April Chamber Connection

CHAMBER CONNECTION Bismarck-Mandan

April 2014

Economic Survey Results Page 3

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Member Profile Missouri Basin Materials

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Nominate a Chamber Member The Chamber is now accepting nominations for the Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan awards ceremony

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Chamber to Host Presentation Learn about the new proposed Morton-Burleigh jail before voting in the June elections.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

nyone who has been involved in developing a mission statement knows that it’s hard work. How do you capture everything your business or organization represents in a short, concise statement?

Executive Committee Annette Behm-Caldwell Chair Rick Matteson Chair-Elect Chad Moldenhauer Secretary Perrie Schafer Treasurer Leslie Bakken Oliver Past Chair Kelvin Hullet President

Board of Directors Rick Matteson MDU Resources Group Dan Pearson Northwest Tire Wayne Munson Indigo Signworks Greg Vetter University of Mary Kleber Hadsell Tesoro Mandan Refinery Perrie Schafer Schafer Financial Inc. Mike O’Keeffe Farm Credit Services Leslie Bakken-Oliver Vogel Law Firm Chad Moldenhauer K&L Homes Dave Hoekstra BNC Bank Ken Rutter Basin Electric Lee Pierce Al Fitterer Architects Norm Clark Gate City Bank Jeff Essler H.I.T. Inc. Mike Schmitz Widmer Roel, PC Annette Behm-Caldwel Open Road Honda Brenda Nagel Aetna Sandi Tabor KLJ Molly Barnes Northern Improvement Jeff Albers Schwan GM Auto Center Dr. Gary Miller St. Alexius Medical Center Chris Brown Motix Marc Taylor Northern Plains Equipment

CHAMBER NEWS Governor’s Business Forum

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Chamber Hosting Presentation

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JA Monopoly is a Huge Success

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CHAMBER EVENTS April Membership Mixer

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April Lunch and Learn

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Chamber Golf Scramble

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Leadership Graduation

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COLUMNS Chair’s Corner

Leaders for Prosperity. Advocates for Business.

Our new mission statement is perfect for our dynamic, involved and growing Chamber organization.

Leaders for Prosperity. The Chamber understands that a prosperous Bismarck/Mandan is good for our members and everyone who lives, works or plays in our cities. At times it seems the Chamber is involved in “non business” discussions and activities like the public school expansion vote in 2013 and the Protect our Turf Community Bowl renovation. The Chamber’s focus is on the long term success of our region and that success comes through joint partnerships and teamwork. Henry Ford stated, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself”.

Chair’s Corner

Advocates for Business. One of the most valuable benefits of Chamber membership is having the Chamber act as a constant advocate for business. Business owners and managers have more than enough on their desk to deal with and few of us have the time or energy to keep up with political discussion and proposed regulations at the local, state or national level. Members can have confidence that the Chamber is monitoring the changing political landscape and weighing in on behalf of Chamber members Just a little side note, at the board retreat in late 2013, Larry Dowell asked the board members if anyone could recite the current Chamber mission statement. Complete silence, you could have heard a pin drop! For the record, it was “The Chamber will advance the business environment and economic base of the Bismarck-Mandan Give your future Area. “ Yep, I know you the attention it deserves agree, Leaders for Prosperity.

Trust & Investment Management to acheive your Advocates for Business – much financial goals - from a team you can trust. better.

Bismarck | 401 N 4th St ■ 355-4820

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FEATURES Cover Story: Economic Survey Results 3 Member Profile

When I read the mission statement developed in conjunction with the Chambers Strategic Plan, I had to smile and nod my head, yes! Our new mission statement is,

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Wishing you a happy Easter and a prosperous spring.

Ask-A-Pro 30 Chamber Perks

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Joe Heringer, J.D., CTFA Personal Trust Manager

2 | Chamber Connection

Mike Senechal, CRC Trust Officer

Bob Willer

Business Development Manager

www.bismancc.com

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Economic Survey Shows Positive Outlook for Community

1640 Burnt Boat Drive P.O. Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502 701.223.5660 www.bismarckmandan.com

Contact Information:

By Anne Petersen, Clearwater Communications

Earlier this year North Dakota was named the happiest state on the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. A significant piece of the state’s wellbeing has been attributed to the economic opportunities available for businesses and individuals in communities across North Dakota.

To better understand these economic opportunities, as well as the challenges facing businesses in the Bismarck-Mandan community, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce recently conducted its annual economic outlook survey.

Do you think the Bismarck-Mandan economy will perform be er or worse in 2014 compared to 2013?

24%

Better No Change Worse

71%

5%

Content: The Chamber - 701.223.5660 rparsons@bismancc.com Advertise: Ryan Parsons email: rparsons@bismancc.com

MISSION STATEMENT: Leaders for prosperity.

Advocates for business.

Chamber Staff Kelvin Hullet President Susie Kocourek Senior Program Director Sally Paulson Program Director Ryan Parsons Membership &

Publications Director Peg Iszler Director of First Impressions Annie Bergrud Chief Financial Officer Amanda Schumacher Member Services Director Rebecca Rattei Communications Specialist Zac Smith Director of Government

Affairs/General Counsel Hannah Haynes Intern Dot Frank USS ND Committee Liaison

The 2014 survey results were positive, with almost 40 percent of the participants predicting the year would be better than 2013 across the nation. “This year’s survey is very successful and builds on the results obtained from last year’s survey,” says Kelvin Hullet, president of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce.

For the second year, the Chamber partnered with the University of Mary and Starion Financial to conduct the annual survey. “We are committed to partnering with outstanding universities and joining them in the research activities they conduct,” says Craig Larson, CEO/President of Starion Financial. “We applaud them in creating actionable economic data analysis.”

The survey allows business owners to see a snapshot of what is happening in the community, explains Karel Sovak, assistant professor at the University of Mary’s Gary Tharaldson School of Business. “Now that we have collected data from last year, we can start comparing new data to our historical data for some additional validity of our findings. This can assist businesses in further developing and enhancing their offerings within each community,” he says.

Continued on page 4

www.bismarckmandan.com

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“We appreciate the businesses willingness to share such information so we can use the findings to attract not only more complementary businesses to our communities, but the talent all businesses need to sustain their success.

It’s great to be a part of this process,” says Sovak.

The survey, which was comprised of responses from almost 200 Chamber members, included 17 questions. The question’s topics ranged from asking what the biggest challenges were in 2013 to asking forecasted results for 2014. Hullet notes the survey’s results were within the ranges anticipated by the Chamber.

Is your business experiencing difficulty in a racting and hiring qualified workers?

69% YES

31% NO 0

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The survey shows the economy of Bismarck-Mandan continues to flourish, Hullet explains. “While our economy is turbo-charged by energy, the survey made it apparent that about every sector is hitting on all cylinders. From health care and agriculture to international exports, the diversity of our economy continues to build.”

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Exceeded Expectations Met Expectations Preformed Below expectations

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Sovak notes when businesses do well, they look to add talent and offer better pay and benefits across all sectors.

“The service sectors are seeing great growth and need for expansion. We see it in education and in the willingness of our business partners to take on our students as interns, which ultimately turns into a career.”

Overall, how would you compare your organization’s expected results to actual performance in 2013?

19%

40

43%

Tim Karsky, Starion Financial’s Bismarck market president, says that one of the biggest challenges right now is the ability of businesses to expand their staff. “The unemployment rate in North Dakota is so low, so we look to places like the universities and colleges to help us retract and attain a qualified workforce.”

With the continual growth in the economy, challenges in attracting and retaining talent arise, adds Hullet, and survey result showed two responding employers both had more than 200 positions open.

Nearly 70 percent of survey respondents reported difficulty in attracting and hiring qualified workers. The survey also showed more than 50 percent of Chamber members thought the biggest factor that will adversely affect their business in 2014 will be attracting and retaining qualified employees.

www.bismancc.com

Is your business experiencing difficulty in a racting and hiring qualified workers?

Better No Change Worse

32%

40%

28% “The Bismarck-Mandan community is in a period of dynamic growth. Our economy continues to outpace the national economy and addressing the issues of talent attraction, infrastructure and affordable housing are at the top of the list for solutions,” says Hullet.

Karsky agrees the outlook remains bright for business in Bismarck-Mandan. Sixty-four percent of survey respondents expect to perform better in 2014, and 26 percent expect their business to continue performing at current levels. In addition, 71 percent of those responding to the survey believe the Bismarck-Mandan economy will continue to perform better in 2014. “Because of the survey, it allows businesses to adjust their plans for the year as they see what the main challenges and opportunities are,” says Karsky.

Although there are changes and challenges that come with each year, the changes that have taken place in BismarckMandan continue to enrich the community’s economy.

“Bismarck-Mandan is entering a new era,” says Hullet. “With the dynamic growth and the evolution of the economy, the community continues the transition from a big town to a small city. This transition is going to provide an abundance of economic opportunity. It will also create challenges we have not experienced. How we balance the unprecedented growth with maintaining the quality of life in our community will be our generation’s legacy.”

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CHAMBER

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Member Profile Featuring Rocky Thompson with

Missouri basin

Materials, Inc.

Q y w A I a b i E

Q h M A i w f t S c p c s e p t y

Q c A w w b

Q i A M f r o g c

Q A o c L f

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www.bismancc.com Q: Briefly tell me about yourself and your role within the organization.

A: I am an owner/Operator.

I am involved in most aspects of our business but spend most of my time in Sales/Marketing and Estimating.

Q: Briefly tell me the history of Missouri Basin Materials, Inc. A: We started our business in 2010. Our main focus when we started was fabricating rebar for all types of new construction.

Since then, we have continued to grow our product lines into all concrete accessories and some small industry related equipment. We continue to push our rebar fabrication to become better each year.

Q: What differentiates your company from its competitors?

A: Customer service is our number one priority. We want our customers to think of us as a material supplier who will get their product to them in a fast manor and to be done right the first time.

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

A: It has been huge. The growth of not only BismarckMandan, but the entire state of ND has been a very big factor in the startup of our company. New commercial, residential and industrial construction all play rolls in our company. Also the demand for infrastructure to get oil and gas out of the state makes for many new construction projects.

Q: What industry trends are taking place?

A: We have been dealing with competitors from other states who have had economic troubles. Those competitors have made our market very competitive.

Lack of workforce has also been a struggle. Keeping our facility going with skilled labor can be challenging.

