The Bridge: August 2016 by The FMWF Chamber of Commerce

Bridge August 2016 | Vol 19 | No. 12

the

Legacy Leader Roger Gilbertson

8 Annual Meeting Event Details 33 Workforce Collaborative Update

Table of Contents 10

Board of Directors

4 State of Technology

22 Ambassador Corner

6 Eggs & Issues

22 Leadership FMWF

Final agenda information for this exciting event

See what our ambassadors were up to last month Welcome to our new class of 2016-17!

Upcoming events and a recap of July’s event

23 YPN

8 Annual Meeting

Event details and the 2016 Legacy Leader

10 Golf Outing

See photo highlights from our 2016 Chamber Challenge

14 Business Training

Upcoming event information and the YPN one to watch

Agribusiness David Berg American Crystal Sugar Ambassador Cora Turner Member Relations Homewood Suites by Hilton Ambassador Jill Christopher Public Relations Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley Business Training Dennis Cooley North Dakota State University Leadership FMWF Brianne Hoffman Bobcat Company/Doosan Military Affairs Brian Shawn American Red Cross - Red River Valley Chapter Public Affairs Jim Roers ROERS Young Professionals Leslie Wood Network Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties Women Connect Pam McGee Minnesota State University Moorhead

24 Member Spotlight

Learn more about Flint Group in this spotlight

25 Member Profile 26 Member News

16 Women Connect

Details on upcoming events and a recap of June’s session

18 Military

Read about recognition from our member companies and latest company news

34 New Members

Find out which organizations have recently joined The Chamber

Appreciation Night

Photos from the 2016 Military Appreciation Night at the RedHawks

21 YEA!

How to get involved in this exciting program in its second year

Jon Riewer

Committee Chairs

Find out how RACC helps the community

Upcoming events and a recap of John Trombley’s talk

Eventide Senior Living Communities Chair of the Board Judd Graham Bremer Bank Chair Elect Steve Swiontek Gate City Bank Treasurer Doug Restemayer D-S Beverages, Inc. Immediate Past Chair Thomas Astrup American Crystal Sugar Company Member at Large Beverley Adams Sanford Health Bernie Dardis Indigo Signworks Kyle Dorow Essentia Health Chuck Driscoll Red River Refrigeration Jodi Duncan Flint Group Don Gronke State Farm Insurance Peggy Kennedy Minnesota State Community and Technical College Michelle Kommer Western State Bank Norm Leslie National Hospitality Services Mark Nisbet Xcel Energy Jeff Volk Moore Engineering, Inc.

Chamber Staff

36 Celebrations

Craig Whitney President/CEO Jim Parsons Vice President of Finance/Operations Julie Doggett Information Systems Administrator Darren Dunlop Business Development Manager Tyler Fischbach Multimedia Coordinator Samantha Gust Professional Development Coordinator Katie Hashbarger Graphics and Publications Coordinator Amanda Hofland Marketing and Communications Manager Tracy Meckler Membership & Advertising Sales Manager Elly Peterson Government Affairs & Advocacy Coordinator Tracy Powell Director of Events & Programs Katie Ralston Young Entrepreneurs Academy Program Coordinator Mickayla Thompson Membership Relations Coordinator Sara Vollmer Administrative Services Coordinator Julie Yourczek Administrative Support Coordinator

Which companies had recent groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings

39 Events Calendar

Get the rundown on Chamber and community events in August

Find The Chamber Online @fmwfchamber Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber Mission

The Chamber promotes economic growth and prosperity for business and its members through advocacy, education and engagement.

For past issues of The Bridge: issuu.com/fmwfchamber.com

The Chamber Vision

The Chamber is the leader in ensuring the growth and prosperity of our regional business community and members.

Ad Index Arvig Boulger Funeral Home Central MN Credit Union Cole Papers, Inc First International Bank Indigo Signworks J&M Printing

19 31 32 34 35 32 5

Knight Printing Marco Pro Resources Sanford Occ Medicine Starion Financial Talecris Plasma Resources Warner and Company

32 19 5 5 13 13 19

The Chamber Objective

§§ Through effective public policy, foster an environment of economic growth. §§ Grow jobs and attract investment. §§ Achieve organization excellence to best serve members. §§ Provide bold and visionary leadership throughout the region.

THE BRIDGE (USPS 124-430) is published monthly by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber. For each issue received, $3.50 of membership dues are applied toward subscription of the newsletter. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fargo, ND 58102 and at additional mailing offices. Publication No. 124430. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bridge, PO Box 2443, Fargo, ND 58108-2443; 218.233.1100.

Message Big Changes Coming Soon!

As we enter August, which is the last month of The Chamber’s fiscal year, we’ve got a lot to be proud of. We completed our first Young Entrepreneurs Academy class and are busy recruiting and planning for the next. We hosted our biggest-ever Women Connect and Voices of Vision events. We advocated for the F-M Diversion and are thrilled that the project keeps advancing. We witnessed the most candidates ever vying for two open seats on the Fargo City Commission and helped our members learn about the issues. We hired a few new Chamber staff and welcomed many new businesses to the Chamber family. Our workforce collaborative is already making strides. And the metro just keeps making more and more top lists from around the country. We love to see how much our Chamber, and our community, has grown and thrived in the past year. As we continue to improve member benefits and launch our new fiscal year in September, you will see some exciting new things happening around here. It is our goal to move ourselves to the next level, and we believe our plans will do just that. Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

New Website It’s no secret that The Chamber’s current website is showing its age, and we are thrilled to have a new one in the works. HASH Interactive and our awesome Chamber staff have been busy the past few months populating all new content, graphics and design to refresh our web presence. The new fmwfchamber.com will launch soon, and we can’t wait to unveil it. New eBridge We can’t change our website without updating our emails! Once the new website is launched, you’ll see a new look for all Chamber email marketing. New Database We’re getting an all-new database as well, which means we’ll be able to do better member tracking, and you’ll have a new look when browsing the member directory, registering for events or accessing our members-only portal. New Logos Don’t worry, our main Chamber logo isn’t going anywhere, but new event and program logos will be debuting soon, with a more consistent look to tie The Chamber brand together. New Faces This year, we have four outgoing Board of Directors, and we’re welcoming four new faces. These individuals bring a diverse set of background and experiences, and we’re excited for their fresh take. Find out who they are in next month’s Bridge. Refreshed Bridge Speaking of next month’s Bridge, we’ll be rolling out more changes to our monthly printed newsletter. Some sections will be staying, some will be going, some will be changing, and some new features will hit the pages. The September edition will be one you don’t want to miss. Stay tuned next month to see all these changes take effect! I invite you to contact me or any of the Chamber staff to let us know what you think, and as always, we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Please let us know how we can better serve you!

Craig Whitney President & CEO The Chamber

2016 State of Technology Brad Smith

John Hoeven

Keynote Speaker President, Microsoft First company-wide president since 2002

Neil Brackin

U.S. Senator, North Dakota

President, Weather Modification, Inc Making it rain on demand

Camille Grade

Jake Joraanstad

Event Emcee Myriad Mobile

Seth Arndorfer

Mukai Selekwa

CEO, Dakota Carrier Network With an exclusive announcement

YEA! regional winner and founder, Webblen

Michael Chambers CEO, Aldevron Leading biotech breakthroughs

Tuesday, August 16

8 a.m. to noon | Hilton Garden Inn Fargo

To register, visit fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100.

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Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

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fmwfchamber.com 5

Eggs & Issues Department of Labor Overtime Regulation

A Look at Area K-12 Schools

On May 23, the U.S. Department of Labor released its much-anticipated final overtime regulation. This final rule is a radical change from the previous rule by increasing the salary threshold under which most employees will be automatically eligible for overtime pay. Kirchner The current salary level required for the exemption is $23,660 for a full year employee, and the new threshold will be $47,475 per year.

Flowers

John Kirchner, executive director of the Midwest region for the U.S Chamber of Commerce, will join us to explain the potential impacts to businesses and its employees that this rule will have.

Tuesday, August 2

7:30 to 9 a.m. Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead

Kovash

Schatz

As you know, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo metropolitan area is a community on the grow. With an extremely low unemployment rate, high quality of life amenities and an average citizen age in the early 30s, it only makes sense that our school system is feeling the effects of all of the major successes of a thriving metro. The number of students attending local schools is growing exponentially each year, causing many administrators to examine infrastructure and staffing needs. Dr. Jeff Schatz, superintendent, Fargo Public Schools, Dr. Lynne Kovash, superintendent of Moorhead Public Schools, and Dr. David Flowers, superintendent of West Fargo Public Schools, will be joining us to provide insight into what their school systems are facing, goals for the year ahead and long-term needs.

Tuesday, September 6

7:30 to 9 a.m. Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead Registration (includes breakfast) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $30 at the door Non-Members: $35 in advance | $40 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100. Please note: Due to construction in Moorhead, you may need to plan for extra travel time and find an alternate route.

#FMWFEggs Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Beverage Wholesalers, Inc. | Cornerstone Bank | Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead KLJ | Moore Engineering, Inc. | Wells Fargo Bank 6â&#x20AC;&#x201A; The Bridge August 2016

A Discussion on Drones at Eggs & Issues At July’s Eggs & Issues, we focused on the technology that is changing the face of aviation: unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Lieutenant Governor Drew Wrigley joined us to provide some opening commentary. “This is the fastest-growing component, both above land and beneath the sea. This is frontier-stretching technology, and we are at the epicenter of that right here in the region,” he said.

