The Bridge March 2015 by The FMWF Chamber of Commerce

Bridge March 2015 | Vol 18 | No. 7

the

THREE TIMES AS CHARMING JAMES CUNNINGHAM BACK TO EMCEE CHAMBERCHOICE AWARDS

Enjoy Super Time at Chamber Challenge

March and April Eggs & Issues Set

Women Connect: Go from No to Yes When Pitching Ideas

Board of Directors Doug Restemayer Jon Riewer Judd Graham Bernie Dardis Chuck Driscoll Thomas Astrup Kyle Dorow Jodi Duncan Don Gronke Katie Hasbargen Peggy Kennedy Norm Leslie Kathy Lewin Paul Richard Steve Swiontek Jeff Volk

Chamber Staff

Craig Whitney Jim Parsons Julie Doggett Darren Dunlop Samantha Gust Tracy Meckler Gail Petersen Elly Peterson Tracy Powell Bobbi Jo Rehder Kaylyn Stroh Danielle Teigen Mickayla Thompson Julie Yourczek

D-S Beverages, Inc. Chair of the Board Eventide Senior Living Communities Chair Elect Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Treasurer Indigo Signworks Immediate Past Chair Red River Refrigeration, Inc. Member at Large American Crystal Sugar Company Essentia Health Flint Communications, Inc. State Farm Insurance Microsoft Minnesota State Community and Technical College National Hospitality Services City of West Fargo Sanford Health Gate City Bank Moore Engineerig, Inc.

President/CEO Vice President of Finance/Operations Information Systems Administrator Business Development Manager Professional Development Coordinator Membership Sales Manager Membership Relations Coordinator Government Affairs and Advocacy Coordinator Director of Events & Programs Events Coordinator Publications & Program Marketing Coordinator Communications & Marketing Manager Administrative Services Coordinator Administrative Support Coordinator

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.

In this Issue

8 12 15 27 36

Message to Members

At our State of the Cities event in January, we polled our audience members on the number one issue affecting the FMWF region that city leaders should address, and 40 percent responded with workforce while 36 percent responded with comprehensive flood protection. While we recognize the importance of workforce development, I want to make it perfectly clear that the diversion is just as significant.

We hear about workforce challenges nearly every day, so we were not surprised by the result of the poll, to which 200 audience members responded. The issue has been newsworthy for several years now, and our collaboration with other organizations to conduct a regional workforce development study is a testament to its prominence in our thriving metro. What may not be as visible to people is what’s happening with the diversion; you may see construction on flood projects downtown, and while those are part of the federal diversion project, the bulk of the diversion has yet to begin. Once ground is broken on the diversion channel, it will likely take 8-10 years to build. Ground-breaking will begin as soon as this fall. In the meantime, The Chamber’s Business Leaders for Permanent Flood Protection Task Force, which was organized more than two years ago with the explicit purpose of lobbying the legislature for support, is back at work. The group has been meeting and has sent representatives to Bismarck already to gather continued support for the diversion project. The diversion is one of two priorities for The Chamber this year. Just like workforce development, it is a regional issue that affects businesses in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. While workforce may have edged out comprehensive flood protection in our State of the Cities poll by a few percentage points, it doesn’t diminish the importance of the diversion even a little. Thank you for your membership,

Military Affairs

Committee Chair Profile: Brian Shawn

Business Training

Save yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.

Craig Whitney President/CEO The Chamber

Women Connect

Learn how to develop more productive relationships with women.

Member Profile

BioLife saves lives through plasma donation.

Chamber Events

2 | March 2015

Vision

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

2015

ChamberChoice luncheon May 19, 2015 Noon to 1:30 p.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center

James Cunningham, Master of Ceremonies Join us for an afternoon with the stars! The ChamberChoice Awards, presented by Dawson Insurance and Flint Communications, Inc., celebrates the success of local businesses and organizations and honors its contributions to our community’s economic growth. James Cunningham, an award-winning comedian and lecturer, and most recently, bestselling author, will serve as our master of ceremonies. Cunningham is hysterically quick-witted and will have you on the edge of your seat….and not just to hear who has won a ChamberChoice Award. In addition to serving as emcee for the ChamberChoice Awards Luncheon for three years in a row, his credits include two Gala performances at the world-famous Just for Laughs international comedy festival, two one-hour Comedy Now stand-up specials for CTV and The Comedy Network, two appearances on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, five consecutive years as a writer and actor on the awardwinning Canadian television series Comedy Inc. He can currently be seen hosting Eat St. on The Food Network in Canada, Cooking Channel in the United States and in dozens of countries around the world. Register at www.fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100.

#ChamberChoice15 Presented By

GOLF!

| Noon 5 1 y l u J , y Wednesda ry Club t n u o C w o Oxb

Calling all Superheros and Villians! Each year our Facebook followers get to select the theme for the annual golf tournament and this year’s winning theme was Superheros and Villians. Teams and sponsors are invited to participate in the theme but it is not required. Registration is now open, so shake off the winter blues and get registered. Golfers may register as a foursome or as individuals. Spots are filling quickly so make sure to include this super-fun Chamber Challenge Golf Outing in your summer calendar! Individual Rates Don’t have a team of four? Register an individual and we can pair you up with other players. It’s a great way to build relationships and your network.

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

On or before June 5 Chamber member: $115 General admission: $135

On or before June 5 Chamber members: $440 General admission: $520

After June 5 Chamber member: $140 General admission: $160

After June 5 Chamber members: $540 General admission: $620

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Leader Board Sponsor

4 | March 2015

Real. Simple. Results.

Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) as developed in the highly acclaimed book, “Traction” by Gino Wickman.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! NO! It’s the Helicopter Golf Ball Drop! Proceeds to benefit the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)

Buy a golf ball for a chance to win $1,000!

Individual Golf Ball Tickets - $5 5 Golf Balls - $20 12 Golf Balls - $50 For every ticket sold, a numbered golf ball will be placed randomly in a bucket and dropped from a helicopter between 6 and 6:30 p.m. while it hovers over the driving range at Oxbow Country Club. The first participant whose numbered golf ball goes into the hole or closest to the hole will win the grand prize of $1,000! The contestant who purchased the winning golf ball will be announced at the social. Raffle tickets can be purchased at The Chamber officeor by calling 218.233.1100. Participants will be assigned a numbered golf ball that corresponds to your purchase. You do not need to golf or be present to win. You can request information about how to purchase tickets online at www.fmwfchamber.com.

Sponsored by

YEA! is a year-long program that teaches middle and high school students how to start and run their own real businesses. The YEA! program puts students on a path to college and career success and enables students to transition successfully to adulthood; achieve higher financial literacy; develop business acumen; build character based on personal principles and values; connect to local business leaders and become involved in their communities and pursue their dreams by harnessing their creativity and energy.

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS + STRATEGIES turning ideas into action and action into results

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fmwfchamber.com | 5

Save the Date!

Thursday, May 21, 3:45 to 9 p.m. Minnesota State University Moorhead CORPORATE CUP

We need your help!

Not competing but still want to be part of the fun? Volunteer to get in on the Corporate Cup action! Contact Sam at sgust@fmwfchamber.com or 218.233.1000

Learn more and join the conversation at: www.facebook.com/fmwf.corpcup #FMWFCorpCup www.fmwfchamber.com/corporate_cup

