The Bridge: June 2016 by The FMWF Chamber of Commerce

Bridge June 2016 | Vol 19 | No. 10

the

2016 Winners

Table of Contents

4 ChamberChoice

Board of Directors

21 Ambassador Corner

Find out which businesses took home Meet one of the Member Relations honors this year ambassador teams

23 Member Spotlight

6 Eggs & Issues

Learn more about Family Healthcare in this spotlight

Upcoming events and a recap of May’s event

8 Commission Questionnaire 24 Member Profile Catch up on Fargo City Commission candidates’ views here

Check out one of south Fargo’s hangouts, Frank’s Lounge

10 Business Training

26 Member News

13 Women Connect

32 New Members

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

17 YEA!

Highlights from Mukai’s trip to New York for the YEA! semi-finals

19 YPN

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

Find out which organizations have recently joined The Chamber

36 Member Celebrations & Ribbon Cuttings

Which companies had recent groundbreakings, grand openings and more

39 Calendar of Events Get the rundown on Chamber and community events taking place in June

20 Leadership FMWF

Congrats to our 2015-16 class of graduates!

Chamber Staff

Craig Whitney President/CEO Jim Parsons Vice President of Finance/Operations Julie Doggett Information Systems Administrator Darren Dunlop Business Development Manager Tyler Fischbach Communications & Publications Intern 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

Ad Index Artekta Architects BCBS of ND Boulger Funeral Home Central MN Credit Union Cole Papers First International Bank Flint Group Games Galore Indigo Signworks J&M Printing

2 | June 2016

22 15 27 15 27 18 12 15 33 21

Knight Printing Marco Midco Network Center Inc. Pro Resources Sanford Occupational Med Starion Financial Talecris Plasma Resources The Arts Partnership The Village Business Institute

Jon Riewer

Committee Chairs

Read about recognition from our member companies and latest company news

Upcoming events and a recap of Sundog’s presentation

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 Communications, Inc. 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.

15 12 33 15 34 31 12 33 15 31

The Chamber Mission

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

The Chamber Vision

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

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 Events to Educate Voters Amid Election Season Election years are always an exciting time for our communities, states and nation. It’s a time to exercise our democratic right to voice our opinion and be heard. As we begin this election season with a primary election on June 14, I urge you to do your research on candidates and voice your opinion. Public policy is a strong pillar in the foundation of our Chamber. We aim to provide educational opportunities to our members to ensure they are able to engage with candidates and create the most informed decision. With that being said, we have a few great opportunities for our members to connect with candidates. On Wednesday, June 1 at 7 p.m., The Chamber in partnership with WDAY, will be holding the North Dakota Republican Gubernatorial Primary Debate. The 2016 race for governor is extremely important as the state continues to grow, prosper and face new challenges. The debate will be Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography broadcast live on WDAY’Z Xtra, live streamed on the WDAY website and radio broadcast live on WDAY radio. We encourage Chamber members to tune in and join the conversation online. Limited tickets will be available. Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact the candidates’ campaigns. Another great opportunity for our members is the City Commission Candidate Cracker Barrel. On Thursday, June 9 at 8 a.m., we will be hosting city commission candidates at the Hjemkomst Center to meet with Chamber members about their visions when it comes to their campaigns for city commissioner seats. Attendees will meet with candidates in a small group setting to encourage discussion on key city policy. Candidates running for Fargo City Commission will be in attendance, and West Fargo City Commission candidates have been invited to participate. All candidates have been asked to fill out a questionnaire prior to the event, and you can find the full results of each of their responses on The Chamber blog. If you are interested in attending the event, you may register on our website at fmwfchamber.com. We are excited to be able to host these key public policy engagement events for our members and we look forward to continuing to provide an avenue for our members to be engaged in the election process with the candidates that are running. We are committed to providing the best opportunities for members to learn about candidates and about the election process. I invite you to join us for these great events and to make your voice heard this election season. Thank you for your continued membership.

Craig Whitney President & CEO The Chamber

fmwfchamber.com | 3

ChamberChoice

... and the

Congrats to the 2016 ChamberChoice Award-Winning Companies!

Last month, we were thrilled to host another year of the ChamberChoice Awards and honor the best of the best businesses in our community. James Cunningham was back for the fourth year as emcee, and once again had everyone laughing throughout the ceremony and on the blue carpet. Tom Dawson and Roger Reierson, representing the event’s presenting sponsors, opened the luncheon. We unveiled the winning businesses—and entrepreneur—in six categories according to our judges’ votes, and named the People’s Choice winner from your own voting prior to the event. Congrats to everyone, and thank you to everyone that helped make this event possible. It was another incredible time!

The finalists:

Business of the Year

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. Heritage Homes, LLC Midco

Small Business of the Year

Small Not-For-Profit

Great North Insurance Matt’s Automotive Service Center Spotlight Media Inc.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Not-For-Profit of the Year

Rape & Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties YWCA Cass Clay Dorothy Day House of Hospitality Emergency Food Pantry, Inc. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley

Brady Nash, BNG Holdings, Inc. Eric Newell, Stoneridge Software Nick Killoran, Great North Insurance

YP Best Place to Work

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. Discovery Benefits, Inc. Gate City Bank

People’s Choice

Healing Arts Chiropractic Winners noted in bold. 4 | June 2016

winners are ... Sponsored by

Eggs & Issues Community Safety Update

Ebinger

Reitan

Unmanned Aerial Systems & High-Flying Technology

Todd

Almost one year ago, nearly 130 Chamber members heard a detailed report on community safety in our area from our three area police chiefs: Chief David Ebinger, City of Moorhead, Chief Mike Reitan, City of West Fargo and Chief David Todd, City of Fargo. Now, one year later, they will join us again to update us on what has been happening since. With reports of increased crime up 16% in the city of Fargo and arrests being made on almost a daily basis to combat drug trafficking in our area, it is now more important than ever to stay engaged in what is happening around us.

Unmanned aerial systems. This high-flying technology is truly the wave of the future, and our region is on the forefront. From utility companies to oil and gas pipelines to retail delivery service, companies from a wide range of industries are diving in to capitalize on the efficiency and high-tech Becklund power of these systems. Brigadier General Robert Becklund, executive director of Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks will join us to share how this technology is revolutionizing commerce and how North Dakota is on the cutting-edge of development. Becklund will also be joined by a panel of industry leaders for a question and answer discussion.

Tuesday, June 7

Wednesday, July 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

#FMWFEggs

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Technology and Training Intersect at May Eggs & Issues At the May Eggs & Issues event, the topics of technology, workforce, history and higher education merged into one fascinating discussion. North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott presented, and we were also joined by Interim UND President Ed Schafer, NDSU President Dean Bresciani and NDSCS President John Richman.

the stage to provide commentary on how their institutions are involved in this tech shift and how it affects the Red River Valley. “What we’re talking about here is not compliance, but developing the ethics of universities,” Schafer said. “We’re talking about building people that come out of our universities … so that it betters our administration, our economy and culture.”

Hagerott engaged attendees with some history and a framework to start the discussion. Referencing Navy research, he says the world is splitting into three realms: human-centered activity; the integration of human and machine; and autonomous robotic machines, in which there is tremendous competition among companies and countries.

Richman spoke on the two-year schools’ role in all of this innovation, tying it back to our region’s workforce, of which he said there is a massive critical need. For every graduate that NDSU or UND puts out, three to five techs are needed to support the work of each of their engineers. And with the tremendous growth projected in each of our region’s school districts, the colleges need to be ready to train those workers.

Hagerott elaborated on how each realm evolved and overlapped, and further, how each affects major industries such as agriculture, energy, the military and more. He also said that two macro events of historic proportions are happening right now: the revolution of robots and UAS, and big data. “These are two epic events, on which North Dakota is incredibly wellpositioned to capitalize.” In other exciting news for these innovations and our region, president Obama has tentatively proposed a $3.9 billion research grant related to unmanned vehicles that would start in North Dakota on Highway 83. For more on this topic, the chancellor suggested watching the YouTube video called “Humans Need Not Apply.” You can find the video and his presentation slides on The Chamber blog. From there, the three college presidents took

attendees and the Courtyard. It was another fantastic event!

Check out these tweets from event attendees.

“Any study you look at today will tell you that you cannot have a productive society without a 12th grade education,” Richman said. It used to be 1-8 in the old days, which became k-12, and now it’s p-14 that is the educational limit to be a productive member of society. Richman put out a call to policymakers to put more funding toward education so the system can be better aligned to support growth. He also spoke on the importance of all the region’s education systems working together to align curriculum to best prepare and train students for this workforce, as well as having one center for the current workforce to continue their education and be upskilled. “If you’re really serious about moving the socio-economic position of this region, we need to do that. We’ve talked about it long enough.” Thank you to all our speakers, sponsors, fmwfchamber.com | 7

Public Affairs Fargo City Commission Candidate Questionnaire As part of The Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public policy and advocacy efforts, to keep our members and community informed on the issues affect them and the metro, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve asked all 11 Fargo City Commission candidates to answer a questionnaire about their stances on various issues. With a total of six questions each, we have their full answers online at The Chamber blog. We encourage all voters to do their research on candidates to make informed voting decisions. Candidates included are those who submitted questionnaires by the printing deadline. As a preview to the full questionnaires, here is each candidateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to one question regarding the diversion.

