May Chamber Connection

CHAMBER CONNECTION Bismarck-Mandan

May 2015

BISMARCK PLAN FOR

downtown bismarck boost Page 4

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Member Profiles My Place Hotel & Bobcat of Mandan

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LBM Class Set to Present Field Projects Leadership Bismarck-Mandan nearing end of semister.

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Cash-In at Casino Night Transport yourself to Las Vegas and a night of fun at Casino Night.

CHAMBER CONNECTION Executive Committee Rick Matteson.................................................................................................................... Chair Perrie Schafer ........................................................................................................... Chair-Elect Molly Barnes................................................................................................................ Secretary Brenda Nagel...............................................................................................................Treasurer Annette Behm-Caldwell............................................................................................. Past Chair Kelvin Hullet................................................................................................................ President

CHAMBER NEWS Leadership Class Set to Present Field Projects Chamber to Celebrate Local Business Cash-In at 10th Annual Casino Night

CHAMBER EVENTS May Membership Mixer: McQuade Distributing Co. Fridays at the Chamber Chamber Golf Scramble JA Casino Night

Board of Directors Chad Moldenhauer ����������������������� K&L Homes Chris Brown �������������������������������������������� Motix Dave Hoekstra ������������������������������� BNC Bank Marc Taylor...........Northern Plains Equipment Ken Rutter............ Basin Electric Power Coop. Rick Matteson �������������MDU Resources Group Lee Pierce...................... Al Fitterer Architects Dan Pearson �����������������������������Northwest Tire Norm Clark .............................Gate City Bank Wayne Munson �������������������� Indigo Signworks Jeff Essler ������������������������������������������ H.I.T. Inc. Greg Vetter �������������������������University of Mary Mike Schmitz ...................... Widmer Roel, PC Ron Day......................Tesoro Mandan Refinery Annette Behm-Caldwell.....Open Road Honda Perrie Schafer ���������������� Schafer Financial Inc. Brenda Nagel ������������������������������������������Aetna Jeff Herman ������������������������������������Petro Hunt Sandi Tabor �������������������������������������������������KLJ Craig Larson ���������������������������Starion Financial Molly Barnes............... Northern Improvement Kevin Magstadt ������������������ Wenck Associates Jeff Albers ��������� Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac Paul Brucker ������������������� Railway Credit Union

Chair’s Corner

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FEATURES Cover Story 4 Member Profile 10 Ask-A-Pro 36 Chamber Perks 38 1640 Burnt Boat Drive P.O. Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502 701.223.5660 • www.bismarckmandan.com Contact Information Content: The Chamber - 701.223.5660 rparsons@bismancc.com

Advertise: Ryan Parsons rparsons@bismancc.com

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2 | Chamber Connection

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COLUMNS

Chamber Staff Kelvin Hullet................................................................................................................ President Susie Kocourek.................................................................................... Senior Program Director Sally Paulson................................................................................................... Program Director Ryan Parsons....................................................................Membership & Publications Director Annie Bergrud.........................................................................................Chief Financial Officer Amanda Schwieters......................................................................... Member Services Director Rebecca Rattei................................................................................ Communications Specialist Hannah Haynes................................................................................................................. Intern

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Kevin Stadler

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SVP Business Banking

Clay Brosz

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Business Banking

Rheannon Huber

Personal Banking Officer

Retail Manager

Neal Presser

Deposit Operations Supervisor

Mandan: 2711 Sunset Drive NW • (701) 663-5448

Chair’s Corner

T

he Chamber’s mission statement is “Leaders for Prosperity, Advocates for Business.” Over the last few months, the Chamber board and staff have focused on implementing plans that meet the goals of this mission statement.

I wanted to share a few accomplishments with you.

First, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber was active at the Capitol advocating for policies to support the business community. Some of the proposals, such as HB1176, were to position Bismarck-Mandan to receive additional infrastructure funding. Others were broader, such as the Industrial Commission budget that included funding for affordable housing incentives.

Overall, the dynamic of this session was much different than previous sessions due to changing oil prices. The impact of lower oil prices certainly has challenged legislators, particularly given the pressing needs of communities in the Bakken, but they have worked hard to make sure the available funds benefit a wide range of needs and communities across the state. Look for a full write-up on the session in the June Chamber Connection.

Within the two communities, the Chamber’s Local Issues Committee reviewed Mandan’s proposed sales tax increase to fund recreational facilities. Mandan voters will decide this issue in the June election. If passed, the tax would raise about $22 million over 20 years to fund a new two-sheet ice arena and gymnastics facility as well as a football field and track facility, and to renovate the existing football field to accommodate additional recreational fields. The Chamber board will review this issue at its May meeting.

How to fund infrastructure improvements is an issue garnering extensive discussion in Bismarck. Because of the uncertainty of federal and state funding, the City delayed improvements on North Washington Street. This, combined with the discussion about compact growth, is leading to conversation about funding options. The City Commission received a presentation from consultants at their April Commission meeting regarding private-public partnerships for infrastructure funding. This model is being utilized successfully in other parts of the nation and could present options for our communities.

Finally, I encourage you to review this month’s connection for the events and activities on the Chamber calendar.

From the Chamber Golf Scramble to Friday’s at the Chamber, Dinner on the Plaza and the Chamber Sporting Clays Shootout, there are many opportunities to network with other members. See more at www.bismarckmandan.com

- Rick Matteson

Chamber Connection | 3

FEATURE

Downtown Bismarck to Become Hub for Young Professionals

By Kelvin Hullet, President, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce In late 2013, the City of Bismarck accepted a Downtown Bismarck Subarea Plan outlining a vision to revitalize downtown and transform it into the vibrant heart of the city. In less than a year, the plan is motivating private investors to assist in continuing the transformation of downtown Bismarck. If approved, downtown Bismarck could have a much different look and feel within a few years.

Developing a Plan The Downtown Bismarck Subarea Plan is based on a yearlong study initiated by the Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization and the City of Bismarck. The study gathered input through three public workshops and meetings with private stakeholders. The plan proposes improvements to downtown walkability, design, transportation, and business and housing opportunities. In December 2013, the Bismarck City Commission accepted the final study report, but did not adopt or fund any of the recommendations at that time.

Bismarck’s Legal Team

FiveSouth FiveSouth, one project arising from the downtown plan, will be submitted to the Bismarck City Commission for approval. The plan is intended to span Fifth Street from Front Avenue to Kirkwood Mall and from Third to Seventh Street.

Bismarck Industries, the local economic development group that created Bismarck Futures LLC, has previous experience with other local projects, including the expansions of UNISYS and Coventry Healthcare to Bismarck. John Roswick, president of Bismarck Industries, says the organization became interested in assisting the community with a game changing project by the Chamber and the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association. “The need for this type of investment became apparent when the Prosperity Agenda, the plan developed by the Chamber and Bismarck-Mandan Development Association to address community-wide issues, identified attracting and retaining young people as a key impediment to the community’s growth.”

With a philosophy of leading from the private sector, Bismarck Industries acquired the Sidelines Bar and the Knutson Photography Studio to position the area for development. “The concepts included in FiveSouth are well known and have been discussed for years,” said Roswick. “However, executing a vision requires control of the land, and from Industries’ perspective, it was now or never for this project.”

To broaden the vision of the community and engage other private sector businesses, Bismarck Industries incorporated Bismarck Futures. Bismarck Futures is a limited liability company comprised of local individuals and businesses interested in positioning the community to attract and retain young professionals and enhance the regional competitiveness of Bismarck-Mandan.

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www.vogellaw.com 200 North 3rd Street, Ste. 201 Bismarck, ND 58501 701-258-7899 • 877-629-0705 Offices also in Fargo and Williston, ND, and Moorhead and Minneapolis, MN

4 | Chamber Connection

Investors in Bismarck Futures are funding the necessary studies, engineering and architecture to stimulate investment in FiveSouth. “The fact that Fifth Street has remained undeveloped is a great opportunity,” said Bruce Whittey, president of Bismarck Futures.

“The downtown subarea study highlights this area for development into a centerpiece of the community.”

www.bismarckmandan.com Jeff Ubl of Ubl Design, discusses the Five South project with attendees of the Thursday, April 2nd open house hosted by the Five South Developers.

Plans for FiveSouth include a full-service hotel, green spaces, community areas, parking structures and apartment buildings with space for retail on the ground floor level. Whittey said the goal of Bismarck Futures is to spark a privately-led development effort assisted by publicly-funded infrastructure, which builds on the investments other businesses are already making in downtown.

Upon completion, Whittey says the total private and public investment in FiveSouth could be up to $350 million. According to developers, a recent study suggests the project’s construction could generate more than 1,600 direct jobs, $8 million in tax revenue by 2021 and have a total annual economic impact of more than $137 million throughout the Bismarck-Mandan area.

To assist in developing the project, Bismarck Futures is partnering with Cardon Development. Cardon is a wellknown developer in Arizona and led the development of CityScape in downtown Phoenix. “When we learned that a developer with significant experience with projects of this scale was looking at the same area of development, it made sense to align our efforts,” said Whittey. “Cardon Development employs an approach that emphasizes private investment leading the project, which is consistent with the strategy Bismarck Industries has utilized for previous projects.”

Upon approval, Cardon Development Group will serve as master developer. “The ability to work closely with so many influential members of the Bismarck community through our partnership with Bismarck Futures has been critical to its early success,” said Don Cardon, Cardon Development Group CEO.

“Downtown Bismarck has been growing exponentially in recent years, and the market is brimming with potential.

There is no question that this project will activate downtown in a very real way.”

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Chamber Connection | 5

FEATURE Attracting young people to Bismarck is one emphasis of FiveSouth, and according to Rick Matteson, director of communications and public affairs at MDU Resources Group, it is the reason the company became involved in funding the project. “It is a challenge to attract and retain employees,” he noted. “Young professionals want something different than the typical suburban environment.”

A rendering of the proposed changes to the 5th street area.

FiveSouth includes approximately 200 to 400 apartment units. The plan includes a mix of market rate apartments and workforce housing on the west side of Fifth Street. The less expensive apartments will have rent prices aimed at those making 80 percent of the median wage. “Overall, the residential units are intended to be smaller, one and two bedrooms and studios. Studies show that younger people would rather live downtown and engage an active social life as opposed to sitting home watching TV,” said Whittey.

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6 | Chamber Connection

Matteson said it is the mix of options the plan provides that would improve downtown Bismarck’s success. “The plan does not just build housing or shops; it creates a place that people live. This makes it sustainable and gives life and permanence to downtown.”

Creating a sense of place is a priority for the project. As envisioned, green space will be developed adjacent to the Bismarck Events Center. In addition, Fifth Street could be closed from Front Street to Kirkwood Mall for public celebrations and events hosted at the Events Center.

In addition to the residential and open space components, the plan calls for a full service hotel with 200 to 220 rooms. As depicted in the renderings, the hotel is on the west side of Fifth Street and will connect to the Bismarck Events Center via a skywalk. To serve the hotel and the Bismarck Events Center, a parking structure is slated for construction behind the hotel. This will primarily serve hotel guest and employee parking, but will also include spaces for public parking.

The plan also provides a vision for a multi-story, signature office building at the corner of Fifth Street and Bowen Avenue. A mixed use building with ground floor retail, office space or possibly condos is slated for the east side of the street. Once the plan is approved, Whittey expects the first priority will be building parking structures, followed by the planned apartment buildings.

