The Bridge: May 2016 by The FMWF Chamber of Commerce

Bridge May 2016 | Vol 19 | No. 9

the

17 Military Appreciation Night at the RedHawks

June 30, 2016

Table of Contents 12

4 Call for Presenters

20 YPN

5 ChamberChoice

22 Member Spotlight

Find out how to apply to speak at a Chamber event in 2016-17

Board of Directors

Why you’re needed for Corporate Cup

Save the date to find out which businesses will win big!

Learn more about Don’s Car Wash

23 Ambassador Corner

6 Eggs & Issues

Meet one of our Member Relations Ambassador teams

Upcoming events and a recap of our talk on agriculture

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

See how Vocational Training Center serves the community

Upcoming events and a recap of social employees

26 Member News

12 Leadership FMWF

Read about recognition from our member companies and latest company news

How our class’ CCI presentations went last month

13 Business After Hours 33 New Members Recap on April’s premier networking event

Find out which organizations have recently joined The Chamber

14 Women Connect

34 Member Celebrations

17 Military Appreciation

Which companies had recent groundbreakings, grand openings and more

Details on upcoming events and exciting PUSH news

& Ribbon Cuttings

Details for this fun night out at the RedHawks

Chamber Staff

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

35 Calendar of Events Get the rundown on Chamber and community events taking place in May

19 YEA!

How did our students prepare for Shark Tank?

Ad Index BCBSND Boulger Funeral Home Bremer Bank Central MN Credit Union Cole Papers, Inc. Cornerstone Bank First International Bank Games Galore Heritage Homes Indigo Signworks J&M Printing

2 | May 2016

32 7 16 23 26 34 13 23 33 7 9

JLG Knight Printing Marco Park Company Prairie St. John’s Pro Resources Starion Financial Talecris Plasma Resources Time Communications Wells Fargo

Jon Riewer

Committee Chairs

24 Member Profile

8 Business Training

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

25 28 16 31 11 21 10 10 21 33

The Chamber Mission

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

The Chamber Vision

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

The Chamber Objective

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

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

Message Now’s Not the Time to Pause the F-M Diversion

As a chamber of commerce, it is critical for us to evaluate our priorities on a regular basis in order to best represent the needs of our metro’s business community. Typically, prioritization happens by ranking the issues in order of importance. In our case, there are two issues equally so important that we can’t define which should receive top billing. Those two issues are permanent flood protection for the region, and workforce. I would actually make the case that these issues are, in fact, related. And because of our workforce issues, we can’t afford to delay the critical process of the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion. With dry springs these past few years, it is easy to believe we are already handling the risk of a catastrophic flood. And, based on a great deal of work already done, in some ways we are. But remember 2009? The year that due to the rising Red, schools had to close, workers were let off to help sandbag, dikes were breached, hospitals were evacuated, court trials were suspended, emergency shelters were set up, residents and pets were rescued south of the city, and Mayor Walaker had plans to shut down the city. Now, the city did Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography not actually shut down due to the fear of stopping commerce in the region, but it was a scary possibility. This is exactly why investing in and supporting permanent flood protection is absolutely vital. It’s just not worth another risk. It will only take yet another “flood of the century” to put us back in the national news and remind people that we are the region with regular flooding issues. That reputation affects our ability to attract and recruit workers for the thousands of open jobs we have and also affects economic development in the businesses that have those job openings to fill. While we are fortunate that our region has become a hotbed for startups and entrepreneurs looking for a friendly environment for their businesses, there are also companies already based here looking to expand their footprint. Permanent flood protection needs to be a priority for the sake of all these organizations and individuals. The process to get to permanent flood protection has had ups and downs. While the F-M Diversion celebrated some project milestones, the most recent news has been concerning. Cost estimates are up, and federal funding is down. But the discussion at the April 11 Fargo City Commission meeting, frankly, was deplorable. With more than six years of research put into this project and over $200 million spent, now is not the time to pause. Shifting focus to a temporary fix does not and will not provide the necessary protection that the diversion brings. The metro business community needs to care about the flood issue here because it can mean a loss of revenue to their organizations and the flow of commerce in the community, a loss of wages to employees, and extra expenditures to keep up operations, not to mention a potential stop to commerce in the city entirely. I urge you to reach out to members of the Fargo City Commission and explain the importance of this project moving forward. Rather than press pause on the Diversion, we need to hold down the play button and continue positive movement forward. As one of the top two community needs, it will continue to be at the top of our list. We will work diligently with all of our elected leaders, community members, organizations and congressional members to continue the progress this project has made, and we are committed to seeing it completed.

Craig Whitney President & CEO The Chamber

fmwfchamber.com | 3

Call for Presenters

Speaker Proposals Close May 31!

Do you have expertise that other businesses need to hear? Want to make valuable connections and build credibility? Speaking at a Chamber event is a great way to do just that. If you’re interested, please apply today! Any employee of a Chamber member business is invited to submit a proposal. Applications are now open and close May 31. Apply online at fmwfchamber.com, or contact Bobbi Jo with questions at 218.359.0525.

onnect

omen. Business. Life.

The Business Training series enhances the success of our community’s businesses, large or small, through top-notch presentations at affordable prices to provide valuable professional development and strengthen your work force. Topics have covered sales, culture, leadership, customer service and more.

What do YOU get by presenting?

• Two complimentary guest passes to your session. • Promotion of your session and company on The Chamber website, in our monthly Bridge newsletter and in our weekly eBridge e-newsletter. • Promotion of your session and company with an electronic invitation delivered to 10,000 recipients. • Exposure to a crowd of top business professionals.

4 | May 2016

If your topics are edgy, empowering and inspiring, Women Connect wants you! We want presenters who can engage the crowd and share practical advice for navigating life as a professional woman while sharing positive messages you simply can’t get elsewhere. We reached about 2,500 people in our first year alone! Topics have included mentoring, leadership, relationships in the workplace, balance and embracing change.

What do YOU get by presenting?

ChamberChoice{ Awards 2016

Friday, May 20

Presented By

Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center 1635 42nd Street South, Fargo

Award Sponsors

Event Production Sponsor

#ChamberChoice16 fmwfchamber.com | 5

Eggs & Issues

#FMWFEggs

Technological Change and Implications for the Red River Valley and the North Dakota University System Technology is changing at an accelerating rate. Unmanned systems are beginning to populate the skies above battlefields and big data is changing entire social Bresciani Hagerott structures. Cybersecurity threatens companies with financial loss, intellectual property theft, brand/reputation damage, shareholder loss and legal liability, among many others. Schafer Richman Our speaker, Dr. Mark Hagerott, is the North Dakota University System (NDUS)chancellor, former distinguished professor of cybersecurity at the Naval Academy, a Rhodes Scholar and was named a “Top Military Thinker” by Foreign Policy’s Future of War Survey. He will discuss the challenge of changing technology and participate in a discussion of how the NDUS, North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota and the Red River Valley business community can effectively engage on this issue. Interim UND President Ed Schafer, NDSU President Dean Bresciani and NDSCS president John Richman will also provide commentary.

