2022-2023 Metro Profile by The FMWF Chamber of Commerce

2022-23 Metro Profile • Fargo Moorhead West Fargo

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A NOTE FROM THE CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT & CEO Welcome to the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community! We are pleased that you’re exploring our community and are looking forward to showing you around. Whether you are considering making a move to our area to begin a new chapter of your life, for a work or education opportunity, or looking for somewhere to plant your roots and raise a family, this is the place for you. Or, maybe you have recently moved here and are simply looking to discover more of our community and all of the great people, activities and opportunities you now have access to. As you read, you may notice folks saying “Fargo, FM, FMWF, or Fargo-Moorhead;” those are all different ways people refer to our region. This magazine was crafted for your enjoyment and to showcase all of the lifestyles and opportunities that exist in this vibrant and growing region. We hope you enjoy the stories you read and the people you meet throughout the following pages. Reach out to The Chamber at any time, as we would love to learn more about you and be your business, community and education concierge. We are here to help you achieve your personal, professional and business goals. Enjoy exploring the community and we will see you around!

Shannon Full

President & CEO Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce

President’s Letter fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2022-23 Metro Profile • FMWF Chamber

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

Welcome to the Fargo-Moorhead community So, what do you think? With endless options for entertainment, dining, schools, jobs, parks (dog parks too!), activities and so much more – Fargo-Moorhead is ready for you to call it your home.

We’re excited to offer this guide of all things Fargo, but before you dive in too deep, check out these facts!

243,966, With a population of

ETHNICITY

CAREER

White Black

AGE GROUPS

Asian

Under 25 years 25 to 44 years

37.3%

83%

White, Hispanic

2.9%

Two or more races

2.3%

29.6%

American Indian or Alaskan Native

1.3%

45 to 64 years

20.9%

American Indian or Alaskan Native, Hispanic

.3%

65 years and over

12.2%

Other

.5%

Career options in Fargo are endless. With several companies having regional or national headquarters here, such as Microsoft, Horsch, Doosan Bobcat and more, you’ll have no problem finding a company to grow with. Plus, it won’t take you that long to get to work.

14.9 minutes

Average commute time to work:

COST OF LIVING AND COMMUNITY STATISTICS

CLIMATE

If traveling isn’t your thing and you want to stick around, you’ll be able to enjoy all four seasons and the fun that comes with each. Do you like hot and sunny? Enjoy building snowmen? Maybe raking leaves is your favorite pastime. Whichever season you prefer, FM has them all.

When school is in session, we have many resources for kids and adults alike.

Current Average Earnings

$68,375

Cost of Living Index

101.1

With dozens of private and public options across 10 school districts, education is certainly a priority.

Cost of Living Adjusted Current Average Earnings

Hector International Airport

$67,631

Fargo Jet Center

Average Family Size

2.96

Wondering about higher education? There are numerous options!

Annual Living Wage for a Family of Three

$71,395

Concordia College Minnesota State University – Moorhead North Dakota State College of Science North Dakota State University

Amtrak Bus services Car rental companies

Median Home Value

$225,600

Median Gross Rent: Two Bedroom

$845

Avg. High

Avg. Low

Summer

Fall

Winter

Spring

2022-2023

University of Jamestown

University of Mary – Fargo Campus

Plus innovative learning options such as the Moorhead High School Career Academy and Cass County Career Innovation Center!

Entertainment & Outdoors

PARKS

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

The food and beverage options in our community are endless. If you’re looking for a locally

Between Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo, there are

more than 250 parks, over 150 miles

Uniquely Fargo Moorhead

Rasmussen University – Fargo Campus

Season

We also have a robust healthcare system. With two major hospital systems, the Fargo VA and many specialized clinics and centers, your family will always be healthy and well taken care of.

VALUES AND RENT

MState

TRAVEL Looking to travel? Fargo offers several options:

1.9%

US average is 27.6 minutes.

HIGHER EDUCATION

We have a strong Midwest work ethic. In fact, we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at:

Chamber Metro Profile

Fargo is home to many diverse ethnicities, age groups and more.

TURN THE PAGE AND MEET YOUR COMMUNITY TOUR GUIDES!

handcrafted beverage, we have plenty of breweries,

wineries and cider houses of restaurants, food

for you to visit. When you get hungry, we have hundreds

trucks and more for you to choose from. Craving Thai dishes? We’ve got it. Looking for some German cuisine? We have that too. Sushi? Lots of options. Want some classic Norwegian food? You bet! You will never go hungry or thirsty in Fargo-Moorhead.

of scenic paths and trails, and numerous facilities and recreation centers.

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT

fmwfchamber.com

pools and water parks, dog parks, sports complexes, river access parks and more.

4 22

22 together, form connections and get to know all the community has to offer.

Chamber Metro Profile

Median Home Value

Median Gross Rent: 2 Bedroom

$225,600

$845

Sioux Falls, SD

$208,400

$843

Denver, CO

$271,600

$1,214

$441,800

$1,504

Des Moines, IA

$193,100

$946

Omaha, NE

$181,200

$966

Fargo Moorhead

Golfing

Hiking

Lake fishing/lake activities

Fishing/kayaking/canoing

Current Average Earnings $68,375

Cost of Living Index 101.1

Cost of Living Adjusted Current Average Earnings $67,631

Average Family Size 2.96

$71,395

105.4

$64,397

3.05

$69,820

104.5

$81,969

3.16

$83,357

CAREER

Career options in Fargo are endless! With several companies having regional, national and global headquarters here, such as Microsoft, Horsch, Doosan Bobcat, Aldevron, SCHEELS and more, you’ll have no problem finding a company to grow with! In fact, as of May 2022, there were 6,376 job openings in Cass County alone. And, it won’t take you that long to get to work. fmwfchamber.com Average commute time to work:

14.9 minutes

We have a strong Midwest work ethic. In fact, we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at:

US average is 27.6 minutes.

1.9%

compared to the national average of 3.3%.

EDUCATION

Education is also important in our community. When school is in session, we have many options for kids and adults alike.

• Essentia Health

• Microsoft

• US Bank

• Eventide Senior Living Communities

• Moorhead Public Schools

• VA Medical Center

• North Dakota State University

• Wanzek

• Fargo Public Schools

• Sanford Health

AIRLINES

• West Fargo Public Schools

Business & Education ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Another perk of doing business in Fargo is the ease of access for business travel. Fargo’s Hector International Airport offers direct flights to 13 destinations across five major airlines. Right next door, you’ll find the Fargo Jet Center which offers private charter service, as well as comfortable and convenient amenities for business travel.

Our region doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to entrepreneurship. Organizations like SBA, MBA, EDC, The FMWF Chamber, Folkways, Emerging Prairie, NDSU Research & Technology Park and more encourage and support entrepreneurs, and offer personalized support to help owners get businesses up and running.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS, FARGO

• Central Cass

• Dakota Memorial School

• Fargo

• Dakota Montessori School

• Mapleton

• Grace Lutheran School

• Northern Cass

• Oak Grove Lutheran School

• West Fargo

• St. John Paul II Catholic Schools

• Barnesville • Dilworth Glyndon Felton • Hawley

115.3

$77,948

3.20

$88,253

$76,771

98.5

$77,940

3.08

$77,037

Omaha, NE

$70,606

99.2

$71,175

3.15

$77,659

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Wondering about higher education? We have plenty of options there, too! And, thanks to the Tri-College University System, students are able to take classes at differing universities with no additional tuition or admission procedures. • Concordia College • Minnesota State University Moorhead • Minnesota State Community & Technical College

• St. Joseph’s School

And don’t forget about innovative learning options such as the Moorhead Career Academy – make sure to read more on page 49!

• North Dakota State College of Science • North Dakota State University

• Rasmussen University – Fargo Campus • University of Jamestown

• University of Mary – Fargo Campus

We also pride ourselves on the health of our community, which contributes to the overall success of the region. Fargo is home to three major health systems: • Essentia Health combines the strengths and talents of 14,700 employees, including more than 2,100 physicians and advanced practitioners, who serve our patients and communities through the mission of being called to make a healthy difference in people’s lives.

