October Connection

MEMBER PROFILE Dakota Carrier Network Pg. 8

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN Class convenes for 2019-2020 Pg. 12

2020 ANNUAL DINNER Keynote Speaker Announced Pg. 14

Connection OCTOBER 2019

WWW.BISMARCKMANDAN.COM

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT INSPIRING AND PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE TO SUCCEED

A BUSINESS PUBLICATION OF THE BISMARCK MANDAN CHAMBER EDC

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Molly Herrington ..................................................................Chair Brian Eiseman ...............................................................Vice Chair Val Weigel ......................................................................Secretary Kevin Strege ...................................................................Treasurer Ron Day ........................................................................Past Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Steve Bakken ......................................................City of Bismarck Scott Davis .........................................................City of Mandan Ron Day ............................................Marathon Petroleum Corp.

Brian Eiseman ...............................................Stoneshire Builders Heather Fried ....................State Farm - Fried Financial Services Molly Herrington ........................................................ Individual Chris Jones ...................................ND Dept. of Human Services Jim Peluso .........................................................Burleigh County Karl Lembke ......................................................Vaaler Insurance Wayne Munson ..............................................Bismarck Sign Co. Matt Sagaser ......................................................Doosan Bobcat Mike Schmitz ..Schmitz-Holmstrom Certified Public Accountants Cody Schulz ........................................................Morton County Scott Staudinger .............................................Cloverdale Foods Kevin Strege ................................................Capital Credit Union Tom Todd ................................................Northwest Contracting Wendy Van Duyne .....................Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Val Weigel ..............................Basin Electric Power Cooperative Lee Weisbeck ..........................................................Starion Bank

CHAMBER EDC STAFF

Brian Ritter ...................................................................President Ross Frohlich ............................................Membership Director Mary Masters .......................................Office Support Specialist Ryan Parsons ........................................................Vice President Shay Peterson ......................Membership Engagement Director Rebecca Rattei ................................ Communications Specialist Elliot Rust ................................................Chief Financial Officer Jaime Sabot ....................Workforce Development Coordinator Nathan Schneider ................................................Vice President Cathryn Sprynczynatyk .................. Communications Specialist Lyndsey Scheurer ................................... Communications & ED

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

CONTACT INFORMATION Content Rebecca Rattei rrattei@bmcedc.com

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CONNECTION | PRESIDENT'S CORNER

iving in North Dakota, it’s a safe bet that you can start any conversation by talking about the weather. Lately however, that conversation has taken a more serious tone as our wet weather has impeded our area farmers’ ability to harvest their crop. For those of us who live in Bismarck-Mandan, that inability to harvest crop also has consequences because so much of the revenue generated by selling that crop ends up in our stores and restaurants. One of the means that we at the Chamber EDC use to help spotlight that impact is our Agriculture Committee who are hosting their annual Harvest Mixer on October 1 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm at Farm Credit Services in Mandan.

And that’s just the first of many events that we’re looking forward to this fall.

We’re also hosting a candidate training session on Thursday, October 24 from 9:00am – 4:00pm here at the Chamber EDC in partnership with the BismarckMandan Board of Realtors and Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association. The training session will cover information on what it takes to run for office, how to plan and budget for a race, how to raise money legally, how to leverage social media and many other topics. The cost is $25 and for more information, please contact the Board of Realtors at (701) 255-0712.

In addition, the 2019 State of the Cities will be held on Wednesday, November 13 at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center. This is an annual opportunity for the business community to hear directly from our community’s leaders on what’s happening in our community, what the public sector’s priorities are and more. Please make sure to register or reserve a table as this year, we’re going to be adding some new elements to the event and reconfiguring the format.

Finally, both our Student Leadership Network and Leadership Bismarck-Mandan will kick off this Fall and that’s important because these two programs represent key parts of the Chamber EDC’s continuum of leadership development. One of our primary missions is to develop future leaders for our community and we do that through a four step process, or continuum as we call it.

1. Area high school students can enroll in our Student Leadership Network (formerly the Student Chamber) 2. The Young Professionals (YP) Network is available to those members of our community between the ages of 21 – 39 3. Anyone interested in learning more about our community, and those things impacting it, can apply to join the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Program 4. And finally, those interested in elected or volunteer service are welcome to attend the aforementioned candidate training session I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events and as always, thank you for your continued support of the Chamber EDC!

Brian Ritter, President, Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC twitter.com/bismancedc facebook.com/bismancedc @bismancedc

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FEATURE | CONNECTION

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT:

INSPIRING AND PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE TO SUCCEED

By Kylie Blanchard, Clearwater Communications Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students in grades K-12 about financial literacy, college and career readiness, and entrepreneurship through hands-on programming. “The mission of JA is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy,” says Erin Hill-Oban, district manager, JA of the Upper Midwest – BismarckMandan. “We empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world.”

Shane Hafner, Securian Financial Advisors of ND, volunteers at Mandan Middle School.

Through the involvement of teachers and business volunteers, over 3,600 area students took part in the Junior Achievement program.

The JA program was established in 1949. In 1982, the Minneapolis and St. Paul chapters of JA merged to create JA of the Upper Midwest, Inc. The organization has since expanded to include Minnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin.

“Nearly twenty years ago, we were lucky enough to establish a strong partnership with the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce when they organized and led a satellite JA operation,” says Hill-Oban. “As demand for and participation grew in JA programs, the need to transition to an official district model, with designated staff and funding, was identified.”

In 2017, the program transitioned to its current independent model, she notes. “This model has served all our partners well, continuing the momentum and expansion started within the Chamber.”

LOCAL IMPACTS

During the 2018-2019 school year, JA reached a record number of students in Bismarck-Mandan. The program was in 178 classrooms, with the help of 150 teachers and 150 volunteers, and reached 3,690 students in elementary, middle and high school.

The JA elementary school programs include seven sequential themes for kindergarten through fifth-grade students to learn the basic concepts of business and economics and how education is relevant in the workplace.

The middle school programs teach students how to build strong personal finances by spending money within a budget, saving and investing wisely and introducing students to careers and career planning. High school students learn to make informed, intelligent decisions about their future and foster 21st century skills that continue to be in high demand in the business world.

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“No matter the grade level, JA helps prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace,” says Hill-Oban.

Nicole Hafner, 6th grade Successful School & Life Skills teacher at Mandan Middle School, says the JA program is valuable to her curriculum. “The program opens up the minds of students and exposes them to the limitless opportunities they have for success. They learn about a wide range of careers, post-secondary options, budgeting, and investing and they also begin the process of envisioning themselves as employers instead of just employees.”

Hafner was a JA volunteer prior to taking on her current teaching position. “Not only did JA remind me how much I love teaching, but it also motivated me to set my own class up for JA as soon as I started at Mandan Middle School. I can not imagine any reason not to expose kids to the rich and authentic curriculum JA has to offer.”

CONNECTION | FEATURE She says the curriculum is user friendly and encourages important conversations between students, teachers and volunteers. “JA highlights the value of individual strengths, skills and talents and it reinforces the importance of perseverance, resilience, determination and work ethic.”

“I highly recommend our local businesses continue to encourage their employees and administrators to spend time going into the classroom,” continues Hafner. “I hope teachers in the Mandan and Bismarck districts will open their classrooms to JA.”

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Since 2006, MDU Resources Group, Inc. has been supporting the JA program in Bismarck-Mandan through monetary support from its foundation and company volunteers. “As part of our commitment to Building a Strong America® we believe in growing and sustaining our future workforce and leaders of our companies,” says Cory Fong, director of communications and public affairs.