Community Safety Update

Ebinger

Reitan

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

Todd

Tuesday, May 3

Tuesday, June 7

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

Registration (includes breakfast) Chamber Members: $25 in advance | $30 at the door Non-Members: $35 in advance | $40 at the door

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Beverage Wholesalers, Inc. | Cornerstone Bank | Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead KLJ | Moore Engineering, Inc. | Wells Fargo Bank

6 | May 2016

Eggs & Issues

Focus on Agriculture Economy at April Eggs & Issues Agriculture was the star of our April Eggs & Issues session. Gathered as panelists to share their expert insight into the issues were Lynn Paulson, senior VP & director of agribusiness development at Bell State Bank & Trust; Mike Krueger, president of Money Farm; and Andrew Swenson, extension farm and farm resource management specialist at North Dakota State University.

“

time, the physical size of regional farms hasn’t changed, but gross cash income Now the 3 C’s are conservative in the has more than doubled. 2012 was the best good times, courageous in the tough year, he said, and land values went up times and consistent all the time. 40% in one year. In the years to follow, - Lynn Paulson net income significantly dropped, but expenses went up. He also noted that farm debts are increasing. Following the panelist’s presentations, the audience was allowed to ask questions of North Dakota land values quadrupled the presenters, and judging by the number from 2004 to 2013, which Swenson called of questions, it seems safe to say that our Bev Adams from Sanford Health moderated “unprecedented,” though it’s turned in the business community truly knows and cares the discussion and added a few of her own last couple of years. about the importance and longevity of ag in remarks. “The agriculture industry is one of the region. the industries that has stood the test of time,” The average farmer is 59 years old now, so she said. “The Red River Valley is ground there will be a lot of transition coming, We were also happy to have David Berg of zero for some of the ag industry’s most Paulson added, also touching on both American Crystal Sugar take the stage to innovative creators and producers. Currently, the good and bad times from the lending announce a new Chamber committee for the agriculture industry is finding itself in a perspective. “It used to be the 3 C’s Agribusiness, of which he is serving as chair. very precarious state.” of lending were things like collateral, conditions, capacity and character,” he said. To view the slides from all our presenters, Swenson shared lots of data regarding ag’s please visit the Chamber blog online. impact locally. Over an 11-year period of

fmwfchamber.com | 7

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

Workplace Conflict: Managing Awkward Moments

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

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

Wednesday, June 8

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

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

Score Greater Insight Into Your Bottom Line with a Weekly Scorecard

Newell

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

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

Wednesday, June 8

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, June 8

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

8 | May 2016

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

Business Training

#FMWFTraining

The Most Social Business Training Ever Thanks to a stellar group of attendees, a rockstar presenter and a complementary discussion topic, our April Business Training was the most Tweeted yet! At this session, Kirsten Jensen from Onsharp spoke to a group of 300+ attendees about social employees. She covered what a social employee is, why they’re important, why organizations should invest in social employee programs, and offered suggestions what to Tweet about. She answered many questions from the audience, demonstrating the great need and interest in online engagement to our business community. While we could summarize some of her key takeaways, it’s best left up to just some of the awesome Tweets from the session itself from our attendees. Here’s what a few attendees said! To see the rest, search the hashtag #FMWFTraining on Twitter.

Program Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

GOLDMARK Property Management | Network Center, Inc. | Wanzek Construction, Inc.

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fmwfchamber.com | 9

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The Chamber congratulates all the YEA! students, who each received funding at the Investor Panel Shark Tank! Mukai won a trip to Rochester, NY, to compete in the YEA! semi-finals. For more information on the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program and to apply for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class, visit fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100.

10 | May 2016

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Metro in the News The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community continues to receive recognition nationwide for its high quality of life and standard of living. Here are just a few of the acknowledgements from recent months.

Population Growth is Surging

The metro area population isn’t just growing; it’s exploding. According to a March 2016 Forum article, “The Fargo-Moorhead metro area added more than 5,000 people last year, growing faster than any U.S. metro area outside of the South and West.” With a growth rate of 2.3%, or 5,279 new residents from July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015, we easily surpassed a typical annual growth rate of 1 to 1.5%, and there are no signs of a slowdown in the near future.

Fargo Good for Families

ValuePenguin, a personal finance company, ranked Fargo #11 overall in the nation for best cities for young families. Its report compared 156 cities on factors such as economic strength, safety and weather. We were also in the top 20 for unemployment rate, primary and secondary schools, average commute time, percentage of families in poverty, and divorce rate.

Moorhead Housing Best in State

According to the SmartAsset Healthy Housing Markets map, Moorhead has the best housing market in the state of Minnesota. To calculate the ranking, they measured stability with number of years people remain in their homes and the percentage of homeowners with negative equity. They also looked at average time a for-sale home spends on the market as well as the monthly cost of owning a home as a percentage of household income.

West Fargo Has Smarts

West Fargo was named the smartest city in the state of North Dakota with more than 5,000 residents by Zippia. They looked at the percentage of high school graduates and high school dropouts. Grand Forks was #2 and Fargo #3. Census data shows that 5.4% of West Fargo adults do not have a diploma and 2.2% of teens drop out.

Autism affects 1 in 50 school children in the United States.

Why fit in when you were born to STAND OUT? (Dr. Seuss) Prairie St. John’s provides outpatient child/adolescent services, including: • Specific track for those on the Autism Spectrum • Day programming for behavioral health issues • Clinic appointments for kids struggling with day-to-day life adjustments, depression, anxiety, relationships and more

OUR AWESOME AUTISM TEAM!

Call us at 701.476.7200 to learn more about our programs. Confidential assessments are available 24/7. www.prairie-stjohns.com fmwfchamber.com | 11

Leadership FMWF

#FMWFLeadership

Leadership Class Presents Community Change Initiative Projects

After working on their Community Change Initiatives since October 2015, the Leadership class was given the opportunity to showcase their hard work and dedication by presenting projects to their peers, supervisors and stakeholders. Each group shared their project vision and goals, struggles and successes, project outcome or current status and the group dynamic and it was clear that, while each had very different goals, they all made a lasting impact on our community. To learn more about each, visit The Chamber blog.

Following the CCI presentations, we headed to one of our community’s hidden gems, TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics. Director of Operations and 2015 LFMWF graduate, Nate Hendrickson, led the group through various tasks to illustrate how physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational wellness can impact you as a leader.

Looking for Leaders!

LFMWF Program Applications are Open Now! If you want to grow both personally and professionally, and believe in giving back to your community, then we invite you to join the Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo program! This 10-month program runs August through May and meets once per month at various locations throughout the community, along with other special events. You’ll participate in fun events, special talks and tours and work on team projects, all while building lasting connections, learning more about FMWF and developing your own leadership role. Applications close on May 26. You can apply at fmwfchamber.com/LFMWF.

For More Information For more information, contact Sam Gust at sgust@fmwfchamber.com or 218.359.0529.

Program Sponsors

12 | May 2016

BAH

Attendees Relax and Network at April Business After Hours

Aprilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business After Hours kicked off at the Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center. Chamber members had the chance to meet business professionals representing over 90 booths in products and services in a relaxed, social setting. They exchanged business cards and became acquainted with other professionals throughout the community. Thank you to our sponsor and the staff at the Ramada for a fantastic evening! To find out when the next Business After Hours is scheduled, visit the online calendar at fmwfchamber.com.

Save the Date! Business After Hours

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

Event Sponsor

For All Your Business Banking Needs Brian Hagen, East Market President 3001 25th St S â&#x20AC;˘ Fargo, ND bhagen@firstintlbank.com

701-499-7608

0188_05-16

www.firstintlbank.com fmwfchamber.com | 13

Women Connect Change - Don’t Fear It; Embrace It!

