2012-13 Annual Report
Message from the President Craig Whitney
Your Chamber is thriving. This year, thanks to another successful membership campaign, we passed the 2,100 member mark and now represent over 94,000 employees in Cass and Clay counties and beyond. We’ve had another busy year, filled with the events, programs and services you’ve come to know and love. We amped up our advocacy efforts, taking key roles in the fight for permanent flood protection and the support of the North Dakota Air National Guard. We had a record-breaking year with events, including several sold out business trainings and our largest ChamberChoice Awards Luncheon on record. These are just a few examples of the work we do on your behalf.
CHAMBER STAFF
As we look to the 2013-14 fiscal year, I can assure you we are working to promote economic growth and prosperity for you, our members. We’re delving into ways to add value to your membership, train our local workforce and advocate for your interests at a local, state and federal level. It’s going to be an exciting year and we can’t wait to get started.
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Craig Whitney, President/CEO Jim Parsons, Vice President of Finance/Operations Julie Doggett, Information Systems Administrator Darren Dunlop, Business Development Manager Katie Hutton, Communications & Marketing Manager Tracy Konickson, Membership Sales Manager Jessica Lee, Government Affairs & Advocacy Manager Gail Petersen, Membership Relations Coordinator Elly Peterson, Administrative Services Coordinator Tracy Powell, Director of Events Bobbi Jo Rehder, Events Coordinator Kaylyn Stroh, Publications & Program Marketing Coordinator Camille Weber, Professional Development Manager Julie Yourczek, Administrative Support Coordinator
About The Chamber The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce is a bi-state, regional federation of over 2,100 private, public and non-profit member firms representing more than 94,000 people. The largest local chamber in North Dakota and Minnesota, The Chamber advocates for a strong metropolitan community and supports the interests of its members, which are located in Cass and Clay Counties and beyond.
Mission
“The Chamber promotes economic growth and prosperity for business and its members through advocacy, education and engagement.”
Vision
The Chamber is the leader in ensuring the growth and prosperity of our regional business community and members.
Strategic Objectives §§ §§ §§ §§
Through effective public policy, foster an environment of economic growth. Grow jobs and attract investment. Achieve organizational excellence to best serve members. Provide bold and visionary leadership throughout the region.
2012-13 Chair of the Board
2012-13 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wayne Bradley of Bradley Business Advisors, served as our 2012-13 Chair of the Board. Since joining the Board of Directors in 2008, Bradley has worked to ensure The Chamber remains strong and continues to promote economic growth and prosperity for our members. He has provided leadership on a number of important issues, including initial studies on workforce development and advocacy efforts like permanent flood protection and property tax relief.
Board Chair Wayne Bradley, Bradley Business Advisors
Chair Elect Bernie Dardis, Indigo Signworks
Immediate Past Chair Kristi Ulrich, Heritage Homes, LLC
Treasurer Doug Restemayer, D-S Beverages, Inc.
Director-At-Large Norman Leslie, National Hospitality Services
Thomas Astrup, American Crystal Sugar Company Renee Bourdeaux, North Dakota State University Chuck Driscoll, Red River Refrigeration, Inc. Don Gronke, State Farm Insurance Katie Hasbargen, Microsoft Kathy Lewin, Forum Communications Printing Paul Richard, Sanford Health Jon Riewer, Eventide Senior Living Communities Edna Szymanski, Minnesota State University Moorhead Doug Vang, Essentia Health Paul Von Ebers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota 3
About You Chamber Member Business NAICS Segmentation Health Care and Social Assistance
Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
Financie and Insurance
Manufacturing
Accommodation and Food Services
Information
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Educational Services
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Other Services (except Public Administration)
300
New Members Per Year
Construciton
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
Beauty Salons & Barbers
Wholesale Trade
Utilities
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
Mining
Number of Years as a Member 50 years or more 20 to 49 years
200
10 to 19 years
Members
250
6 to 9 years
150
3 to 5 years
Members
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
0
2004 2005
100 50
1 to 2 years Less than 1 year 0
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Public Administration
100
200
300
400
500
Highlights From 2012-13 Record Breaking Events Business After Hours
Business Training Series
ChamberChoice
Corporate Cup
Voices of Vision
2013 ChamberChoice Award Winners!
Not-for-Profit of the Year
Small Not-for-Profit of the Year
Business of the Year
Entrepreneurs of the Year Jill Krahn and Jodi Ellingson Hair Success Salon & Day Spa
members
get
it!