Q Do you support the F-M Diversion, as it is currently proposed, as the only

solution for permanent flood protection? If so, would you be committed to support the project throughout your tenure as Fargo city commissioner?

Matt Kuebler I do support the F-M Diversion but would like to see more federal funding for the project.

Joe Burgum Yes. In order to begin construction on the F-M Diversion, I would vote to support the start date. The F-M Diversion is the best way to provide permanent flood control for our community.

Bridget Ertelt No, there were other options for the diversion that served the taxpayers better. If the current diversion plan continues to move ahead, I would work to make sure the project is limited to what is required and make sure funding for the project is properly planned and mapped out so that the rising costs are controlled as much as possible. 8 | June 2016

Tony Grindberg Yes, it is critical to complete the F/M Diversion project to ensure permanent flood protection is accomplished. I will continue to listen to the stakeholders, experts and industry professionals as we develop this vital long term solution for flood protection.

Mara Brust Absolutely. Permanent flood protection is critically important to the continued vitality of Fargo and the region as a whole, and the Diversion is the only solution. The protection provided by the Diversion will provide the stability businesses need in order to plan for the future and the peace-of-mind potential residents seek before investing in homes in the area. Implementing flood protection in Fargo as soon as possible is vital to protect homeowners, especially our senior citizens trying to stay in their homes, from sharply increased flood insurance rates. Fargo leaders need to show unified support for the Diversion. As a city commissioner, I will be an advocate for the Diversion.

Tammy Linn The FM Diversion is the only plan that the federal government approves to protect our region from 100/500 year floods. That being said, the cost of $2.1 billion is necessary to make certain the Diversion is built to the highest and long-lasting standards possible. The FM Diversion will protect the local economy. If we do not build the diversion, the cost to virtually every property owner in Fargo, will be $2,000-$4,000 per year in flood insurance because of the change in flood plain to 41â&#x20AC;&#x2122;. This would be approximately $40-$60 million per year that would go to out-of-state insurance companies and would not be spent in our North Dakota. I will do whatever I can to move the F-M Diversion forward on schedule.

Robin Nelson Yes, absolutely. It is the only option to avoid large flood insurance premiums for 19,400 homes in south Fargo. I will continue to fervently support the project until its completion and publicly promote the approval of an extended sales tax.

Scott Wagner I strongly support the F-M Diversion. As a past member of the F-M Diversion Authority board, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m dedicated to getting this project done. That includes working with local, state and federal partners. I have been part of the local team of leaders who have been to Bismarck and Washington, D.C. lobbying on behalf of this project.

To see the full questions and answers from all the candidates, and what their top priorities are, please visit The Chamber blog.

John Strand Without a doubt, the FM Diversion is the only and best solution for Fargo flood protection. The risks associated with property damage and or skyrocketing flood insurance further substantiate the need for the Diversion. That said, there are obstacles to overcome: 1) guaranteeing federal and state funding for the project 2) mediating and negotiating agreements with opposition 3) securing required permits from both North Dakota and Minnesota.

Nealul Andrew Yes, I support it and would definitely commit to the project as commissioner. This is essential for Fargo and will be needed to avoid a disaster.

Fargo City Commission Candidate Cracker Barrel Thursday, June 9 | 8 to 9:30 a.m. Hjemkomst Center, 202 First Avenue North, Moorhead

Please join us for this fun and informal discussion with the candidates running for two open seats on the Fargo City Commission. The Cracker Barrel is designed for Chamber members and candidates to have the opportunity to connect. Here you will have the chance to have small group discussions with each of the candidates to share what thoughts are on your mind and to find out their plans if elected. Please note that we are limited to 100 seats available for this event. This event is free, but registration is required. Register at fmwfchamber.com or 218.233.1100. fmwfchamber.com | 9

Business Training June’s Business Training will have 3 sessions occuring simultaneously. Attendees may only register for one session. Feel free to come in a group to divide and conquer!

Workplace Conflict: Managing Awkward Moments

One of the most frustrating things about your workplace can sometimes be, well, working with each other. Awkward moments between colleagues will happen in any job setting. Passive aggression, overreacting and miscommunication are killers to a healthy organizational culture as well as team member productivity. While most of us fear conflict, developing conflict resolution skills for your workplace is an essential component of becoming a great leader. The goal of this training is to squash the drama and be better prepared to navigate and engage in those crucial conversations.

Eric Piela, VP of marketing and customer engagement at Summit Group Software, will help attendees identify awkward conversations that hold you back from achieving the results you want. Understand your motivations and the impact of your actions within the workplace and learn communication skills to navigate difficult discussions. Piela

Wednesday, June 8

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center, Fargo

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.

Score Greater Insight Into Your Bottom Line with a Weekly Scorecard

Newell

A business scorecard is a weekly summary of activity within your organization, including production, revenue and expenses, cash and accounts receivable, and opportunities. This concept helps you identify any challenges ahead of time in order to catch problems and prevent fires before they start. A scorecard enables you to see how your business is performing on a weekly basis and gives you the opportunity to react more quickly. Using a weekly scorecard allows you to keep a pulse on the business, so when month-end comes you have a better understanding of why the numbers appear the way they do with no surprises. Weekly interaction with data will help you gain a clear vision and correct the course if the numbers aren’t on track.

Join Eric Newell, president of Stoneridge Software, as he covers what weekly scorecards consists of and how every business can gain greater insight by using one.

Wednesday, June 8

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center, Fargo

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.

Onboarding Employees: What’s My Role as a Manager?

We all know that properly onboarding new employees is critical to their success, yet all too often managers are uncertain about exactly what they should do to provide an orientation that truly enhances the employee’s success and that helps the organization to retain that employee. This session will provide practical advice on what to include in an employee’s orientation – or onboarding – from the perspective of the manager and the team that will be working directly with the new employee.

Jane Pettinger, assistant professor of management at the Paseka School of Business at MSUM, will share what actions you can take to make a new employee feel welcome and assist in their learning job tasks and organizational expectations, and gain insight into the processes that impact employee retention. Pettinger

Wednesday, June 8

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center, Fargo 10 | June 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.

#FMWFTraining

Of Steel and Velvet: The Two Sides of Accountability

Why does it seem that so many people in leadership positions struggle with holding employees accountable for the work they are hired to accomplish? Could it be that the organization’s culture has a part to play in this dilemma, and if so, what can be done to address culture change while staying the course as a supervisor? But what, also, is the supervisor’s responsibility and role in taking the steps to hold people accountable for their performance? Could it be that adopting the “right” approach to holding people accountable is their biggest barrier to success?

Trombley

In this seminar, John E. Trombley, consulting and training manager at The Village Business Institute, will explore some of the common myths associated with accountability, uncover the roles of supervisors, employees and the organization regarding accountability, and consider practical steps to “get back on track” to ensure long term success for everyone involved. Attendees will learn to differentiate between the roles of the organization, the supervisor and the employee; identify common barriers to maintaining accountability; establish a plan to remove or mitigate those barriers; and have a positive impact on the morale and productivity of that portion of the organization that they influence.

Wednesday, July 20 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hjemkomst Center

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.

Talk on Technology at May Business Training Opening with a reference to Scheels’ simple concept of offering a great customer service experience, May’s Business Training presenters talked with attendees about utilizing technology to understand and serve their own customers. Eric Dukart and Johnathon Rademacher from Sundog shared the stage and offered a glimpse into examples of other brands successfully using technology to transform a customer’s experience. They took the audience through three companies’ use of technology and how it has helped them, including Uber’s concept that you should be able to tap a button to get a ride, Domino’s reinvention of their product and integration with an online order tracker, mobile app and ability to order a pizza with a tweet, and Starbucks’ use of both traditional and social medias to connect with customers. Dukart offered a tip to businesses to think of their customers as people, not consumers, buyers or focus groups. How to do that, he says, is to take time every single week to look at your company from the outside in. This could include walking the halls or sitting in on calls. “The key is to be your customer,” he said, and shared an empathy map to use to analyze those experiences. “Your customer journey is a story with two main characters. Your brand and the audience,” Dukart said. “To be able to tell that story, you need to be able to understand both sides of it.” Dukart and Rademacher left attendees with a checklist of what they can do next, which included being aware of new digital trends, evaluating their company, defining their process and measuring and sharing your experience.

Program Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

GOLDMARK Property Management | Network Center, Inc. | Wanzek Construction, Inc. fmwfchamber.com | 11

Marketing communication with one goal: yours. flint-group.com

John B. Brownson CFO/COO Royal Tire, Inc.

smiling customers Top-notch service is a powerful thing. As proof, more than 90% of customers surveyed said they would recommend Marco. Our performance-driven attitude empowers our customers to work smarter, dream bigger and take technology further. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enough to

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12 | June 2016

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Women Connect Cornucopia Kids

What’s going on with children today? Are kids visiting royalty in our homes and neighborhoods? Are we as a culture unintentionally raising children who have unrealistic ideas about what life should be like and who are not learning the values and Corwin skills needed to be successful adults? Do they believe that the “good life” will always be available to them without the need to develop either personal accountability or the motivation to achieve? Join Patty Corwin, president of Corwin Sales and Corwin Communications, as we revisit our childhoods and our paths to where we are today. Learn some of the skills and techniques needed by young people to ensure successful progress toward mature adulthood.

