March 2019 Bridge by The FMWF Chamber of Commerce

THE FARGO MOORHEAD WEST FARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

VOL. 22 NO. 7

MARCH 2019

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March 19 | details on p.22

Community Builders

The Forum O F

2 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

F A R G O - M O O R H E A D

Community Builders are a level of Premier Partner businesses committed to improving the area by investing in our programs and events.

Public Policy:

Legislative updates and report from Bismarck

Contents

March 2019

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 6 Eggs & Issues

Economic Outlook Forum:

Highlights from the event

11 Professionals of Color

13 ChamberChoice Luncheon 15 Business Training 17 Women Connect 20 Leadership FMWF 21 Young Professionals Network 26 New Members 28 Member News 30 Ribbon Cuttings

YEA!: It’s time for

the students to enter the shark tank

Member Spotlight:

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

! A E Y

AD INDEX

30 Boulger Funeral Home

31 Cass County Electric

31 Cole Papers, Inc.

24 Cornerstone Bank

16 Essentia Health

16 First International Bank & Trust

16 Four Points by Sheraton

30 Indigo Signworks

10 J&M Printing

31 Knight Printing

16 Moore Engineering

27 North Dakota State College of Science

14 Pro Resources

31 Starion Bank

14 The Arts Partnership

30 The Village

Find The Chamber online @fmwfchamber For past issues of The Bridge: issuu.com/fmwfchamber.com FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mark Nisbet Chair Tom Dawson Chair Elect Sandi Piatz Treasurer Steve Swiontek Immediate Past Chair Anne Blackhurst Kevin Christianson Shawn Dobberstein Kyle Dorow Mike Dragosavich Jodi Duncan Judd Graham Steve Halverson Jenni Huotari Brittany Montecuollo Joanna Slominski Jeff Volk Craig Whitney

Xcel Energy Dawson Insurance Microsoft Gate City Bank Minnesota State University Moorhead Paces Lodging Corporation, Property Resources Group Hector International Airport Essentia Health Spotlight Media Inc. Flint Group Bremer Bank Heartland Trust Company Eide Bailly Sanford Health Mortenson Moore Engineering, Inc. The Chamber

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

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

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES ••Establish the region as a recognized destination marketplace ••Be a thought leader for the business community and other interests ••Promote business advancement through a bold public policy program ••Achieve organizational excellence to best serve members

THE CHAMBER STAFF

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Nancy Johnson ND Soybean Growers Association Agribusiness

Bryan Kingsley Midco

@FMWFPrez

@FMWFJim

@FMWFJulieD

Craig Whitney

Jim Parsons

Julie Doggett

President/CEO

@FMWFDarren Darren Dunlop

VP of Finance/Operations

Information Systems Administrator

@FMWFDarin

@FMWFTyler

@FMWFKatie

@FMWFAmanda

Darin Feir

Tyler Fischbach

Katie Mastel

Amanda Huggett

@FMWFKatieR

Ambassador Public Relations

Business Development Manager

Jan Monda Warner and Company Insurance

Ambassador Member Relations

Jess Almlie Discovery Benefits

Business Training

Stephanie Maier ClayWilkin Corn & Soybean Leadership FMWF Grower’s Association Brian Shawn Midco Military Affairs

Tim Flakoll Tri-College University Public Policy

Thomas Jefferson State Farm Insurance Professionals of Color

Graphics & Publications Coordinator

Multimedia Coordinator

Public Policy Coordinator

@FMWFTracyM

@FMWFTracyP

@FMWFAlyssa

Tracy Meckler

Tracy Powell

Alyssa Ralston

Communications & Marketing Manager

Carrie Carney Eventide Senior Living Women Connect Communities Caitlin Stoecker Arvig

Young Professionals Network

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. Printed by J&M Printing

Director of Events & Programs

@FMWFCasey

@FMWFBobbiJo

@FMWFMickayla

@FMWFJulieY

Casey Sanders

Bobbi Rehder

Mickayla Thompson

Julie Yourczek

Membership Manager

4 THE BRIDGE • FEBRUARY 2019

Events Coordinator

Professional Development Coordinator

Katie Ralston

Membership & Advertising Sales Manager

Member Relations Coordinator

Manager of Education Initiative and YEA!

Office Administrator

a note from the

PRESIDENT

What’s in the works here at The Chamber Things at the Chamber offices have been pretty busy lately. Of course we’re always up to a lot, but right now we are on the cusp of many new and exciting plans. We can’t say much about everything yet, but I’ll outline just a few major projects below. Stay tuned to find out more about everything! New website: As you’re reading this, the all-new Chamber website has just gone live. It’s been almost 10 years since our page had a new look, and we’re thrilled to finally update our online presence to something that is a better user experience. We hope you like it! New program: Just last month, we held the launch event for our newest program, Professionals of Color. We’re invigorated by the energy around this new group and can’t wait to see how it affects our diverse professionals in the metro as they begin programming soon. New classes: We are approaching the finishing line for this fiscal year’s classes for both our Leadership and YEA! programs. Soon, recruiting will start and applications will open for next year’s groups. We’re so proud of what we’re seeing from our current crop already and are excited to continue this momentum. New membership efforts: With our newest team member joining in membership, we’re exploring new benefits and better ways to engage with you. Got ideas or feedback about your membership experience? We’d love to hear it! Please reach out and let’s talk. Speaker applications: We’ll be selecting more speakers for our events in the coming months. Please encourage the professionals you know that enjoy talking to a crowd and sharing their knowledge to apply! For the first time, we won’t be closing applications, so you won’t have to rush to make a deadline or wait until they open again later.

YP Week: The last week of June, we’ll be hosting our first-ever Young Professionals Week. Our YPN committee and staff is diligently working on identifying speakers, venues, activities, programming and more. New initiative: You’ve probably heard us allude to our new and groundbreaking initiative with the EDC that will plan for the future of our community. In the next few months, we’ll reveal what exactly this means and looks like. 10th Voices of Vision: That’s right, this year will be the tenth annual Voices of Vision! My own favorite event of the year, I’m determined to make this special anniversary event a special one. We have big plans in the works and I can’t wait to unveil this year’s keynote. Things won’t be slowing down here anytime soon. We’re committed to getting it all right to best serve each and every one of you. These plans should make our Chamber experience more diverse, strategic and future-focused. We know your industries are evolving, and so should ours. Through these exciting activities, we can help build a better and stronger community.