Small Business of the Year
Young Professionals Best Place to Work
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To be number one, even for a moment, in this community, is huge. Thank you to The Chamber for this incredible honor. Steve Halverson, Heartland Trust Company
Members Get It Our third annual membership campaign brought in new members, bringing The Chamber’s
83
membership to an all time high of over
2,100 member businesses.
Chamber Facebook page tops 1,000 likes! 5
Advocacy Chamber Makes Flood Protection Top Priority
“
We amped up our efforts to ensure permanent flood protection is a reality for Fargo Moorhead West Fargo. Chamber staff worked with local business leaders to form the Business Leaders for Permanent Flood Protection task force, a group committed to ensuring the importance of comprehensive flood risk reduction stays at the forefront of the region’s priorities.
The flood has taken its toll on our communities long enough. Now is the time to move above political posturing and wipe spring flooding from the list of headlines about our metro area.” Tom Dawson, task force chairman
The group advocated for a Fargo Moorhead area diversion project during the 63rd Legislative Assembly in Bismarck for necessary flood protection funding. They also launched a statewide advertising campaign to depict the widespread support for the project and garnered over 200 signatures from the business community in less than 24 hours. Recognizing the threat a major flood poses to our community, business leaders showed their commitment by traveling to the capitol, providing testimony and supporting the legislation every step of the way.
The Path to Protection
The diversion project is a key piece of the permanent flood protection puzzle and has successfully surpassed major milestones on its road to reality. In 2013, Governor Dalrymple signed into law an additional $100 million in state funding, along with legislative intent to deliver a total of $450 million. At the federal level, the U.S. Senate passed the Water Resources Development Act which provides federal authorization for the project. The Business Leaders for Permanent Flood Protection will maintain their engagement at all levels.
Keeping You Informed
Whether it’s hearing the vision for our metro’s future from area mayors at the State of the Cities or sharing ideas with candidates during the first ever Candidate Cracker Barrel, The Chamber is dedicated to keeping its members informed and in the know with elected officials at a local, state and national level.
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Advocacy Historic Tax Relief Becomes Reality at Legislative Wrap-Up In front of some The Chamber’s most politically savvy members, North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple signed into law a record $250 million in income tax relief for North Dakotans during the North Dakota Legislative Wrap Up. Emcee Chris Berg then facilitated questions from members to Fargo and West Fargo legislators, including Senator Tyler Axness, Senator Tim Flakoll, Senator Tony Grindberg, House Majority Leader Al Carlson and Representative Ron Guggisberg.
Opportunities and Challenges Stem From Minnesota Session The Minnesota legislative session provided The Chamber an opportunity to support economic development opportunities for border cities. We advocated for changes to the Job Creation Fund to incentivize businesses to expand, successfully providing additional time and investment. A new Greater MN Job Training program was successful as was enhancements to the Angel Investment Credit program. We also worked to oppose onerous solar mandates, radical tax increases on tobacco and alcohol and the expansion of Business-to-Business taxes. We will continue to advocate for border city exemptions to enhance competitiveness across our regional economy.
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Legislative Wrap-Up Launched in Minnesota District 4 Senator Kent Eken, Representative Ben Lien, 4A and Representative Paul Marquart, 4B were featured at a legislative wrap-up event to provide a recap of the Minnesota Legislative Session. The panel highlighted topics from education to tax reform.
Chamber Day at the Capitol Chamber Day at the Capitol gave the business community a chance to meet with elected officials in Bismarck and carry the message of important issues affecting our area. Members participated in committee hearings, floor sessions and met with legislative leadership about significant issues.
In the 38 years I’ve been involved in this area, this is the first time we’ve had an event of this nature. Morrie Lanning
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Advocacy Military Affairs and the Honor Star Program The contribution of our military to our local community and country is undeniable as is the commitment of our business members to show their support. After announcing a new program called the Honor Star at our Second Annual Meeting, 141 members now showcase their Honor Star sticker on their business doors.
military
The program is also having an impact on the community. Through the Honor Star program, affairs 70 flags lined the streets of Broadway during the 2013 Fargo Marathon. Those flags continue to be available to our cities and members for use in future events.
Honor Star members were exclusively invited to record a video tribute for a service member they honor, which was played during our Military Appreciation night at the RedHawks. Additionally, Honor Star members are invited to events to learn about opportunities to connect with retiring service members and received a back stage pass to tour the National Guard’s Command Information Center, which was set up as part of the Guard’s annual training. Still in its infancy, the Honor Star program has proven to be mutually beneficial for service members and employers. We look forward to expanding membership and opportunities to give back through this rewarding program.