“Supporting programs like JA is a great way to develop our youth, help them become career ready, and expose them to our business and industries, along with the other key businesses and industries that drive our local and state economy.”

Fong says involvement in JA has a positive impact on the youth, the community and the company, and MDU’s involvement in the program extends to several states where the business actively operates. “It promotes youth development and leadership, it promotes future workforce development by getting our youth career-ready, and for your employees that participate or teach, it’s a fantastic professional development tool,” he notes.

“When individuals serve as classroom volunteers, whether they’re early in their professional experiences in the public or private sectors or newly retired from a long, successful career, they commit to partnering with a local teacher, coordinate their work schedules with the students’ classroom schedules, come in prepared to lead each lesson in front of a classroom of students, and leave the experience more personally and professionally fulfilled,” adds Hill-Oban.

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FEATURE | CONNECTION John Berger, who recently retired from Marathon Petroleum Corporation in Mandan after 34 years, has been a JA volunteer for 20 years. “The JA program has provided me with the opportunity to get into the classroom and share some of what I have learned with students. The experience is energizing, and I am always inspired by their enthusiasm,” he says. “It is a rewarding and valuable investment of time.”

He says the JA instructional Curtis Peterson, Mortgage Banker with Bremer Bank, connects with students at Legacy High School. As materials provide flexibility Junior Achievement continues to evolve, they will look for opportunities to engage students at the middle and ease when going into a school and high school level. classroom setting. “You can adapt and inject your own FUTURE OUTLOOK experiences into the concepts being taught,” he notes. “I Hill-Oban says the program primarily serves elementary would encourage employers to provide their employees students, but it continues to gain popularity in the middle with the opportunity to volunteer with JA. It is a great and high schools. “In January 2018, for the first time in this way for employees and employers to give back to the community, JA implemented programs at the high school community and help our young people be successful in level.” the future.”

“I was blessed that, over the years, my employers and managers with Tesoro, Andeavor and Marathon Petroleum Corporations allowed me to serve as a JA volunteer,” Berger continues. “They also saw the value of JA and the difference it can make for students and volunteers.”

“JA’s unique approach bridges the education and business communities by utilizing volunteers from the community to deliver our curriculum,” notes Hill-Oban. “Our volunteers transform key concepts from easy-to-follow lesson plans into a message that inspires and employs students to believe in themselves, showing them they can make a difference in the world.”

The JA Company Program was implemented at Legacy and St. Mary’s Central high schools, and provided students the ability to launch a business venture and use their entrepreneurial spirit through a semester long experience.

This year, the Company Program also expanded into Bismarck and Century high schools.

“JA has a proven impact with the students of those teachers who opt to participate in the programs,” says Hill-Oban. “Based on tracking data and local and national surveys, our JA alum have significantly more economics and business knowledge, a greater sense of comprehension of concepts and skills needed to be successful in the workplace, a greater sense of personal economic empowerment, a greater respect for the role government plays in the economy, a greater understanding of the importance of staying in school, and a more realistic understanding of the connection between post-secondary education and career pathways.”

“Entrepreneurship is a word some kids may not hear outside of the Junior Achievement curriculum,” continues Hafner. “This generation of kids is unbelievably rich with potential and possibility. It’s our job to build their confidence and encourage their passion to grow up as positive, contributing members of society.”

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MEMBER PROFILE | CONNECTION

With over 40,000 miles of fiber throughout North Dakota, DCN serves over 164,000 residents, businesses and government clients.

Photo Credit: Ben Gumeringer

Seth Arndorfer DAKOTA CARRIER NETWORK Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within your business.

A: I’m Seth Arndorfer, and I was named the CEO of DCN in August 2013 by our Board of Governors. Our board is comprised of DCN’s 14 Owner companies, which provide broadband and internet services to rural subscribers across North Dakota.

As DCN’s CEO, I oversee our company’s operations, financials, human resources, sales, and marketing, ensuring we’re rowing in the same direction so that we can continue to provide premium broadband, data center, and technology services to North Dakota businesses, government, and wireless carriers.

Q: Briefly tell us the history of DCN. A: DCN was formed in 1996 by 15 independent telephone companies, which are known today as broadband service providers. Their vision was to create a shared statewide network – DCN – that would enable the delivery of broadband and internet services to North Dakotans – services that enable North Dakotans to connect with each other, to businesses, to government, to schools and higher education institutions, and anything else online.

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MEMBER SINCE 1999 After DCN was established and consistently achieved 99.999% network uptime, our board directed us to sell wide area network (WAN) products to businesses and government with single locations in Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks, or two or more locations across the state. In this scenario, DCN serves as the single point-of-contact for the customer, often leveraging our Owners’ fiber to reach a business’s or government’s location. Ultimately, it streamlines customers’ networks, saving them time and allowing them to focus on other technology needs within their organizations.

Today, though our WAN products remain popular, we’ve expanded our product and services offerings to include dedicated internet, cloud services, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and co-location in our state-of-the-art data centers in Bismarck and Fargo.

DCN’s unique ownership structure is one other states would like to replicate because of its success. Collectively, we have over 40,000 miles of fiber in North Dakota soil, serve over 164,000 residents, businesses, and government, and invested over $1 billion in the last 10 years in fiber optic infrastructure in our state.

We’re grateful for our founding board members as well as our current board members who help provide the strategic direction for our continued growth.

CONNECTION | MEMBER PROFILE Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted DCN? A: As a network services provider for business and government, the economic growth, including the opening and expanding of many local businesses, in BismarckMandan has given us the opportunity to serve even more organizations. This growth has increased the amount of bandwidth our network needs to provide, the number of fiber builds we complete each year, and the total square footage of our data center facilities, which are all metrics that demonstrate how critical connectivity and technology are for businesses today.

Q: What trends are taking place in your industry?

A: From a network standpoint, the industry is trending toward connecting everything – watches, appliances, tractors, vehicles, etc. – to the internet, commonly referred to the internet of things or IoT. This increases the amount of bandwidth individuals consume, which for DCN, means we need to increase the bandwidth, or capacity, of our network so it can haul the added traffic. We continuously monitor our network’s throughput, which is the amount of data it processes, to watch for increased traffic patterns so that we stay ahead of the curve with upgrades. This ensures traffic on our network always has an open highway to travel, which improves the experience for end users.

Another trend taking place is the exponential growth in cellular activity, making it critical for wireless carriers to increase their network capacity. DCN has supported, and continues to support, this growth by installing approximately 100 small cells, compact cellular towers, across North Dakota to help carriers meet the growing demand for capacity. For example, we installed several small cells in 2018 on BSC’s campus to help improve the wireless experience for students and faculty.

Additional trends include the physical and virtual protection of data, which DCN helps our customers achieve by offering co-location in our data centers, and cybersecurity services.

Our hardened Tier III data centers feature multiple layers of physical security controls, including keycard and biometric verification and closed-caption video monitoring, as well as environmental controls such as humidity, temperature, fire suppression and the ability to withstand up to 200 mph F4 tornado-force winds. We also offer industry leading high-availability firewall solutions and DDoS protection for customers to incorporate into their multi-layer cybersecurity programs.

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

A: Our world becomes increasingly more wireless each year, and DCN has had to adapt to support this growing demand for, ultimately, ubiquitous wireless connectivity. In addition to upgrading our network node equipment, the equipment that transmits packets of data across our fiber, to enable greater wireless capacity, we’ve installed small cells and, with the help of our Owners, put even more fiber in the ground.

This last point about installing more fiber, the physical wires, to support wireless activity gets a lot of people asking questions. Though an experience may feel 100 percent wireless to a user, it’s not. A cell phone carries data wirelessly to the nearest cellular tower, but when it hits the tower, that data jumps onto a fiber to get to its destination. For this reason, installing more fiber further supports users’ wireless needs today and into the future given fiber’s high-scalability properties.