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

A: Not really, the US Steel Market is one that has constant fluctuation. Dealing with the ups and downs of this market are one of our biggest challenges.

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

A: All signs show that things will continue to be good.

Like most growing businesses in ND, we depend on the economy staying strong.

Q: Missouri Basin Materials, Inc. has been a member since 2012, why do you continue to renew each year?

A: It is important for us to stay active in the community.

Our business relies on relationships. You can never have too many friends in the business world.

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

A: Our contracting members who work with us can rely on us for accurate estimates, materials supplied on time, and fabricated rebar done right the first time.

Rocky Thompson - Missouri Basin Materials Chamber Connection | 7

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Governor’s Business Forum fast Approaching

The Greater North Dakota Chamber and Governor Dalrymple will again partner to host the Governor’s Business Forum, April 15, at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.

The Governor’s Business Forum was created to provide a platform for business leaders and elected and appointed officials to discuss policy issues that affect North Dakota businesses. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the successes of companies and business people from across the state, and learn about best practices and innovative ideas.

The Forum will kick off with lunch and an address and facilitated discussion with Governor Dalrymple. The afternoon will include presentations and workshops focused on taxes, workforce and education – three issues that will be a high priority during the upcoming legislative session.

The Forum will conclude after dinner with two exciting presentations. The first is the presentation of the Greater North Dakotan Award to Mr. Frank Larson. Mr. Larson is a valued North Dakota businessman and philanthropist, and we are excited to present him with the Chamber’s highest honor.

Following the award presentation, there will be a keynote address from Mr. Whit Ayres of North Star Opinion. Whit Ayres is a leading Washington, D.C., political consultant with over 30 years of experience in polling and survey research for high profile political campaigns and associations. Mr. Ayres will talk about the economic and political landscape of our country and how it will impact North Dakota.

Don’t miss this opportunity for business leaders, legislators and state officials to build upon North Dakota’s proven business climate, and discuss ideas for continuing to develop an environment that will foster additional opportunities for our state.

A complete forum agenda and online registration is available at www.ndchamber.com or by calling the GNDC office at 701-222-0929.

8 | Chamber Connection

Chamber to Host Presentation about new Jail

On April 22nd at 7:30 a.m., the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber will be hosting a presentation by Venture Architects, Ubl Design Group, Morton County Sheriff Dave Shipman and Burleigh County Sheriff Pat Heinert.

The presentation will be held at the Chamber and is for Chamber members to learn about the design of the jail and the costs of the construction. The Sheriffs will also be available to answer questions about the challenges they have faced with existing facilities.

In June, voters in Burleigh and Morton County will vote on a proposal to fund a joint jail for the two communities. The proposed facility will take three years to complete and provide space for up to 300 inmates.

The estimated cost for the jail is around $50m and will require voters to approve a half-cent sales tax. With current sales tax collections, it will take five to seven years to pay off the facility and the tax will sunset when the bonds are repaid.

The Chamber’s Local Issues Committee received several presentations from representatives of the counties over the last year.

Sherriff Heinert and Shipmen explained the need for the facility, the pressing issue of capacity and how a new facility will contribute to public and employee safety.

This project shows exemplary collaboration between local units of government.

The Chamber conducted a poll of members that showed a preference for use of a sales tax to pay for the facility. After a final meeting on the issue, the Local Issues Committee recommended the Chamber support the construction of the joint facility and use of a sales tax to do it in its March meeting.

On March 12, Local Issues Committee Chair Kevin Strege joined by Sheriff Dave Shipman, Sheriff Pat Heinert, and other county representatives, presented information on the proposed project and the Local Issue Committee’s recommendation of support to the Chamber Board of Directors.

The Chamber Board voted to support the construction of a joint Morton and Burleigh County Jail and use of the half cent sales tax that will be asked for on the June 10th ballot. The Board found there was an obvious need because of the prolonged overcrowding of the existing Morton and Burleigh County facilities that has been occurring since 2011.

www.bismancc.com

2014

Spring Mixer

T hank You Sponsors!

Gold Sponsor

Hors D’oeuvres Sponsor

RAMKOTA HOTEL

Booth Sponsors

Aesthetic Center Anytime Fitness - Mandan Be MoBile Bek Communications Biolife Plasma Services Bisman Coupons Bismarck Cancer Center Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Military Affairs Committee Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Bismarck Parks & Recreation Bismarck State College Cardno Entrix Cellular Communications, Inc. Cold Spring Building Materials Command Center Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch Dakota Foot and Ankle Clinic Dakota Pharmacy & Natural Health Center Dakota Zoo DFC Consultants

Dickinson State University EAPC Architects Engineers Easter Seals Goodwill of ND Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau Gate City Bank Gateway to Science God’s Child Project Golder Associates Gold’s Gym Health Source of Bismarck Jerome Distributing Kelly Inn/Minervas Lady J’s Catering Leingang Home Center Liberty Business Systems, Inc Matrix Design.

McQuade Distributing Co., Inc. Midway Lanes Missouri River Pages Mobile Paw Spa My Place Hotels

ND Life Spa NISC/ iGear Northland Financial Open Road Honda Optimist Club of Bismarck Plains Commerce Bank Profile by Sanford Quality Title Rasmussen College Record Keepers Sam’s Club Shiloh Christian School Sleep Inn & Suites Spherion Staffing Staybridge Suites Tecta America The Bismarck Tribune Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation Ton’s of Marketing University of Mary USS North Dakota Wingate by Wyndham

Chamber Connection | 9

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JA Monopoly is a huge success On Saturday, February 22nd the 9th Annual Hasbro Junior Achievement Monopoly Tournament took place at Mandan Middle School. With about 100 players, the cafeteria at Mandan Middle School was transformed into tables and tables of potential tycoons.

The atmosphere was intense as bankers tried to keep on top of the happenings at each table, making sure all rules were followed by the players who were anxious to occupy as many properties as they could in as short a time as possible. Kids and adults alike were vying to get the first Monopoly and prizes were given out for the first bankruptcy and the first person to own all the property in a category.

When the players weren’t engaged in Monopoly, they were in the game room where they had the opportunity to try their hand at one of the flight simulators provided

by Aviation Education ND and Sean Davis. And our very own Ms. Monopoly, Nicole Morrison Mathern, was the hostess with the mostess!

Junior Achievement, Northwest Contracting and Townsquare Media (stations Hot 97.5, Classic Rock 96.5 The Fox, Cool 98.7, US 103.3 and Super Talk 1270) would like to thank the following sponsors and organizations who helped to make the Monopoly tournament on February 22nd a success!

Best Buy, Walmart North and Seven Seas Hotel and Waterpark provided the Grand Prizes. Big thanks to Mr. Ryan Leingang and Mandan Middle School for allowing us to use their facilities for the event.

Sponsorships were done by New Freedom Center, Front Street Millwork, MDU Utilities Company, Gate City Bank,

10 | Chamber Connection

Berg’s 24 Hr. Towing, Liberty Business Systems, Ideal Image Dentistry & Spa, Townsquare Media, Bismarck State College, Cloverdale Foods, Missouri Valley Petroleum, Brady Martz & Associate, Bismarck-Mandan YP Network, Agency MABU, Capital Trophy, KLJ, Truss Systems and Trademark Realty.

Other Chamber member contributors include: Hansen’s Men’s Wear, Jerome Distributing, KNDX Fox 26, Cashwise Foods, Space Aliens, NW Tire, Thunder Alley-Midway Lanes, Kupper Chevrolet, Jimmy Johns, Burger King, Ground Round, Dakota Promotions, Rockin’ 50’s, Pride Inc., Bobcat, Daniel Companies, Bismarck Aero Center, Parallax Games, Starion Financial, Space Aliens, Dairy Queen, , Midway Lanes, Tutti Frutti, Grand Theatres, Rock 30 Games, Taco Johns, Bismarck Police Department, Ideal Image Dentistry, Jill Castleberry-IDEA Center, Shane Hafner-Securian Financial, KLJ, HuHot and Bremer Bank.

Congratulations to the following players who took the bragging rights and prizes for the event: 4th-8th Grade: Grand Prize Winner - Caitlyn Schwartz 2nd place - Calvin Karalys 3rd place - Nick Mathern 9th-12th Grade: Grand Prize winner - Mike Storick 2nd place - Lane Ternes 3rd place - Taylor Schaubert

Adult: Grand Prize winner - Christy Ricker 2nd place - Mike Kadrmas 3rd place - Kyle Dirk

www.bismancc.com

Leadership bismarck-Mandan How can we impact people? Whether you are working with local groups or traveling in other countries working as a missionary, it is important to connect with people.

Can we impact others? We are all encouraged to get out of our comfort zones and we can be surprised at what we are capable of doing.

On February 19th, the class heard about the many opportunities to get involved through United Way and how the power of people coming together can make a difference. What you do when no one is around determines our ethics, knowing right from wrong and good from bad.

The class reconnected with the five ethical principles: do no harm, make things better, respect others, be fair, and to be loving. Ethics and beliefs of class members were put to the test as they broke into groups and participated in an exercise to decide who would get a heart transplant.

What do you do when your ethics are challenged?

Sometimes doing the right thing does present a challenge. Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. We need to be more concerned about our character and not our reputation. The class was presented with an owner’s manual to determine what is important in life.

Faith, Ethics, Values

Along with being good stewards, we need to deal with safety issues, hazardous materials, transporting products. Planning needs to be done between legislative sessions; good stewardship!

Thank you to the following: Issue Day Chairs: Dr. Gaylord Kavlie, Mid Dakota Clinic Larry Jahnke, Founding Pastor New Song Deputy State Director Congressmen Kramer Marnie Piehl, Bismarck State College Sponsors: Facility-Bismarck State College Breaks/Lunch-Mid Dakota Clinic

Presenters: Jena Gullo, United Way Marv Mutzenberger, Professor Bismarck State College Dr. Gaylord Kavlie, Mid Dakota Clinic Mike Tomasko, Formerly CEO Mid Dakota Clinic Dennis Johnson, CEO-TMI Systems Design & Dickinson Mayor Todd Porter, State Representative Don Morrison, Executive Director Dakota Resources

Council

Are we good stewards? With all of the energy development in our state, have we prepared ourselves for this change? It is a very fast growing industry and North Dakota has played catch up with the revenue coming in vs. money for infrastructure.