Courage Under Fire

We’ve all had that moment when we have talked ourselves out of speaking up because we were afraid we did not know enough, or were worried about how others would perceive us. So how do you find the courage to push through that self-imposed sentence of silence? Thomasson How do you decide when and how to speak up? And once you do join the conversation, how do you stay true to who you are, even as others seek to redefine you? Join a discussion with Jessica Thomasson of Lutheran Social Services about finding your voice in the midst of a noisy world. She’ll talk about strategies for counteracting the fears and selfdoubt that have the very unhelpful tendency to come from within in the midst of trying times, as well as her observations on what it means to be real in an environment where so much of our communication tends toward the superficial.

Corwin is also a sociologist at North Dakota State University. Previously, she was a police detective and owned several women’s clothing stores and a jewelry store.

Tuesday, June 28

Tuesday, July 26

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.

Please consider bringing children’s books to be donated to the Jeremiah Program.

Please consider bringing school supplies to be donated to the United Way.

#FMWFWC Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Women Connect

April Panel Tackles Gender Barriers What’s one of the best ways to learn tried-and-true tips for shattering gender barriers? Gather a panel of women who have successfully done just that and let them share what they’ve learned. Tamara Anderson of Dale Carnegie Business Group of ND beautifully led an engaging and inspiring discussion that helped empower attendees who were able to leave with a list of tricks they could start applying to their own lives. Panelists represented four different generations and included Margie Bailly, Chris Thompson of Microsoft, Michelle Killoran of Scheels and Isabelle Chambers, a high school student. Topics included identifying self-imposed barriers, taking your work but not yourself seriously, creating a culture of inclusion in the workplace, confidence, goal-setting, the importance of knowing your values and surrounding yourself (and children) with powerful, successful influences. Our April charity of the month was the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. Thanks to attendees, we were able to donate nearly 50 stuffed animals for local children and families in need.

14 | June 2016

It’s great to see PUSH groups growing! So far, 50 women have joined PUSH groups, 14 groups have started, and the Facebook group has over 200 members.

“

“I LOVE meeting with my PUSH group! The connections with new women and relationships we are starting to build after just a few months of meeting together has been phenomenal! We are able to cheer each other on in both our professional and personal lives. We get to discuss struggles we face as well as connect over conversations about our personal goals and family life. One of our members just traveled overseas to run a marathon and it was so fun to see photos of her journey and be able to cheer her on! If not for this PUSH group, I would never have had a chance to meet such wonderful women and build these relationships that will last for a lifetime.” - Kayla Cash, Beauty Consultant at Be-YOU-tiful Studio, Fargo

For more information, visit fmwfchamber.com/PUSH or email push@fmwfchamber.com.

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The State of the Arts with The Arts Partnership

Contact us for your corporate picnics and team building, block parties and backyard birthdays. Also, our Party Zone offers all the fun of Games Galore Parties indoors. Our Zone is fully furnished with a Big Screen TV, Pizza OVens, Refrigerator & Three Inflatable Games. Call Dave Lerud or Corey Heiser at 373-0104.

Please join us

Thursday, June 9, 2016 at The Stage at Island Park (333 4th St. S. Fargo) at 5:30 pm for a program, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and a cash bar Tickets available at tapstateofthearts.eventbrite.com

fmwfchamber.com | 15

Military Appreciation Night at the RedHawks June 30 | 7 p.m. Newman Outdoor Stadium

Honor our region’s military through a fun, family-friendly night of baseball and patriotism. Tickets are $10, which includes entry to the game and $3 in Hawks Bucks. The Chamber will have a reserved section. This year’s event will feature the return of Lee Greenwood, an appearance from the famous Budweiser Clydesdales and ending with a patriotic fireworks display. Visit fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100 to purchase tickets or for more information.

Sponsor a Family Last year, more than 800 members of our military community were guests of honor at the event. Help thank another family for their service through a VIP experience at this year’s event. Five sponsorship levels are available. Contact Elly Peterson at 218.359.0512 or epeterson@fmwfchamber.com.

Grand Slam Sponsors

Home Run Sponsors Bethel Church live love and lead like Christ

Home Town Heroes

American Crystal Sugar | Bremer Bank | Eventide Senior Living Communities | Talecris Plasma Resources | TMI Hospitality

Military Family Sponsors

16 | June 2016

YEA!

Mukai with (L to R) program coordinator Elly Peterson, his mother and sister, and program instructor Josh Teigen.

Report on Rochester from Our YEA! Winner My name is Mukai Selekwa, and I am one of Fargo’s newest entrepreneurs. I wouldn’t be able to say that without the help of our Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy. With their help, I was able to create Webblen. Webblen is a company I created that is a site to manage all of one’s social media in one spot. Users of the site will be able to view all of their social media on one dashboard, schedule their posts, see the amount of views they receive on their posts, and much more. After receiving some investment from the local YEA! Shark Tank Investor Panel competition, I was flown to Rochester, New York, to compete with a plethora of different entrepreneurs around my age to have a chance to then go on to compete in Washington, D.C. There, I saw a vast array of brilliant ideas I was astonished by, and reassuringly, many were astonished by my idea as well. Rochester was a great opportunity that allowed me to network with many amazing individuals. Though I did not make the top six to go on to D.C., I still believe I have been set up for success. I have met many great people, I have gone through enlightening experiences, and, most importantly, I have my own company that I will continue to focus on to guarantee its success in the near and far future. This is all thanks to The Chamber.

Presenting Sponsor

If you know a student who would make a great candidate for next year’s YEA! class, please encourage them to apply today! For more information, contact Katie Ralston at 218.359.0511 or kralston@fmwfchamber. com, or visit us online at fmwfchamber.com/YEA.

Program Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Chamber Hires YEA! Program Coordinator The Chamber recently welcomed Katie Ralston as the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program coordinator. Ralston has a bachelor’s degree in communication from Minnesota State University Moorhead and recently completed her master’s in communication at North Dakota State University. Most recently, she was a graduate teaching assistant and currently works part-time at the Fargo Country Club. In her free time, Ralston loves to golf, figure skate and spend time with family and friends.

Ralston fmwfchamber.com | 17

Treat Your Team Treat Your Team 2016 On Administrative Professionals Day, area employers got the chance to treat their staff to lunch in a relaxed, casual setting without the wait. Hosted at three area restaurants—Barbacoa, The Boiler Room and Sazerac Alley—attendees were able to enjoy a delicious meal as a thanks to their hard work and dedication to their respective workplaces. All proceeds from this year’s luncheon will benefit the Young Entrepreneurs Academy program.

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YPN

Young Professionals Network #FMWFYPN

One to Watch

Trevor Mathew

Marketing and Data Specialist, Choice Financial

We are excited to announce Trevor Mathew as the June YPN One to Watch! A member of the Social committee with the YPN, Trevor is brimming with great ideas of how to engage our members. Actively involved in other organizations in the community, Trevor is a great member of our community and the YPN.

June Off the Clock Thursday, June 23 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. Spicy Pie - West Fargo, 745 31st Avenue East, Suite 101, West Fargo Free, no registration required.

Off the Clock Sponsor

It’s patio weather, and the YPN is ready to take advantage of it! Join us for our June Off the Clock at the West Fargo Spicy Pie for drinks, snacks and of course, networking!

New Member Social Wednesday, July 20 | 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Lindenwood Park – Rotary Shelter, 1905 Roger Maris Drive, Fargo Free, but registration is required. New to the YPN or thinking about joining? Then this event is for you. Connect with new and current members, learn more about the program and all the ways that you can be involved. We always make time to do some networking, so don’t forget your business cards. Then stick around for our sixth annual Great American Picnic.

Sixth Annual Great American Picnic Wednesday, July 20 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. Lindenwood Park – Rotary Shelter, 1905 Roger Maris Drive, Fargo Free, but registration is required. Join the YPN, family and friends for our sixth annual Great American Picnic! Food and beverages are provided along with lawn games for those who are looking for a friendly competition.

Corporate Cup Thanks to everyone that volunteered, planned and participated in last month’s Corporate Cup! Check our Facebook page for photos and highlights from the day, and watch for next month’s Bridge for a full recap.

fmwfchamber.com | 19

Leadership FMWF

#FMWFLeadership

Congrats to 38 Leadership Graduates! This past month, we were excited to celebrate the hard work and dedication put forth by the 38 graduates of the Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo program. Starting the day off, participants learned about all the ways to stay involved with The Chamber postgraduation by hearing from Chamber employees and committee chairs. After a quick wrap up, discussing their experiences in the program, we were joined by supervisors and family members to kick off the celebration. Chris Carey, Moorhead Police Department, served as this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keynote speaker and shared leadership lessons that moved every attendee. Followed by class remarks from Michele Berg, American Crystal Sugar Company, and Jay Strucel, Trail King Industries, each attendee was handed their certificate of completion. We would like to thank each participant and their employer for being involved in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class. It has been an honor to watch you all develop your skills and become advocates of our community. We look forward to watching your continued success down the path of leadership.