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

A: Our future will consist of continued network growth as well as that of our product and services offerings – and even the expansion of our buildings! Next year, the addition to our Bismarck building which will be used to house the Central Dakota Communications Center (CenCom) will be complete, giving their employees a secure, hardened facility to receive and dispatch emergency communications.

The future of the industry is providing higher capacity, faster wireless services, and evolving network configurations and security. DCN is watching these trends closely, and we’re honored to serve the businesses and government that are on the forefront of providing and implementing these services.

Q: DCN became a member in 1999, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: We continue to renew each year because being a Chamber EDC member allows us to connect with the best of the best of the community through the different networking events hosted by the CEDC. Q: What should other Chamber EDC members know about DCN that may assist them?

A: We welcome members to schedule a tour of DCN so they can better understand what happens within the walls of our giant gray building on 43rd and Coleman, just south of the new Cash Wise, and how it affects them, their business, and the state of North Dakota.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | CONNECTION

Let’s show the world what we can do together.

Day by day. Project by project.

Together we’re renewing infrastructure and keeping the world in business.

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

The NPCC has access to both Canadian Pacific and the BNSF railroads via the DMVW Railroad for those who utilize the facility’s rail spur. In addition, the truck route between Interstate 94 and the NPCC is considered a heavy haul corridor for those who move their freight by truck.

The companies that are utilizing the NPCC’s features include the very first tenant: Doosan Bobcat. Originally built over a decade ago, the company’s first building in the NPCC has grown and expanded into what is now a center for research & development known as the Acceleration Center. Other tenants who have since located in the NPCC, include: Northern Metals Recycling, Missouri Basin Materials, Tubular Transport & Logistics, Old Dominion, Cintas, Pulse USA and Traffic Safety Services.

Those developments leave approximately 50 acres of developable property remaining in the NPCC. This available property, in addition to other available industrial property across Bismarck-Mandan, is one of the advantages we promote in our economic development marketing efforts.

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CONNECTION | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MANDAN TOMORROW PLAN – ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY & PROSPERITY (EOP) COMMITTEE In 2009, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce launched a strategic planning process specifically for the City of Mandan. Joined by private businesses, Mandan citizens, the City of Mandan, Mandan School Board and Mandan Park Board, the Chamber investigated strategies to strengthen the community even further over the next 5 – 10 years.

REGISTER

A steering committee comprised of representatives of those organizations studied market research and received input through focus groups, individual interviews and nearly 900 survey responses with the result being a plan known as, “Mandan Tomorrow.”

To help implement the Mandan Tomorrow Plan, four committees were developed including one known as Economic Opportunity & Prosperity (EOP). The EOP Committee, with both City and Chamber EDC Staff serving as liaisons, is still going strong and is the driving force behind a number of community efforts designed to encourage business in Mandan.

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Two examples of this include Business StartUp 101 and the Mandan Business Pitch Challenge: • Business StartUp 101: Last month, the seventh annual Business Start-Up 101 was held in downtown Mandan where 55 attendees, presenters and sponsors first heard from a panel of business resources such as the IDEA Center, Dakota Business Lending, Lewis & Clark Development Group and more regarding what assistance exists for entrepreneurs in the community. This was followed by a panel of Mandan entrepreneurs such as Jim Mellon (Midway Lanes), Allan Miller (AnyLeaks & Old 10), Josette Severson (Prairie Patriot) and Melanie Lennie (Beyond the Bloom) sharing their experiences of starting a successful business in Mandan.

• Business Pitch Challenge: Next month, the second Business Pitch Challenge will take place. Local entrepreneurs will submit their business ideas in hopes of being named the winner and recipient of a prize package to be used in starting that business. Entrepreneurs submit a business plan which is ranked and scored with finalists then presenting their ideas in-person to a panel of entrepreneurs turned judges. The 2018 Business Pitch Challenge winner, Nordic Steel Building Systems, recently saw the first home constructed from its exterior wall system in Reno, Nevada.

nVision focuses on envisioning the future of technology while bringing together leaders from the region to collaborate, strategize and discuss new and hot topics in technology.

Register at: www.netcenter.net/nVision19 Follow #nVision19 on Twitter for more updates leading up to nVision!

These events and more hosted by the EOP Committee over the past few years are all designed to encourage economic growth in Mandan. Each year, the EOP Committee sets a course for which events will be held and then seeks support from area businesses to help ensure those events happen. The 2019 business education series also included the Downtown on Tap: Tour & Social and a Social Media Marketing Workshop.

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN CLASS OF 2020

Leadership Bismarck-Mandan enters its 30th year with a class of 18 professionals and emerging leaders from our community: Jennifer Anderson - KLJ Dallon Bitz - Security First Bank of North Dakota Jill Castleberry - Job Service North Dakota Taylor Daniel - Daniel Companies Nikki Ferderer - MDU Resources Group, Inc. Sara Haugen - Sanford Health Spencer Henke - NISC Will Hutchings - City of Bismarck Julie Jeske - American Bank Center Brandi Jude - Invisible Innocence Council Ashley Kittleson - Starion Bank Brent Kleinjan - United Tribes Technical College Dustin Leingang - High Point Networks Natalie Pierce - Morton County Sarah Rooney - Ameriprise Financial Nathan Schultz - HIT Inc. Benjamin Smith - Dakota Media Access Amanda Woidyla - Bank of North Dakota

The Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class of 2020.

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

STATE OF THE CITIES AROUND THE CORNER Join Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling and Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken for the 2019 State of the Cities event on Wednesday, Nov. 13th at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Bismarck from 7:00am - 9:00am.

New for 2019 is the inclusion of the Parks & School Panel.

In addition to receiving community insight from both mayors, the Parks & School Panel will provide an opportunity for attendees learn more of the parks, recreation and school developments within their district.

Following the mayoral presentations and the Parks & School Panel will be a Q&A session with both Mayor Bakken and Mayor Helbling.

Mayor Tim Helbling

Mayor Steve Bakken

The cost to attend is $30 for Chamber EDC members and $40 for general admission. Register online at bismarckmandan.com/events.

This is a great event to share with colleagues and we encourage you to reserve a table. For information on table sponsorships or for general inquires of the event, please contact Ryan at 701-223-5660 or rparsons@bmcedc.com.

Presenting Sponsor: Gold Event Sponsors: Sponsors:

BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®

Table Sponsors: Aetna, American Bank Center, Bank of North Dakota, Bismarck State College, BNC National Bank, Capital Credit Union, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, First Western Bank & Trust, Gate City Bank, HDR Engineering, Northern Improvement Company, Pearce Durick, Starion Bank, University of Mary, Wells Fargo Bank

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

SAMUEL ADAMS FOUNDER TO KEYNOTE 2020 CHAMBER EDC ANNUAL DINNER The largest event of the year is upon us! The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Annual Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Bismarck Event Center. We are excited to announce our keynote speaker, Rhonda Kallman co-founder of the Boston Beer Co. & Founder/CEO of Boston Harbor Distillery.

In the highly competitive beer industry, pioneer Rhonda Kallman stands alone. Rhonda Kallman always had whiskey in her blood—she took her first taste from her father’s whiskey and ginger at a very early age. At the young age of 24, Kallman cofounded the Boston Beer Company (BBC)— brewer of Samuel Adams—which quickly became one of the most successful craft breweries in the world.

Rhonda Kallman, co-founder of Boston Beer Co. & Founder/CEO of Boston Harbor Distillery, to keynote 2020 Chamber EDC Annual Dinner.