The Dakota Resource Council was formed in 1978 and saw that strong reclamation laws were passed. With 40,000 to 50,000 oil wells in the future and growing so fast, there is chaos out there. Dickinson will be $100 million in debt next year as they are trying to keep their infrastructure in line with the growth. When the boom started, there were no revenues coming in through energy taxes so four years ago, our state was not ready to entrust local cities to put in place what needed to be done.

In addition to the energy boom, there are other projects in the eastern part of the state dealing with flood and water. Williston is the fastest growing city in the state with Dickinson coming in at third. Dickinson will experience a water shortage this summer.

To learn more about our home care services in Bismarck call (701) 255-7575.

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

Chamber Connection | 11

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LUNCH AND LEARN:

Celebrating Our Grand Re-Opening!

Celebrate with us at the Chamber of Commerce Membership Mixer Thursday, April 24th 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Alliance Real Estate

“Feels good to be home”

Thank you for your patience while we were displaced.

Website:

Email:

www.alliancere.net

alliance@alliancere.net

Office:

Toll-Free

701-222-2217

1-800-735-9648

1022 E Divide Ave • Bismarck, ND 58501

12 | Chamber Connection

“How Successful People think” Date: Wednesday, April 30th Location: Time: Presenter: Fees:

The Chamber 11:30AM - 1:00PM Lorie Pope, Nexus Innovations $15 for members; $20 for non-members Lunch is included

*No refunds are given for cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance.

Change your thinking, change your life! Advance your mindset for success by attending April’s Lunch and Learn!

Successful people are good thinkers that focus on big picture strategic thinking to tap into higher levels of creativity, know the value of bottom-line thinking, and more. Lorie Pope, Executive Vice President from Nexus Innovations, will help you develop skills needed for a higher level to set you apart.

So…what kind of thinking skills are we talking about? Why should you want to spend time developing this? Because the rewards are terrific! These skills can be learned. Good thinking brings the following benefits: • Positive attitude – happier life • Generates revenue • Solves problems • Creates opportunities • Takes you to a whole new level • Ability to make better decisions • Excitement for life

Register online at bismarckmandan.com or by calling Amanda Schumacher at 701-223-5660.

The Chamber would like to thank our presenting sponsor Center for Technology and Business.

www.bismancc.com

Chamber to celebrate BIsmarck-Mandan Local Businesses On August 7th, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce will celebrate local businesses and their accomplishments. Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan is the Chamber’s annual awards event that celebrates success and encourages continued economic growth.

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, has been a Chamber member for the last five years, and has shown a commitment to the community.

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 will be submitted for the North Dakota SBA awards.

mark your calendars!

Time to think about getting those golf clubs out of winter storage. The Chamber Golf Outing is scheduled for Monday, June 9 at Hawktree Golf Course in Bismarck.

Registration/lunch 10:30 a.m., Shotgun start at 11:30 a.m., with social/dinner/prizes at the end of your afternoon of golf. Start putting your teams together; registrations will be taken next month.

There are a few sponsorship opportunities remaining.

Contact Susie at 701-223-5660 or skocourek@bismancc.com for details.

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.

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.

Please join us on August 7th at 11:30 a.m. at the Ramkota.

Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members.

Registration is available online at www.bismarckmandan. com/events.

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Save the Date!

LUNCH AND LEARN: MEMBERSHIP MIXER: Wells Fargo Advisors

“Basics and Current Events in Employment Law” Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2014

*No refunds are given for cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance.

Date: Time: Location:

Thursday, May 15th 2014 5:00PM - 7:00PM Wells Fargo 4501 Coleman St, Ste. 204, Bismarck

Wells Fargo Advisors will be hosting the Membership Mixer on Thursday, May 15th. Join fellow Chamber members for refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and some business after hours.

Mixers are free for Chamber members to attend. Please consider attending and bringing colleagues from your workplace. RSVP’s are appreciated and can be made by calling Amanda Schumacher at 701-223-5660.

Location: Time: Presenter: Fees:

The Chamber 11:30AM - 1:00PM Peter Tiede $15 for members; $20 for non-members Lunch is included

Learn more about the basics and current employment laws from Peter Tiede, attorney, from Murnane Brandt who has nearly 20 years of experience. Peter will be discussing a range of topics from the basic stuff that everyone should know, about a will, discrimination and much more. Lastly, he will share with us what they are seeing these days in litigation.

Register online at www.bismarckmandan.com or by calling Amanda Schumacher at 701-223-5660.

Technology Solution Provider

Premier Business Partner

From mobile device management to network security, NetWork Center, Inc. delivers proactive technology solutions and support to ensure our customers achieve the highest level of business success.

To learn more about NetWork Center, Inc. visit www.netcenter.net/NCIvideos 14 | Chamber Connection

www.bismancc.com

casinonight Cash-in at casino night Leadership bismarck-mandan Celebrate Graduates

On Wednesday, May 21, at the Seven Seas in Mandan, the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan program will graduate its 25th year of leaders. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and Lunch/Celebration at Noon. The cost to attend is $20.00 per person. Register online at www.bismarckmandan. com, or contact the Chamber at 701-223-5660. You are invited to attend and help celebrate the following graduates: Jason Anderson- Bank of North Dakota Josh Blikre- American Bank Center Karen Erickson- Bismarck State College Jed Fluhrer- Security First Bank Andrea Fonkert- MDU Resources Amber Haman- HIT, Inc. Jordan Hatzenbuhler-MDU Resources Sandi Himmelspach- Aetna Gina Huck- NISC Neuley Kienzle- Bremer Bank Karl Liepitz- MDU Resources Lauren Meiers- Schwan Pontiac GMC Deidre Olmsted- Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson Scott Ritter- Aspen Group Susan Ronning- Bismarck Police Dept.

Michelle Walker- Anne Carlsen Center Derek Weigel- Cornerstone Bank Lee Weisbeck- Starion Financial Josh Wiens- Shiloh Christian School/McDonalds

On June 6th, Junior Achievement (JA) will host the 9th 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 or $50 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. Bismarck Aero Center 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. Sponsors include: Platinum Sponsor: Northwest Contracting; Other sponsors include: Open Road Honda, Bank of North Dakota, Titan Heating & Air, A-1Steam Brothers and Fode’s Carpet, Inc., Bismarck Aero Center, Townsquare Media, Front Street Millwork and Truss Systems; Flecks Furniture, Missouri Basin Materials, KLJ and Century 21 Landmark Realty-Amy Hullet.

Junior Achievement still has sponsorships available, but they are going quick!

Contact Paulson at 223-5660 or spaulson@bismancc.com or more information.

nonight Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsor:

Silver Sponsor:

Chamber Connection | 15

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PERKS

Marquardt to Run for City Commission Steve Marquardt, an eight-year veteran member of the Bismarck School Board, announced on February 21st, he would run for the Bismarck City Commission in June.

Marquardt will conclude his second term on the school board in June and has received encouragement from across the community to run for the City Commission.

“My experience with the school board transfers to the needs of the city,” said Marquardt. “The school budget exceeds $100 million. I understand strategic planner, site selection and the bidding process and that resident’s ask for thoughtful, common sense decisions from their elected officials.”

“I think people appreciate the fact that I’m approachable and willing to meet with them one-on-one or in a group setting to solve problems,” said Marquardt. “As a school board member, I was very mindful of the budget and the impact property taxes have on our citizens. As the board chair, I supported finding creative solutions to our shortage of classroom space until we could get schools built.”

Marquardt, who works for Twin City Implement, wants to use his expertise to help solve what he sees as Bismarck’s pressing needs of infrastructure, balancing new growth with existing neighborhood’s and ensuring that Bismarck’s growth leads to a healthy, vibrant city with a strong emphasis on economic development.

Marquardt was president of the School Board during the successful bond issue campaign to build three new schools, which received 85 percent voter approval. He brings to the commission race community experience in working through difficult issues such as redistricting, addressing growth issues in the community while controlling property taxes and understanding the need to form effective public-private partnerships.

“I will push for getting community input on what Bismarck needs to stay healthy and competitive,” said Marquardt. “Residents want a balance between growth and quality of life. I’ll try to make that happen.”

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BNSF Railway Foundation Pledges $20,000 to BisMan Community Foundation

The BNSF Railway Foundation Board recently approved a multi-year grant totaling $20,000 to the BisMan Community Foundation. The donation is “in support of Building a Flexible Permanent Financial Resource for Mandan & Bismarck” according to a letter from BNSF Railway Foundation President Zak Andersen.

“We are so pleased that the BNSF Railway Foundation has chosen to support the BisMan Community Foundation with this substantial gift.” said Kevin Dvorak, President and CEO of the North Dakota Community Foundation, which manages the BisMan fund. “BNSF Railway Foundation’s gift stays in the communities’ endowment fund forever, and earnings from the endowment will provide grants to meet the changing needs of our communities well into the future.”

The gift is particularly appreciated this year, as the BisMan Community Foundation is currently benefiting from an Otto Bremer Foundation $1 Million Matching Grant. Any donations to the BisMan Community

Foundation in 2014 are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Bremer Foundation, essentially doubling the impact of any gift.

“Now is the time to give to the BisMan Community Foundation,” says Dvorak. “By capturing the Otto Bremer Foundation’s one million matching grant, we will achieve a two million increase in the endowment fund. This will substantially increase the grants the BisMan Community Foundation can give for local needs every year. We are encouraging everyone to take advantage of this opportunity, follow the BNSF Railway Foundation’s lead, and donate to this incredibly important fund now.”

The BisMan Community Foundation has made over $51,000 in grants to area nonprofit organizations in the last several years including the Ruth Meiers Hospitality House, Aid, Inc., the Bismarck Art & Galleries Association, and the Village Family Service Center.

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U-Mary student athlete will “bike across America” for Bike2believe University of Mary student athlete Joe Berger is one of three men who will bike across America this summer with the aim of raising $500,000 for cancer causes.

The three — Berger, a student at U-Mary’s Tharaldson School of Business, along with Brock Schauer and Devin Coyle, all Mandan natives, are currently fundraising for their project, which is called Bike2Believe. The donations they receive will be divided between the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Berger, Coyle and Schauer will bike from North Dakota to Florida this summer.

The three will set out May 31 for the 2,500-mile-trek, starting from Bismarck and ending in St. Petersburg, Fla. The route will take them through Fargo, Minneapolis and Rochester, Minn.; Madison and Milwaukee, Wis.; Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville, Ky.; Nashville, Tenn., and Atlanta, before reaching St. Petersburg.