Craig Whitney President / CEO The Chamber

FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 5

EGGS & ISSUES

The state of workforce: Eggs & Issues recap We’ve all heard about our region’s workforce woes. But now thanks to a study and report from the state of North Dakota and Workforce Development Council, an action plan consisting of five themes and 36 recommendations has been developed. February’s Eggs & Issues gathered Michelle Kommer, ND Commerce Commissioner, and Tony Grindberg, VP of Workforce Affairs, NDSCS, and Fargo City Commissioner, to share background, updates and what is in the works to address the gap.

#FMWFEggs

The survey was conducted statewide to propose a workforce plan that identifies priorities based on a data-driven understanding of North Dakota’s workforce challenges, maximizes state and federal resources, and aligns the educational system with industry needs to drive and create actionable solutions.

He hopes to see more

The five themes were defined as: ••Technical skills gap ••Need for youth engagement & earlier and more diverse career exploration ••Nursing & health care technician shortage ••Support for populations with barriers to employment ••Need for net in-migration of North Dakotans Kommer confirmed that workforce is a priority for the Burgum administration. “North Dakota has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, and one of the highest labor participation rates,” she said. But those that we’re competing with are neighboring states with similar workforce challenges. “Only through working together and toward the same goal will we solve the workforce crisis in North Dakota,” Kommer said. “We have to invest. This is a national race.” Grindberg provided a brief history of the EDC’s involvement in retaining citizens and recruiting businesses in our region, plus efforts such as campaigns, grants and Operation Intern that were effective but hard to measure. His point is that there has been a journey to try and solve the workforce issue, but this new report will make our efforts now easier through data. Grindberg also provided an update on the career academy that aims to assist k-12 students to learn skills and enter the workforce successfully. It’s a $30 million project modeled after nearby similar efforts that is about halfway to its funding goal.

6 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

funding come through the legislature, and is now finishing the phase 2 strategic plan. That plan will soon be released, and they have begun requesting architect services. They aim to wrap all these items up by summer. Both presenters agreed there is no simple solution or silver bullet to fixing this. And if we pick and choose just a few items from the recommendations, it will be a small dent. We must collaborate and continue to make workforce a priority to see results. The full report can be found on the governor’s website.

EGGS & ISSUES Tuesday, March 5

Tuesday, April 2

A Hard Look at Behavioral and Mental Health

A Local Look at U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Kathryn Burgum

Jared Olafson

First Lady, North Dakota

Port Director for Field Operations Warroad, MN

FirstLadyND

At our recent State of the Cities event, our attendees voted behavioral and mental health as the second biggest challenge facing our community. This month at Eggs & Issues, we are excited to welcome North Dakota’s First Lady, as well as our very own Cass County Jail Administrator, to discuss behavioral and mental health. These topics have become a rising concern across all industries and fields. Here, they will help us better understand the challenges we face as employers and as a community, as well as learn about helpful resources accessible within our region.

April’s Eggs & Issues session is centered around U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and is the rescheduled speaker and topic originally set for January. We welcome in the port director for field operations in Warroad, Minnesota, to speak about Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Programs to include NEXUS and Global Entry. These new technological advancements allow for expedited clearance for preapproved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Additionally, Olafson will discuss the Remote Offsite Arrival mobile application that allows travelers to check in with CBP at the Northwest Angle, MN and in certain remote parts of the country. With both North Dakota and Minnesota being on our county’s border, and national security being a current topic of debate, join us to hear both local concerns and opportunities.

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

Captain Andrew Frobig

Cass County Jail Administrator

CassNDSheriff

REGISTRATION (includes breakfast) • Chamber members: $30 in advance | $35 at the door • Non-members: $40 in advance | $45 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

PROGRAM SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS Bank of the West | Beverage Wholesalers, Inc. Bremer Bank | Cornerstone Bank | Essentia Health Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead Houston Engineering | Livewire Entertainment Media Services Midwest Radio of Fargo-Moorhead Minnesota State Community and Technical College Moore Engineering, Inc. | ROERS Wanzek Construction, Inc. | Wells Fargo Bank FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 7

PUBLIC POLICY

A wintry trip to Bismarck: Chamber Day at the Capitol recap In early February, Chamber members attended our Chamber Day at the Capitol in Bismarck. In spite of unfortunate weather, about 50 people joined us on the bus and another 20 met us there. Attendees sat in on committee hearings where various issues were discussed, and others received a tour of the capitol building. After lunch, our group attended the Senate and House floor sessions to listen to the debate and actions taken on numerous bills. Our leadership class sat with legislators as their guests during floor session, gaining an up-close view of the political process. After observing the legislative branch, we turned our attention to leadership in the executive branch as ND Governor Doug Burgum addressed our group, stressing the importance of being involved in the legislative session and applauding attendees for being involved in this trip. He covered various topics relveant to our region including flood protection, higher education and technology. Beginning with flood protection, he noted the importance and urgency of the FM Diversion project saying, “How many catastrophic floods do we need to have in major cities before we do something before it happens instead of just after,” in regard to the floods in Fargo, Grand Forks and Minot. He encouraged the business community to get further involved talking to our Cass County legislators as some are still not strongly committed to the diversion project. Moving to higher education governance, the governor spoke of his taskforce for higher education governance and the work that the group did to conclude that 8 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

our system needs a change in order to best serve our citizens and state. He also asserted a sense of urgency for career technical education, “Not just for workforce but because we can actually change lives.” Governor Burgum wrapped up his hour with us by answering questions pertaining to the higher education model, agriculture and energy industry as well as technology. We ended the afternoon hearing from Senate Majority Leader, Rich Wardner and House Minority Leader, Josh Boschee. Wardner spoke on legislation that pertains to Cass County, covering capital projects on NDSU’s campus as well as the FM Diversion. He spoke optimistically about funding both Dunbar and Harris Hall stressing the urgency of taking care of these buildings. Wardner spoke of the importance of getting Dunbar Hall taken care of, saying, “It is an embarrassment not only to NDSU but to the state of North Dakota” and citing the liability it has become. He was less optimistic regarding the potential funding of the FM Diversion project due to various factors included tight dollars this session and other vital projects on the radar. He provided some certainty of funds stating, “We are going to make sure there is money there,” so that when “you are ready to go, we will have enough money to get you going, and then the next biennium more would come.” The senator also gave an update of his work on the Prairie Dog Bill and concluded by giving strong kudos to Fargo addressing the workforce saying, “This career and tech thing, I think we are doing something.”