Ambassadors, Volunteers and Members Make For Successful Operation Thank You Because of the generosity of our Chamber Ambassadors and volunteers from our member businesses, The Chamber had another successful “Operation Thank You.” More than 2,125 membership packets were assembled in under an hour, and our volunteers delivered those packets to our members. The Chamber extends a special thank you to Jenne Quarve from Granites Unlimited for delivering 121 packets! Brian Heger 702 Communications Natalie Silva Aevenia, Inc. Dan Doeden Alerus Financial Cindy Cole-Softing Altel - Alternative Telecom, Inc. Scot Hagen American Family Insurance - Brent Berg Agency, Inc. Brian Shawn American Red Cross - Red River Valley Chapter Char King AmericInn South 45th Street Natalie O’Brien Animal Health Clinic Jeannie Camarillo Anne Carlsen Center Jim Deutsch Artco Promotional Products, Inc. Lynn Hanson Artco Promotional Products, Inc. Shelly Larson Avenue Right Brian Kingsley Baymont Inn & Suites Billy Nustad Bell State Bank & Trust Sheila Bentz Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota Janelle Jamison BioLife Plasma Services Kayla Beehler BioLife Plasma Services Lorelle Olson Bremer Bank, N.A. John Mason Cambria Suites Brandon Geffre Coaches Choice Corporate and Athletic Apparel Deb Hersrud Concordia College Mark Hensrud Concordia College Jodi Buchholz DFC Consultants, Ltd. Ben Woessner Eide Bailly LLP Melinda Snider Enventis Cora Turner Fargo Sleep Inn & Suites Karen Harrington Fargo Sleep Inn & Suites Trevor Hopkins Fargo Sleep Inn & Suites Patty Mastel Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation Tom Cook Farmers Insurance Group - District Office Bryan McClean Farmers Insurance Group - McClean Family Kylie Seaberg Forum Communications Dawnette Rea Forum Communications Printing Kylie Seaberg Forum Communications Printing Jamie Odegaard FRSecure LLC Emmett Worth Gate City Bank Shane Brewer Gate City Bank - Corporate Office Drew Rheault Granites Unlimited Jenne Quarve Granites Unlimited Casey Cole Hilton Garden Inn Fargo Karl Benson Hilton Garden Inn Fargo Kristine Mutegi Hilton Garden Inn Fargo Mike Prekel Holiday Inn Fargo Mary Krage Indigo Signworks Jolynn Kaldor InterOffice Jay Schmallen Associate

Brenda Cornell Job Service North Dakota Lori Hager JPII Catholic Schools Network Kyle Reedstrom KLJ Neal Beitelspacher Lexstar Real Estate Services Heather McEwen Mengedoth Dental Mary Mengedoth-Brennan Mengedoth Dental Tate Stephens Midcontinent Communications Donn Groth Midwest Communications, Inc. dba Midwest Radio Fargo Moorhead Danny Fatland Minnesota State University Moorhead Taya Spelhaug NDSCS - Fargo Julie Halverson Newman Outdoor Advertising Jackie Williams Northern Plains Botanical Garden Society Patti Cosgriff Northwestern Bank, N.A. Neil Van Dam Northwestern Mutual Austen Schauer Park Christian School Randy Clark Park Co. Realtors at West Acres Nicole Birnbaum Radio FM Media Jill Carlson Rainbow International Restoration and Cleaning of Fargo Bob Sulkosky Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center Carol Johnson Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center Amber Nefzger RE/MAX Legacy Realty Kevin Struxness RealTruck.com Derek Drege Red River Financial Laura Ludwig Residence Inn by Marriott Rob Gramer RJ Energy Solutions LLC Erica Johnsrud Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley Jill Christopher Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley Mike Wickham Starion Financial Robby Lundbom Starion Financial Kevin Spaulding Summit Group Software Larry Olson Talent Productions Dena Bennett Thrivent Financial Steve Asche Thrivent Financial - Red River Financial Associates Lisa Koehmstedt Total Imaging Kathey Llewellyn TrinSpin Inc Lindsey Svir Valley Mortgage, Inc. Tammy Askew VISIONBank Tom Thompson Vocational Training Center Kriss Burns VOLT Workforce Solutions Joe Larson Waddell & Reed Financial Services Jan Monda Warner and Company Insurance Travis Riffey Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Jill Mattson Western State Bank

fmwfchamber.com | 7

Military Matters

es ad w t far he

Honoring Our Ser vice Mem b ers

Three years ago, The Chamber created what is known as the Honor Star program as a way for businesses and individuals to say thank you to the men, women and families who have answered the call to serve our nation. Through an annual $100 investment, members contribute to funds that help foster a community of support for our local military and their families.

mber cha go

fargo moo r

Join Honor Star Program, Support Local Military Community

These funds have been used to provide uniforms for the Junior ROTC program, and the program recently signed on

r to support WDAY with their organization of the Honor Flights focusing on local Korean and Vietnam War veterans. or sta The Honor Star program is also involved with The Chamber’s Annual Military Appreciation Day with the FargoMoorhead RedHawks as a way to say thank-you to our service members and their families.

If you are interested in becoming an Honor Star member, please contact Elly Peterson at epeterson@fmwfchamber.com or 218.359.0512.

Military Affairs Committee Profile: Brian Shawn Brian Shawn, regional communications officer for American Red Cross - Red River Valley Chapter, has served as the chair for the Military Affairs committee since September 2014, after serving as vice chairperson in 2013. How long have you been involved with the Military Affairs committee? I have been involved with the Military Affairs committee for about four years. I was excited that The Chamber brought the committee back, and it has been a great group to be a part of. What have you enjoyed most about working with the Military Affairs committee? I have enjoyed getting to know all the people that serve and lead our military branches around the area. We have a lot of committed and dedicated service men and women who take a great deal of pride in the work they do both in our communities and throughout the entire world. It’s great to be on a committee that helps supports our military because they are true heroes in the work they do and play a critical role in keeping us safe and supporting local businesses. What is one thing you would like other people to know about the Military Affairs committee? We are a group that really strives to advocate and support our service members and their families. We are always looking for new people throughout the business community to join us, get involved and learn more about what is going on with our local military branches and how we can best support them in Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and Dilworth. Thanks to all of our Honor Star members that help support us as well!

Program Sponsor

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8 | March 2015

Advocacy in Action

& Issues Eggs

Cities For People

Tuesday, March 3 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. Radisson Hotel Fargo, 201 Fifth Street South

Williams

Zimney

Attend the March Eggs & Issues to learn what the future of city planning looks like, featuring an update of what’s happening with permanent flood protection, riverfront concepts and the new city hall and parking options from City of Fargo Commissioner Mike Williams. Next up will be Mike Zimney, an urban planner with Ulteig, who will discuss future city development trends as well as highlight how those trends have changed over time. The event will wrap up with a panel discussion with area land developers Steve Iverson and Steve Stoner on how these trends and projects will affect the metro’s landscape in the future. Downtown Community Partnership President/CEO Mike Hahn will moderate the discussion.

Hahn

Breakfast Host

Registration (includes breakfast) Chamber Members: $20 General Admission: $30 Register at www.fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Eggs & Issues Featuring Niles Hushka Tuesday, April 7 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. Radisson Hotel Fargo, 201 Fifth Street South

Join Niles Hushka, CEO of KLJ Solutions, the parent organization for KLJ, as he discusses energy development in the state and across the Bakken, as well as the impact changing oil prices brings to our region. Hushka is recognized throughout the region for his innovative philosophies and creative solutions in the engineering industry and business community. His dedication to high ethical standards, quality work and entrepreneurial spirit has propelled him to lead KLJ, through record growth and revenue.

#FMWFEggs

701.235.1121 • 888.526.1121 16 South 16th Street • Fargo, ND www.knightprinting.com

fmwfchamber.com | 9

Advocacy in Action

Nearly 100 Members Attend Chamber Day at the Capitol Two buses filled with engaged Chamber members traveled to Bismarck last month to see lawmakers in action and network with elected officials. The full day of activities included committee hearings, floor sessions, updates from legislative leaders and the governor and a reception with legislators. More than 30 legislators found time in their busy schedules to spend the evening talking with Chamber members and hearing what issues are most important to Fargo business professionals. During the floor sessions, Chamber members could sit with legislators or view the action from the gallery as lawmakers debated and discussed amendments to bills and the bills themselves.

“The Chamber leadership program continues to provide experiences that enhance our personal and professional lives,” said Diane Sandven, Heartland Trust Company. “Having the opportunity to sit with a representative on the floor while the House of Representatives held session was definitely one of these experiences. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe the political process from this unique perspective.” Gov. Jack Dalrymple briefed the group in the afternoon, explaining that the state has continued interest in funding levy construction projects in the Fargo area to protect the city from future flooding. He also explained that recent dismal forecasts about falling oil prices may change once new analytics are available later this month. “Yes, we are going to recover,” Dalrymple asserted. “It’s just a question of how fast.”

Sen. Rich Wardner said that while the priority may be on the western part of the state right now, legislators have not overlooked the eastern half. “The state of North Dakota can’t afford to have Fargo flood,” he said. “Fargo is too big of an economic generator for our state.” Other individuals who addressed the group included Senator Minority Leader Mac Schneider (D), Sen. Tim Flakoll and Laney Herauf, government and regulatory affairs specialist for the Greater North Dakota Chamber. Herauf discussed six major bills the state chamber is tracking throughout this legislative session. The Chamber extends a special thank you to the CVB for its warm welcome and complimentary coffee and snacks.