Join us for our black-tie formal event and celebrate the New Year with us! Formal invitations to follow, but it’s never too early to mark your calendar and pan your evening out. Reserve your table today! Contact Shay Peterson at speterson@bmcedc. com or 701-223-5660. Tickets can also be purchased at bismarckmandan.com.

Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsors: Dakota Community Bank and Trust, MDU Resources Group Table Sponsors: Capital City Construction, Capital Electric Cooperative, Consolidated Construction Company, Crowley Fleck, Bank of North Dakota, Bartlett & West Inc, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Baymont Inn & Suites, Bismarck Cancer Center, Bismarck Sign Co, Bismarck State College, Dakota Appraisal & Consulting, EMC Insurance, First International Bank & Trust, First Western Bank & Trust, Gate City Bank, KFYR-TV, KLJ, Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, MIDCO, National Information Solutions Cooperative, Odney, Starion Bank, U.S. Bank, University of Mary

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE? REGISTER TODAY FOR CANDIDATE TRAINING A candidate campaign training is being offered to anyone seeking public office presented by the Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors, Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC and Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association.

This is not the first time these organization worked together to host an event like this.

The training session covers information on what it takes to run for office, how to plan and budget for a race, how to raise money legally, how to leverage social media and many other topics.

“Events like this are important because there very well may be members of our community who have thought about seeking office, they just didn’t know where to start. This will give them that place,” said Chamber EDC President Brian Ritter.

The Candidate Training Session is scheduled on Thursday, October 24th from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC located at 1640 Burnt Boat Drive in Bismarck.

“We’re thrilled to co-op on this campaign training,” said BMHBA Executive Officer Dot Frank. “In fact, the HBA is proud to have one of its members, who attended the training, later seek and obtain a seat on the Bismarck City Commission,” Frank said in reference to BMHBA Board Member Greg Zenker.

“The Chamber EDC, Realtors, and Home Builders regularly share information and discuss common interests in bettering our communities and our state. Collaborating to sponsor this event is a perfect example of one of the ways that we do that,” Nancy Deichert, CEO, Bismarck Mandan Board of Realtors.

The cost is $25 and includes lunch. Anyone interested can register by calling the BMBOR at 701-255-0712.

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CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

COMMUNITY GATHERS FOR BRATS WITH THE BRAVE Roughly 425 BismarckMandan community members gathered on a special day to pay respect and show appreciation to the brave men and women who have sacrificed all and continue to protect.

Hosted at the RJ Bohn Armory, the 2019 Brats with the Brave was attended by more than 400 members.

A special thanks to the Chamber EDC Military Affairs Committee for organizing the annual event.

This year's Brats with the Brave, held on September 11th, brought together first responders and military personnel to show appreciation for their dedication and continued sacrifices to our communities and nation. Along with the general public and veterans, the crowd lined the grounds of the RJ Bohn Armory.

The Chamber EDC's Military Affairs Committee served an army with the help of the staff of Kupper Chevrolet who grilled up the Cloverdale brats for everyone.

The Chamber EDC thanks the Military Affairs Committee, The North Dakota National Guard, presenting sponsor Cross Country Freight Solutions and all the other sponsors who make this special event possible.

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Call for more details (701) 250-3000 Member FDIC

www.BNCbank.com

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE CELEBRATES BISMARCK-MANDAN

Over 415 special guests and members of the community came together early in September to Celebrate area businesses and the individuals that make Bismarck-Mandan great!

Annually, the Chamber EDC's Excellence in Business and Education committee dedicates their time between the months of February and August to the process of identifying and selecting outstanding teachers and amazing business professionals throughout Bismarck-Mandan.

Golden Eagle Award – Falkirk Mine

Granite Award – Starion Bank

Mike Fink Award – Glasser Images

Mike Fink Award – Northwest Tire

All together, these volunteers review and evaluate anywhere from 75 to 100 nominees in various categories ranging from educators, small business leaders, new entrepreneurs, Small Business Person of the Year Award – Lonna New Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Colton Shoults; and organizations who have Brooks; Terry's Health Products Grand Junction Grilled Subs helped make BismarckMandan great for 50+ years.

This event and the awards provided would not be possible In the end, this process culminates in the Chamber EDC's without the Chamber EDC's Excellence in Business and Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan award ceremony!

Education Committee and Military Affairs Committee.

This year’s nominees and winners are as follows: Outstanding Teachers of Bismarck-Mandan • Kristin Ehrmantraut – Highland Acres Elementary • Jake Kincaid – Red Trail Elementary • Sara Bohrer – Century High School • Nicole Hafner – Mandan Middle School • Amy Hollar – University of Mary Golden Eagle Award — North American Coal - Falkirk Mine Mike Fink Award — Glasser Images & Northwest Tire

New Entrepreneur of the Year — Colton Shoults; Grand Junction Grilled Subs Young Entrepreneur of the Year — Abby Daniels; Sasygals Lemonade Small Business Person of the Year — Lonna Brooks; Terry's Health Products Granite Award — Starion Bank

Gold Sponsors:

BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ®

Award Sponsor: Table Sponsors: Bank of North Dakota, Bismarck Cancer Center, Bismarck State College, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Capital Credit Union, CornerStone Bank, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Eide Bailly, First International Bank & Trust, First Western Bank & Trust, Gate City Bank, Northwest Contracting, Sanford Health, Security First Bank, Starion Bank, Terry's Health Products, University of Mary, Wells Fargo Bank Event Sponsors: Advanced Business Methods, Brady Martz & Associates, Liberty Business Systems, Schmidt-Holmstrom CPAs Connection 3 17

CHAMBER EDC NEWS | CONNECTION

GOODBYE SUMMER, UNTIL NEXT TIME! Last month we wrapped up our final Fridays at the Chamber EDC event for the 2019 Summer, and what a fantastic time we had!

Thank you to everyone that came throughout the summer. It was our privilege to serve you as well as a great opportunity to meet so many new faces! This event is such a small token compared to everything you do, but we hope you enjoyed our company and know how much we value your continual membership, community service and involvement with the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. Thank you to our sponsors who continue to make this event possible and so much fun. Without their assistance we would not be able to provide such a wonderful and delicious lunch line-up for our members!

Thank you to our Fridays at the Chamber EDC sponsors!

Presenting Lunch Event Sponsor: Sponsors: Sponsor:

CONVENIENT CARE · Accepts most insurance plans · Family medicine for all ages · Same or next day appointments often available

· On-site pharmacy · Easy parking · Convenient location

Call 701.751.9500 or walk in today.

701 E. Rosser Ave., Bismarck

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC NEWS

CHAMBER EDC SPORTING CLAYS SHOOTOUT WAS A BLAST Chad Johnson Bismarck Market President First Western Bank & Trust

Nearly 100 Chamber members enjoyed this year's Chamber EDC Sporting Clays Shootout presented by Knife River Cooperation on Friday, August 23rd.

We couldn't have asked for better weather as Chamber EDC members networked and practiced their aim as they shot clay pigeons, threw hatchets and blasted some tannerite.

Thank you to Mark and the Capital City Sporting Clays staff for hosting and helping keep this event such a fun and popular event year after year.

A special thank you to the Dickey’s Barbecue for catering a delicious lunch and McQuade Distributing for providing an assortment of ice-cold refreshments and all of our sponsors who provided great door prizes.

Presenting Sponsor:

At First Western Bank & Trust, we’re more than your trusted financial institution. We are North Dakota founded and locally owned.