Boschee spoke more of the overall climate of the session this biennium. As he noted, there has been a “tone change” and he attributes it partially to a new governor who looks forward and sets a vision for our state, as well as changes of leadership in the house. With this in mind, he shared the challenges and opportunities that come with being labeled as “Imperial Cass,” explaining that we continue to ask for additional resources only because we are growing and thriving, which should be viewed as positive. Boschee spoke of growing together across party lines as well as geographic ones reminding everyone, “It is important that we are not trying to do this East and West tug of war that continues to happen sometimes.” He concluded speaking about the Prairie Dog bill and how this will address one of the tug-of-war topics of oil taxes and who gets what. Wrapping up, he noted the message that we as Cass County residents can spread in regard to our region’s success. “Our successes means everyone else’s success,” he said. Unfortunately, due to the weather, we canceled our legislative reception at First International Bank & Trust. We thank them for being our reception sponsor, and appreciate their understanding of our decision for the safety of attendees. We look forward to planning next session’s Chamber Day at the Capitol and hope you will consider joining us then.

PUBLIC POLICY West Fargo Legislative Forums

Military Updates with Gen. Dohrmann

As North Dakota’s 66th Legislative Assembly is in full swing, we have partnered with the City of West Fargo and West Fargo Public Schools to hold public legislative forums with the West Fargo legislators. The remaining forums will be held on March 9 and April 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the West Fargo City Commission Chambers. For more information on legislators attending each session, visit the City of West Fargo’s website.

In light of various military bills moving through the ND legislature, we invited Adjutant General Al Dohrmann to give an update to our Military Affairs committee regarding the vitally important military-related bills. First, he spoke of the tuition assistance program’s importance to the continued success we enjoy in regard to recruitment numbers as 85% of new recruits say that tuition assistance was the number one reason that they joined. In addition, House Bill 1095 is as impactful on our region as it expands protection for guardsman no matter what state they are from. Our border city location makes this a crucial initiative for our region. General Dohrmann also echoed the importance of license portability and military tax bills. He stressed the urgency for many of these policies as they are expected to be taken in consideration in the event of another round of BRAC. We appreciated the Adjutant General taking the time to brief our committee and look forward to welcoming him in again near the end of ND’s session to give a recap of the progress.

Minnesota Legislative Update FMWF Chamber members, in conjunction with MN State chamber members, met with Representative Paul Marquart, chair of the MN House of Representatives Tax Committee. The group discussed key elements of a tax conformity bill including section 179, depreciation schedules and the challenges of being a border city. We are continuing this conversation as well as tracking other legislation as Minnesota moves through the session.

North Dakota Legislative Update We are monitoring numerous bills that affect our Chamber members including income tax deductibility for military personal, regulating practice of occupations and professions by military dependents, funding for the F-M Diversion Project, infrastructure funding, skilled workforce grants and various others. We continue to track legislation and advocate for our region through taking active stances as well as engaging with legislators through events like our recent Chamber Day at the Capitol.

MILITARY AFFAIRS SPONSORS

Beverage

WHOLESALERS, INC.

PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM SPONSORS

Agribusiness Update Members of our Agribusiness Committee attended the 2019 Northern Corn and Soybean Expo in February. Attendees had a chance to hear from industry experts as well as network with other producers and industry professionals. Main topics included the changing face of agriculture, international trade, global market trends, insects diseases and soil, water management, DTN weather and various speaker panels. Our committee attended this expo in place of our February meeting and we look forward to attending again next year.

AGRIBUSINESS SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Eventide Senior Living Communities

FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 9

SAVE THE DATE

Save the date for

MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT AT THE REDHAWKS

TREAT your TEAM! Wednesday, April 24 Stay tuned for locations and details! Proceeds benefit the Young Entrepreneurs Academy

Tuesday, June 18 | Newman Outdoor Field Stay tuned for details on this year’s plans!

Join us in celebrating those who make the workplace easier and more organized. Treat your staff to lunch at the annual Treat Your Team Luncheon on Administrative Professionals Day. Enjoy

great food and a relaxing atmosphere, without the wait!

PRINT, PROMOTE & PROPEL

That’s what we do for you! J & M Printing has been helping clients for over 50 years and we are ready to do the same for you. Call up Rich to get ideas, get a quote and propel your business!

CONNECT FOR A QUOTE! JMPRINT.NET

Rich Maras rmaras@jmprint.net 701-730-1623

4666 Amber Valley Parkway Fargo, ND 58104

PRINTING

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

MAILING SERVICES

GRAPHIC DESIGN

SIGNAGE & BANNERS A Top 400 U.S. Printing Company for 2015, 2016 & 2017 in Printing Impressions

10 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR

About the POC committee

Alexandre Cyusa

International Sales and Communication Associate, Fargo Jet Center

Alexandre moved to Fargo from Kigali (Rwanda) in 2010 and has been a strong advocate for the FMWF community.

“

I am in POC because I want to celebrate other professionals of color that have been part and contributed to the vibrancy of this community. I want to be a resource to the HR individuals of major corporations in the area in their global efforts for recruiting world-class talent to the area. I want to have a support system where we can help each other navigate with prowess our respective industries.

”

Farhiyo Abdulkarim

Diversity Coordinator for Programs and Cohort Support, Concordia College

Farhiyo grew up in Fargo and recently returned to the FMWF area after spending time in Minneapolis and in Northern California.

“

I believe that this program will create a space for professionals of color and leaders in the civic and business sector to talk about challenges and create innovative solutions together. It allows professionals like myself to connect with other professionals and provides us a collective opportunity to experience, support and create a new narrative that infuses our diverse stories and contributions into shifting conversations beyond inclusion in how we work and live in the area.

”

For questions, contact Alyssa at 218.359.0529 or aralston@fmwfchamber.com. PRESENTING SPONSOR

PROGRAM SPONSOR

FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 11

#FMWFPOC

The Professionals of Color committee steers the programming that POC will provide its members. Meet two of the members helping POC provide beneficial programming to our members.