Parking around the Event Center is a concern of the public. “The plan will replace any parking taken away by the development and include parking spaces for the new apartment users. It will add additional parking mainly through parking structures,” said Whittey, noting an additional 200 on-street parking spaces will be created.

www.bismarckmandan.com Big Changes Ahead The Downtown Bismarck Subarea Plan proposes several other additions to downtown Bismarck, including expanded bike and walking trails, adding a number of downtown parks, constructing a Fifth Street pedestrian underpass and improving streets in the area to foster pedestrian and calm traffic.

Another proposed project is the conversion of the former Bismarck Depot into the Depot Plaza, a multi-purpose area for downtown Bismarck events. Dale Zimmerman, president of the Downtown Business Association of Bismarck and owner of downtown restaurant Peacock Alley, bought the plaza in September 2014. He has signed paperwork with JLG and KLJ to be the architects for the project. Within the next four months, he will receive the designs of the planned community area.

The plan also includes the possibility of a downtown campus for the University of Mary, a member of Bismarck Futures. “As part of our long-range strategic plan, Vision 2030, consideration is being given to a graduate school of health sciences in downtown Bismarck. Additionally, we are looking at downtown student housing to accompany the graduate school. The learning and community environment of a downtown graduate school campus would benefit the area’s business and medical institutions, not to mention the downtown atmosphere,” said Greg Vetter, University of Mary executive vice president and chief of staff and Bismarck Futures board member.

Although a campus is not included in the FiveSouth development plan, Whittey said the developers are working to accommodate a campus in the long-term vision for downtown.

“So many towns grow out of their downtown areas. They decay. This is the opposite. We want to ensure the heart of the city continues to be strong and enhances our competitive position,” Whittey said.

Chamber Connection | 7

FEATURE

FAQs What is Bismarck Futures and why was it formed?

Bismarck Futures is a Limited Liability Company formed

by Bismarck Industries.

Bismarck Industries is a longstanding local economic development organization that assists the Chamber and BMDA with projects that enhance the community’s economic base. The intent of Bismarck Futures is to activate the Fifth Street Corridor to create a project that assists the community in becoming a “destination” for young professionals.

Who is Funding Bismarck Futures?

Bismarck Futures is funded by investments from the local business community. These businesses are committed to enhancing Bismarck-Mandan’s competitive advantage by creating a “Game Changing” project that positions the community as a destination for young professionals, events and conferences. Investors in Bismarck Futures are not expecting a large return on the financial investment but instead seek to effectively position the community for the future.

The Power To Do More!

What are the anticipated project components?

The proposed plan includes a full-service hotel, several residential-over-retail buildings, an office building, street level parking, two parking structures and a potential downtown campus for the University of Mary. It is also anticipated the project will include green space and several community gathering places.

Parking in downtown Bismarck is already a challenge. Will this project make it more difficult/ more expensive to find parking? The plan is to replace all off-street public surface spaces with an equal or greater amount of ramp parking and to add another 200 on-street parking spaces that aren’t currently available. Parking for residential units will be accommodated for in a separate parking plan.

What is the timeline for the project?

The project timeline will depend upon project approval, investment, community support and market demand. However, the intent is to break ground on the project in 2016.

How many apartments will there be?

There will be approximately 200-400 units of residential over retail housing. The buildings are in the early design stages, but anticipated amenities could include a gym, climate-controlled parking stalls and possibly a rooftop garden, in addition to the prime location adjacent to the many dining and entertainment options in FiveSouth.

Is FiveSouth publicly funded?

FiveSouth is primarily funded through private investment. The hotel, apartments, retail, restaurants, mixed used and commercial office space will utilize private sector investment. It is anticipated the project also will utilize a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to fund public improvements of the project- such as public parking ramps and infrastructure adjustments at the street level. All parking in the residential areas of the project will be privately funded.

How much is the total project investment?

The estimated value of Phase I is $200 million, with a build-out investment of approximately $350 million.

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8 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

Park Perspective

Rendering that looks south from the new Bismarck Events Center Concourse on 5th Street.

Alleyway Perspective

Rendering of the “Alleyway” area created between the larger buildings to provide smaller spaces for entrepreneurs, niche retail and small business.

Hotel Perspective

Conceptual Rendering of a full-service hotel on the West side of Fifth Street linked by Skywalk to the Events Center.

Investors in Bismarck Futures K & L Homes — McQuade Distributing — Daniel Companies — BNC National Bank — Brady, Martz & Associates Dakota Community Bank and Trust — Starion Financial — American Bank Center — Northwest Realty Group Scheels — Wenck Associates — Border States Electric — University of Mary — Consolidated Construction Wachter Development — MDU Resources Group — Skeels Electric Company

Chamber Connection | 9

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Maureen Eichele (center) and staff at the My Place Hotel. Located at 2640 Centennial Rd, Bismarck.

Member Profile Featuring Maureen Eichele with Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within the organization.

A: Currently I have become the ND Regional Manager and I was the General Manager of My Place HotelBismarck for the past two years.

Q: Briefly tell us the history of My Place Hotel.

A: The visionary team behind My Place Hotels of America has been involved in nearly every aspect of the hotel business for almost 40 years. My Place CoFounder, Chairman and CEO Ron Rivett co-founded Super 8 Motels Inc. in Aberdeen, South Dakota in 1974, along with long-time friend Dennis Brown. After selling the wildly successful Super 8 Motels System in 1993, Ron remained in the hotel business, developing, building and operating Super 8 motels and other branded properties as a franchisee until 2011.

10 | Chamber Connection

My Place Hotel

Ron’s grandson and My Place Co-Founder President & COO Ryan Rivett has grown up in the hotel business, and has learned it from every angle. Since graduating from Northern State University in Aberdeen, Ryan has been extensively involved in all facets of both the hotel and multifamily apartment business, from design and development to financing, construction, and management. Ryan’s first hand experience in both industries provides a unique prospective on the economy extended stay hotel concept that has become My Place Hotels of America.

Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted your company?

A: We enjoy being in the Bismarck-Mandan market because of its growth. The progress of the community is exciting and has helped us see steady occupancy levels.

With that, we too hope that we can be a positive impact for other businesses to grow and develop within the community.

www.bismarckmandan.com Q: What differentiates your company from its competitors?

A: At all My Place Hotel locations you will find a clean, comfortable room, friendly staff, and an affordable nightly, weekly or monthly rate. My Place fits in a niche that is truly underserved today. We’ve eliminated the inefficient, under-utilized amenities and focused on what’s really important; a well equipped room and a good night’s rest.

My Place Hotel’s are perfectly suited for short or long term stays with our spacious, well-designed properties.

Our guest rooms provide all of the comforts of home including My Kitchen; complete with two burner cooktop, microwave, and full refrigerator/freezer with ice maker.

Q: What industry trends are taking place?

A: The overall lodging market is performing well, development costs remain relatively stable and there is financing available for new projects.

Extended stay hotels, as a segment, are gaining in popularity with both consumers because of the flexibility they offer and with developers, due to their efficient operating platforms. - Terry Kline, EVP Franchise Development Q: Have there been any monumental changes in the industry that you’ve had to deal with?

A: After an extended economic downturn, competition to bring new hotels into markets is strong. Technology is rapidly changing and keeping up with the new channels that attract customer awareness is very important.

Having a strong social media marketing presence through such channels as Facebook and Twitter are absolutely imperative. - Terry Kline, EVP Franchise Development

Q: What does the future of your business look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: All the leading lodging industry research groups are calling for a continued environment of growth over the next four to six years. The industry is responding as quickly as possible by the development of new rooms, but demand growth presently continues to exceed the supply of new product coming into the marketplace overall. Because of this supply and demand scenario, simple economics will tell us that room rates will more than likely continue to increase. -Terry Kline, EVP Franchise Development Q: My Place Hotel has been a member since 2012, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: Being a Chamber Member is valuable to us because we get to interact with other businesses in town. We also like to support local organizations that support community growth and development. It’s imperative that as many people as possible know about this new brand we’ve created. If they are happy to see it in their hometown, maybe they’ll give us a try in another community like Fargo or Grand Forks.

Q: What should Chamber members know about your company that may assist them within theirs?

A: If they are bringing anyone to the community we have very desirable rooms; new, clean, comfortable, at very reasonable rates.

Chamber Connection | 11

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John Dinneen (front row, left side) and staff at Bobcat of Mandan, located at 4209 Memorial Highway, Mandan.

Member Profile Featuring John Dinneen with

Bobcat of Mandan

Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within the organization.

A: I am a lifelong resident of Burleigh/Morton county and Bismarck/Mandan. I’ve been married to Beth, who also works at our company, for 31 years. We have four children and three, soon to be four grandchildren. I am the Owner and Manager of Bobcat of Mandan and have been with the company for 34 years, working in every area of the business, including sales, rentals, parts and service.

Q: Briefly tell us the history of Bobcat of Mandan.

A: Our first location was at 40th Ave. SE, across from Kist Livestock. The dealership was acquired from Porta Feeders Sales and Service in the fall of 1981. After 20 years, as the business outgrew the original building and property, additional space was purchased on Memorial Highway. To accommodate the growth in business a much larger building was built.

12 | Chamber Connection

Q: What differentiates your company from its competitors?

A: We are a family owned business. The majority of our construction, agriculture, and landscaping customers operate as family owned businesses and we consider them friends. We feel that we’re in it together and their success is our success. We take a hands on approach to business. As the owner, I know our customers by name and personally greet them. Many times I’m also out in the yard helping load rentals, making deliveries of equipment, or meeting someone after hours. In our business we don’t follow individual job descriptions – it’s important for all our staff to work together as a team, helping make customer service the priority.

www.bismarckmandan.com Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted your company?

A: As the construction industry has increased we’ve seen very positive growth in sales and also great growth in the rental part of the business. We’ve also added several positions in the company to help accommodate the business growth.

Q: What industry trends are taking place?

A: As the local economy has seen growth from the oil boom the industry trends for skid steer and excavator sales have been very positive. The local economy has benefited from the smaller service contractors who offer support services to the oil field business. However, our local customers, who have for years been the foundation of our success, will continue to be our priority.

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

A: The industry was in a slump in the 80’s and that made things quite challenging. But since the 90’s we have seen steady growth in our business.

Q: What does the future of your business look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: We see a very bright future and many positive things to look forward to in our business. Our son David has recently come on board. He provides fresh energy and the drive to take things to the next level. We are also looking to acquire some new lines of equipment that would benefit our customers. We believe the industry will continue to stay strong.

Q: Bobcat of Mandan has been a member since 1987, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: As a local, family-owned business, we feel staying involved in the community is important and our membership in the chamber helps us achieve that goal. We also appreciate the work the Chamber does in helping support Bismarck/ Mandan and are proud to be a part of that effort.

Q: What should Chamber members know about your company that may assist them within theirs?

A: Besides the emphasis on customer service talked about earlier we have always felt it is important to focus on our employees. Many of our employees have been with us for many years – we consider them a great asset and are lucky to have such loyalty. When a business has successful employees, their work will reflect in the company.

Chamber Connection | 13

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Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Scheduled to present field projects Each year the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class breaks into several groups to work on a field project addressing community needs. The class of 2015 has been working for a couple of months researching and gathering information and will be ready to make their presentations on Thursday, May 14 at the Chamber.

The schedule is as follows: Forming a Sports & Events Commission (8:15-9:00am) Kirk Cristy Brad Davison Trish Helgeson Josh Keller Kim Peterson Karalee Harper Robyn Johnsen This team will be working with the Chamber and will review the need for the community to do more when it comes to offering opportunities for sports and leisure activities by forming a Sport & Leisure Commission.