Robert Becklund, executive director of Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks, presented on what work they are doing in this sphere, and noted that both Fargo and Grand Forks are premier markets for UAS in the nation. “Locally, this is about diversifying the economy and making things safer and more efficient,” he said. The number of UA flights has skyrocketed in the past few years. In 2014, the test site had 78 flights, and just so far in 2016, they’ve had 620.

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This is the fastest-growing component, both above land and beneath the sea. This is frontier-stretching technology, and we are at the epicenter of that right here in the region.

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In fact, North Dakota was selected as one of six national test sites. Wrigley applauded all those that are involved in and support this work. He says the governor’s administration remains very committed to unmanned air systems, and that the potential is unlimited.

— Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley

Check out these tweets from event attendees.

Becklund discussed other applications that UAS is assisting in, including the energy sector and precision farming. He also touts its usefulness for things like damage assessments as it lowers insurance costs and makes it safer to have a drone assess a roof, for instance, rather than a person. Why all this matters, Becklund says, is because there is an estimated $80 billion in economic impact in the next 10 years here and provides a host of additional job opportunities to the state.

fmwfchamber.com 7

LEGACY ROGER LEADER GILBERTSON 2016

eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re honored to name our 2016 Legacy Leader, Dr. Roger Gilbertson, who has a storied career in medicine in the region.

Gilbertsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest in medicine sparked as a boy growing up in Minnesota. In 1959, he graduated from Concordia College and the University of Minnesota Medical School, serving his residency in radiology at the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis VA Hospital.

In 1971, he joined Radiologist Ltd., which was then affiliated with The Neuropsychiatric Institute (TNI) and St. Luke’s Hospital. During his time, TNI acquired the organization’s first CAT scan and became a key player in establishing neuroradiology as a medical subspecialty in western Minnesota and North Dakota. Gilbertson and his partners realized the strength in numbers, and in 1987, Radiologist Ltd. merged with Fargo Clinic. He served on the Fargo Clinic Board of Directors from 1988 to 1992. He also became a clinical faculty member of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. In 1993, St. Luke’s Hospitals and the Fargo Clinic merged to form the MeritCare Health System, a large, integrated health system designed to deliver health services and negotiate with insurers. Gilbertson served as a top executive and crucial leader during the transition. He then became president and chief executive officer of MeritCare Health System, a position he would retain for 17 years. Gilbertson’s leadership allowed MeritCare to succeed and grow, and he steered the merger of MeritCare and Sanford Health to its successful completion. Shortly after that merger was announced in 2009, he shared his plans to retire. Sanford and the UND Foundation honored Gilbertson and his work in 2010 by establishing a $1.5 million Dr. Roger Gilbertson Endowed Chair of Neurology at the UND medical school, permanently recognizing his commitment to quality medical education in North Dakota. But it’s not just his medical accomplishments being celebrated around the region. In 1997, Gilbertson’s athletic contributions were honored when he was inducted into the Concordia College Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2005, Concordia also honored him with the Alumni Achievement Award.

Presenting Sponsor

Legacy Sponsors

Gilbertson also served the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community through his involvement in numerous organizations, such as the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Downtown Community Partnership, and more.

Join us for

The Chamber’s Sixth Annual Meeting Thursday, September 22 | Noon to 1:30 p.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites

Join us to celebrate recent accomplishments, look ahead to our new fiscal year and honor the 2016 Legacy Leader. Registration Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Corporate Table Sponsors at time of printing

Bethany Retirement Living Cass County Electric Choice Financial Consolidated Communications First International Bank KFGO-Midwest Communications Talecris Plasma Resources Microsoft US Bank

Event Production Sponsor

#FMWFam16 fmwfchamber.com 9

2016

Chamber Challenge

First Place: Chad Sapa, Marshall Albright, Steve Ratti, John Kuhn

Smartt Interior Construction - Beverage Cart Sponsor 10â&#x20AC;&#x201A; The Bridge August 2016

Avis - Leaderboard Sponsor

Annual Chamber Challenge Golf Outing Features Hollywood Themed Fun!

Last month, we hosted our annual golf outing at Edgewood Golf Course. A few short sprinkles didn’t damper the spirits of our golfers or sponsors, and the day was filled with fun and Hollywood glamour. To see all the photos, visit The Chamber Facebook page.

Congratulations to the following winners:

➊ ➋ ➌ ❱❱

First place went to...

Chad Sapa, Marshall Albright, Steve Ratti, John Kuhn

Second place went to...

Pat Kautzman, Dan Huggins, Jeff Thomas, Darrin Pladson

Third place went to...

Tim Krile, Brian Larson, Paul Dyer

Closest to the Pin – Hole #5 Blake Hermanson

❱❱

Longest Drive – Hole #13

Women: Sara Johnson, Concordia College Men: Alex Hagedorn, First International Bank

❱❱ Best Hollywood Themed Tee/Hole Box Sponsor: Town & Country Credit Union Town & Country Credit Union - Best Hollywood Tee/Hole Box Sponsor

Sponsor Ramada Plaza & Suites - Tee Box

Network Center Inc.

Consolidated Commun ications - Snack Cart Sp onsor fmwfchamber.com 11

Thank You Thank You to Our Committees and Committee Chairs! We are so grateful to the volunteers who serve on our committees, as well as the individuals who step up to lead those groups as chairs and vice chairs. We appreciate your time and commitment to making The Chamber an even better organization and for your help in serving our members well. Thanks to the hard work of each committee’s leadership and members, we’ve been able to grow all our events and programs and support the FMWF business community. The service from each of these individuals is invaluable to the work we do as a Chamber.

2015-16 Committee Chairs Agribusiness

David Berg American Crystal Sugar Company

Ambassadors Membership Relations

Cora Turner Homewood Suites by Hilton

Ambassadors Public Relations

Business Training

Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo

Military Affairs

Public Affairs

Women Connect

Jill Christopher Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley

Brianne Hoffman Bobact Company/Doosan

Jim Roers ROERS

Young Professionals Network Leslie Wood Heritage Homes/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties

12 The Bridge August 2016

Dennis Cooley North Dakota State University

Brian Shawn American Red Cross

Pam McGee Minnesota State University Moorhead

. u o y k n a h t From all of The Chamber staff, a sincere

Thank You to Our Outgoing Board Members

Sixteen individuals comprise the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and these individuals work for member firms in good standing with The Chamber. Directors are elected to serve a three-year term and can serve two consecutive, full terms in office. To ensure equal representation for each community the Chamber serves, residency requirements have been included in the by-laws. Terms begin on September 1 to coincide with the start of The Chamber’s fiscal year.

The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the organization. The Chamber’s fiscal year concludes on August 31. The following individuals have reached their term limits:

Tom Astrup

Chuck Driscoll

Don Gronke

Norm Leslie

American Crystal Sugar Company

State Farm Insurance

Red River Refrigeration Inc.

National Hospitality Services

The Executive Committee consists of the following positions: Chair, Immediate Past Chair, Chair Elect, Treasurer, Secretary and Member-at-Large.

All have served on the Board since 2010. Astrup also served as member-at-large during the 2015-16 term. Thank you to Tom, Chuck, Don and Norm for your contributions to The Chamber! Watch our September Bridge for the list of new board members and appointments effective September 1.

My one reason?

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Talecris Plasma Resources 218-287-2700 800 Holiday Dr., Ste. 140, Moorhead grifolsplasma.com fmwfchamber.com 13

Business Training Brand Architecture: Building Brand Identity and Value Put simply, your “brand” is what your prospect thinks of when he or she hears and sees your company name. It’s everything the public thinks it knows about your name brand offering – both factual and emotional. Developing and executing your brand defines the “one thing” that makes your organization unique and prevents your service or product from being just a commodity. Do you know what your brand is? Is it time for a refresh? Attend this training to learn to build brand identity and value. Kimberly Wold Janke, VP of client services at Flint Group, will share with attendees what a brand is, and more importantly, what a brand isn’t. They’ll hear about the common pitfalls that organizations make when building or reinventing their brand, plus action items to help kick off their own brand development and positioning. Wold Janke

A professional branding, customer experience and one of the top health care speakers on marketing, Wold Janke is an expert at planning and successful integrated marketing communications campaigns. She has been a part of Flint Group for more than a decade, working her way up through various positions. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and her master’s from North Dakota State University.

Wednesday, August 10

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead

Registration (includes lunch) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door Non-Members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

A Little Coffee and a Lot of Hustle Many of us believe that once we have “paid our dues” we should have the luxury of sitting back and enjoying the ride. However, whether it be in family, work or business, those that truly want to grow as leaders must hustle at every stage. Through acknowledging the need to hustle, leaders take responsibility for both their successes and failures, and through that, grow as leaders.

Stockeland

Ciara Stockeland, founder and COO of MODE, will energize the session audience to keep moving forward and to hustle through whatever stage they are in.