Decisions are made in house and quickly by our seasoned staff of Bismarck professionals - people you know, who know you. And, our Market President Chad Johnson personifies our background as a North Dakota native now raising his family in the capital city. For proven business leadership in banking, visit our team for all your financial needs. Because we’re not just here for you, we are you. First Western Bank & Trust. You can bank on us.

At First Western Bank & Trust, we’re not just here for you.

We are you.

Long Range Sponsors: Rapid Fire Sponsors: Anyleaks, Dakota Carrier Network, First International Bank & Trust, Pigeon Sponsors: Advanced Business Method, Cornerstone Bank, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Amy Hullet: Century 21 Morrison, HH Gun Shop, and Liberty Business Systems

304 East Front Avenue, Bismarck (701) 255-4400

firstwestern.bank Member FDIC

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CHAMBER EDC EVENTS | CONNECTION

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: NORTHWEST TIRE

Date: Thursday, October 17, 2019 Location: Northwest Tire

900 Yegan Road, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend Northwest Tire will be hosting the October Membership Mixer on Thursday, October 17th at their new location at 900 Yegan Road in Bismarck from 4:30pm - 6:30pm.

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: PLAINS COMMERCE BANK

Date: Thursday, November 7, 2019 Location: Plains Commerce Bank

404 S 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Admission: Free to Attend Save the date for the November Membership Mixer!

Join fellow Chamber EDC members for refreshments, hors d'oeuvres and some business after hours. Mixers are FREE for Chamber EDC members to attend. Please consider attending and bringing colleagues from your workplace.

Plains Commerce Bank will be hosting the November Membership Mixer on Thursday, November 7th at their location at 404 S 3rd Street in Bismarck from 4:30pm 6:30pm.

RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by registering online at www.bismarckmandan.com or by emailing Ross.

Join fellow Chamber EDC members for refreshments, hors d'oeuvres and some business after hours. Mixers are FREE for Chamber EDC members to attend. Please consider attending and brining your colleagues.

RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by registering online or by emailing Ross.

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CONNECTION | CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

HOLIDAY MIXER

STATE OF THE CITIES

Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center

800 S 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 7:30AM - 9:30AM Admission: $30 for Chamber EDC members

$40 for General Admission Join Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling and Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken for the 2019 State of the Cities event on Wednesday, Nov. 13th at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Bismarck from 7:00am - 9:00am.

New for 2019 is the inclusion of the Parks & Schools Panel. In addition to receiving community insight from both mayors, the Parks & Schools Panel will provide an opportunity for attendees learn more of the parks, recreation and school developments within their district.

CHAMBER EDC HOLIDAY MIXER

Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 Location: Bismarck Event Center, Exhibit Hall

315 S 5th Street, Bismarck Time: 5:00PM - 8:00PM Admission: $5.00 plus a Business Card Reserve your booth today for our Holiday Showcase event!

Booths are available for you to deck out and promote your business and services to all of our members and individuals throughout our community.

There are many different sponsorship options available for you to explore and promote your business. If you’d like learn more about the opportunities to expose your business contact the Chamber EDC at 701-223-5660!

Following the mayoral presentations and the Parks & School Panel will be a Q&A session with both Mayor Bakken and Mayor Helbling.

The cost to attend is $30 for Chamber EDC members and $40 for general admission. Register online at bismarckmandan.com/events.

Please Join Us!

Celebration & Open House!

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

TUESDAY OCTOBER 29, 2019 5PM – 8PM FOOD • MUSIC TOURS • REFRESHMENTS We look forward to seeing you there!

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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

EMC HELPS BRING INSURANCE COURSEWORK TO BISMARCK STATE COLLEGE

SCHOOL DISTRICTS NEED STRATEGIC PLANS

EMC Insurance Companies and Bismarck State College (BSC) formed a partnership with the aim of creating and retaining a skilled insurance workforce to better diversify North Dakota’s economy.

Bismarck Public Schools in its entirety has 27 buildings and is the 3rd largest employee base in our community. Essential to our work is the notion of continuous improvement, so much like business and industry, we always have our eye on the future and work diligently to position ourselves, our students, and families to be future ready.

Over the course of a year and a half, EMC’s Bismarck Branch and BSC worked together to add insurance coursework to the college’s curriculum. Students and professionals looking to advance their careers can now obtain a Certificate for Insurance through the business program. Two core classes and one elective course are required to earn the certificate. Enrollment in these courses starts this fall.

“Our hope is that this program will help develop a steady pipeline of talent, introduce the public to insurance education, and provide continuing education and professional development to those already in the industry or looking to change careers,” EMC Resident Vice President and Bismarck Branch Manager Marilyn Ternes says.

Contributed By Jason Hornbacher, BPS Superintendent

Last spring we hired a consultant to do an independent Strategic Alignment Study. He identified 11 areas that need to be addressed. The big one is to develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan for the district.

So, in August and September we held a dozen Focus Groups with our various stakeholders, including the Bismarck Mandan Chamber-EDC. The conversations were robust and enlightening! The themes are being compiled at this time and will be shared with a larger community Strategic Planning Committee that will meet six times between September and January. BPS will publish the thematic findings from the Focus Groups in the near future and those findings will be the basis of our next article. The Strategic Planning Focus Group of 50 or so people will include students, parents, community leaders, and partners, as well as school staff. They will review a lot of information about our district—especially around academic performance.

As part of our Strategic Planning process, we will also be developing a long-range facilities plan, a finance plan, a communications plan, and a technology plan. BPS will also do some program evaluations and study some new concepts like J-Term during this school year.

As your new Superintendent, this is an exciting time in education in our community as we respect the work of the past and focus on the future. If you have questions, you can reach me at jason_hornbacher@bismarckschools.org or 701-323-4054.

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CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

ULTEIG CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY Ulteig, a leading provider of design engineering, program management and technical and field services, is proud to announce the celebration of its 75th anniversary. Founded by Melvin Ulteig in 1944, the company's earliest efforts focused on bringing electricity to rural North Dakota.

Through the decades, Ulteig Ulteig Bismarck is celebrating 75 years by moving into their new location at 419 Riverwood Dr, Suite 201 has expanded its presence and in Bismarck. adapted its expertise in industries that maintain the infrastructure vital to everyday life. Today the company serves a For 75 years, Ulteig has relied on the strength of its culture wide range of clients across the country who operate in the and the competence of its team. As a result, the company Lifeline SectorsÂŽ of power, renewables, transportation and has had multiple years of record financial performance, water. "On the surface, turning on a light, driving through recognition as a top workplace in many of the geographies a busy intersection or pouring a glass of water all seem it serves and a collection of industry awards for excellence like simple tasks," said Doug Jaeger, President and CEO of in engineering.

Ulteig. "Our clients manage incredible complexity to keep these tasks simple and routine – we offer them a legacy Ulteig is planning celebrations throughout the year for of listening and solving to support their work in bringing both clients and employee-owners to recognize its milethese vital services to millions." stone anniversary. In addition, the company is positioning Among its fundamental values, Ulteig is dedicated to its clients' success. "Our relationship with Ulteig spans half a century," said Michael Lamb, Senior Vice President Transmission & President Transco for Xcel Energy. "They have been an invaluable partner in helping us meet the daily challenges of providing safe, clean, reliable energy services to our customers."

itself for a new era of success as it launches its next strategic plan, focused on serving more clients, and offering even greater value to its current clients, through innovation, geographic expansion and technology-centric partnerships.

BUSINESS SERVICE WITHOUT LIP SERVICE No-nonsense lending and insurance advice.