Program Sponsors

20 | June 2016

Ambassador Corner

Meet the Kings and Queens Public Relations Ambassador Team The Wild Cards is one of The Chamber’s Public Relations Ambassador teams. Team members include Jamie Odegaard, Granites Unlimited, as team captain; Bill Nustad, Bell State Bank & Trust; Jodi Buchholz, DFC Consultants; Katherine Peterson and Theresa Keimig, Holiday Inn; Kristi Bartelt and Linette Dahl, Appareo; LuAnn White, Coldwell Banker; Lynn Hanson, Artco; Melvin Whitney and Nancy Nelson, Consolidated Communications; Patti Cosgriff, Northwestern Bank; Tom Thompson, Vocational Training Center; and Trish Enger, HUB International Insurance. The Wild Cards is one of the teams that play a key role to the Chamber and business community. They welcome new businesses, help current businesses celebrate milestones by conducting ribbon cutting ceremonies and help shine a positive light on the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo metro. The photo above includes members of the committee, from left to right: Jamie Odegaard, Nancy Nelson, Tom Thompson, Jodi Buchholz, and LuAnn White.

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White Earth Tribal and Community College appreciates the exceptional level of attention, professionalism and expertise Artekta has given to our newest expansion. -Deb McArthur, Director of Special Projects, WETCC

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We enjoyed working with Artekta on our project. We would look forward to working together on future projects. -Kyle Anderson, Vice President, Lexstar

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22 | June 2016 COMMITMENT FROM CONCEPT THROUGH COMPLETION

Member Spotlight

Q& A

Q: Please share what your organization does and its history.

A: Family HealthCare is a comprehensive, primary health care organization that provides affordable medical and dental care to anyone in need. Family HealthCare is a private not for profit, 501c3, federally qualified health center serving Cass County and Clay County. Family HealthCare has been serving the community since 1990 and is governed by a Board of Directors. Family HealthCare has locations in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead. Family HealthCare is accredited by The Joint Commission and is National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition Level 3. Services offered include medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, behavioral health, lifestyle medicine, homeless health services, nutrition, lab, x-ray and physical therapy. Q: What makes your organization unique or interesting? A: A unique aspect of Family HealthCare’s volunteer Board of Directors is that a majority of the directors are required to be patients of Family HealthCare. Q: Are there any initiatives you’re focusing on right now? A: Family HealthCare is excited to announce the opening of a medical clinic in West Fargo in spring 2016. The clinic is conveniently located at 726 13th Avenue East in West Fargo in a remodeled facility and offers primary health care services to new and established patients. Additional services provided at the West Fargo Clinic include well baby care and immunizations, obstetrics and gynecology, and chronic disease management. Patients can access affordable services through Family HealthCare’s Access Plan that allows patients to pay for most services based upon their income level and family size. Q: What do you like best about doing business in Fargo Moorhead West Fargo? A: The local community has been extremely supportive of Family HealthCare and enabling our organization to be successful through key collaborations and partnerships and financial support. Family HealthCare is appreciative of the support and extends a thank you to the community Q: What is one thing you most want our area or other Chamber members to know about you? A: Family HealthCare would appreciate your consideration of a tax deductible donation and to become a patient of Family HealthCare to help those who are in need of access to affordable, quality medical and dental care services.

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. fmwfchamber.com | 23

Member Profile Frank’s Lounge: The Place for Friends, Food, Drinks & Fun Along the quickly growing strip of 52nd Avenue in south Fargo sits a new hangout serving the neighborhood. It’s been open just over a year, and has proven itself as a staple for people to go to for drinks, good food, NDSU gaming and fun in a spot where there is not much else going on. “We opened our doors because as residents of south Fargo, we kept hearing that the neighborhood was being underserved from quality of life perspective,” Owner Jeff Thomas said. “Frank’s was created for our friends and neighbors.” Frank’s Lounge is a cozy restaurant and bar perfect for grabbing lunch, gathering after work or bringing the kiddos to on the weekend. Thomas and his wife Sue opened Frank’s (a nod to Thomas’ father and the bar’s namesake) in April last year to serve a niche in that spot of the community. Its simple premise features a unique wine and cocktail selection, great food, comfortable atmosphere and a signature pink cat. Bringing some Fargo history into today, the famous neon sign that once adorned the Pink Pussycat Lounge in downtown Fargo in the ‘60s now sits inside Frank’s for all to enjoy again. Thomas was thrilled to acquire the piece from his old classmate Mario Oliveri of Josef’s School of Hair Design, who used the sign in hair shows but agreed it was something that should be enjoyed year around. But it’s not just the signature cat that makes the décor of Frank’s special. “The design of the building was meant to invoke a sense of the past and pay tribute to some of our local artists,” Thomas explained. Frank’s has a number of pieces from local artists on the walls that have sparked a great deal of attention. Pieces by Rando and Matt Mastrud (Punchgut) have been big hits. In a few select spots you can also find photos of Frank himself, with a larger portrait on its way soon. Don’t forget to look for the old Quality Bakery sign on the ceiling. “This was a favorite haunt of my kids when they were growing up,” Thomas said. “The fun fact however, is that this sign used to be the old Bob’s Big Boy sign and resided across the street from the former Quality Bakery. When Bob’s went out of business, the Cook Sign company repainted it and moved it across the street to the bakery.” In one corner of Frank’s, you can enjoy Team Maker gaming. The organization that plays a critical role in helping the student athletes at NDSU has pull tabs, a pig wheel and two blackjack tables. Thomas says the neighborhood has been very welcoming and that each month just gets better for the bar. A former dishwasher at the Cork ‘N Cleaver, Thomas remembers making lavosh there, which was the one item he insisted on bringing to Frank’s. Otherwise, the menu, which he calls “better than average bar food” was developed by 24 | June 2016

GM Mike Anderson and refined by Kitchen Manager Wade Wenaas.

Sharing the building with next-door Spicy Pie also allows them to offer pizza to bar patrons after their own kitchen has closed.

Thomas says one of the things they are very proud of is the wine list. Aaron Hanson, a long-time bartending icon in the area put together a great list of wines for the neighborhood and brings in new options often. Together with mixologist Chad Bjork, they have created a unique specialty drink offering that changes to feature seasonal cocktails for the patio and warming drinks for the cooler months. Though there are many options on the menu (including an incredible blueberry BBQ sauce), Thomas says his favorite is the Philly flatbread, and of course, the lavosh.

One of the reasons Frank’s has been so successful is likely due to the values taught to Thomas by his parents, who instilled in him that you must treat people the right way. “My wife and I are very proud of what we have built, and most importantly, we are very proud of the team we have at Frank’s,” Thomas said. “We believe in doing things the right way, taking into consideration everyone we do business with and for. It’s important for our team to be treated fairly. It’s important to us that the customer has a great experience, which means our team knows who they are when they visit us. It’s also important to us to treat our vendors well, because they’re a huge part of our success.” Thomas also knows the importance of giving back to the community. Frank’s is a proud member of Team Makers and supports their two neighborhood high schools, Davies and Shanley. They have actively supported a number of non-profit organizations such as the Fargo Youth Hockey and the American Diabetes Association. “We take a holistic approach and are in this for the long run,” he said. “We want everyone to feel good about coming to Frank’s. We want everyone to win.”

For more information, visit franksloungefargo.com.

fmwfchamber.com | 25

Member News Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties Celebrates Top 15 in Nation for Fundraising Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) Premier Properties announced the brokerage made the Top 15 in 2015 for its fundraising efforts for the Sunshine Kids Foundation, which provides national, one-week activities, free of charge for young cancer patients across the country. Money raised locally supports children in the FargoMoorhead area. Representatives from BHHS Premier Properties accepted the Top 15 award for raising more than $41,000 at the annual Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices conference in Dallas.

Beyond Shelter, Inc. Named Top Housing Developer Beyond Shelter, Inc. has been named one of the top 50 affordable housing developers in the country in the April/May issue of “Affordable Housing Finance.” Beyond Shelter was ranked No. 50. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Fargo, the organization has experienced steady growth and has several projects in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. In 2015, Beyond Shelter broke ground on four new developments with 113 affordable housing units that will serve families, seniors and low-income individuals. This is the third time Beyond Shelter has made the top 50 list.

Essentia Health’s New Clinic Scheduled to Open in August Essentia Health’s newest clinic is taking shape in south Fargo. Ground was broken in the fall, and the clinic, which will be named the Essentia Health-52nd Avenue Clinic, will open on August 1. The $7.3 million, 21,000-square-foot clinic will house Family Medicine and walk-in care. There will be 27 exam rooms and two procedure rooms. The facility will also house physical therapy, diabetic education, radiology and laboratory services. Walk-in care will have expanded hours in the evenings and on weekends. The building’s entry will feature 22-foot-high ceilings and two fireplaces, lending a welcoming air. The clinic sits on 7 acres that allows for future expansion.

LJA Acquires WAI Continuum LJA (Lightowler Johnson Associates, Inc.) has acquired WAI Continuum, an architecture firm located in St. Paul, Minnesota, specializing in the field of senior living. Both firms are nationally recognized in their trade. Building upon the strengths of LJA, WAI brings to the table 35 years of design specialization in the senior living market and projects completed in 34 states that include award winning work in skilled nursing care, memory care, independent and assisted living. With the acquisition of WAI, LJA will employ 63 staff members among four offices and its portfolio will include completed projects that span all 50 states and Canada.