They will review and compare commissions in other communities as well as their governance structure, funding model and attracting events. A mission statement will be created and they will make recommendations of events utilizing existing community facilities

Slacklining Field Project Proposal (9:15-10:00am) Karen Smith Todd Van Orman Chris Gessele Dyke Boese Jerry Haas Dave Leingang Jennifer Klesalek Melanie Phillips This field project team will be presenting their project on behalf of Bismarck Parks & Recreation to develop slacklining for the Bismarck-Mandan community. Their goal is to bring a totally new and free recreational event to our area. They will research the space, design, and supplies needed to bring this totally new adventure. They will also be involved in planning, organizing, constructing and developing slacklining at one of the Bismarck parks.

What is slacklining? It is a little like tightrope walking two feet off the ground.

Buddy Chair/Friendship Bench (10:15-11:00am) Kyle Sebesta Raquel Jessen Ryan Steinman Ron Walters Nathan Schneider Matthew Stevenson Tanya Peluso Working off a program “Tiny Girl, Big Dream Inc.” Working with Bismarck Public Schools to provide sponsors to fund Friendship Benches for schools. The benches are meant to promote acts of kindness and friendship versus acts of violence. The Friendship Benches were developed by 12 Year Old Acacia Woodley from Florida. She was born without complete arms and knew what it was like to be left out and not part of a group. Acacia plans to be present on the day of the presentation.

If you’d like attend any of these presentations, please contact Susie at skocourek@bismancc.com

14 | Chamber Connection

John B. Brownson CFO/COO Royal Tire, Inc.

smiling customers Top-notch service is a powerful thing. More than 90% of customers surveyed said they would recommend Marco. It’s no accident. We’ve been sending out monthly surveys and measuring the results since 1994 to make sure we’re doing everything we can to make our customers satisfied and successful.

Our performance-driven attitude empowers our customers to work smarter, dream bigger and take technology further. That’s enough to make anyone smile. Learn more and get empowered at marconet.com.

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Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan 2015 On August 6th, The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce will once again be celebrating local businesses and their accomplishments. Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan is the Chamber’s annual awards event that celebrates success and encourages continued economic growth.

“Innovative business and people are what make our community thrive,” said Mike Schmitz, Chairperson of the Excellence in Business committee. “Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan gives us the opportunity to showcase businesses, large and small, that are showing great success!”

Each year, the following awards are presented: Granite Award This award is presented annually to a company that has been in business for at least 50 years in the BismarckMandan community, been a Chamber member for at least the last five years, and has shown a commitment to the community.

Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth and Profitability This award is presented to small businesses that have been in business at least five years, have shown revenue growth over the last four years by at least 20 percent, and are currently members of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber.

Small Business Person of the Year This award is presented to an individual or to business partners. The nominee should have a substantiated history as an established business owner. The company’s ability to grow also is considered. The winner of this award may be submitted for the North Dakota SBA awards.

16 | Chamber Connection

New Entrepreneur of the Year This award is presented to an individual who has served as a majority owner in a company for the past three years, increased employment opportunities, demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term business success and economic growth, has overcome obstacles, has used technology creatively, and has invested in the community through social responsibility and community service.

Please join us on August 6th at 11:30 at the Ramkota.

Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members.

Registration is available online at www.bismarckmandan. com/calendar/events More information and nomination forms can be found at www.bismarckmandan.com.

www.bismarckmandan.com

CASH-IN AT CASINO NIGHT

On June 19th, Junior Achievement (JA) will host the 10th annual JA Casino Night. This event was originally created because JA wanted to try something “different” than the traditional golf tournaments, bowl-a-thons and walks that many other non-profits do successfully.

The JA Board of Directors wanted to have an adults-only fund raiser that would help raise money to support the program, but also be an absolute blast. We think we’ve accomplished just that. If you have not attended JA Casino Night, you are encouraged to attend this year’s event. The tickets are $30.00 or $50.00 and include $75,000 in play money, 10-15 bucket auction tickets and free hors d’ oeuvres along with music and entertainment throughout the night. Drawings are held for such items that could include televisions, iPads, lawn packages, jewelry and SO much more! You won’t regret attending this event!

Casino Night amazing event that helps to support an amazing program. The Mandan Eagles Club is the place, www.bismarckmandan.com is the site and Sally Paulson or any JA board member is the contact. JA challenges you to attend and NOT have fun! A huge thank you goes out to event supporters, without which Casino Night could not occur.

Platinum Sponsor: Northwest Contracting Other sponsors include: Open Road Honda, Bank of North Dakota, Titan Heating & Air, Bismarck Aero Center, Townsquare Media, A-1 Steam Brothers & Fode’s Carpet, Inc. Walmart North, Century 21 Landmark-Amy Hullet, North American Coal, Swenson & Hagen, Truss Systems, Front Street Millwork, Cornerstone Bank, Capital CIty Welding, Missouri Basin Materials, Fleck’s Furniture, Allied, and Constock.

Junior Achievement still has sponsorships available, but they are going quick! Contact Paulson at 701-223-5660 or spaulson@bismancc.com for more information.

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Membership mixer: Mcquade Distributing Co. Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Thursday, May 14, 2015 McQuade Distributing Co., Inc. 1150 Industrial Dr, Bismarck 5:00PM - 7:00PM Free to Attend

McQuade Distributing Co. will be hosting this month’s Membership Mixer on Thursday, May 14th. Members of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber will enjoy an array of hors d’oeurves, soothing refreshments and business after hours. Bring along your co-workers and enjoy an assortment of over 20 beer samples!

Please RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan. com/events/calendar or by contacting Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com.

Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Graduation Date: Location:

Time: Fees: Presenting Sponsor:

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 Baymont Inn & Suites 2611 Old Red Trail NW, Mandan 11:30AM - 1:00PM $25.00

Join us Wednesday, May 20 at the Baymont Inn & Suites for the 26th class of leaders as they graduate from the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan program. You are invited to attend and help celebrate with registration beginning at 11:30am, lunch and program at noon.

These new leaders are: Brad Davison - MDU Resources Group, Inc. Matthew Stevenson - Fireside Office Products Chris Gessele - Basin Electric Power Cooperative Melanie Phillips - Edgewood Vista David Leingang - Leingang Home Center Nathan Schneider - Bis-Man Development Assoc.

Dyke Boese - MDU Resources Group, Inc. Raquel Jessen - University of Mary Jennifer Klesalek - Bismarck State College Robyn Johnsen - Aetna Jerry Haas - Houston Engineering Inc. Ron Walters - Great Plains Food Bank Josh Keller - Knife River Corporation Ryan Steinman - Cross Country Freight Solutions Karalee Harper - Heartland Child Nutrition Tanya Peluso - National Information Solutions Coop.

Karen Smith - Hit, Inc. Kim Peterson - United Blood Services Todd Van Orman - First Community Credit Union Kirk Cristy - Sanford Health Trish Helgeson - Starion Financial Kyle Sebesta - KLJ Gold Sponsor: MDU Resources Group Program Sponsor: Basin Electric Power Cooperative Table Sponsors: MDU Resources Group, KLJ & LBMAA

18 | Chamber Connection

The cost for attending is $25.00 per person and includes lunch. You can register online at bismarckmandan.com or by calling the Chamber at 701-223-5660.

www.bismarckmandan.com

Fridays at the CHamber Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Presenting Sponsor:

Friday, June 5, 2015 Chamber Patio 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck 11:30AM - 1:00PM Free for all Chamber Members and their employees

Whoa, SUMMER’s almost here! Not only are we excited for the warm weather around the corner, but once again the Chamber is hosting our member appreciation luncheons and we cannot wait to see you there! We appreciate your member support throughout the year, so please stop in and accept our small token of thankfulness.

Chamber Golf Scramble Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Presenting Sponsors:

Monday, June 8, 2015 Apple Creek Country Club 8912 County Rd 10, Bismarck 10:30AM - 5:30PM $170.00 per golfer* *Includes 18 holes, golf cart, lunch, dinner and driving range.

The Annual Chamber Scramble Around is scheduled for Monday, June 8 at Apple Creek Country Club.

Registration starts at 10:30am, golfing begins at 11:30am with dinner and awards at 4:30pm.

You can register for this event online at www.bismarckmandan.com/calendar/pages or by contacting Susie at skocourek@bismancc.com.

Join the chamber staff and fellow members for a fun and informal way to network, one Friday each month this summer starting on June 5th from 11:30am-1:00pm. We will be serving brats, pulled pork sandwiches, a choice of sides and some cool refreshments. There is no cost to attend, so stop in for a quick bite to eat and enjoy our beautiful patio view!

Please RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com/ calendar/events or by calling Amanda at 701-223-5660 so that we can plan for plenty of lunch.

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Membership mixer: Open Road HOnda Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Thursday, June 11, 2015 Open Road Honda 4120 Memorial Hwy, Mandan 5:00PM - 7:00PM Free to Attend

Join members of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber during the June’s Membership Mixer hosted by Open Road Honda on Thursday, June 11th at their location, 4120 Memorial Hwy, Mandan. In addition to refreshments, hors d’oeurves, and some business after hours, enjoy ATV demo rides, scooter demo rides and door prize opportunities!

Mixers are free for Chamber members to attend.

Please RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan. com/events/calendar or by contacting Amanda at aschwieters@bismancc.com.

Junior Achievement Casino Night

Date: Location:

Time: Fees:

Presenting Sponsors:

Friday, June 19, 2015 Mandan Eagles Club 1400 Collins Ave, Mandan 6:00PM - 10:00PM $30.00 or $50.00 (includes entry into grand prize raffle)

The 10th annual JA Casino Night is scheduled for Friday, June 19th at the Mandan Eagles Club. With the purchase of a $30.00 ticket, each person gets 10-15 bucket auction tickets, $75,000 in play money, free hors d’oeurves along with music and entertainment throughout the night. When you purchase a $50.00 ticket, you are automatically entered to the grand prize raffle along with 10-15 bucket auction tickets and $75,000 in play money.

Try your hand at blackjack, pull tabs, poker and roulette.

At the end of the evening you can trade your winnings in for more bucket auction tickets to win amazing prizes such as iPads, lawn packages, jewelry and SO MUCH MORE! Proceeds from this event go to Junior Achievement Bismarck-Mandan. Sponsorships are still available but going fast! Secure your sponsorship of this amazing event by contacting Sally at 701.223.5660 or spaulson@bismancc.com

Since 1978, K & L Homes has been building custom homes on a strong foundation of quality and professionalism.

Chad Moldenhauer - Builder Office: 701-258-4584 Cell: 701-220-1821

www.k-lhomes.com 20 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

Spring has sprung at Chamber Spring Mixer

Spring was definitely in the air during the 15th Annual Chamber Spring Mixer on April 16th. Booths were festively decorated making it tough competition for the “Best Decorated Booth” contest. The evening was filled with great door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and networking opportunities. It was an amazing turnout as over 600 people came for this annual event. Thank you to all of you who attended the annual Spring Mixer. Mark your calendars for next years’ mixer which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, 2016.

Congratulations to Golder Associates who were voted as the “Best Decorated Booth”. They will receive a complimentary booth during the Chamber Holiday Mixer on Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

Congrats to Layn Mudder of LPT Images who won the Chamber’s door prize, a sponsorship table of eight at the September 17th Dinner on the Plaza.