There is nothing more constant in life than change – from beginning to end, there is constant change. So why are so many people afraid of change, or resistant to it? We get Borgen comfortable and set in our routine and habits. We feel secure in our comfort zone. How do we react when something happens to upset our comfort zone? New job, new boss, new husband, new child, new co-worker, new family members, etc. When we understand and accept the fact that change is constant, and nothing good or bad lasts forever, we are more apt to embrace change and enjoy the challenges and learning opportunities that come with it. Join Lisa Borgen, vice president of administration at American Crystal Sugar Company, as we discuss our experiences with changes in our lives, our careers, our families and ourselves. Also hear from Michelle Kommer, Western State Bank, and Kristi Ulrich, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota. Hopefully you will discover the key to embracing changes both big and small in your personal and professional life. Change is opportunity to grow and learn. It is constant, so it’s better to roll with it than resist it!

Cornucopia Kids

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

Tuesday, May 24

Tuesday, June 28

3:30 to 5 p.m. | Social 5 to 6 p.m. Avalon Events Center

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

Please consider briging household cleaning supplies to be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

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

#FMWFWC Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

14 | May 2016

PUSH Monda and Carney Honored with LIVE UNITED Catalyst Award

Chelsea Monda and Carrie Carney, founders of the Women Connect PUSH program, were recently honored at the United Way Cass-Clay Annual Meeting with the LIVE UNITED Catalyst Award. This award honors an alumni or group of alumni of the United Way’s 35 Under 35 Program who are putting the United Way 35 Under 35 “Mission in Motion” and utilizing their experience with United Way as a springboard that propels them into making an impact in their own lives, at their company, or in the greater community.

The PUSH Story

After meeting last year, Monda, senior client consultant at Sundog and Carney, director of marketing and communications at Eventide Senior Living Communities, began meeting up regularly over coffee to discuss goals, ideas and encourage one another. After meeting for about six months, they began inviting other women to join, and soon PUSH was born with the idea that a group of women meets once per month to support and empower one another. At the end of each meeting, each woman states a goal they will reach by the next meeting. The group stays in touch throughout the month to hold one another accountable and help one another reach their goals.

In the fall of 2015, they brought their idea to the Women Connect committee members, and quickly a partnership was established that would help engage more women with PUSH and ensure a wider group of women had access to the program. Monda and Carney presented their PUSH idea to more than 800 women at the Women Connect session in January and officially launched the program, inviting any woman to participate. Since then, the two have been actively participating in their original PUSH group while supporting other women from the wider community to become involved, join or start a group, and connect with others to help them reach their professional and personal goals.

What is PUSH? PUSH is a network of groups of women. Each group is made up of about eight women who meet once per month. Some meet for coffee, some dinner, some wine – whatever the group decides. During a PUSH meeting, the women discuss a question based off of the most recent Women Connect event. After discussing the selected topic, each woman will state a goal that they will reach by the next meeting, each being held accountable by the group. The women may choose to stay in touch throughout the month through email or a private group on Facebook.

Where can I learn more?

Join the conversation on our Facebook group: FMWF Chamber PUSH, visit us online at fmwfchamber.com/PUSH, or contact us with questions or to be placed in a group at push@fmwfchamber.com.

“

Through my PUSH group, I’ve been connecting with a great group of successful women on a regular basis. We discuss challenges and opportunities and hold each other accountable to reach our goals. It’s been a great experience and so much fun! – Lisa Gulland-Nelson, VP marketing & PR, Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation

fmwfchamber.com | 15

Business Banking Experts at Bremer Bank

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4/5/16 1:17 PM

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16 | May 2016

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Save the Date!

Come see the

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

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

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

Grand Slam Sponsor

fmwfchamber.com | 17

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! n o i t a v o Inn , e r u t u f r u o y r o f N A L P t s Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ju ! w o n t i T R

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ponsor

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The Young Entrepreneurs Academy teaches 11-18 year olds the skills they need to start and run their own successful business.

Start a student, finish a CEO of your own company. For More Information

Please contact Tracy Powell at 218.359.0515 or tpowell@fmwfchamber.com. 18 | May 2016 Or visit us online at fmwfchamber.com/YEA and facebook.com/YEAFargo.

YEA!

Prepping for the Shark Tank Investor Panel

By now you’ve probably read about the exciting inaugural Investor Panel Shark Tank event that was held on March 16. But how did our YEA! students prepare for it? They spent many moments practicing their five-minute presentations leading up to it in several class sessions. Michael Olsen, of Michael J. Olsen Communications, helped the class by providing feedback such as making sure they touch upon the most important pieces of their business, show their personality, vary their tone of voice, make eye contact, be aware of their body language and avoid filler words like “um” and “you know.” The students made revisions based on Olsen’s input and polished up their presentations. His feedback certainly helped each student feel more confident up on the real stage.

Flint Educates YEA! Students on the Importance of Advertising

The class also took a field trip and got a tour of the Flint Group offices. Thank you to Kiersten Cooley and Danielle Woodard for showing the students the business behind advertising and why advertising is important to small businesses.

Presenting Sponsor

Program Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

fmwfchamber.com | 19

YPN

Young Professionals Network #FMWFYPN

Events

Corporate Cup is Just Around the Corner! Thursday, May 26 | 3:15 to 8 p.m.

Alex Nemzek Hall, 649 17th Street South, Minnesota State University Moorhead Presenting Sponsor

Calling All Volunteers! Teams are sold out, but you can still get in on the action at Corporate Cup! Get the best seats in the house by volunteering. Not only will you get prime spots for spectating, but all volunteers also receive a free T-shirt, and extra points are awarded to competing teams that send volunteers. To join the fun, contact Sam at sgust@fmwfchamber.com or call 218.233.1100. Join the Facebook page at facebook.com/fmwf.corpcup to stay up-to-date on event announcements.

Off the Clock Sponsor

20 | May 2016

Program Sponsors

Announcements Chamber Hires Two The Chamber recently welcomed two new employees. Sara Vollmer has joined The Chamber staff as administrative services coordinator and Katie Hashbarger has joined as graphics and publications coordinator.

Vollmer graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations. She previously worked at Sanford Health as office specialist with the Office of Continuous Improvement and was also an administrative assistant at Eide Bailly. In her free time, she works for the Gluten Free Food Allergy Fest, a national gluten-free expo, otherwise she’s in the kitchen cooking, spending time with family and friends, and traveling with her husband. Vollmer

Hashbarger graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. She previously was a design specialist and Posterboard brand advocate at Onsharp. In her free time, she enjoys attending as many concerts as she can and learning to cook with her husband, otherwise she’s spending time with family, friends, and her two boxers. Hashbarger

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fmwfchamber.com | 21

Member Spotlight

This month’s member spotlight is on a popular spot where area residents can count on getting their car squeaky clean. Here’s a little more about Don’s Car Wash, from Dan Durr, president/CEO.