Stockeland has owned and operated businesses since the age of 12. Her business mindset and tenacity led her to opening her first store, Mama Mia, and shortly after, developed and opened MODE, a designer outlet. In 2008, she chose to merge her two concepts into MODE and has successfully developed the concept into a thriving franchise, successfully expanding to 12 locations across the Midwest and South Carolina with more on the way. She has been recognized as a Small Business Champion through SCORE and most recently was awarded the Outstanding Franchise Small Business Award. Additionally, Stockeland is active in the International Franchise Association and an advocate for small businesses. In 2015, she testified before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee regarding the “joint employer” standard for businesses and its effect on small businesses and franchises and represented small businesses at a White House Summit on Worker Voice. Stockeland was also recognized by Prairie Business in 2015 as a recipient of the 40 under 40 for her leadership in business.

Wednesday, September 14

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead

#FMWFTraining 14 The Bridge August 2016

Registration (includes lunch) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door Non-Members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

The Two Sides of Accountability:

Business Training Recap Last month, John Trombley of the Village Business Institute joined us to talk about accountability. Trombley says that accountability is an issue that affects everyone across the spectrum, from managers to employees to the organization itself. He challenged us to not think of accountability as a dirty word. Accountability is a process, which implies steps, which implies there is a direction to move toward, and a destination implies that it is possible to make your journey a success. What are some steps in the right direction?

2. Invite people to “raise the bar” on expectations and performance. When you involve them in the journey, you get buy-in. 3. Integrate new performance standards into projects and evaluation systems. 4. Define success and measure progress. 5. Coach for improved performance and reward success. 6. Don’t stop! Continue to refine and improve your systems and processes. Effective leaders hold themselves accountable first and they hold others on the team accountable as well, he explained. “Being a leader is a hard job. It requires both firmness and compassion.” (Hence the title of his presentation, “Of steel and velvet.”) And you’ve got to walk the talk.

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One of the most important things you can do as a supervisor is to develop the people who look to you, help them grow as an individual.

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1. Clearly define and articulate standards and expectations.

— John Trombley “One of the most important things you can do as a supervisor is to develop the people who look to you,” Trombley said. “Help them grow as an individual.” Sometimes that involves hard conversations around accountability.

Thank you to Smiling Moose Deli for catering delicious boxed lunches, and to the Hjemkomst Center for hosting this month’s event!

“If we can help them to be better, then we have some big wins. They become more satisfied with the work they do, they become more engaged, and you build trust with them. They flourish; you flourish.”

Program Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

GOLDMARK Property Management | Network Center, Inc. | Wanzek Construction, Inc. fmwfchamber.com 15

Women Connect

Heilman

McGee

Personal Branding to Advance Your Career

There’s only one you. So how are you promoting your unique skills, abilities and knowledge each day in order to bring your dream career opportunities into your path? Personal branding can be the key to achieving the role you’ve always wanted, or branching out and starting the business of your dreams. What is your personal brand? Your promise? Learn how to clarify, define and write your own authentic brand story. Join Jodi Heilman, owner of Coach My Brand, and Pam McGee, chair, Professional Management Department, Minnesota State University Moorhead and PMcGee & Co., as they share personal stories of achieving corporate executive roles through the process of building their own personal brand stories. Learn the research behind why it makes savvy financial sense to build and enhance your brand. Understand why authenticity determines its success or failure and how you can start immediately building a network of like-minded women to support you. Personal branding is imperative for career success today, so come learn some the most valuable skills and techniques needed to build your stellar personal brand.

Bock

According to a June 2015 article in the Huffington Post, women are less likely than men to want a woman boss. One study suggests that with very few women at the executive level, they are compared to one another, creating competition, bullying and overcompensation. With all this jockeying going on, how many of those women are able to be REAL in their communication? Effective communication is a crucial element of leadership success, both at work and at home. At this session, Jodee Bock of Bock’s Office Transformational Consulting will teach the foundation upon which to build a strong culture where everyone has the opportunity to succeed at the highest level. REAL is an acronym for the areas on which this course concentrates: Radical, Energized, Authentic and Learning-Based. Here, you’ll participate in dialogue about the meaning and application of leadership, develop a deeper understanding of communication basics, become aware of your personal impact on others and an accountability for your choices, and create an action plan of your own.

Tuesday, August 23

Tuesday, September 27

3:30 to 5 p.m. | Social 5 to 6 p.m. Avalon Events Center Registration Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door Non-Members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Transforming Workplace Relationships with REAL Communication

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

One PUSH Group’s Successes Women Connect on Cornucopia Kids At June’s Women Connect, Patty Corwin of Corwin Communications and former NDSU sociology professor, spoke on the topic of cornucopia kids. What are cornucopia kids? It’s an analogy on the Thanksgiving cornucopia that is overflowing as a sign of a good harvest, and cornucopia kids, she says, are children that grow up with expectations that the good life will always be available without developing accountability or motivation to achieve. More simply, they are kids that have too much. How do you change a cornucopia kid? Instill the role of personal values, she says. “Values are standards of what you believe is important. You learn your values after a lifetime of watching role models you respect and having experiences. Values are important in every decision you make, and they are apparent to others in your attitude.” Corwin had attendees recall their own experiences growing up and the attitudes their parents had about work and life. These likely carried through to our own lives. More than fathers, kids learn views on life from their mothers, and it’s important for us to think about the way our actions and attitudes affect our children. “Kids are great observers but terrible interpreters,” she said. Throughout the session, Corwin referenced a multitude of theories and lessons that applied to the topic, such as the bell-shaped grading curve, motivation by incentives versus threats, the work of Weston A. Price and the effect of nutrition on mental health and development, and learned optimism. Interested in this topic further? Corwin recommends the book “The Tipping Point” by Malcom Gladwell on social change and the importance of connections. Thanks to attendees, we collected nearly 80 children’s books that were donated to the Jeremiah Program.

Join a PUSH group and achieve your goals! PUSH groups offer a small, confidential environment where you can set and achieve your personal and professional goals. The group offers accountability, support and motivation. Women in our community are finding success through a network of supportive women. Here’s what the members of one PUSH group told us: “Being part of this group has really allowed me to open up and be honest about myself. The supportive environment we’ve created has allowed us to talk about our careers, relationships and families in full transparency. We created our group not knowing one another and have developed an intimate bond with one another by allowing ourselves to be vulnerable.” “My PUSH group has become a place of solace for me. This group of women all come from different paths and have different career goals and interests, yet we all are able to relate to and help each other through the different challenges we face. Our meetings are something I look forward to every month!” “This group has given me connections and support in a way that I haven’t had before. We’re able to relate to each other; listen to, support and encourage each other; learn from each other; learn from our shared goals; share personal and professional challenges and triumphs. This group has brought incredible value to me.” “The group has given me the confidence to seek out the opinion of others and not be afraid of judgement, which is sometimes a struggle with female friends.” “I got my dream job.” “I have met a group of women that are determined and motivated to make a difference and I love that we’re able to support each other and trust each other. Because of them, I have the confidence to take steps in starting my own business and feel supported in my decision. I feel like I’ve created relationships with these strong women that will last a lifetime.” To be placed in a PUSH group of your own, email push@fmwfchamber.com or visit us online at fmwfchamber.com/PUSH.

#FMWFWC fmwfchamber.com 17

Military Affairs

Military Appreciation Night 2016 a Sell-Out Event! On June 30, we were honored to host yet another incredible Military Appreciation Night at the RedHawks. With a sellout crowd of over 5,000 in attendance during the game, we also treated 1,000+ military families to a pre-game picnic with a special photo opportunity with the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. RedHawks players and Hawkeye also stopped by to spend time with the families and sign autographs. Kicking off the baseball game against the Sioux City Explorers, iconic country musician Lee Greenwood hit the field to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” while a parachuter brought in the American flag.

Delivering the first pitch was Sargent D. J. Guerrero, a retired Marine who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was awarded five Purple Hearts. The night also featured another appearance from the Clydesdales, new military recruits taking oath, and Lee Greenwood’s performance of “Stars and Stripes” in the 7th inning stretch. While the RedHawks did not end up pulling out a victory over the away team, all the attendees were in great company for a winning evening of patriotism and family-friendly fun.

Presenting Sponsor

18 The Bridge August 2016

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701.373.1001 | arvigbusiness.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©Arvig 2016

fmwfchamber.com 19

Premier Partners Making a Difference in Our Metro The Chamber draws on the diverse strengths and expertise of more than 2,100 public, private and non-profit member firms to advocate for a pro-business environment, educate the professional community and engage members in the pursuit of a prosperous region. Premier Partners are an elite group of businesses that recognize the importance of economic development efforts and make a significant commitment to the health of the region. Premier Partners give above and beyond their initial Chamber dues investment through sponsorship and marketing dollars to support the work we do. Premier Partners fall into two levels: Community Builders and Business Builders. In return for this increased support, Premier Partners receive a unique set of privileges and benefits that enhance their business. From increased exposure to heightened networking, Premier Partners gain access to an extensive network of businesses and professionals. Through partnership with The Chamber and their fellow members, Premier Partners make a positive difference for our metro.

We are proud to call the following businesses our Business Builders:

See the back page for the logos of our Community Builders.

For More Information

If you have any questions on becoming a Premier Partner, contact Darren Dunlop at 218.359.0514 or email ddunlop@fmwfchamber.com. 20â&#x20AC;&#x201A; The Bridge August 2016

YEA!