10 | March 2015

Night 7:00 – 9:30 pm

Live F R I D AY S

While flood protection is a major issue for the metro, another concern is the availability of water in dry times. Sen. Rick Sorvaag spoke about the need for a water supply project that will ensure the metro has constant access to clean, safe water. “We can fight a flood but we can’t fight a drought,” Sorvaag said.

THURSDAYS

Those thoughts were echoed by other legislators who addressed the Chamber group such as House Minority Leader Kenton Onstad (D) and House Majority Leader Al Carlson (R). “The sky is not falling but we need to be good managers of the state’s money,” Carlson said.

Succulent Steaks and Seafood | Basies Loyalty Program Two Private Dining Rooms 1635 42ND ST S FARGO, ND 701-281-7105 | BASIESFARGO.COM 701-277-9000 | RAMADAFARGO.COM

Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo

Applications for 2015-16 LFMWF Program Open in April Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo is a great way to grow as an individual and a member of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo business community. This nine-month leadership program runs September through May and meets once per month at various locations throughout the community. Participants will: § Develop lasting relationships with other leaders. § Discover the inner workings of their community. § Define their individual role and responsibility as a leader within their organization and their community. Applications open on April 1. For more information, please contact Sam at sgust@fmwfchamber.com or 218.359.0529.

Program Sponsors

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Business Training

Data Breaches, Credit Card Fraud, Front Page News…Are You Next?

Don’t fall victim to fraud. Know what the hackers are up to when it comes to stealing your personal data to commit fraud. Unfortunately, skilled thieves need only a minute, sometimes a second to steal your credit card data and commit fraud. Just as technology has advanced, so have the hackers. Purse snatching is a thing of the past. So are the days of kids spending all night in the basement on dial-up. These situations have been replaced with organized crime hacker and government-sponsored cyber warfare. Why do companies get “hacked,” and who suffers from the results? The answer to protect yourself was established as early as the 1950s, but the ways to protect yourself change with technology every day. Computer Forensics Manager Calvin Weeks from Eide Bailly LLP will cover the latest fraud and security control concepts to help prevent tomorrow’s compromise to keep you from being the next front page story.

Join Us

Wednesday, March 11 | 11:30 to 1 p.m. Holiday Inn Fargo, 3803 13th Avenue South Registration for Business Training sessions (includes lunch) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door General Admission: $45 in advance | $55 at the door Register at www.fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

#FMWFTraining Improve the Health and Productivity of Your Employees and Your Organization Sign up for the Affinity Employee Assistance Program for Chamber Members provided by The Village Business Institute (VBI).

Business Training Sponsors Program Sponsors

EAP benefit services include: • Free personal counseling • Counseling regarding workplace issues • Financial and legal counseling • Supervisor tools and resources Implementing VBI’s employee assistance program in your company will increase employee productivity, job satisfaction, and wellness. For more information, call The Village Business Institute at 701-451-4900.

www.TheVBI.com

12 | March 2015

Supporting Sponsors Bell State Bank & Trust Eventide Senior Living Communities GOLDMARK Property Management InterceptEFT NetWork Center, Inc. Wanzek Construction, Inc.

Business Training

From Followers to Brand Advocates: How NDSU Athletics Harnesses the Power of Social Media

NDSU Athletics have not only won Division I championships on the field, they’ve also been national leaders in the social media realm, helping turn the Bison into America’s favorite school on the tundra. Find out how the Herd has used social media to help tell their story, boost department revenue and control their message all while bringing national attention to NDSU, Fargo and the state. During this session, you will § Learn how NDSU converted casual fans into passionate brand advocates through effective social media messaging. § Discover how the Bison use social media to solicit real-time feedback that has helped the Herd make meaningful decisions. § Find out how the Bison leveraged great content on a limited budget to achieve an incredible ROI with an understaffed marketing/social media department. Justin Swanson joined the North Dakota State University athletic department as the director of marketing and promotions in May 2012. He oversees the marketing and promotion of all 16 Bison varsity sports.

Join Us

Wednesday, April 11 | 11:30 to 1 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn Fargo, 4351 17th Avenue South 162612 J&M Bridge Ad.Final.pdf

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Women Connect

Pitching Your Idea and Getting to Yes

What happens when you pitch your brilliant idea, and you’re told “no”? How do you recover and realize that “no” can be temporary? Understanding the motivations or fears behind “no” can lead to creative flanking strategies that make your ideas stronger and help you overcome objections to get to “yes!” Jodi Heilman, senior vice president of marketing at Bell State Bank & Trust, has built her 20-year career pitching creative marketing and advertising strategies, while passionately working to change the game for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Danielle Paulus, director of residential property management at ROERS, has built a team that is committed to providing a premier living experience as well as a culture focused on the core values of honesty, relationships, service, creativity, forward thinking and courage. Attend Women Connect on March 24 and find out how “no” can be the most powerful step on your way to “yes.”

onnect

Tuesday, March 24 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. Social to follow from 5 to 6 p.m. Avalon Events Center West, 2525 Ninth Avenue South, Fargo Register at www.fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100.

omen. Business. Life.

#FMWFWC

Jeff Gau CEO Marco, Inc.

smarter technology Marco puts the power of top-notch technology expertise to work for your business. We’ll help you choose the right technology and keep it running smoothly day in and day out. Our performancedriven approach empowers you to make the most of your technology investment. That’s working smarter. Learn more and get empowered at marconet.com.

14 | March 2015

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Women Connect

Women For Women: Female Relationships in the Workplace Do you wish for healthier and more genuine relationships with women in the workplace? Are you exhausted by comparing yourself to other women and coming up short? Do you wonder why, no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to achieve the vision of what is expected of you? Do you long to be released from the requirement of living someone else’s definition of success? If these questions resonate with you, and you are prepared to discover how to live a life where comparison no longer steals your joy, and where women, including YOURSELF, are seen not as competition but as sources of inspiration, wisdom and support, then this session is for you. Presented by Michelle Kommer, chief administrative office/general counsel at Western State Bank, this session will explore the dynamics of women’s relationships with one another in the workplace and provide actionable strategies to generate personal and professional satisfaction. Join us in a journey to live life as we were designed to live it, and not as it has been designed for us!

Presenting Sponsors Tuesday, April 28 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. Social to follow from 5 to 6 p.m. Avalon Events Center West, 2525 Ninth Avenue South, Fargo Register at www.fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100.

#FMWFWC

Supporting Sponsors

Eide Bailly LLP Essentia Health Gate City Bank

Sanford Health Vogel Law Firm

ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING & INFRASTRUCTURE

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Women Connect

Women Connect Program Kicks Off With SellOut Crowd, Phenomenal Speaker More than 500 women packed the Hilton Garden Inn Fargo last month for a chance to be inspired by author and businesswoman Lynette Lewis, the author of “Climbing the Ladder in Stilettos.” Lewis served as the keynote speaker for the new program’s inaugural session, and she did it with panache, humor and humility. Her message about dreams and the power of connection resonated with attendees, who left with Lewis’s book, new connections and motivation to pursue what they most want to achieve. Lewis shared her 1-1-1 strategy, which encourages taking one step once a week toward one dream, a principle busy women who balance work, home life and community involvement can relate to. Lewis also worked in reflection and connection moments throughout her presentation to ensure attendees would leave with well-defined steps as well as individuals to help them move forward in those steps. “Your dream is someone else’s answer,” Lewis said. “If you don’t move forward on your dreams, that person will never realize theirs.” Intertwined in her presentation were heartfelt, touching stories about her own trials of re-evaluating her life plans in college to counseling to marrying later in life to dealing with the death of a beloved stepson to adopting twin girls. “Don’t ever quit dreaming,” she said. “Dreams are what tell our hearts that we’re living, not dying.” A social after the event offered attendees the opportunity to continue networking and discussing the content. Attendees also donated more than 100 pairs of shoes to Dress For Success Red River Valley, a local nonprofit that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to succeed in work and life. Dress for Success Red River Valley was a nonprofit partner for last year’s Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo program, which helped the organization develop a professional women’s group. Check out all the great observations from the event by searching #FMWFWC, and be sure to join the FMWF Chamber Women Connect Facebook group to continue the conversation. Photos from the event on available on The Chamber’s Flickr page as well as in the Facebook group.

During the social, Lewis signed books, taking time to get cell phone photos along the way.