CHAMBER NEWS

It’s here! New Chamber website is now live! By the time you’re reading this, the all-new fmwfchamber.com should be live! We invite you to visit our new website and check out upcoming events, community statistics, membership and volunteer information, Chamber news and articles, and more. What this means for you is a better web experience, as our new site has more functions and features, is mobile responsive, and allows you more control of your information. We have also migrated to a new database called Chamber Master. Members can create accounts to update their information that is stored in our database and update your business name, address, logos, add staff members, and more. We’ll soon be debuting new features in your member-only portal to share deals, enhance your listing with photos and video, and more. Visit the site now to start exploring and look for the article on how to do things such as register for events, pay an invoice and update your company profile. Got any questions or find a glitch? Let us know at 218.233.1100.

CALL FOR PRESENTERS

ISO: Big Ideas

We want to hear from you! If you want to take the stage and share your professional knowledge, tips & tricks, or inspirational message, please consider applying as a presenter for The Chamber’s Business Training or Women Connect series. Planning for our next fiscal year’s events begins soon. Apply beginning May 1 at fmwfchamber.com.

12 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

#ChamberChoice19

AWARDS LUNCHEON Friday, May 17 | Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Delta by Marriott

You don’t want to miss the event of the year and be among our local stars! Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of local businesses and entrepreneurs at this year’s awards luncheon. Watch the Bridge next month to find out which businesses became candidates, and stop in the luncheon to see who takes home the honors.

What have attendees said about ChamberChoice? “One of my favorite events the Chamber host all year.” “A great way to celebrate the impact of businesses and nonprofits in this community. A very well put together event.” “Emcee is hilarious! Food was spectacular.”

Emcee James Cunningham Returns! Always a crowd favorite, comedian and author James Cunningham returns once again to deliver his quick-witted jokes and announce our winners. Cunningham has performed at the Just for Laughs comedy festival, has had two stand-up specials on CTV and the Comedy Network, has appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and serves as writer and actor on Comedy Inc. in Canada. He currently hosts the Food Network and Cooking Channel series, Eat St.

Plus, special guests! YEA! students will be in the lobby to share more about their businesses. Make sure to visit with these young entrepreneurs and learn about their exciting ventures.

To register, visit fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100.

PRESENTED BY

FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 13

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

#FMWFBAH

Thursday, April 18 | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Delta by Marriott

Why register? •• Enjoy two free drinks with your registration •• Enter to win door prizes from vendors •• Network and make new connections •• Snack on apps and visit the cash bar •• Support and learn about other

Chamber members •• Relax in the casual environment after work and end your day on a great note

What prizes are up for grabs? •• Restaurant gift cards •• Free children’s birthday party for 10 •• Rachel Hollis Start Today journal •• $100 gift certificates •• So much swag!

SPONSORED BY

vent 25/e ll 4 $ 90/a Since 1991

BUSINESS TRAINING Wednesday, March 13

Wednesday, April 10

The Culture of Meeting

Coaching for Success

Rachel Asleson

Jill Berg

Co-owner Reach Partners

President/Owner Spherion Staffing

ReachRachelA

askjill_berg

How many meetings are truly effective? And how many meetings are too long, get hijacked, leave people thinking “why was I here?” or seem to be the same meeting over and over? The price of bad meetings is beyond financial. Consider the cultural cost of dissatisfied, unproductive employees, plus time wasted and failing to meet expectations of clients or partners. Before your next meeting, learn how to influence a meeting’s success when you’re leading or participating. With deliberate planning and strategies, every meeting is an effective communication tool to engage a group in a specific dialogue and directed outcome. Learn to make your face-to-face meetings effective every time you and your organization bring people together to get work done. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton & West Fargo Conference Center

REGISTRATION (includes lunch)

Giving and receiving feedback is paramount for accountability and transparency within an organization. Whether you are a co-worker, peer, team lead, supervisor or manager, coaching up, down and across the organization can lead to a culture of open, transparent communication. Coaching to the other person’s strengths is more effective and produces better results. Attendees at this session will learn the importance of transparency, accountability and communication as it relates to giving and receiving feedback. Coaching is an effective method to build your human bank account within an organization. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Delta by Marriott

• Chamber members: $30 in advance | $35 at the door • Non-members: $40 in advance | $45 at the door

HIGHLIGHTS from last month

PROGRAM SPONSORS

#FMWFTraining

Just before Valentine’s Day, Tamara Anderson, VP and team performance strategist at Dale Carnegie of ND & MN, talked to our training attendees about successful sales strategies. Even in a digital age, sales is all about relationships, and here we learned the ins and outs of the consultative approach.

EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR

Solutions to support a growing region

mooreengineeringinc.com

MEETINGS MADE SIMPLE At Four Points by Sheraton Fargo, we offer meeting space for up to 100 attendees*, on-site catering, and wall mounted TV with HDMI connection. Everything you need to make your meeting simple. BOOK MEETING SPACE TODAY! CALL 701 364 0000 Four Points by Sheraton Fargo 5064 23rd Avenue South | Fargo, ND 58104 701 364 0000 | www.fourpoints.com/fargo *Number of attendees depends on desired seating style.

16 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

CARE

LIKE NOWHERE ELSE

WOMEN CONNECT Tuesday, March 26

Re-engaging after Loss or Hardship: How to Get Your Groove Back Tami Norgard Attorney Vogel Law Firm

Tuesday, April 23

Work-Life Fusion

Jade Rosenfeldt

Dana Haagenson

Attorney Vogel Law Firm

Have you ever faced a life-altering event, only to return to work struggling to handle the difficulties of becoming reengaged in the aftermath? Whether a significant death in your family, divorce, financial devastation, with an illness or something else, the fact is that life-altering events can cause attention and productivity to go significantly off-track, which provides challenges for both the employee and employer. Presenters at this session will share their own challenges reengaging after hardships and how they got their grooves back. Learn strategies to cut yourself some slack and regain focus. Employers will also learn how to be aware of productivity issues after an employee suffers a setback. Please consider bringing wash cloths, dish towels or kitchen utensils to donate to Lakes & Prairies Community Partnership. 3:30 to 5 p.m. | Social 5 to 6 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton & West Fargo Conference Center

HR and Accounting Instructor Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Should we feel guilty when we check work email during family time? Are we cheating our company when we text our kids during the workday? With technology that connects all aspects of our lives and different expectations from multiple generations in the workplace, it is harder than ever to separate our personal and professional lives and achieve the balance we’ve all been striving for. Perhaps we should stop trying to achieve perfect balance and strive for a healthy fusion instead. In this session, we’ll introduce the concept of work-life fusion and discuss practical ways to find and maintain the right fusion in your life. Learn to differentiate between work-life balance and worklife fusion, articulate aspects of your roles that build energy and areas that drain energy, and how to create an individual approach to infuse more energy builders into your day. 3:30 to 5 p.m. | Social 5 to 6 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton & West Fargo Conference Center

REGISTRATION Chamber members: $25 in advance | $30 at the door Non-members: $35 in advance | $40 at the door Register at fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

#FMWFWC

Set goals for the new year, and let Rachel Hollis help! Her words of wisdom have swept the nation. Now, the Start Today journal, is available for purchase, and we have copies! Snag yours at fmwfchamber.com!