• Fargo VA Medical Center is a Joint Commission accredited medical/surgical hospital with 36 acute care beds, a 38 bed Community living Center, Primary Care and Specialty Medicine Clinics, 10 Community Based Outpatient Clinics, and one Community Resource Referral Center.

In addition to these major medical systems, you’ll find numerous specialty clinics, medical spas, rehabilitation services and more.

• Sanford Health is the largest rural health system in the United States. Sanford Health serves more than one million patients and 220,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles with 47 medical centers, 2,800 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 170 clinical investigators and research scientists, and world clinics in 8 countries around the globe.

fmwfchamber.com

find many options in all directions of the community to plant your stakes.

It’s easy to get around Fargo! With sidewalks galore, bike paths, two interstate systems, MATBUS, Uber, Lyft and more,

nowhere in the community is out of reach.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS, MOORHEAD

• Park Christian School

• Moorhead

farmland. If rural or country living is your thing, you’ll

and a bike score of

– which makes it easy to get to all the fun restaurants and coffee shops.

fmwfchamber.com

Neighborhoods

$89,874

Des Moines, IA

With dozens of private and public options in more than 10 school districts both right here in Fargo-Moorhead and in the surrounding communities, education is certainly a priority.

K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS

There are many diverse industries that thrive in Fargo-Moorhead, with some of the largest industries including healthcare, construction, education, manufacturing, financial services and retail and wholesale trade. Within these thriving industries, you’ll find some of the region’s largest employers, which include:

• Marvin

In fact, Downtown Fargo has a walk score of

diving off

Business & Education

Fargo-Moorhead is extremely business friendly. With a strong economic climate, entrepreneurial spirit, and business resources, our community is the perfect place to get to work.

Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods $67,874

$85,657

And for the daredevils out there, you can cross sky your list, or even learn how to fly a plane.

fmwfchamber.com

Renters are easily able to find a property that meets their needs.

Sioux Falls, SD

such as 5 and 10ks, kids’ runs, FurGo Dog Run and so much more.

We also have an abundance of apartment communities, condominiums and townhouses.

Annual Living Wage for a Family of Three

team and enjoy some friendly competition. Youth sports programs are also a major part of our community. The Fargo Marathon, held in late spring each year, is a Boston Marathon qualifying course, and features an abundance of other events throughout the week

and

If staying active is your thing, make sure to get involved in the various recreational sports leagues. Volleyball, hockey and softball are just a few of many sports to grab a

State parks

Snowshoeing

Sledding

Pumpkin patches

Fat tire biking

Ice skating

Disc golf

Cross country skiing

Minneapolis, MN Denver, CO

Fall

SPORTS

There are many options to fit your lifestyle; from older neighborhoods with historic homes and mature trees, to new developments with cutting edge designs and lots ready for you to build on, you’ll find the perfect location to call home.

VALUES AND RENT

Metro Area

Summer

Faith-based communities make their mark in the community. The FM area has abundant Christian congregations ready to welcome visitors and residents to worship services. In addition, Fargo-Moorhead is proud to have many Hindu residents, the Jewish synagogue Temple Beth-El, a Baha’i congregation, several active Buddhist communities, and a Muslim community of more than 5,000 people. Native American spirituality contributes an essential component to the cultural and religious life of the region, as embodied in the Fargo-Moorhead Native American Center.

To put it simply – we believe in giving back. Each year, our region hosts Giving Hearts Day, a 24-hour fundraising event for charities in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Since it began in 2008, more than $138 million has been raised. Our region is home to hundreds of non-profits, and we’re proud to support them. We’re also proud to support our military, including the local 119th Wing of the North Dakota Air National Guard – also known as the Happy Hooligans.

Entertainment & Outdoors

We’re also proud to be surrounded by rich, flourishing

Fargo-Moorhead Minneapolis, MN

science museum!

Advertiser Index

Plains Art Museum INSIDE COVER Sanford Health 1 702 Communications 2 Essentia Health 5 Scheels Arena 16 Forum Communications Printing 20 Indigo Signs 20 Moore Engineering, Inc. 20 Eide Bailly LLP 26 Hector International Airport 30 Houston Engineering, Inc. 36 Border Bank 37 Minnesota State University Moorhead 40 Magnum 44 Shooting Star Casino 44 Medica 45 Fargo Jet Center 46 PARK CO., REALTORS 55 Business Spotlights 56 Midco INSIDE BACK Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND BACK

Business & Education

Metro Area

River Zoo, SkyZone, Suite Shots, splash

pads, Red River Valley Speedway… the list goes on and on. We are also looking forward to soon being the home to a brand-new indoor waterpark

2022-2023

What does it cost to live in FM vs. similar sized communities? Well... let’s take a look. VALUES AND RENT

Spring

events. FM Pride, Frostival, Christkindlmarkt, West Fargo Street Fair, Bridge Bash, StartupBREW, FMWF Chamber events and so many more offer opportunities for community members to come

Neighborhoods No matter where you choose to live in the FM area, you’re never too far from great restaurants, endless shopping destinations, schools, hospitals and so much more.

Winter

2022-2023

Fall

Community & Culture

Music and theatre also reign supreme in the community. You can see live plays at venues such as the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre, Theatre B, Trollwood and more. The historic Fargo Theatre brings in comedy acts, musical performances, films and events every week. If you’re looking for something else, Fargo also offers an opera, ballet, choral artists group, and symphony orchestra.

Chamber Metro Profile

Enjoy the public art found throughout the community, such as the many murals. You’ll find an alley where graffiti is encouraged, a giant yellow meadowlark, a Super Mario Bros. themed wall and more. Try to find them all!

If you want to shop ‘til you drop, Fargo offers many unique options. Clothing boutiques, vintage shops, home décor, antiques and more can be found in small local shops, as well as larger shops scattered throughout the community and within West Acres Mall. If you’re looking for name brands or bigger retailers, the area is home to numerous national chains such as Costco, Target, and TJ Maxx, to name a few.

The community comes together through many cultural and community-based

Art makes a large impression on the community. Be sure to check out museums such as the Plains Art Museum and The Rourke, which are always hosting local shows and curating art from local and regional artists. Plus, the colleges in the community have art galleries where student and faculty work are showcased. The Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead is also another great place to see art and our region’s history, and features a fullscale Viking Ship, Hopperstad Stave Church replica and more.

Summer

Bird watching

At the core of our culture is our desire to support and improve our community.

Avg. Low

Ice fishing

Roam around Fargo to track down members of the painted bison herd; head to the Visitors Center to take a photo with the infamous woodchipper from the movie Fargo (yes, it’s the real prop used in the movie); cool down at the historic Moorhead Dairy Queen where Dilly Bars were invented; and make your way to SCHEELS to take a ride on the 45-foot-tall indoor Ferris Wheel – fun for the whole family!

Our community is home to the Red

Fargo-Moorhead truly has it all when it comes to outdoor activities

– and you can enjoy time outdoors during each season. Avg. High

Entertainment & Outdoors

Fargo-Moorhead is home to a diverse population of all ages and backgrounds, which creates a community culture that is second to none. There are some things you can only find here that make us who we are.

ACTIVITY VARIETY

Season

scene, with home grown artists showing off their talents at smaller venues and local bars.

WEATHER

Biking

Chamber Metro Profile

Community & Culture

The Lights, FARGODOME, Scheels Arena, TAK Music Venue, Bluestem Amphitheatre, Fargo Theatre and more. There is also a vibrant local

This also includes things like swimming

2022-2023

When it comes to musical entertainment, you will never be bored. Each year, Fargo-Moorhead brings in big names and local music stars to perform at the many venues, including

Together we can live healthier.

C ARE LIK E NOWHE RE E L S E In this place, we face challenges head on, believing that with community and commitment, we can build something better. Live healthier. Take care of each other. With top medical providers and personalized care, Essentia Health helps you realize your best health where you live.

Join our team: EssentiaCareers.org

Schedule an appointment online at EssentiaHealth.org

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

Welcome to the FargoWe’re excited to offer this guide of all things Fargo, but before you dive in too deep, check out these facts!