Q& A

Q: Please tell us a little more about the history of Don’s Car Wash. A: In July of 1958, the first Don’s Car Wash opened. This wash was located at 1802 Main Avenue in Fargo. Don Johnson and Mel Skarphol were partners in this. Don managed the first location. Most people from the Fargo area had not been through a conveyor car wash. At that time, most people washed their cars at home or at a service station. Duane Durr started working for Don’s in 1960 as a line employee. In 1972, he became a part of the corporation operating Don’s of Fargo. Our Dual Serve car wash is located at 2727 13th Avenue South in Fargo and opened in 1992. Duane is now retired and I’m serving as the president/CEO of the Fargo-Moorhead operation, while Shaun Lugert is the vice president/GM. Q: How many employees do you currently have? A: 119 Q: What do you like best about doing business in Fargo Moorhead West Fargo? A: I would have to say one of the best things is our diverse customer base. This community truly enjoys taking care of their vehicles. We see younger drivers and customers who have been coming to Don’s since day 1 take the same pride in vehicle ownership and want a clean car to drive! Q: What’s your best business tip? A: Enjoy what you do. Put in 100% every day, and you will be rewarded. Q: What do you like most about being a member of The Chamber? A: Being part of a group of local businesses that believes in character, community and each other.

Interested In Having Your Business Highlighted In This Section?

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

22 | May 2016

Ambassador Corner

Meet the Kings and Queens Public Relations Ambassador Team The Kings and Queens is one of The Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Relations Ambassador teams. Team members include Brian Kinglsey, Midco, as chair; Becky Sallberg, Days Inn; Brian Heger, 702 Communications; Brian Shawn, American Red Cross; Donn Groth, Midwest Radio of Fargo Moorhead; Jason Christopherson, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; Jason Semerad, NAI North Central; Josh Ulrich, Time Communications; Julie Halverson, Newman Signs; Larry Olson, Talent Productions; Nicole Birnbaum, Radio FM Media; and Rachel Carriveau, Cambria Suites. This team prides themselves on welcoming new businesses to the community and helping current businesses celebrate milestone events. They also enjoy finding ways to help the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community discover the hidden gems that otherwise might go unnoticed. The photo above includes members of the committee in the following order: front row, L to R: Rachel Carriveau, Julie Halverson, Becky Sallberg, Nicole Birnbaum. Back row, L to R: Brian Heger, Jason Christopherson, Brian Kingsley, Donn Groth, Larry Olson.

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fmwfchamber.com | 23

Member Profile Vocational Training Center: Empowering Individuals with Disabilities One step inside either of Fargo’s Vocational Training Center buildings, and it’s clear that they’ve got a lot going on. With 108 individuals in their day support program, people are coming and going all day, and all to serve various community needs and teach valuable skills. First incorporated in 1962 by a group of parents and community partners that wanted more work and social opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to be productive members of society, that is exactly what the Vocational Training Center seeks to provide. And it’s actually one of the first programs of its kind in the state of North Dakota.

No day at the Vocational Training Center is the same. With so many opportunities, each individual can really make their day their own, Alissa Arndt, program coordinator, said. “Each person supported has unique goals and dreams. The Vocational Training Center tries to make new connections in the community through volunteerism, community events and other resources to help each person realize those dreams and goals. With wide options, people can choose how busy they want to be; some people may be on the go all day and others may want to spend part of their day socializing with others at VTC.”

On any given day at the Vocational Training Center’s new location, there could be a By providing vocational training and work chair yoga activity, cooking demonstrations, opportunities through partnerships with area Zumba, reading and current event discussion employers, the Vocational Training Center is groups and more. They provide computers for able to offer individuals with intellectual the individuals to keep in touch with family and/or physical disabilities the opportunity and friends, have a Wii, fitness machines and to work. Whether it’s learning basic job skills, even bring in a musician that plays guitar and doing job readiness training from their own sings to the group. building (the day we visited, individuals were laminating and sorting lanyards for the Fargo For the businesses out there, the Vocational Marathon) or going out into the community, Training Center wants you to know they they are able to enrich their own lives and are a labor solution with a variety of provide needed services around town. talented individuals ready to work. “We work with employers to offer them the best Opportunities for these individuals are candidate and recommend appropriate almost endless, and the Vocational Training accommodations for that individual to Center makes sure to accommodate everyone succeed,” Tom Thompson, employment & the best they can. Aside from employment placement services coordinator, said. and training services, a recently added second location gives them more space to offer From these work opportunities, most additional opportunities, such as therapeutic individuals are able to earn a paycheck, services, community integration and purchase items with that money and be a volunteerism. consumer just like the rest of us. It teaches them a sense of pride in a job well done as They also search for hidden talents and well as belonging. interests. For instance, the Vocational Training Center has a woodshop in their “Even a small paycheck for certain original location on Ninth Avenue where individuals can be huge,” Scott Burtsfield, individuals learn to build furniture. In their executive director, said. “It’s that hurdle new location in the old Quality Bakery somebody’s been trying to clear for years. building, they’ve been able to dedicate space Those little successes are big for us.” as a show room for the furniture, and some individuals with skills in sales have emerged, now that they’ve been given that opportunity.

24 | May 2016

Come see up close what the VTC does! They invite you to an open house and ribbon cutting for their new location 2532 University Drive South on May 25 at 11:30 a.m.

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Companies

Member News

Edward Jones Ranks on FORTUNE and Training Magazine’s Lists

Little

Ames

Goffe

Morsch

Verghis

American Diabetes Association Names New Board Members The American Diabetes Association office serving North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota announced the appointment of five new community leadership board members: Mike Little as board chair and Brooke Ames, John Goffe, Jillian Morsch and Danne Verghis as board members. Little works at Altru Health System in Grand Forks as the manager of primary care programs. Ames is an assistant vice president of mortgage processing at Western State Bank and has worked in the mortgage and banking industry for 15 years. Goffe works at Novo Nordisk, where he has held the position of diabetes care specialist for the past nine years. Morsch works as a respiratory therapist at Sanford Health in Fargo. Verghis works as a search specialist at Express Employment Professionals. The five new members join a 10-member board.

Choice Financial Adds New Board Member Choice Financial announced the addition of Lauris Molbert to its board of directors, bringing the bank’s total board membership to 11 directors. Molbert is CEO of TMI Hospitality. Prior to joining TMI, Molbert served as the chief operating officer and executive vice president of Otter Tail Molbert Corporation, and was a partner at a Fargo law firm. He has served on numerous public, private and non-profit boards. Molbert graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law and earned undergraduate degrees in finance, accounting and banking from the University of North Dakota.

CSM Partners with IMP to Deliver Clinical Trial Supply Services Globally CSM announced its global partnership with IMP, unifying their clinical trial supply services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. This strategic alliance will allow clinical trial sponsors to streamline the complexities of international supply chain management. The new partnership is part of CSM’s continued growth and expansion efforts. In addition to CSM and IMP’s current solutions, this partnership will address global challenges such as regulatory, compliance, QP release, and drug importation for studies. The partnership was officially announced at IMP’s Clinical Supply Services Launch Event on February 11, 2016, at the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Edward Jones ranked No. 10 on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For 2016” list in its 17th appearance on the prestigious list, according to Matthew De Vries, a financial advisor in West Fargo. In the FORTUNE survey of associates, for which the ranking is predominantly based, 94% of Edward Jones associates said they have pride in the work they do. And 95% of associates say that overall, Edward Jones is a great place to work. Edward Jones’ 17 FORTUNE rankings also include top 10 finishes for 13 years, top five rankings for six years and consecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003. Two-thirds of a company’s survey score is based on the results of the Trust Index Employee Survey, which asks questions about attitudes regarding management’s credibility, overall job satisfaction and camaraderie. The other third of the scoring is based on the company’s responses to the institute’s Culture Audit, which looks at pay and benefit programs, hiring practices, internal communications, training, recognition programs and diversity efforts. Edward Jones was also named a top firm for training its associates, ranking No. 32 on Training magazine’s 2016 Training Top 125 list. It was the top-ranked financial-services firm on the Training rankings. Edward Jones has been honored as one of the best companies for training for 16 consecutive years, dating back to the debut of the Training Top 50 in 2001.