YEA! Wants You! The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is accepting applications, and we want your help! Who are we looking for? Students in grades 6 to 12 who are creative, passionate, dedicated and interested in starting their own business or social movement. What can students expect? Students who are accepted into the program can expect 30 weeks of projects-based curriculum taught by local professionals who serve as instructors and mentors. Over the course of the program, students will brainstorm ideas, write a business plan and pitch their ideas to a panel of investors as they prepare to launch their own real businesses or social movements. Why should students apply? YEA! students will develop the ability to prioritize tasks and problem-solve and will be presented with unique opportunities to hone their public speaking skills and network with professionals from various sectors of our local business community. Not only does completing YEA! look good on resumes and college applications, but YEA! graduates can leave the program as CEOs of their own businesses! How can students apply? The application process for YEA! is easy! Simply go to fmwfchamber.com/yea to complete the application and send it to FMWF Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Katie Ralston, P.O. Box 2443, Fargo, ND 58108-2443 or email kralston@fmwfchamber.com. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email or call Katie at 218.359.0511. The application deadline is September 30, but spots are filling quickly, so apply today!

Presenting Sponsor @YEA_FMWF #FMWFYEA YEA Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber â&#x20AC;&#x201A; fmwfchamber.comâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; 21

Leadership FMWF

#FMWFLeadership

Welcome to Our New Leadership Class! We are thrilled to announce and welcome our 2016-17 Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo class. They will start the year with orientation on August 11. Watch our Bridge next month for their class photo! Adam Rudd, Houston Engineering Allyson Peterson, NDSU Development Foundation & Alumni Association Amanda Even, Dress for Success Red River Valley Amanda Maslowski, VOLT Workforce Solutions Andy Erickson, Kinetic Leasing, Inc. Brandon Haney, Midco Caitlin Stoecker, The Village Family Service Center Chad Brousseau, Cass County Electric Cooperative Chantel Carlson, Hilton Garden Inn Chelsey Agather, Discovery Benefits Cortnee Jensen, Mind Shift Dave Bietz, Fargo Park District Donna Block, GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. Erik Stenehjem, First International Bank & Trust Jamie Grant, Microsoft Jenna Frost, American Crystal Sugar Company Jennifer Swenson, TMI Hospitality Jordan Cook, Choice Financial Group Kayla Gefroh, Wanzek Construction

Kelly Napoli, Obermiller Nelson Engineering, Inc. Kelsey Erbes, Eide Bailly LLP Kevin Mehrer, Northern Lights Council, Boy Scouts of America Kurt Lysne, Moore Engineering, Inc. Maria Steen, Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership Mark Honzay, JLG Architects Matt Gruchalla, Bell State Bank & Trust Melissa Rystad, Rasmussen College Mitch Johnson, Minnesota State University Moorhead Nikki Berglund, Bernie’s Wines & Liquors/Luna Fargo Paul Jarvis, United Capital Rob Riness, Mortenson Construction Sam Wheeldon, John Deere Electronic Solutions Sarah Arnston, Impact Foundation Shane Cullen, Park Co. Realtors Teran Germscheid, Wimmer’s Diamonds Thomas Loegering, Wanzek Construction Tim Stokka, Gate City Bank Toby Krone, Moorhead Police Department Vanessa Anderson, Vogel Law Firm

Program Sponsors

Ambassador Corner

#FMWFAmbassadors

This past June, we had a blast with our ambassadors at the annual golf scramble. Thanks to Maple River Golf Course for hosting us!

22 The Bridge August 2016

YPN

Young Professionals Network

One to Watch

#FMWFYPN

FMWF Chamber YPN

Jacob Gapp

IT Specialist, Choice Financial Group A member of the YPN Social committee, Jacob is full of great ideas to continue making our organization better serve its members. Also active in the community, we are happy to call Jacob this month’s YPN One to Watch.

Networking to Business Lunch: Strategic Volunteering Thursday, August 18 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dakota Medical Foundation, 4141 28th Avenue South, Fargo | Registration required. Member $15 | Non-member $25 Volunteering can not only be beneficial for the organization you donate your time to, but it can also give you an opportunity to develop new skills and abilities that you can utilize in your professional life. Join the YPN as we discuss how to find the right volunteer opportunity, how to increase the impact for the organization and yourself and what it means to take your volunteering to the next level through board involvement.

Downtown Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, August 24 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. Drekker Brewing Company, 630 First Avenue North, Suite 6, Fargo Free, no registration required. Fargo is known for our fantastic downtown, so why not get to know it a little better? Starting at 5:45 p.m., teams of three (or less) will be sent on their way to find a few of the hidden gems. Arrive back having successfully found all our gems and your team will be entered to win a prize! Not into the whole scavenger hunt thing? Don’t worry! Our regularly scheduled Off the Clock will take place while the others are out.

YPN New Member Social

Wednesday, August 24 | 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Drekker Brewing Company, 630 First Avenue North, Suite 6, Fargo Free, but registration is required. New to YPN? Thinking about Joining the YPN? Then this event is for you! Connect with new and current members, learn more about the program and how to get more involved. We will doing a little speed networking, so don’t forget your business cards. Then stick around for our Off the Clock immediately following!

Off the Clock Sponsor

June Off the Clock | Spicy Pie - West Fargo

Program Sponsors

fmwfchamber.com 23

Member Spotlight Founded in Fargo in 1946 by Barney Lavin and Harold Flint, Flint Group (as it is now known) was North Dakota’s first ad agency, and despite industry skepticism that an independent agency could succeed in a rural area, the agency has not only survived, but thrived. Here’s what else Roger Reierson, chairman and CEO, told us. “This year is Flint Group’s 70th anniversary in Fargo, and we continue to evolve along with the communications industry and adapt to changes in our clients’ industries. Along the way, we’ve grown from an ad agency with a handful of employees to an integrated marketing and communications firm with employees throughout North America who specialize in all forms of communications.”

Q: How many employees do you currently have? A: Flint Group employs about 125 people throughout its network of agencies, which includes offices in Fargo, Grand Forks, Duluth and St. Cloud. The full complement of Flint-related companies employs more than 230 people throughout North America. Q: What makes your organization unique or interesting for our area? A: We are among a very small percentage of independent agencies in the country that have operated continuously for this many years – most get acquired by large corporations or go under when they lose a big account. I think we’ve remained successfully and happily independent because we always put our clients first, and we dedicate ourselves to becoming experts in their industries to help them succeed.

And because of our longevity, we have a great mix of industry experience and youth on staff, which gives our clients fantastic real-world perspective.

from brainstorming sessions where no one can remember exactly whose idea it was – that’s when you know you’re really working together.

Q: Are there any initiatives you’re focusing on right now?

Q: What do you like best about doing business in Fargo Moorhead West Fargo?

A: We’re busy putting the final touches on the third annual FargoConnect, which will be held at the FARGODOME on August 30. We created the event three years ago to provide information about the emerging social media market, but we’ve since expanded the event to include all types of digital communications. We’re thrilled to help provide this type of educational opportunity to the community, and we expect this year’s event to attract another sell-out crowd. Q: What’s your best business tip?

A: We live in an area where integrity and a handshake still mean something. And people are genuinely nice to each other. That makes me smile. Q: What is one thing you most want our area or other Chamber members to know about you? A: I moved here 1976 fully intending to move on. Instead I fell in love with my job, the people and the area. I think that still happens to many people who come here.

A: Collaborate. The best ideas come

Interested in Having Your Business Highlighted in This Section?

The Member Spotlight section of The Bridge profiles various member companies with unique stories to tell. We’re looking for small businesses in current good standing with The Chamber that have a unique offering, interesting history or are just doing something spectacular. Tell us who you think deserves to be featured! Fill out the form at bit.ly/BridgeMS to suggest a business, or email ahofland@fmwfchamber.com. 24 The Bridge August 2016

Member Profile The Rape & Abuse Crisis Center The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead (RACC) offers crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling and education to all persons affected by sexual and domestic violence and to provide prevention programs to create a society free of personal abuse. Last year, the agency served 3001 victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including 501 children, throughout west central Minnesota and southeastern North Dakota. RACC is dedicated to offering hope, education and support to those affected by violence and committed to the vision of safe and healthy communities for all. RACC has been at the forefront of efforts to improve the lives of victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence since its inception in 1977 when two local agencies—WomenAbuse, serving battered women, and the Rape Crisis Center, serving victims of sexual violence—merged to provide comprehensive, accessible services for these crimes. RACC is proudly one of the earliest violence intervention centers to be established in Minnesota and North Dakota, and throughout the agency’s 39year history has served over 83,000 victims, including 16,000 children. The programs of the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center utilize an integrated approach involving crisis intervention, advocacy, legal, medical and social systems assistance, trauma-informed, evidence-based individual

and group counseling, and community education to provide comprehensive services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child sexual abuse and their families in order to move the child or adult from victim to survivor. It is RACC’s goal for victims to feel safe, well-informed and emotionally supported as they move through the healing process. “If you focus on the trauma that brings people in here, particularly for child victims, it can be pretty overwhelming,” said Dr. Christopher Johnson, executive director. “But when you have the opportunity to watch traumatized kids be-bop down to the Play Therapy room talking their counselor’s ear off, it’s rewarding to know that this kid is strong and resilient and with support and intervention is able to make sense of what happened and move on with life.” In addition to serving victims, RACC is committed to its vision of making the community one where domestic and sexual violence are less likely to happen through its prevention and education programs.