243,966, With a population of

Fargo is home to many diverse ethnicities, age groups and more. AGE GROUPS

ETHNICITY White

83%

Black

Asian

White, Hispanic

2.9%

Under 25 years

37.3%

Two or more races

2.3%

25 to 44 years

29.6%

American Indian or Alaskan Native

1.3%

45 to 64 years

20.9%

American Indian or Alaskan Native, Hispanic

.3%

65 years and over

12.2%

Other

.5%

HIGHER EDUCATION

COST OF LIVING AND COMMUNITY STATISTICS

When school is in session, we have many resources for kids and adults alike.

Current Average Earnings

$69,121 101.1

With dozens of private and public options across 10 school districts, education is certainly a priority.

Cost of Living Index Cost of Living Adjusted Current Average Earnings

$68,369

Average Family Size

2.96

Wondering about higher education? There are numerous options!

Annual Living Wage for a Family of Three

$70,496

Concordia College Minnesota State University – Moorhead MState North Dakota State College of Science North Dakota State University Rasmussen University – Fargo Campus University of Jamestown University of Mary – Fargo Campus

Plus innovative learning options such as the Moorhead High School Career Academy and Cass County Career Innovation Center!

VALUES AND RENT Median Home Value

$225,600

Median Gross Rent: Two Bedroom

$845

-Moorhead community So, what do you think? With endless options for entertainment, dining, schools, jobs, parks (dog parks too!), activities and so much more – Fargo-Moorhead is ready for you to call it your home. CAREER Career options in Fargo are endless. With several companies having regional or national headquarters here, such as Microsoft, Horsch, Doosan Bobcat and more, you’ll have no problem finding a company to grow with. Plus, it won’t take you that long to get to work.

14.9 minutes

Average commute time to work:

We have a strong Midwest work ethic. In fact, we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at:

1.9%

US average is 27.6 minutes.

TRAVEL

CLIMATE

Looking to travel? Fargo offers several options:

Hector International Airport Fargo Jet Center Amtrak Bus services Car rental companies

Season

Avg. High

Avg. Low

Summer

Fall

Winter

Spring

We also have a robust healthcare system. With two major hospital systems, the Fargo VA and many specialized clinics and centers, your family will always be healthy and well taken care of.

Uniquely Fargo Moorhead

TURN THE PAGE AND MEET YOUR COMMUNITY TOUR GUIDES! fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

CRISTINA MCCOY

Married to Sam; two children My job: Director of Sales, KAJ Hospitality I have lived in the FMWF community my whole life; 38 years. My husband and I met in college during a night out with friends and have been in each other’s lives now for about 16 years. We decided to stay in the area because we absolutely love it here. My entire life started here and I wanted a place to build a foundation like my parents did with my sister and me. Fargo has so much to offer as a ‘little big city’ and is continuing to grow and thrive, with more diversity than ever before. We have some of the best schools in the state, a strong economy, a very low crime rate… and it is just overall a great community to raise a family in.

MEET YOUR FMWF TOUR GUIDES • FIND THEM THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE

JACK AND RYLEE

Engaged Our jobs: AdShark Marketing • Razor Consulting Solutions We are always talking about what a great sense of community we have in the Fargo-Moorhead area, and we have wonderful friends here. It’s hard to imagine picking up, moving and replicating that elsewhere. This community is incredibly inclusive, and has opened up our lives to some of the most meaningful relationships. We both view it as a great place to have a growing career, and a great place to raise a family in the future. Before moving to Fargo from the Twin Cities, Jack thought it was going to be too small here. Before Rylee moved here from a small town in North Dakota, she thought Fargo was going to be too big. As we’ve rooted ourselves here and made it our home, we’ve come to realize that it’s the perfect size for both of us. It’s a large enough metro to have opportunities and entertainment, but a small enough community to see many familiar faces everywhere you go. In our eyes, you get the best of both worlds.

DARREN AND DONNA

Married Our jobs: The FMWF Chamber • Spherion Staffing We met at a local health club, and after several months of bantering back and forth about “you owe me a beer” jokes, we finally went to Ground Round to true-up our bets on beers and burgers. We married almost five years later and have enjoyed 31 years of fun and travels as a married couple. Fargo has a small town feel with big town activities. We take full advantage of going to more concerts than we can count, attending community events, enjoying high school and collegiate sporting events, volunteering, dining out, golfing, hiking and much more.

MEET YOUR FMWF TOUR GUIDES • FIND THEM THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE

ZOE BUNDY High school student

My family moved to Fargo in 2009 from Dallas, Texas. We came up here for my dad’s job and have really enjoyed living in this community. I am a student at Davies High School, and am interested in social work and aviation – NDSU and UND both have great social work programs. Through the ND Center for Distance Education, I have been able to learn more about aerospace in high school classes, and will also be taking a few social work classes this fall at my high school. I have enjoyed my youth groups through two different churches, and other high school groups that involve comedy, trivia and live music each week. In my free time I enjoy playing guitar, singing, fishing, hunting, volunteering and getting to meet people in Fargo.

Meet Your FMWF Tour Guides fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

EMMA MCINTYRE

A parent… if her dog counts as a child My job: Director of Community Development, Chezy I grew up in Fargo, and moved back after graduating from the University of Northern Colorado. I think my favorite thing about Fargo is the ability to be a starter in the community. We’re small enough that you get to be a part of building the community you want to exist in, but large enough that there is access to people and resources that can have a major effect on what comes next for you, as well as the future of our region.

MEET YOUR FMWF TOUR GUIDES • FIND THEM THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE

RICKY PALLAY

Married to Jelsa My job: Director of Care Coordination, F5 Project I moved to Fargo from Pasadena, California in the Spring of 2011. Jelsa and I met at a holiday party in December of 2011, and we have been married for 6 years now. I have conquered 11 winters here so far, and I continue to stay in Fargo not as a glutton for punishment, but because the warmth and kindness from the genuine community here is like no other. Sometimes I laugh when I think that everyone who lives here must have seen that old Olive Garden commercial and took it to heart, “When you’re here, you’re family.” I love our art, music and events scene. Whether it’s the coldest day of the year or the hottest temps of the summer, there will be an activity going on to keep you entertained.

TAMI NORGARD Mother of three My job: Attorney, Vogel Law Firm

Fargo-Moorhead has been home for 23 years. I moved to Moorhead from Minneapolis in 1999, and built a home in Fargo in 2012. I am thankful to be raising three kids in this great community; Piper is in 7th grade in West Fargo, Sebastien is a junior at NDSU, and Avery graduated from Concordia College last year and will be going to law school this fall. In fact, it is largely because of my now 23-year-old daughter that I decided to move to the Fargo-Moorhead area. Living in the FMWF community provides a great opportunity to have a balanced life. Great work opportunities abound, yet we prioritize family and time to recharge and enjoy life.

MEET YOUR FMWF TOUR GUIDES • FIND THEM THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE

DAVE HARMON

Married to Allison; two children My job: Owner and MC/DJ, Harmon Entertainment I have been in the area since 1994, when I was a student at NDSU. In the late ‘90s I started getting into swing dancing, and I started teaching couples how to dance in the Fargo area. A handful of years later I met my wife while dancing downtown, and “it was love at first swivel!” If I’m not out working at a wedding, you can find me hanging out on my deck with friends and family, golfing, volunteering at our church, working out at Orangetheory Fitness, or binging Stranger Things or Ozark at home. People are generally friendly here and would help their neighbor if asked… there is definitely less road rage here as well.

Meet Your FMWF Tour Guides fmwfchamber.com

2022-2023 Chamber Metro Profile

Entertainment

PARKS

Between Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo, there are

more than 250 parks, over 150 miles

of scenic paths and trails, and numerous facilities and recreation centers.

This also includes things like swimming

pools and water parks, dog parks, sports complexes, river access parks and more.

