traveler and TV personality. The event will showcase local food and will include a VIP Meet & Greet and live auction!
16 | Chamber Connection
Media Sponsor:
Lemon Head Sponsors: American Bank Center, Bismarck Aero Center, Doosan/Bobcat, Eide Bailly LLP, Exploring Leadership Soulutions, First Western Bank & Trust, Northern Improvement, Co., Mr. Squeegee Window Cleaning, Inc., Superpumper Inc., Trademark Realty, Inc., University of Mary - Tharaldson School of Business, Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network.
Celebrating Ruth Meiers' 30 years of serving the homeless in Bismarck/Mandan.
Tickets start at just $35!
BISMARCK-MANDAN
Visit www.ruthmeiers.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
www.bismarckmandan.com
SPRING MIXER IS A RAY OF SUNSHINE
On Thursday April 13th, we got to swing into spring celebrating another event with all our members at the 2017 Spring Mixer! Over 50 of our Chamber members displayed their businesses, products, services and creative booth talents at last month’s event. Our guests wandered through the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center ballroom enjoying refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, door prize giveaways, and interactive booth displays. With lots of wonderfully decorated exhibits, it was tough competition for the “Best Decorated Booth” contest, but we are excited to announce the winner of this year’s booth display – Community Options! Congratulations on winning a complimentary booth at the 2017 Holiday Mixer on Tuesday, December 12th, 2017! Also, congratulations to our door prize winner Zanna Campbell with Dakota Staffing Solutions who won two Annual Dinner tickets and our golf drawing winner Monte Stein with Capital City Restaurant Supply receiving one free pass for our Shot in the Dark Golf Scramble on Wednesday, September 7th, 2017.
In addition to all our wonderful attendees, thank you to our Gold Sponsor Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center for their continual involvement and for providing us with an awesome venue space. Also, thank you to our Silver Sponsor, Bismarck Event Center for their support and creativity. And last, but not least, thank you to all our booth sponsor who make this event a huge success year after year.
Community Options was voted “Best Decorated Booth” by Chamber Members at the Chamber Spring Mixer.
THANK YOU SPRING MIXER SPONSORS! BOOTH SPONSORS:
GOLD SPONSOR:
SILVER SPONSOR:
Anytime Fitness - Mandan BEK Communications BisMan Community Food Co-op Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck Larks Bismarck Parks & Recreation Bismarck Realty Burleigh County Senior Adult Center Chamber Military Affairs Community Options CommunityWorks North Dakota D&M Industries Dakota Foot & Ankle Dakota Zoo EAPC Architects Engineers Edgewood Vista Exploring Leadership Soulutions Forum Communications Printing Gate City Bank Gateway to Science Gold’s Gym Golder Associates Inc. Health Source of Bismarck South Independent Doctors PC
iRepair Lemonade Day Liberty Business Systems Linn Schroeder Fitness Maple View Memory Care McQuade Distributing Co. Midwest Deck Company Missouri River Pages MSM Realty, Inc. ND Division of Vocational Rehab. North Dakota ESPR New Vision Security Prominent Technology Ramada Bismarck Hotel and Baymont Inn & Suites Sleep Number Spherion Staffing The Bismarck Tribune Thrifty White Pharmacy University of Mary Vibra Hospital The Window & Door Store Your Home Improvement Company Chamber Connection | 17
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LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN TO PRESENT FIELD PROJECTS Each year the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class breaks into groups to work on field projects addressing community needs. The class will be presenting their projects Wednesday, May 17, at the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce.
9:00am - 9:45am — FeedBack Food Donation
The goal of this project is to provide the communities of Bismarck-Mandan with perishable and non-perishable food items that will help people in our communities who are in need. It is the goal of this group to work with established members of the community to create a leftover food network so that such donations can be distributed to those who are in need of a food. Their aim is to potentially work with catering services and grocery stores to first, establish a steady flow of food donation, and second, allow those donated items to be delivered through a network to sources from which all people who are in need can rely on. Marla Hagemeister Cody Remboldt LeAnne Westgard
Theresa Moravec Josh Villbrandt Robyn Krile
10:00am - 10:45am — Public Art/North Dakota Music Hall of Fame
The project team proposes to create a public art piece in downtown Mandan paying tribute to North Dakota’s musical heritage in partnership with the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame. One of the key goals identified in the City of Mandan’s 2016 Community Profile is to “improve overall street character and image through investment, beautification and heritage.” The project aligns with this goal by showcasing the state’s musical heritage through a public art piece that will enhance the character and image of downtown Mandan. Jarrod Auer Lesley Icenogle Dawn Kleppe Annette Martel Wade Wall Jr.
11:00am - 11:45am —School Bus Transportation Execute a school transportation feasibility study, gathering data from other school districts, to present Bismarck Public Schools with recommendations for enhanced busing efficiency in order to maintain the public school transportation service with impending state budget allotments. Sheri Berogan Erin Green-Grom Leneika Roehrich
Sheena Fetzer Jennifer Lang Wendy Van Duyne
If you would like to attend any of these presentations, please RSVP to Cathryn Sprynczynatyk at 701-223-5660 or cathryn@bismancc.com.
Stress-Free IT! BEFORE NRG
AFTER NRG
Presenting Sponsor:
Gold Sponsor: Program Sponsors:
BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®
Binder Sponsor: Capital Trophy
1661 Capital Way, Suite 102, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-250-9400 • www.nrgtechservices.com
18 | Chamber Connection
CELEBRATING BISMARCKMANDAN On September 14th 2017, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce will honor local businesses and their accomplishments for the 13th annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan Award Ceremony. From now until June 2nd, we will be accepting nominations for the following awards:
New Entrepreneur of the Year
• Must be a Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Member • Evidence of success as measured by sales and profits (backed by P&L statements and Balance Sheet for the past 3 years) • Increased employment opportunities created by the nominee’s business • Development and/or utilization of innovative or creative business methods • Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth • Social responsibility/Community service • Obstacles/challenges, or adversities the nominee has overcome • Can be existing business with new owner, as long as new owner has shown innovation, changes in organization, growth, etc.
www.bismarckmandan.com
www.indigosignworks.com
DESIGN
FABRICATE
Small Business Person of the Year
• Must be a Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Member • Staying power — a substantiated history as an established business; including: o Number of years in business. o Sustained expansion, addition of territories, growth in square footage occupied. o Steady growth in net worth as evidenced by total assets less total liabilities on fiscal year end annual balance sheets over three years. • Growth in number of employees — a benchmark to judge the impact of the business on the job market. o Sustained over a minimum of three years. o Increase over the three years must be in excesses of growth in Gross National Product. • Increase in sales and/or unit volume — an indication of continued growth over the last three years.
INSTALL
SERVICE
Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth and Profitability
• Must be a Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Member • Been in Business at Least 5 Years in the Area • Growth in Revenue by an Average of 20 percent in the last three years • Had a growth in the number of employees
Deadline for nominations is June 2nd. You may nominate a qualifying business by going to the Chamber website at www.bismarckmandan.com/pages/ExcellenceinBusinessCommittee or by contacting Dave at 701-223-5660 or dleingang@bismancc.com. Please join us on September 14th, 11:00am at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center.