Marco Announces Unified Communications as a Service Marco announced the introduction of a new Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solution. The cloud-based service will be delivered through the company’s longtime technology partner Mitel. UCaaS enables clients to move a variety of their communication and collaboration applications to the cloud. The services are delivered through a public or private IP network. Doing so allows users to access the applications from any device, anywhere. Moving the applications to the cloud significantly reduces capital and maintenance expenditures while providing faster system deployment and built-in redundancy. Marco’s clients will have access to a host of advanced Unified Communications features such as unified messaging, mobility, conferencing, collaboration, video, chat, contact center, call recording and business analytics.

26 | June 2016

Companies MATBUS Now Incorporated into Google Maps MATBUS routes are now available via the Google Maps app and ready for public use. Passengers can use the application to plan their trips using public transportation, exploring their options for routes and the timelines available to reach their destinations. With the addition of MATBUS data into the Google network, the same functionality is now available for trips taken on public transit. Instead of selecting the car or walking symbol in the Google Maps app or desktop website, users can choose the bus icon to see MATBUS trip planning data. Once the transit option has been indicated, along with the starting point and destination, Google Maps will generate a list of possible trips. The user can select a preference for specific departure or arrival time, explore schedules for future trips and find the nearest bus stop to their location. There are also options to select trips with fewer transfers between routes or less walking between destinations. MATBUS will continue to have maps and printed time schedules available for those who prefer that format.

National Hospitality Services Listed as Top Management Company National Hospitality Services, LLC (NHS) was named one of Hotel Management Magazine’s “Top Third-Party Management Companies” in its March 2016 edition. NHS provides human resources, sales and marketing, revenue management services, and its proprietary OnTracTM accounting system for 20 full service, extended stay and limited service hotels nationwide — including six in North Dakota. The growing company has a proven track record of hotel success. According to President Norman Leslie, NHS expects to manage 30 hotels by the end of this year.

NDSCS Faculty and Staff Receive Annual College Awards Eight North Dakota State College of Science faculty and staff members have been chosen and named recipients of the college’s Excellence in Teaching Award and Excellence in Service Award for the 2015-2016 academic year. The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes instructors who, among other outstanding characteristics, demonstrate competence and sincere interest in their subjects, present material in a suitable, well-integrated fashion and encourage participation from students. Selection criteria include student evaluations, feedback and deliberations by the selection committee. This year’s honorees are Rhonda Edwardson, Allied Dental Education Associate Professor; E. B. Floersch Diesel Technology Assistant Professor; Jeff Hart, Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate Professor; and Kathy Marquette, Business Administration and Management Associate Professor. The Excellence in Service Award recognizes employees who consistently go above and beyond every day and exemplify the college’s values of learning, integrity, flexibility and excellence. Nominations are open to those serving in the professional, clerical, trades and service positions that are not on probationary status with recipients chosen by Human Resources and the Rewards and Recognition committee. The honorees are: Kijia Homes, Student Success Office Manager; Kerri Kava, Student Life Assistant Director; Lynnette Krack, Automotive Technology Assistant; and Ryan Meisch, Facilities Management Campus Plumber.

Member News NDSU Engineering Team Excels at NASA Rover Challenge A team of four North Dakota State University mechanical engineering students took third place in the University Division of NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge April 8 to 9 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The competition attracted 91 teams from around the world. The challenge requires students to design rovers that can maneuver through an obstacle course simulating the terrain potentially found on distant planets, asteroids or moons. The course was shaped to resemble craters, basins, boulders and other lunar- or Martian-themed obstacles. The NDSU team finished the course in seven minutes. The team also won the University Division’s Most Improved Award and the Technology Challenge Award for wheel design and fabrication. The team included Barton and Rupert Cooper of Fargo, Christopher Benson of St. Paul and Austin Karst of Fairview, Montana. All are seniors majoring in mechanical engineering and the project was their senior design project. Ghodrat Karami, professor of mechanical engineering, is the team’s adviser. The Rover Challenge highlights NASA’s goals for future exploration to Mars and beyond. The event challenges students to solve engineering problems while highlighting NASA’s commitment to inspiring new generations of scientists, engineers and explorers.

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TRN Abstract & Title Earns ALTA Compliance Certification TRN Abstract & Title announced that it is now certified by a national, independent, third-party accounting firm (Carr, Riggs & Ingram) as compliant with the American Land Title Association’s (ALTA) Title Insurance and Settlement Company Best Practices, along with its affiliated offices of The Title Resource Network. This certification demonstrates that TRN has undergone an attestation engagement in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants professional standards, and that the company has the proper business practices in place to protect lenders, realtors and their customers in real estate and mortgage settlements. Buying a home is often the biggest financial transaction people make in their lifetime and it can be an exciting experience. TRN Abstract & Title is committed to ensuring the closing process is smooth and efficient so consumers can enjoy the homebuying process.

New Production Facility for Office Sign Company Office Sign Company (OSC) is adding on 16,000 square feet in production space as they opened their second location in April. The sign company that has occupied a major space in the interior office sign industry has opened up a new production facility in the industrial park area of north Fargo, effectively expanding their production capabilities to encompass new signage offerings. Between their two facilities, OSC will now have nearly 28,000 square feet of space for their 30-plus employees, as well as their expansive manufacturing equipment. One of the new capabilities includes large format printing, which will allow OSC to produce full color yard signs, political signs, prints on wood and metal, etc. that are up to 4’ x 8’ in size, and can be printed in fineart quality. Their facility includes a drive-in vehicle wrap center. Office Sign Company also has plans to open up a wholesale sign website later this year.

Save the Date! State of Technology Tuesday, August 16 Hilton Garden Inn

Mark your calendars for this exciting event highlighting the amazing technological innovations from our region. Watch fmwfchamber.com for more event information. fmwfchamber.com | 27

Member News American Family Insurance agents DJ Colter and Ken Kraft of Fargo, and Chris Heise of West Fargo, have been recognized for providing an outstanding customer experience under the American Star Excellence Colter Kraft Heise in Customer Experience Certification Program. The service excellence distinction was determined through an evaluation process conducted under guidelines established through the certification program. The process consists of a customer satisfaction survey that measures customers’ overall experience with their current American Family agent. Additionally, Agent Ken Kraft of Fargo has been named District 386 Agent of the Month by American Family Insurance. He received the honor for outstanding sales of American Family Insurance products during the months of January and February. Kraft has been an agent for American Family since 1993. Appareo hired Daniel Carlson as a product manager, agriculture, and Octavio Grijalva as manufacturing engineering manager. Carlson earned his bachelor’s in business administration from North Dakota State University. A native of Wimbledon, North Dakota, he previously worked at Reynolds United Co-op. Carlson served with the United States Army as a Fire Support Carlson Grijalva Specialist in Wiesbaden, West Germany. Grijalva earned his bachelor’s in industrial engineering from Instituto Tecnólogico de La Laguna. A native of Torreón, Mexico, he previously worked at John Deere.

Wood

Tammy Wood, vice president/financial advisor with Bell Investments has attained President’s Club status with Cetera Investment Services. In being named to Cetera’s elite circle of financial advisors, Wood is being recognized for attaining the highest level of performance, exceptional commitment and dedicated customer service during the previous year. Wood has fulfilled financial needs of individuals and businesses with Bell Investments for more than 10 years and has worked in the investment field for nearly 20 years.

Danielle Miller and Marissa Hapka have recently joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties. Miller is a licensed Realtor® in North Dakota and Minnesota and will concentrate on selling residential properties on the Ericka Schott Team. Hapka is a licensed Realtor® in North Dakota and Minnesota. She will concentrate on residential properties on Hapka Miller the JK Property Partners team and is a buyer specialist. Originally from Cando, North Dakota, Miller attended the University of North Dakota. Before joining BHHS, she worked at Great North Insurance Services as an insurance agent. Hapka attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she obtained a degree in business marketing. She previously worked at AgCountry Farm Credit Services. Border States Electric (BSE) hired Kathy Sauer as accounting manager. Prior to joining BSE, Sauer was the vice president of administration at WCCO Belting. Sauer has a BUS degree in accounting from North Dakota State University and has been a CPA for more than 20 years. Sauer also attended Bemidji State University to pursue a master’s degree.

People

Erickson

Graham

Heiden

Johnson

Bremer Bank announced that Judd Graham has been appointed chief executive officer of the Fargo Region. He will assume responsibilities from Russ Erickson, who is retiring. Graham got his start in the financial services industry in 1986 after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Prior to joining Bremer, Graham most recently was market president and business banking manager at Wells Fargo. He also currently serves as chair elect on The Chamber’s board of directors.

Cass County Electric Cooperative has hired Greg Depee as IT security administrator and promoted Paul Matthys to vice president of member and energy services and Chad Brousseau to Depee Matthys Brousseau manager of energy services. Depee comes to the cooperative from Netrix IT. He has also spent time with Sanford Health and Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District #2164. Matthys brings 15 years of experience with the cooperative to the vice president role. He had previously served in the energy management department prior to becoming key accounts executive in 2010. Brousseau has been with the cooperative for 15 years, most recently as manager of energy management. CHARISM has hired John Fisher as executive director and Brittany LaForte as operations director. Fisher comes with experience in the non-profit world, working in the community at NDSU, the YMCA and churches. He has a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and master’s from Southern Seminary. LaForte is originally from Winnipeg and is a Red River College Business graduate with has eight years non-profit experience with WASAC in Winnipeg.