Gold Sponsor

RAMKOTA HOTEL

Hors D’oeuvres Sponsor

Booth Sponsors Agency Mabu Anytime Fitness - Mandan Bain Agency Be Mobile BEK Communication BioLife Plasma Services Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck Parks & Recreation Bismarck State College Cellular Communications Coldspring Command Center Dakota Foot & Ankle Dakota Pharmacy Dakota Zoo Dickinson State University EAPC Architects Engineers Gate City Bank Gateway to Science GOD’s CHILD Project Golder Associates Gold’s Gym Good Samaritan Society - Bismarck Good Samaritan Society Home Care Jerome Distributing Kelly Inn/Minerva’s

Labor Finders Leingang Home Center Liberty Business Systems Make-A-Wish Foundation McQuade Distributing Co. Midway Lanes Missouri River Pages My Place Hotel ND Parks & Recreation NISC Open Road Honda Pride, Inc. Profile by Sanford Rasmussen College Sam’s Club Small Business Development Center Spherion Staffing The Bismarck Tribune Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation Thrifty White Drug Ton’s of Marketing United Tribes Technical College University of Mary Vocational Rehabilitation Your Home Improvement Company Chamber Connection | 21

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DAKOTA MEP IS NOW IMPACT DAKOTA ANNOUNCES TONY RICHARDS AS NEW CEO Dakota MEP, a nonprofit whose mission is to be North Dakota’s leading organization partnering with manufacturers and others to impact business results, has announced that it is now Impact Dakota.

The rebranding comes as the company continues to grow its programs and services for the North Dakota manufacturing community, increases its outreach to educate the public about the manufacturing industry and expands their expertise to other industry sectors.

Impact Dakota launched a new website, www.impactdakota.com, to support the rebrand.

Established in 2001, Impact Dakota has worked with companies on more than 675 improvement projects.

Total client benefits and impacts reported to an independent third party by the companies include: $269 million in new and retained sales, $93 million in cost savings realized, $118 million in new investments and 2,876 new jobs created or jobs retained.

“We believe the new Impact Dakota name better reflects our mission to have a genuine impact on the people, purpose, process and performance of North Dakota’s manufacturers and the business community,” Tony Richards, the new CEO of Impact Dakota said. “On behalf of the entire team, we renew our commitment to live our mission by partnering with manufacturers and businesses to impact results,” Richards is the past founder of Tony Richards Associates, an international leadership, speaking and management consulting firm specializing in leadership, strategic planning, succession planning, operational analysis, board governance and leadership development. He co-authored Bushido Business with Stephen Covey, wrote F.E.A.R. Factor: Re-Kindling the Dream Within and has written numerous workbooks on business and leadership development.

Additionally, Richards has strong ties within the local community. He and his wife co-founded the North Dakota Autism Connection, a non-profit educational and informational organization that works with children and families living with autism.

For more information about Impact Dakota call 701-328-5476 or contact via e-mail at info@impactdakota.com.

22 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

bismarck School board moving forward with ideas to create space

The Bismarck School Board has given the Superintendent authority to move forward with ideas to create space at crowded schools next year.

School administrators didn’t approve some of the yearby-year transfer requests for 2015-16, which helped alleviate space issues at some schools. But BECEP, Highland Acres, and Century High will still be over capacity based on students who have already registered for fall.

Board members liked the idea of creating another BECEP center at the Riverside building. The Bismarck Early Childhood Education Programs are currently all housed at Richholt. South Central could be moved from Riverside to the Career Academy so those students would have access to vocational programs like their peers at Bismarck High, Century and Legacy.

There was also some discussion about moving the Adult Learning Center out of the Career Academy back to the Hughes building, and creating an English Language Learner transition center at Hughes since some parents and students who use those two programs are in the same family. The number of ELL students has increases significantly in recent years.

For Highland Acres and Century, portable classrooms could be used to solve crowding next school year as a short term solution. The Board plans to get community input on long term solutions for projected elementary and middle school growth of more than 2,300 additional students in the next five years.

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Kupper Chevrolet Receives Business Elite Sales Award

Kupper Chevrolet was recently awarded the honor of being the #1 Small Business + Dealer Fleet Sales for 2014. The dealership is part of the North Central Region, District 104, GM Business Elite division.

Ted Pfister, North Central Region Commercial Zone Manager, congratulated the salesman in their ability to “put the numbers on the board,” and told the group it was “exciting for me to be here for the opportunity to reward all of your hard work. It’s about making business customers happy, and it’s clear your dealership is doing just that.”

“Project HOPE provides education for employees and empowers employees to give hope to cancer patients going through cancer journeys,” said Amy Gross, Assistant Director – Operations, with Bismarck Cancer Center. “Almost every person has been affected by cancer in some way.”

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24 | Chamber Connection

The Bismarck Cancer Center’s Project HOPE will take place May 4-8, 2015. Project HOPE is a community wellness event designed by the Bismarck Cancer Center to educate businesses and their employees about healthy lifestyles, cancer prevention and early detection. In addition, Project HOPE enables employees to give hope to cancer patients and their families affected by the disease.

Participants receive wellness and prevention materials about a variety of cancers, and tips for talking with those who are battling cancer. Every day of the week, employees who have made a project HOPE donation may dress casual and/or wear the awareness colors of representing cancers diagnosed in North Dakota each year. On Friday, employees are encouraged to wear purple in support and recognition of cancer survivorship. Last year over 130 Bismarck/Mandan businesses participated and over 8000 employees received health and wellness information.

Left to Right: Ted Pfister, David Hanson, Jason Knudson, Lee Kirby and Bob Kupper.

by Franklin Covey

PROJECT HOPE OFFERS HEALTH AND WELLNESS INFO TO BUSINESSES

Skin Cancer Awareness - Black Breast Cancer Awareness - Pink Pancreatic & Head/Neck Cancer Awareness - Dark Purple/Burgundy Lung Cancer Awareness Cancer Survivorship – Purple

Participating business employee donations are gifted to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

All donations stay local and help make a meaningful difference by providing financial support cancer patients in need, and support for programs that assist the whole person, body, mind and spirit. The Bismarck Cancer Center provides radiation therapy to more than 600 patients per year. For more information or to register for project HOPE, go to www.bismarckcancercenter.com/project-hope.

www.bismarckmandan.com

Starion Financial finalizes acquisition in Wisconsin

Starion Financial officially acquired WPS Community Bank, a subsidiary of Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS) Insurance Corporation, at the close of business on Apr. 10. The acquisition gives Starion three locations in the Madison, Wis., metro area: Monona, Middleton and Sun Prairie.

Fourteen WPS Community Bank employees have joined Starion Financial. Adding the Monona location and retaining the WPS bank employees will allow Starion to serve all of its customers even better with enhanced service delivery points and convenience for a broader market.

“Since announcing the acquisition in October 2014, employees in North Dakota and Wisconsin have been preparing for the transition,” explains Craig Larson, president/ CEO of Starion Financial. “The acquisition is a win-win for WPS and Starion: WPS Insurance is able to focus on its core business and we are able to expand our presence in the Madison community.”

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Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Menu Scrambled Eggs and Sausage French Toast with Maple Syrup Blintz with Pecan Honey Cream Sauce Chicken with Tomato Basil Relish Cod with Coconut Hollandaise Au Gratin Potato

Cheesy Ranch Vegetables Pork Loin with Rosemary Au Jus Chef Carved Roast Beef Pasta Salad, Fruit Salad and Coleslaw Dinner Rolls Assorted Desserts

For Reservations Call 1-800-554-7077 1400 E. Interchange Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 Phone: 701-258-7000 • www.ganglhospitality.com Chamber Connection | 25

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Sales Tax to be on June 2015 Ballot

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A special election will be held on June 9, 2015. The measure, upon voter approval, would increase the city’s sales tax by (0.75%) from 6.5 to 7.25 percent. The sales tax increase would allow residents and non-residents to fund the following capital projects; • a new two-rink hockey arena, including gymnastics facilities; • a new football and track field; and • conversion of Faris football and track field into ball fields.

Mandan Park District is considering converting the current All Seasons Arena into a gymnasium for youth basketball, volleyball, indoor tennis and other recreational activity. The estimated project total is $22 million. The sales tax will function on a sunset provision and cease when debt ends. Sunset provision is predicted to be 21 years.

A “Yes” vote means you approve the city measure as summarized above. A “No” vote means you reject the city measure as summarized above. If this proposed amendment receives a majority of “Yes” votes on June 9th, it will be enacted by the City of Mandan.

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FUNDS IDENTIFIED TO ENSURE FUTURE OF CAT’S GUARANTEED RIDE HOME PROGRAM New funds have been identified that will keep a supplementary program to the Capital Area Transit (CAT) fixed-route system from disappearing.

Operation of the Guaranteed Ride Home program will continue uninterrupted following confirmation on April 2 that Capital Area Transit has identified another state grant. That state grant means a customer population needing evening or early morning transit will still have that service available.

“We are very excited to be able to continue this program,” said Interim Transit Director Al Wangler.

“The reality is some people don’t have access to their own vehicle, but still need to be able to get from Point A to Point B and they might need to do it at 10 p.m.

Without this program, we wouldn’t be able to help them. But with it, we are providing a beneficial service to Bismarck and Mandan.”

The Guaranteed Ride Home program was created to provide customers with a means of transportation outside the normal operating hours of the CAT. To be eligible for the program, a customer needed only to have a valid 30-day pass and ride the CAT one way.

Bismarck- Mandan’s fixed-route system is comprised of 12 routes that provide service from about 6:00am to 7:00pm, depending on the route.

Information about this and other programs provided through the CAT is available at www.thecatbus.com. In 2014 the CAT provided more than 138,000 rides to the communities of Bismarck and Mandan.

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26 | Chamber Connection

RUS Acting Administrator to join NISC STaff

www.bismarckmandan.com

Jasper Schneider, most recently acting Administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utility Service, will join NISC as the organization’s Vice President of Member Engagement.

Schneider, who brings to the position professional experience in technology, law and rural issues, is a North Dakota native.

He holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Jamestown, Jamestown, N.D., and a law degree from the Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minn.

Before attending law school, he worked as a business analyst for Jasper Schneider Cisco Systems. He has served in the North Dakota Legislature and was in private law practice before becoming USDA’s North Dakota Rural Development State Director in 2009.

Schneider was appointed acting Administrator of the USDA Rural Utility Service in the fall of 2014.

“Throughout the nation, companies are competing to attract the best and brightest technology talent to meet the surging demand for technology systems and software,” said Vern Dosch, NISC President and CEO. “It’s with that perspective that NISC is especially pleased that Jasper will be joining the organization. It’s rare to find an individual who has a deep understanding of technology and experience providing support to the nation’s electric cooperatives and independent telephone systems. He is an ideal fit to help advance NISC’s culture of service.”

According to Dosch, Schneider will lead NISC’s new Member Engagement Division. “Today, our Members’ business, technology and consumer environments are rapidly changing,” Dosch said. “Utilities and telecoms are embracing new technology and putting a greater emphasis on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. We are proud to support their efforts to achieve these goals. Jasper and his team will work closely with Members and our development staff to make sure, at a time of change, we continue to align our efforts to meet Members’ needs, track industry trends, enhance our Member and employee learning capabilities and find opportunities to work with our industry partners.”

Schneider will start his NISC career April 20, working out of the organization’s Mandan, N.D. office.