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GOLDEN HONOR FOR MILITARY SUPPORTERS
The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee works to increase community awareness and support of service members, veterans and their families in the area. One of the ways the committee is able to accomplish that mission is by awarding the Golden Eagle. An award that honors appreciation of military support, the Golden Eagle is given to a Chamber member who has an active record of military support through community involvement and business interaction in the Bismarck-Mandan area. Between now and June 2nd, nominations will be accepted for consideration by the Military Affairs Committee. After the deadline, the committee will narrow down the list of nominees to five candidates, who will then be interviewed by the committee to gauge levels of commitment each organization has to the military and its personnel. The winner will be announced at the annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan award ceremony, September 14th, 2017.
So, if you have the right Chamber member in mind, please submit a small paragraph on why they should be awarded the Golden Eagle! What should be considered in submitting nominations? 1. Why is the military important to this organization? 2. How does this organization currently support their efforts or how they’ve supported the military in the past? 3. Why do you feel it’s important for businesses to support the military, and how does this organization fulfill that? Nominations must be received at The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce office by June 2nd, 2017. Forms are available at our website, www.bismarckmandan.com/pages/MilitaryAffairs or by emailing dleingang@bismancc.com. Submit any nominations to David Leingang at dleingang@bismancc.com.
Tuesday, May 9th
10 AM – 6 PM
EDGEWOOD VISTA on Dominion
701-258-7489 | 3406 Dominion St, Bismarck | edgewoodseniorliving.com 20 | Chamber Connection
BITZ NAMED AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER Congratulations to Shalee Bitz, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce’s, first quarter ambassador for 2017! Shalee is always active at ribbon cutting celebrations, open house ceremonies, our monthly Membership Mixers and volunteering her time at numerous other Chamber events that we need extra hands on deck.
www.bismarckmandan.com
So You’re Saying You Work With Small Businesses?
Yup!
Shalee Bitz is currently the Business Relationship Manager for Wells Fargo Bank and has been in her present position for the past two years. In addition to her hard work at Wells Fargo Bank and being an active Chamber Ambassador, Shalee also serves as the Vice President for BisMan Stiletto’s and is a member of the MSA United Way Women United. When she is not actively working in the community Shalee enjoys working on her upcoming wedding details, helping her fiancé Jaden with his business, Huntley Horses, and spending time with her three nieces and nephew. “I like being an ambassador because I get to see businesses at all stages of their life cycle, whether we are welcoming a brand new startup to our community, celebrating an expansion due to growth, or congratulating an established, mature business that just completed a remodel,” said Bitz. “It’s so energizing to me to visit with these owners and entrepreneurs. This community supported my father’s small business here for 35+ years and this is one way for me to make sure I return the support.”
When it comes right down to it, all you have to do is remember one thing about us: we just love giving loans to businesses like yours.1 Stop by our Main Office today, and ask about the Small Business Administration (SBA) programs available for your business expansion, start-up or purchase.
HHHHH
Congratulations again Shalee, from the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber staff, and thank you for all you do for the committee and our community!
Top SBA Lender In North Dakota 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009
204 W. Thayer Ave., Bismarck • 255-0042 The Chamber Ambassadors presented Shalee the Ambassador of the Quarter award at their April meeting.
It’s Not Just Business. It’s Personal.
www.capcu.org 1
Based on credit approval. Federally insured by NCUA.
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BISMARCK - MANDAN
LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2017 Location: Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Time: 9:00AM - 12:00PM Admission: Free to Attend
MEMBERSHIP MIXER: MCQUADE DISTRIBUTING CO., INC. . Date: Thursday, May 18, 2017 Location: McQuade Distributing Co., Inc. 1150 Industrial Dr. Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend
Presentations will include field projects on FeedBack Food Donations, Public Art/North Dakota Music Hall of Fame and School Bus Transportation.
Chamber members are invited to attend this month’s Membership Mixer hosted at McQuade Distributing on Thursday, May 18th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. You’ll have the opportunity to sample a line-up of domestic and craft beers, food provided by Cloverdale and fun yard games to make the laid-back networking experience that much better! This is one of our members’ favorite mixers, so grab a friend or co-worker and join us for a great evening.
If you would like to attend any of these presentations, please RSVP to Cathryn Sprynczynatyk at 701-223-5660 or cathryn@bismancc.com.
RSVPs are appreciated and can be done by emailing Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com or calling the Chamber at 701-223-5660.
Each year the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class breaks into groups to work on field projects addressing community needs. The class will be presenting their projects Wednesday, May 17 at the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce.
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www.bismarckmandan.com AT THE
LEADERSHIP BISMARCK- FRIDAYS AT THE MANDAN GRADUATION CHAMBER Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Location: Baymont Inn & Suites 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Admission: $25.00 Presenting Sponsor:
Join us Wednesday, May 24 at Baymont Inn & Suites with the 28th class of leaders as they graduate from the 2017 Leadership Bismarck-Mandan program. You are invited to attend and celebrate the Class of 2017. Registration and networking begins at 11:30am, lunch and program at noon. Leadership Bismarck-Mandan, Class of 2017: Jarrod Auer, Kirkwood Bank & Trust Sheri Berogan, MDU Resources Group Sheena Fetzer, NISC Erin Green-Grom, Sanford Health Foundation Marla Hagemeister, Bismarck State College Lesley Icenogle, Gateway to Science Dawn Kleppe, KFYR TV Robyn Krile, Bismarck Police Department Jennifer Lang, Bank of North Dakota Annette Martel, Dickinson State University – Bismarck Theresa Moravec, Aetna Cody Remboldt, Montana-Dakota Utilities LeNeika Roehrich, CHI St. Alexius – Mandan Wendy Van Duyne, Bartlett & West Josh Villbrandt, HIT, Inc. Wade Wall Jr., Starion Bank LeAnne Westgard, American Bank Center
Date: Friday, June 9, 2017 Location: Chamber of Commerce Patio 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Admission: Free to Attend Presenting Sponsor:
Its summer and we cannot wait to set-up our patio and celebrate our members! Next month, lunch is on us! Stop by the Chamber on Friday, June 9th, between 11:30am – 1:00pm and enjoy a delicious assortment of brats, pork carintas, side dishes and some cool refreshments. There is no cost to attend, so come grab a quick bite to eat with co-workers and friends, and enjoy some beautiful fresh air. Although this is a small token of appreciation, thank you for all your continual support throughout the year; it does not go unnoticed! Please RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com/ events or email Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com so we can have enough food for everyone!
The cost for attending is $25.00 per person and includes lunch. Register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/ events or by calling the Chamber at 701-223-5660. Gold Sponsor: MDU Resources Group Program Sponsors: Bartlett & West, Basin Electric Power Cooperative and KLJ. Table Sponsor: Dickinson State University-Bismarck, Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Alumni Association and Starion Bank. Chamber Connection | 23
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Scramble
CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE
Date: Monday, June 12, 2017 Location: Hawktree Golf Club 3400 Burnt Creek Loop, Bismarck Time: 10:30am - 4:30pm Admission: $175.00 per golfer* *Includes 18 holes, golf cart, lunch, dinner, driving range and tee prize Presenting Sponsor: The Chamber’s Annual Chamber Golf Scramble is just around the corner, scheduled for Monday, June 12th, at Hawktree Golf Club. Registration starts at 10:30am with an 11:30am shotgun start. Players will compete in teams of four. You may sign up individually ($175/person), and we will assign you with three other players, or as a full team of four ($700/ team). Whether your team wins or not, stick around for dinner, awards and door prize opportunities at 4:30pm. Spots go quickly so register today! You can sign up for this event online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events or by calling the Chamber at 701-223-5660. Also, if you’d like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities contact Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc. com for more information.