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It’s just knowing that whether they’re deployed or whether they’re here at home station, the community supports them and their mission and what they do everyday. Col. Rick Gibney, 119th Wing commander
Advocacy A Flying Mission for North Dakota is Our Mission The Chamber continues to convene the Fargo Moorhead Air National Guard Support group, securing support from local cities, counties and the state of North Dakota. While the Happy Hooligans have been charged with pioneering a new era for military operations with Predator operations and intelligence gathering, the Air National Guard Support group will advocate for a manned flying mission.
BY THE NUMBERS
“The legendary Happy Hooligans are the best at what they do, and they fly planes,” said Craig Whitney, chair of the Fargo Moorhead Air National Guard Support Group. “We will do everything we can to be sure North Dakota is not the only state in the country, without a manned mission.”
400 people heard from area mayors at the State of the
§§ Over Cities.
300
§§ Nearly members participated in legislative wrap-up events in North Dakota and Minnesota.
100
§§ Over members attended the first-of-its-kind Candidate Cracker Barrel to meet 2012 candidates.
100
§§ The Military Affairs committee has over members, advancing a community of support for our service members.
650
§§ Over members of our military community were able to attend a RedHawks game as part of The Chamber’s largest military appreciation event to date.
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I want to thank The Chamber and all the sponsors for the
unbelievable military appreciation night.
My son Gabe summed up the entire event from the picnic to the fly-over, the color guard and the game as ‘super cool’ and I completely agree. Thank you for honoring our service members and veterans. We appreciate all of your support. Brigadier General Al Dohrmann North Dakota National Guard Assistant Adjutant General
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Education Business Training
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It was a year of record breaking for the Business Training series. The program, which focuses on timely, relevant issues for members, brought in one national speaker, six local speakers, four featured panels and hosted the first half-day Business Summit. Attendance at almost all of the events broke records from previous years, covering topics like team building, social It was a pleasure to speak at the Business Training series. I media, customer service, company culture and with the attendance and much of that is a result of the way the event was promoted by The Chamber. Their ongoing much more!
couldn’t
have been happier
BY THE NUMBERS
support, organization and enthusiasm made the experience a real success. Brent Teiken, Sundog
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350
§§ Almost people heard Brent Teiken talk about company culture at our largest business training to date.
250
§§ Almost people learned how to harness social and other media to market their businesses.
200
§§ Over people saw national speaker C. Willi Myles talk about building a winning team. §§ A panel of local leaders spoke to over people on strategies they use to build, engage and retain their teams.
200
2,150
§§ Almost people attended our 2012-13 Business Training series.
Spreading the Word
1 Metro Profile and Member Directory. §§ 12 Monthly Chamber newsletters. §§ 49 Weekly eBridge emails. §§ Over 500,000 touch points with §§
members each year.
Education Young Professionals Network
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The Young Professionals Network (YPN) continues to grow by leaps and bounds and reached an all-time membership high with 473 members this year. The program helps young professionals in our area learn about the community, grow their network and enhance their business skills. Highlights this year include: §§ A successful continuation of the popular Networking The YPN was an incredible way to meet to Business lunches that included topics such as LinkedIn, corporate responsibility, public speaking quality young professionals when I was skills and many more relevant, timely topics for new to town. I have developed some younWg professionals. and solid business §§ Giving back to the community through volunteering relationships over time. I am thankful for at the YWCA Cass Clay, collecting toys for children taking the leap and attending my first meeting during the holidays and ringing bells for the Salvation Army. in the fall of 2008. §§ Having fun! We held a pool shark tourney, went to Matthew De Vries the Redhawks, held our first annual golf event and Edward Jones Investments provided our members nearly 40 events to participate 2012-13 YPN Chair in throughout the year.
great friendships
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Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Graduates 35 Business and Community Leaders
The Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo program was a wonderful experience for me. I learned so much about myself and my community. Jenny Erickson Home Builders Association of F-M 2012-13 LFMWF Graduate
In May, 35 business leaders graduated from the Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo program. The program is designed to expose emerging and existing community leaders to the issues facing the region while challenging and engaging participants to strengthen the community through service and leadership. In addition, the class engages in projects with select nonprofits. The projects are chosen through a proposal process and the class is tasked with completing the project’s objectives through effective collaboration with the nonprofits.