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Bergstrom Electric Inc. Earns National Excellence in Construction Award Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) announced that Bergstrom Electric Inc.’s work on the Barnes County North School project in Leal, N.D., has earned the company an Eagle Award in the Electrical: Commercial - Less than $2 million category of ABC’s Excellence in Construction Awards. Bergstrom Electric President Cliff Moen and General Manager/Vice-President Steve Mundahl received the award March 5 during the 25th annual Excellence in Construction Awards celebration in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

“Bergstrom Electric and their team truly embraced the values of ABC and merit shop construction—innovation, quality and safety—through their work the Barnes County North School and that’s why I’m honored to award them with an Excellence in Construction Eagle Award in the Electrical: Commercial - Less than $2 million category,” said 2015 ABC National Chairman Pamela Volm, president of Annapolis Contracting, Inc., Annapolis, Md. “This project is an outstanding example of how teamwork and quality craftsmanship and perseverance can result in a project that we are called to claim as merit shop.”

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28 | Chamber Connection

Bergstrom crews had to overcome a six-month winter weather delay in Bergstrom Electric President Cliff Moen (center) and order to General Manager/Vice-President Steve Mundahl and complete (right) 2015 ABC National Chairman Pamela Volm. the electrical work—as well as an integrated, network-based classroom call system—for a new 85,000-square-foot K-12 school in rural North Dakota. The project brought three existing schools under one roof.

“We have nothing but praise for Bergstrom Electric,” wrote Mark Lindahl, Barnes County North School Superintendent, in his endorsement. “Very easy to work with and excellent service. One of the best contractors on this building project.”

The Excellence in Construction awards program is the industry’s leading competition, developed to honor innovative and high-quality merit shop construction projects. The award honors all construction team members, including the contractor, owner, architect and engineer. The winning projects, selected from entries submitted from across the nation, were judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges overcome, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety and cost.

A panel of industry experts served as the competition’s judges. This year’s panel included representatives from the Design-Build Institute of America, Engineering News-Record, the American Institute of Architects, and the National Association of Women in Construction, and representatives from higher education, among others.

Bergstrom had previously received a regional award for the project from ABC’s North Dakota/Minnesota Chapter as well as a Silver Level STEP Award “Safety Training & Evaluation Process” for the company’s achievements and ongoing efforts in the development of a quality safety program. Bergstrom Electric has been recognized as a leader in safety by their industry every year for more than 20 years.

www.bismarckmandan.com

Coaching Boys Into Men

The Adult Abused Resource Center (AARC) has begun implementing a violence prevention program in the middle schools and high Schools in Bismarck.

Called Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM), the program is designed to help athletic coaches inspire in their male athletes the importance of respect for themselves, others, and particularly women and girls. Statistically, 1 in 3 teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been physically hurt by their partner. This program helps build healthy relationships and prevent violence – stopping it before it even starts.

CBIM is a nationwide program that engages young male athletes, teaching them in a personal and direct way how to respect and behave towards girls and women.

The program starts with these athletes because they are often role models in their schools and communities.

Coaches have a unique relationship with their athletes and have numerous opportunities to teach young men that violence and abuse have no place in their relationships. Thanks to a grant from the North Dakota Consensus Council, AARC has hired Scott Howe, a former school administrator and coach, to work parttime with coaches with the support and guidance of Jim Haussler, Bismarck School District activities director.

Tim Gienger is chair of a men’s group that is part of an AARC-sponsored community task force on prevention called PULSE (People United for Living in Safe Environments). Gienger says the men’s group has promoted CBIM because members believe that young men and boys need more advice and guidance on how to grow into healthy men. “We know they are swamped with questionable messages in society today - from TV, friends, online, music and the movies.”

Stan Stelter, AARC development director and member of the PULSE men’s group, agrees. “Some messages tell them what it means to ‘be a man’ such as they have to be tough, in control and boss others around, including their girlfriends.”

Both invite men to join the task force as well as to take a stand in the community against the negative messages that promote male violence. Men are encouraged to contact Stelter at 222-8370 or stans@btinet.net about the men’s group or the CBIM program. Information about the program also is available online at www.CoachesCorner.org.

Bismarck Ground Round restaurant earns highest sales in the country Ground Round restaurant in Bismarck was recently recognized with a top franchise award at the annual Ground Round national convention in San Diego, CA.

The Bismarck Ground Round received the Peak Performer award, which recognizes the store with the highest sales in the country. Bismarck has held top sales in the country for Ground Round restaurants for 16 years in a row, and was named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in 2012.

“We’re grateful that our customers in Bismarck consider Ground Round a community gathering place,” says Classic Restaurants COO John Scharnweber. “Awards like this are not possible without our loyal customers, and our hardworking management and staff. This award is truly an honor. ”

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MARCO PURCHASES NEBRASKA COPIER COMPANY

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Marco, Inc., a leading technology services provider in the United States, announced today that it has purchased Better Business Equipment (BBE), a copier and printer company located in Omaha, Nebraska.

This purchase allows Marco to further expand its geographic footprint nationally and provide technical services in the state of Nebraska. This is the 12th acquisition that the company has completed over the past two and a half years. In October of last year, Marco purchased Illinois Valley Business Equipment in Peru, Bloomington and Peoria, Illinois.

Since 2009, the company has grown from 270 employees to over 890 employees and now has 42 locations nationally. Fifty-five percent of that growth has come through Marco’s existing customer base and forty-five percent has been through acquisitions.

“Our acquisition strategy is to buy similar companies in locations where Marco doesn’t already have a presence,” said Marco CEO Jeff Gau. “We look forward to continuing BBE’s commitment to satisfying their clients and expanding the business IT services we can offer them.”

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Odney’s North Dakota Tourism Print Campaign Wins District Silver ADDY

Odney’s work on the 2014 North Dakota Tourism fourcolor print campaign earned a Silver ADDY at the District 8 awards competition, qualifying it to compete for a national ADDY later this year. The print campaign earned Best of Show and a Gold ADDY at the statewide level in February.

“Odney has a talented team of creative people who work hard to deliver excellent advertising and marketing campaigns,” says Odney president Patrick Finken. “While our goal is always to drive results for our clients, we appreciate having the quality of our work recognized by our industry peers.”

North Dakota Tourism’s Legendary marketing campaign, which Odney has been part of for 14 years, was also recently recognized on Forbes.com as not only successful in recruiting travelers to the state, but also in having a strong halo effect that positively influenced people’s perceptions of North Dakota and its economic outlook.

The North Dakota AdFed chapter is one of 210 American Advertising Federation clubs nationwide and a member of District 8, which includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The district competition included all Gold ADDY winners from each state.

Gold and Silver ADDY winners on the district level are eligible for the national competition.

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Odney had previously earned a total of five Gold ADDYs, nine silver ADDYs and Best of Show during the statewide competition this year.

Odney’s work with North Dakota Tourism earned them a Silver ADDY Award.

I n N o r t h D a ko t a , yo u w o n ’ t f i g h t o ve r a t e e t i m e , j u s t w h o g e t s t o t e e o f f f i r s t .

S t a r t yo u r j o u r n e y a t L e g e n d a r y N D. c o m .

www.bismarckmandan.com

Forbes Profiles North Dakota Tourism’s Legendary Impact on the State’s Image

Forbes recently profiled research done by Longwoods International examining the impact North Dakota Tourism’s “Legendary” marketing campaign has had on the state’s economic development image. Research results showed that while the campaign has been successful recruiting travelers to North Dakota, its “halo effect” was also successful in improving the overall perceived image of the state, which can improve opportunities for economic development.

“While our primary goal has always been to bring nonresident travelers to North Dakota, we have also served as the state’s primary marketing agency sharing positive news and opportunities with people who may not otherwise know much about North Dakota,” said Sara Otte Coleman, director of the tourism division for the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

For those targeted by North Dakota Tourism’s marketing campaign, which mainly includes residents of Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, research proved their more positive views on multiple aspects of the state, such as: • A place to live? Yes, up 41%.

• A place to start a career? Yes, up 100%.

• A place to start a business? Yes, up 75%.

• A place to attend college? Yes, up 87%.

• A place to purchase a second home? Yes, up 113% • A place to retire? Yes, up 75%.

In fact, while North Dakota Tourism’s budget ranks 39th out of 44 reporting U.S. states, its return on investment has been exceptional at over $100 in visitor spending for every $1 spent on advertising. In total, visitors spent $3.6 billion in North Dakota in 2013.

That same year, North Dakota hosted 24 million visitors, which was an increase of 22 percent over 2011. Visitors to North Dakota have steadily increased throughout its ND Legendary marketing campaign, which began in 2002.

Tourism is the state’s third-largest industry, which includes hospitality, attractions, and events, shopping and dining. The industry is the fifth-largest employer and contributes the equivalent of $1,011 per household to the state economy.

This same research was repeated with similar results in North Carolina, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Tourism economics also did a similar study with Destination Marketing Association International, which documents the positive effects that destination marketing has on a region’s larger economy. Find more on this report at: http://www.destinationmarketing.org/ topics/economic-engine.

This unintended yet powerful impact means that public funding spent on tourism marketing is a multi-beneficial investment with the potential to bring additional private funds back to the state.

5th Anniversary Celebration May 30 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

(701) 323-3263

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

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Increase in Vehicle- Spring is hopping and Pedestrianfor Bismarck Train Incidents Public Schools

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released preliminary 2014 rail safety statistics revealing a continued increase in vehicle- and pedestrian-train incidents in North Dakota.

According to the FRA, vehicle-train collisions in North Dakota increased to 28 in 2014, compared to 27 the year prior. They reported four people were killed in these crashes, and an additional five people were injured.

Incidents involving persons trespassing on railroad tracks and property also slightly increased in 2014 with two deaths and four injuries, compared to two deaths and two injuries in 2013.

Mountrail County had the highest number of highwayrail incidents with six, followed by Ward County with five, Cass County with three, and Williams County with three.

“Educating a distracted public in order to reduce vehicle- and pedestrian-train incidents continues to be a challenge,” says North Dakota Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Peter Pomonis. “These statistics reiterate the importance of our message.”

Spring is the time for proms, track meets, getting ready for graduation, and enrolling in summer activities in our schools, Parks and Rec, or a myriad of other fine local youth organizations. But this spring, instead of winding down in May, BPS is ratcheting up several projects. Here are a few notes about our work: We recently rolled out improvements to PowerSchool so parents can more easily understand how their child is doing in school on a regular basis. There’s a handy “how to” video under the PowerSchool heading at www.bismarckschools.org/district/parents.

The state assessment in English language arts and math has been moved from fall to spring for students in grades 3 through 8 and 11. The Smarter Balanced assessment replaced the NDSA to determine what students know and can do, and whether they are on track to be college and career ready when they graduate. The new assessment is taken on a computer.

There are multiple choice questions and performance tasks so students can demonstrate their writing, research and analytical skills.

Few BPS students opted out of the state assessment. We will have our results back this summer. We expect a dip in proficiency as we begin this new assessment because it raises the bar and sets a new baseline score. To use a high jump analogy, if the requirement was to jump over a bar that was five feet off the ground last Spring and now it is six feet off the ground, it is likely fewer students will be able to successfully make the jump from five to six feet. First, they need to learn and practice the skillset for the new bar.

Due to growth, we must share space again and that means a few moves. The School Board gave administration the go ahead to place a portable at Highland Acres and leave those at Century High for next year. Current plans are to move a portion of our early childhood program into the Riverside building, and move South Central High School to the Career Academy.

The Adult Learning Center may come back to the Hughes Building, and a new English Language Learner Transition Center may also be created at Hughes.

32 | Chamber Connection

Some of these are temporary fixes until the community, led by the School Board, develops long term solutions for a projected enrollment increase of more than 2,300 students in the next five years. With school nearing an end, we plan to hold meetings on this topic in the fall.

www.bismarckmandan.com

University of Mary and NISC Announce Capstone Business Course

University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea announced a new capstone course in the Gary Tharaldson School of Business that will be taught by National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) President and CEO Vern Dosch and NISC employees.