CLIMATE Fargo-Moorhead truly has it all when it comes to outdoor activities

Summer

Fall

Winter Spring

x x

State parks

Snowshoeing

Spring

Sledding

Pumpkin patches

Lake fishing/lake activities

Winter

Ice skating

Ice fishing

Hiking

Fall

Golfing

Fishing/kayaking/canoing

Fat tire biking

Summer

Disc golf

Avg. Low

Bird watching

Avg. High

Biking

Season

Cross country skiing

– and you can enjoy time outdoors during each season.

x x

& Outdoors FOOD AND BEVERAGE

The food and beverage options in our community are endless. If you’re looking for a locally handcrafted beverage, we have plenty of breweries, wineries and cider houses for you to visit. When you get hungry, we have hundreds of restaurants, food trucks and more for you to choose from. Craving Thai dishes? We’ve got it. Looking for some German cuisine? We have that too. Sushi? Lots of options. Want some classic Norwegian food? You bet! You will never go hungry or thirsty in Fargo-Moorhead. MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT When it comes to musical entertainment, you will never be bored. Each year, Fargo-Moorhead brings in big names and local music stars to perform at the many venues, including

The Lights, FARGODOME, Scheels Arena, TAK Music Venue, Bluestem Amphitheatre, Fargo Theatre and more. There is also a vibrant local

scene, with home grown artists showing off their talents at smaller venues and local bars. ACTIVITY VARIETY Our community is home to the Red

River Zoo, SkyZone, Suite Shots, splash pads, Red River Valley Speedway… the list goes on and on. We are also looking forward to soon being the home to a brand-new indoor waterpark and science museum! SPORTS

And for the daredevils out there, you can cross sky your list, or even learn how to fly a plane.

diving off

fmwfchamber.com

Entertainment & Outdoors

If staying active is your thing, make sure to get involved in the various recreational sports leagues. Volleyball, hockey and softball are just a few of many sports to grab a team and enjoy some friendly competition. Youth sports programs are also a major part of our community. The Fargo Marathon, held in late spring each year, is a Boston Marathon qualifying course, and features an abundance of other events throughout the week such as 5 and 10ks, kids’ runs, FurGo Dog Run and so much more.

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

BEN AND EMILY BUCKINGHAM Have lived in FMWF for 1 year • West Fargo residents Married • Two children

We recently moved to the area from Trophy Club, Texas, and we love it here; there is ALWAYS something fun to do. This community is vibrant and growing, and best of all are the fun and welcoming people here.

We have a newborn and a two-year-old, so we find ourselves spending more nights at home and getting to bed earlier than we used to, but when we do go out there are so many fun options for our family to enjoy together. We love to eat at the great restaurants or food trucks around town and then catch live music or a sporting event. You can definitely find us at Fargo Force or RedHawks games. The NDSU football culture, traditions and community is something that you won’t find anywhere else! A couple of our favorite restaurants are 701 Eateries and Rosewild. Sol Ave Kitchen and Junkyard Brewing Company is our favorite combo in Moorhead; they are right next door to each other.

During the summer we enjoy going hiking, fishing and walking by the rivers. Hiking around Moorhead is without a doubt one of our favorite things to do with our kids and dogs. Next year we plan on joining some rec league sports in town. In the winter we take full advantage of the weather and go snowmobiling, ice fishing and sledding with the whole family. Another big reason for us moving here was to be close to some family we have in Northern Minnesota. We love being closer to them, and we find ourselves spending a lot of time up there and in the lakes area. There are so many lakes that are less than an hour away from home! If we are traveling a bit further, we often utilize Fargo’s airport. There are numerous flight options; we love flying direct to Arizona.

Entertainment & Outdoors

Sometimes people might think that towns or cities in the Upper Midwest are slow or boring. There is nothing boring about living in Fargo. There is so much for a young family to do and enjoy.

fmwfchamber.com

JACK & RYLEE We both take part in a co-ed beach volleyball league through Fargo Parks. Rylee enjoys her fitness and cycling classes, and Jack loves to play basketball, golf, and run along the river trails. Physical activity is a big part of our lives and we are grateful that Fargo has a variety of fun ways to stay active. We love visiting restaurants and breweries with friends. Our hearts are with Rustica Eatery and Tavern in Moorhead. It’s right by our apartment and has one of the best happy hours in town - it’s also where we got engaged! We’re also huge fans of Junkyard Brewing, Blackbird Pizza, Harold’s, and Wurst Bier Hall.

TAMI NORGARD I’m always up for social activities. I enjoy regularly hosting friends and family at my lake house in Minnesota. I bike in our gorgeous Minnesota lake country most summer weekends, sometimes joining the group rides that leave from the Detroit Lakes beach area most Saturdays. I also love going to concerts, including the great outdoor concerts at The Lights, Bluestem and the Red River Valley Fair. I have college football and hockey season tickets, as well as season tickets to the traveling Broadway productions that are held at the FARGODOME. Some of my friends get together for Texas Hold’em gatherings in the winter, often after snowmobiling, ice fishing or crosscountry skiing. I follow a Facebook group called “Fargo Date Night Ideas, Events and Challenges,” which promotes the local happenings and ideas for entertainment for people with varying interests.

Entertainment & Outdoors fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

TIM AND NATALIE GRUCHOW Tim has lived in FMWF for 13 years Natalie has lived here for her entire life

You can definitely say we like to have fun – and there is no shortage of fun to be had and things to experience in our great community. From hitting the arcade or going bowling at Kingpinz, to fishing on the Red River, there is plenty to do as a couple or with our friends.

Drekker is a staple for any day or night out on the town. We absolutely love the atmosphere and the variety of beer. There are so many great food options it is very difficult to even pick our favorites, but if we are doing brunch with friends it’s hard to pass up going to Rosewild. The live music scene in Fargo keeps getting better and better. We often go to The Sanctuary and The Hall at Fargo Brewing Company for live shows. The Fargo Theatre also has a variety of fun events that we like to go to.

One thing that’s important to us and why we love living here is how much there is to do outside, no matter the season. Suite Shots is a fairly new addition to our community, and might be one of the best things for people to check out in Fargo! Going to the lakes and fishing is an absolute must during the summers. We also enjoy going on walks, taking the dog to local parks, and hiking in Maplewood State Park in the summer and fall. During the winter months, ice fishing is something we love doing together. Natalie recently joined Cyclebar and has a new and welcoming workout family there.

Something that people may not always think about, but that really adds to the quality of life here is how safe it is. We feel comfortable and safe doing simple things like walking our dog around our neighborhood, and that is an important aspect of the community.

fmwfchamber.com

Entertainment & Outdoors

There is so much to do in Fargo together, or with friends and family. Plus, the people here are the most kind and hardworking that you’ll meet anywhere.

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

EMMA MCINTYRE I have a list of all my favorite Fargo patios depending on the occasion or meal desired! I’m excited for the ways that Fargo is also learning to embrace the winter with more outdoor activities and festivals. I think there is a misconception that Fargo is cold and boring. I believe our community is stepping up to the challenge and embracing these things, as well as bragging about what makes us great. When people experience Fargo-Moorhead, they fall in love.

I love to bring my dog everywhere with mewe spend a lot of time walking, running, and on patios with friends! I’m pretty fortunate to have a great friend group that keeps tabs on upcoming events around town, or hosts our own gatherings when we want to stay in. If I’m feeling lost on what to do, I try to keep up with the event schedules of breweries in town, the Unglued Team, and live music.

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RICKY PALLAY I really enjoy getting to meet new people, and I am also a night owl, so a Friday or Saturday night for me is usually spent in downtown Fargo. Downtown boasts many unique music venues that, within walking a block or two, you are sure to find a band, karaoke, a DJ, or other music entertainers.

I play Thursday Doubles with my teammate Paul, in a dart league through United Games, and our home turf is at Duffy’s, which is the best, closest bar to us. My wife and some of my friends do play on various teams and various sports, so I like to be a fan on the sidelines and be a supporter.

I am going to be honest here: I am not big on outdoor activities. Don’t get me wrong, I like fishing or playing a good game of Kubb, but I just really enjoy the great indoors. The exception I will definitely make every single year, is when it’s rooftop and patio season. I will absolutely go outside then, thanks to our amazing establishments and developers, who have created topnotch places to just sit and relax.

DARREN & DONNA On a weekend or any given weeknight during the summer you can find Darren on a golf course. When he’s not golfing, we enjoy hiking, biking, walking and playing pickleball together. We also really enjoy going to outdoor patios with friends as often as possible; some of our favorite places are 701 Eateries, The Tavern, JL Beers, Beer and Fish Co., and many more!