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BISMARCK-MANDAN
LEMONADE DAY
Date: Saturday, June 17, 2017 Location: Bismarck-Mandan and surrounding communities Time: All Day Admission: Free to Attend Main Squeeze Sponsors:
Lemonade Day Bismarck-Mandan will be June 17th; This program is empowering today’s youth to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs by teaching them how to create, own and operate their own business in the form of a lemonade stand. These young entrepreneurs will be setting their own hours and establishing partnerships with area businesses to set up shop all around town while they sell their product. With the help of a responsible mentor, they will set goals, make a plan, work the plan, and achieve their dreams. Please join us and 500 youth in the Bismarck-Mandan area as we discover what happens when life gives us lemons! Register today at, http://bismarckmandan.lemonadeday. org, and get started! If you are interested in learning more, or have any questions, please contact David Leingang at dleingang@bismancc.com or call the Chamber at 701-223-5660.
www.bismarckmandan.com
MEMBERSHIP MIXER: OPEN ROAD HONDA Date: Thursday, June 22, 2017 Location: Open Road Honda 4120 Memorial Hwy, Mandan Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend
Mark your calendars for June’s Membership Mixer on Thursday, June 22nd, at the Open Road Honda! Enjoy an assortment of tasty hors d’oeurves and refreshments, and the opportunity to browse their summer powersports selection! Stay tuned to hear in June what other fun ideas they have in store for you! Membership Mixers are free to attend and open to your employees, so don’t forget to invite your co-workers along for a wonderful laid back networking opportunity. Please RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com/ events/calendar or by emailing aschwieters@bismancc. com.
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ARCHITECTURE I FUNDING I CONSTRUCTION I SERVICE
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TAXABLE SALES AND PURCHASES DECLINE CONTINUES FOR THIRD QUARTER Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger released the 2016 third quarter taxable sales and purchases report. Taxable sales and purchases were $4.625 billion for July, August and September of 2016, a drop of nearly 20 percent over those months in 2015. “With continuing lower commodity prices in the agriculture and oil industries, we anticipated that third quarter taxable sales and purchases would show a decline,” stated Rauschenberger. “We should begin seeing our year-to-year comparisons level off and a new normal emerge soon.” Rauschenberger pointed out that $4.625 billion is closer to what the third quarter taxable sales and purchases was just six years ago.
ND TOTAL TAXABLE SALES & PURCHASES
30 25 20 15 10 5 0
The third quarter report includes data for the largest 50 cities in North Dakota, and all 53 counties. Of the 50 largest cities in North Dakota, the highest percent increases (compared to the third quarter of 2015) were Ellendale, Beulah, Wahpeton and Cando. Counties with the highest percent increases (compared with the third quarter of 2015) were Sioux, Mercer, Towner and Oliver. Just one of the 15 major industry sectors reported taxable sales and purchases gains when compared to the third quarter a year ago. The construction sector increased by 3.76 percent (increase of more than $10 million).
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The most notable industry sector decreases were the mining and oil extraction sector with a decrease of 53 percent (decrease of $347.6 million) and the wholesale trade sector with a decrease of 30 percent (decrease of nearly $415 million) compared to the same months in 2015. The complete third quarter 2016 North Dakota Sales and Use Tax Statistical Report can be accessed online at www.nd.gov/tax.
www.bismarckmandan.com
CONCERT TO BENEFIT THE BISMARCK CANCER CENTER FOUNDATION
ODNEY WINS 12 ADDY AWARDS AND BEST OF SHOW
Proceeds from this concert benefit the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. The Foundation provides financial support and assistance to ease the burden and stress cancer has on patients and their families. All donations stay local and help make a meaningful difference to patients by funding programs that assist the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Odney earned the following 2016 ADDY Awards: BEST OF SHOW ND Tourism Integrated Advertising Campaign – National/Consumer
Christian music band Tenth Avenue North will bring their tour to Bismarck on June 11 at Shiloh Christian School in Bismarck.
“We are pleased to have this tour come to Bismarck,” said Amy Gross, Executive Director of the Bismarck Cancer Center. We are especially delighted to have the opportunity to bring some of the best Christian music artists to our city and to have this venue as a meaningful way of providing help for area cancer patients.” Tenth Avenue North has a rigorous touring schedule and growing album sales, but their relentless will to share the gospel has been the real reason the band has propelled to the top of the Christian music charts. The band has been known for their depth and vulnerability since releasing their acclaimed national debut, ‘Over and Underneath’, in 2008. They won the Gospel Music Association’s ‘New Artist of the Year’ in 2009 and have sold over 1 million albums to date. Their new album ‘Followers’ is a Polaroid coming to life in full color. Every song finds the band basking in the pure joy discovered by following the scripture.
At the 2016 North Dakota American Advertising Federation (AdFed) ADDY awards held February 24 in Fargo, Odney earned a total of 12 awards for several pieces of client work, and Best of Show for the North Dakota Tourism campaign.
GOLD Fox Hills Golf Course logo ND Tourism TV Music Score ND Tourism Josh Cover and Spread Campaign ND Tourism Email Blast Campaign ND Tourism Integrated Advertising Campaign – National/Consumer SILVER BreatheND TV Campaign (PSA) BreatheND Turn Away TV (PSA) Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau Logo ND Tourism Magazine Print Campaign ND Tourism City Print Ad ND Tourism History Print Ad ND Tourism Josh Duhamel TV Campaign
The concert starts at 7 p.m. on June 11 at Shiloh Christian School. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $50 for VIP Reserved. For VIP ticket holders, there will be a meet and great session with the band before the concert beginning at 5:30 p.m. Individual meet and greet tickets are $10. Tickets will be for sale April 17 and can be purchased at the Bismarck Cancer Center, the Rainbow Shop, and online at itickets.com.
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CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH ELEMENTARY SPACE IMPLEMENTING LABOR NEEDS STUDIED Contributed by Tamara Uselman BEST PRACTICES CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck is streamlining its hospital operations and restructuring its workforce by implementing labor best practices. The restructuring is due to a changing healthcare delivery system and declining reimbursement from third party payers. Many healthcare organizations across the United States are changing their approach to delivering care as well. As part of its workforce restructuring, earlier today CHI St. Alexius Health eliminated 25 positions. According to CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck President, Kurt Schley, “Each of us understands the impact these decisions have on our CHI St. Alexius Health family; however our community needs a strong CHI St. Alexius Health and by implementing labor best practices we are able to better align and match staffing resources to patient volumes.” “We are committed in our efforts to find a path forward for our hospital that positions us for continued success into the future,” said Ellen Holt, CHI St. Alexius Health’s vice president of human resources. “Our focus now is on redesigning our hospital care processes to continue to provide high quality, safe patient care.”