Save the date for RACC’s Harvest Moon Fling event on October 28 at the Courtyard by Marriott with wine tasting, live and silent auctions, food and entertainment.

For many years, RACC, like many social change agents, invested the majority of its prevention efforts into educating youth. While these efforts were critical in identifying potential victims and increasing awareness of services available and remain so, educating youth is not enough to prevent violence and abuse from happening in the first place. RACC has worked strategically to develop, implement and facilitate primary prevention programming based on changing social norms through community engagement, policy work and macro principles similar to the successful models of the anti-smoking movement. RACC’s primary prevention efforts have been recognized by the Center for Disease Control as promising. Most recently, the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA) asked RACC staff to provide model primary prevention programming and training throughout the state of Minnesota. As for receiving the 2016 Chamber Choice Non-Profit of the Year award, “More than anything we’re grateful,” Johnson stated. “Just truly grateful to the community and The Chamber for honoring survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual abuse by choosing the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center for this prestigious award. It tells our staff, this work you’re doing is important and needed and we as a community are here for you. More importantly, it sends a resounding message to victims and their families- you matter, your safety and well-being matters, what you’re going through isn’t OK and we as a community have your back.”

fmwfchamber.com 25

Member News

Companies

Aldevron Communicates Commitment to Clients’ Therapeutic Breakthroughs and Discoveries Aldevron has adopted new imagery and purpose statement, “The Basis for Breakthroughs.” This brand promise represents the company’s dedication to providing clients with quality products and developing true partnerships that allow them to create the next generation of breakthrough therapeutics.

Cornerstone Bank Joins Sioux Falls Market Cornerstone Bank has purchased the First Interstate Bank location in Sioux Falls effective June 16. Seven team members at the Sioux Falls location have joined the Cornerstone Bank team. They will continue to provide their accessible expertise to clients in their same office location with their same phone number, but will have new email addresses.

Aldevron also announced its updated logo, color schemes and platform iconography that provide a modern and consistent presentation. The new look is engineered to help communicate Aldevron’s integrated services to a rapidly growing client base. The company rebuilt its website to enhance the user experience across all devices, provide faster navigation and improve access to expanded technical content.

Dawson Insurance Earns Inner Circle Status Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company, has been named to State Auto Insurance Companies’ Inner Circle, an elite group recognized by the regional insurer. The achievement honors successful agencies that demonstrate outstanding sales, service and business management. The agency received a special engraved gold plate to commemorate the achievement with State Auto.

ASB Ranked #10 on Industry List American Solutions for Business (ASB) was rated number 10 in a listing of the top 50 distributors in the promotional products industry. Promo Marketing magazine provided the annual listing based on survey results from individual companies in the industry. ASB’s sales of promotional products make up just over 35% of the company’s total sales. Forms, envelopes, labels, commercial printing, technology and other miscellaneous sales comprise the remaining 65%. Justin Zavadil, executive vice president at ASB, said: “In 2014 and 2015, American made some key investments in acquisitions and technology that have really paid off. That investment allowed us to bring on larger sales hubs and national enterprise customers. … I believe our success comes from listening to our customers and employees.” Border States Electric Purchases Shealy Electrical Wholesalers Border States Electric (BSE) reached an agreement to purchase Shealy Electrical Wholesalers, an electrical wholesale supply leader in North and South Carolina with more than 350 employees and 17 locations. Shealy will join BSE August 1, pending regulatory approval. Shealy will continue to be led by Bill DeLoache, CEO; Brent Spear, COO; and David White, president. The name will change to Shealy Electrical Wholesalers, a division of Border States. BSE will establish a new southeast region with White serving as the region vice president. The regional corporate office will be in Columbia, South Carolina. BSE will have more than 2,200 employees and 97 branches in 18 states after they join forces.

26 The Bridge August 2016

Great Plains Food Bank Announces 2015 Agency of the Year The Great Plains Food Bank, a program of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, honored Mountrail Community Food Pantry in Stanley, North Dakota, as its 2015 Agency of the Year. This is the highest honor given to one of the Great Plains Food Bank’s 215 hunger relief partner agencies. Agencies are nominated each spring by a volunteer or community member who believes the agency goes above and beyond to serve clients and help eliminate hunger. Other 2015 nominees included Charism and The Store House. Nomination packets were reviewed by a panel of Great Plains Food Bank staff and statewide hunger advocates. High Point Networks Named to CRN’s 2016 Solution Provider 500 High Point Networks announced it has been named to The Channel Company’s 2016 CRN® Solution Provider 500. The SP500 list is CRN’s annual ranking of the largest technology integrators, solution providers and IT consultants in North America by revenue. Solution providers are ranked based on revenue, determined by product and services sales during 2015. High Point Networks placed #385 in the annual ranking, moving up 32 places from last year’s list. First International Insurance Receives Awards First International Insurance was awarded a Star Award and a New Business Leader Award for exceptional performance on behalf of North Star Mutual Insurance Company in 2015. Agencies receiving this award are leaders in the area of production.

JLG Architects Receives Inc. magazine’s “50 Best Workplaces” Award JLG Architects is the only architecture firm to be named one of Inc. magazine’s “50 Best Workplaces” in the United States in 2016. Inc.’s award program is the first of its kind, measuring American companies with up to 500 employees that “deploy state-ofthe-art techniques keep their staff happy and productive.” JLG Architects has also made the Inc. 5000 List for fastest-growing companies in the United States for the past two years in a row. NDSU Master of Public Health Included in Regional Graduate Program North Dakota State University’s Master of Public Health online hybrid program is now included in the Western Regional Graduate Program, beginning with fall semester 2016. Inclusion means students who are residents in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education states pay North Dakota resident tuition if they meet requirements of the online program. These states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Master of Public Health program applied to the Western Regional Graduate Program this past winter. NDSU offers the only Master of Public Health program in the nation with an emphasis on American Indian Public Health. NDSU President Bresciani Announces $4.5 Million Endowment A new endowed chair at North Dakota State University will galvanize the institution’s growing entrepreneurial culture, thanks to a $4.5 million endowment established through the NDSU Foundation and Alumni Association. The endowed chair – just NDSU’s third such position – will honor Dr. Jim Ozbun, who served as its president from 1988 to 1995. NDSU’s College of Business will begin a national search to select the inaugural holder of the Ozbun Chair. Scholarships will be awarded to selected students pursuing any major and who express interest in creative activity and innovation. Obermiller Nelson Engineering Merges with Foster Jacobs and Johnson Obermiller Nelson Engineering (ONE) is excited to announce that Duluthbased engineering firm, Foster Jacobs and Johnson Engineering (FJJ) is becoming a part of ONE. The firms joined forces to provide a strengthened engineering force and broadened regional presence. ONE will gain the engineering staff at FJJ in Duluth and Minneapolis, as well as establish a presence in Sioux Falls. Combined, they will employ a total of 125 employees across seven cities throughout North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.

Star Tribune Names CCRI, Inc. a 2016 Top 150 Workplace CCRI has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. The Top Workplaces special section was published in the Star Tribune on Sunday, June 26. Produced by the same team that compiles the 25-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Minnesota, Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from over 73,870 employees at Minnesota public, private and non-profit organizations. The rankings in the Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces are based on survey information collected by Workplace Dynamics. To qualify, a company must have more than 50 employees in Minnesota. Over 1,555 companies were invited to participate. CCRI was ranked 33rd in the midsize company list. Starion Financial Named a TopPerforming Community Bank in the Nation Starion Financial was named to “The Best of the Best” list by Independent Banker magazine and received a superior rating from BauerFinancial. Independent Banker is a publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America. It separates banks based on asset size and ranks the top 25 by their return on average equity and return on average assets ratios. For 2015, Starion was evaluated as a subchapter S bank with assets of $1 billion or more. Starion was ranked #10 for ROAE and #13 for ROAA. Based on data from the first quarter of 2016, Starion also earned a five-star “superior” rating, the highest possible, from BauerFinancial. BauerFinancial has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. Quarterly ratings are assigned on a scale of zero to five stars, with five being the strongest, and are based on the overall financial picture of the financial institution. The ratings are independent, meaning no institution is able to pay to be rated or excluded. Western State Bank Named a Top Performer by ICBA Western State Bank has been recognized by Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) as a top performer in 2015. Each year, Independent Banker pulls earnings data to identify the top 25 community banks in six asset-size categories. Each top-25 list measures community banks by their return on average assets and return on average equity ratios for all of 2015. Western ranked 16th for Return on Equity and 18th for Return on Investment, respectively, on the list of Community Banks with assets of $500 million to $1 billion.

fmwfchamber.com 27

Member News

People

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., or AE2S, has hired Dan Hanson as an electrical engineer and Tammy Jo Anderson Taft as a communications specialist in Hanson Anderson Taft the firm’s Fargo office. Hanson brings more than seven years of experience in electrical engineering services. Before joining AE2S, he worked as a senior sales engineer for Square D by Schneider Electric. Anderson Taft brings more than 11 years of experience in communications. Before joining AE2S, she most recently was a writer and graphic designer at the Traill County Tribune in Mayville, North Dakota. Randy Newman, chairman, president and CEO of Alerus Financial Corporation, has been named an Entrepreneur of the Year in the upper Midwest in the Financial and Technology Services category by Ernst & Young. The prestigious awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate Newman excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Newman joined First National Bank North Dakota (now Alerus) in 1981.