Live music and concerts are a huge part of our lives, and there is no shortage of great venues in town. The Fargo Theatre, Bluestem Amphitheater, Fargo Brewing, The Lights in West Fargo, The Sanctuary, Broadway Square and the FARGODOME… just to name a few.

Entertainment & Outdoors fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

Community

& Culture At the core of our culture is our desire to support and improve our community.

The community comes together through many cultural and community-based events. FM Pride, Frostival, Christkindlmarkt, West Fargo

Street Fair, Bridge Bash, StartupBREW, FMWF Chamber events and so many more offer opportunities for community members to come together, form connections and get to know all the community has to offer.

Community & Culture

fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

GARRETT LUNDIN

Has lived in FMWF for 6 years • West Fargo resident Music Producer • Rapper • Retail Associate

I moved to Fargo from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota with a couple friends who were going to start school here. I was just looking for something new with more opportunity and being as it was only an hour away from Detroit Lakes, I figured Fargo was as good a place as any to start. I’ve continued living here over the years not only because I have so many friends here, but also because Fargo provides a lot of the benefits of a big city without drawbacks like terrible traffic and sky-high living costs. Fargo has been growing rapidly and is a great place for entrepreneurs, startups and businesses looking to come here. It also has a creative community full of musicians, chefs and artists who are always bringing new things and events to the area – I think that is so important.

I work part time at Halberstadt’s selling men’s formal wear and casual clothing. I really enjoy helping people choose outfits, build wardrobes, tailor their garments to the proper fit, and making sure they look their best on some of the most important days of their lives. However, my true passion is my other job as a music producer and rapper. It’s so special being able to create an instrumental from any idea I have, letting

it inspire lyrics, recording my thoughts and emotions and then sharing them with the world. Nothing compares to giving your everything to a song and then being rewarded with people all over the world listening and loving your creation. It can change people’s moods, brighten their days, or just let them know they’re not alone and that means the world to me. Music has been such an important aspect of my life and being able to be a part of that community here and contribute to it is something I’m really proud of.

I love that almost anytime I go anywhere, I will run into someone I know. I enjoy skateboarding at our parks around town, or simply skating around the city and taking in the sights. It’s also great that we are only about 45 minutes away from the lakes area. Being able to live and work in Fargo and take full advantage of spending time at the lake is perfect. In the winter I like to head to Detroit Mountain and snowboard on the weekends. They always have fun events and a great terrain park with a tow rope so I can get tons of laps in and learn new tricks quickly.

fmwfchamber.com

Community & Culture

On a Friday or Saturday night my favorite thing to do is go Downtown Fargo with my friends, get dinner and then bar hop. There are so many fun bars in such a small area that its easy to check out what’s going on at each one and get the full experience. Whether you want a finely crafted cocktail, cheap drink specials, karaoke or dancing, there is something for everyone.

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CRISTINA MCCOY We are very proud of all of the different cultures that make up Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. Plus, its pretty amazing how you can seemingly eat food from anywhere in the world… right here in town. We also love the art and murals around town, and of course taking pictures in front of them is a blast. I love the support we show one another, and our willingness to help our neighbors. This place has big city vibes with local personality and growing diversity. And, what other city do you know that gets together and plays winter games? FROSTIVAL! I love that I get to call Fargo my home.

EMMA MCINTYRE I chose to move back to Fargo essentially for the opportunities that are provided to young professionals. At the time I graduated college I was running TEDxFargo, and while working remotely from Colorado, I had seen firsthand how supportive Fargo was of younger community members, and knew that I wanted to be a part of growing my career in this community. Another thing I think Fargo does really well is collaboration. This is apparent among organizations across the ENTIRE city; whether it’s a collaboration between Wild Terra Cider and Blackbird Pizza to provide killer pizza at the cidery, Unglued providing workshops in the Drekker Brewing space, or Fargo Brewing collaborating with the local pet shelter to place adoptable dogs on their can labels. The way we show up for each other and crave collaboration makes my heart just skip a beat.

Community & Culture fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

ANNA JOHNSON

Has lived in FMWF for 15 years • Fargo resident Artist • Truck Driver • Non-Profit leader

I grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota and moved to Fargo to go to school at NDSU. I am married to my wife Susan, an Integrative Health & Family Medicine Nurse at Essentia Health; we met in 2006 at Pride. I have a 19-year-old stepson and three young nieces ages 2, 5 and 7, that I absolutely adore!

After I graduated, I decided to stay in Fargo and establish myself as a working artist in this much more diverse community. I am now a tandem truck driver for Aggregate Industries, and in the off-season, I do my artwork. I recently accepted the interim executive director position for the Indigenous Association, a non-profit organization in Fargo that offers community events and classes for all ages. We have a Summer Series of classes for Native Youth, including photography, sewing, beading, and quillwork taught by elders. I am also the Chair of the Board for the Human Family, a non-profit that puts on the annual Human Rights film festival, the Human Rights art festival of Fargo as well as the Environmental film festival and the LGBTQ film festival. As a local artist I have been involved in several art projects in the area. I painted the ‘A’ in the Greetings from Fargo mural in Downtown Fargo, and I have my artwork on four utility boxes downtown. I also had a residency at West Acres mall where I did a 4’ x 8’ collage that is hanging permanently in the mall. That was a cool experience and I really like taking my art to people that might not otherwise experience it.

I just recently got asked to do a mural on the side of well-known local liquor establishment and have been starting to work on it now, so look for that news to come out soon! One of my favorite things to do on weekends is listen to live music. I enjoy going to Fargo Brewing Company, Dempsey’s or The Aquarium for live music. My brother Matt Johnson is in a couple of different bands in town, The Forefeathers and Hiahli, and I absolutely love to listen to them play all over town. I designed the cover art for some of his albums and I like to make shirts for them with original prints I’ve created.

I love to go to the concerts we have at Bluestem in Moorhead; they always have great musical acts - Bonnie Rait, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Jason Mraz to name a few. We also saw Steve Martin and Martin Short there and they were hilarious. Ribfest and the Red River Valley Fair are always a good time. Don’t forget about the street fair where you can get all the cheese curds and fried food you can eat! We also go camping with our family at Buffalo River State Park or Brewer Lake near Casselton. I like to go ice fishing when I can. Little and Big Cormorant are always good and all the many lakes in our area. I also like to do all my art making in the winter when I am in the off season of my job. I like to go to the Sportsmen’s Show with my dad and the ice fishing show at Scheels Arena.

fmwfchamber.com

Community & Culture

When I think about the future of FMWF, what excites me most is the growth mindset and us becoming even more vibrant and diverse. More and more cultures are being represented in our community and I think that is great.

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

MYLES FROST Hornbacher’s employee

From what I’ve seen, Fargo seems to be very progressive. There are always new things being built and things are always growing. One of the things I really like is that most people here are very nice and friendly.

Photo credit: WDAY-TV

WHEN YOU’RE READY,

go farther!

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ZOE BUNDY My favorite part of our arts and culture is the high school art and band opportunities. Our high schools have incredible music programs for students in band and orchestra. I’ve been in band every year from 6th-11th grade and have loved every part of it. The Davies High School Band I am involved with is an amazing community of students and teachers who want each other to succeed and have a great time. In 2020 they were the ND Governor’s

Band. We offer a variety of Jazz and Concert Bands throughout the school day, and many other programs collaborating with local universities as well. Our art programs utilize a variety of materials and ways for students to create and share their personalities, and the student galleries feature amazing pieces. We’ve also partnered with MSUM for an annual art gallery for high school students around the area and that’s a pretty neat event!

JACK & RYLEE

Community & Culture

We appreciate the fact that the arts community is strong and growing. The Arts Partnership, a local non-profit that advocates for artists in our community, has done a great job of providing opportunities for the general public to engage with the arts to a greater degree. Jade Presents brings great musical acts to town, but also advocates for their own local musicians. Art museums like The Plains and The Rourke bring in exhibits that promote a sense of wonder and exploration. Trollwood Performing Arts brings plays and entertainment each summer at the beautiful Bluestem Amphitheater in Moorhead. We’ve both been involved with the arts by volunteering with and supporting local arts organizations in our community.

fmwfchamber.com

2022-2023 Chamber Metro Profile

Business

Fargo-Moorhead is extremely business friendly. With a strong economic climate, entrepreneurial spirit, and business resources, our community is the perfect place to get to work. CAREER

Average commute time to work:

We have a strong Midwest work ethic. In fact, we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at:

US average is 27.6 minutes.

compared to the national average of 3.3%.