Fifty pages of material. That was what the 75-person committee of parents, school staff, and community and business leaders are wading through as they try to come to some creative solutions for dealing with projected elementary enrollment increases in Bismarck Public Schools. The district is anticipated to grow by 422 more students in the next five years, and some schools have space while others are bursting at the seams. The School Board told the group that “everything is on the table” though they don’t have much of an appetite to have another bond election in the near future. There are monies in the building fund that can be used to make some additions to existing schools in areas of town with the most growth. That would necessitate some micro-boundary changes in those areas to help relieve overcrowding. Some schools in the central part our city have limited space, while others in the four corners of Bismarck—like Liberty, Sunrise, Solheim and Lincoln--are expected to be overcrowded between now and the 2021-22 school year. The district has worked to fill elementary schools that have space. For example, former Saxvik students now attend Murphy, Pioneer, Will-Moore and Myhre. Closing Saxvik is saving the district approximately $1 million per year to use for other educational needs. Riverside was repurposed in the 2013-14 school year for use as South Central High School. Most former Riverside students are now bused to Moses. Both Riverside and Saxvik had declining neighborhood enrollment nearing 100 students. The community committee will meet in April and May before making recommendations about the elementary space issue to the School Board. You can follow the committee’s work online at www.bismarckschools.org under the green Facility Updates on the left.
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www.bismarckmandan.com
KUPPER SUBARU DONATES $17,000 TO DAKOTA ZOO
Kupper Subaru was proud to partner with the Dakota Zoo as part of Subaru of America Inc.’s 9th annual “Share the Love” event. From November 17, 2016 to January 3, 2017, Subaru donated $250 of every new vehicle sold or leased to the customer’s choice of one of four national charities (ASPCA®, Make-AWish®, Meals on Wheels America and National Park Foundation) or the individual dealer’s “hometown charity.”
Kupper Subaru staff presented the Dakota Zoo with a check for $17,094.
The 2016 donation given to the Dakota Zoo totaled $17,094, which Director Terry Lincoln said would be very beneficial to put towards exhibits that received extensive snow damage from this past winter’s storms. The 2016 “Share the Love” event generated more than $23.4 million to national and local charities to positively impact communities all across the country. Kupper Subaru has contributed over $55,000 locally since 2013 when Subaru of America added a “hometown charity” option to beneficiaries
“We are thrilled to annually participate in Subaru of America’s “Share the Love” event. Our employees, this community and each of our valued guests share a passion for making a difference, and we see that evidence yearly through the Share the Love event, when our guests get to choose which charity they would like to see benefited,” said Bob Kupper, Dealer, Kupper Subaru.
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BASIN ELECTRIC RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED DEPT. OF DEFENSE AWARD FOR MILITARYEMPLOYEE SUPPORT Basin Electric received a distinguished Dept. of Defense award, recognizing the cooperative for its strong support of its military employees. Fewer than 75 organizations across the U.S. have received this recognition. The Extraordinary Employer Support Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was presented to Basin Electric CEO and General Manager Paul Sukut, and its board. “We are thrilled to receive this outstanding award,” Sukut said. “To be among a small number of employers receiving the ESGR Extraordinary Employer Support award is truly a humbling honor.” ESGR’s Extraordinary Employer Support Award was created in 2012 to recognize sustained employer support of National Guard and Reserve service. According to Kevin Iverson, Employer Outreach Director for ESGR of North Dakota, fewer than 75 organizations across the country have been presented this award by the Department of Defense.
BISMARCK-MANDAN
June 17, 2017
Kevin Iverson, North Dakota ESGR Employer Outreach Director; Paul Sukut, Basin Electric CEO and general manager; Robert “Bob” Wefald, North Dakota ESGR State Chair; Major General Al Dohrmann, Adjutant General, North Dakota National Guard.
“Only those employers who have demonstrated continuous, exceptional support of their military service employees can be considered for this award,” Iverson said. “Basin Electric demonstrates that patriotism is ingrained in its organizational culture on a level that is truly extraordinary through the way it treats its members of the National Guard and reserves.” Only prior recipients of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award or the Pro Patria Award, who have demonstrated sustained support for three years after receiving one of those awards, are eligible for consideration at the committee level. Subsequent awards may be given in three-year increments from the initial award. Basin Electric received the Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in 2012.
Lemonade Day is a fun, experientail program that teachers kis how to start, own and operate their very own business, a lemonade stand!
Basin Electric Power Cooperative and its subsidiaries have a longstanding commitment to supporting its employees who are on active duty and also those employees who may have an immediate family member on active duty who has sustained an injury while on duty or are recovering from a serious illness.
Success is sweet!
When employees are called to active service, Basin Electric provides them with technology so they can communicate with their families and coworkers, and pays the difference between their salary at Basin Electric and their military pay. The cooperative also offers an “open door” for family members to raise any concerns that develop while their loved one is deployed. Last year, Basin Electric also made the decision to provide military time off for temporary employees serving, and added time off for military members to be part of honor guards.
REGISTER TODAY www.bismarckmandan.lemonadeday.org 30 | Chamber Connection
www.bismarckmandan.com
U-MARY NAMED ONE AMERICA’S BEST SCHOOLS FOR ITS GRADUATES FINDING JOBS When it comes to best preparing its students and ultimately its graduates for the workforce, nobody does it better in North Dakota than the University of Mary, according to the national experts at Zippia. Zippia, the online organization that helps recent graduates find the best jobs for their skills, released a map and a ranking www.zippia.com/advice/bestcolleges-for-jobs of the best college for employment in the United States based on the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) database. They rank University of Mary as the best higher education institution in North Dakota and number eight overall in the U.S. for best placing its graduates in the workplace. “Using IPEDS, we searched for the college in each state with the highest listed job placement ratings looking specifically at employment levels at year 10 after students have graduated,” said Chris Kolmar, head of marketing at Zippia. “Then, we looked at the ratings themselves and ranked each state’s top school according to their rating.” “The University of Mary is very honored and humbled by this prestigious ranking,” stated Michael McMahon, vice president for Enrollment Services at the University of Mary. “Our students succeed in their careers, and this ranking demonstrates that in a powerful way.
We take great pride at Mary in fostering great skills through academic rigor and developing students’ moral character, as they become virtuous leaders in their career and community as graduates. So, this is more than just a number or ranking as it speaks to the heart of what we do best. We care deeply about our students when they are on campus and after they graduate into their career field—that’s what this ranking means at a state and national level.” Zippia referenced a study by The Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA that shows 60.1% of incoming freshmen indicated it was “very important” that their college’s alumni get good jobs after graduation. “One of the most important things to college freshmen, if not the most important, is that the college they have chosen to attend will ultimately help them find a job,” added Kolmar. “Not all schools are equal in this, and some colleges are vastly more supportive of their students’ post-graduation concerns than others.” The University of Mary’s placement rate is 95.669 percent, it’s the only private Catholic school in North Dakota, as well as the only College of Distinction in the state and is a Cardinal Newman Society recommended university.