Great Plains Food Bank Announces 2015 Community Partners The Great Plains Food Bank, a program of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, has named four statewide partners as 2015 Hunger Relief Champions. Those recognized are Karen Ehrens, Marcia Euren, and Dan and Beatrice Faust. All four of these individuals have longstanding partnerships with the Great Plains Food Bank, are committed to the mission, and make extraordinary contributions to end hunger in their communities.

Marco Wins Two 2016 Perfect Image Awards Marco has been named the winner of two 2016 Perfect Image Awards by imageSource magazine in the categories of Dealer of the Year and Outstanding Leadership in Customer Engagement. The prestigious awards program recognizes exceptional leadership and innovation in the office channel. Marco was one of just four organizations honored during a special reception at the annual ITEX National Conference and Expo. Steve Gau, VP of sales, and Trevor Akervik, senior sales director, accepted the awards for Marco at the conference on March 8 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Open to any dealer, reseller or managed services provider involved in any facet of office technology and workflow, the annual Perfect Image Awards program showcases the best of the best in the office channel. Nominations are judged on a variety of criteria including strategic sales efforts, overcoming challenges and innovative approaches to evolving after sale programs, customer retention programs and other critical workflow processes in the face of a rapidly evolving industry.

Northern Pipe Products Earns Liberty Mutual Gold Safety Award Your complete distributor for all your paper, plastic, janitorial, packaging, equipment & supply needs since 1918.

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26 | May 2016

At its annual St. Patrick’s Day gathering, Northern Pipe Products (NPP) received Liberty Mutual’s Gold Award for outstanding safety performance in 2015. NPP also earned this award for 2012, 2013 and 2014. Liberty Mutual, Otter Tail Corporation’s casualty lines insurance carrier, bestows this award annually to companies that have a DART (days away/restricted/transferred) rate that’s at least 80% better than their peer group, work a minimum of 200,000 labor hours, and have no fatalities or serious, disabling injuries or illnesses. For 2015, NPP had a DART rate of 0.0, compared with 3.6 for its peer group.

Member News

Companies

Outstanding NDSU Alumni Honored

Starion Financial Receives Five Stars from BauerFinancial

The NDSU Foundation and Alumni Association honored a group of outstanding NDSU graduates at the annual alumni awards banquet on April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fargo. The 2016 alumni honorees are Mark Hardy, executive director of the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy, for the Horizon Award, which honors a graduate of the past 15 years for early career accomplishments or exceptional service to their community; Fred and Linda Kane Paavola for the Heritage Award for alumni service; Donald Schwartz, widely recognized as a leader in communication education, for the Henry L. Bolley Academic Achievement Award; and Terry (Schroeder) Scherling, founder, president and CEO of TENICA and Associates, for the Alumni Achievement Award.

Starion Financial earned a five-star “superior” rating for fourth quarter 2015 from BauerFinancial, the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating firm. Star ratings are released quarterly and assigned on a scale of zero to five stars, with five being the strongest. Ratings are based on the overall financial picture of the financial institution. BauerFinancial has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. The ratings are independent, meaning no institution is able to pay to be rated or excluded.

Park Co. Realtors Receives Cartus Five Star Award Park Co. Realtors of Fargo was honored for its outstanding performance during the past year with a Five Star Award from the Cartus Broker Network. Park Co. Realtors was presented the Cartus Five Star Award, which recognizes brokers who have met or exceeded their individual objectives for outgoing broker-to-broker referral closings during the calendar year. The award was presented at the 2016 Cartus Broker Network International Conference in March at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Cartus is a worldwide leader in employee relocation solutions.

PDS Inc. Announces Merger with Sleep Services of America PDS Inc., Precision Diagnostic Services, the parent company of the North Dakota Center for Sleep and CPAP Store in Fargo, operating under MedBridge HealthCare, LLC, announced that Sleep Services of America (SSA), has merged with MedBridge Healthcare on March 1. SSA will become an operating subsidiary of MedBridge Healthcare. MedBridge Healthcare, PDS and SSA, collectively provide more than 60,000 diagnostic sleep studies in 2015, and will serve patients from over 140 locations in 21 states and the District of Columbia.

Radisson Hotel Fargo Honored with President’s Award The Radisson Hotel Fargo was presented with a 2015 Radisson President’s Award. The hotel was selected from more than 420 Radisson hotels globally. The President’s Award recognizes those hotels and resorts that have consistently provided exceptional guest satisfaction and brand engagement with top scores in the following areas: service performance, product performance, loyalty performance, problem resolution rate and cleanliness and conditions. The President’s award has become the symbol of outstanding quality for Radisson. Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas presented the award to Sandi Adams, general manager of the Radisson Hotel Fargo, at the company’s annual business conference.

Showplace Kitchens Awarded Best of Houzz 2016 Showplace Kitchens has won “Best of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The employee-owned company was chosen by the more than 35 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 1 million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals. The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015.

Stoneridge Software Earns “Best-of-the-Best” Inclusion by SPI Research Stoneridge Software has earned a place in the Best-of-the-Best professional service organizations identified by SPI (Service Performance Insight) Research, an independent professional services research firm. From a total of 549 companies participating in the 2016 Professional Services Maturity™ Benchmark study, the top 20 firms were identified as outperforming their peers and the benchmark average with higher profit, larger projects and more satisfied clients. SPI Research’s Best-of-the-Best excel across five critical service performance dimensions: leadership, client relationships, human capital alignment, service execution and finance and operations.

Swanson Health Products, Valley Worldwide Logistics Solutions Receive Global Business Awards Swanson Health Products was named North Dakota’s 2015 Exporter of the Year for their achievements in international expansion and their support to the state’s export community, and Valley Worldwide Logistics Solutions received the 2015 Service to Exporters award for their dedication to solving logistics challenges for North Dakota exporters. Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley presented the awards during the Global Business Awards ceremony at the Global Business Connections conference hosted by the North Dakota Trade Office (NDTO). “Exporting is an integral part of our work to diversify our economy,” said Wrigley, chairman of the NDTO Board of Directors. “Recognizing the accomplishments of our enterprising trade leaders is one way we can provide support. Swanson Health Products and Valley Worldwide Logistics work hard to expand their global presence and their dedication has created opportunities for more North Dakotans in terms of jobs, freight options and international partnerships.” The Exporter of the Year award is presented to one North Dakota business each year. To win the award, the business must have expanded to a new international market in 2015, increase its export sales during the past year, and support the larger, statewide effort to expand North Dakota’s global reach. The 2015 Service to Exporters award is given to an international business resource that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting North Dakota exporters and increasing the state’s overall international business strategy.