14.9 minutes

1.9%

• Microsoft

• US Bank

• Eventide Senior Living Communities

• Moorhead Public Schools

• VA Medical Center

• North Dakota State University

• Wanzek

• Fargo Public Schools

• Sanford Health

• West Fargo Public Schools

• Marvin

AIRLINES Another perk of doing business in Fargo is the ease of access for business travel. Fargo’s Hector International Airport offers direct flights to 13 destinations across five major airlines. Right next door, you’ll find the Fargo Jet Center which offers private charter service, as well as comfortable and convenient amenities for business travel.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Our region doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to entrepreneurship. Organizations like SBA, MBA, EDC, The FMWF Chamber, Folkways, Emerging Prairie, NDSU Research & Technology Park and more encourage and support entrepreneurs, and offer personalized support to help owners get businesses up and running.

& Education EDUCATION

Education is also important in our community. When school is in session, we have many options for kids and adults alike.

With dozens of private and public options in more than 10 school districts both right here in Fargo-Moorhead and in the surrounding communities, education is certainly a priority.

K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PRIVATE SCHOOLS, FARGO

• Central Cass

• Dakota Memorial School

• Fargo

• Dakota Montessori School

• Mapleton

• Grace Lutheran School

• Northern Cass

• Oak Grove Lutheran School

• West Fargo

• St. John Paul II Catholic Schools

• Concordia College

• Barnesville • Dilworth Glyndon Felton • Hawley

PRIVATE SCHOOLS, MOORHEAD • Park Christian School

• Moorhead

• St. Joseph’s School

And don’t forget about innovative learning options such as the Moorhead Career Academy – make sure to read more on page 49!

• Minnesota State University Moorhead • Minnesota State Community & Technical College

• North Dakota State College of Science • North Dakota State University • Rasmussen University – Fargo Campus • University of Jamestown • University of Mary – Fargo Campus

HEALTH & WELLNESS We also pride ourselves on the health of our community, which contributes to the overall success of the region. Fargo is home to three major health systems: • Fargo VA Medical Center is a Joint Commission accredited medical/surgical hospital with 36 acute care beds, a 38 bed Community living Center, Primary Care and Specialty Medicine Clinics, 10 Community Based Outpatient Clinics, and one Community Resource Referral Center.

In addition to these major medical systems, you’ll find numerous specialty clinics, medical spas, rehabilitation services and more.

•S anford Health is the largest rural health system in the United States. Sanford Health serves more than one million patients and 220,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles with 47 medical centers, 2,800 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 170 clinical investigators and research scientists, and world clinics in 8 countries around the globe.

fmwfchamber.com

Business & Education

• Essentia Health combines the strengths and talents of 14,700 employees, including more than 2,100 physicians and advanced practitioners, who serve our patients and communities through the mission of being called to make a healthy difference in people’s lives.

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

AARON BENSEN

Has lived in FMWF for 3 years • Fargo resident Assistant Supervisor at Marvin

I moved to Fargo three years ago from Roanoke, Virginia to support the Infinity product line at Marvin. My significant other moved with me, and we have been together for six years now. At first when Marvin asked if I would consider moving from Virginia to North Dakota I thought I would never move to Fargo, but my mindset quickly changed after spending a few weeks in town supporting a product line transition. I started to develop a very

positive feeling for the community and region. I also really liked the Marvin manufacturing facility and the culture of the workplace. Nearly all my friends are here in Fargo now, many I’ve met while working at Marvin. In my career I look for flexibility and opportunities for growth. When I first started at Marvin, I knew that I wanted to be in the Quality Department. Opportunities for growth have presented themselves and there has always been such a positive emphasis on helping me pursue those growth and advancement opportunities within the company. The FMWF community is very easygoing and there’s a lot more room to breathe, unlike living in a big city. I appreciate that I can get outside for a walk and enjoy all the parks near where I live, and that even though I live on the other side of town my commute to work is only about 12 minutes. When I travel out of Fargo I typically drive, but I have flown several times and its relatively convenient to do so. I also enjoy traveling by train, so I’m excited that passenger trains come in and out of Fargo. I also am an avid reader and enjoy building things. I plan on buying my own home in Fargo soon and would love to have a woodworking shop at my house where I can do some light carpentry in my free time. I also enjoy collecting old antiques and unusual things I find at antique shops in the area.

TAMI NORGARD I’m a lawyer with the Vogel Law Firm in Fargo. I love my work and have been involved with projects that have statewide, regional and even national significance. I feel fortunate to be in a great North Dakota law firm handling some high-level projects that I likely would not have had the opportunity to be involved with if I were part of a 400+ attorney firm in Minneapolis. There is so much growth in North Dakota with the energy sector, healthcare, the tech and biotech sectors and many others. I worked in a large law firm in downtown Minneapolis before moving to FMWF. My commute was at least an hour each way, sometimes longer depending on construction or weather. Upon moving here, I realized that I spent at least three more hours per day with my daughter than I could have if we were still living in Minneapolis. This is incredibly valuable time.

Business & Education fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

DAVE HARMON There are so many wonderful options for quality education in our community. When it came to choosing where to send our children, we decided on Oak Grove Lutheran School for both of our boys, ages five and ten. Along with there being great options for education for children and adults alike, there are also many great opportunities to connect with business professionals and learn from other professionals in the community. I attend Chamber events when I’m able, and I am a part of The Executives’ Club of Fargo-Moorhead, which is a group of business owners and managers in the area that network and provide guidance to each other on all sorts of business-related matters.

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Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

RUPAK AND BRITNEY GANDHI Have lived in FMWF for 4 years School District Administrators

We are just finishing our fourth year of living in the FM Area. We moved here in June of 2018 from Colorado where we lived for two years. Rupak grew up in southern California and Texas; Britney grew up in Washington State.

As school district administrators for Fargo Public Schools and Richland #44 School District, we spend many weekend nights at sports and other school events. Since Friday nights are a commodity, we go through a pretty extensive calendaring process of first mapping out all the Richland home football games, then using the remaining Fridays to see if we can find 2-for-1 Fargo football games (two Fargo Public Schools teams playing against each other). We also enjoy regularly attending StartupBREW Fargo and businessrelated events put on by The Chamber. In the warm months we love to take our kids to the wonderful area playgrounds - there are so many to choose from! There are so many

incredible restaurants in the FM area, so on a date night, we like to try out a new restaurant. With our kids we make sure and try a family friendly restaurant. Emersen is two years old and enjoys any event that involves eating and climbing up questionable obstacles. There is so much to do here. There are concerts, museums, incredible parks, outdoor activities, sporting events and of course, high quality schools and great career opportunities. We have been so surprised by this community; neighbors help neighbors, people are hardworking, education is very highly valued and family is a big focus.

Our kids are not school-aged yet, but we highly recommend Fargo Public Schools and Richland #44 School District – yes, there might be a little bit of bias there! Our two kids attend daycare at the incredible Bright Futures Learning Center in Fargo. Jagger, our four-year-old son, is currently involved in soccer, swim, and will soon be involved in baseball and junior golf.

fmwfchamber.com

Business & Education

Fargo is a “small big town” with many opportunities and the kindest people we have ever met. We feel so fortunate to live here.

MSU MOORHEAD: A great place to work and learn A

Fulbright scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology brought Dominican Maya Sosa Machado to FargoMoorhead. After finishing her doctorate, she became a Counselor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Dominican Republic, working remotely long before it was fashionable. She stayed in the community for the many attributes she appreciates: ample green space, well-connected neighborhoods, safety, affordability, and community camaraderie.