PROGRAM SPONSORS

EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR

Talk on trends, tech at Economic Outlook Forum Growth was a theme at this year’s Economic Outlook Forum, as 500 attendees learned what’s happening around both our state and nation.

Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric, and Scott Green, Starion Bank, offered comments from their industries as sponsors and served as emcees. Joe Morrissette, ND’s OMB director, shared a look at the state economy, noting a remarkable shift over the last 10 years, with economic output almost doubling, and agriculture and mining sectors growing, as well as the GDP. He noted how the state’s oil boom affected our economy over the past decade and just how strong it made us, saying that if North Dakota was a country, we would be in the top 12. He also shared a look at the state’s budget priorities, which include better forecasting practices, limiting growth in ongoing spending, balancing revenues and expenses, using the Legacy Fund for one-time investments with lasting impact, and restoring the state savings account. Rich Karlgaard took the stage for a keynote address about recent national trends and how technology has shaped economics. He believes that growth will slow to about 2% in 2019 due to bad weather across the board and

18 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

the government shutdown. He also offered commentary on national debt, interest rates and other current events. “This isn’t catastrophically bad news,” he said, “but a slow down from where we were, and a better rate of growth from where we were.” He then took a look at digital transformations in businesses, talking about a new engine of disruption that includes the rapid rate of improvement in data, computing and AI. This can actually help businesses harness their own growth and transform to stay competitive. “If you’re getting smarter at a slower rate than your competitors, it doesn’t take many years for the gap to widen and suddenly you’re in a bad position,” he said. “We’re in the beginning years of a transformation. All parts of the economy, all industries, are getting smarter, but at variable rates.” To succeed, Karlgaard says companies must be adaptable and digitally fluent, and CEOs must have strategy, execution, values and trust. To view Joe’s slides, visit The Chamber blog. PRESENTING SPONSORS

2019 CHAMBER CHALLENGE

Golf Outing Wednesday, July 17

12:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Edgewood Golf Course

Get ready for the green! This summer’s annual golf tournament for Chamber members is back. A sold-out event the last six years, you won’t want to wait to miss out. Registration is now open at fmwfchamber.com.

INDIVIDUAL RATES

Don’t have a team of four? Register as an individual and we can pair you up with other players. It’s a great way to build relationships and your network. On or before June 2 $120 Per Golfer-Chamber Member $150 Non-Members After June 2 $145 Per Golfer-Chamber Member $175 Non-Members

TEAM RATES

Get your clients, co-workers and friends together and network the afternoon away on the golf course with a four-person team.

#FMWFGolf Entry fee includes 18 holes of golf; cart; food and drinks provided by sponsors on the course; 19th Hole Happy Hour Social; on-course contests and giveaways from sponsors. Awards will given for men’s and women’s team best score, and individual prizes for closest to the pin Then stick around for the 19th Hole Happy Hour Social at the clubhouse after the tournament! LEADERBOARD SPONSOR

On or before June 2 $460 Foursome-Chamber Members $600 Non-Members After June 2 $560 Foursome-Chamber Members $700 Non-Members

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For information, contact Darren at 218.359.0514 or ddunlop@fmwfchamber.com.

FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 19

LEADERSHIP

Leadership class visits Bismarck

In February, members of the Leadership class joined Chamber members for our 2019 North Dakota Chamber Day at the Capitol. Upon arrival in Bismarck, our attendees had the opportunity to tour the Capitol building as well as sit in on committee hearings, getting an up close view of the legislative process. The Leadership participants observed as citizens testified in front of various Senate and House committees in support and opposition of an assortment of bills. Our participants then had the opportunity to sit with members of the Senate and House as guests for floor session, where the legislators took action on a plethora of bills. Thank you to all of our local legislators who let our participants join them and learn about the legislative process.

Following our time observing floor session, we rejoined the Chamber group to meet with Governor Doug Burgum, Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner and House Minority Leader Josh Boschee. These individuals gave updates of key legislation pertaining to our region as well as spoke to personal experiences in their various leadership roles.

Apply for the next class! LFMWF is centered on cultivating 40 leaders each year through community exploration and leadership development. The program is designed to expose existing and emerging community leaders to the issues that face our region while engaging participants to strengthen themselves in addition to the community through personal development and civic engagement. LFMWF strives to provide a broad experience to participants by covering topics like education, the non-profit landscape, city planning, innovation, entrepreneurship, communication, leadership skills development, legislative issues and much more. Whether you are in a current leadership position, or are looking to prepare for leadership opportunities in the future, this program is for you.

Applications open on April 1 at fmwfchamber.com.

PROGRAM SPONSORS

20 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

SUPPORTING SPONSOR Midwest Radio of FM

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK New Member Social Tuesday, March 19 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. BLVD Pub 3147 Bluestem Drive West Fargo Free | Registration required

New to 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. Don’t forget to stick around for Off the Clock immediately afterward.

Off the Clock Tuesday, March 19 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. BLVD Pub 3147 Bluestem Drive West Fargo

THIS MONTH’S SPONSOR

Join YPN for our monthly networking happy hour at BLVD Pub! Network with other young professionals while checking out one of West Fargo’s great food and beverage establishments. As always, drinks are on your own, apps are on us and networking is free (don’t forget your business cards)!

Volunteer at Corporate Cup! Didn’t get a team this year but still want to be involved with Corporate Cup? Feel like you have what it takes to keep those volleyball players in line, our human crossword puzzlers honest or keep our event scores up to date? Email Alyssa at aralston@fmwfchamber.com to volunteer for this awesome event!