TrueIT Recognized for Excellence in Managed IT Services TrueIT announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named TrueIT to its 2016 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer 250 category. This annual list recognizes North American solution providers with cutting-edge approaches to delivering managed services. Their top-notch offerings help companies navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of IT, improve operational efficiencies, and maximize their return on IT investments. CRN’s MSP 500 list shines a light on the most forwardthinking and innovative of these key organizations. TrueIT was chosen as one of the MSP Pioneer 250 due to the fact that since its founding they have always strived to deliver their services through pioneering technologies. From the proactive, “fix it before it’s broken” approach to creating an environment where you have “Technology that Works!™”, TrueIT has been a leader in the newest technology innovations.

fmwfchamber.com | 27

Member News

People

Absolute Marketing Group has hired Justin Miller for the marketing advisor and drone marketing specialist position and Megan Bartholomay for the marketing advisor position. Miller most recently produced sales and marketing videos for Border States Electric in Fargo. Miller is originally from the Pacific Northwest. With extensive background in marketing and Miller Bartholomay communications, Bartholomay holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing, both from Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she was also an adjunct instructor. Prior to joining Absolute, she was the marketing communication specialist at Ulteig. Bell State Bank & Trust has hired Casey Atkinson as a commercial credit officer and promoted Jordan Rostad to personal banking officer. A native of New Rockford, North Dakota, Atkinson earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He was a bank examiner for the State of North Dakota for five years prior to joining Bell. Atkinson Rostad A Fargo native, Rostad earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from North Dakota State University. He worked at Wells Fargo before joining Bell in 2013. Patrice Boss and Ericka Schott have recently joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties. Both are licensed Realtors® in North Dakota and Minnesota. Boss attended the University of North Dakota. Prior to entering real estate, she was in broadcasting for several years, and created and sold advertising for media stations. Outside of work, she volunteers Boss Schott her time at HERO, Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization. Schott attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, the University of North Dakota and Rasmussen College, where she obtained degrees in business management and marketing. She is the founder of ProWin, Professional Women’s Information Network.

Carlson

Kellie Carlson joined Border States Electric (BSE) as the new human resources employee relations manager. Prior to joining BSE, Carlson spent 10 years in the health care human resources field and has worked in human resources for nearly 20 years. Carlson is originally from Fargo but was most recently the vice president of talent management at THA Group in Savannah, Georgia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Concordia University, St. Paul, and will complete her master’s degree in organizational management this year.

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28 | May 2016

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Keller

Nordquist

Cornerstone Bank has hired Sarah Parkhouse as a mortgage loan officer and Kraig Archambeau as a mortgage loan processor in Fargo, and promoted Vicki Keller to assistant controller and Nicole Nordquist to a credit analyst. Originally from West Fargo, Parkhouse attended North Dakota State University and majored in finance. She is returning to the Fargo area after living in Arizona, where in addition to working in the mortgage industry, she was a cheerleader for the Arizona Cardinals. Originally from Rosholt, South Dakota, Archambeau attended Dakota Wesleyan University and majored in history education. He has over five years of customer service experience. Keller joined Cornerstone Bank as an accounting/finance assistant in 2007. Nordquist joined Cornerstone Bank as a temporary team member in the retail and credit departments in 2013 and was promoted to a financial analyst/internal auditor later that year. Corporate Technologies has hired Zach Lautt and Benjamin Brakefield as service sales executives. Lautt attended Valley City State University, studying business education and Minnesota State University Moorhead, studying business administration. He was previously employed at AT&T as a retail sales consultant and as a personal banker at Deerwood Bank in Brainerd, Minnesota. Lautt Brakefield Brakefield attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, with a major in history and education. He was previously employed at the Plains Art Museum. Jann Veroeven has joined Dawson Insurance, Fargo, as a life & benefits account manager. Veroeven previously worked for a life insurance brokerage firm for the last five years and as a sales assistant for a registered investment advisory firm in southern Minnesota for 13 years prior to that.

Veroeven

Goodrich

What’s your idea?

Archambeau

DFC Consultants has hired Roy Goodrich as a senior solutions consultant. Goodrich has over 20 years of experience working with Microsoft Dynamics GP and Key2Act software. He will offer software support and training to customers with a focus on those in the manufacturing and mechanical industries. Prior to joining DFC Consultants, Goodrich was a senior consultant for Key2Act for nearly 10 years.

Lori Bakken, marketing director for EAPC Architects Engineers, has been named to the Top 25 Women in Business by Prairie Business magazine. The award is to draw attention to the many creative, successful businesswomen in North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota. Honorees were selected through a nomination process that emphasized professional achievement, community contributions and work-life balance. These 25 women, chosen from a pool of about 150 nominees, come from a wide range of industries and have made Bakken significant impacts in their chosen professions, industries and communities. Bakken has been at EAPC for eight years.

Member News

Hruby

Turner

Jens

People

Moen

First International Insurance has hired Taylor Hruby as an agent, and Mary Liz Turner, Tondi Jens and Matt Moen as customer service representatives. Originally from Wilton, North Dakota, Hruby attended MSUM and has one year of financial service experience. Turner has more than 15 years of insurance and banking customer service experience. A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jens has more than 10 years of customer service experience. Originally from Watertown, South Dakota, she graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute, Watertown. Moen has 12 years of prior experience in hotel operations and management. A graduate of University of Mary in Bismarck, he is also pursuing a master’s degree.

Stalboerger

Beau Flom received the Platinum award from Keller Williams for being in the top 1% of all KW real estate agents in the United States. Keller Williams is the largest real estate company in the U.S. with a total of 125,000 agents. Flom was also named the #1 Keller Williams agent in the state of North Dakota for 2015. Flom Property Group, Inc., a team within Keller Williams Roers Realty, has been in business for three years.

Jelinski

Houselog

Dauwen

Herbandson

Hicks

Flint Group-Fargo has hired Jordan Houselog as account coordinator, Katie Dauwen as account coordinator, Jen Herbrandson as media planner and Jennifer Hicks as project manager to serve the company’s Midwest network. Houselog earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management with a minor in leadership studies from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Prior to joining Flint Group, Houselog worked for Office Sign Company as business development manager. Dauwen earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from North Dakota State University. She previously worked as a marketing consultant at Professional Advantage. Herbrandson earned an associate’s degree of applied science from Interstate Business College. She was previously employed at Wallwork, Inc. as an executive assistant and marketing analyst. Hicks earned a bachelor’s degree from MSUM in mass communications with a minor in marketing. Prior to joining Flint Group, she worked in the marketing department at SCHEELS Corporate Offices in Fargo.

Wyland

Diederich

High Point Networks announced that Jeremy Wyland has earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through the Project Management Institute. Wyland earned his certification in March 2016. Wyland has been a member of the project management team with High Point Networks since 2014. He has been working in the industry as a project manager for 16 years. Wyland earned his MBA from the University of Sioux Falls in 2004 and his facility management degree from North Dakota State University in 1999. Donn Diederich of Industrial Builders, Inc. of Fargo was named to the Associated General Contractors of America Board of Directors on March 10 at its annual national convention in San Antonio, Texas. Diederich is the executive vice president of Industrial Builders, Inc. in Fargo. He will serve a two-year term on the 26-person board. Diederich will serve in his role as the 2016 Vice Chair and 2017 Chair of the AGC of America Highway Division.

JLG Architects announced the addition of Steve Stalboerger, AIA, to JLG Architects’ nationally ranked Healthcare Practice Studio in a new role as a medical planner. Stalboerger brings more than 30 years’ experience to the position. He received a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in architectural studies from North Dakota State University and an associate’s degree in arts, architectural drafting and estimating from North Dakota State College of Science. He is a Registered Architect.