“We are truly excited to have Vern and his team work with our students and teach from a book that humbly describes how to spark better business results, ” said Monsignor Shea. “This new capstone course is a perfect example of our university’s work to strengthen relationships between the business community, our students and our faculty.”

NISC is a nearly 50-year-old technology business built on the cooperative model. It started out providing software and IT services for three rural cooperatives a half-century ago, and has grown to 14 million end users in 49 U.S. states or territories, and in Canada. NISC has four locations and employs over 1,000 individuals in Mandan, ND; Lake St. Louis, MO; Cedar Rapids, IA; and Shawano, WI.

Dosch is an alumnus of the University of Mary as are 61 NISC employees, or 17 percent of NISC’s Mandan campus employee population. He says he hopes NISC employees will help students see what servant leadership looks like in a business setting and he wants students to better understand how shared values should guide good decision making.

“There is no question that the seeds of NISC’s servant leadership culture likely germinated on a hill overlooking the Missouri River, on a campus that prides itself in producing servant leaders,” Dosch said. “This partnership with the University of Mary is the right thing for us to do. It also provides our employees with an incredible opportunity to give back to our community in a unique way.”

Course schedules for the summer and fall semesters of 2015 are already finalized, so the NISC capstone course will be offered in the spring semester of 2016 and will provide three credit hours on successful completion.

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Kupper Automotive Helps to Increase Bismarck & Mandan School’s Library Resources Kupper Automotive held its third annual “$1K Reading Giveaway” Facebook promotion during the month of February, where Bismarck schools and Mandan schools competed for votes for their schools to receive $1,000 for books and e-books in their school’s libraries.

Bismarck Motor Company (BMC) hosted the competition for the Bismarck schools and Kupper Chevrolet-Subaru rallied the Mandan schools through social media.

Because of an extremely close battle for first place among the Bismarck schools, Bismarck Motor Company decided to reward both top schools. Staff from BMC presented the winner, Solheim Elementary, with a $1,000 check. Runner-up Sunrise Elementary, received a $500 check to use towards their reading program as an award for their over-and-above effort in this year’s promotion. St. Joseph’s School received the $1,000 for the Mandan area contest and has already planned out what they’re going to do with the donation and is excited to increase their library.

Kupper Automotive will hold the promotion again in February 2016.

Edgewood Village Spring Fling and Open House Edgewood Vista at Edgwood Village 3124 Colorado Lane, Bismarck Thursday, May 7, 2015 • 1:00pm - 5:00pm Exhibitors Include: Jewelry Candles Food

Home Decorations Cooking Products Cosmetics Crafts and MORE!

For more information call 701-751-5301 www.edgewoodseniorliving.com 34 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com

May Televised LIVE Government Meetings

Monday, 4th 5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission Monday, 4th 5:30 pm Mandan School Board (recorded) Tuesday, 5th 5:30 pm Mandan City Commission Monday, 11th 4:30 pm Mandan Park Board (recorded) Monday, 11th 5:15 pm Bismarck School Board Tuesday, 12th 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission Wednesday, 13th 5:15 pm Burleigh County Planning Commission Thursday, 14th 5:30 pm Morton County Commission (recorded) Monday, 18th 5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission Monday, 18th 5:30 pm Mandan School Board Tuesday, 19th 5:00 pm Mandan City Commission Thursday, 21st 5:15 pm Bismarck Park District Board Tuesday, 26th 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission Tuesday, 26th 5:30 pm Morton County Commission (recorded) Wednesday, 27th 5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission Thursday, 28th 3:30 pm Burleigh County Social Services Thursday, 28th 5:15 pm Bismarck School Board Meetings can be viewed LIVE (unless otherwise indicated) and are replayed several times on Government Access, cable channel 2. Government meetings are also available for online viewing (LIVE and Video on Demand) at www.freetv.org.

“Painting the Town Party”

Tuesday evenings will now host this event at Captain Freddy’s, on the beautiful Missouri River.

The Painting the Town Party is designed as an educational fun night out on the town for anyone. You leave with a finished piece of art, created by you. Local artist, Mahalia Mees, has years of experience in various painting techniques and has been working on a special series of acrylic paintings that she will instruct attendees on how to recreate. Attendees of the Painting the Town Party will be provided with all art supplies, and Captain Freddy’s will provide each person with a couple of beverages and appetizers for all to share.

The Painting the Town Party is held every Tuesday evening from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Captain Freddy’s 2500 Pirates Loop SE, Mandan, ND 58554.

Individuals and groups are welcome, space is limited.

Tickets are $45 and available on the website of any radio station noted below, just click on Painting Party in the What’s Hot navigation bar. Ticket fulfillment is handled by www.seizethedeal.com/cities/Bismarck.

Once your ticket is purchased, you are able to print out your ticket to bring to the Painting the Town Party.

Families Making the Difference

Have you ever thought about sharing life’s journey with a foster child?

Please consider becoming a foster parent!

PATH provides Child and Family Centered Services

www.pathinc.org

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Ask a Pro with with

Kristal Grinolds at

424 South 3rd Street #3, Bismarck, 58504 701-258-7895

Pat Brunelle and

with

at

at

3101 North 11th Street Bismarck, ND 58503 701-224-9521

Q: What is the best way to Q: Lately, I’ve been feeling apply makeup to conceal a little more depressed. my aging skin?

What, if anything, can I do to feel better?

A: One of the first places we see the signs of aging is in the eye area with fine lines, A: Depression can be a serious wrinkles and dark circles. The best way to conceal the wrinkles and dark circles is to use a concealer one to two shades lighter than your skin tone in a cream base.

Using a concealer brush, load the concealer on the brush. Make one swipe under each eye in the crease right above the orbital bone. Wipe any excess product off the brush. Use that same brush to blend the concealer until you can’t see where it starts or stops. Once the concealer is completely blended, follow with a foundation that is powder-based.

Liquid foundation will settle into the fine lines and wrinkles making them appear more prominent and can actually make them deeper.

To keep the eye area as well as the face looking its best, be sure to hydrate and get plenty of rest.

Dr. Dufan

Jenn B., Pharm.D

condition if left untreated. By trying to tough it out, you may potentially increase your risk of recurrent episodes that might be more severe than the last.

Talking with a mental health provider or your primary care physician would be your best option especially if you feel you are getting worse or have been feeling ‘stuck’ for a while. Together you can discuss treatment options that you both can feel comfortable with.

If your doctor decides to prescribe a medication adding regular exercise, consistent sleep patterns and a healthy diet will certainly increase your chances of improvement. In regards to potential side effects, it is important to remember that there are several different classes of medications and you may tolerate one better than another. As long as the side effects are tolerable and your symptoms don’t get worse, try to be patient. The full effect of anti-depressant can be seen after four to six weeks. Your body may also adjust to the therapy and side effects may fade. Don’t wait the start the conversation with your provider. Make TODAY the day you choose to improve your mental health!

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

Q: May is Skin Cancer Awareness month: Is skin cancer very common?

A: YES! Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. In fact, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in the United States each year!

There are three different types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma.

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common forms of skin cancer, and are easily treated if detected early.

Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-25 years old.

Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 50 Americans will develop melanoma in their lifetime.

How can I reduce my risk of skin cancer?

Since exposure to ultraviolet light is the most preventable cause of all skin cancers, we encourage everyone to do the following: •

protect their skin by applying sunscreen SPF 45+

• • •

36 | Chamber Connection

seek shade when outdoors

wearing protective clothing

limit time in the sun during the peak sun hours of 10:00am - 2:00pm

www.bismarckmandan.com

Ask a Pro with

with

at

at

Chad moldenhauer

Jeff Wetzel

with

Tammy LappHarris at

3300 Chisholm Trail, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-220-1821

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

Q: How do I select a builder?

A: Our community is filled with quality

Q: How can I reduce the risk of Q: Home Appraisal vs. employee injury?

Assessment: What is the Difference?

A: One valuable tool to reduce injuries is a job function analysis (JFA). A certified A: An appraisal is something you pay

home builders which can make it difficult to narrow down the options. The best first step is to find builders who share your tastes and build in your target price range. It is important to be realistic with your expectations because each price range will have different build quality and allowances.

Research is essential when deciding on a builder because it only takes a five line explanation of qualification and $300 to gain a contractor’s license in our state.

Ask about the builder’s reputation in the community, read recommendations, have builders provide the contact information of their last five clients and tour the builder’s current projects. Subcontractors do a fair amount of the work on a home which makes it also important to make similar inquiries about a builder’s subcontractors and suppliers.

A builder’s level of organization will keep the project flowing smoothly and utilizing tools for tracking the budget as well as scheduling milestones should keep things progressing. Modifications are pretty common on custom home, which makes it is also important to know what the builder’s policy is regarding change orders or additions to the work initially contracted. Finally, keep in mind that you will be tied to your builder through the home build and warranty process so it is ideal for your personalities to complement each other.

120 W Thayer, Bismarck, 58501 • 701-751-6378

injury prevention specialist performs a JFA for. An assessment is something the onsite, by following an employee as he or government does, whether you want them she performs daily activities. to or not.

The specialist will analyze or quantify An appraisal typically is ordered by a the job demands. For instance, if there home buyer’s mortgage company to is lifting required, the specifics are confirm that the value of a home matches measured. The worker must lift from the the value on the mortgage application. floor 30 pounds, carry the weight 20 feet A bank doesn’t want to give you a home and place it on a shelf at 36 inches. Each loan that far exceeds the actual value of a demand is measured and documented in house. this fashion, identifying the essential job Homeowners will sometimes pay for an functions. appraisal if they’ve made improvements How someone performs the job and the to their home. This helps document the frequency is also observed. This may be new, increased value and makes it easier how the employee lifts, bends, climbs, to qualify for a home equity loan. pushes and repeats movements. The The government – usually the city or observation and analysis may reveal lack county in which your home is located of training, lack of equipment or identify – assesses the value of your home to demands that are simply too heavy. determine how much property tax you’ll pay.

The JFA will show you why you have a high-injury occurrence, or why you do not. If you are interested in seeing what your It will help address training opportunities home could be listed for in today’s market, and/or ergonomic changes. The JFA can contact me for a FREE Current Market be used to write your job description and Analysis on your home. create a job function test. The test can be used to screen new employees and assist with return-to-work issues. v Overall, the JFA is one of the best options to identify and reduce injuries. The analysis provides information that can be used in many different applications, which ultimately reduces injuries, improves job efficiency and keep employees working and safe.

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Nelson Named Top Advisor in State for Fourth Consecutive Year

Troy Nelson of Edward Jones has been ranked the No. 1 financial advisor in North Dakota for the fourth consecutive year in Barron’s magazine’s annual listing of “America’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, State by State,” which Tollefson Named Troy Nelson recognizes the top 1,200 Patient Access/ advisors in the country. The Preadmissions 2015 ranking appeared in the Feb. 23 issue of the Manager magazine.

Andrea Tollefson was Nelson’s office, one of 12 Edward Jones offices in recently named patient access Bismarck, is located at 1701 Burnt Boat Drive. He and and preadmissions manager his branch team – Senior Branch Office Administrators Andrea Tollefson at CHI St. Alexius Health. In Terry Krenz, Sharon Dorner and Linda Volk and Branch 2012, Andrea started her career Office Administrator Laura Lohstreter and can be with the organization as a process improvement reached at 701-255-1196. coordinator. In May of 2014, Andrea was promoted to the support staff supervisor for the specialty New Technical clinics and telecommunications. In her new role, Research Specialist at Andrea will manage the patient access department, Bismarck Aero Center preadmissions, telecommunications and central scheduling.