By riding 60 to 70 miles a day, they estimate they can reach their destination in 60 days. Along the road, plan to blog and take video and photos of their progress.

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They will also stop at a dozen hospitals along the route to visit with people with cancer and hear their stories.

“The guys are doing a phenomenal job,” said Jill LaMont-Goetz, Community Relations Manager for the American Cancer Society in Mandan. “They have undertaken a big challenge and they have the full support of both the society and foundation.”

Potential donors have been really impressed by their dedication and preparation, she said. Meanwhile, they’re training hard. Berger, who runs track and field for U-Mary, has been working the stationary bike this winter.

Coyle, a business major at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, plays football, so he lifts weights, runs daily and bikes about 12 miles a day. Schauer works out on his stationary bike, takes spin classes, and is adding more cardio and running to his routine.

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To date, they have raised nearly $30,000 and enlisted the support of North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple and North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp. They’ve already received monetary donations, as well as equipment, supplies and support from a number of local businesses.

“To make an impact, you have to believe,” Berger said.

For more information about Bike2Believe, call 701-2020354. To donate, visit www.bike2believe.org/donate.

Guy Announces Candidacy for City Commission

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Nancy Guy brings exceptional experience and a family tradition to her bid for City Commission. She has lived in Bismarck for almost 30 years and wants to help ensure Bismarck continues to be the best community in North Dakota in which to live, work and raise a family.

Guy is currently the Operations Director at CommunityWorks North Dakota. She is the former owner of The UPS Store in Bismarck, has worked as a software developer for Computer Sciences Corporation, as a Consumer Advocate with the North Dakota Insurance Department, and as an independent insurance agent. Her range of private and public employment gives her a deep understanding of how laws impact both business and government. Guy was a 2012 candidate for state senate from Bismarck’s District 30.

As the youngest daughter of Governor Bill and Jean Guy, she is grounded in public service. Guy was two years old when her father took office, and age 14 when he left. Because he was an economist, Governor Guy approached governance from systems viewpoint. As a longtime software developer, Nancy approaches governance with process improvement in mind. Some areas she’ll focus on when elected:

• Managing growth: “Bismarck is growing exponentially and benefiting from the energy boom in western North Dakota. We have only one opportunity to ensure our growth is planned such that it’s as great a place to live 50 years from now as it is today.

• Balance on the city commission: “Our government, at every level, should accurately reflect our citizenry.

Bismarck needs a women’s point of view on the city commission.”

• Property Taxes: “The city commission must continue to do all they can to operate city services as efficiently as possible to avoid increases in property taxes. My experience in process improvement and operations management brings an analytical approach to city government and services.”

“Bismarck was a terrific place to grow up and it’s still a terrific place to live, work and raise a family. I’ve lived in large metropolitan communities and I wouldn’t trade our city for any of them. The friendliness, lack of traffic, safe neighborhoods and being able to see the stars at night…has made returning to Bismarck – and staying -wonderful.”

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Williston Basin Conference Coming in May

The North Dakota Petroleum Council is set to host the 2014 Williston Basin Conference May 22-24 in BismarckMandan. This is the 22nd annual conference and is the premier event to providing information and insight into the activities occurring in the Bakken Basin.

The 2012 conference wrapped up with a record-breaking attendance of 4,051 attendees including 300 exhibitors that bought out the conference in 17 minutes. Of the 4,051 attendees representing over 2,000 businesses, only 653 were from Bismarck-Mandan. The 2012 conference had representatives of 47 states; seven Canadian provinces; France; Germany; Nigeria; Norway; Taiwan; Turkey and the United Kingdom.

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Keynote speakers at this year’s conference include: Harold Hamm, CEO of Continental Resources; Tommy Nusz, CEO of Oasis Petroleum; Lee Tillman, CEO of Marathon Oil; Jim Volker, CEO of Whiting and Tom Petrie of Petrie Partners.

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When the Toasted Frog expanded to Bismarck, Jonathan and Shawn shopped around just to see what options they had. And once again, they chose Midcontinent Business Solutions. Now, they TM

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Catholic Health Initiatives and St. Alexius Medical Center Sign Letter of Intent Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and St. Alexius Medical Center announced today they have signed a nonbinding agreement to form a new affiliation between CHI and St. Alexius Medical Center.

CHI and St. Alexius are pursuing the affiliation to build on their strengths in rural and faith-based care to better serve communities in the region through enhanced services and improved coordination of care.

If a final agreement is reached, the creation of this new affiliation could occur by the end of the year.

“This partnership would ensure a viable, innovative, high-quality care option for residents in light of health care reform and other changes in the region,” said Jeffrey Drop, senior vice president, Fargo Division, Catholic Health Initiatives.

Gary P. Miller, St. Alexius Medical Center president and CEO said, “CHI and St. Alexius have a long-standing history of working together. Our organizations are guided by our mission to nurture the church’s healing ministry. We are pleased to pursue an opportunity with a provider who shares our commitment to meeting the Catholic health needs of our region as well as being an advocate for the most vulnerable members we serve.”

CHI and St. Alexius will now take time for due diligence assessment and work toward a binding agreement for forming the affiliation.

Catholic Health Initiatives, a nonprofit, faith-based health system formed in 1996 through the consolidation of four Catholic health systems, expresses its mission each day by creating and nurturing healthy communities in the hundreds of sites across the nation where it provides care. One of the nation’s largest health systems, Englewood, Colo.-based CHI operates in 18 states and comprises 87 hospitals, including four academic medical centers and teaching hospitals and 24 critical-access facilities; community health-services organizations; accredited nursing colleges; home-health agencies; and other facilities that span the inpatient and outpatient continuum of care. In fiscal year 2013, CHI provided $762 million in charity care and community benefit, including services for the poor, free clinics, education and research. Learn more at www.catholichealthinitiatives.com

St. Alexius Launches Health FYI Blog

In order to provide patients and their families with relevant health and wellness information, St. Alexius Medical Center recently launched its online Health FYI (For Your Information) blog. Health FYI features articles written by St. Alexius medical professionals. New articles are added weekly. Readers have an opportunity to ask a question or to reply to this article.

Health FYI can be accessed by logging onto https://www.st.alexius.org/online/health-fyi.

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Edith Sanford Breast Cancer, Athena Breast Health Network team for breast cancer research

Three-thousand bio specimens from women will be analyzed as part of the ongoing collaboration between Edith Sanford Breast Cancer and Athena Breast Health Network to determine whether certain genetic variants could be indicators of breast cancer, officials from both organizations announced today.

The effort aims to gather information that will impact prevention strategies and more precisely identify risk levels of developing breast cancer.

As part of the study, 1,500 women at elevated risk and 1,500 women at average risk for breast cancer will be genotyped.

“We believe this to be one of the largest groups of women to ever be studied to determine breast cancer risk levels,” said Gene Hoyme, MD, president of Sanford Research. “If an elevated risk is identified, care teams can improve the likelihood of healthier lifestyle changes and implement preventative treatments when appropriate.”

In November, Edith Sanford Breast Cancer and Athena Breast Health Network announced a partnership in which Sanford Health became a clinical partner with the Athena Breast Health Network, positioning the health system to begin providing patients with a comprehensive breast cancer risk assessment at the time of mammography screening. Additionally, the program will offer patients the opportunity to participate in research aimed at gaining a better understanding of breast cancer and its risk factors, ultimately raising the standard of care for women everywhere.

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To analyze each sample from the 3,000 women, AKESOgen, an Atlanta-based biomarker and genetics company selected by Edith Sanford and Athena, will utilize Oncochip technology.

“The Oncochip is a uniquely designed genetic analysis tool that uses Illumina’s beadarray technology. It will allow us to provide genetic data of the highest quality to the collaboration. The data will benefit both the participants and the breast cancer research community,” said Mark Bouzyk, PhD, chief scientific officer of AKESOgen.

Data gathered and studied by Edith Sanford and Athena could positively influence the risk-assessment tool and care plans.

“The addition of the genetic variants risk assessment allows us to deliver a new level of personalized medicine and gain a better understanding an individual’s risk, thus putting our collaboration at the forefront of modern medicine,” said Laura van ‘t Veer, PhD, Director of Applied Genomics at the University of California, San Francisco and an Athena spokesperson.

Athena Breast Health Network is a collaboration among the five University of California medical centers. Edith Sanford Breast Cancer is its first partner outside of California and was selected because of its expertise in breast cancer genomics and its ability to integrate the risk assessment into patient care.

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Starion Financial NEW SUSTAINABLE makes donations INFRASTRUCTURE to its communities TOOL AVAILABLE In 2013, Starion Financial donated more than $960,000 to charities and local organizations in the North Dakota and Wisconsin communities it serves.

Some of the major donations for the year were given to: University of Mary, Bismarck State College, St. Alexius Medical Center Foundation, Sanford Foundation, Shiloh Christian School, Mandan Memorial Ballpark, Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation, Bismarck Mandan Symphony Orchestra, Bismarck-Mandan Area Chamber of Commerce, MSA United Way, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, Ducks Unlimited and AID Incorporated.

“As a one billion bank, we have the ability to help even more of our friends and neighbors,” said Craig Larson, CEO/president. “We are proud to support so many organizations that share our mission to build a better community.”

AE2S (Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.) is pleased to announce the addition of Envision™, a new value-added tool to help clients provide sustainable infrastructure for current and future generations.

AE2S is a charter member of the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). ISI administers the Envision sustainable infrastructure rating system, which AE2S will offer as part of civil infrastructure planning, construction, and operations services. ISI is a non-profit education and research organization founded by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) to develop and maintain a civil infrastructure rating system.

In addition to financial contributions, the bank is proud of its employees’ volunteer efforts in 2013.

AE2S engineers who recently earned certifications as Envision Sustainability Professionals (ENV SP) are Heller, Stephen Norton, Brett Morlok, Jarda Solc, and Nate Weisenburger.

“It’s rewarding to see team members living our organization’s values,” said Craig Larson. “I am honored to work with such fine, caring individuals.”

More information on ISI and Envision™ can be found at http://www.sustainableinfrastructure.org/.

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24 | Chamber Connection

Motschenbacher announces for City Commission

On Tuesday, February 18, Mike Motschenbacher, a resident of Bismarck for the past 24 years, announced his candidacy for city commissioner at the Chamber of Commerce.