Chamber Connection | 31
COMMUNITY
NEWS
ASK-A-PRO
Perks
Ask a Pro with
with
with
at
at
at
VANESSA LENNICK
1151 W. Divide Ave, Bismarck ND 58501 701-751-7797
JOAN CONNELL
701 E Rosser Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-751-9500
Q: WHAT EXACTLY IS HPV AND Q: WHY DO I HAVE FOOD THE HPV VACCINE? CRAVINGS? A: Start by asking yourself if it’s a hunger- A: Human Papilloma Viruses (HPVs)
based or an emotion-based craving? Next, are a group of more than 200 related viruses. While more than 40 HPV types think back to your day - what nutritional deficiencies maybe causing this cravings? can be easily spread through direct sexual contact, from the skin and mucous A constant craving for carbohydrates like membranes of infected people to the pasta, bread, crackers may mean you skin and mucous membranes of their are lacking the amino acid tryptophan. partners, only a few of these strains are Tryptophan is an amino acid needed responsible for causing cancer. HPV can to make serotonin - a mood-regulating cause cancer affecting the following body neurotransmitter. Being deficient in parts: cervix, anus, mouth, tongue, throat, carbohydrates can lead to changes in vagina, vulva, and penis. In the United mood and anxiety. States, HPV causes 3% of all cancer cases But nutrition isn’t all about counting in women and 2% of all cancers cases in calories, fat or fiber, nor is eating only men. for the purpose of sustenance. Food The HPV vaccine is a safe way to prevent plays many roles in the social, mental, cancer in men and women. The American emotional, cultural, and physical aspects Academy of Pediatrics recommends HPV of our lives. It’s important to understand vaccine for all girls and boys when they and respect all the ways food is involved are 11 or 12 years old, and requires only in our lives. Spend more time enjoying food and less time on the mathematics of 2 doses when initiated by age 13 years of age. food, diet fads, and nutritional dogmas. Get back to bare basics - eat nutrient The vaccine is safe! The most commonly dense foods, listen to hunger cues - while reported side effects include soreness finding what works for your body. at the injection site, dizziness, fainting, headache, and nausea.
DR. RUSSO
500 N 8th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-222-6100
Q: HOW IS MELANOMA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TYPES OF SKIN CANCER? A: There are three major types of skin
cancers: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. The first two skin cancers are grouped together as non-melanoma skin cancers. Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer that tends to spread to other parts of the body. It begins in melanocytes which are the cells that produce the pigment melanin that colors the skin, hair and eyes. Research shows that 90% of melanoma is caused by ultraviolet light, natural or artificial light. Unlike other cancers, melanoma can often be seen on the skin, making it easier to detect in its early stages. If left undetected, however, melanoma can spread to distant sites or distant organs and once this happens it is difficult to treat. In later stages, melanoma most commonly spreads to the liver, lungs, bones and brain. Melanoma symptoms:
• Unusual moles, sores, lumps, blemishes, markings, or changes in the skin.
• A new spot on the skin or spot that is changing in size, shape or color. • A spot that looks different from all the other spots on your skin. 32 | Chamber Connection
www.bismarckmandan.com
Ask a Pro with
with
with
at
at
LORENA POPPE
1929 N Washington Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-751-3742
JENNIFER McGREGOR
2603 E. Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-323-5222
JAKE SCHNEIDER, ALLSTATE at
1100 NE 57th Ave., ND 58503 701-989-7140
Q: HOW DO I EXPLAIN MY Q: HOW COMMON IS ALCOHOL CHILD’S AUTISM SPECTRUM ABUSE IN THE WORK DISORDER (ASD) DIAGNOSIS ENVIRONMENT? TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS? A: Alcohol is the most abused drug A: Explaining an ASD diagnosis to family in America, affecting nearly 14 million
Q: IS THE CHEAPEST INSURANCE POLICY ALWAYS THE BEST OPTION? A: Insurance is a very price-driven
Employers pay a price for employees abusing alcohol. As more than 70 percent 1. Share the basics about ASD. of substance abusers are employed, businesses can face higher health care • Autism is a genetic, premiums. These employees have six neurodevelopmental disability times the number of absences of their cothat affects communication, social interactions and reactions to sensory workers, are four times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident and take input. three times the amount of sick leave. • It is lifelong. Identifying alcohol use in the workplace is • It is not caused by bad parenting. the responsibility of the supervisor who is • Affecting 1:68 people, autism is very trained to follow the reasonable suspicion process, including: common.
For almost every situation in our daily lives, the term cheap is synonymous with lowquality, cut-rate, and mediocre. Except, when it comes to insurance, most people assume cheapest is best. Usually, cheaper policies come with minimal coverage which leads to minimal protection. Not having enough coverage puts your assets and earning at risk.
and friends can be challenging and emotional. But remember that your child is learning about the world in his or her own unique way, just like any child. The following tips can help guide discussions:
2. Anticipate and accept difficult reactions. • Let your loved ones express their feelings
• Remind them how important they and their support are to your child and family.
3. Talk about how having a diagnosis can be helpful for your child.
• Share that an ASD diagnosis can provide eligibility for services and therapies that will help to transform your child’s life.
Americans. Employers often don’t realize an employee has a problem with alcohol use for many years.
• Observing and documenting signs and symptoms of alcohol use • Confirming the indicators
• Confronting the employee in a private area
industry. While saving money is always at the top of most of our lists, I think most people can agree that the cheapest option may not always be the best one.
You want to find a policy that suits you and your life, not a one size fits all. Look for adequate coverage for a fair price. The savings of a minimal coverage policy may seem good for your wallet, but it can end up doing more harm than good in the long run if coverage limits were ever exceeded. The extra couple of dollars per month, for additional coverage, is worth it to protect your future and way of life.
• Ordering the alcohol test
• Following-up with the employee to offer assistance services
Of course, alcohol is legal outside the workplace. Being able to detect alcohol use in the workplace and taking action is the key to maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.
Chamber Connection | 33
COMMUNITY
ASK-A-PRO
NEWS
CHAMBER Perks
PERKS
Kirkwood Bank Promotes and Hires
Kirkwood Bank & Trust has recently hired Tanya Black as Office Coordinator. She moved to Bismarck from Las Vegas, where she lived her entire life. Tanya has 30 years’ experience Sarah Jordan in sales/office coordinator Tanya Black and customer service. She is located at the north Bismarck KAT Communications location. Shauna Scott has Welcomes New Editor been promoted to Mortgage KAT Communications is Receptionist/Processor. She is a excited to announce the native of Mandan. Shauna has addition of Chris Addison to worked as a Teller and Office their production team as an Coordinator, and has been Editor and Animator. Chris was Chris Addison with the bank since 2014. Lorie Shonda Mertz born and raised in Upstate NY Thom has been promoted to Shauna Scott and has worked as a creative Mortgage Loan Processor. She professional for over 15 years in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago and finally the Bismarck area, where he is a native of Oregon and a graduate of Bob Jones now lives with his family. Chris spends his off-time as University. Thom joined the bank in 2015 as a Teller, and later as a Mortgage Receptionist. an active professional musician and assists his wife Theresa with her annual “Relentless 5K/10K” charity Sanford Cardiologist run, benefiting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
Bismarck Public Schools Hires for Three Positions
A principal and assistant principal have been selected for Sunrise Elementary School, and the Bismarck School District is hiring a Director of Professional Learning. Sarah Jordan will be the new Sunrise principal, replacing Lynn Wolf who is retiring at the end of the school year. Jordan is currently the assistant principal at Sunrise. Prior to that she was an instructional coach at Lincoln Elementary, and a teacher at Grimsrud and Riverside. Her Masters in Educational Leadership is from the University of North Dakota. Shonda Mertz will be the assistant principal at Sunrise. She is currently an instructional Receives Board coach at Dorothy Moses Brittany Upton Certifications Cedric Theel Toyota Earns Awards Elementary School. Mertz also Stephen A. Boateng, D.O., worked at Northridge as an For the 9th consecutive year, Cedric Theel Toyota cardiologist at Sanford assistant principal and was a principal in Sawyer, has earned the prestigious Toyota President’s Award; Clinic in Bismarck, recently North Dakota, and an assistant principal in Moorhead, the highest honor given to a Toyota dealership. In completed his board Minnesota. She also has a principal credential having order to qualify for this award, Cedric Theel Toyota had Stephen A. Boateng certification in cardiovascular earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from to excel in a number of categories, including: disease through The American North Dakota State University. • Sales Satisfaction Board of Internal Medicine and his certification in Jordan and Mertz were two of four candidates • Service Satisfaction adult echocardiography by the National Board of interviewed for the Sunrise principal position. • Market Share Attainment Echocardiography, Inc. Brittany Upton, Director of Professional Development • Vehicle Delivery Excellence Certification in these specialties requires a for the Mid-Dakota Education Cooperative (Minot • Employee Training and Certification physician to complete and pass a very extensive exam REA), has accepted the position as Director of in addition to attending classroom sessions. Board Professional Learning for BPS. She was among four certification is voluntary and reflects a physician’s finalists interviewed for the job; 15 applied. commitment to quality patient care. These positions are being brought to the School Dr. Boateng joined Sanford Health in 2016. Board for approval this evening. The three will start their new jobs this summer.