*Must be 21 to attend the Off the Clock Networking Social*

One to Watch Spotlight:

Celine Francisco

Celine Francisco Business Banking Credit and Relationship Program Analyst Wells Fargo Bank YPN Professional Development Chair

#FMWFYPN

Celine started her career with Wells Fargo in 2016 as a business banking intern and began a two-year Business Banking Credit and Relationship training program in 2017. Her current role is a combination of credit underwriting and relationship building. From analyzing credit requests to meeting remarkable business owners and community members, she enjoys the getting the opportunity to get to know and help individuals achieve their financial Celine at Beans Coffee Bar at YPN’s first Morning Buzz event. goals and connect them with the network in the FMWF area. Celine feels that YPN is important because it offers exposure to new opportunities to develop and grow with an amazing community of young professionals. In addition to serving as YPN’s Professional Development Chair, Celine is involved with NDSU Business Connections and Coffee + Conversation. She is also excited to help with BIO Girls’ first annual gala, You Be You, this April. Celine enjoys living an active lifestyle and has running one for the Fargo Marathon events as one of her goals for 2019. Her favorite part of living in the Know a great young professional? FMWF community is the people. As a native of Duluth, the Nominate your own One to Watch welcoming “Midwest nice” persona has been and always will at fmwfchamber.com/YPN. be something she is proud to be a part of.

PROGRAM SPONSORS

FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 21

YOU’RE INVITED!

Investor Panel Shark Tank

Tuesday, March 19 | 5:30 p.m. Minnesota State University Moorhead - Gaede Stage The 2018-19 Young Entrepreneurs Academy class invites you to the Investor Panel Shark Tank! Be the first to learn about the businesses these bright students have developed and vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice award as the investors decide who will advance to the national YEA! Saunders Scholars Competition. We promise you’ll be impressed by these young entrepreneurs, their big ideas and their plans for bringing them to life!

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated. Save your seat today at fmwfchamber.com.

YEA!

graduates share entrepreneurship experience

We continue to be impressed by the students who have participated in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy throughout the last four years. Last month, two of our 2018 YEA! graduates, Amber Brekhus and Abril Arce, organized an entrepreneurship day for area students. Throughout the course of the day, they led the participants through the steps of starting a business, and invited entrepreneurs to share their stories and advice. Included in their lineup of guest speakers, was their YEA! classmate, Zoe Bundy who spoke about how being a young entrepreneur has enabled her share her mission of encouraging more girls to get involved in STEM, through her program, Brainy Ladies.

22 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

YEA!: YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY

YEA!

students ready to seek investment #FMWFYEA

After months of hard work and preparation, the YEA! students are ready to jump into the shark tank! This year, we have nine businesses that have been developed through our program with a handful ready to launch as soon as they have funding from our investor panel. This year’s business ideas include everything from innovative tech products and vacuum repair to apparel, lawn care, a bakery and more! As always, the students will have just five minutes to pitch their ideas before fielding questions from the investors, who will then determine how much funding to award to each venture. One student will also be selected to advance to the YEA! National Saunders Scholars competition in New York later this spring.

YEA! students getting silly practicing their photoshoot skills to promote the event

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PROGRAM SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Friends of YEA! American Crystal Sugar | Dabbert Custom Homes Office Sign Company

FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 23

Cornerstone Bank welcomes Kristine Melby

Kristine Melby has joined the Cornerstone Bank team as the Senior Vice President of Business Development. Kristine works with businesses from across the Dakotas to help them reach their ďŹ nancial goals. She brings 20 years of banking and business expertise.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

M State is a comprehensive public two-year college in Minnesota that serves more than 8,000 students in credit courses each year in more than 70 career and liberal arts programs online and at its four campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena. M State listens to the needs of business and industry in the region and through its Workforce Development Solutions division creates training designed to meet those needs for over 6,000 incumbent workers annually. —Dr. Carrie Brimhall, President

What makes your organization unique? That can best be found in our mission statement: We specialize in affordable and exceptional education, service, and workforce training. We welcome all students and engage them in shaping their futures and their communities. We serve 43 Minnesota high schools in helping more than 2,000 students annually to start earning college credits before they graduate high school. Students from age 13 to age 80 find M State an affordable and quality education in preparation for either successful transfer to a four-year institution or successful employment in their chosen career fields. Among M State graduates headed directly into the workforce in the past five years, an amazing 96% found jobs in Minnesota and North Dakota related to their field of study. Finally, our Workforce Development Solutions division provides more than 100,000 hours of training each year to over 6,000 workers, strengthening our region’s business base and improving the career prospects of those workers. M State does all that.

What do you like most about being a member of The Chamber? It validates our status as a willing partner and helps us keep on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends within the larger community.

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

What is one thing you most want others to know about you?

We have many focused initiatives. We’re improving student success through earlier engagement with first-time students and creating new roadmaps for developmental education. We’re looking to inspire and support each other in professional development that strengthens our capacity for equitable and inclusive interactions, policies and procedures. We’re also invigorated by efforts to grow our many partnerships with regional high schools, business and industry and other organizations in ways that help us most effectively deliver on our mission of shaping futures and communities through education and service.

I am passionate in my belief in the talents of M State students, faculty and staff. It’s the main reason M State is as strong as it is and why other Chamber members should know that we’re poised to be responsive.

What do you like best about doing business in Fargo Moorhead West Fargo? I admire the ways in which FMWF business, industry and community leaders come together to discuss challenges and identify opportunities to partner toward furthering the quality of life in our communities. It is no small task bringing change agents from multiple municipalities and organizations to the table across neighboring states, let alone having positive outcomes as a result. There is a synergy to this region’s competitors and collaborators all working toward loftier and more common goals. People approach collaboration in genuine ways, trying to make the region even stronger. It is refreshing and we are so grateful to be a part of it.

Fast Facts TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 500

YEAR FOUNDED: 2003 as M State

OFFICE LOCATIONS: Moorhead, Detroit Lakes,Fergus Falls and Wadena LEADERSHIP: • Dr. Carrie Brimhall, President • Mary Johnson, Interim Chief Academic Officer • Pat Nordick, Chief Financial Officer • Dacia Johnson, Chief Human Resource Officer RECENT AWARDS: 2018: Automotive Technology, Health Information Technology, Human Resources, Information Technology, Paralegal, Pharmacy Technology and Practical Nursing programs all ranked between #2 and #13 in the country by a variety of studies from BestColleges.com to the Washington Monthly. 2018: Newsweek, as the Number 6 Best Community College in the U.S. based on WalletHub’s study on affordability and quality. 2017: Aspen Institute, Top 150 Community Colleges in the nation (fourth consecutive year).

FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 25

NEW MEMBERS We welcome the following businesses who have invested by joining The Chamber. We encourage all members to conduct business with each other. When you do, let them know you learned of their business through The Chamber!

Combined Asset Management, LLC

MEBULBS

701.491.7977

mebulbs.com

Real Estate ‑ Property Management

Lighting ‑ Retail & Wholesale

Property holding company with houses for sale or rent and land for development or sale.

MEBULBS, a leader in energy saving, high quality, long life lighting, products with highly trained sales representatives with extensive experiences and strong work ethic. MEBULBS has a great work environment.

Eco Chic Home iloveecochic.com Furniture ‑ Home E co Chic Home is a locally owned home decor & furniture

Midwest Moving Company, LLC m idwestmovingcomp.com

boutique specializing in the modern farmhouse look, with a strong belief in exceptional customer service and quality goods such as rugs, pillows, furniture, home decor and specialty gifts. Eco Chic Home also does home staging for home builders.

oving ‑ Storage M Midwest Moving Company, LLC provides residential and commercial in town and long-distance moving services.

Fargo Lions Club

northlandvapor.com

e‑clubhouse.org/sites/fargond

Retail ‑ Stores/Ecommerce

Clubs & Organizations The Fargo Lions Club is a service club celebrating its 97th year

of service since 2018. The club meets every Monday at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Fargo and raises funds to assist individuals in the Fargo/Moorhead area with sight‑related needs and multiple local non‑profit organizations.

Gasper’s School of Dance ‑ South gaspersschoolofdance.com/south Dance ‑ Instruction

GSD provides the FM community area with dance and theatrical training of the highest quality in healthy, nurturing and passionate environment, where you can grow as a performing artist. Classes are held at their downtown state‑of‑the‑art location, as well as south Fargo studio on Veterans Blvd.

Gordy’s Inc gordysservicecenter.com Convenience Stores

Convenience store, 24‑hour pay at the pump, touchless car wash, service center which includes towing, complete automobile servicing, and engine maintenance with bulk gas & fuel delivery.

Limelight Builders limelightfargo.com Home Builders

Limelight Builders has the passion for building custom homes in the Fargo/West Fargo area. By living in a Limelight, YOU are in the spotlight. They are all unique, and so are their homes. They offer a fresh perspective, an aptitude for learning and dedication to our relationships. Let them build your universal dream.

26 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

Northland Vapor Company They are a retail vape shop and this is our third location that they are opening. They sell several different things such as a large array of CBD products, vapor products to get people off cigarettes, candles and much more.

Nothing Bundt Cakes nothingbundtcakes.com Bakeries

From “Happy Birthday” to “Just Because,” nothing says it sweeter than a Nothing Bundt Cake. Choose from 10 delicious flavors, each crowned with a signature cream cheese frosting.

ONESCO (701) 306‑1979 Financial Services

Financial Advisor working with high net worth/high income clients for over 30 years. Business focus has been working with clients involved with professional hockey.

Raboin Realty raboinrealty.com Real Estate

They are your local guide to “The Next Level” of real estate. Their mission is to elevate the real estate experience by mentoring their agents, empowering our clients and increasing awareness for charity partners. Established in March 2018, Raboin Realty has been an instant success!

Run Around Events runaroundevents.com Event & Meeting Planning

Run Around Events is an event management & promotion company. Established in 2012, RAE created and directs the Essentia Health Go Far Woman women’s only run, bringing in over women from 38 states and three countries into our community—among other races. RAE has donated over $60,000 to our community!

MEMBER NEWS: COMPANIES Want to find all our members? Search our online directory at fmwfchamber.com.

Two Men and A Truck twomenandatruck.com Moving ‑ Storage

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the fastest growing franchised moving company in the country and offers comprehensive relocation and packing services. Their goal is to exceed customer’s expectations by customizing our moving services to specific needs. They move apartments, condos, homes and businesses.

Urban Foods Catering urbanfoodscatering.com Caterers

Urban Foods Catering is proud to provide top quality, affordable catering to the FM area. All of their catering services are tailored to suit your brand, business and vision. Lasting relationships with clients, professionalism and dedication to quality and consistency are their top priority!

Virtuoso Leidholm Consulting VLCFargo.com Marketing Services

A boutique agency that creates customized strategies with an eye for technical SEO, paid media, content marketing, social strategies, comprehensive reporting and omnichannel marketing.

Washington National Insurance Company (605) 759‑7969 Insurance

At Washington National, they are dedicated to serving the needs of Americans who want to protect the health and wellbeing of themselves and loved ones through supplemental health and life insurance products.

LEARN SMARTER. EARN FASTER.

Choice Bank was awarded the Director’s Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration for being a top SBA lender in North Dakota throughout 2018 (SBA’s fiscal year October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018). The Director’s Award is given each year to recognize institutions that help small businesses succeed through SBA financing. This year Choice was responsible for 15 of the 169 7(a) SBA loans that were guaranteed in North Dakota, totaling $3.4 million. Edward Jones was named one of America’s best employers for diversity by Forbes magazine, according to 28 Edward Jones financial advisors in Dilworth, Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. The firm is the highest-ranking full-service financial services firm on the list of 500 companies from all industries. For the second consecutive year, Forbes magazine and research firm Statista surveyed 50,000 employees from a broad range of companies asking about issues related to diversity, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and disability. The diversity of companies’ management teams and boards and whether a company actively communicates about diversity, also were factored into the ranking. Edward Jones ranked No. 65 overall. First International Insurance announced the acquisition of Moorhead insurance agency, Johnson & Johnson Insurance. “We are excited to have the employees of Johnson & Johnson join the First International Insurance family,” says Daniel Toy, VP/Director of Insurance. Clients of Johnson & Johnson Insurance can expect a seamless transition. Their relationships with their existing agents will remain in place and they will continue to offer commercial and personal insurance with expert service at the insurance office, located at 1730 30th Avenue South in Moorhead Marco announced that it has purchased Enterprise Systems Group (ESG), a business IT services company headquartered in Little Chute, Wisconsin. ESG has been providing its clients with technology solutions since 1992. The company has 75 employees. This is Marco’s seventh acquisition in the past year. Western State Bank will open a new full-service bank in Mesa, Arizona, during the first quarter of 2019. The Mesa bank will be Western’s sixth Arizona location in addition to its three banks in North Dakota.