Phillips

Davis

Lao

Lightowler Johnson Associates (LJA) has promoted Todd Jelinski, AIA, to architectural department head and welcomed Terry Phillips, AIA, LEED, AP, as project architect, Ben Davis as associate AIA, Kolton Jungemann as structural EIT, Kyle Lao as civil EIT and Holli Hasbargen as associate AIA. Jelinski previously held the position of project architect at LJA. He has over 20 years of experience in the design of commercial building projects. Jelinski earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture and environmental design from North Dakota State University. Phillips has over 20 years of experience and earned a bachelor of architecture from North Dakota State University. Davis graduated from North Dakota State University with a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science degree in environmental design. He was previously employed as an intern architect at Hepper Olson Architects. Jungemann graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He was previously employed as a structural EIT at CW Structural Engineers in Bismarck. Lao graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. He was previously employed as a civil EIT at Ackerman-Estvold in Minot. Hasbargen graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Architecture. She is certified as a LEED AP and was previously employed at TMI Hospitality as an architectural designer. MAC’S, Inc., Moorhead, has promoted Amy Fullmer to assistant manager of merchandising and presentation. She has worked for MAC’S for two years, serving most recently as merchandising specialist.

Fullmer

Lindquist

Moore Engineering, Inc. hired Cathy Lindquist as marketing manager. Lindquist earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and recreational management and programming from Concordia College and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. Prior to Moore Engineering, she was the executive director for the West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center. Lindquist is originally from Hammond, Wisconsin.

fmwfchamber.com | 29

Member News

People

The North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. has promoted Ali Swift to super stars lead teacher. She started working with the autism center in April 2013 as a behavior tutor in the day program and a direct support professional in the in home program. Swift graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in speech, language and hearing sciences and is currently pursuing her master’s degree.

Park Mortgage welcomed Michaella M. Vliem to its team as a mortgage loan processor. Vliem is also working through the steps to become a licensed mortgage loan officer. Prior to joining the Park Mortgage team, Vliem worked in the banking and finance industry for over 20 years. She earned an associate’s degree in business management and an accounting certificate from Aaker’s Business College.

Swift

Vliem

The North Dakota State College of Science promoted Kim Nelson to executive director of the Alumni/Foundation and Jane Vangsness Frisch to vice president for the newly created Student Affairs division. Nelson graduated from the University of Minnesota Crookston with a bachelor’s degree in family services and from Nelson Vangsness Frisch Minnesota State University Moorhead with an elementary education degree. An NDSCS employee since 2002, Nelson previously served as the interim executive director of the Alumni/Foundation, Major Gifts Officer, Donor Development Manager and Alumni Coordinator. Prior to that, she worked for Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota and as a regional manager for Midwest Vision Center. Vangsness Frisch graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with an emphasis in public relations and health education. She also earned a master’s degree in mass communication and is currently pursuing a Ph.D in education with an emphasis in institutional analysis, both from NDSU. She joined NDSCS in 2013 as director of student success and career services. In 2014, she was named associate vice president for student success. Vangsness Frisch previously worked for the North Dakota University System.

Property Resources Group, Fargo, has hired Sarah Griesbach as their marketing/graphic design coordinator. Griesbach earned a bachelor’s degree with pre-professional concentration in graphic design from Concordia College.

Jensen

Annie Jensen has joined the Fargo law firm of O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss. As an associate, her focus is on general litigation. A Jamestown native, Jensen graduated cum laude from NDSU and with distinction from the University of North Dakota School of Law. She clerked for four years for both the Honorable Donna Dixon in Roseau and Kittson counties and for a district court in northwest Minnesota. She is licensed in Minnesota and Colorado.

Amanda Midthune of Park Co. Realtors has been awarded the national Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. Midthune earned the designation by attending a specific, intensive series of Midthune Carlson Erickson classroom instruction, covering a variety of subjects. Jill Carlson, Park Co. Realtors, has been awarded the Accredited Buyer’s Representation (ABR) designation by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designations. Carlson is the director of business development and relocation. She joined Park Co. in 2008. Bernie Erickson, also of Park Co. Realtors, has been awarded the Accredited Buyer’s Representation (ABR) designation by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council. Erickson was required to complete a comprehensive two-day course in buyer representation and an elective course focusing on a buyer representation specialty, in addition to submitting documentation verifying professional experience and completed transactions. He specializes in residential real estate. Erickson joined Park Co. in 2011.

The RLE Group, whose member companies provide architecture, building forensics, interior design and marketing services, has hired Travis Anderson as a REVIT drafter. Anderson earned a degree in architectural technology and design from Northland Community and Technical College in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Anderson

Grossman

Spherion Staffing was honored in two Award categories at Performance Forum in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in March. Spherion recognized Jill Berg as Spherion’s Owner of the Year and Kathleen Toft Berg Toft Witzel for top performance in Professional Placement. Toft, sr. professional recruiter, was honored for the third year in a row. She has been with Spherion for five years. Berg was acknowledged for outstanding, consistent sales growth. Accompanying Berg was Karen Witzel, director of sales & marketing for Spherion Staffing. Witzel has been with Spherion for 16 years and works with customers across the region. Becky Newell, co-founder and vice president of development at Stoneridge Software has been named one of the region’s Top 25 Women in Business by Prairie Business magazine. Newell became a founding member of Stoneridge Software in 2012 after spending 14 and a half years at Microsoft. Beginning as the sole software developer at Stoneridge Software, she now serves as the leader of the development team at Stoneridge Software. Newell also teaches Sunday school and vacation Bible school, is a board Newell member for Barnesville’s Junior Olympic Volleyball program and a mentor for the Barnesville Community Fund’s philanthropic youth initiative, Trojans Give Back.

Freeman

30 | May 2016

Lee M. Grossman is an associate attorney at Severson, Wogsland & Liebl, P.C. Prior to joining SW&L, Grossman was a general practice attorney for a small law firm in Valley City, and before that, was a prosecutor for eight years, including four years as Barnes County State’s Attorney. Grossman attended Concordia College, earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and political science. He also attended the University of North Dakota School of Law. He is an adjunct professor at Valley City State University, teaching criminal justice.

Reneé Freeman, executive mortgage officer at Town & Country Credit Union, was recently named a North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) Champion of Affordable Housing Loan Officer. Town & Country Credit Union of Fargo was one of five recognized financial institutions that originated loans on NDHFA’s behalf in 2015. Freeman received the Champion designation by most actively promoting the NDHFA’s programs through Town & Country Credit Union.