“When my family visits, they marvel at the simple things we take for granted: A stroll down the bike path, a play session at the neighborhood park, a weekend of activities. People here are like nowhere else,” Maya says. She credits her father’s education, resilience and hard work for lifting his family out of poverty and sparking her interest in academia. “I know the transformational power of higher education.” She completed a graduate certificate in College Admissions Counseling and joined Minnesota State University Moorhead last year as its director of Graduate Studies. She was familiar with all MSUM offered and was delighted by the university’s strong sense of unity and collaboration. “We share a sense of responsibility for seeing our students succeed,” Maya says. “Our Graduate Studies team is flexible and supportive, with a strong work ethic to get things done. We appreciate special circumstances and differences. I am grateful for this work climate.” Creating a positive student experience is at the center of everything MSUM does, including academic offerings, support, access and resources. MSUM invites you to explore all our university offers: employment opportunities, graduate programs, undergraduate degrees, K-12 programming, and myriad events and activities for the community.

NICK LOOCK

Recently graduated Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM)

I have lived in the FM area my entire life. I was born and raised in Moorhead, MN, went to High School at Shanley High School, and moved to Fargo during my time in college at MSUM. The biggest thing that drew me to MSUM was the welcoming community that I felt while I was visiting. The relationships I made with my professors and advisors before even beginning classes made all the difference. I graduated in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design with a minor in Art. My favorite thing about MSUM was that I was really able to find my passion early on. The hands-on learning, small group feedback, and quality time with professors are what made my time so memorable. I currently work as a Digital Creative & Web Designer at AdShark Marketing in town. I started as in intern during my senior year and was hired on full time April 2022. I am constantly learning and am able to flex the skills I developed at MSUM. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to begin my career.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and friends. During the fall and winter seasons you can find me watching football every Sunday and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. I also play hockey and go skiing often during these months. When the weather is nice my girlfriend and I enjoy spending time at the lake relaxing, kayaking, playing cornhole, you name it. I was often told to move away from Fargo to a bigger city to be successful and creative, but I can say that there is a great community of creatives that want to help each other succeed. To any college student studying here, put yourself out there and explore what this metro has to offer for you. Business & Education fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

EMMA MCINTYRE When I look to what’s important for me in my career, I think a network of stellar humans is the first to come to mind. This is the secret weapon of Fargo. I have enjoyed so much support and career growth from the network and community I am surrounded by; I believe that’s what has given me so much opportunity in such a short amount of time. I think The FMWF Chamber is a great place to start when it comes to finding other young professionals in the community. The Chamber’s Young Professionals Network does a great job of hosting regular events at all times of day, so you should find something that works in your schedule. In addition, I would recommend checking out StartupBREW Fargo, First Fridays at 701, and events hosted by the American Advertising Federation of North Dakota!

GRETA ALMLIE Currently enrolled Concordia College

I didn’t plan on going to Concordia. In fact, I toured colleges in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and ultimately landed at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks. After my first year at UND, I decided to tour Concordia while I was back home one weekend. On the tour, everything clicked with me. I always thought I wanted to go to a big school, but there was something so special about the connectedness between students and professors at Concordia, and I fell in love with the connected campus community. For those reasons alone, it seemed like the obvious choice to transfer to Concordia. I am now majoring in Business Management and Communications. I am so excited for this summer, as I will be working at the SCHEELS Corporate Office in Fargo as a Retail Merchandising Intern. I currently work in the store, but I have been interested to see the corporate side of the company. This internship is a great opportunity to do that. There are so many opportunities to get involved at Concordia. With more than 100 student-led clubs and 19 music ensembles, it is incredibly easy to get involved. It is also nice to have faculty, staff and mentors that want to get to know you while encouraging you to succeed. 43

SYDNEY GUIDA

Currently enrolled North Dakota State University (NDSU)

I’ve been in Fargo for the past two years now, moving from Prior Lake, Minnesota – a southern suburb of the Twin Cities. Coming to NDSU was kind of a no-brainer for me. I am currently double majoring in business administration and public history, which seems like a random combination, but those are two things I am passionate about and see practical applications for.

Business & Education

For anyone considering coming to NDSU, I would say that there is a place for everyone on campus. I’m really looking forward to attending more events and joining NDSU’s Women in Business and Business Connections programs. NDSU really allows individuals to explore an endless amount of opportunity. There also have been many events, speakers and workshops within the college of business that I have participated in and benefited from. I’ll admit that I’m a very shy and introverted person, but I have been able to put myself out there and meet lots of people through getting involved on campus.

fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

TANNER WALSTROM

Recently graduated Minnesota State Community & Technical College (M State)

I grew up in a small town in central Minnesota, and while I loved that small-town feel, I have come to truly appreciate and enjoy how Fargo-Moorhead is a perfect mix of both a small town and a big city. Not to mention the endless career, entertainment and community opportunities Fargo has to offer. I actually spent the first three semesters of my college career at NDSU before switching to M State. NDSU is a great school; however, I needed a little smaller, personal and more one-onone environment to be as successful as possible. I majored in Business Management and Marketing & Sales at M State. I was able to connect with the business community through leveraging the M State faculty who are very well connected. They incorporated local businesses and professionals into our courses and they were able to connect me with the perfect internship. Everyone’s goal is to support you and see you succeed. 44

ESCAPE TO FUN! PLAN YOUR GETAWAY!

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To plan your escape to fun, call or visit our website. As always, your safety is our top priority.

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JACK & RYLEE We think FMWF is one of the best places for young adults to start their careers. Both of us have grown in our young careers in ways that we don’t think could be replicated in other communities. Between the great small business environment that exists in Fargo, the startup and entrepreneurial community that has been crafted, and the great mentors and community leaders who are willing to impart their wisdom on younger generations, it’s truly an incredible blend that benefits young persons in Fargo.

M E D I C A H E A LT H P L A N S

You’re not just covered, you’re cared for. Call your broker or a Medica Representative 1 (833) 424-4752 or visit Medica.com. Business & Education fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

BRIANNA NELSON Currently enrolled University of Mary – Fargo (U Mary)

I applied to the University of Mary program in Fargo because it was an accredited occupational therapy school that offered a doctorate program, as opposed to a master’s. It was also important for me to stay near my family while completing graduate school. My passions are in pediatrics, sensory processing and integration, and early intervention. When I graduate, I hope to work in pediatrics to help children gain skills for the future. My favorite thing about the University of Mary is its community involvement. Through our pro bono outpatient client, we support the community while also attaining hands-on experience with occupational therapy practice. The faculty at U Mary provide wonderful hands-on experiences that greatly increase the understanding of the field. There is such a supportive community that fosters professional and personal growth. 46

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INNOVATIVE LEARNING IN OUR COMMUNITY Cass County Career Innovation Center and the Moorhead High School Career Academy

Our community never stops striving for more, especially in our education system. To address the need for different types of innovative learning for those interested in hands-on career training and skilled trades, two separate career academies are now in the community. The Moorhead High School Career Academy opened in fall 2021, and the Cass County Career Innovation Center (CIC) will open in fall 2023. These career academies are focused on providing a collaborative education and training solution to meet regional workforce needs. Students will experience a more personalized and modern education at an earlier age to help

them learn more about their desired careers or new career ideas, and adults will also find opportunities in career awareness, exploration, pathways, development and training.

Due to the major impact of these institutions, thousands of students and adults in the metro will benefit from the training every year, providing a more skilled workforce for our community. These excellent innovative learning institutions, in alignment with the workforce needs of our area businesses, will be able to offer high quality education to our workforce and further progress economic growth in our region.