16 | March 2015

CHAMBER PUBLICATIONS

2014 11,350

35 average pages in

The Bridge

subscribers

receive the

eBridge each week

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Treat Your Team Luncheon Wednesday, April 22 | Seating at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $17 per person, includes tax and gratuity Mezzaluna, 309 Roberts Street North, Suite 100, Fargo Rustica Eatery & Tavern, 315 Main Avenue, Moorhead

April 22 is Administrative Professionals Day, so join your Chamber in celebrating those who make our everyday work lives so much easier and more organized. Treat your staff and recognize them for lunch at the annual Treat Your Team Luncheon. You have two locations to choose from to enjoy great food and a relaxing atmosphere, without the wait! Proceeds from the event will benefit YEA! a new and exciting entrepreneurial program for middle and high school students. Seating is limited so register early at www.fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100 for more information.

Sponsored by

CAREER

Special Volunteer Opportunities

Saturday, March 14 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. YWCA Cass Clay, 3000 University Drive South, Fargo Looking for a way to give back to your community? Join us as we cook a spaghetti lunch for the YWCA residents. We are invited to join in on the meal and visit with the families once the cooking is complete. If you are interested in the opportunity, please contact Sam at 218.359.0529 or sgust@fmwfchamber.com.

18 | March 2015

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YEA! is a nine-month program that teaches middle and high school students how to start and run their own businesses. Nominated students should have a strong work ethic and should demonstrate high levels of effort on a consistent basis. Please contact Sam at sgust@fmwfchamber.com or 218.359.0529 to nominate or for more information. A limited number of scholarships are available. Presenting Sponsor

Save the Date

Kegs & Issues

FM CVB Unveils New Brand

Thursday, May 7 | 4 to 5 p.m. Social to follow from 5 to 6 p.m. D-S Beverages, Inc., 201 17th Street North, Moorhead Michele Kelm-Helgen, chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, is leading the charge in planning and designing the new Minnesota Vikings stadium. During this special presentation, KelmHelgen will talk about the project as well as partner roles, what the new facility may look like, how the surrounding area would be impacted, the various uses for the stadium before wrapping up with an update on progress of the construction. Don’t miss this chance to get the insider’s scoop on this new facility! Register at www.fmwfchamber.com or by calling 218.233.1100.

Last month, city officials, stakeholders and the community experienced the new Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) branding platform, “North of Normal,” which presents the metro as a naturally cool and unique destination for visitors around the region and beyond. Brand presentations cited developments like contemporary art exhibits, independently-owned and -operated boutiques, trendy eateries, business startups, and the population’s hard-working and energetic spirit as evidence that the F-M area is set a bar higher than the norm found in many American destinations. A video highlighting the new brand and its meaning is available on the CVB’s Facebook page (Visit Fargo-Moorhead).

Metro Area Libraries Launch Arts Pass Program The Fargo Public Library, the Moorhead Public Library, the West Fargo Public Library and The Arts Partnership launched the Metro Arts and Culture Pass program last month. The program allows library cardholders at all three metro-area public libraries the ability to enjoy an array of cultural resources in the community. With coordination from The Arts Partnership, 12 local arts and culture organizations have extended either special offers or free admission to cultural events to local residents who check out one of the limited number of arts passes. For more information, visit theartspartnership.net/metro-arts-pass.

Join other people who are passionate about the movement to end multiple sclerosis!

Friday, March 20th Holiday Inn, Fargo (3803 13th Ave. S.) 10:30 a.m. – noon u Registration, Networking and Silent Auction Noon – 1 p.m. u Luncheon and Speaker

Reserve your seat today!

MSsociety.org | 800-582-5296 (option 2)

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Member News 702 Communications was chosen as the basic television provider for Valley Rental Service, Inc., properties. Residents in more than 1,200 units will receive 702’s Dish Network services. Jason Sanden, instrumentation and controls division manager, and Richard Wagner, project manager, were among 13 employees who were given ownership in 2014 of Advanced Elements, the holding company of Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. (AE2S). Ownership of Advanced Elements is offered to entity employees by invitation from existing shareholders. The invitation is extended to those who exemplify commitment to a broad spectrum of criteria, including financial understanding and ability, client management, contribution to business development, leadership, character, maturity and technical ability. Kelsey Johnson was hired as a digital marketing coordinator for Arvig. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic communications and marketing from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She recently earned her Google AdWords certification. Johnson

Boroski

Duncan

Dawid Boroski was hired as a technology consultant, and Elijah Duncan was hired as a network analyst at Blueprint IT Solutions. Boroski has more than 15 years of experience in business, hospitality and technology sales. Duncan has more than five years experience in network technology and is currently studying information technology at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Wade Boyer, a wireless network engineer at Blueprint IT Solutions, passed the Certified Wireless Network Administrator exam. As a CWNA professional, Boyer has demonstrated the skills necessary to successfully survey, install and administer enterprise WiFi networks. Boyer

Choice Financial donated $6,451.53 to the Great Plains Food Bank in conjunction with their “Swipe Out Hunger” campaign. During the six-week campaign, Choice donated 25¢ for each debit card ‘swipe’ a customer made and an additional 25¢ for every new Facebook ‘like’ received on their Choice Financial Facebook page.

Coffee News was ranked seventh on Franchiserankings.com’s Best Home Based Franchise list. Coffee News has been operating in Fargo for two years. Douglas W. Murch and Stephannie N. Stiel were named shareholders at Conmy Feste, Ltd. Murch joined the firm in 2008. Stiel joined the firm in 2004.

Murch

Stiel

22 | March 2015

Corporate Technologies hired 18 new employees. Three of the new hires will be working as service sales executives selling managed IT services to small and midsized businesses. The remaining 15 employees will join Corporate Technologies’ Technical Support Team. The new hires have a variety of skills and experience and will be performing Tier I and Tier II technical support for Corporate Technologies customers all over the region. DFC Consultants was accredited as a Pearson VUE testing center where candidates can achieve certification in IT programs such as Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle and Adobe. Pearson VUE is the sole exam delivery provider for Microsoft certifications. Keely Ihry joined Dakota Medical Foundation as the strategic initiatives lead. Ihry most recently spent eight years at Clay County Public Health.

Ihry

Edward Jones is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the firm’s first partnership offering. Today, Edward Jones has expanded the partnership to more than 20,000 limited partners. Rose Abraham and Matthew De Vries accepted limited partnerships with Edward Jones. Abraham increased her current limited partnership holdings while De Vries accepted an initial limited partnership offer. Abraham joined Edward Jones in 2001. De Vries joined Edward Jones in 2008.

Chavez

Fahnhorst

Grant

Stai-Johnson

Nicholas Chavez was hired as an audit associate; Logan Fahnhorst was hired as an audit associate; Jamie Grant was hired as a business applications manager; and Dee Stai-Johnson was hired as an accounting services senior associate for Eide Bailly LLP. Chavez holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration – finance from Colorado State University, a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Colorado – Denver and is working toward an MBA from the University of Colorado – Denver. Fahnhorst has a bachelor’s degree in professional accountancy and finance from Northern State University. Grant has more than 17 years of experience in the technology market. Stai-Johnson is a graduate of Montana State University. Kara Cline was hired as psychologist; Vicki Hanson was hired as drug testing coordinator; Dr. Shoshone Richardson was hired to be part of the emergency medicine department; and Chuck Ulrich was hired as manager of the occupational medicine program Essentia Health. Cline earned a master’s degree in Cline Richardson counseling and a doctorate degree in counseling psychology from the University of North Dakota. Hanson brings 24 years of experience working with drug and alcohol programs. Richardson earned her medical degree and completed a residency in emergency medicine at Ohio State. Ulrich brings more than 11 years of experience in the field.

The Fargo Public Library made history in its organization by lending more than 1 million items in 2014. The library’s total circulation was 1,000,024 items. Books and magazines accounted for 46 percent of the overall circulation, while assorted non-print items and media, including ebooks, DVDs and CDs, accounted for 36 percent of the circulation numbers last year.

Borland

Fraase

Christ

Morris

Neal

McCloud

O'Tremba

Roerick

Smith

Watson

Krueger

Hallaway

Wood

Jay Borland and John Fraase were hired as staff accountants, and Ashley Christ and Steve Wood were hired as in-charge accountants at Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co., PLLP. Borland previously worked in internal audit at a local company. Fraase earned a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College and a Master of Accountancy degree from North Dakota State University. Christ and Wood both have four years of public accounting experience prior to joining Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co., PLLP.