Maggie Hendrickson joins Andrea studied business and management at Bismarck Aero Center (BAC) as University of North Dakota and Northland Community a third generation pilot. She and Technical College. For seven years prior to joining Maggie Hendrickson graduated with honors from CHI St. Alexius Health, Andrea was a patient access the University of North Dakota supervisor for a hospital and medical center in (UND) in 2013 with a Bachelor Phoenix, Ariz. of Science in the field of Aeronautics with a double major in Air Traffic Control and in Norwegian.

Ellison Named Advisor of the Month Since graduating, Hendrickson has worked with UND as a Graduate Associate in the Air Traffic Control

Securian Financial Advisors Tower Department and with the City of Bismarck as of ND, Inc. is pleased to a 911 Dispatcher. In her new role as BAC’s Technical announce that Bruce Ellison Research Specialist, Hendrickson will be responsible has been named Advisor of the Month for February. Bruce for conducting all Airworthy Directive research, creating log entries, work order entries, process has been a Financial Advisor improvements and assisting the maintenance with Securian since December department with other technical data projects. In Bruce Ellison 2013 and is located at 4431 addition, Hendrickson has also agreed to help out Memorial Highway in Mandan. with CSR duties in the flightline department.

TR#1095036, DOFU: 2-2015.

Gienger Named Retail Banking Manager

American Bank Center is pleased to announce that Mandy Gienger has been selected as the Retail Banking Manager. Gienger has been Mandy Gienger with American since April 2010 and has more than 12 years retail banking experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota and is a 2014 graduate of Dakota School of Banking.

Eide Bailly Technology Consultants Receive NetSuite ERP Certification

Regional CPA and business advisory firm Eide Bailly LLP congratulates Daniel Capener, Paul Clark, Dan Milne and Jeff White on becoming NetSuite Certified ERP Consultants.

Erhardt Joins CornerStone Bank

Lane Erhardt has joined Cornerstone Bank as a fulltime Mortgage Loan Processor I at our Bismarck South Branch. Erhardt comes to us with over six months of mortgage experience. Cornerstone Bank is in the process of merging with Lakeside State Bank and McKenzie County Bank, all North Dakota Community Banks, making Cornerstone an over $800 million bank holding company.

Missouri River Pages Welcomes Johnson

Kelsey Johnson was hired as a Web Design and Internet Marketing Specialist for Missouri River Pages, An Arvig® Company. Johnson earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Communications and Marketing from Minnesota Kelsey Johnson State University Moorhead. She recently earned her Google AdWords Certification.

Make a difference in the community you live in.

Find a remarkable career with HIT! - Competitive Wages - Great Benefits -

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HITcareers.org 2640 Sunset Drive NW • Mandan, ND 701-663-0379 38 | Chamber Connection

www.bismarckmandan.com Messmer Appointed Interim President at CHI St. Alexius Health

Joseph Messmer has been appointed interim president of CHI St. Alexius Health effective April 16, 2015. Messmer has more than 30 years of experience as a health care executive and currently serves as the interim president for CHI Joseph Messmer Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake, and just prior to that served in the same capacity at CHI St. Gabriel’s Health in Little Falls, MN. In addition, Messmer has performed the duties and responsibilities of the interim president of CHI’s St. Mary’s Healthcare Center in Pierre, SD and the Gettysburg Medical Center, Gettysburg, SD. Messmer was the president and CEO for Mercy Medical Center in Nampa, Idaho from 1996 to 2010.

Messmer has served on a number of state, regional and national professional boards and local service and community organizations. He has a proven record of leadership, producing bottom-line results with limited resources while improving the quality of care as well as patient and employee satisfaction.

A native of Kensal, ND, Messmer received his Masters of Business Administration from Boise State University and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of North Dakota.

Weninger Named New Business Banking Officer

American Bank Center is pleased to announce Justin Weninger as our new Business Banking Officer in our Bismarck office. Weninger is a graduate of the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Justin Weninger Management and Airport management. Weninger has several years of experience working in the financial industry as a Credit Analyst, Personal Banker and Business Banker, most recently working for the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions.

Ripplinger Joins Cornerstone Bank

Bird Achieves Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisor Status

Kristy Ripplinger has

Joel Bird has become an joined Cornerstone Bank as Ameriprise Financial Private a full-time Customer Service Wealth Advisor. Bird, with an Representative/Teller I at office in Bismarck, ND is one of Bismarck North. Ripplinger approximately 10 percent of Kristy Ripplinger comes to us with eight years of the nearly 10,000 Ameriprise customer service experience. financial advisors to achieve this Cornerstone Bank is in the process of merging with status.

Joel Bird Lakeside State Bank and McKenzie County Bank, all

Bird is part of Legacy North Dakota Community Banks, making Cornerstone Financial Partners, a financial an over $800 million bank holding company. advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisors provide personalized client service and are dedicated to UND Appoints New Director meeting the complex and unique financial needs The University of North Dakota College of of their clients. To become eligible for this status, Business and Public Administration has named David advisors must be experienced in serving affluent K. Martin to be the next director of the North Dakota clients, maintain high client satisfaction scores, Small Business Development Center (N.D. SBDC). complete specialized training and achieve superior Martin, a longtime business and community business results. leader with the Chamber of Commerce of Fargo As an Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisor, Bird is Moorhead where he served as public affairs director focused on providing advice and financial solutions and president & CEO, will begin his duties at the N.D. for clients with high asset levels. He is knowledgeable SBDC effective on Monday (Feb. 2). He most recently on a variety of topics and strategies including was vice president of community relations with retirement, tax and estate planning, insurance and Grafton, N.D.-based Choice Financial Group, where he asset management. primarily focused on community relations, business development and the company’s national health Fireside Office Solutions Earns savings accounts program.

As director of the N.D. SBDC, Martin will work out Re-Certification Fireside Office Solutions has been re-certified as of the N.D. SBDC’s locations in Bismarck, Fargo and at UND in Grand Forks. Martin takes the helm of the a Service Solution Provider by Kyocera Document premier source for small business assistance in North Solutions America for the 12th consecutive year.

The certification represents Kyocera’s highest level Dakota, helping individuals start, manage and grow of technical and solutions expertise. their own businesses.

Schwab Named Executive Director of PrimeCare Select, Clinically Integrated Network, ACO

Van Sickle Elected National Board Chair

The Alliance for Community Media (ACM) is pleased to announce Mary Van Sickle, executive director of Dakota Media Access, Bismarck, North Dakota was voted in by the board of directors to replace Jon Funfar for the duration of his Mary Van Sickle one-year term. Van Sickle has New Roles At Aspen Group been on the Board since 2013

Scott Ritter, Commercial and most recently held the position of chair-elect.

Realtor®/Partner of the Aspen She has worked as the Executive Director of Group, has received his broker’s Dakota Media Access (DMA), which serves the areas license. He joined the Aspen of Bismarck and Mandan North Dakota, since 2000.

Group which specializes in Van Sickle also serves on the Advisory Committees commercial real estate in the for Mass Communications at Bismarck State College fall of 2010. and the Art Marketing Department at United Tribes Scott Ritter Michael Ilse, Commercial Technical College. Prior to DMA, she worked in a Realtor®/Business Broker variety of marketing and non-profit management Associate of the Aspen Group, positions. has become a partner of the As the chair of the ACM Midwest Region Interim Aspen Group. He specializes in Board, Van Sickle serves as the Midwest Region the leasing, selling and buying representative to the national ACM Board of Directors. of commercial real estate and Van Sickle succeeded Funfar when he made the businesses. He joined the decision to step down from his position as board chair Aspen Group in January 2010. after recent changes in his professional workload reduced his availability for chair responsibilities. He Michael Ilse will continue to serve on the board by taking over Van Sickle’s chair-elect position.

Julie Schwab was recently named executive director of PrimeCare Select Clinically Integrated Network Accountable Care Organization (ACO). As executive director, Julie will oversee the collaboration of services among physicians, hospitals, and other providers to deliver services focused on quality, performance, efficiency, and value to enhance the patient experience, improve the health of the population, and to reduce the cost of care. This involves initiatives that provide measurable results and ongoing evaluation of the improvement of clinical performance, reduction of unnecessary service utilization and management and support of high risk patients.

Schwab earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Additional Counseling.

Additionally, she holds a Masters of Nursing Administration and Masters of Management, and is a certified healthcare compliance professional.

Prior to joining PrimeCare Select, Schwab served as the director of medical service for the State of North Dakota’s Department of Human Services.

Julie Schwab

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CHI St. Alexius Health Announces OR Team Leads

Gunderson Promoted at Cornerstone Bank

Jeremy Gunderson has recently been promoted to Mortgage Loan Officer. He joined the bank in October 2013 as a Mortgage Loan Jeremy Gunderson Processor 1. Gunderson is a graduate of the University of North Dakota and has over two years of Mortgage experience.

Cassandra Hendrickson

Starion Employees Advance Careers

Three employees at Starion Financial have moved into new roles within the bank.

Darren Haugen has accepted the position of business banking officer/assistant vice president at the Mandan branch. In this position, Darren Haugen Haugen works with new and existing commercial customers to develop and manage loan portfolios by advising on business management, financial matters and other Starion services. He has been with Starion Financial since December 2000 as financial Corey Olson services manager. Haugen brings a strong knowledge of Starion customers as well as the Mandan community to the position. Haugen has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead and currently serves as a member of the Mandan Alicia VanBuskirk Renaissance Zone Committee and the North Dakota Bankers Association Services Board.

Corey Olson has been promoted to insurance agency manager/vice president. He joined Starion in 2013 as an insurance agent, working primarily on commercial insurance accounts. In addition to selling all lines of insurance, Olson will establish strategies for sales, new business development, account retention and referrals. He is a graduate of University of Mary with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has worked in the insurance industry for more than five years. Olson previously worked at Starion from 2007–2011, starting as a teller and advancing to an insurance customer service representative. He is located at the branch on North Washington Street in Bismarck.

Alicia VanBuskirk has accepted the position of personal banker and is located at the downtown Bismarck branch. As a personal banker, she is responsible for establishing and developing longterm banking relationships with consumer clients.

VanBuskirk, who has an associate degree from Normandale Community College (Minn.), joined Starion in March 2014 as an administrative assistant for the chief financial officer and other executives. She has more than six years of experience in the financial services industry.

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Hope Rademacher

Nicole Boman

Brittni Williams

Korissa Orvik

CHI St. Alexius Health has promoted seven medical professionals to team lead position in its operating room.

Cassandra Hendrickson, BSN, RN, with CHI St. Alexius Health was promoted to the RN team lead position for cardiothoracic, general/vascular, urology, ENT and maxillofacial surgeries. She started at CHI St. Alexius Health in 2006. Cassandra graduated from University of Mary with a degree in Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Blair Johnson, BSN, RN, is the new RN team lead for neurosurgery. Blair earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MedCenter One College of Nursing.

Hope Rademacher was hired in 2010. She now serves as the surgical tech team lead for neurosurgery. Hope is a certified surgical technologist and holds an associate degree from Bismarck State College.

The new surgical tech team lead for ENT, maxillofacial and plastics is Nicole Boman. Nicole joined CHI St. Alexius Health in 2008. She earned an associate degree and is a certified surgical technician.

Brittni Williams and Korissa Orvik are the surgical tech team leads for general/vascular, gastroenterology, and urology surgeries. Brittni earned associate degrees in applied sciences and applied arts and began working at CHI St. Alexius Health in 2008. Korissa joined CHI St. Alexius Health in 2010. She has an associate degree in applied science and is a certified surgical technologist.