Sauer

Swites

28 | June 2016

O’Halloran

Joining the Bethany Retirement Living Board of Trustees is Mary Johnson, Oxbow. Al Erickson, Linda O’Halloran and Stacie Heiden, Fargo, were elected to second three-year terms. Johnson, a CPA, is president of Union State Bank. She previously worked with Banner Health System and is a member of Fargo West Rotary. Erickson is executive vice president of finance, strategic planning, and risk management for Gate City Bank. O’Halloran is retired from her role as chief operating officer for Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. She previously served as chief clinical officer for Lutheran Health System/Banner Health, vice president of patient care for Innovis (Essentia) and senior vice president of patient care for Stamford Health in Connecticut. Heiden, a CPA, is vice president of business development and strategy for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. She was previously a financial executive for Northstar Agri Industries, DMS Health Technologies, Innovis Health (Essentia) and Banner Health System. Officers elected are John Hertsgaard, chair; Al Erickson, vice chair; Roger Olson, treasurer; and Jean Bokinskie, secretary. Other trustees include Jerilyn BrantnerAdams, Rhonda Ketterling and Kris Sheridan, all of Fargo, and Dr. David Glatt, West Fargo. Harriette McCaul, Fargo, retired from the Board after serving two three-year terms.

CSM announced the promotion of Brian Swites to president. Swites joined CSM in January 2015 and has since held a series of leadership roles, most recently serving as vice president of operations. He has over 30 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience. Prior to joining CSM, Swites held various management positions during his 13 years at Cephalon, Inc. and Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries, Ltd. He received his master’s degree in pharmaceutical manufacturing from the Stevens Institute of Technology.

Member News

People

Anna Kalbus joined Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) as an accountant I in the Fargo office. Kalbus previously worked as an office manager and has more than seven years of accounting experience. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a master’s degree in business administration and holds a Bachelor of Science from North Dakota State University. Kalbus

Sinner

Tegtmeier

Thompson

Essentia Health has hired Nurse Practitioner Lori Schmidt in the Walk-In Care Department and Dr. Meghan Hampton, a board certified occupational medicine physician, at the West Fargo Clinic, and Nurse Schmidt Hampton Almen Practitioner Joann Almen in the Family Medicine Department at the South University Clinic in Fargo. Schmidt earned a master’s degree in nursing from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Hampton earned a medical degree from the University of Kansas in Kansas City. She completed a residency in occupational medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Tyler, Texas. Almen earned a master’s degree in nursing from University of North Dakota.

Tronson

Cornerstone Bank welcomed George B. Sinner as senior vice president of business and agricultural banking in Fargo, Timothy Tegtmeier as senior network administrator, Brian Thompson as training manager and Stacey Tronson as compliance officer. Sinner brings over 30 years of experience in the banking industry and a multitude of public service experience. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of North Dakota. He was elected to the North Dakota State Senate in 2012, where he continues to represent District 46. Tegtmeier attended North Dakota State University, majoring in engineering. He brings over 27 years of IT experience. Thompson has over 20 years of banking and 13 years of training experience. He attended North Dakota State University, majoring in industrial psychology. Tronson has over 20 years of legal, compliance and financial experience combined. She is an attorney, certified management accountant and a certified risk and compliance management professional. Tronson earned her bachelor’s of accountancy with a minor in political science at the University of North Dakota and her law degree from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska. Dakota CDC welcomed Jenece Erfle to their team as loan assistant. Erfle graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She grew up near Bowdon, North Dakota, and has prior experience in billing and accounting.

FBS - Creators of Flexmls hired Nathan Bettenhausen as their Linux administrator. He previously worked at Noridian as a Linux administrator for nearly three years.

Bettenhausen

Lotvedt

Upton

Samuelson

Robertson

Eide Bailly LLP congratulates Morgan Robertson on becoming a Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II. Salesforce Platform Developer II builds upon the Platform Developer I certification, demonstrating skilled programmatic knowledge of the Force.com platform. Showcasing one’s ability to design, develop, test, and deploy custom, complex business logic and interface solutions to extend Salesforce’s functionality, this advanced developer certification requires extensive data modeling, object-oriented programming and Apex design pattern expertise.

Gehrtz

Jamie Upton joined Hospice of the Red River Valley as a nurse practitioner. In his role, Upton will collaborate with the medical director to provide medical care to hospice patients through face-to-face visits and symptom management and provide guidance to nursing staff. Upton was previously employed by Sanford Health and is a graduate of North Dakota State University.

Erfle

Jeannie Samuelson has joined Dawson Insurance, Fargo, as a commercial lines account assistant. Samuelson previously worked as an insurance central processing technician for a crop/hail insurance company. Before that she worked in the accounting industry and earned an AAS in accounting at M-State Community & Technical College in Moorhead.

Gehrtz Construction Services, Fargo, has hired Nathan Lotvedt and Matt Gehrtz as construction managers. Lotvedt has a bachelor’s degree in construction management from NDSU. Gehrtz has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from NDSU and is licensed as a professional engineer.

Jacob

Donna Jacob of Houston Engineering has successfully completed the process and examination to become a Professional Wetland Scientist. Jacob is currently one of only three scientists in the state of North Dakota with this credential. The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) grants this certification to professionals who have signified that the academic and work experience meets the standards expected by his or her peers. This program is intended to meet the needs of professional ecologists, hydrologists, soil scientists, educators, agency professionals, consultants and others who practice wetland science. Lori Schwartz was hired as executive director at Lakes & Prairies Community Action in Moorhead. Schwartz previously worked as the directory of operations and brings with her 23 years of experience working with community action.

Schwartz

fmwfchamber.com | 29

Member News

People

Moore Engineering, Inc. hired Paul Bervik as a graduate engineer in its West Fargo water resources group. Bervik graduated with a civil engineering degree from North Dakota State University in 2014, and had been working as a civil engineer in Fargo prior to his employment at Moore Engineering. Bervik

Xochil Mendez has been hired by the North Dakota General Office of New York Life as an agent for the company. Mendez received a B.A. degree in business administration with a minor in marketing from Globe University, Moorhead. Mendez is fluent in Spanish and licensed in both Minnesota and North Dakota. Mendez

Ohm

Morris

Smith

Lang

MAC’S Corporate Office, Moorhead, has hired Matthew Ohm as an order processing assistant manager and promoted Jess Morris to director of marketing, IT, and inventory control, Travis Smith to senior manager of buying, Shaun Kluth to distribution center order processing manager and Mark Lang to distribution center logistics manager. Ohm brings over 10 years of experience in shipping/receiving and inventory, as well as six years of management experience to the MAC’S team. Morris has been with MAC’S for eight years and has held several positions with the company, most recently as senior manager of IT, inventory control, and company communication. Smith has been with MAC’S for 10 years and has held several positions with the company, most recently as distribution center manager. Kluth has been with MAC’S for six years. Most recently, he held the position of distribution center assistant manager. Lang has been with MAC’S for five years. Most recently, he held the position of distribution center assistant manager.

Burns

Mary Beth Burns, TrainND SE program coordinator and facilitator for the workforce training division of North Dakota State College of Science, attended the Blanchard Channel Partner Conference. A new program, First-Time Manager: Essential Skills from the New One Minute Manager™, was introduced there and is now available as a training offering through TrainND SE. Burns also attended an additional training at Ken Blanchard Companies headquarters and is now qualified to deliver The Situational Leadership Experience™ workshops.

Four North Dakota State University students have been awarded fellowships from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). Fellowships are awarded to individuals through a peerreviewed, competitive process, and awardees have demonstrated their potential to do cutting-edge research in their field of study. The GRFP provides three years of financial support within a five-year fellowship period for graduate study that leads to a research-based master’s or doctoral degree in science or engineering. The GRFPs Awarded are Loren Anderson – mathematics (current NDSU undergraduate student); Jessica Bair – psychology (NDSU undergraduate who attends University of Minnesota Twin Cities); Liz Cambron – cellular and molecular biology (current NDSU graduate student); and Cody Ritt – civil and environmental engineering (current NDSU undergraduate student). Honorable mentions went to Steven Giesler – civil and environmental engineering (current NDSU undergraduate student); Krystal Kalliokoski – chemistry (current NDSU graduate student); and Rachel Salter – biological sciences / STEM education (current NDSU graduate student). Awardees, chosen from close to 17,000 applicants, represent a diverse group of scientific disciplines from all states.