Culver

Bishop

Troxell

Philip Culver was hired as a project manager; David LaDuke was hired as a conversion programmer; Chris Morris was hired as an iOS developer; Phillip Neal was hired as a software developer; and Adam Troxell was hired to join the tech support team at Financial Business Systems Inc. Culver is a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Certified Project Management Professional (PMP). LaDuke earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Bemidji State University. Morris brings more than 20 years overall software development and more than three years iOS development experience. Neal graduated from UC Berkeley and earned a master’s degree at the University of Washington. Troxell has years of experience supporting end users on a number of highly specific products, such as Microsoft Sharepoint and Exchange servers. Jake Germundson was hired as a community banker; Nate Monson was hired as a mortgage loan officer; and Norman Nicholson was hired as a community banker at First International Bank & Germandson Monson Nicholson Trust. Germundson earned a degree in accounting from North Dakota State University. Monson brings 27 years of mortgage lending experience within the Fargo-Moorhead area. Nicholson earned a degree in agribusiness from North Dakota State University.

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

High Point Networks honored the following employees at its annual meeting and company party: Kyle Bishop, the Extra Mile Award, recognizing an individual who makes every interaction count by going above and beyond what is expected of them; Tyler McCloud, the Teamwork Award, recognizing an individual who puts team first; Jared O’ Tremba, the Outstanding New Comer Award, recognizing an individual Schmidt who is new to High Point Networks and has made an immediate impact; Dan Roerick, High Point Award, recognizing the person who lives the mission and values upon which High Point Networks is founded and goes out of their way to highlight the value of partnering with High Point Networks; Chad Smith, the Growth Award, recognizing the person who has shown the most growth in the past year; and Chris Watson, The Lewis & Clark Award, recognizing an individual who explored new markets and new technologies in order to achieve their goals and increase HPN market share. Dan Roerick was recognized for 10 years of service, and Allen Krueger, Merrilee Hallaway and Meghan Schmidt were recognized for five years of service. Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County was awarded a grant from Minnesota Historical Society to hire a project archivist. This addition to the HCS staff will spend 2015 and half of 2016 systematically organizing manuscript collections, paper records, documents, letters, scrapbooks, newspapers, pamphlets, maps, posters, photographs, tapes, films, disks, genealogical and related ephemera and other relevant print or electronic material of an archival nature that reflects primarily Clay County history.

Hook

Serrao

Megan Hook was hired as the director of sales and James Serrao was hired as the general manager for the new Holiday Inn Express Fargo SW opening in March 2015. Hook previously was the sales manager for the Fargo Holiday Inn and will now be selling for all three First Call Hospitality locations. Serrao has more than 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

www.colepapers.com

Express Graphics 1622 Main Ave | Fargo, ND | 701.297.9696 | fargo@indigosignworks.com Additional locations in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Alexandria & St. Cloud

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Dallas Reger was hired as a service technician at Nardini Fire Equipment of ND. Reger most recently worked for Johnson’s Lawn Care.

Barber

Dilliplane

Doyle

Eilertson

Brett Barber was hired as a civil technician; Doug Dilliplane, PE, was hired as a transportation project manager; Megan Doyle was hired as a receptionist; Cody Eilertson was hired as the director of operations at Houston Engineering, Inc. Barber earned his associates degree in land surveying from NDSCS and his bachelor’s degree in English from St. Olaf. Dilliplane earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Drexel University. Doyle earned degree in hospitality tourism management from North Dakota State University. Eilertson brings more than 15 years of professional experience.

Reger

Tonya Milbrandt was hired as a staff accountant at National Hospitality Services. Milbrandt has more than 15 years of accounting experience. NetWork Center, Inc., announced they will be a 100 percent employee-owned company. NetWork Center, Inc. implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that allows NCI employees to share in the company’s growth and success. Emalee Hedberg was hired as a graphic design and marketing coordinator at NetWork Center, Inc. Hedberg graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a bachelor’s degree in graphic communications and a minor in mass communications.

Langan

Schlieman

Schultz

Schwengler

Jeff Langan, Jim Schlieman, Bart Schultz and Dave Schwengler were named company shareholders at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI). Langan, PE, is currently the office manager has been with the company since 2005. Schlieman, PLS, CFedS, has been with HEI for 13 years. Schultz, PE, has been with the company for 15 years. Schwengler has been with HEI for 11 years.

Hedberg

Bruce Donarski, NetWork Center, Inc., achieved VSP 5.5 certification from VMware.

JLG Architects announced the opening of a new branch office in Brookings, South Dakota. It is the firm’s first office in the state. Shonda Lee was hired as executive assistant for Keller Williams Roers Realty. Beau Flom, Keller Williams Roers Realty, was named top closed volume for December.

Lee

Flom

Marco, Inc. has been selected as a 2014 Elite Dealer by ENX magazine and The Week in Imaging, a print and online publication for dealers and resellers of office technology, solutions and services. Marco was chosen for their innovative marketing and sales programs and special initiatives. Marco, Inc. was also selected as the North Dakota Young Professionals 2014 Best Place to Intern and runner-up for the 2014 Best Place to Work. The awards are a reflection of the creativity and innovation that businesses offer young professionals. Chad Engels, a professional engineer and certified floodplain manager at Moore Engineering Inc., received the Red River Joint Water Resource District 2014 Steamboat Award. The Steamboat Award is presented for distinguished service of management of water resources in the Red River watershed of North Dakota. Engels

Jean Taylor, Mosaic Catering, succeeded in earning the title of Certified Sommelier by Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. This is a huge honor and a step forward for the hospitality industry in North Dakota and western Minnesota.

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Monilaws

Nelson

customer service representative.

Terri Monilaws was promoted to manager of the Part A and Part B provider call center, and Melissa Nelson was promoted to manager of provider enrollment in Jurisdiction E (JE) and Jurisdiction F (JF) at Noridian Healthcare Solutions. Monilaws began her Noridian career in 1998 as a correspondence examiner. Nelson began her Noridian career in 2004 as a

Josh Andres was hired as a controller; Sera Axtman was hired as a donor relations coordinator; and Kelly Brekke was hired as event and program coordinator at NDSU Alumni Association Andres Axtman Brekke and Development Foundation and Alumni Association. Andres most recently worked for Eide Bailly, where he worked with not-for-profit, healthcare and benefit plan clients. Axtman is a graduate of Minnesota State Community and Technical College and also has a degree in desktop publishing and design. Brekke was previously the community development manager for the Arthritis Foundation Upper Midwest Region, planning and managing events and health promotion programs. In 2014, 98 percent of North Dakota State College of Science graduates were employed or continuing their education with 67 percent in a field related to their program of study. Sixty-nine percent have accepted employment in North Dakota, while 88 percent of those pursuing additional education have chosen to do so at a college or university located in North Dakota. Ockhardt Realty, LLC, purchased Fargo Homes Buyer Agency, expanding their reach in the area.

Rachel Suchy was hired as a digital marketing intern at Onsharp. Suchy is an international business and Spanish student at Concordia College in Moorhead.

Suchy

Sedi Halvorson was hired as general manager at the Oxbow Country Club. Halvorson has been in the hospitality profession since 2000.

Halvorson

Holly (Kurth) Heck was hired as a real estate agent at Park Co. Realtors. Heck comes to Park Co. with three years experience in real estate in the Twin Cities.

TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics has named Alerus Financial as an ambassador. The ambassador program allows TNT to recognize corporate champions in the community and thank them for their support and partnership. Alerus Financial shares employee time and talents with TNT’s events such as Giving Hearts Day, In Their Shoes and the Winter Challenge Gymnastics meet. TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics announced the expansion of their current facility. The new space will be a home to multiple organizations sharing one space including the Anne Carlsen Center and Haley’s Hope organizations. The new sharing space will include the nation’s first public sensory gym. Ulteig was named the 2015 winner of the Award for Engineering Excellence in the category of Structural Systems by the American Council of Engineering Companies of North Dakota (ACEC/ND) for the Sixth Street Parking Ramp in Downtown Bismarck. This project is unique because it not only symbolizes both economic and population growth for the western part of North Dakota, but it’s an indicator of the revitalization of Bismarck.

Heck

Melissa Sobolik was hired as development director, and Laura Youngbird was hired as program director for an outreach project with Native American artists at Plains Art Museum. Sobolik was previously director of agency and client services at the Great Plains Food Bank where she directed programs statewide for food Sobolik Youngbird pantries, shelters and soup kitchens. Youngbird previously taught at Circle of Nations School, an inter-tribal, off-reservation boarding school for grades 4-8.