WeAreAmerican.bank ADV-062

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MEMBER NEWS | CONNECTION

MARY ENROLLMENT HOLDING STEADY, VISION 2030 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ABSORBING GROWTH The University of Mary estimates its incoming class of new students at nearly 600, with an estimated overall enrollment of about 3,850. Those students are coming from across the nation and the world, with 41 states, five Canadian provinces, and seven countries represented in the student body. Official enrollment numbers will be reported in October.

Jerome Richter, vice president for Mission Advancement at Mary, says there are several factors luring students to Mary.

“The University of Mary has consistently been recognized on a local and regional level as being an exceptional value in private education, and Mary’s a place where students of all faiths come and experience a liberal arts curriculum centered around Christian beliefs,” commented Richter.

“But now word is out on a national level that Mary is one of the most affordable Catholic universities in the nation.

Much of our growth has been from this national exposure.”

This year’s incoming Class of 2019 and transfer students come to the University of Mary from all over the world anxious to pursue nearly 60 degrees in fields such as arts and sciences; business; health sciences; education and behavioral sciences; Year-Round Campus — an innovative option that allows students to graduate in 2.6 years and even earn their master’s in 4 years — and most recently engineering.

Students are also excited about the chance to study at University of Mary’s Rome campus, participate in 17 NCAA Division II sports, ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) Hockey and numerous clubs and activities while receiving a faith-based education.

“This generation of students and their parents from outside the region are hearing about our strong academic reputation and at the same time recognizing there’s a beautiful campus here in a safe and growing community where there are many things to do and be involved in — on and off campus,” explained Richter. “Our programs are rigorous. Our scholarships and financial aid are plentiful and attractive to parents. And, our award-winning faculty and staff bend over backwards to see that our students succeed in the classroom and that our graduates get the jobs they are looking for in their career field.”

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One of the most popular career fields is engineering — and helping draw students to University of Mary is its new School of Engineering. Forty-one new freshmen are planning to major in engineering this fall semester — bringing the total number of engineering students to 126. The university is currently repurposing its old Dining Hall on north campus into a new state-of-the-art engineering facility worth $15 million — as part of its Vision 2030 Capital Campaign. The new engineering school will graduate its first cohort of students in April 2020 and will open its new facility in August 2020, just in time for the fall semester.

The University of Mary’s Vision 2030 Capital Campaign continues to accommodate for the growth at the University of Mary. This three-phased $272 million campaign has seen over 225,000 square feet of new facilities in the past 36 months with $101 million raised for its Phase I completion — exceeding its goal by $5 million. Recent construction of a new 272-bed all-female Roers Residence Hall, a new Fieldhouse, and a new Lumen Vitae University Center (LVUC) have allowed students to enjoy a vibrant campus life.

Building lifelong friendships is what a university is called to do, and students at the University of Mary do so by coming together at activities and meal time in the beautiful new campus restaurant—The Crow’s Nest.

Due to popular demand for University of Mary’s 24/7 dining, this past spring the school expanded The Crow’s Nest to the lower level of LVUC, practically doubling its capacity to 560 in only its second year of existence. This expansion will not only allow for more UMary students, but also accommodate the general public as well, if they wish to enjoy Bismarck-Mandan’s largest buffet-style dining experience.

CONNECTION | MEMBER NEWS

NISC ANNOUNCES FREE 2019 CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS KIT Staying safe online and protecting your valuable data and personal information is a struggle for both businesses and families alike. As cybersecurity efforts evolve, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. It is imperative to realize the range of threats go far beyond phishing emails. Apps containing malware, unsecure WiFi networks and hotpots and unlocked devices are increasingly common methods cybercriminals use to gain access to your information.

The cornerstone of cybersecurity is education, and National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) wants to give you the tools to help your organization – and family – grow your awareness.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the technology cooperative has added more elements to its CyberSense cybersecurity arsenal, a free educational toolkit available to organizations nationwide.

Designed specifically for rural electric cooperatives, public power utilities and telecommunications companies, the kit includes short animated videos, downloadable bill inserts, social media content and retractable banners.

"Our goal is to leverage our cybersecurity expertise to help our Members protect their critical data," says Jeff Nelson, NISC general counsel and vice president of Information Security and Risk Management. "Awareness and education are core to our cybersecurity philosophy."

NISC's expertise in cybersecurity extends into its software, with a full suite of solutions designed to help Members protect their organizations from attacks, including training modules, detection and response solutions, endpoint protection, perimeter defense tools and vulnerability management solutions.

"Through NISC's more than 50 years of experience in the tech and software industries, we have gained knowledge and developed practices to secure our network," says Nelson. "Now we want to share this knowledge with all – from our Members to our communities to non-Members – to contain threats and strengthen us all against cybercrimes."

Looking to Expand Your Personal and Professional Network?

Create

We proactively create environments and programs that allow for connections between one another and within the community.

Connect

We actively pursue partnerships with businesses, non-profits, service, professional development, media, cultural and entertainment organizations to help deliver opportunities that are already taking place within the community.

We believe in the Bismarck-Mandan community,

Community and we believe that it can be an attractive place for Young Professionals.

For more information on how to become a member or a partner, email info@ypnetwork.org Career Minded. Community Focused.

The full CyberSense kit is available for download on NISC's website at www.nisc.coop.

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ASK A PRO | CONNECTION

DR. KREOFSKY at

STEVEN KELSCH at

MELISSA SOBOLIK at

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

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

721 Memorial Hwy, Bismarck, ND 58504 701-751-6188

Q: I’M A 34 YEAR OLD WOMAN WITH A FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER. WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS I CAN LOOK FOR IN MYSELF?

Q: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH GAMING FOR MY KIDS? A: To start off, please understand that

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FOOD BANK AND A FOOD PANTRY? A: The Great Plains Food Bank is proud

not cancer. For example, changes to skin texture may be caused by eczema or swollen lymph nodes may be caused by an infection in the breast. Make sure to ask your doctor when to begin mammograms and other screenings based on your history. If you have signs or symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your healthcare provider.

One thing we have keyed in on is that if we get pushback when we ask him to stop, that is not acceptable. We have explained how gaming can be addictive, and getting angry when being asked to do something different is a sign of addiction. Trust me, it doesn’t always go well. Good luck out there parents.

Games like Fortnight are way more interesting and engrossing than family time or the Atari games we grew up with!

these are only my opinions. I am no expert on this subject, and not a spectacular case study of how to do it right.

I have a senior girl and a 9th grade boy.

A: Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer, but some of The girl is completely content doing anything but gaming. Apparently boys the signs of breast cancer are: a lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or would game 24/7 if you gave them the swelling of part of the breast, irritation or chance. dimpling of breast skin, redness or flaky In talking with other parents who have boys this age, this is pretty much the skin in the nipple area or the breast, norm. For him, we have made sure pain in any area of the breast, nipple discharge other than breast milk, or any that he has other activities to do--like sports, chores, taking care of pets, and change in the size or the shape of the volunteering. We feel it is important breast. that he has as much face-to-face social Keep in mind that these symptoms can interaction as he can possibly tolerate. happen with other conditions that are

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to serve as the only food bank in North Dakota working in harmony with more than 200 partner food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens across the state.

Each year, the Great Plains Food Bank rescues nearly 15 million pounds of food that otherwise would go to waste, including more than 1 million pounds of food throughout Bismarck-Mandan, from growers, manufacturers, producers, distributors, grocery stores, restaurants and retailers. With the help of thousands of volunteers, this food is then distributed to food pantries and soup kitchens serving hungry children, seniors and families. In many cases, the Great Plains Food Bank supplies as much as 80 percent of the food being distributed by the emergency feeding network.

