Say Yes to Your Local Lending Experts

Chamber Edc Staff

Maggie Byrd ...................................................Event Coordinator

Emily Eback ...Business Development & Marketing Coordinator

Ross Frohlich ............................................Membership Director

Mary Kempenich........................Workforce Marketing Specialist

Brenda Nagel .................................................President & CEO

Christine Nelson ..........................Vice President Sales & Events

Rebecca Pelkey .................................Communications Specialist

Julianne Sauvage ...................... Office and Accounting Manager

Lyndsey Scheurer .........................Creative Marketing Specialist

Nathan Schneider ................................................Vice President

Emily Seebold ................................................ Sales Coordinator

Cathryn Sprynczynatyk .....................Communications Specialist

Kelsey Wirt .......................Small Business Outreach Coordinator

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

Contact Information

We process small loans for local businesses and multi-million dollar loans for large corporations with the same quality of service and expertise. Our status as a large community bank helps us offer the best of both worlds –the knowledge and expertise of a big financial institution and the customer service and attention to detail of a small community bank. With First International Bank & Trust, you’ll be able to Say Yes to Living First with banking solutions tailored to your needs, from business loans to direct deposits. No matter what stage your business is currently in, we can help you grow into your future. BANKING | MORTGAGE | INSURANCE* | TRUST & INVESTMENTS*

This month’s edition of the Connection is all about talent-more specifically, new talent!

This month’s Connection features the second annual Chamber EDC ‘20 Under 40.’ While workforce availability is always at the top of our list of concerns, it’s important to recognize the new talent we have around Bismarck-Mandan and to highlight the contributions our young professionals make to our local economy. While programs like 20 Under 40 aren’t necessarily new, it is still relatively new to us and it gives us a chance to use our biggest microphone (the Connection) to tell the world about some incredible young professionals.

When we put our initial call for nominations, you all did not disappoint. We had more than 60 unique nominations that were then scored by a panel of three judges from the Chamber EDC and Bismarck Mandan Young Professionals Network. You can now read more about all of those 20 individuals who were selected in this month’s Connection and I know you’ll be inspired and encouraged by their stories.

Speaking of new talent, we’re privileged to announce a new addition to the Chamber EDC.

Last month, Brenda Nagel started as the Chamber EDC’s new President & CEO and we’re beyond excited to welcome her to the team. For the past two decades, Brenda has been a dedicated Chamber EDC volunteer serving as Board Chair, Local Issues Committee Chair and Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Steering Committee Chair. Combined with her professional experience, most recently as the University of Mary’s Vice President for Public Affairs, Brenda’s skills and commitment to relationships will serve her well in her new role as our President & CEO.

Brenda’s first day in the office was July 17 and she’s hit the ground running. I sincerely enjoy working with her because of her passion, her energy and her genuine concern for our community. If you’d like to say hello or welcome her to her new role, I’d encourage you to do so by calling her at the office at 701-223-5660 or emailing her at bnagel@bmcedc. com.

We have a lot to be excited about both here at the Chamber EDC and in our community. Our organization only exists because of the support from you; our members. If there’s ever anything that you need or anything that we can help with, reach out and let us know.

Wendy Van Duyne, Chair Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

20 Under 40

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

Welcome to the 2023 edition of 20 Under 40. Honorees tell their stories in their own words, and at the beginning of each profile is a quote from that individual’s nomination. We accept nominations for 20 Under 40 throughout the year. If you know a driven, motivated young professional, nominate him or her at www.bismarckmandan.com/20under40.