Erbstoesser

Jensen

Ochsner

Ulmer

Bartholomay

Bervik

Megan Bartholomay was hired as a marketing communications specialist, and Paul Bervik was hired as a graduate engineer at Ulteig. Bartholomay previously worked as a proposal writer for Houston Engineering. Bervik most recently worked for the Clay County Highway Department as an intern.

Valley Imports is celebrating their 40th anniversary. Valley Imports has been serving the region since 1975. Jade Rosenfeldt has become a shareholder in at Vogel Law Firm. Rosenfeldt graduated from Concordia College with a bachelor’s in sociology and social work. She then graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law.

Jerry Erbstoesser has been named banquet manager, and Peter Ochsner was hired as banquet sous chef at Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center. Erbstoesser began his hospitality career at the Village Inn where he held various positions before being promoted to general manager. Ochsner began his culinary career by attending LeCordon Bleu and working at Kincaids.

Rosenfeldt

Andrea Jensen was hired as safety manager, and Dustin Ulmer was hired as human resources manager at ROERS. Jensen brings extensive knowledge of safety policies and procedures in a large trucking company. Ulmer previously worked in human resources for a large digital information company.

Tim Erickson, Andrew Huus and Kyle Veum were hired as staff accountants at Widmer Roel, PC. Erickson has a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Huus has a Erickson Huus Veum bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota. Veum has a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University.

Ashley Peterson was hired as senior accountant at SK Food International, Inc. Peterson holds a business administration degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Ciara Stubbs was hired as a customer care banker at Western State Bank. Prior to joining Western, Stubbs worked at Gate City Bank as a customer service representative.

Stubbs

Matt Avard and Leah Fagerland were hired as project managers at Zerr Berg Architects. Both Avard and Fagerland earned a Masters of Architecture degree from NDSU.

Peterson Avard

Fagerland

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Member Profile

Get Financially Fit With the Help of Chamber Members

With the deadline for filing your tax return looming on the horizon, many of you reading this feel mired in the details of where your hard-earned money goes. If you’re interested in learning more about financial planning, the following Chamber members offer a variety of consultative financial services. AgCountry Farm Credit Services www.agcountry.com Ameriprise Financial ameripriseadvisors.com/dennis.a.draeger Bank of the West Investment Services www.bankofthewest.com

Edward Jones Investments Alisha Milander www.edwardjones.com Edward Jones Investments - Sarah Nikle www.edwardjones.com/en_US/fa/index. html&CIRN=524353

Bennett Financial Services

Edward Jones Investments - Jana Thielges www.edwardjones.com

BNG Holdings, Inc. www.bngteam.com

Eide Bailly Financial Services www.eidebailly.com

Breath Is Limited Motivational Speaking, LLC www.breathIsLimited.com

Financial Strategies Group www.finstrat.com

Cargill Finance Shared Services www.cargill.com

First International Bank & Trust – Fargo and West Fargo www.firstintlbank.com

Century Financial Advisors Inc. www.centuryfinancialadvisors.com

First International Investments www.investmentcenters.com

Choice Financial Health Savings Accounts Foster Klima Company, Inc. Choice Financial Mortgage Services www.fosterklima.com www.choicefinancialgroup.com Heartland Trust Company CollegeSmart www.heartlandtrust.com www.gocollegesmart.com InterceptEFT Contego Capital Advisors www.intercepteft.com www.jamiesoncapital.com Mark E Larson CPA, PLLC COUNTRY Financial www.marklarsoncpa.com www.countryfinancial.com Legacy Wealth Management Discovery Benefits Inc. www.legacywealthfargo.com www.discoverybenefits.com Merrill Lynch Dougherty Company LLC www.local.ml.com/fargo-nd www.doughertymarkets.com Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Inc. Eide Bailly LLP www.morganstanleysmithbarney.com www.eidebailly.com New York Life Insurance Company Edward Jones Investments www.northdakota.nyloffices.com Matthew De Vries CFP www.edwardjones.com Northwestern Mutual www.northwesternmutual.com Edward Jones Investments CindyMagnuson Ohio National Financial Services www.edwardjones.com www.ohionational.com

26 | March 2015

Ranstrom Berg Wealth Management, LLC www.ranstrom.com Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. www.raymondjames.com Red River Financial www.redriverfinancialgroup.com Starion Financial – two locations in Fargo www.starionfinancial.com State Farm Insurance – Don Gronke www.dongronke.com Sycorr www.sycorr.com Thrivent Financial www.thrivent.com Thrivent Financial Red River Financial Associates www.thrivent.com Treasure Island Coins, Inc. www.treasureislandcoins.com United Capital Financial Advisors LLC www.fargo.unitedcp.com US Bank Private Client Group www.usbank.com Waddell Reed Financial Services www.waddell.com Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC www.wellsfargoadvisorsinfo.com Wells Fargo Banker Connection Wells Fargo Institutional Trust Wells Fargo Treasury Management Wells Fargo Wealth Management Advisors www.wellsfargo.com Widmer Roel PC www.widmerroelcpa.com

Member Profile

BioLife: Saving Lives One Donation at a Time

Every week, more than 7,000 people donate life-saving plasma at one of BioLife’s three locations in the metro. Plasma, the fluid that carries blood components throughout the body, accounts for 55 percent of total blood composition. During donations, the plasma is separated and the remaining parts of the blood are put back into the body. Plasma, unlike whole blood, is replaced quickly in the body, taking only 48 hours to replenish after a donation. This allows donors to give multiple times a week versus every eight weeks with whole blood donations. Before BioLife’s plasma makes it’s way into a hospital, their parent company, Baxter International, converts the plasma into life-saving therapies. The products help patients suffering from hemophilia, immune deficiencies, kidney disease and other disorders. Many times, the therapy allows patients to have a normal life, free them from debilitating symptoms of their chronic disorders. Kayla Beehler, senior regional marketing representative, said customer service is what sets BioLife apart from their competitors. “We try to make it as convenient as possible,” Beehler said. Some of the things BioLife does to make the experience more convenient are free supervised childcare, Wi-Fi access and appointments that are run efficiently so donors can be in and out in on time (usually about an hour.)

Who Can Donate? People in generally good health, ages 18 to 69 who weigh at least 110 lbs.

BioLife has operated in the metro for more than 12 years, and, prior to that, operated as FM Community Bio Resources. BioLife has 73 centers across the country with 9-10 new facilities planned for 2015. As an organization, BioLife believes in investing in the communities where they have facilities. The new West Fargo facility was a $7 million investment. Every year, they inject $2-3 million into the local community through compensation to donors; the company also employs 240 full- and part-time employees in the local market who have full health and dental benefits. When it comes to hiring, experience always helps but it’s not necessary as BioLife trains all their technicians on-site.

EVERY MEMBER HAS A VOICE. TOGETHER THEY WORK IN HARMONY. Every electric co-op member has a say in what’s best for the cooperative. Power to the people, from the people. Doesn’t that sound good? Learn more about the power of your co-op membership at kWh.com

www.kWh.com • 701.356.4400

fmwfchamber.com | 27

Welcome 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! Absolute Insurance Agency, LLC 1241 Prairie Parkway, Suite 120 West Fargo, ND 58078 701.365.0515 www.absoluteinsure.com Insurance Jalissa Hovland Absolute Insurance Agency, LCC offers professional insurance packages at affordable prices, with several years of insurance experience. Agents can help you find the proper insurance coverage for you, your family and your business. Advanced Asset Alliance 3500 First Avenue South, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57105 605.978.9698 www.advancedassetalliance.com Collection Agencies Lisa Schultz Advanced Asset Alliance is an alliance of companies dedicated to the delivery of safe and compliant financial payment solutions for its clients. Each company stands ready to meet the needs of its clients from point of sale payment processing to bad debt resolution. Commitment to excellence, compliance and technology are the foundation of these companies. They understand that their clients are the reason for being. Algorithme Pharma USA 4837Amber Valley Parkway South Fargo, ND 58104 701.356.4000 www.fargostudies.com Research and Development John Wickenheiser Algorithme Pharma is an internationally recognized research company specializing in clinical trials.