Brinkman

Gross

Krabbenhoft

Roesler

Appareo has hired Michael Gross as a shipping & receiving clerk, Chad Brinkman as an embedded software engineer, Josh Roesler as a product engineer, mechanical, and Kristin Krabbenhoft as a staff accountant. A native of West Fargo, Gross previously worked at Crary Industries. Brinkman previously interned with Appareo. He also serves with the ND Air National Guard - 119th Wing as an electrical power production. A native of Casselton, Roesler previously interned at Caterpillar. A native of Bismarck, Krabbenhoft previously interned with Appareo. Bell State Bank & Trust has promoted Shawn Tennyson to senior vice president of marketing, Patty Bohnenstingl Heick Tennyson Bohnenstingl to vice president/banker support manager and Heather Heick to VP/ branch manager at the Time Square location. Tennyson earned a commercial art degree from Moorhead Technical College. He joined Bell State Bank & Trust in 2014 and previously served as project management director on the marketing team. Bohnenstingl 28 The Bridge August 2016

earned a business management degree from NDSCS and has been in the banking field for over 30 years. She was most recently VP/ branch manager at the Time Square location in Fargo. Heick earned a finance degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and has been in the banking field for 19 years. She most recently served as a human resources specialist. Rick Ohren has joined the JK Property Partners team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties. Ohren is a licensed Realtor® in North Dakota and Minnesota. Ohren attended Minnesota State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice and minor in sociology. He previously worked in the criminal justice field for the past 15 years.

Ohren

Julie Fournier, a real estate agent at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties, is the only real estate agent in North Dakota to earn the Certified Relocation Professional® (CRP®) designation. Fournier joins other top REALTORS® in the residential real estate industry from across the Fournier nation who hold this designation. Mary Wacker has received her Senior Fitness Specialty certification through the National Exercise Fitness Trainers Association. She is restorative lead/ wellness coordinator at Bethany on 42nd. Wacker has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Restorative Aid in a variety of long-term care Wacker facilities. She joined Bethany Retirement Living in 2007 and participates in Bethany’s CNA Advancement Program. Border States Electric (BSE) promoted Bruce Penas to market director – industrial and hired Jonathan Axtman as digital strategy manager. Penas joined BSE in 2008 and was previously the Axtman Penas industrial market manager. Axtman is a 1990 graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead. Prior to joining BSE, he was the director of digital operations for Microsoft within the Dynamics business group. Cornerstone Bank has named Eric Carlson SVP/chief financial officer. Carlson joined Cornerstone Bank in September 2015 and has over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s in business administration from North Dakota State University. Carlson

Dawson Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company, has hired Andrea Gemelli as a commercial lines account assistant and Diane Henricks as a Henricks commercial lines account manager. Gemelli Gemelli most recently has been employed at Keller Williams Roers Realty and prior to that worked for Archway Marketing, a Microsoft partner. Henricks worked for USI/Wells Fargo prior to joining Dawson. She currently holds Certified Insurance Counselor and the Certified Insurance Service Representative designations. EAPC Architects Engineers hired Josh Schroeder, PE as an electrical engineer in the Fargo office and Riley Olson, EIT as an electrical engineer in the Grand Forks office. Schroeder has nine years of design Schroeder Olson experience including education, health care, commercial and government projects. Olson is a recent graduate from the University of North Dakota.

Sean Elsner and Jake Klobuchar, both commercial loan officers, with First International Bank & Trust graduated from the Dakota School of Banking sponsored by the Klobuchar North Dakota Bankers Association Elsner (NDBA) and endorsed by the South Dakota Bankers Association (SDBA). In its 43rd year, the school trained 62 bank personnel. Flom Property Group of Keller Williams Roers Realty has hired Mindy Rodke as an executive assistant. Rodke currently resides in Hawley, Minnesota. Rodke

Gehrtz Construction Services, Fargo, has promoted Dan Kleist to senior construction manager. Kleist celebrated 15 years of experience with GCS this year. Kleist

An offer of employment was extended to Michael J. Redlinger to become the City of Fargo’s assistant city administrator, contingent upon City Commission approval. Redlinger was most recently employed with the City of Moorhead as its city manager. He brings 15 years of experience Redlinger and is an International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager. He holds a Master of Science degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Fargo Glass & Paint, Co. has hired Joe Thiele as a project manager and Mike Houdek and Ben Pitz Houdek Pitz Thiele in its contract glass department. Thiele has a bachelor’s degree in construction management from North Dakota State University and has worked in the industry for four years. Houdek attended NDSU and has worked in the glazing industry for the last 10 years. Pitz has a bachelor’s degree in biology from NDSU and 18 years in the construction industry. First International Insurance has hired Taryn Herrly as a personal lines customer service representative. Herrly originally joined First International Bank & Trust in 2012, working in human resources. Herrly is pursuing a degree from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Gretchen Taylor has been promoted to operations coordinator at Heritage Homes. Taylor graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies. She previously was program coordinator for the Girls Scouts-Dakota Horizons in Fargo.

Taylor

Angela Judd, CNA, CHPNA, and Desiree Oslowski, CNA, CHPNA, have both successfully passed the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant examination through the Hospice Oslowski and Palliative Credentialing Center. Judd Judd has worked as a CNA with Hospice of the Red River Valley in Fargo since 2015 and as a CNA since 1998. Oslowski has worked as a CNA with HRRV in Fargo since 2015.

Luke Beckermann earned his professional engineer (PE) registration for Minnesota and is now a registered PE in both North Dakota and Minnesota. Beckermann has been working out of Houston Engineering’s Fargo office since 2009.

Beckermann

Herrly

fmwfchamber.com 29

Sue Benedict was promoted to a financial advisor with Legacy Wealth Management, Fargo. She has been with the firm for two years. Benedict graduated from the University of Mary with a business management degree. Benedict currently holds the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. Jim Potratz has joined Lexstar Construction as a project manager. Potratz has been involved in the development, construction and management of multiple construction projects for 30 years. Potratz

MAC’S Corporate Office, Moorhead, promoted Deb Szafranski to assistant manager of human resources, Bontjes Jennissen Szafranski Krista Jennissen to human resources coordinator, and hired Jessica Bontjes as senior accounting manager. Szafranski previously was human resources coordinator. Jennissen previously was office coordinator. Bontjes comes to MAC’S with over eight years’ experience in the accounting field. Nathan Bjoralt, an agent from the North Dakota General Office of New York Life, has become a Registered Representative of NYLIFE Securities LLC by passing a qualifying exam administered by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Bjoralt holds a bachelor’s degree in sports and recreation Bjoralt leadership and journalism from North Dakota State University. Kevin Mehrer has been promoted to the district director position in the Northern Sky District, Boy Scouts of America. Mehrer started with the Northern Lights Council as a district executive in the Tomahawk District in Minot in 2011 and was promoted to senior district executive in 2014.

Mehrer

Obermiller Nelson Engineering (ONE) brought on five full-time employees to their Fargo Carroll Miller headquarters. Steven Adams Adams will be a mechanical BIM/ CAD technician and has been at ONE part-time since November 2014, recently finishing his degree from North Dakota State College of Science. Blane Plecity, Shawn Moe Plecity Miller and Samuel Carroll have all been part-time at ONE since March 2016 and come with degrees from North Dakota State College of Science. Plecity will be a mechanical BIM/CAD technician while Miller and Carroll will be electrical BIM/CAD technicians. Barbie Moe also joins as a mechanical BIM/CAD technician with a degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes. Governor Jack Dalrymple has appointed Scott Breidenbach of Park Co. Realtors to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission. The primary responsibilities of the North Dakota Real Estate Commission are to license qualified applicants as real estate agencies, real estate brokers, real estate Breidenbach associate brokers, sales agents, to investigate alleged violations of the law, impose sanctions, and prescribe curricula and standards of real estate education programs. Breidenbach began his term in July and will serve for five years. Cindy Schroeder recently joined Park Co. Realtors as a REALTOR®. She earned a nursing degree and a B.S. in business management. Schroeder was employed at Sanford Health for 20 years in corporate compliance. She is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and the North Dakota & Minnesota Association of REALTORS®. Scott Thomasson has been elected to the board of directors for Record Keepers, LLC. Thomasson joined the company in 2015 as director of operations for its Fargo and Bismarck-based operations. Thomasson has nearly 20 years of business management experience.

Schroeder

Thomasson

Lyn Dwyer has joined RE/MAX Realty 1 as the managing broker of their Fargo and Moorhead offices. Dwyer has nearly 40 years of real estate experience, including more than 10 years as managing broker. Dwyer

30 The Bridge August 2016

Ricky L. Engebretson of the RLE Group was recognized for his distinguished service to the North Dakota State Board of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and NCARB, including his leadership of several committees and Region 5. Engebretson has been a dedicated member of the North Dakota Architects for over a decade.