Motschenbacher has been married to his wife Buffy for 13 years. They have four children. Carson 10, Molly 7, Emily 6, and Zack 3. Motschenbacher is the General Manager of Expressway Inn, and has been employed with them for over 22 years.

Motschenbacher has been active in politics for the past several years, working with elected officials both locally and on a statewide basis, to show new and different perspectives on how to manage Bismarck’s growth. He is a big supporter of small business, and is currently involved in a project that is aimed at bringing good hard working families to North Dakota, and directly to Bismarck, that will help offset the huge shortage of work force that businesses currently face here in our state and city.

If elected, Motschenbacher promises to work hard to promote small business, will work with police, fire, and rescue to provide a safe community to live in, and will work hard to keep taxes low for our citizens.

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Verizon Wireless presents $15,000 to AARC Verizon Wireless, a corporate leader in domestic violence prevention, presented a $15,000 grant Jan. 14 to help the Abused Adult Resource Center (AARC) provide shelter for abuse victims from oil development in western North Dakota.

The grant is from Verizon’s HopeLine program.

AARC is the only domestic violence service provider in Bismarck-Mandan, offering a temporary safe home in two shelters for families escaping domestic violence in their lives.

AARC has seen an increase in the number of women and children seeking safety in its emergency and transitional shelters. In the past five years, there has been a 52 percent increase in abused women and their children being sheltered - from 169 in 2008 to 257 in 2012.

In the past year, 19 of the adult abuse victims have come to AARC shelters from out of state, representing 1,876 total bed nights of service. As a result, that meant an additional estimated cost of about $63,000 for AARC.

Motschenbacher enjoys golfing, fishing, camping, and partaking in all kinds of activities right here in Bismarck.

He has been coaching baseball for the past five years through the Bismarck Youth Baseball program. He is the past president of the ND Hospitality Association and current board member. He is an active member at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, and is currently on the board of directors for the Bismarck Diocese premarriage program.

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Call center opens in response to suspicious activity on NDUS server The North Dakota University System (NDUS) has contracted AllClear ID to provide call center support and identity protection services to those affected by the suspicious server activity. The call center can be reached at (866) 711-5990 and will open at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 14. The call center is open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday. AllClear ID can also be reached by emailing support@allclearid.com.

All those affected will be notified via email, if the NDUS has their valid email address, starting Friday as well.

Those who do not receive an email and are concerned that their information may have been included are encouraged to contact the call center. Callers will then be able to find out if their information was housed on the affected server.

On February 7, the NDUS discovered suspicious activity on a server. Unfortunately, the impacted server housed personal information, such as names and Social Security numbers, for more than 290,000 current and former students and about 780 faculty and staff. The server was immediately locked down.

The internal investigation, as well as an external forensic team, found no evidence that any personal information was accessed, copied, transmitted or printed.

However, NDUS is offering identity protection services to those whose information was housed on the server as an extra precaution.

“Thankfully, there is no evidence that the attacker accessed the personal information housed on this server,” said Interim Chancellor Larry C. Skogen.

“We do understand, however, that incidents like this can be distressing, so we’ve taken the extra step of offering identity protection services for the next year to all those affected.”

Those affected are automatically enrolled in the AllClear Secure identity protection program for the next 12 months. If a problem arises for any reason, an individual can simply call (866) 711-5990 and a dedicated investigator will do the work to recover financial losses, restore credit and make sure their identity is returned to its proper condition. AllClear ID maintains an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau.

For more information regarding this incident and updates, visit ndus.edu/data.

Exploring Leadership “Everything Rises and Falls on Leadership” -John C. Maxwell Exploring Leadership Soulutions offers a variety of multi-phased leadership training programs . The Maxwell training can be designed to bring the same employees together for an hour or two weekly for up to six months. This leadership development process builds strong networks within your organization and participants not only learn about different leadership principles and practices but get to also observe and apply them.

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6 Things you Can Do to Be Taken Seriously as a Young Entrepreneur

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Bankers. Experts. Friends.

By: Caron Beesley, SBA zCommunity Moderator Are you a teenager or in your early 20s? Do you have a great business idea? Perhaps you’re already making headway towards starting your own business. But how do you get others to believe in you and your business idea?

Here are six surefire ways that you can be taken seriously as a young entrepreneur: 1. Have a Plan Having a plan means knowing where you want to be and what steps you are going to take to get there. If you can’t communicate this to investors, vendors, distributors, employees, and so on, you will never be taken seriously.

2. Be Serious About Your Passion It’s inevitable that you are going to come across people who are going to try and talk you out of your idea— put your ear muffs on and stand your ground. Be proud of your idea, innovation, or business and be ready to showcase what you’ve done to get this far and what your plans are for the next step.

3. Find a Mentor Many young entrepreneurs struggle to succeed because they don’t have a mentor. Whether it’s a former boss, someone in your business network, or family friend, find a mentor who has experience in your field and has walked in your shoes before. Not only can a mentor provide valuable advice, they can also give you access to contacts, resources, and events that you might not otherwise have access to.

4. Surround Yourself with the Right People Just as it’s important to have a mentor, it’s also important to work on being around the right people.

Surround yourself with the kind of people who are living the life you want to live or exemplify – they will challenge you and probably tell you things you don’t want to hear, but they’ll also tell you the things you have to hear. Look to entrepreneurial groups, experts in your industry, college professors – those who are respected in your industry or community.

5. Don’t Be Flash with Cash!

One of the surest ways to show you are serious about your business idea is to demonstrate that you can manage your cash and keep it flowing. Look for ways to keep costs low.

You should also utilize technology and the resources around you to keep costs low – think of using garage space to store inventory instead of paying for a warehouse, or use social media to make the most of low-cost marketing.

6. Look Like a Pro! It goes without saying, or does it?

Try to look like you are serious about what you are doing. Whether you are meeting customers, potential partners, mentors or investors – clean up your act. No, you don’t need to wear a suit all the time, but dress appropriately.

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Sign Up for Chamber reminders!

Get the latest news on The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce.

We are starting a new texting program to help keep members posted on our upcoming events. It never hurts having a friendly reminder from time to time.

To sign up text “bismancc” to 57711. You may receive up to four messages per week. Message and data rates may apply when sending and receiving text messages. Text “STOP” to 57711 to opt-out at any time. Text “HELP” to 57711 for assistance or call 800-211-goods/services. To view our Privacy Policy, please visit www.sentextsolutions.com/privacypolicy.

Don’t wait, sign-up now for timely notifications! If you would like more details you can contact Amanda Schumacher at 702-223-5660 or by email at aschumacher@bismancc.com.

APRIL Televised LIVE Government Meetings

Tuesday, 1st 5:30 pm Mandan City Commission

Monday, 7th 5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission

Monday, 7th 5:30 pm Mandan School Board (recorded) Tuesday, 8th 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission Wednesday, 9th 5:15 pm Burleigh Planning Commission

Monday, 14th 4:30 pm Mandan Park Board (recorded) Monday, 14th Monday, 14th

5:15 pm Bismarck School Board

5:30 pm Morton County Commission (recorded)

Tuesday, 15th 5:30 pm Mandan City Commission

Thursday, 17th 5:15 pm Bismarck Park Board Commission Monday, 21st 5:00 pm Burleigh County Commission

Stay CONNECTED everyhere you go.

Monday, 21st 5:30 pm Mandan School Board (recorded) Tuesday, 22nd 5:15 pm Bismarck City Commission

Wednesday, 23rd 5:00 pm Bismarck Planning & Zoning Commission

Thursday, 24th 3:30 pm Burleigh County Social Services Monday, 28th

5:15 pm Bismarck School Board

Tuesday, 29th 5:30 pm Morton County Commission (recorded) 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.

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Tabor Garners Prestigious Army Engineer Award

An North Dakota Army National Guard Soldier recently was presented with one of the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment’s most prestigious honors while attending a training course at the Professional Education Center at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Ark., which serves as a national training center for the Army National Guard.

Col. Steven Tabor, of Bismarck, N.D., who serves full time as the N.D. National Guard’s director of facilities and engineering, was awarded the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal for his support to National Guard Construction and Facilities Management efforts, both regionally and nationally.

As the National Guard’s Facility Engineering Advisory Council’s Region VI representative, Tabor has been a mentor for his regional counterparts and a conduit between the National Guard Bureau and states in Region VI, which include North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

Nationally, Tabor chairs the Facilities Engineering Advisory Council’s strategy, policy and regulations committee and manpower committee. He provides valuable advice and mentoring about strategy, policy and full-time manning assessments to the National Guard Bureau Installations Division and the National Guard’s Construction and Facilities Management community.

“I’ve had a lot of mentors, and examples from my predecessors, on sharing experience to work though challenging issues that affect National Guard facilities planning and management,” Tabor said. “This award was completely unexpected.

I was honored to be presented with the recognition and look forward to continuing to assist through my role on the Facilities Engineering Advisory Council.”

The de Fleury Medal traces its origins to the American Revolutionary War and was named after French engineer Francois Louis Tesseidre de Col. Steven Tabor, North Dakota Fleury. In 1779, de National Guard director of facilities Fleury, who had and engineering, was presented the volunteered to serve Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal in the American on February 11, 2014.

Army, demonstrated extraordinary heroism at the Battle of Stony Point, a major defeat for the British Army and a turning point in the war. According to the U.S. Army Engineer Association, the Second Continental Congress awarded de Fleury a medal “struck in his honor” for his “intrepid behavior.”

The U.S. Army Engineer Regiment makes four award levels of the de Fleury Medal: steel, bronze, silver and gold. The bronze medal is presented to “an individual who has rendered significant service or support to an element of the Engineer Regiment.”

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Pat Brunelle

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

Q: What do I need to know about Zostavax?

A: ZOSTAVAX is a vaccine used for

adults 50 years of age or older to prevent Shingles (also known as Herpes Zoster).

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve ever had chickenpox, the virus that caused it, called the varicella-zoster virus, remains in your body. It lies dormant in your nerves and can come back, even years later, as the painful, blistering rash of Shingles.

As you get older, there’s an even greater chance you could get Shingles.