College Classes ■ Workforce Training ■ Facility Rental Want to see your news here? Know of a Chamber NDSCS.EDU/FARGO

1305 19th Ave. N. • 701-231-6900

FARGO

member with news worth sharing? Tell us about it at thebridge@fmwfchamber.com. For info and rules, visit fmwfchamber.com/member-news.

FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 27

MEMBERS NEWS: PEOPLE Alerus

Michael S. Mathews, Board of Directors

Allegro Group

Lisa Newenhouse, Project Assistant

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

Tracy Farahmand, Manager of Contract and Product Services

MATTHEWS

NEWENHOUSE

FARAHMAND

LINDEMAN

STREGE

McCAMY

BERG

COOK

HOWARD

JOHNSON

Braun Intertec

Corey Lindeman, Staff Engineer

Capital Credit Union

Kevin Strege, Chief Lending Officer

Conmy Feste Ltd.

Ryan C. McCamy, Shareholder

Epic Companies

Joe Berg, Part-Time Leasing Agent John Cook, Maintenance Technician Jacob Dissmore, Graphics and Marketing Amy Hass, Senior Vice President Cole Howard, Maintenance Technician Lance Johnson, Vice President of Events Bill Leier, VP of Investor and Corporation Relations McKenzy Olson, VP of Marketing and Public Relations Josh Ottesen, Maintenance Manager Megan Sundet-Plankers, Leasing Manager Kara Thiessen, Leasing Agent

DISSMORE

HASS

Essentia Health-Casselton

Rachel Faleide, CNP

Eventide Senior Living Communities

Peter Bushaw, VP of Information Technology Carrie Carney, VP of Marketing and Communications Melissa Heesch, Chief Operating Officer Stacey Honeyman, VP of Finance and Budget Janelle Klinke, Chief People Officer Darin Ohe, Chief Financial Officer Katja Olson, VP of Clinical Services

LEIER

OTTESEN

FALEIDE

OLSON

BUSHAW

CARNEY

THIESSEN

HEESCH

Want to see your news here? Email your announcement to thebridge@fmwfchamber.com. Find the criteria and guidelines at fmwfchamber.com/member-news.

HONEYMAN 28 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

KLINKE

OHE

OLSON

MEMBER NEWS: PEOPLE First International Insurance

Dave Silewski, Insurance Agent

Great Plains Food Bank

Kelly Foss, Community Engagement Manager Taylor Syvertson, Ending Hunger 2.0 Impact Manager SILEWSKI

FOSS

SYVERTSON

CLAUSON

iDIGITAL

Taylor Clauson, Account Executive

KW Inspire

Matthew Nelson, Realtor Jennifer Rein, Realtor

Onsharp

Melvin Whitney, Client Success Manager NELSON

WHITNEY

REIN

KNUTSON

ROERS

Heidi Knutson, Marketing Manager David Wood, Construction Executive

Sanford Health

Julie Jarvis, D.O., Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Behzad Sabit, M.D., Neurosurgery Enrique Tobias, M.D., Family Medicine Parth Vyas, M.D., Orthopedic Surgery

WOOD

JARVIS

SABIT

TOBIAS

Town & Country Credit Union Roseann Lund, Senior Vice President, Director of Mortgage

Western Products, Inc.

Jana Punt, Graphic Designer/LFP Chris Sanders, Machine Technician

Western State Bank VYAS

LUND

PUNT

SANDERS

Jace Greene, Retail Banking Manager Kayla Kelly, Bank Operations - CSR Support

Widmer Roel

Renelle Allmaras, Staff Accountant Jennifer Kilber, Staff Accountant Seth Serhienko, Audit Supervisor

GREENE

KELLY

OTHER NEWS ALLMARAS

KILBER

Ellen Schafer of Bismarck has been appointed to the AARP North Dakota Executive Council, and Dr. Michael Worner of Fargo has been reappointed to the Executive Council for a second two-year term. Peter D. Welte, a partner with Vogel Law Firm, has been nominated by Donald J. Trump to serve as District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota.

SERHIENKO FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 29

CELEBRATIONS: JANUARY RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUNDBREAKINGS

TAK Music Venue Grand opening 1710 Center Avenue, Dilworth takmusicvenue.com

Want your own ribbon cutting? We want to help your business celebrate its important milestones! Chamber ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings are available FREE to any member business. If you have opened your doors within the past year, changed ownership, relocated, remodeled, expanded or are celebrating a milestone anniversary, we would love to help commemorate the occasion.

For more information or to schedule, contact Mickayla at 218.359.0517 or mthompson@fmwfchamber.com, or fill out the form at bit.ly/FMWFRCRequest. *One ribbon cutting per year per member

Business solutions to improve performance and productivity. Check Out the Affinity Plan, available only to FMWF Chamber Members! • Employee Assistance Program • Workplace Trainings • Consulting Services • Crisis Management Services

www.TheVBI.com • 800-627-8220 30 THE BRIDGE • MARCH 2019

Thomsen Homes Remodel 3280 Veterans Boulevard Suite 120, Fargo thomsenhomesllc.com

SmartHub The POWER of

Use SmartHub on a desktop or mobile app to: • Pay your bill • View energy usage • Compare usage • Access the outage viewer

• Report a power outage • Manage paperless billing settings • Manage account settings

Download SmartHub in your app store to take control of your account today!

Banking made easy

Starion Bank welcomes

Ronda Hahn Sales & Service Manager

Ronda Hahn has joined Starion Bank and can help you find the right checking, savings and loan solutions to meet your needs. Ronda brings a personalized approach, providing recommendations to help you reach your goals. 701-277-7905 | RondaH@starionbank.com

Member FDIC

Four-Color Printing Specialized Coatings Foil & Embossing Die Cutting

Fulfillment Center Variable Data Printing Direct Mailing Service I-printNow Storefront

Fargo, ND 58103 USA ph: 701.235.1121 knightprinting.com

FMWFCHAMBER.COM • 31

BRIDGE THE

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

Together,

We Can Do More. The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce fmwfchamber.com