28 | March 2015

American Advertising Federation of North Dakota P.O. Box 1051 Fargo, ND 58107-1051 701.478.1111 www.aaf-nd.org Clubs - Organizations MacDalton Berns AAF ND is an inclusive club open to anyone in a communication related field, such as corporate communicators, public relations practitioners, journalists, freelance writers, designers and multimedia specialists, advertising sales representatives, musicians and printers. For more than 50 years, the organization has provided members professional development and networking opportunities, recognized creativity and excellence in advertising and marketing, and contributed to the vitality, economies and cultures of Red River Valley communities. Anytime Fitness 52nd Ave 5101 Prosperity Way South, Suite 116 Fargo, ND 58104 701.566.8507 www.anytimefitness.com/ gyms/1655/fargo-nd-58104 Fitness Centers Amanda Buchholz Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week, 365-days of the year safe and secure private health club. The organization offers top-of-theline equipment, cardio-theater, free weights, weight machines, group fitness classes and national access to 2,500 clubs.

Center for Technology and Business 3333 Broadway Avenue East, Suite 1219 Bismarck, ND 58501 701.223.0707 www.trainingnd.com Consultants Deidre Hillman CTBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programming develops leaders, builds rural communities and mentors women business owners. CoCo LLC 122-1/2 Broadway North Fargo, ND 58102 701.478.3722 www.cocomsp.com Business Services Rachel Sternhagen CoCo is a business center that gives you an alternative to working from home or meeting at the local coffee shop. Memberships are available for individuals, small businesses and corporate workgroups. DAYTA Marketing 415 Third Street North, Suite 200 Waite Park, MN 56387 320.345.7307 www.daytamarketing.com Marketing Andrew Leintz DAYTA Marketing is a social media marketing agency conducting social media strategies for businesses and organizations. They post, pin, tweet and blog as well as grow large social media audiences for their clients.

Leadergized Consulting LLC 4302 13th Avenue South, Suite 4-245 Backup Power Source Fargo, ND 58103 1202 Westrac Drive South, Suite 310 701.729.4667 Fargo, ND 58103 www.leadergized.com 1.800.221.1734 Consultants www.backuppowersource.com Steve Clute Environmental Concerns Leadergized Consulting will mentor, Andy Henderson motivate and support individuals and BPS develops and manufactures the groups to deliver a lasting impact. next generation of energy storage They help people win by doing good systems for homes, small businesses things in ways that work. Start-ups and government agencies. When the to mid-sized companies will benefit grid goes down, BPS powers critical from analysis, benchmarking, appliances and electronics. support and the personal development services offered.

Media In Motion 5980 57th Avenue South Fargo, ND 58104 701.261.7973 www.mimdisplays.com Advertising Chris Schoenborn Recruiter: Brandon Geffee, Coaches Choice Corporate Apparel and Athletic Apparel Bringing the latest trend in digital advertising to FM Market, Media In Motion partners with FM Taxi to allow signs visibility throughout the entire community. MediaUSA, Inc. 35th Fourth Street East Litchfield, MN 55355 701.318.0831 www.theinfotouch.com Advertising Joshua Lease MediaUSA provides advertising on the infoTouch Guest Information Smart Boards, installed in business/ leisure class hotels located throughout the upper Midwest. Perfect for businesses looking to reach visitors and guests coming into the Fargo area. Midcontinent Foundation 3901 Louise Avenue North Sioux Falls, SD 57107 605.357.5491 www.midcocomm.com Foundations Tom Simmons The Midcontinent Foundation was established to provide funding assistance to charitable entities as defined by the IRS that assist in achieving socially desirable goals within the communities served by Midcontinent Communications. Northland Truss Systems, Inc. 4025 Fourth Avenue South, Suite 2 Fargo, ND 58103 701.282.4477 www.northlandtrusssystems.com Building Materials - Supplies Christopher Lange Northland Truss Systems supplies engineered wood roof and floor truss systems in addition to posts, columns, steel and/or wooden beams to meet all your structural building component needs.

Ockhardt Realty, LLC 624 Main Avenue, Suite 11 Fargo, ND 58103 701.200.3458 www.ockhardtrealty.com Real Estate Dirk Ockhardt Ockhardt Realty understands that real estate is personal, and they look forward to be interviewed by all of their clients before they get hired to serve them best. Pub West 3140 Bluestem Drive West Fargo, ND 58078 701.356.9378 Bars/Lounges/Night Clubs Larry Hauger Pub West is West Fargo’s Premier sports bar/grill, featuring a full bar, specialty sandwiches and burgers, signature sauces and extensive appetizers. Several 26-inch flat-screen televisions and on-site charitable gaming are available. Red River Valley Chefs Association 69 Fourth Street North Fargo, ND 58102 701.371.3279 Associations Eric Watson Red River Valley Chefs is a national and local chef collaboration association providing education and networking opportunities for chefs, culinary students and food service professionals. Regus 3523 45th Street South, Suite 100 Fargo, ND 58104 701.885.1064 www.regus.com Office Suite Rental Christine Panther Customers of all sizes, across a diverse range of sectors use Regus (small businesses to large international companies). Their workplaces provide your business with a professional environment, fully equipped ready to use private offices, virtual offices, meeting rooms and video communication suites.

Supervalu, Inc. 3501 12th Avenue North Fargo, ND 58102 701.293.2180 www.supervalu.com Food Distributors Dennis Steinman Recruiter: Doug Restemayer, D-S Beverages, Inc. Supervalu is a grocery industry leader, serving customers through more than 3,400 stores across the country. The Fargo DC serves Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. The Toasted Frog 305 Broadway North Fargo, ND 58102 701.478.7888 www.toastedfrog.com Restaurants Sarah Erikson The Toasted Frog is an eclectic restaurant/lounge in the heart of downtown featuring wood-fired pizzas, hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood. They also offer an extensive selection of wine, beer and cocktails. TruGreen 417 Fifth Street North Fargo, ND 58102 701.232.9454 www.trugreen.com Lawn and Garden Care David Piepkorn Recruiter: Bernie Dardis, Indigo Signworks TruGreen provides lawn fertilization, weed control and core aeration. Established in 1960, TruGreen is the nation’s largest lawn service company. U Motors, Inc. 2600 Main Avenue Fargo, ND 58103 701.232.5000 Motorcycles Jill Arneson U Motors is the area’s premier powersports and marine dealer for the following brands: Honda, Yamaha, KTM, Starcraft, Sylvan, Nautique, Supra, Bad Boy Buggies and EZ GO Golf carts.

Welcome New Members March 2015 Community Calendar

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Bacon & Beer Festival FARGODOME

West Fargo Legislative Forums West Fargo City Commission

2015 ND Cyber Security Conference North Dakota State University

2015 PRCA Pro Rodeo FARGODOME

Send your events to thebridge@fmwfchamber.com to see them on our community calendar!

JUST ONE THING

from our experts, for your health

“Pay it forward. Giving back to your community feels good and it’s good for your health.” Farooq Shahzad, MD Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon EssentiaHealth.org/JustOneThing

Looking to do Business?

Check out our online directory at www.fmwfchamber.com to search our full list of 2,100 member businesses. Has your business moved or changed names? Send the information to thebridge@fmwfchamber.com so we can update our records.

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Learning Opportunities

Strenghts Finder Workshop

Learn how to leverage natural talents, promoting a happier, stronger and more effective personal and work life. Participants will receive the Strengths Finder 2.0 book along and the opportunity to take a web-based assessment that identifies their greatest natural talents well as as: § Gain understanding of strengths and Strengths Finder concepts. § Understand how to maximize strengths in work teams and partnerships in order to increase effectiveness. § Identify individual action items for personal strengths development. This workshop is brought to you by trainND, powered by North Dakota State College of Science. The workshop will be held Wednesday, March 25 from 1to 5 p.m. To register or for additional information, call 701.231.6915 or visit www.ndscs.edu/training.

Leadership Development

Leadership Training for Managers begins April 15. This training meets one morning per week for seven weeks from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Dale Carnegie Training is proud to offer participants the chance to: § Manage conflict and change. § Hold people accountable. § Learn effective coaching techniques. § Keep meetings on track. For more information, call 701.476.8811 or go online at www.northdakota.dalecarnegie.com.

Hear World-Renowned Speakers at 12th Annual Leaderscast Fargo-Moorhead Growing Forward is proud to again offer more than 250 leaders in the metro the opportunity to raise their standard of leadership. The theme of this year’s live simulcast - The Brave Ones - will challenge us to focus on the courage necessary to lead. This year’s speaker lineup includes Andy Stanley, Malala Yousafzai, Ed Catmull, Seth Godin, Rudy Giuliani, Aja Brown, Bill McDermott and CMDR Rorke Denver. Leadercast Fargo-Moorhead provides more than 250 community leaders the chance to interact, network and discuss leadership - an idea that will raise the caliber and impact of our community. For more information, visit www.leadercastfm.com.