ZOSTAVAX works by helping your immune system protect you from getting Shingles. It is thought that ZOSTAVAX does this by helping to provide a boost to the immune system to help control or suppress the Shingles virus. It is a once a lifetime injection with possible side effects of redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site. It is a live virus, so take care to avoid newborn infants, those that are pregnant and haven’t had Chickenpox, and those with immunesystem problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to inquire more about Zostavax

30 | Chamber Connection

Steve Kelsch

1661 Capitol Way #102, Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 250-9400

Brian Neuhardt

4431 Memorial Hwy, Mandan, ND 58554 (701) 663-8401

Q: What is RansomWare and Q: When is the right time how do we protect our data? to start preparing for

A: Wikipedia Definition: Ransomware is

a class of malware which restricts access to the computer system that it infects, and demands a ransom paid to the creator of the malware in order for the restriction to be removed.

This has become a growing problem, and has already affected organizations in North Dakota. A machine gets infected with the malware by going to a bad website or opening a bad email. Once the machine is infected, you will see errors like “Invalid File Format” or “This file had been corrupted” when trying to open a file. At this point, there is no way to fix these files because the encryption code is so complex. A message will pop up on a machine telling you that the only way to get your files back is to pay them for the encryption key.

Studies show that only about 60 percent of people who actually pay the ransom are able to get their files back.

The best way to deal with ransomware is to restore files from backups made before the network was infected. Now more than ever, backups need to be done on a more regular basis, and you need a reliable backup solution to ensure your data is safe.

your child’s tuition?

A: It’s hard to find an investment that

delivers better value than a college education. While most parents realize the value of a good education, helping their children pay for college is a different matter. Currently, tuition costs are increasing greater than the rate of inflation, making sound college savings strategies all the more important.

There are three main ways to pay for college: • Grants and/or scholarships • Loans • Family Resources If you have college-bound children, start a savings strategy as soon as possible. The best time to begin is when your child is born. But even if your child is already in school, it’s not too late. No matter how little or how much you put aside, the sooner you develop a systematic savings strategy, the more time you’ll have to accumulate the funds you need.

Consider who will have control of the account (now and in the future), who can contribute to the account and how much they can contribute, the possibility of financial aid, investment options, will the plan reduce your taxable estate, and if contributions are tax-deductible or tax-deferred.

Brian Neuhardt is a registered representative and investment advisor representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SPIC. Securian Financial Advisors of North Dakota is independently owned and operated. 4431 Memorial Highway, Mandan, ND. TR#870795 DOFU: 3-2014

t

www.bismancc.com

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Jason Frank

2101 46th Ave SE, Mandan, ND 58554 701-751-3999

Dr. SNEH Patel

701 E Rosser Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 • 701-751-9500

Dr. Watkins

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

Q: Now that spring is here, Q: What is HPV? Q: What is the difference are there steps I can between chemotherapy A: Every year in the United States, take to ensure run-off and radiation therapy? cervical cancer affects about 12,000 from snow melt and women, and penile cancer affects almost A: Radiation therapy (often called 2,000 men. The Human Papilloma Virus spring rains do not radiotherapy, or “x-ray treatments”) is cause water issues in my (HPV) is the main cause of cervical and most commonly given as a series of low penile cancer. The virus is transmitted new or existing home? dose x-ray treatments directed at specific sexually. It is the virus that causes genital areas of the body to treat cancer. While A: Spring is the most common time of warts. There may not be any signs year homeowners may encounter water issues. Proper landscaping is the first and most important line of defense to keep water out. If you have an existing home, make sure your landscaping has proper slope away from the foundation around the entire perimeter of your home. Then make sure your yard has proper slope and drainage to evacuate as much water from the yard as possible.

With new construction, your builder needs to provide rough grade landscaping which includes sloping all dirt away from the foundation and grading the remainder of your lot to evacuate as much water as possible.

If the builder was not able to provide rough grade landscaping prior to freeze up, make sure they return as soon as the ground and weather allow. Also, make sure all downspouts either have splash blocks installed under them or tipouts that are in the down position. It is important this water is drained outside of any edging and rock.

or symptoms early on, therefore it is important to have regular exams with your doctor and for women to get pap smears done per guidelines.

The HPV vaccine is available to all women and men ages 9-26. This vaccine protects against the most common strains of HPV known to cause cervical, vaginal, and penile cancers. Using condoms, limiting your number of sexual partners, not smoking, and getting the HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of getting these cancers.

radiation therapy is directed to specific parts of the body where cancer has been found or may be present microscopically, chemotherapy is a medication given by IV or as a pill and is distributed throughout the entire body. Often radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used together to increase the likelihood of controlling disease both locally (where it began) and distantly (where it may spread).

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Wilke Accepts Award

Sam Wilke, Structural Engineer for EAPC Architects Engineers, was selected as the North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers Chapter 3 Young Engineer of the Year.

The award is evaluated on Sam Wilke educational and collegiate Dwyer Joins BNC’s achievements, professional Mortgage Division society activities, technical society activities, civic and BNC National Bank recently humanitarian activities, continuing competence, hired Laura Dwyer as a Mortgage engineering achievements, and professional Originator for the North Dakota experience. market. Dwyer graduated from Sam has been with EAPC since 2009 and has over eight years of engineering and project management the University of Mary and Laura Dwyer experience. Sam shared, “It is an honor and very has worked over 11 years in banking, starting as a mortgage humbling to have received this recognition. A special thank you goes out to my wife for her continued processor, then underwriting and most recently as a support, along with all of the exceptional mentors, mortgage lender. She has been an active volunteer with Rebuilding Together and is a foster care provider. engineers, professionals and support staff that I have encountered and had the pleasure of working with Dwyer’s office is located at BNC’s Century avenue throughout my career.” branch and she can be reached at 701-250-2707.

Dakota PrecisionRx Labs Earns PCAB Accreditation

Kevin Oberlander, owner of Dakota Pharmacy, received notification that their compounding lab division, Dakota PrecisionRx Labs, has earned the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) Seal of Accreditation following a stringent application and submission process. This process required documentation of education, training, licensures, policies and procedures as well as an extensive on-site inspection by compounding experts.

Dakota PrecisionRx Labs is honored to be named a PCAB Accredited Pharmacy—this achievement is a strong statement of the pharmacy’s commitment to provide high quality compounded medications for their customers and community.

32 | Chamber Connection

Starion Financial’s Schoonover Moves to Mandan

DFC Consultants Hire Two New Employees

Amy Hannesson has joined DFC Consultants as an Accountant/Consultant. Her responsibilities include inside accounting and assisting customers with their accounting needs. Amy graduated from Amy Hannesson NDSU and was formerly a Partner Account Manager at APAC, a Microsoft vendor, for five years.

Jeff Wedul, Programmer for DFC Consultants, has achieved the status of a Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist. In order to achieve this status, Wedul had to complete in-depth testing on Microsoft Dynamics products.

Credit Collections Bureau Announcements

All of the following have been promoted to Collection Associate: Tiffany Thomas (Bismarck) Melody Smith (Sf), Tom Jackson (Sf), Mary Walsh (Sf), Jeff Hartnell (Sf) Virginia Paul (Far),Vicki Lynn (Far), Chris Green (Far),

Amy White (Far), Tom Fox (Far), Robert Perry (Far), Derrick Graves (Far).

Cody Schoonover, financial advisor with Starion Investment Services, is moving to Starion Financial’s Mandan branch. He Sanford Psychiatrist Receives will be located in Mandan fullBoard Certification time by mid-2014.

Prem Pathak, MD,

In his role, Schoonover psychiatrist at Sanford Health in provides in-depth knowledge Cody Schoonover Bismarck, is now board certified necessary to assist investors in in adult psychiatry by the identifying what investments American Board of Psychiatry they may want to consider. He develops personalized and Neurology (ABPN). investment plans and offers quality investment According to the American solutions. Schoonover also provides comprehensive Board of Psychiatry and retirement planning that may help investors reach their Prem Pathak, MD Neurology, board certification retirement goals. ensures that the psychiatrist has Schoonover has been with Starion Financial since the skills and knowledge of diagnosis, treatment and 2013. He is currently enrolled at the University of Mary medical management of neurological disorders.

– Bismarck, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in finance.

Additionally, Schoonover is in his seventh year in the North Dakota Army National Guard.

www.bismancc.com Wald Named Advisor of the Year Fireside Office Solutions Earns David Wald of Bismarck has Certification been named Advisor of the Year for 2013 by Securian Financial Advisors of North Dakota. Wald is a Financial Advisor with Securian Financial Advisors of ND, Inc., located at 1313 Skyline David Wald Boulevard in Bismarck. He has been with the firm since August 2008.

Wald was named one of “40 Under 40” for 2013

by Prairie Business News and was honored with a Securian President’s Club award in 2013. This award recognizes the company’s top-performing advisors who have demonstrated outstanding sales growth and commitment to client satisfaction and earned the accolades of their peers.

In addition to his professional successes, Wald is committed to community service and gives back in many ways. He serves as Chairman of the Board for Easter Seals/Goodwill of North Dakota and as Vice President of the Dakota West Arts Council, which provides support and funding to arts organizations. He is also Secretary for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Missouri Slope Chapter. Wald resides in Bismarck with his wife, Angella, and two young daughters.

Bartz Receives Award

Paul Partz, general manager of the Bismarck Erbert and Gerbert’s received the President’s Club Award.

The President’s Club is the top award in the Erbert and Gerbert’s system and is presented annually to general managers that meet all critical operations criteria, including highest operational scores, positive sales, maintaining food and labor standards, and completing compliance with all financial reporting systems and marketing initiatives.

Schoenrock, Hawkinson and Kingsley Named V.P.’s at KK BOLD

Stephanie Schoenrock

Jackie Hawkinson

Kalvin Kingsley

Three KK BOLD employees have been promoted to vice presidents of the marketing firm.

Stephanie Schoenrock now is the overall, organizational vice president; Jackie Hawkinson is the vice president of operations; and Kalvin Kingsley is the vice president of information technology.

Schoenrock joined KK BOLD in 2004 as the agency’s director of regional operations. She was promoted to director of account services in 2011.

Hawkinson was present at the agency’s creation in 1989. Her responsibilities have evolved over time, and, prior to this promotion, she was the office manager.

Kingsley joined KK BOLD in 1999 as the agency’s management information systems director and later became operations director.