Engebretson

Kathy Weiss has been promoted to executive mortgage officer at Town & Country Credit Union. Weiss has 26 years of experience in the financial industry. She has been employed at Town & Country Credit Union for the past six months as a Weiss mortgage loan closer.

Gaulrapp

Travel Incorporated has hired Rebecca Keightley as a travel consultant. Keightley holds a specialist degree as an airline/travel specialist from the International Air Academy and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from NDSU. She has several years of travel planning experience.

The RLE Group, Fargo, has hired Shawn Gaulrapp as a project lead drafter. Gaulrapp earned a degree in architectural technology from Northwest Technical College in Detroit Lakes. Gaulrapp has 21 years of architectural design and CAD drafting experience. Spotlight Media has hired Lauren Wilson as editorial intern, Brittney Richter as designer and Laura Cramer as event Cramer Richter Wilson coordinator and photographer. Wilson is attending Concordia College, majoring in English writing. Richter graduated from NDSU with a B.S. in public relations & advertising. Cramer graduated from MSUM with a B.S. in public relations.

Keightley

Want to see your news here? Submit your company’s announcement to thebridge@fmwfchamber.com.

Spherion Staffing Services honored Jill Berg, owner of the Bismarck, Fargo and Minot offices in North Dakota and Perham office in Minnesota, with the company’s 2016 Special Achievement Award. The annual award recognizes the Spherion franchise owner who achieves significant results across all target growth areas, along with an unparalleled commitment to team development and community involvement. TMI Hospitality has hired Janet Bechtold as accounts payable specialist, Kiara Kaseman as help Bechtold Hoover Kaseman desk technician and Ryan Hoover as hotel accountant. Bechtold has retail management experience, and holds a degree in university studies from North Dakota State University. Kaseman previously worked in retail and is currently studying management information systems at North Dakota State University. Hoover brings one year of experience in the customs brokerage field and has a degree in accounting from North Dakota State University.

Save the Date! Business After Hours

Thursday, August 18 | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. FARGODOME, 1800 University Drive North

Event Sponsor

fmwfchamber.com 31

Western State Bank has hired Kay Schmidt as a human resource specialist and Johnson Prigelmeier Olivia Johnson as Baldock a credit analyst, promoted Chad Baldock to vice president/credit department manager and Dave Roeder to assistant vice president/ senior credit officer & loan sales manager and transitioned Beth Roeder Schmidt Prigelmeier to mortgage loan officer. Schmidt previously worked at Noridian Mutual Insurance Company for 11 years and earned her associates degree in human resources from Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Johnson previously was an intern at US Bank and attended Concordia College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematical finance. Baldock joined Western in 2008 and previously was assistant vice president/credit officer and co-team lead of the credit department. Baldock holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Mayville State University. He holds his master’s degree from the University of Mary in Fargo. Roeder joined Western in 2003 and most recently was Credit officer and co-team lead of the credit department. Roeder attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Prigelmeier joined Western in June 2015 as a personal banking officer. She attended Emporia State University in Kansas and the University of North Dakota. Wanzek Construction, Inc. has hired John Urbanec as senior IT analyst, David Freelander as director of estimating, Kirsten Peterson as content developer and instructor, Jamie Lockwood as construction support specialist, T.J. Bird as project manager and Stephen Goettle as estimator. Urbanec holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from North Dakota State University. He previously was a service desk support analyst with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Dakota. Freelander was previously a corporate mechanical/piping estimating manager for Black and Veatch Corporation. Peterson holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She most recently was the technology training consultant at the University of Minnesota. Lockwood spent the past four years in project and office management, most recently at Aire Serv in West Fargo. Bird holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in civil engineering from Boise State University. He was previously a site manager with Blattner Energy. Goettle is a professional civil engineer with nine years of experience. He was previously with Ulteig as a project manager and owners representative.

Business lending centered on you.

You have a lot of work ahead of you. We can help make things easier with customized lending packages to meet your business’ needs. Talk to Angie Baumann about your options today: 218.779.4563 | mycmcu.org |

Centered on you.

Originator # 1379824 Equal Opportunity Lender | Federally Insured by NCUA

Zerr Berg Architects, Fargo, has promoted Craig Cusik to project manager. Cusik recently earned his master’s of architecture from North Dakota State University.

701.235.1121 • 888.526.1121 16 South 16th Street • Fargo, ND Cusik

32 The Bridge August 2016

Passion. Quality. Innovation.

www.knightprinting.com

Advocacy Regional Workforce Update

Check out these tweets from event attendees.

One year ago, we kicked off a major initiative to solve a regional workforce gap in the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community. In collaboration with the Economic Development Corporation, Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the FM Area Foundation and the United Way of Cass-Clay, along with investors, volunteers and committees, the past year has been dedicated to digging into the recommendations that consultants TIP Strategies provided us. Individuals were separated into four different groups, each one dedicated to one of the four study pillars: cultivate, attract, build and innovate, and tasked with coming up with recommended action items. The result is a 30-page action plan that was unveiled to all at the event on June 30. Interestingly, there were a couple strong themes from each committee. These included having consistent messaging and developing a central clearinghouse website that would contain all relevant information on the community.

Committee Updates On the Attract committee, we discussed building more awareness to attract workers by capitalizing on social media and featuring short videos that promote the area and utilizing the EDC’s Social Toaster program, as well as engaging alumni networks and working on welcome kits. The Build group has focused on removing barriers in transportation, housing and child care to make it easier for those in the lower-income ranges to be able to work. The F-M Area Foundation is looking at hosting a housing summit for builders, developers and planners to finance more multi- and single-family housing units. They’ve also been able to revive a local homebuyer education program that previously had been cut. Also a part of the Build pillar, the United Way has been pushing for more and better child care in the region. The three tactical ideas they’ve focused on are employer-supported child care co-ops, scholarships for working families and encouraging conversations with state legislators to increase child care spots. As far as the Innovate pillar, two areas were identified: a central job listing and information site and a solution forum. For the former, we’re looking at integrating with 1 Million Cups’ already successful live job board; and for the latter, an event to challenge individuals to come up with ideas to solve specific regional issues over a weekend, provide incentives and pick a winner. We know that continuing to make and show our progress in these workforce efforts is critical, and we look forward to really getting to work now that our action plan has been identified. At the update event, John Richman of NDSCS also spoke up on using area higher education systems to further attract workers to the region. However, the problem he says is with out-of-state tuition that detracts people from coming here, and is encouraging support of a modified tuition model. If you’d like to get involved in these workforce efforts, please contact any of the five organizations.

fmwfchamber.com 33

New Members The Chamber encourages all members to conduct business with each other. Those listed below recently have made an important investment in their businesses and their professional careers by joining The Chamber. Please consider them for your personal and professional needs. When you do, let them know you learned of their business through The Chamber!

A‑1 Sewer & Drain

Glacial Peak Cryotherapy

Contractors ‑ Plumbing A‑1 Sewer & Drain provides services to residential and commercial clients. Services include, but are not limited to remodeling, repairs, water heaters, sump pumps and sewer/drain cleaning. They are an honest, professional plumbing company with affordable rates that you have been looking for.

Health ‑ Nutrition Glacial Peak Cryotherapy will be providing whole body, local and facial cryotherapy. This service fortifies the blood to help those dealing with pain management issues by reducing inflammation, accelerating muscle recovery, elevating mood, boosting the immune system, and improving sleep and skin.

A‑OX Welding Supply, Inc.

M.J. Capelli Oakridge

Industrial Distributors A‑OX is a premier supplier of specialty, medical, welding, gases and consumables industrial safety products, cryogenic services and a full-service welding repair person. They have an experienced and knowledgeable staff.

Beauty Salons & Barbers Want a fresh new look? M.J. Capelli stylists are trained in all the latest techniques to make sure you look and feel your best!

a1seweranddrain.net

aoxwelding.com

Chef’s Table Catering

glacialpeakcryotherapy.com

gomjcapelli.com

Morgan 20/20 Search, Inc. morgan2020nd.com

Caterers Chef ’s Table is a full-service caterer operating out of the Sanctuary Events Center in downtown Fargo. They offer catering options from small business meetings to large formal weddings.

Executive Recruiting Morgan 20/20 Search recruits top industry professionals and leaders that their client’s businesses wouldn’t otherwise have access to. They partner on growth strategies and succession plans and they’re confident they will prove how they’re different on the first opportunity.

Coach My Brand

Red Banty Boutique

Marketing Services Consulting. Creating. Connecting. Coach My Brand provides brand and marketing coaching to help you stand out from your competition. Because when top players in any industry want to get to the next level, they hire a coach.

Clothing ‑ Alterations/Accessories Red Banty Boutique is a women’s clothing store, carrying all sizes, but specializing in plus sizes. They are conveniently located at 1133 19th Avenue North Fargo, in the Happy Harry’s Plaza, with lots of close parking. Red Banty Boutique will get you dressed in style!

chefstablefargo.com

coachmybrand.com

ConvergeOne convergeone.com

Information Systems ConvergeOne is your one connection for comprehensive IT solutions and services powered by world-class technology and the best certified experts in the industry.