30 | June 2016

Deborah Nichols of Park Co. Realtors has been awarded the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. Nichols earned the GRI designation by attending a specific, intensive series of classroom instruction, covering a variety of subjects including professional standards, legal issues, sales and marketing, finance and risk reduction, technology and social media. The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation demonstrates a commitment to a high level of professional service by securing a strong educational foundation of Nichols knowledge and skills to better navigate the real estate market and serve prospective clients and customers. Pedigree Technologies of Fargo has hired Lynette Burgan as customer trainer, Maxine Woo as a contract administrator and Travis Christensen in the software engineering internship program, and promoted Justin Williams to customer support team lead, Karan Ambuehl to account manager supervisor and Jeff Weiss to account manager. Burgan joins with a background in project management and web development. Prior to her role at Pedigree Technologies, Woo worked as a document administrator. Christensen is pursuing his degree in computer science from North Dakota State University. Williams joined Pedigree Technologies in 2012 as a support specialist. Ambuehl has worked with Pedigree Technologies since 2012. Weiss started as a customer sales specialist in 2014 and brings customer service experience into his new position. Preference Personnel welcomed Brittney Weber as an office coordinator and promoted Ann Weinkauf to administrative staffing consultant. Weber is a graduate of the University of North Dakota and brings expertise in the retail and service industries as well as coaching. Weinkauf earned an associate degree from Rasmussen College and has been employed with Preference Weber Weinkauf Personnel since December 2014. She most recently held a support role for the industrial staffing team. Ramada Plaza and Suites, Fargo, has promoted Amanda Hillier to the administrative office coordinator position. Hillier earned bachelor degrees from NDSU in journalism/ mass communication, public relations and natural resources management environmental communication. She joined the Ramada as inside sales and administrative support in 2015. Hillier

Rachel Hoffman, compliance analyst at Town & Country Credit Union, received her Credit Union Compliance Expert (CUCE) designation after attending a comprehensive week of training at the Credit Union National Association Regulatory Compliance School. Through coursework and testing, she proved her understanding of regulations and their implications. Hoffman

TMI Hospitality has hired Aaron Wagner as product development specialist at its Fargo corporate office. Wagner brings five years of experience in the sales, estimating and project management fields. He has a degree in construction management from Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Wagner

Member News

People

United Way of Cass-Clay has named Kristi Huber its new president. Huber will succeed outgoing President Sher Thomsen, who has led the organization since 2011. Huber comes with extensive experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors, with various volunteer organizations and previous experience with United Way. She served as resource development director for United Way of Cass-Clay from 2011 to 2014. In her role as vice president of the Sanford Health Foundation for the Fargo region, she leads the Huber fundraising arm of Sanford Health. Sagency facilitated a robust search and selection process with the executive committee of the Board of Trustees. Huber’s first day with the organization was May 23, 2016, and as part of the succession plan, Thomsen will stay on board for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition.

OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE WORKING FOR YOU.

VISIONBank hired Adam Kusler as marketing coordinator, Jason Sivers as electronic banking specialist and Shailey Anderson as credit assistant. Kusler came with eight-plus years of professional Kusler Sivers Anderson experience in graphic design, advertising and marketing. He attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in graphic communications. Sivers came with 11 years of banking experience, most recently as research/remediation associate. He attended Minnesota State University Moorhead where he received a B.A. in Economics with a business emphasis and finance minor. Anderson came with eight years of customer service experience, most recently from Swanson Health Products. She has also coached dance through the Fargo Public School District for the past six years. She is currently a student at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Keep your workforce and bottom line healthy Sanford OccMed No matter the size of your business, Sanford OccMed will partner with you to design a plan that benefits you and your employees. Our team maintains a strong return-to-work philosophy to keep your workforce and your business healthy and productive, saving you time and money. With the largest network of occupational medicine clinics in the region, Sanford OccMed gives your employees convenient, easy access to our expertise no matter where they live. Call (888) 600-2378 for your free consultation. sanfordoccmed.com

039048-00138 5/16

Haverkamp

Petermann

Crabtree

Rodahl

Ackerland

Western State Bank has hired Lea Haverkamp as a customer service representative, Allison Petermann as a mortgage loan assistant, Kody Crabtree as a mortgage loan assistant, Corey Rodahl as a customer care banker, and promoted Matt Ackerland to senior vice president/retail banking. Prior to joining Western, Haverkamp served as a promotions representative at Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen. She attends Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead, where she is pursuing a degree in business. Prior to joining Western, Petermann worked as a customer service representative at Bell State Bank & Trust. She attended North Dakota State University, where she earned her degree in management. Prior to joining Western, Crabtree worked at Rapat Corporation in Hawley. He is currently attending North Dakota State University, where he is pursuing a degree in accounting. Prior to joining Western, Rodahl worked as a mutual fund representative, worked for an online brokerage firm and spent time at Wells Fargo. He attended the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, where he received his degree in economics and finance. Ackerland joined Western State Bank in 2011 as vice president of retail banking and has over 17 years of experience in the banking industry. He attended the University of Mary in Fargo.

The Village Business Institute EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Making Your Employees and Your Business Stronger

We’re based in Fargo, but work in scores of states and beyond. We’re Midwestern at heart and international in scope. And we make employees and organizations better by providing: • Confidential mental health counseling • Financial and legal counseling • Customized training • Supervisor support • CD evaluation/education • Crisis management services • And more Contact us to discuss your organization’s need.

www.TheVBI.com 1-800-627-8220

fmwfchamber.com | 31

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!

Alloway Standard Industries, Inc.

Midwest Concrete Pumping of MN, Inc.

Agriculture Equipment Alloway Standard Industries manufactures sugar beet harvesting equipment, row crop cultivators, seedbed preparation equipment and shredders. They also provide precision custom metal fabricator of stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum and galvanized steel with engineering, manufacturing, powder coat painting and final assembly.

Contractors ‑ Specialty Services Midwest Concrete Pumping of MN offers residential, commercial and agricultural concrete placing services.

allowaystandard.com

Asset Management Group, Inc. amg-nd.com

Employee Benefit Plans Asset Management Group specializes in employee benefits and retirement plans. They design and obtain health insurance and all other employee benefits for their clients and provide ongoing service for all benefit plans. As independent brokers, they represent their clients, not the insurance companies.

Auer Steel auersteel.com

Air Conditioning ‑ Heating Equipment Auer Steel & Heating Supply Co. is a full‑service distributor of high quality HVAC equipment, accessories and parts to heating and cooling contractors throughout the region.

Dixon Insurance, Inc. dixoninsurance.com

Insurance Dixon Insurance Agency provides commercial and personal lines.

Family Healthcare‑West Fargo

midwestconcretepumping.net

MJ Capelli gomjcapelli.com

Beauty Salons & Barbers M.J. Capelli is a full-service family salon that offers colors, cuts, hair extensions, formal wear hair, makeup applications and waxing services.

Northern Plains Label northernplainslabel.com

Printing To meet the growing demand of technology and production Northern Documents has been acquired by SNAPS Holding Company of Fargo. They are now Northern Plains Label located in a more efficient production environment, graphic department and shipping area allowing for fulfillment service.

Power Plate Meals powerplatemeals.com

Health ‑ Nutrition Power Plate Meals serves clean and healthy meals on the go. Pop your meal in the microwave and it’s ready to eat. They have a signature and custom meal menu with a variety of your favorite meals made healthy. Stop by the Pioneer Center in West Fargo. Eating healthy never felt so easy!

Profit Pros profitpros.com

Medical ‑ Clinics Family Healthcare’s mission is to provide affordable quality health care for every person.

Computer/Mobile App Software & Services Profit Pros software is a one‑of‑a‑kind custom program, designed to uncover “Hidden ProfitsTM” and create opportunities through efficient business analysis regardless of size. Profit Pros is here to help business owners better understand their strengths and weaknesses through their numbers.

FoodDudesDelivery.com

Puzzled FM

famhealthcare.org

fooddudesdelivery.com

Restaurants FoodDudesDelivery.com provides delivery and catering from a variety of restaurants to your home, office or hotel. Deliveries can be arranged within an hour (ASAP) or in advance. Orders may be placed by phone, fax or online.

Lida Communications, LLC 701.347.5985

Consultants Lida Communications is an agricultural marketing consulting firm working with farmers and others associated with agriculture.

Limitless Car Care Services limitlesscarservices.com

Car Washing ‑ Cleaning

Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors, Inc. metromech.com

Contractors ‑ Mechanical Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors provides a single source solution from immense construction projects involving complex mechanical systems to customized special projects requiring faster builds and reliable 24‑hour service, MMC does it all.

puzzledfm.com

Recreation Puzzled FM is a live, 60 minute, entertainment experience where you work through fun and challenging puzzles in order to solve a mystery.

Quality Catering 218.280.1801

Caterers All you need is Quality. They begin with a dedication to the quality of the ingredients they use, an engaging staff and the opportunity to create a custom and distinctive experience for you and your guests. A lot of things feel like quality, but nothing can compare to the real thing.

Roll‑A‑Ramp rollaramp.com

Manufacturers Roll‑A‑Ramp manufactures portable aluminum ramps for a variety of accessible needs including homes, vans, RVs and more. They offer a truly unique product and have dealers throughout the U.S., Canada and export to more than 50 countries.

Rourke Art Gallery Museum therourke.org

Museums The Rourke Art Museum educates and inspires our community through the collection, presentation and preservation of the region’s and the world’s artistic heritage.

32 | June 2016

Sean Coffman Fine Art Photography

My one reason?

seancoffman.com

Photographers/Videographers Experiencing nature is a deeply personal and profound individualized moment. Through photography, Sean Coffman evokes a similar emotional connection & encourages you to not “see,” but to “experience” the image, allowing your personal reflections drive meaning to the imagery.

To show I care about my community.

SESVanderHave sesvanderhave.com/US

Agriculture Products SESVanderHave is the leading provider of sugar beet seed genetics worldwide. The company is based in Tienen, Belguim, with U.S. headquarters in Fargo.