New Employee Joins the Bismarck Cancer Center

Fireside Office Solutions has achieved Service

The Bismarck Cancer Center Solution Provider (SSP) Certification by Kyocera recently added Mindy Raulston Document Solutions America. The SSP Certification as a new cancer registrar for the is achieved through stringent testing in areas Central North Dakota Cancer of service management, training completed, Registry. equipment troubleshooting, network certifications, Mindy has taught in the and connectivity. A Kyocera Service Solution Provider biology department at the employs a highly certified service staff and represents University of Mary. She Mindy Raulston Kyocera’s highest level of technical and solutions also worked in local clinical expertise. This is the 11th consecutive year Fireside has laboratories. Mindy has a been awarded the SSP Certification. background in clinical laboratory science with a master’s degree from UND and holds bachelor’s from University of Mary in biology and Starion Financial Hires Marketing degrees medical laboratory science. She has also worked in and Communications Manager floral design at Robert’s floral. In her new position,

Trish Helgeson has joined Mindy will be abstracting and reviewing patient data Starion Financial as the for the Central North Dakota Cancer Registry. marketing and communications manager. She is located at the Kirkwood Bank & Trust Promotes bank’s Mandan location.

Jahner and Miller

In her role, Helgeson leads

Kirkwood Bank & Trust is the development and pleased to announce that Pete implementation of effective Trish Helgeson Jahner has been promoted to marketing strategies to support President. Prior to joining the sales of personal and business bank in 1993, he was a Federal banking, mortgage, insurance and investment Bank Examiner. Jahner, a services at Starion’s locations in North Dakota and Linton native, graduated from Madison, Wis. Her responsibilities include oversight of UND with a major in Banking advertising, public relations, internal communications, Pete Jahner and Finance and a Masters digital strategy, event planning and product in Business Administration. development.

He is also a graduate of the University of Colorado’s Helgeson comes to Starion with more than 20 Graduate School of Banking. years of marketing and public relations experience

Brad Miller has been named in banking, healthcare and tourism industries. She Commercial Banking Manager/ earned her Bachelor of Science in marketing from Sr. Loan Officer. He was hired in Minnesota State University Moorhead and her Master 2003 as a Loan Officer. Miller, of Business Administration degree from North Dakota a native of Sherwood, has State University – Fargo. degrees in Finance and Business Management from Minot State Nelson Family Dentistry Adds University. His office is located at Overby Brad Miller the north location in Bismarck.

Nelson Family Dentistry is proud to announce that associate Crystal D. Overby, DDS Sanford Health Selects National has entered Genomic Oncology Advisor into a partnership with James Nelson, DDS at Nelson Family A leading medical oncologist and geneticist at Stanford University has joined the Edith Sanford Breast Dentistry.

Cancer team as its national genomic oncology advisor.

Dr. Crystal (Schmidt) Overby James Ford, MD, will guide the organization on Crystal D. Overby is from Bismarck, ND. She is clinical research and personalized treatments for breast an honor graduate of Saint Mary’s Central High School. Dr. Crystal completed her cancer. As Edith Sanford’s national genomic oncology undergraduate studies at the University of Mary where advisor, Dr. Ford will help develop and launch clinical trials in genomics and provide technical expertise she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science. She graduated to treating physicians based on the interpretation of from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in genomic data gathered from those clinical trials.

Dr. Ford is currently an associate professor of Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Crystal recently received the “Quality Care in a medicine (oncology) and genetics and director of Caring Manner” award for excellence in patient care. the Stanford Cancer Genetics Clinic and the Cancer She is a member of the American Dental Association, Genomics Program at Stanford University Medical the North Dakota Dental Association, and the Academy Center. He graduated from Yale University in 1984 and received his medical degree from the Yale School of of General Dentistry.

Medicine in 1989. The recipient of numerous national awards, Dr. Ford is also an editor for Cancer Research, Ellison Advisor of the Month PLoS Genetics and DNA Repair and serves on the Securian Financial Advisors of ND, Inc. is pleased to scientific review committee for the V Foundation for announce that Bruce Ellison is Advisor of the Month for February. Bruce has been a Financial Advisor with Cancer Research.

Securian since December 2013 and is located at 4431 Memorial Highway in Mandan.

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Edgewood Sanford Physician Receives Board Six Join Dakota Carrier Network Management Group Certification in Hematology

Dakota Carrier Network has Announces Regional hired six employees. Mark Vijay Chaudhary, MD, Aslakson, Erik Brousseau, Todd hematologist and medical Vice President for Domres, Jamie Eckart, Jennifer oncologist at Sanford Health Region III

in Bismarck, is now board Edgewood Management Group, certified in hematology LLC (Edgewood) has named Char Schmidt by the American Board of Char Schmidt, RN, BSN Regional Internal Medicine (ABIM).

Vice President for Region III. In Board certification validates her new role, Schmidt will oversee Edgewood’s senior Vijay Chaudhary, MD hematologists’ skills, knowledge living communities in Bismarck and Mandan, N.D. and abilities. According to ABIM, Prior to this, Schmidt served as Executive Director of Dr. Chaudhary must actively take part in recognized Edgewood Bismarck – Village and as Senior Executive exercises to remain board certified. Dr. Chaudhary has Director of the EMG Mandan/Bismarck communities. worked for Sanford Health since 2011.

Schmidt has over 25 years of experience in long term care. She received her BSN from the University of American Family North Dakota and makes her home in Bismarck, N.D.

Puklich Chevrolet Hires Director of Marketing

Insurance Agents Earn Life Rewards Honor

Mark Asklakson

Erik Brousseau

Kyle Niess has recently joined Puklich Chevrolet as the Director of Marketing. He Terry Kraft is responsible for campaign development, social media strategy and keeping up the overall Puklich Chevrolet brand.

Niess has a broad background Kyle Niess in marketing experience from working in multiple areas of business stemming from his 8 years working as a project manager & marketing consultant for a local ND advertising agency. His wealth of knowledge and experience makes him a great addition to the Puklich Dee Heintz Chevrolet family.

Local American Family Insurance agents have earned the prestigious Life Rewards award from American Family Insurance. Terry Kraft (Mandan, ND) and Dee Heintz (Bismarck, ND) both achieved Life Diamond Todd Domres status. These agents join a select group who distinguished themselves in 2013 through outstanding sales of life insurance products offered by the company’s subsidiary, American Family Life Insurance Company.

Starion Financial Hires VP of Credit Administration

Open Road Honda Technicians Earn Highest Certification

Marc Rasmussen has joined Starion Financial as its VP of credit administration. He is located at the bank’s downtown Bismarck location.

In his role, Rasmussen works with the chief credit officer to lead and oversee the Marc Rasmussen credit department regarding underwriting, collateral valuation, loan policy adherence, documentation/ commercial loan operations and project administration.

He ensures credit quality while providing competitive service levels to internal and external customers of the department. Additionally, Rasmussen facilitates projects relating to all aspects of credit administration, strategic initiatives, regulatory compliance, internal controls, software changes, credit reporting, efficiency gains and enhancement of loan policies.

Rasmussen has more than 30 years of experience, having served as a loan officer, residential lending manager, branch manager, regional manager and most recently as a senior credit officer. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of South Dakota. Additionally, he graduated from Master’s level three-year courses at both Mortgage Bankers Association’s School of Mortgage Banking – Wash. and Pacific Coast Banking School – Wash.

34 | Chamber Connection

Mat Helms

Ken McCoy

facility in Irving, TX.

Jamie Eckart

Mat Helms and Ken McCoy, Technicians at Open Road Honda in Mandan, ND have earned distinction as Honda powersports Red Level Laura Walz Technicians. This certification, the highest that can be earned by a Honda powersports technician, requires completion of 48 online courses and 66 classroom modules.

Helms and McCoy, the only Red Level Technicians in North Dakota, recently completed their training at a Honda training

Chamber of the Americas Promotes Cisneros

The Chamber of the America’s (COTA) is pleased to announce that Gil Cisneros now serves as Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Cisneros co-founded COTA in 2001. With his broad range of contacts, Gil drives COTA’s mission of promoting business opportunities by connecting industries, businesses, investors, and government sectors throughout the Americas.

Guthmiller, and Laura Walz will provide services in the Bismarck and Fargo offices.

Aslakson is an account executive based in the Fargo office and has more than 13 years experience in the information technology field.

Brousseau has been hired as a transport technician and has more than 13 years experience.

Domres will serve as a business development manager and brings almost 20 years of experience. Eckart is a facilities maintenance technician and has more than 15 years experience.

Guthmiller serves as a support representative with more than 15 years experience. Walz is a marketing coordinator and executive assistant with more than 12 years experience. These employees are all located in the Bismarck office.

Jennifer Guthmiller

Dr. Todd Gray Joins St. Alexius

Todd Gray, MD, recently joined The Clinics of St. Alexius as an adult and pediatric urologist.

Dr. Gray received his medical degree from University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Todd Gray, MD Albuquerque, New Mexico. He completed his urology residency at University of Utah Affiliated Hospitals, Salt Lake City, Utah, following two years of general surgery residency at University of New Mexico Affiliated Hospitals, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Dr. Gray is certified by the American Board of Urology and is a member of the American Urological Association.

i h i h

B a

www.bismancc.com Int Veldt Joins New Receptionist at Dakota Eye SagePoint Financial Institute

SagePoint Financial is proud Bismarck, ND: Dakota Eye to announce Tiffany Int Veldt as Institute recently hired Joanne their newest Financial Advisor.

Harrington to join its eye Int Veldt has over two years care team as a receptionist. of bank experience and has Harrington is responsible for Tiffany Int Veldt worked with several different checking patients in, updating Shirley Thomas departments, including the personal information and investment department in the past four years. Int Veldt collecting insurance co-pays. holds a Series 7 as well as a Series 66 license. Int Veldt Joanne Harrington Harrington has worked as a is also licensed for life, annuity, long term care, and medical receptionist for most of health insurance. her life and is from Wing, N.D. Int Veldt graduated from the University of Mary with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Accounting and Finance, along with a minor in Theology.

Bianco Realty Sales Awards

Bianco Realty has named Shirley Thomas and Desri Neether Associates of the Month! Thomas and Neether had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty for the month of February 2014. Thomas has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2001 and Neether has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2013.

Desri Neether

candidate Announcements

Engelman Seeks Election to Bismarck Park Board

“A diversity of people, programs and partnerships” is the perspective life-time Bismarck resident, Harley Engelman, would like to bring to the Bismarck Park and Recreation Board. Engelman, a Senior Consultant with KAT Communications, is entering his first run for the board.

“I want to bring a new voice and different perspective to the Park Board,” said Engelman.