Project Management Certification Prep Classes Available Project Manager certified professionals are high in demand in many different industries. The University of Mary will offer PMP® & CAPM® certification preparation classes, starting March 23 and will run on Monday evenings through May 18. Classes will be offered in Fargo and Bismarck. For class times and registration information, visit www.umary.edu/PMP. For more information, contact Continuing Education at the University of Mary at 701.232.7088. PMP is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

High Impact Presentations

This two-day program will be held June 10-11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Eide Bailly LLP in Fargo. Whether you are persuading colleagues, selling a client or energizing a team, the power of your presentation makes the difference between success and failure. The experience in this presentations skills training seminar is as close as you can get to having a personal, public speaking coach. Learn how to: § Lead effective Q & A sessions. § Motivate and persuade every audience, every time. § Be more relaxed and natural when making presentation. For additional information call 701.476.8811 or visit www.northdakota.dalecarnegie.com.

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Member Contribution

Workforce Design Matters Article by Kari Rasmus, Designing Women 2

Technology is changing more than how we work; it is changing the look of offices. Gone are the days of hierarchical brainstorming sessions where the power sits behind a desk. A new generation of workers who grew up working on group projects in coffee houses and researching on their laptops no longer feels productive sitting all day in a cubicle. People want to tear down the walls to create a flat management structure that encourages interaction, collaboration and brain-storming. Many offices are creating a mix of rooms that includes: § Pathways that create chance meetings to encourage conversation. § Smaller conference rooms and nooks where employees can continue conversations that lead to creative problem-solving. § Quiet rooms for concentration, skyped meetings and private calls. § Collaborative areas that may be configured like lounges and include presentation abilities. § Bench-style workstations. § Common areas for lunch and breaks. Proponents of activity-based working (ABW) design claim that this new floor plan not only improves teamwork, but creates a greater enjoyment of the workplace. Employees are less sedentary throughout the day and enjoy greater freedom in where and how to work. This, in turn, improves productivity and job satisfaction. In addition to the layout, the “office furniture” is also changing in these spaces. Couches, chairs, end tables and art all help create an atmosphere that exudes professional warmth. It’s been shown that good design positively affects client confidence, consumer purchasing, and customer satisfaction. Executive Summary: don’t skimp on your environment; good design positively affects your bottom line.

Rediscover

Let Us Help You Recruit Employees to Our Communities Area Tours for New Recruits

When recruiting new employees to the area, our Relocation Services team can assist with area tours for your transferees. Our Realtors® are trained to conduct area tours and are excellent at selling the benefits of our remarkable communities.

Employee Transfers

When transferring employees in or out of the area, Relocation Services works hand-in-hand with your company’s relocation department.

Stuck in a humdrum job that keeps you going through the motions rather than reaching the career goals you once dreamed about? Discover a job that makes you happy! Since 1946, Spherion has helped millions of job seekers find exciting career opportunities.

Rediscover Happiness with a job that puts the joy back in your day.”

Community Tours ● Home Tours Guides to Social & Cultural Events ● Area Maps Recreational Activities ● School Tours Community Statistics ● School Information

Gloria Palm Connor Relocation Specialist

701.237.5031 | 1.800.288.7316

RelocationFargo.com

701.298.8300

spherion.com/fargo fmwfchamber.com | 31

Member Contribution

Staying Ahead of Affordable Care Act Penalties Article submitted by Eide Bailly LLC

“Pay or Play” penalties for employers who offer inadequate, unaffordable, or no insurance to their employees are not the only potential penalties under the Affordable Care Act in 2015. There are certain market reforms in place that have two specific requirements: preventing group health insurance from placing annual limits on certain benefits, and requiring non-grandfathered plans to provide certain preventative care without cost-sharing requirements. Additional penalties are associated with businesses who reimburse employees for individual health insurance. Whether that reimbursement is done pre-tax or post-tax, businesses will be subject to the costly $100-per-day per-person excise tax under Code Section 4980D. Keep in mind these excise taxes are considered penalties, which are non-deductible when it comes to filing income tax returns. The problem gets worse when it comes to 2 percent S corporation shareholders. Shareholders who had individual health insurance plans are required to have the company reimburse them for their premiums paid personally in order to take the self-employed health insurance deduction on their individual tax return. The S corporation will then be subjected to the $100-per-day penalty per shareholder who was reimbursed. However, it should be noted that these market reforms do not apply to plans with “less than two participants.” The new tax rules and market reforms are obviously in conflict with each other. For now, businesses need to weigh the potential benefits of pre-taxing or post-taxing individual coverage or subjecting themselves to a penalty of $36,500 per employee per year. The recommendation is to stop offering reimbursement of insurance premiums for individual coverage, regardless if that reimbursement is done pre-tax or post-tax. For full details on these penalties, check out the blog post on www.fmwfchamber.com.

Business Security

We can show you how to protect your customers, employees, heating/cooling systems and more no matter where you are in the office or even in the middle of the night—anywhere, anytime. 888.99.ARVIG | arvig.com/business

32 | March 2015

Average Home Prices Fargo Moorhead

$169,800

Seattle, WA

$357,400

Chicago, IL

$218,000

Rochester, NY

$128,100

Greenville, SC

$165,200

Denver, CO

$316,300

Fargo Boasts Healthy Housing Marketing

Last month, SmartAsset.com named Fargo’s housing market is one of the 10 healthiest in North Dakota. The study examined healthy-housing indicators such as stability, risk, ease of sale and affordability. Fargo ranked sixth in the state, while Wahpeton landed in the number one spot. The entire article is available online.

Source: National Association of Realtors® second quarter 2014 statistics

Baton Rouge, LA

$170,000

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bellbanks.com | Member FDIC

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fmwfchamber.com | 33

Member Mentions

If you can’t make it to Babb’s Coffee, Babb’s Coffee will come to you! They now deliver as well as offer a unique, fun, relaxing atmosphere that features coffee roasted and air-lifted fresh from Seattle each week, teas, iced summertime drinks, bagels, muffins, fruits, soups, croissant sandwiches and gourmet desserts baked fresh. Live music and poetry readings are held, and meeting space for up to 60 people is available.

Nodak Mutual Insurance with Chad Iwen offers a full line of insurance, including auto, commercial, home, life, disability, health, farm and ranch, crop/hail and long-term care. Investments, mutual funds and annuities are also available.

Steam Masters is a true Fargo original. From humble beginnings in 1981 with one man and one van, Steam Masters has provided quality cleaning and restoration services to homes, offices, restaurants and hotels through professionalism, quality and reliability.

Space to live your life

Stay close to home at Element Fargo, opening early 2015. A LEED certified hotel, with spacious rooms and fully socked kitchens. To make a reservation call 1-701-478-LEED (5333) or go to elementfargo.com. Element Fargo 925 19th Avenue East, West Fargo, ND 58078 elementhotels.com 1 877 element

©2009–2012 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Element and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms & conditions visit elementhotels.com/legalcopy

34 | March 2015

Chamber Around Town

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 www.fmwfchamber.com or call Gail at 218.233.1100.

BLUE DAISY BOUTIQUE Grand opening on January 9 1650 45th Street South, Suite 105, Fargo www.shopbluedaisy.com

THOMSEN HOMES Relocation celebration on January 15 3168 41st Street South, Fargo www.thomsenhomesllc.com

OLE & LENA'S PIZZERIA Grand opening on January 13 3330 Sheyenne Street, #108, West Fargo www.oleandlenaspizza.com

GOLF ADDICTION One-year anniversary on January 14 4474 23rd Avenue South, Fargo www.golfaddiction.biz

BIOLIFE PLASMA SERVICES Grand opening of additional location on January 22 801 East Beaton Drive, West Fargo www.biolifeplasma.com

fmwfchamber.com | 35

Bridge the

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

March 2015 Chamber Events

3 11

Eggs & Issues 7:30 a.m. Radisson Hotel

Data Breaches, Credit Card Fraud, Front Page News... Are You Next? 11:30 a.m. Holiday Inn Fargo

17 24

YPN: Benefits of Social Media in Personal and Professional Life 11:30 a.m. Baymont Inn & Suites

Women Connect: Pitching Your Idea and Getting to Yes 3:30 p.m. Avalon Events Center West

Spotlight on You | Moorhead Parks & Recreation

Community Builders

36 | March 2015