Business & Education fmwfchamber.com

2022-2023 Chamber Metro Profile

Neighb No matter where you choose to live in the FM area, you’re never too far from great restaurants, endless shopping destinations, schools, hospitals and so much more. What does it cost to live in FM vs. similar sized communities? Well... let’s take a look. VALUES AND RENT

Metro Area

Median Home Value

Median Gross Rent: 2 Bedroom

Fargo-Moorhead

$225,600

$845

Sioux Falls, SD

$208,400

$843

Minneapolis, MN

$271,600

$1,214

Denver, CO

$411,800

$1,504

Des Moines, IA

$193,100

$946

Omaha, NE

$181,200

$966

COST OF LIVING AND COMMUNITY STATISTICS

Metro Area

Current Average Earnings

Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living Adjusted Current Average Earnings

Average Family Size

Annual Living Wage for a Family of Three

Fargo-Moorhead

$69,121

101.1

$68,369

2.96

$70,496

Sioux Falls, SD

$68,654

105.4

$65,137

3.05

$68,940

Minneapolis, MN

$86,651

104.5

$82,920

3.16

$82,411

Denver, CO

$91,241

115.3

$79,133

3.20

$87,293

Des Moines, IA

$76,771

98.5

$77,940

3.08

$75,001

Omaha, NE

$71,304

99.2

$71,879

3.15

$76,702

orhoods There are many options to fit your lifestyle; from older neighborhoods with historic homes and mature trees, to new developments with cutting edge designs and lots ready for you to build on, you’ll find the perfect location to call home.

We’re also proud to be surrounded by rich, flourishing farmland. If rural or country living is your thing, you’ll

find many options in all directions of the community to plant your stakes.

We also have an abundance of apartment communities, condominiums and townhouses.

Renters are easily able to find a property that meets their needs.

It’s easy to get around Fargo! With sidewalks galore, bike paths, two interstate systems, MATBUS, Uber, Lyft and more,

nowhere in the community is out of reach. In fact, Downtown Fargo has a walk score of

and a bike score of

– which makes it easy to get to all the fun restaurants and coffee shops. Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

PAUL AND ANGIE MATTHYS Born and raised in FMWF area • Kindred residents Paul works for Cass County Electric Cooperative

I was raised on a farm in rural West Fargo, and Angie was born and raised in rural Harwood. We met through mutual friends in 1995 and got married in 2002. We have three children, Olivia (17), Josie (14), and Cody (11). We live in Kindred, North Dakota which is a bit outside of Fargo – but we think that this state and the FMWF metro area is an excellent place to raise a family. We have low crime rates, good schools and work opportunities, and excellent hunting and fishing. 50

We have always enjoyed living in a rural area. We can get away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy the great outdoors, but still have nearby amenities. We have easy access to fitness centers, restaurants, hotels, bars, postoffice locations, sporting events, movie theaters, shopping malls, shooting ranges, grocery stores and more. Our family utilizes the state parks and the North Country Trail, and we love to spend time on and in the water during the summer.

I have 30 miles of easy driving (with 3.5 miles of gravel) on my way to work in the mornings. It’s the perfect amount of time to listen to Pandora and drink coffee. I’ve been fortunate to have a roughly 22-year career at Cass County Electric Company, and sincerely enjoy the flexibility, opportunity to advance, training opportunities, health benefits and hard-working mindset of the company.

Although it’s easy to get into town, we also enjoy just having evenings at home and spending time together outside. There is plenty to do outside near our home: camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, riding ATVs or bikes, playing sports, or hanging out and grilling. Occasionally we like to go to nearby smalltown bars and restaurants with other couples.

fmwfchamber.com

Neighborhoods

People in this area work together, solve problems, and help provide healthy communities where people want to live. And, its NOT always cold here. We love living and raising our family here.

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

COOPER AND LINDSAY WAHLO Have lived in FMWF for 13 years • Horace residents Franchise owners of Mahana Fresh

We met at NDSU in 2010 and have been married for almost seven years. We have three young children, ages five, three, and three months. Cooper moved here from Woodbury, Minnesota and Lindsay is originally from Jamestown, North Dakota. Lindsay was already somewhat familiar with the area before moving here for college, but it was new to Cooper and he quickly grew to love the area. It was an easy decision for us to stay here.

One thing we love about living here is the quietness of our neighborhood and that we are accompanied by so many young families like our own. We have an amazing park nearby our home that has so many amenities like pickleball courts, an ice skating rink, a basketball court, a soccer field and a great playground for our children. We love this because we like to stay active and explore new things with our children. We are also very close to schools.

Another huge plus is that it doesn’t take hours to get to work. Cooper works on the opposite side of town but he can still get there in about 15 minutes. It only takes Lindsay roughly 10 minutes. We do travel somewhat often, and utilize the airport quite a bit. Fargo’s airport makes it quick and easy to get just about anywhere. It’s nice being so close to a decent-sized airport and not having to make a road trip to get to one. During the summer months we definitely like to go to Detroit Lakes a few times.

We may be a bit biased, but our current favorite restaurant is Mahana Fresh! You can’t go wrong with any of the menu items, but we both love the Protein Paradise signature bowl. Our favorite brewery to check out is Junkyard, and Cooper also loves to have a cold Guinness at Blarney Stone!

fmwfchamber.com

Neighborhoods

The FMWF area has so much to offer. There are tons of job opportunities, things to do and experience without having to travel far, it is a great place to raise a young family, and there is even a lot to enjoy for those that are closer to retirement age. There is really something here for everyone.

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

CRISTINA MCCOY When choosing a neighborhood to call home, it was a toss-up between old and new, and what my husband and I could agree on. The neighborhood we chose is close to where I grew up and we have these amazing Birch trees, which is what sold it for me. Nearby, we can access numerous restaurants, the highway, our kids’ school, the grocery store, a golf course, multiple parks, the hospital, and most important, Starbucks and Grand Junction. Our neighborhood location also makes it quick and easy to get to work. It takes my husband about a five-minute drive down 25th street, while I have a sevenminute commute on the interstate.

DARREN & DONNA We live on the north side of Fargo in an established neighborhood full of large, mature trees. It’s a quiet neighborhood, but still provides easy access to the interstate systems, main streets and avenues, restaurants, shopping and really anything that one could want. It’s also easy for us to bike downtown or make our way over to the nostalgic Moorhead Dairy Queen. Bike and pedestrian paths meander through parks along the river, and we love the easy access we have to three different golf courses within ten minutes.

DAVE HARMON When we built our home, we were looking for somewhere close to all the city activities the community has to offer. We found exactly what we were looking for and now make our home in the Shadowcreek Development in West Fargo. There is a park right down our street, and another located just a couple of blocks away. My family enjoys going for bike rides around the city, so it works well to have access to bike paths and parks. About five blocks away you can find the grocery store which is a nice convenience.

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Neighborhoods

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Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

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A regional agenda that convenes leaders to identify, understand, discuss and invest in macroeconomic and community-based initiatives that will have lasting regional impacts. A joint venture between The FMWF Chamber and the Greater FM Economic Development Corporation

HERE FOR YOU. HERE FOR BUSINESS.

FMWF Chamber fmwfchamber.com

2022-2023 Chamber Metro Profile

ABOUT THE CHAMBER MISSION The Chamber is a catalyst for growth and prosperity. We promote and protect business, inspire innovation, cultivate communities and influence action.

CORNERSTONES Five Cornerstones of The Chamber’s Work • Business Vitality • Public Policy and Advocacy • Workforce & Talent • Community Enhancement • Organizational Excellence

The Chamber leads various regional initiatives, provides intentional monthly programming, and hosts well over 100 events each year. We are here to serve the interests and needs of the business community and engage and educate our members through unparalleled experiences and opportunities. Events include:

Programs and initiatives include:

• Voices of Vision

• Fueling Our Future

• ChamberChoice Awards

• Ignite FMWF

• Midwest Summits

• Young Professionals Network

• Military Appreciation Night

• Eggs & Issues

• State of the Cities

• Women Connect

• and many more…

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion • Leadership FMWF • and many more…

Find The Chamber online @fmwfchamber

www.fmwfchamber.com

COMMUNITY BUILDERS Community Builders are enhancing our community by investing in our programs and initiatives at the highest level.

The Chamber fmwfchamber.com

Chamber Metro Profile

2022-2023

Our Chamber members are at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to list all of our members on our website, where you can sort by name, industry and more. Scan the QR code below to visit our member directory.

Acknowledgments Community information and statistics for this publication were provided by the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, Fargo Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau, ND Labor Market Information, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor and more. The Chamber aims to provide factual and upto-date information, but is not responsible for the accuracy of information obtained.

Tour guide character icons created by Jane Wachter. Printing by Forum Communications Printing.

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Talk with a sales executive today. Derek Van Dyke Fargo 701.282.1446