Fargo FITLIFE fargofitlife.com

Fitness Centers Fargo FITLIFE is a personal training studio and boot-camp gym. They offer members unlimited 30 minute circuit boot-camp sessions. Each session offers cardiovascular and strength exercises. Their focus is keeping their sessions small, to offer the most individualized attention possible in a group setting.

Five Star Call Centers

redbantyboutique.com

Reile’s Transfer & Delivery reiles.com

Storage ‑ Warehouse Reile’s Transfer & Delivery offers best‑in‑class logistics, warehousing, transportation and supply chain services in the Fargo and Grand Forks area. Reile’s is proud to offer flexible and responsive services to each unique customer.

uCodeGirl ucodegirl.org

Education ‑ Training uCodeGirl is a non‑profit organization with a vision to increase the participation of girls in tech industry. uCodeGirl aims to inspire, equip and empower girls (middle to high school) with leadership qualities, coding skills and entrepreneurial mindset so they can pursue opportunities suitable for the 21st century.

fivestarcallcenters.com

Business Services They’ve been in the call center business for over 30 years. During that time they’ve built a high‑quality customer service team, trained to bring you results 24/7/365. They offer services that include inbound, outbound, chat and email support. They have the people and technology to support your business.

Folkways folkways.co

Consultants Folkways mission is to nurture our regional culture creators.

Your complete distributor for all your paper, plastic, janitorial, packaging, equipment & supply needs since 1918.

Gigi’s Cupcakes gigiscupcakesusa.com

Bakeries They offer a seasonal menu with over 35 flavors and endless specials. They are perfect for walk‑ins or large catering events and weddings. They also offer mini cupcakes daily by the dozen.

34 The Bridge August 2016

www.colepapers.com

Learning More The Dale Carnegie Course Look around at successful people. You’ll find that they are confident in their work and enthusiastic about getting things done, they are inspiring, and they empower others around them to succeed—they are engaged in all aspects of their work and life. The Dale Carnegie Course will help you master the communication skills demanded in today’s tough business environment. You’ll learn to strengthen interpersonal relationships, manage stress and handle fast-changing workplace conditions. You’ll develop more effective communication skills and be better equipped to perform as a persuasive communicator, problem-solver and focused leader. Course dates: September 7 and 8, 2016. For more information and to register, visit northdakota.dalecarnegie.com.

BUSINESS Just Went Mobile

Introducing the ultimate mobile banking app to keep your business moving forward.

5 Convenient F-M Locations Internet-enabled Apple or Android smartphone is required. Message and data rates from your carrier may apply.

0179_05-16

www.firstintlbank.com/BusinessMobile fmwfchamber.com 35

Celebrations June Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings

RED RIVER ZOO Grand opening of Children’s Zoo Farm 4255 23rd Avenue South, Fargo

redriverzoo.org

COLLINS AND KRANK/RAYMOND JAMES Grand opening celebration 300 NP Avenue, Suite 108, Fargo

collinsandkrank.com

THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU Relocation celebration 51 North Broadway, Suite 604, Fargo

bbb.org/minnesota

WEST AND EHLIS ORTHODONTICS Remodel celebration 4710 Amber Valley Parkway, Suite B, Fargo

we-ortho.com 36 The Bridge August 2016

CASS COUNTY ELECTRIC’S PRAIRIE SUN COMMUNITY SOLAR PROJECT Groundbreaking 63rd Street and 52nd Avenue South, Fargo kwh.com

SCHEELS ARENA Grand opening celebration of expansion rink 5225 31st Avenue South, Fargo scheelsarena.com

MIDCO Grand opening celebration 50 22nd Street East, West Fargo midco.com

ARTEKTA ARCHITECTS 10-year anniversary celebration 325 Seventh Street South, Suite 300, Fargo artekta.com

NEW PERSPECTIVE SENIOR LIVING Groundbreaking 645 33rd Avenue East, West Fargo

newperspectiveseniorliving.com

M.J. CAPELLI Grand opening celebration 635 32nd Avenue East, West Fargo

gomjcapelli.com

BE*YOU*TIFUL STUDIO Relocation celebration 3535 Main Avenue, Fargo

marykay.com

SIGNARAMA Relocation celebration 4201 12th Avenue North, Fargo sarvalley.com

FAMILY HEALTHCARE Grand opening celebration 726 13th Avenue East, West Fargo famhealthcare.org

FLINT GROUP 70-year anniversary celebration 101 10th Street North, Fargo flint-group.com

Ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings are led by the Public Relations Ambassadors, a group of dedicated volunteers who help Chamber members celebrate their business accomplishments. If you would like more information on ribbon cuttings, visit fmwfchamber.com or call Mickayla at 218.233.1100.

SANCTUARY EVENTS CENTER Grand opening celebration 670 Fourth Avenue North, Fargo

sanctuaryevents.com

fmwfchamber.com 37

“

Being a Chamber member has so many benefits.

“

The resources offered provide networking opportunities, exceptional leadership seminars, and professional development opportunities that are not only inspiring but empowering that has helped our organization grow! -Kim Pladson, TNT Kid’s Fitness

With over 2,100 member businesses, we’re proud to represent a community where businesses connect with one another, learn from each other, and grow together. Join these businesses and become a member today. fmwfchamber.com

38 The Bridge August 2016

Calendar of Events

August 2016

Chamber Eggs & Issues: Department of Labor Overtime Regulation

Business After Hours

Thursday, August 18 | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 2 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.

FARGODOME The region’s most effective networking opportunity, Business After Hours, is back in August. The social atmosphere here allows individuals to network with industry leaders, trade show vendors and peers over drinks, appetizers and friendly conversation.

Courtyard by Marriot Fargo-Moorhead The U.S. Department of Labor’s much-anticipated final overtime regulation is a radical change from the previous rule. John Kirchner from the U.S Chamber of Commerce will join us to explain the potential impacts to business and its employees that this rule will have.

Brand Architecture: Building Brand Identity and Value

Wednesday, August 10 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesday, August 16 | 8 a.m. to noon

Hilton Garden Inn Fargo Mark your calendars for this exciting event highlighting the amazing technological innovations from our region. This year, with Senator John Hoeven, our presenters will share the projects happening locally that are changing the world.

Tuesday, August 23 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.

onnect

Courtyard by Marriot Fargo-Moorhead Does your brand need a refresh? In this Business Training, Kimberly Wold Janke of Flint Group will share what a brand is, and more importantly, what a brand isn’t. Help kick off your own brand development and positioning.

State of Technology

Women Connect: Personal Branding to Advance Your Career Avalon Events Center There’s only one you. So how are you promoting your unique skills, abilities and knowledge to bring your dream career opportunities into your path? Personal branding can be the key. Jodi Heilman and Pam McGee will share why personal branding is imperative.

omen. Business. Life.

YPN

Young Professionals Network engage

develop

connect

YPN New Member Social, Downtown Scavenger Hunt and Off the Clock Wednesday, August 24 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Drekker Brewing Company Fargo is known for our fantastic downtown, so why not get to know it a little better? Teams will be sent on their way to find hidden gems. Not into the whole scavenger hunt thing? Don’t worry! Our regularly scheduled Off the Clock will take place while the others are out. Come early at 4:30 for the New Member Social.

Find all of our upcoming events online at fmwfchamber.com.

Community Events Community Learning Centers Summer Conference

FirstLink Annual Silent Auction

“Find the Afterschool Superhero in You” will feature a keynote from national speaker Dr. Donald Bartlette on “Macaroni at Midnight.”

FirstLink believes in combating the stigma of suicide and mental illness. Support their mission at their annual silent auction! Learn more at myfirstlink.org/events.

Tuesday & Wednesday, August 2 and 3 Avalon Events Center, Fargo

Thursday, August 25 | 6 to 9 p.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites

Seventh Annual Joes for GI’s

StreetsAlive!

Joes for GI’s is an annual fundraiser to benefit National Guardsmen and their families. For $6, get sloppy joes, chips, a cookie and a beverage.

Since 2010, StreetsAlive has invigorated the urban landscape by bringing a healthfocused, open streets festival to downtown Fargo Moorhead, allowing participants to experience their community in a new and active way.

Thursday, August 11| 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. U.S. Bank Plaza downtown and U.S. Bank Service Center

Chalk Fest 2016

Thursday, August 11 Red River Zoo

Let’s fill the zoo with art! ChalkFest features free admission to the zoo for ages 2 to 6, with demos, food vendors, live music, and all-abilities chalking spaces!

Corks & Canvas

Thursday, August 11 | 5 to 9 p.m. Downtown Fargo, various locations

Sunday, August 28 | noon to 5 p.m. Downtown Fargo

FargoConnect

Tuesday, August 30 | 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. FARGODOME

Hosted by Flint Group, FargoConnect is Fargo-Moorhead’s premier marketing communications and technology event. Now in its third year, the event focuses on providing the latest information about communications and technology.

The Fargo-Moorhead community is invited out for local art & wine walks in downtown Fargo. Thirty participating business locations will have local artists displaying artwork with wine samples from Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops. fmwfchamber.com 39

Bridge the

Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Post Office Box 2443 Fargo, North Dakota 58108-2443 fmwfchamber.com

Community Builders

Bankers. Experts. Friends.