34 | Chamber Connection
www.bismarckmandan.com Gerhardt Joins Bismarck Aero Center
Beulah ND native, Lindsay Gerhardt joins the Bismarck Aero Center (BAC) team as a full-time Flightline Technician. Before BAC, her passion for aviation lead her to work in Judy Fischer, RN airline ground handling at the Lindsay Gerhardt Bismarck Airport Commercial Terminal. The experience gave her a lot of education for large commercial aircraft, training to mentor new co-workers and helped her polish-up her customer service skills working with airline passengers. While working on the Flightline, Gerhardt will use her customer service skills to enhance the Mary Ludwig, RN department’s one-of-a-kind experience for all BAC customers. Her friendly-personality, determination and great work ethic will make her a key contributor to the success of our BAC team.
Wald Qualifies for “Top of the Table”
Outstanding client service, ethics and professionalism have enabled David Wald of Bismarck, ND to qualify for the ‘Top of the Table” of the David Wald Million Dollar Round Table - The Premier Association of Financial Professionals. Wald is a 8-year MDRT member and a 4-time Top of the Table qualifier. Top of the Table status is the highest level of MDRT membership and places Wald among professionals in the global life insurance and financial services industry. lt recognizes Wald for being driven by professional knowledge, client service and ethical conduct. “MDRT is committed to helping our members reach even greater levels of professional and personal success while adhering to high ethical standards,” said MDRT President Brian D. Heckert, CLU, ChFC. “We strive to deliver resources and benefits to our members so they can grow their business and better serve their clients.” Wald was also named Advisor of the Month for March based upon his production and service to his clients. David has been a representative with Securian since August 2008 and is located at 1550 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck.
Western Plains Consulting, Inc Welcomes Martinetti
Joseph Martinetti
Joseph Martinetti joined Western Plains Consulting, Inc. as an Environmental Geologist. Mr. Martinetti will specialize in environmental assessments, GIS, geological and subsurface studies, and remediation.
CHI St. Alexius Health Housing Finance Agency Hires Schaf Announces Excellence North Dakota Housing Finance in Nursing Awards Agency recently hired Deanna
CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck announces its 2016 Excellence in Nursing Award recipients. Five nurses were recognized by their colleagues as individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty in the profession of nursing and make significant contributions to the profession of nursing. Judy Fischer, RN, received the Excellence in Teaching Award for significant contributions to the education of colleagues, students, patients or families. Judy is a nurse in the Transitional Care Unit and started her career at CHI St. Alexius Health in 2001. Mary Ludwig, RN, received the Excellence in Precepting Award for outstanding nursing practice as demonstrated through Melissa Scheresky, RN orientation of new nursing staff and precepting of students. Mary has served on numerous committees within the medical center and at a national level on the board for the Society of Pediatric Nurses. She is a nurse in the Children’s Unit and started her career at CHI St. Alexius Peggy Urlacher, RN Health in 1988. Melissa Scheresky, RN received the Excellence in Community Service Award for significant contributions to promote health in the community. Prior to becoming a nurse and case manager with CHI Health at Home, Melissa served as director Cindy Scott, RN of nursing at Garrison Memorial Hospital. She has more than 20 years working in the healthcare field. Peggy Urlacher, RN received the Excellence in Evidence Based Practice Award. This award is given to a nurse who has completed evidence-based practice changes contributing to improvements in patient care, nursing practice and/or education. Peggy brings more than 24 years of nursing experience to her current role as resource nurse in the Telemetry Unit. She started working at CHI St. Alexius Health in 2009, and began her current role in 2013. Cindy Scott, RN, was the recipient of the 2016 Nightingale Nursing Award. This award recognizes individuals with a long tradition at CHI St. Alexius Health and honors a nurse who has made outstanding contributions to nursing throughout an active nursing practice of 40 or more years. Cindy began her career at CHI St. Alexius Health in 1974. She has filled multiple roles during her time as a floor nurse, doing outpatient education at Well Baby Clinic, and most recently as the Women’s and Children’s Unit primary lactation consultant.
Deanna Schaf
Schaf of Bismarck, ND. Schaf joined the agency as an administrative assistant. In this position, she provides customer service at the agency’s front desk, and is responsible for processing loan payments and responding
to general inquires. “We are pleased to welcome Deanna to NDHFA. I believe she will be a great asset to our administrative team,” said Jolene Kline, the agency’s executive director. Schaf replaces Kristi Seilinger, who transferred to the agency’s Homeownership Division.
American Bank Center Hires Bargmann, Promotes Calavera
Justin Bargmann
Kendrick Calavera
American Bank Center is pleased to announce Justin Bargmann has joined their team in Mandan as the Regional Agriculture Lead Lender for the Bismarck-Mandan area. Bargmann graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Agriculture Economics with an emphasis in Commodity Marketing. In his new role he will lead the Ag banking officers in the Bismarck-Mandan region, and will be responsible for the regional growth of the
department. Bargmann brings with him a holistic view of Ag lending, having spent the last 16 years in the Ag business as both a loan officer and an insurance agent holding licenses in Property, Casualty, Life, Health, Accident and Annuity. Bargmann will use his keen eye for detail as he helps his customers invest in the future of their operation. American Bank Center is excited to announce the promotion of Kendrick Calavera. Calavera started working at American in February of 2016 as a teller. Calavera excelled in his roll and American is excited to bring his outstanding customer service and attention to detail to the mortgage department. As he begins his new role he is excited to bring over a decade of experience in customer service. He is passionate about simplifying the process for his customers and making them as comfortable and empowered as possible when making financial decisions. His main responsibilities will be to build relationships with mortgage customers and provide exceptional customer service as well as community outreach within the Bismarck-Mandan area.