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Engagement 2012 Legacy Leader In September 2012, we celebrated our second year as the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber with almost 600 people in attendance. The Second Annual Meeting featured Bruce Furness, former mayor of the City of Fargo, as our 2012 Legacy Leader. “I am deeply honored to receive this award and am filled with profound humility when I look at the names of the distinguished persons previously selected as Legacy Leaders,” said Furness. “Each of them has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our community and has indeed left a legacy benefitting all of us. To be included with them is a distinct honor of which I am very proud.”
December Business After Hours
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December Business After Hours broke records again this year with almost 1,200 people and more than 100 exhibitors, creating networking magic over three hours.
Great job on December Business After Hours! It was just a fabulous event. We are pretty blessed to have such great businesses in our metro area. It’s no small feat pulling off an event of that enormity. Nice job Chamber! Jen Herbrandson, Wallwork, Inc.
Economic Outlook
Headlined by Terry J. Fitzgerald, senior economist and vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis in the Policy Group, the Economic Outlook Forum brought together over 400 people to hear about the future of the economy in our region, state, country and world.
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Engagement Voices of Vision
Bringing nationally recognized, world-thought visionaries to the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo area. Joe Theismann, the most successful quarterback in the history of the Washington Redskins, keynoted our third Voices of Vision event to a sold out crowd. “You cannot, will not, nor ever hope to be successful in life if you think you’re doing it by yourself,” said Theismann.
State of Technology The Chamber partnered with Senator John Hoeven for the second time in less than a year to host the State of Technology. Over 500 people heard from global technology leaders like Microsoft as well as leaders in the local economy like Doug Burgum, Myriad Devices and Evolution1 to name a few.
ChamberChoice Awards The 2013 ChamberChoice Awards Luncheon not only honored the stars of the business community with a new blue carpet award show feel, but also was one for the history books. With over 700 people in attendance for the annual event, this year’s ChamberChoice Awards, featuring national comedian James Cunningham, was the largest Chamber luncheon event ever held for this organization.
Our common thread is the unparalleled support we receive from our nationally recognized and award winning Chamber of Commerce; a Chamber whose ongoing vision is to ensure the growth and prosperity of our business community and its members. Our Chamber of Commerce exists so that we can do together what one cannot
do alone.
Barb Vetter, Bank of the West
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Engagement 350
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BY THE NUMBERS
Currently, over active volunteers serve on one of The Chamber’s eight committees, helping to make the best better.
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100 members on the Military Affairs committee. §§ 71 Ambassador Public Relations committee Thank you so much for being §§
members.
51 members on the Public Affairs committee. §§ 50 people serve on the Young Professionals §§
such an accommodating,
hospitality-driven Chamber! I truly enjoy
Network committee or one of its sub-committees. being an Ambassador! Connie Peterson §§ members on the Business Leaders for Flood Minnesota Public Radio Protection committee.
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§§
18 Ambassador Member Relations committee members.
16 leaders serve on The Chamber’s Board of Directors as its governing body. §§ 15 members on the Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo planning committee. §§ 9 Business Training committee members. §§
Engagement 1,088 likes on Facebook. 2,411 Twitter followers. 983 LinkedIn members.
BY THE NUMBERS
From record-breaking Business Training sessions to a sold out ChamberCoice Awards Luncheon, our members were ready to network, learn and engage through Chamber events and programs.
600
§§ Over people attended the third annual Voices of Vision event featuring Joe Thiesmann.
600 people attended the Second Annual Meeting of The
§§ Almost Chamber.
“
700 people walked the blue carpet at the ChamberChoice Awards
§§ Over Luncheon.
3,700
§§ More than members attended the six Business After Hours events throughout the 2012-13 year.
125
§§ Over volunteers helped distribute packets for our annual Operation Thank You.
300
§§ Nearly member employees enjoyed a delicious lunch from Maxwells or Mezzaluna during our Treat Your Team Luncheon. §§ The Public Relations Ambassadors celebrated with businesses at ribbon cuttings.
107
Business After Hours truly is
two hours of power!
To connect with the same number of community leaders elsewhere would have cost us thousands of dollars and 50x the man hours! Mark Lindquist Lindquist Financial
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§§ Our 2013 Corporate Cup was a sold out affair with teams and almost participants at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
700
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PO Box 2443 Fargo, ND 58108-2443
Community Builders
Business Builders
Choice Finanical | Cornerstone Bank | Heritage Homes, LLC | InterceptEFT Prudential Premier Real Estate | Roers Construction & Development | West Acres Development, L.L.P.