Because of the generous support received from the food industry, our volunteer force that helps us prepare this surplus food for distribution and our generous financial donors, the Great Plains Food Bank can distribute food for three meals for every charitable dollar we receive. In 2018, together with our hunger-relief partners, we distributed food for 12.5 million meals to over 97,000 individuals in need – 37 percent of them are children and 12 percent are seniors.

CONNECTION | ASK A PRO

STEPHANIE WILLE at

1929 N Washington St, Ste GG, Bismarck, ND 58501

701-751-3732

Q: HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR AN IEP MEETING? A: Preparing for your child’s Individual-

ized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting can come with a variety of emotions. For many families it can be a mix of excited and anxious feelings. Feeling prepared when you walk into your child’s IEP Meeting will help to alleviate some uncomfortable feelings.

One strategy is to start brainstorming goals that are important for your child, sooner rather than later. Beyond academic goals, think about ways you would like your student to participate in all aspects of the school day. Think about meal times, recess, transitions between classes or transportation to and from school. For younger students you may be interested in increasing social interactions between your child and their peers. For older students you may be interested in building on life skills that will support your child’s independence when they transition from high school into adulthood. It is never too early to start thinking about long-term goals for your child, as their current IEP can address pre-requisite skills for those long-term goals.

When attending the IEP Meeting for your child, remember that you are an important part of your child’s interdisciplinary team. Sharing your ideas of important goals for your child, early and often, will further your child’s success in school.

BREA ZINS at

120 W Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-425-8310

JOEL BLANCHARD, MD at

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

Q: WHAT IS THE HOUSING MARKET Q: HOW LONG IS A DEPARTMENT LIKE? OF TRANSPORTATION MEDICAL A: I wouldn't say the market is leaning EXAMINER'S CERTIFICATE towards buyer or sellers-but it is a movVALID AND WHAT COULD ing market!

MAKE IT INVALID? The rates are great right now! That A: A Department of Transportation benefits everyone! If you're thinking of buying, there is great inventory out there right now from single family homes, twin homes and townhouses, duplex's, condos, etc. If you're a buyer, you have options when it comes to properties and you will get a great rate while doing it.

Now is the time to call a realtor and a lender and see where you stand. With the low rates, you may be able to afford more house than you could last year.

If you're thinking of selling, buyers are out there and prepared, especially if they are working with a Realtor! The agent will make sure the buyer is pre-approved, and understands the stability of our market. Now it's time for you to call your Realtor and have them help your price your house for the current market so it will sell quickly to these qualified buyers.Your Realtor will also guide you to prepare your house to draw in these buyers.

Good luck and remember that your local Realtor studies the current market on a daily basis and will guide you in the right direction. Call today to see what the current market can do for you.

(DOT) medical examiner's certificate is valid for up to 24 months unless the driver develops a new medical condition or completes a new DOT examination.

Only the newest certificate obtained by a driver is valid. A certificate may be issued for less than 24 months if a condition like high blood pressure requires monitoring.

Each motor carrier makes the final decision on whether or not to allow a driver to operate their commercial motor vehicles. A motor carrier can request a new DOT examination, even for a driver with a valid medical examiner's certificate. If a driver has concerns about a new medical condition, it’s the driver’s responsibility to notify their motor carrier. Then, a new DOT examination can be requested to ensure the driver is still medically qualified.

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MEMBER PERKS | CONNECTION NISC ANNOUNCES CEO SUCCESSION National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), announced in August that Dan Wilbanks will succeed Vern Dosch Vern Dosch as its new president and chief executive officer effective Jan. 1, 2020.

Dosch will remain in his capacity through the end of 2019.

Dosch has been CEO and president of NISC Dan Wilbanks since 2002. Prior to his appointment, Dosch served as chief operating officer from 2000-2002, and general manager/CEO of North Central Data Cooperative (NCDC), Mandan, N.D., from 1991-2000. NISC is the resulting organization created by the July 1, 2000, consolidation between Central Area Data Processing (CADP) and NCDC. Dan Wilbanks, a native of St. Louis, most recently served as chief operating officer and vice president of Research, Development and Quality at NISC. A graduate of Lindenwood University with bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration, Wilbanks has more than 40 years of experience in the technology industry, having started at NISC predecessor CADP as a software developer in 1979. Under Wilbanks' leadership, NISC's legacy software platform, the iVUE® Enterprise System, was developed and today supports NISC's more than 840 Members with accounting, engineering, operations and customer care functions.

A resident of St. Charles, Mo., Wilbanks will work out of NISC's Lake Saint Louis headquarters.

HAMMER NAMED TIRES PLUS TOTAL CAR CARE BISMARCK STORE MANAGER Tires Plus Total Car Care– Bismarck is pleased to announce Cody Hammer that Cody Hammer has been promoted to Store Manager and has assumed responsibility for the Bismarck Store located at 930 E. Bismarck Expressway.

Hammer has been employed with Tires Plus Total Car Care for nine years. He joined the Tires Plus Team in Minot in July 2010 as a part time tire tech. He eventually moved to the Minot AFB store in May 2011 as a full time sales representative. In February 2012, he moved to the Bismarck location as a sale representative. In the 7.5 years that Hammer has been at the Bismarck location he has worked as a service writer and assistant store manager before being promoted to Store Manager.

Hammer was raised in Surrey, ND and attending elementary and high school there. He attended UND and graduated from MSU in 2011 with a degree in Criminal Justice and minor Sociology.

NDAREC WELCOMES NEW ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) is proud to Duane Crabbe welcome Duane Crabbe as the newest addition to its organization. As advertising sales manager, Crabbe will direct advertising sales, marketing and promotion for multiple projects and publications, primarily the North Dakota Living magazine.

PROSPERA ANNOUNCES DIRECTOR OF Crabbe brings a wealth of sales NURSING SERVICES FOR SUNSET DRIVE experience and knowledge of print and Sunset Drive, a Prospera Community, digital advertising to NDAREC. For the has announced Aleshia Emineth, RN, BSN, past 21 years, Crabbe has built many as the new director of nursing services. relationships in his sales manager and A graduate of Medcenter One College consultant roles with The Bismarck of Nursing, Aleshia brings valuable Tribune. Prior to his work in multimedia experience and drive to the nursing team. sales, Crabbe sold industrial products She has been with Prospera and Sanford and oversaw local and regional marketing for 17 years as a treatment nurse, unit team programs for a large food distributor. leader and MDS Coordinator.

Crabbe will replace Clark Van Horn, who retires Oct. 1 after 30 years of service to North Dakota’s electric cooperatives and the readers, advertisers and fans of North Dakota Living.

SAWINSKI JOINS BISMARCK FIRM Piotr (Peter) L. Sawinski joined Prairie Engineering, P.C., as a Structural Engineer. He is a native of Poland and Piotr L. Sawinski graduated from Wroclaw University of Technology with a Master’s Degree and PhD in Civil Engineering. Being licensed in multiple US states and Canada, Piotr brings almost 15 years of structural experience to Prairie Engineering, P.C., including many years in a demanding NYC market. He starts a new chapter for Prairie Engineering, P.C., by extending company services into the structural engineering field.

SECURIAN FINANCIAL ADVISOR OF THE MONTH Securian Financial Advisors of ND, Inc. is pleased to announce that David Wald has David Wald been named Advisor of the Month for July and August based upon his production and service to his clients. David Wald has been with Securian Financial Advisors of ND, Inc since 2008.

KOENIG EARNS REALTOR LICENSE Fred Koenig has joined Bismarck Realty Company as a commercial realtor and has been the president at Transworld Fred Koenig Business Advisors for six years. He is now putting the commercial realty to work with the business sales to better serve clients in Real Estate and business acquisitions. He is looking forward to serving his present and past clients.