Chamber Connection | 35
COMMUNITY
NEWS
United Tribes Hires Martell and Wertman
United Tribes Technical College announces the promotion of Camille Martell to the position of Admissions and Camille Martell Recruitment Director. Martell was previously the college’s Career Development Counselor. She’s an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Tribe and joined the UTTC staff in January 2016. In her new position Camille oversees the Admissions and Recruitment department Devin Wertman ensuring applicants receive excellent customer service and the assistance required to navigate the application process. Martell has experience in academic and mental health counseling. She was an adult inpatient addiction counselor and worked with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) on Standing Rock, for both Indian Health Service and for the Tribe. Most recently, she served as a Career and Technical Guidance counselor at Sitting Bull College. Martell earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Mental Health from Sinte Gleska University, Mission, South Dakota. Devin Wertman joined United Tribes Technical College in March, serving in the capacity of both Career Development and Assistant Athletic Director. Spending the past five years working in Montana Post-Secondary Education, Wertman has developed a background as both an instructor and staff member in student services. His previous work with Montana Tribal Colleges led him to chair the Montana Post-Secondary Educational Council (MPSEOC), a non-profit organization aimed at spreading educational opportunities across Montana, partnering with both high schools and colleges throughout the state. He also currently serves on the Governor’s Scholarship Advisory Council for Montana Governor Steve Bullock. Wertman coaches baseball for Legacy High School and American Legion Baseball programs in Bismarck. His active mission is to serve the communities in which he lives and works, developing identities for the youth, while also being a good son, brother and uncle.
Allerdings Joins Integra Realty Group, Inc. Integra Realty Group Inc., welcomes Rachel Allerdings to our team of professional real estate agents. Rachel will specialize in residential sales in the Bismarck / Mandan area.
Rachel Allerdings
36 | Chamber Connection
ASK-A-PRO PERKS Sanford Health Welcomes Nurse Anesthetist
Jeffrey Vance, CRNA, nurse anesthetist, recently joined Sanford Health in Bismarck. He graduated from University of North Dakota in Grand Forks Paul Bartz receiving a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a master’s degree in Jeffrey Vance, CRNA Nurse Anesthesia. As a nurse anesthetist, Vance will be part of the anesthesia team providing pain relief and comfort to patients’ surgical procedures and treatments.
EMC Insurance Companies Announces Promotions and New Hires in Bismarck
EMC Insurance Companies announces one promotion and two new hires at the Bismarck Branch in North Dakota. Heather Johnson has been promoted to commercial lines underwriter III. Johnson joined EMC in 1999. Through her tenure with the Bismarck Branch, she has held a number of different positions within our commercial lines department and she currently services the state of Oregon. Johnson holds the Associates in General Insurance (AINS) and the Associates in Underwriting (AU) designations. Joining the EMC risk improvement team are Bob McAdoo and Austin Simonieg. Austin Simonieg has accepted the position of risk improvement representative for North Dakota. Austin has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from North Dakota State University. He held a number of internships while attending school and was most recently the assistant manager at an auto repair shop. Bob McAdoo has accepted the position of risk improvement specialist for Montana. Bob has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in occupational health and safety from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Most recently, he was the safety director for a construction company in Texas
American Bank Center Welcomes Jeske to Lead Private Banking Division
American Bank Center is pleased to announce Julie Jeske has joined their team in Julie Jeske Bismarck as a Private Banker. Jeske will be responsible for retaining and expanding key relationships with business and personal clients along with a focus on the client’s overall financial needs. Jeske brings many years of executive leadership and business development; most recently as the Vice President Community Services at CHI St. Alexius Health. Additionally, Jeske serves as a Commissioner on the Bismarck Park Board. Originally from Jamestown, North Dakota, Jeske earned her undergraduate degree in accounting from University of Jamestown and her MBA from University of Mary.
Great Plains Food Bank Hires Bartz, Bartelt
The Great Plains Food Bank announced the addition of two new employees Monday with the hiring of Paul Bartz as accountant and Zanik Bartelt as volunteer coordinator. Bartz officially began his role with the Great Plains Food Bank January 5 of this year and oversees all phases of accounting for the organization. Previously, Bartz worked as a controller at Zanik Bartelt for-profit companies during the first 10 years of his career before serving as Chief Financial Officer at multiple non-profit organizations and hospitals over the next decade. Bartz then transitioned back to accounting and spent a year and a half at Microsoft working for their vendor, Archway, working with royalty accounting in conjunction with several major clients. Bartz received a bachelor of accountancy degree from the University of North Dakota in 1989 and a master’s of business administration with an accounting emphasis from the Minnesota School of Business in 2016. Bartelt began his role with the Great Plains Food Bank January 19. His duties include providing service, tours and information on the fight to end hunger with individual volunteers, businesses and civic organizations that enter the Great Plains Food Bank Repack Center. Additionally, Bartelt arranges repack projects to fill food assistance demands regarding expiration dates, agency desire and program distribution and locates volunteers throughout the state to assist the organization’s programs. Previously, Bartelt served as AmeriCorps coordinator with YMCA of Cass & Clay Counties, supervising AmeriCorps members that provide service to children with developmental and behavior issues and those encouraging kids to stay active and eat healthy. Bartelt also served as manager on duty in member services at the YMCA, worked in member relations at Family Wellness, as a carpenter at Hoglund Construction, pro shop manager/event coordinator at Maple River Golf Course, shipping and receiving associate at UTC-Aerospace Systems in Jamestown and as a warehouse associate with NorthWest Tire in Mapleton. Bartelt received a bachelor’s degree in sport management with a minor in business administration from North Dakota State University in 2012.
www.bismarckmandan.com Kupper Chevrolet-Subaru Promotes Within, Welcomes New Staff
Kupper Chevrolet-Subaru has added multiple team members to its staff and promoted within the company. Gerard Leingang, previous Sales & Leasing Consultant, moved to our Kupper Chevrolet Quick Lube Department and Gerard Leingang was recently promoted to Quick Lube Manager. Leingang has an extensive background in customer service and is looking forward to increasing customer satisfaction, teamwork and “service with a smile.” Jason Ronsberg joins our team Jason Ronsberg with a wealth of automotive management experience and has already made great strides in our digital department as Digital Sales Manager. Doug Hinkel is the newest member of Kupper Auto Body & Glass, as an Estimator. Dennis Helbling joins the Quick Lube department as an Advisor. Zach Ronning, Ward Sayler and Luke Beasley joined our Kupper Chevrolet sales team as Sales & Leasing Consultants. Jonah Larson joined the Kupper Automotive crew as Dealership Photographer/Lot Assistant. Joining the Kupper Subaru team are: Austin Berger, Sales & Leasing Consultant; Ryan Tysver, Service Advisor; and Zachary Dixon, Service Technician.