Smart Business Solutions sbsnd.com

Accounting ‑ Accounting Services Smart Business Solutions LLC, an outsourced administrative company, provides remote and on‑site services including bookkeeping, payroll, office organization, computer training and administrative support services to small, owner‑operated businesses, executives and independent professionals.

Vocational Training Center‑South University fargovtc.org

Disability & Rehabilitation Services Vocational Training Center specializes in providing exceptional vocational services, supports and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while also meeting the subcontracting and employment needs of businesses in the Fargo‑Moorhead area and throughout the United States.

WoodSpring Suites woodspringsuites.com

Hotels / Motels WoodSpring Suites is the newest extended stay brand with many locations open and more coming soon. WoodSpring Suites is refreshingly different than anything else out there in extended stay hotels today. Every room is a suite, with options including comfy lounge chairs and sofas. Other features and amenities include a well‑equipped kitchen in every room with full‑size refrigerator, freezer and two‑burner stove top and microwave, free Wi‑Fi, 100% smoke free, queen or king beds in all rooms and 24/7 laundry facilities.

You only need one reason to donate plasma. Find out how becoming a plasma donor can make a difference for patients and help you earn extra money.

New donors earn up to $150 in a week. Bring in this ad for a $10 bonus.

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

Save the Date! Business After Hours

Thursday, June 16 | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead Event Sponsor

Let’s Get

to Work

Internet & Networking Phone Cable TV Advertising

Go with Midco® and get to work making something great. Like you, we’re driven by innovation, grounded by reliability and built for success. Contact us today.

fmwfchamber.com | 33

Member Submission Home Builders Post Strong First-Quarter F-M Metro Permit Numbers Housing activity is off to another fast start this year, according to the Home Builders Association of F-M’s first-quarter building permit report. With 115 housing permits through the end of March, the F-M metro community encompassing Dilworth, Moorhead, Fargo and West Fargo experienced a 7% decrease over last year’s 124 housing permits. HBA President Tom Spaeth of Accent Contracting, says: “Part of last year’s first-quarter surge was 38 twin home permits in Moorhead which resulted from builders applying for those permits before Minnesota’s code requiring fire sprinklers became effective. Even though we saw a slight decrease compared to last year, we have to remember that 2015 was housing’s strongest start since 2004.” Compared to last year through March, single-family permits increased by 40 community-wide, while twin-home construction decreased by 38 permits. Row-house permits decreased from 12 to one. Housing permit values increased 12% over last year, from $25.5 million to $28.5 million through March.

2017

Metro Profile & Member Directory

Our 2,100 members and new community members use the profile and directory to find out what’s going on in the community and find the organizations where they want to do business. Since 1991

Reserve your ad space today by emailing Tracy at tmeckler@fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.359.0527. 34 | June 2016

Fargo Marathon Another Great Year for the Fargo Marathon It was another great Fargo Marathon last month! In its 12th year, all the usual races were back, as well as the Indoor Start & Finish.

In the men’s division, Sammy Malakwen of Two Harbors, Minnesota, took home first place with a time of 2:26.06. It was his

This year though, a couple new events were added: a cyclothon and Furgo Dog Run. The weather was wonderful for the events, and it was great to see so many supporters along the race routes cheering along the participants. The Dome was packed, spirits were high, and there were many highlights throughout the weekend.

third marathon win in Fargo after winning the half-marathon in 2008 and 2010.

More than 7,000 runners and walkers took part in the 5K Hero Run on May 20, which was dedicated to community heroes.

The full race results can be found on the Fargo Marathon website. Congrats to all of this year’s marathon participants! We’re proud to be a part of a community that is active and engaged.

According to a Forum article, over 22,000 registered for all of the events, and marathon executive director Mark Knutson said the cyclothon and Dog Run will return next year.

In the full marathon, women’s winner Semehar Tesfaye, a Fargo South graduate, shattered the course record with a time of 2 hours, 37 minutes, 27 seconds. It was her first marathon. The previous record was set in 2010 by a woman from Little Rock, Arkansas, with a time of 2:41.52.

Photos courtesy of 5foot20 design lounge.

fmwfchamber.com | 35

Celebrations Ribbon cuttings 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.

PLAINS TITLE LLC Grand opening on Thursday, April 7 3330 Fiechtner Drive, Suite 102, Fargo

HANNAHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Groundbreaking on Wednesday, April 13 3803 Main Avenue, Fargo

HOME HELPER SERVICES 5-year anniversary on Friday, April 15 3523 45th Street South, Fargo

36 | June 2016

YMCA OF CASS AND CLAY COUNTIES Grand opening of new Aquatic Center on Monday, April 11 400 First Avenue South, Fargo

ENCLAVE DEVELOPMENT Relocation celebration on Thursday, April 14 1 Second Street North, Suite 102, Fargo

MOORHEAD PUBLIC SCHOOLS Groundbreaking for new school on Monday, April 18 3601 12th Avenue South, Moorhead

SPARE KEY Grand re-opening on Friday, April 22 at the Hjemkomst Center, 202 First Avenue North, Moorhead

SAFETY SHOPPE - SANFORD CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S & SAFE KIDS FM

Remodel celebration on Friday, April 22 601 39th Street North, Fargo

POWER PLATE MEALS Grand opening on Wednesday, April 27 1380 Ninth Street East, Suite 605, West Fargo

HERITAGE HOMES - ASPENS AT TIMBER CREEK Grand opening on Friday, April 22 5012 Prosperity Way South, Fargo

LJA Remodel celebration on Tuesday, April 26 700 Main Avenue, Fargo

MCCULLEY OPTIX GALLERY 10-year anniversary on Thursday, April 28 2553 Kirsten Lane South, Fargo

HI-HO BURGERS AND BREWS Remodel/grand opening on Friday, April 29 3051 25th Street South, Fargo 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 | June 2016

Calendar of Events

June 2016

Chamber Community Safety Update

Business After Hours

Area police chiefs David Ebinger, Mike Reitan and David Todd, will join us at Eggs & Issues for an update on what has been happening since their detailed report on community safety in 2015.

Connect with industry leaders, trade show vendors and representatives of other organizations in a relaxed atmosphere at the region’s most effective networking opportunity.

Tuesday, June 7 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. Courtyard by Marriot Fargo-Moorhead

Wednesday, June 8 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites, Fargo

Identify the conversations that are holding you back and how to navigate through them with Eric Piela, VP of marketing & customer engagement at Summit Group Software.

Off

the

Business Training: Awkward Moments

Thursday, June 16 | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott Fargo-Moorhead

Cl ck

Making Happy Hour Professional

YPN Off the Clock

Thursday, June 23 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. Spicy Pie West Fargo

Enjoy the patio weather and join the YPN for Off the Clock at the West Fargo Spicy Pie for drinks, snacks and of course, networking.

Business Training: Weekly Scorecard

Women Connect: Cornucopia Kids

Discover how every business can gain insight with a weekly scorecard. Eric Newell, president at Stoneridge Software, will help you get a clear vision of your organization’s weekly performance.

Join Patty Corwin, president of Corwin Sales and Corwin Communications, as we revisit our childhoods and paths to where we are today. Learn skills and techniques to ensure successful progress toward mature adulthood.

Wednesday, June 8 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites, Fargo

Business Training: Onboarding Staff

Wednesday, June 8 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites, Fargo

Jane Pettinger, assistant professor of management at the Paseka School of Business at MSUM, will provide practical advice on what to include in an employee’s orientation to result in the success of the employee as well as the company.

Tuesday, June 28 | 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Avalon Events Center Fargo

Chamber Military Appreciation Night

Thursday, June 30 | 7:02 p.m. Newman Outdoor Field

Honor our region’s military through a fun, family-friendly night of baseball and patriotism with special guest, iconic country musician and singer/songwriter Lee Greenwood.

Community Events West Fargo Parks Dog Show

Tuesday, June 7 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. North Elmwood Park

Enjoy a night of free hot dogs and beverages at the eighth annual West Fargo Parks Dog Show. Contestants will be judged and awards presented to the best groomed, most unusual breed, owner/dog look-alike and more.

Happy Harry’s Ribfest

Wednesday, June 8 | 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. FARGODOME

Enjoy ribs, chicken, pulled pork and more from some of the greatest rib cookers in the country, plus great music every night.

Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival Thursday, June 16 Downtown Fargo

Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley Tee it Up and Make a Difference Monday, June 20 | 1 p.m. Fargo Country Club

A four-person scramble golf tournament with proceeds to benefit the Boys & Girls Club. Lunch and chipping contest at noon, 1 p.m. gold start with contests along the way, and dinner and presentation to follow.

Go Hawaiian for Hospice

Tuesday, June 28 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Choice Financial, Fargo

Choice Financial invites the community to join them for the fourth annual luau lunch, where all proceeds directly benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley. For a $5 donation, attendees will feast on a pig roast, baked potato, fresh pineapple, Hawaiian Punch and a frozen treat as well as the chance to win prize drawings.

One of the most fun events in Fargo this summer is back. Receive an all-you-caneat sampling of burgers, five samples of beers from D-S Beverages and bourbon samples from Republic National Distributing. Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome will rock this year’s festival.

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.