BIANCO REALTY SALES AWARDS Bianco Realty has announced their top six "REALTORS® of the Month" for August: Shirley Thomas, Amber Sandness, Brenda Foster, Phyllis Rittenbach, Darcy Fettig and Justin Mundahl. These six REALTORS® had the highest sales totals at Bianco Realty in August 2019.

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

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CONNECTION | MEMBER PERKS

Molly Herrington

HERRINGTON NAMED DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP AND LEARNING The Office of Management and Budget today named Molly Herrington as the Director of Leadership and

Learning.

A native of New Rockford, North Dakota, Herrington brings over a decade of leadership and training experience.

In Herrington’s most recent position as Young Professional Development Program Manager at KLJ, she designed and implemented a progressive three-year training program that targeted, trained and retained top talent.

The Director of Leadership and Learning, a position previously held

by Chris Thompson, is responsible for implementing strategic initiatives that help engage and grow North Dakota leaders within state government through training and learning opportunities.

EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR FOR THE BISMARCK REGION On an annual basis, Sanford Health staff has an opportunity to recognize their peers and management by nominating them for Employee of the Year Awards.

First awarded in 2013, these awards were established to recognize employees who exemplify the Sanford values as well as consistently demonstrate exceptional performance in a manner that promotes a positive environment involving employees, physicians, patients and visitors.

Sanford Bismarck Employee of the Year winners for 2019: Sanford Clinical Employee of the Year Marilyn Hogan, RN, Intensive Care Unit Sanford Management Employee of the Year Amy Davis, Director of Nutrition and Food Services Sanford Support Services Employee of the Year Gloria Fichter-Rau, Lead Patient Access Representative Sanford Physician of the Year Melissa Seibel, M.D., pediatrics

WAGNER EARNS PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER LICENSE Blake A. Wagner, P.E., a Mechanical Engineer with Prairie Engineering, P.C., recently earned his Blake A. Wagner Professional Engineer License in the State of North Dakota. Mr. Wagner has been with Prairie Engineering, P.C., since 2013.

Based out of our Bismarck, North Dakota office, he has worked on a variety of projects. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from North Dakota State University.

JLG ARCHITECTS NAMED TOP US ARCHITECTURE FIRM BY BD+C MAGAZINE JLG Architects has been named #60 of the top 100 architecture firms in the United States by Building Design+Construction magazine, which ranks architecture, engineering, and construction firms headquartered in the United States in its annual “Giants 300” report. JLG has been made the list every year since 2015.

OCTOBER LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS Televised on Government Access, cable channel 2 & 602 HD. Broadcast on Radio Access 102.5 FM radio. Streamed online at www.freetv.org.

Tues, 1st

Thurs, 3rd

5:30 pm Mandan City Commission

Thurs, 17th

5:15 pm Bismarck Park Board

5:00 pm Bismarck Board of Adjustment

Mon, 7th

5:30pm Mandan School Board

Mon, 21st

5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission 5:30 pm Mandan School Board*

Tues, 8th

5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission

Tues, 22nd

5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission

Wed, 23rd

5:00 pm Bismarck Planning Commission

Thurs, 24th

5:30 pm ITG Political Subdivisions

Mon, 28th

5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:30 pm Mandan Planning Commission*

Tues, 29th

5:30 pm Morton County Commission*

Wed, 9th 8:00 am Burleigh County Water Resource District

5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission Thurs, 10th

5:30 pm Morton County Commission*

Mon, 14th

5:15 pm Bismarck School Board 5:30 pm Mandan Park Board*

Tues, 15th 1:30 pm Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

5:30 pm Mandan City Commission

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

Wed, 16th 5:15 pm Burleigh County Planning Commission Connection 3 29

RIBBON CUTTINGS | CONNECTION Ribbon cuttings are conducted by a committee of Chamber EDC volunteers called Ambassadors.

Businesses qualify for a ribbon cutting if they open, move, and remodel, are under new ownership, change their name, or offer a new product or service. To find out how you can get a free ribbon cutting from the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, please call Ross at 701-223-5660.

DAKOTA CARRIER NETWORK & CENCOM Representatives and dignitaries celebrate a ground breaking for the CenCom addition to DCN located at 4202 Coleman Street in Bismarck. Phone: 701-323-3034. Member.

GCR TIRES & SERVICE Clinton Bender, Store Manager, celebrate a grand re-opening to their location on 825 S 7th Street in Bismarck.

Phone: 701-516-8299. Member.

Stay longer. Stay You. It’s your Home 2.

Bismarck 1122 W Turnpike Ave 701-751-3400 Every Stay Includes: Free hot breakfast • Free WiFi Non-Smoking Rooms • Free Parking Fitness Cetner • Indoor Pool Business Center • Pet-Friendly Rooms

30 4 Connection

ND COUNTRY FEST NDCF Board of Directors at their festival location at 1109 8th Street in New Salem. Member.

SUNRISE SQUARE LLLP Sam Turnbow and Ben Turnbow celebrating groundbreaking on site for new strip mall located at 3001 Yorktown Drive in Bismarck. Member.

CONNECTION | NEW MEMBERS The Chamber EDC encourages all members to do business with each other. The following companies and organizations have recently made an important investment in their business by joining the Chamber EDC. Please consider them for your professional and personal needs. To find a complete listing of Chamber EDC members, view the Member Directory online at www.bismarckmandan.com.

Fax Tax Services Bismarck, ND Gregory Gruidl (701) 323-7860 Individual, small business, rental tax preparations.

The Deck Store 815 E Main Ave. Bismarck, ND Jayden Chuppe (701) 223-1008 The Deck Store specializes in custom decks in Bismarck and surrounding cities.

Axtman Associates 400 E. Broadway Ave. Suite 304 Bismarck, ND Jake Axtman (701) 220-5659 Landscape architecture & land use planning firm.

JM Strategies LLC Bismarck, ND Jason Matthews (701) 471-0311 JM Strategies LLC provides strategic planning, facilitation, public relations, association management, and public affairs consulting services to nonprofits, businesses and trade associations.

GCR Tires & Service 825 S 7th Street Bismarck, ND Clinton Bender (701) 516-8299 GCR Tires and Service is one of the largest commercial tire and service providers in North America. GCR has been servicing the Bismarck-Mandan area for over 25 years.

Join Edgewood Village to shop local vendors & register for door prizes. Apartment tours available.

Edgewood Village | 701.751.5300

3124 Colorado Ln, Bismarck | edgewoodhealthcare.com Connection 3 31

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

HARVEST MIXER Date: October 1, 2019 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Farm Credit Services of Mandan, 1600 Old Red Trail, Mandan

UPCOMING CHAMBER EDC EVENTS

OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER: Date: October 17, 2019 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Northwest Tire – 900 Yegan Road, Bismarck NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER: Date: November 7, 2019 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Location: Plains Commerce Bank – 404 S 3rd Street, Bismarck STATE OF THE CITIES Date: November 13, 2019 • Time: 7:00am - 9:00am Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center – 800 S 3rd Street, Bismarck

HOLIDAY MIXER Presented By:

CHAMBER EDC HOLIDAY MIXER Date: December 10, 2019 • Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Bismarck Event Center, Exhibit Hall – 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck CHAMBER EDC ANNUAL DINNER Date: January 23, 2020 • Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm Location: Bismarck Event Center, Hall B – 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center 7:00am — Doors Open/Breakfast 7:30am — State of the Cities Address Purchase tickets online at www.bismarckmandan.com

We’re here for you when living alone is no longer an option and a nursing home is not the answer

Call today!

701-221-3018 2500 Valley View Ave, Bismarck, ND www.ValleyViewHeights.com