EMC Insurance Companies Announces Community Activities Throughout North Dakota
EMC Insurance Companies received the Spirit of Bismarck Mandan Award at the Missouri Slope Area (MSA) United Way luncheon earlier this month. This award is given annually to the business that shows outstanding commitment to the BismarckMandan community and also encourages employee involvement through volunteerism and creative workplace campaigns. EMC Insurance Companies recently donated $10,000 to the new Family Wellness Center located in Mandan, N.D. and $400 to Make-A-Wish® North Dakota in participation with Giving Hearts Day. Marilyn Ternes, vice president and branch manager of our Bismarck Branch has been named one of the “Top 25 Women in Business” in the March issue of Prairie Business Magazine. Nominations are accepted from the state of North Dakota, northern South Dakota and eastern Minnesota and then voted on by an independent committee.
Derek Kane, MD, Receives Benedictine Spirit Award
CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck awarded Derek Kane, MD, FACS, the 2016 Benedictine Spirit Award during Derek Kane, MD the Doctors’ Day luncheon. The Benedictine Spirit Award is presented annually to a physician who provides distinguished service to patients and upholds the mission and values outlined by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. For nearly eight years, Dr. Kane has contributed to the growth and well-being of CHI St. Alexius Health and has been a leader in bringing new procedures and technology to general surgery and trauma cases. Dr. Kane practices general surgery at Mid Dakota Clinic and serves on several medical staff committees including; vice president medical executive committee, director of trauma services, and is a member of the peer review, emergency management and utilization review committees. His vast experience and training have enabled him to be a part of teaching medical students and residents.
MAY LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
Televised on Government Access, cable channel 2 & 602 HD.
Broadcast on KDAK 102.5 FM radio. Streamed online at www.freetv.org.
Mon, 6th
5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission 5:30 pm Mandan School Board *
Mon, 1st
5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission 5:30 pm Mandan School Board *
Tue, 2nd
5:30 pm Mandan City Commission
Mon, 8th
5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:30 pm Mandan Park Board *
Tues, 9th 5:15 pm Wed, 10th 8:00 am 5:15 pm Thur, 11th
Bismarck City Commission Burleigh County Water Resource District Burleigh Planning Commission
5:30 pm Morton County Commission *
Mon, 15th 5:00 pm 5:30 pm Tue, 16th 1:00 pm 5:30 pm
Thurs, 18th 5:15 pm Bismarck Park Board Mon, 22nd Tue 23rd
5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:15 pm Mandan Planning Commission *
Wed, 24th
5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission
5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission 5:30 pm Morton County Commission *
Thurs, 25th 3:30 pm Burleigh County Social Services 5:30 pm ITG (Political Subdivisions) Meetings are replayed several times on the Government Access channel and are available for viewing online (Watch on Demand) at www.freetv.org. * Delayed Playback
Burleigh County Commission Mandan School Board * Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board Mandan City Commission Chamber Connection | 37
Ribbon Cuttings
Ribbon cuttings are conducted by a committee of Chamber 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 schedule a ribbon cutting, please call Amanda Schwieters at 701-223-5660 or email aschwieters@bismancc.com.
POLISHED DENTAL Crystal Overby, Jim Nelson, Kristin Schoch, Owners, and staff at their newly remodeled location on 1700 E. Interstate Ave. in Bismarck. Phone: 701-222-4746. Member.
TRAILS WEST TOWN HOMES Affordable Housing Developers and partners at their new affordable townhomes located on 4532 30th Ave. NW in Mandan. Phone: 701-663-7494
DAKOTA CROP INSURANCE Holly Campbell, Owner at her new location on 122 E Main Street in Mandan. Phone: 701-226-2653. 38 | Chamber Connection
CORE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Josi Jenson, Owner at her new business on 801 E. Main Street in Bismarck. Phone: 605-641-2936
IREPAIR Chris Lippert, Owner, and Linette celebrating their one year anniversary at their new location in the Gateway Mall at 2700 State Street in Bismarck. Phone: 701-471-7539. Member.
THE PIER The Pier: Tiffany Galpin, Owner and Neil along with staff celebrating the new ownership located on 1120 Riverwood Drive in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-4144. Member.
www.bismarckmandan.com
Welcome new members
The Chamber of Commerce 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. Please consider them for your professional and personal needs. To find a complete listing of Chamber members, view the Member Directory online at www.bismarckmandan.com.
D&M Industries 3633 Apple Creek Road #300 Bismarck, ND Tom Boyle (800) 437-4305 A distributor of prehung doors, hardware, millwork, cabinets and windows for residential and commercial building projects. We have been in business for more than 30 years, and we are an employee owned company! Sleep Number 1499 E LaSalle Dr. Bismarck, ND Jessie Szoskowski (701) 495-0808 Individualized sleep solutions for everyone. Morton Buildings Inc. 6950 Aurora Loop Bismarck, ND Ryan Hatch (701) 222-2555 As a leader in post-frame construction, we continue to innovate and improve building components and techniques. We have a building for every budget and use, including farm, commercial and residential.
Taylor Made BBQ 316 W. Main Street Mandan, ND Adam & Kendra Taylor (701) 751-3290 Taylor Made BBQ is an authentic Texas style BBQ restaurant right on Main in Mandan. There is easy street parking, and free parking across the street. Bismarck Bucks 315 South 5th Street Bismarck, ND Judy Davis (701) 595-0771 Professional indoor football is the name of football brought indoors! The Bismarck Bucks bring you hard hitting fast-paced action and a tremendous evening of family entertainment! Go Bucks!
SuperGreen Solutions – Bismarck 7324 Yukon Drive Unit 9 Bismarck, ND Eric Budd (701) 258-7283 SuperGreen Solutions leads the North American market as premier advisors, suppliers and installers of domestic and commercial energy efficient solutions, making us truly a one stop energy efficient solution shop. Vibra Hospital of Central Dakotas 1000 18th Street NW Mandan, ND Michelle Grunefelder (701) 667-2000 Vibra is a specialty acute care hospital. We are unique in our ability to care for critically ill patients who require specialized, aggressive, goal-directed care over an extended recovery period. Chamber Connection | 39
Bismarck-Mandan ChamberConnection 1640 Burnt Boat Drive Bismarck, ND 58503
Upcoming Chamber Events LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN PROJECT PRESENTATIONS Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2017 • Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm Location: Chamber of Commerce –1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck
BISMARCK - MANDAN
MAY MEMBERSHIP MIXER: MCQUADE DISTRIBUTING CO Date: Thursday, May 18, 2017 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: McQuade Distributing – 1150 Industrial Drive, Bismarck LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN GRAUDATION Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 • Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: Baymont Inn & Suites – 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan
AT THE
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Scramble
FRIDAYS AT THE CHAMBER Date: Friday, June 9, 2017 • Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Location: Chamber of Commerce Patio –1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE Date: Monday, June 12, 2017 • Time: 10:30am - 4:30pm Location: Hawktree Golf Club – 3400 Burnt Creek Loop, Bismarck
DISCOVER THE {FULL} LIFE AT TOUCHMARK: • Stay in shape at the Health & Fitness Club • Feel secure with our professionally trained staff • Have fun in a friendly neighborhood • Thrive in our Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment Program™
Learn more or schedule a tour: 701-557-9289 • TouchmarkBismarck.com Experience maintenance-free living in a friendly and enriching community. We’ve expanded! New Independent Living homes now open!
TOUCHMARK ON WEST CENTURY Full-service Retirement Community 1000 West Century Avenue • Bismarck, ND 58503 1714530 © Touchmark, all rights reserved • LLC, 701-323-7000 Touchmark.com