“Bismarck has an outstanding park and recreation system. However, as the city continues its phenomenal growth, there is going be an increasing strain and demands placed on the district’s facilities and program offerings. I want to ensure that fiscal discipline along with sound program and personnel processes are in place so that those demands can be managed effectively and efficiently.”

Halvorson Seeks Re-Election to Bismarck School Board

Scott Halvorson recently announced he is seeking re-election to the Bismarck School Board.

“While we still face on going challenges with our growing student population, I feel we have laid the foundation by getting permission from the taxpayers to build three more schools and make improvements to existing structures. We also reconfigured our building grade levels and redid our school boundaries to make sure we are using our school buildings to maximum efficiency. I feel all of our decisions need to have the maximum impact on our basic responsibility which is to make sure our students are exposed to a world class education that will make them college and work force ready.”

Sagsveen Files For Bismarck School Board Election

Matthew Sagsveen has filed papers declaring his candidacy for the Bismarck School Board election.

Sagsveen was elected to his first term in 2010 and he is currently board president.

Sagsveen lives in Bismarck with his wife Amanda and their three sons. He received his undergraduate degree in political science from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and his law degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law.

He currently is the Director of the Natural Resources and Indian Affairs Division of the North Dakota Attorney General’s office where he has worked since 2000. Sagsveen also serves on the church council for the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Bismarck.

“The new Common Core standards can be difficult to understand, even for board members like myself.

If re-elected, I will keep driving the District to explain the purpose and intent behind the standards successful implementation can only be accomplished if our students and parents understand how the standards work.”

Jeske Seeks Second Term as Park Commissioner

Julie Jeske announced she is seeking re-election as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation commissioner.

Jeske was elected to her first term as a Bismarck commissioner in 2010. Currently, she is vice president of the board and holds the operations portfolio. “I feel we have made great strides as a park and recreation district. However, we still have a lot of work to do.

I would appreciate the opportunity to utilize the knowledge and experience I have gained this past four years to keep the park district moving in the right direction.”

Jeske is the vice president of community services at St. Alexius Medical Center. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from Jamestown College and earned her Master of Business Administration from University of Mary. Jeske also served as a Park and Recreation commission in Grand Forks, ND.

Williams Announces Candidacy for Bismarck School Board

Rissa Williams has announced her candidacy for the Bismarck School Board. Williams is a Licensed Massage Therapist and small business owner with one part time employee. She is an active volunteer in the community and a USAF Veteran.

Williams is from Minot and has lived in Bismarck since 2009. In her four years as a Riverside Elementary School parent, she held Parent Teacher Organization offices including President, Vice President, and Secretary. In 2010, Williams was Bismarck Public Schools’ Parent Representative for the National Title I Conference in Washington, DC.

Williams looks forward to bringing her perspective as someone who has overcome the statistics of childhood poverty and a single parent home. She is a passionate advocate of the North Dakota Public School System, and credits public education for the early work ethics that have allowed her to succeed in life.

Schwartz Seeks Re-Election to Park Board

In his first run for a seat on the Bismarck Park and Recreation Board, Mile Schwartz campaigned with the philosophy of “Active People, Great Parks, and Responsible Spending.” In announcing his candidacy for re-election, the current board president cites a desire to complete some unfinished business.

“We have made great strides in maintaining and enhancing the quality of Bismarck’s park and recreation facilities and programs. There is still work to be done however, to ensure that the citizens of Bismarck, youth to seniors, have the opportunity to access all the district’s offerings.” explains Schwartz.

Lembke Announces Candidacy for Bismarck School Board

Karl Lembke, announced his candidacy for Bismarck School Board.

“With the tremendous growth Bismarck is experiencing, the increasing number of students will be an ongoing issue. The Bismarck School Board faces challenges to complete the plan to open the new elementary and high school along with meeting the needs of future increases in number of students.

I grew up in Bismarck and my kids are growing up in Bismarck. I am excited for the possibility to serve this great community and to provide the best education for the future of our Bismarck kids.” said Lembke.

Lembke said the school funding, common core standards, use of technology in learning and standards of grading will also be some of the important issues for the Bismarck School Board. He said communication with parents, educators and students will be important as the board makes decisions regarding these issues.

Chamber Connection | 35

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.

Sixteen03 Main Events 1603 East Main Bismarck, ND Corey Castleman 701-255-6246 Event center offering a hip, urban warehouse-type vibe that makes any occasion extra cool. Parties up to 550 people are welcome for dinners, receptions, business meetings, soirĂŠes and media events.

Affordable Housing Developers, Inc. 135 Sims Street Suite 212-A Dickinson, ND Larry Stockert (701) 527-7613 Community housing development.

Dunn Bros Coffee 1401 Skyline Blvd Suite A Bismarck, ND Bitsy Coe (701) 751-4886 Add some flavor to your next gathering by serving fresh roasted coffee and fresh baked pastries from your locally owned Dunn Bros Coffee. Ask us about our double shot standard or try our cold-pressed coffee. Enjoy a sandwich made from our freshly sliced deli meat. Stop in today, or call for our catering options.

Stifel Nicolaus/Jason Millner 1400 W Century Ave Bismarck, ND Jason Millner (701) 255-4225 Wealth Management and Estate Planning Strategies, Retirement Income Strategies, 401(k) Rollovers, Trust Reviews, Life Insurance, Asset Allocation, Bonds, Stocks, Annuities, Mutual Funds, ETFs

Kathleen Jones Bismarck, ND Individual

MVP Contracting Mandan, ND Michael Visner (715) 891-7222 Custom building, remodeling, additions, kitchens and baths.

NDSU Distance and Continuing Education 1919 N. University Ave. SGC D112 Fargo, ND Julie Portillo (701) 231-7015 NDSU Distance and Continuing Education offers a diverse selection of online degrees, certificates, professional development, and services to encourage lifelong learning.

Capital City Lions Club PO Box 2262 Bismarck, ND Marlene Larson (701) 223-1888 Service club organization serving the community in different projects by aiding and caring for vision/hearing impaired, feeding the hungry, supporting local youth and charity organizations.

BIG RIG 105.9 FM 409 North 4th St. Bismarck, ND Bob Denver (701) 751-4751 FM Radio Station playing new country and the legends.

Advanced Fleet Services of ND, Inc. 1512 Basin Ave Bismarck, ND Terry Steckler (701) 250-5114 Service club organization serving the community in different projects by aiding and caring for vision/hearing impaired, feeding the hungry, supporting local youth and charity organizations.

R&G Secure Computing Bismarck, ND Benjamin Gross (701) 484-1056 R&G Secure Computing provides security solutions for an increasingly dangerous digital world to homes and businesses.

36 | Chamber Connection

www.bismancc.com

Chamber Connection | 37

Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon cuttings are conducted by a committee of Chamber volunteers called Ambassadors. Businesses qualify for a ribbon cutting if they open, move, and remodel, are under new ownership, change their name, or offer a new product or service. To schedule a ribbon cutting, please call Susie Kocourek at 701-223-5660 or email skocourek@bismancc.com.

Bayside Tesoro & Liquor Mike Staudinger Representing owners/partners of DJ’s Tesoro Dickinson, Tory Otto, partner and Diane Hauck, Manager Somethings Brewing, in their new business located at 2701 46th Avenue SE in Mandan

Sweet Beginnings Tami Helmers in her new location/expansion at 300 West Main in Mandan.

Phone: 226-1783.

Bis-Man Eyecare Associates Josh Borstad, OD, Jason Erhardt, OD, and Joel Neumiller, OD located inside the Mandan WalMart at 1000 Old Red Trail in Mandan. Phone: 663-0012. Member 38 | Chamber Connection

Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson Niles Hushka in their new building located at 4585 Coleman in Bismarck.

Phone: 355-8400. Member

We Ship Tami Helmers, new owner and Chuck Neibel, manager in their new location at 300 West Main in Mandan.

Professional Hearing Services Andrea Larson, owner in her new business located at 4900 Ottawa Street #300 in Bismarck.

www.bismancc.com

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

Zack Shack Fish Houses & Bait Shop Jake Miller, Manager in their new business owned by Mike Peluso located at 4515 Memorial Highway in Mandan.

Phone: 663-8194

Broadway Grill & Tavern Karla & Steve Pine and staff in their new business at 100 West Broadway in Bismarck.

Phone: 751-5969

National Mutual Benefit of the Dakotas Patty Kostelecky, new District Representative.

A home based business.

Phone: 269-1002. Member

CENEX Tom Parson, Manager in their newest location at 4426 Memorial Highway in Mandan.

Phone: 751-3410.

Feil Orthodontics Dr. Blake Feil in his new second location at 1411 27th Street N.W. in Mandan.

Phone: 222-8668. Member

Profile by Sanford Health Thomas Bry, in their new business located at 1655 North Grandview Lane, Suite 104 in Bismarck.

Phone: 557-0050. Member Chamber Connection | 39

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

2014 Spring Mixer

SPRING MIXER

Date: 4/1/2014 • Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Ramkota Hotel - 800 South 3rd Street, Bismarck

Chamber to Host Proposed Morton and Burleigh County Jail Presentation

HOT TOPIC BREAKFAST

Date: 4/2/2014 • Time: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Location: Ramada Hotel - 1400 E. Interchange Ave., Bismarck

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: ALLIANCE REAL ESTATE

Date: 4/24/2014 • Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Alliance Real Estate - 1022 E. Divide Ave., Bismarck

LUNCH AND LEARN: HOW SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE THINK Date: 4/30/2014 • Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: The Chamber - 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: WELLS FARGO ADVISORS

Date: 5/15/2014 • Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Wells Fargo Advisors - 4501 Coleman St, Ste. 204, Bismarck

April 22, 2014 7:30AM - 9:00AM The Chamber

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN GRADUATION

Date: 5/21/2014 • Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: The Seven Seas Hotel - 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan

LUNCH AND LEARN: BASICS AND CURRENT EVENTS IN EMPLOYMENT LAW Date: 5/28/2014 • Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: The Chamber - 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

For more information contact Zachary Smith at zsmith@bismancc.com

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Over half of our 720 employees are certified systems engineers and technicians. You can count on Marco for expert technical service and support for your voice, data, video and print systems.

Connect with Marco — your trusted technology advisor.

Jason Lantz, Network Specialist

701.222.2222

807 E Century Ave, Bismarck | marconet.com

Jason Lantz, Network Specialist; Ron Emter, Copier Service Technician