Judy Berreth was named surgical tech team lead for cardiothoracic surgery. She joined CHI St. Alexius Health in 1990 and is a certified surgical technician.

Bismarck McDonald’s® Managers Recognized Among Best In The Nation

Dana Bryan

Duane Duttenhefer

McDonald’s General Managers Dana Bryan and Duane Duttenhefer of Bismarck are among the top 10-percent of General Managers across the country. McDonald’s is honoring Bryan and Duttenhefer with its Outstanding General Manager Award for their accomplishments in 2014.

Bryan managers the Expressway McDonald’s in Bismarck and started working with McDonald’s 29 years ago. Duttenhefer started with McDonald’s 21 years ago and manages the downtown Bismarck location.

Eide Bailly Technology Consultants Receive Cisco SMB Specialization

Regional CPA and business advisory firm Eide Bailly LLP congratulates Adam Hanel and Joseph Sornsin for attaining Cisco Specialization for Small and Midsize Business.

Hanel completed the required tasks to receive Cisco SMB Specialization for Account Managers; Sornsin completed the required tasks to receive Cisco SMB Specialization for Engineers.

New Employees at Dakota Eye Institute

Dakota Eye Institute recently hired Christine Ohlhauser and Brandi Cain to join its eye care team as ophthalmic technicians.

Ohlhauser and Cain perform initial screenings and preliminary eye function testing for patients prior to seeing the Christine Ohlauser doctor.

Ohlhauser is from Bismarck, N.D. She graduated from Aakers Community College as an Executive Administrative Assistant with an emphasis in the medical field and has 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Cain is also Brandi Cain a native to Bismarck, N.D. and has earned an AAS degree in Multimedia Technology, digital design and animation.

Credit Collections Bureau Announcements Judy Berreth

Bianco Realty Sales Awards

Bianco Realty has named Shirley Thomas and Judy Maslowsi Associates of the Month. Shirley and Judy had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty for the month of March 2015.

Credit Collections Bureau announces that Jo Winefeldt has been named Employee of the Month for February 2015.

Matt Ray has been named Collector of the Month for March 2015.

Kristie Bauer has been named Client Services Representative of the month for March 2015.

www.bismarckmandan.com Torske Takes On American Trust President Role

Bremer Bank Promotes Reems to Market President in Bismarck

Bremer Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Brandon Reems to the Market President role in Bismarck.

In this role, he will have responsibility to manage all the activities of the market and staff.

Reems has been part of the Brandon Reems business banking team in Bismarck since Bremer opened the bank in 2011. Most recently, he served as the business banking team lead. Prior to moving to Bismarck, Reems was a business banker for Bremer in Fargo and before that he was a credit analyst. He earned the Best of Bremer recognition in 2013 for his sales accomplishments. Reems has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s Johnson Named Assistant Principle of business administration from North Dakota State

Lynnette Johnson, an English University in Fargo. teacher at Bismarck High School, will become an assistant principal there effective August EAPC Opens Office in Sioux Falls

EAPC Architects Engineers, an award winning 1. Johnson will replace Mary design consulting firm, has opened a branch office in Hill, who is retiring. Johnson Sioux Falls, SD. has worked at BHS for seven years.

She has a BA in English EAPC President and CEO Alan Dostert said they are Lynnette Johnson Education from North Dakota excited to bring their services and expertise to Sioux State University, a Master of Arts Falls. “Sioux Falls is a thriving, vibrant community of in Education degree from Valley City State, and will which we are happy to be part of and we look forward complete her principal credentials in May. to working with businesses who seek our design services. It is our distinct pleasure to bring 48 years of experience to Sioux Falls and the surrounding regions New Health Coach of South Dakota.”

Director at Sanford Health Leap Chear, architect and employee of EAPC for nine years, is the office manager for the downtown

Stacey Will, a registered Sioux Falls office. nurse, has been promoted to health coach director at Sanford Starion Financial, Thiery Honored Health. In this new role, she Stacey Will with Housing Awards will manage Sanford’s health coaches and continue to work Starion Financial and Dean with patients who have chronic illnesses and diseases Thiery were recognized for and monitor their progress and medications. Will also exemplary work by the North works with Sanford Medical Home. Sanford Medical Dakota Housing Finance Home is an innovative approach to care that focuses Agency (NDHFA) at its statewide on the whole patient, not just one aspect. This is housing conference held in especially important for patients with chronic illness, Bismarck. because they receive care from multiple specialists, Starion earned the 2014 Dean Thiery services and therapists. Will has been with Sanford Champion of Affordable Health for 15 years.

Housing Financial Institution Award from NDHFA. This award recognizes the work of United Tribes Technical College Hires individuals, non-profit organizations, public agencies and private housing developers or providers who New Head Coach have made exceptional contributions to affordable The United Tribes Thunderbirds will be under new housing in North Dakota. Factors that contributed to coaching leadership for the 2015-16 season. Pete Starion earning the award were increased production Conway, a well-known figure in Native and Montana year-over-year, loan quality, loan performance and college basketball, is the new head men’s basketball NDHFA staff nominations. Starion also received the coach at UTTC. recognition in 2007.

Conway is an enrolled citizen of the Blackfeet Thiery, mortgage banking officer/AVP, was Nation in Montana. He previously coached at Little Big recognized with the 2014 Champion of Affordable Horn College, Crow Agency, MT. Housing Loan Officer Award. NDHFA annually During three seasons at Little Big Horn, Conway recognizes lenders based on participation in NDHFA’s recorded the most wins in school history and guided homeownership programs and on participation in the team to its first-ever appearance in the prestigious locally-sponsored affordable housing projects and Region IX Tournament of the NJCAA. events.

The board of directors for American Trust have appointed Kathy Torske as the President of American Trust Center along Kathy Torske with her current CEO role.

Torske started with American in May of 2005 as an Administrative Officer; she became the Safety and Soundness Officer in 2009 and was promoted to the CEO of ATC in 2011. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fiduciary and Investment Risk Specialist. Torske holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting & Business Administration from Dickinson State University and has been with American for ten years.

United Tribes Techenical College Welcomes New Employees

United Tribes welcomes the return of Wes Long Feather as director of the college’s Human Resource Department. Wes was a leadership figure in UTTC’s Administration and HR departments from 2003 to 2010. He served in the administration and personnel dept. of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and in public relations at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Dakota before returning to the college in January. As head of HR, he’s now involved in building success into the college’s workforce and professional staff, a job he is familiar with.

Congratulations to Lisa Azure, the new United Tribes Vice President of Academic Affairs. She taught at UTTC for 21 years, starting at the elementary level at TJES and moving to postsecondary teaching in the field of Early Childhood Education. Her post-graduate work was at the University of North Dakota, where she earned a PhD in Teaching and Learning.

Congratulations to Kathy Johnson who was named UTTC’s Vice President of Student Services. Kathy has been at UTTC since 2004. She served as director of Enrollment Services, supervising admissions, financial aid, registration, recruitment, and career development.

She served as Associate VP of Student and Campus Services and interim vice president of that division in 2014. Her work now focuses on providing direct services through more than one-dozen departments to United Tribes students who come from tribal communities all across the United States.

Bill Gourneau has returned to United Tribes as the college’s Vice President of Campus Services. He formerly directed the college’s Tribal Analytics Institute in 2004. His work now involves supervising the personnel of nine departments that provide services to the campus properties and associated support service functions.

Congratulations to Charisse Fandrich on being named Executive Assistant to the United Tribes President. She served in that capacity on an interim basis over the past year. She came to United Tribes in 2011 and served as Tribal and Community Development liaison in the college’s Development Dept. A Black Hills native and Sicangu Lakota enrolled at Rosebud, Charisse has an extensive background working with income and community development.

Please join in welcoming Mike Iken on his selection as the new Director of Community Wellness Services at United Tribes. He served in that capacity as interim director since July 2014, supervising the services provided in the college’s Lewis Goodhouse Wellness Center. He is a licensed social worker (LSW) and licensed professional counselor (LPC), and a University of Mary alumnus with a BS in Social Work and MS in Community Counseling.

Ulmer Named Branch Manager For American Bank Center

American Bank Center is pleased to announce that Marcus Ulmer has been named as the new Branch Manager for the Washington Center location in Bismarck. Ulmer has a bachelors degree in business Administration with a minor in Banking and Finance from Dickinson State University.

Chamber Connection | 41

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 Susie Kocourek at 701-223-5660 or email skocourek@bismancc.com.

Bender Auto Body Ethan and Megan Miller in their new location/expansion located at 3355 Saratoga Avenue in Bismarck. Phone: 693-6446.

Fully Alive coaching Karen Wolff in her new business as a life and business coach.

Phone: 426-0880. Member.

HH Gun shop Darryl & Troy Howard in their new location at 1021 South Washington in Bismarck. Phone: 223-4888. Member.

42 | Chamber Connection

Dynamic Cabinet Designs Mary Maier in her new business located at | 1840 Revere Drive in Bismarck. Phone: 751-2945

American Bank Center Stephanie Randall, Branch Manager located at 101 East Main in Mandan. Phone: 663-0299. Member.

Prairie Patriot Firearms Training Josette Severson in her new business located at 303 Airport Road in Bismarck. Phone: 214-1786. 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.

Holiday Inn of Bismarck 3903 State Street Bismarck, ND Joseph Dora (701) 751-8240 Full service Holiday Inn featuring: Restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, indoor pool and whirlpool, evening lounge service, banquet and meeting space.

USA Oil, LLC 1929 N Washington Street Suite GG Bismarck, ND Brenda Schafer (701) 255-2917 Landman services to include title and ownership research, surface and mineral agreements, abstracting, due diligence, DOTO schedules and decks, Division orders and more.

BisMarket Bismarck, ND Lori Martin Bismarket is your community farmers market by Shelter 5 in Sertoma Park. We provide local farm fresh foods, fresh cut flowers, kids activities, local eats and area music all in a green outdoor space.

Eclectic Charm 2000 Lovett Ave. Bismarck, ND Jan Colling (701) 751-6033 We bring together those looking to sell quality, preowned furniture & home decor; and those who want to purchase new & exciting furniture and home dĂŠcor. Also offer home staging & redesign services.

Chamber Connection | 43

Bismarck-Mandan ChamberConnection 1640 Burnt Boat Drive P.O. Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502

Upcoming Chamber Events MEMBERSHIP MIXER: MCQUADE DISTRIBUTING CO., INC. Date: 5/14/2015 • Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: McQuade Distributing - 1150 Industrial Dr, Bismarck

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN GRADUATION

Date: 5/20/2015 • Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Baymont Inn & Suites - 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan

The Chamber Golf Scramble Monday, June 8, 2015 Apple Creek Country Club Registration - 10:30am Shotgun Start - 11:30am

FRIDAYS AT THE CHAMBER

Date: 6/5/2015 • Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location: Chamber Patio - 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

THE CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE

Date: 6/8/2015 • Time: 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Location: Apple Creek Country Club - 8912 County Rd 10, Bismarck

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: OPEN ROAD HONDA

Date: 6/11/2015 • Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Open Road Honda - 4120 Memorial Hwy, Mandan

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT CASINO NIGHT

Date: 6/19/2015 • Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Location: Mandan Eagles Club - 1400 Collins Avenue, Mandan

G LF

Scramble

Start planning your winning team or you can sign up individually and we will put you on a team.

Register for this event online www.bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar

Jeff Gau CEO Marco, Inc.

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