Member News

People Mindy Young has joined the audit department of Widmer Roel as a staff accountant, providing audit and accounting services. Young previously worked an internship at a public accounting firm in Fargo. She has a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Hicks

Volness

Martin

Hauser

Anderson

TMI Hospitality announced the following new hires at its Fargo corporate office: Brian Hicks as senior vice president of revenue, Joe Volness as telecommunications billing analyst, Demmie Martin as senior payroll specialist, Danette Hauser as hotel account, Joe Anderson as corporate accountant, Nikki Losee as TMI Losee Passon communications inventory manager and Carrie Passon as compensation and benefits manager. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Hicks previously worked as vice president of revenue management for hotels in Europe, Russia and North Africa. Hicks graduated from University of Wisconsin–Stout with a degree in hotel restaurant management. Volness brings 10 years of hospitality experience, most recently managing day-to-day operations at a local hotel. He earned his construction management degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Martin brings nearly two years of payroll and accounting experience to TMI, including involvement in the hospitality field. Martin attended Globe University, earning a degree in accounting. Hauser brings four years of accounting experience from a farming co-op, and a brief time at a local chemical dependency recovery center. Hauser attended Colorado Christian University and has a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Anderson has prior experience in income tax and financial statement preparation for business entities and individuals. Anderson has an accounting degree from North Dakota State University. Losee has an extensive background in site managing, as well as purchasing with a local co-op and industrial distribution company. Losee graduated from Minnesota State Community and Technical College and has an associate’s degree in business management. Passon brings over nine years of experience, working with a local insurance and administrative solutions company. Passon has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Concordia College, and a master’s degree in business management from University of Mary.

Pladson

TNT Kid’s Fitness has hired Leslie Pladson, occupational therapist. Pladson received a bachelor’s degree and Master’s in occupational therapy from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. Her experience includes working with an Autism/behavioral team, social skills group, presentations on behavioral interventions to community members, and training and experience in sensory integration, Autism Spectrum Disorders, behavioral interventions, selfregulation dysfunction, and developmental delays.

Michelle Kommer was selected as one of Prairie Business Magazine’s 2016 Top 25 Women in Business. Kommer is the chief administrative officer/general counsel at Western State Bank. She previously served in executive leadership positions at Noridian/BlueCross BlueShield of North Dakota and Otter Tail Corporation. Kommer received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mayville State University. She earned her master’s degree in management from the University of Mary in Fargo and her Kommer Law Degree from the University of North Dakota. She serves on the Board of Directors for Churches United for the Homeless, Fraser, Ltd., and The Chamber.

Young

Zerr Berg Architects, Fargo, has hired Amanda Kernosky as an interior designer and Maria Olson as a project manager. Kernosky has her bachelor’s degree in interior design from the Art Institute International Minnesota. Olson has her Master’s of Architecture from NDSU. Kernosky

Olson

It takes more than a job offer and housing options to make a move.

It takes a story. Let our relocation team help...

Discover fargo Moorhead West Fargo

Relocation Services 701.237.5031 | 1.800.288.7316

ParkCompany.com

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Introducing

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Noridian Mutual Insurance Company

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!

Ag Spray Equipment

Dynasty Performance Training

Agriculture Equipment Ag Spray offers a complete line of liquid applicators, pull type sprayers, lawn and garden sprayers, nurse trailers and tanks. Whether you farm 10,000 acres or 1, Ag Spray has the products and expertise to help. Ag Spray was formerly known as Horvick’s Inc., a long-standing business in the region.

Sports Training Dynasty Performance Training welcomes any type of athlete looking to advance their performance or fitness training. Their target is to use a proven training approach to offer you cutting-edge strength and speed coaching to blow away the competition.

agspray.com

Be*YOU*tiful Studio marykay.com/jfazekas

Skin Care The Be*YOU*tiful Studio is a place to empower women to look and feel beautiful. They offer skin care facials, expert foundation matching and glamour consultations. They facilitate many unique events where women can connect and enjoy being together while experiencing Mary Kay.

Brickhouse Tavern brickhousetaverns.com

Restaurants Brickhouse Tavern is located in the new Azool Hornbacher’s in Moorhead. Offering a full service sports bar with a custom firebrick oven from Italy! It is kid-friendly until 9 p.m. Their hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Carlson School of Management University of Minnesota

carlsonschool.umn.edu/degrees/master-business-administration

Education The Carlson MBA offers access to award-winning faculty and an international network of esteemed alumni, opportunities for global exploration and hands-on projects with real clients, lifelong connections to a diverse and supportive community of peers and so much more.

CoBank, ACB cobank.com

Financial Institutions CoBank is a cooperative bank that provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states.

dynastyperformancetraining.com

EZ Open Garage Door ezopengarage.com

Garage Doors Founded in 1975, EZ Open Garage Door is a family-owned business specializing in commercial and residential garage door installation, service and repair. They have one of the largest selections of residential garage doors in the region. Their showroom is located at 311 15th Street Northwest in West Fargo.

My Personal Consultant mpcfargo.com

Business Services My Personal Consultant provides the following services: marketing, bookkeeping, follow up services, personal concierge, training, data input, errands, gift shopping, back up receptionist, supply shopping, meet/greet clients at the airport, catering coordination, flyer/brochure mailings and pet services.

ND SBDC - Fargo Regional Center ndsbdc.org

Consultants The ND SBC offers a wide range of services to entrepreneurs and North Dakota small business owners who want assistance in starting, managing and growing their companies. Services are provided at no cost to clients.

New American Consortium for Wellness and Empowerment newamericanconsortium.org

Education - Training New American Consortium for Wellness and Empowerment is an organization based at the WE Center. The WE Center is a vibrant, positive gathering place seeking to build a welcoming community and support integration of new Americans. They provide education, training and connections toward success.

Northridge Properties northridgenet.com

Real Estate - Property Management Northridge designs, builds and manages premier apartment buildings at affordable prices!

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5 x 2.375 4c

Financial guidance is close by Seven convenient Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo locations. AS GOOD AS YOU IMAGINED. AND YOUR IMAGINATION IS PRETTY GOOD. © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (1402901_16094)

HeritageFargo.com | 701.281.7184

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

SAZERAC ALLEY

AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL

Grand opening celebration on March 30 220 Broadway North, Fargo sazeracalley.com

Relocation celebration on March 31 2300 13th Avenue South, Suite B, Fargo planwithLFP.com

A&B BUSINESS SOLUTIONS 10-year anniversary for Fargo location and 35-year anniversary for A&B Business on March 31 117 23rd Street North, Fargo abbusiness.com

34 | May 2016

Calendar of Events Chamber Technological Change and Implications for the Red River Valley and the North Dakota University System Tuesday, May 5 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. Courtyard by Marriot Fargo-Moorhead

Technology is changing at an accelerating rate. At this Eggs & Issues, Dr. Mark Hagerott, NDUS chancellor, will discuss the challenge of changing technology and participate in a discussion of how the universities and area business community can effectively engage on this issue.

Know Your Customer and How They Buy, So You Don’t Get Ubered

Wednesday, May 11 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn Connecting with customers has changed dramatically over the past few years. Stop wasting time and resources on messaging that doesn’t click! This session will show you the tools and technology to identify, understand and better engage with your customers for bigger and better results.

ChamberChoice Awards Luncheon Friday, May 20 | Noon to 1:30 p.m. Ramada Plaza & Suites Take a stroll down the blue carpet and join us as we honor the candidates in each of the seven ChamberChoice categories and name the 2016 ChamberChoice Award winners.

Women Connect: Change - Do Not Fear It; Embrace It! Tuesday, May 24 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. Avalon Events Center, Fargo

There is nothing more constant in life than change. When we understand and accept that, we are more apt to embrace change and enjoy the challenges and learning opportunities that come with it. Join and discuss our experiences with changes in our lives, our careers, our families and ourselves.

Corporate Cup

Thursday, May 26 | 3:15 to 8 p.m. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Corporate Cup is a series of competitive events promoting physical fitness and friendly competition among the business community. Teams battle for points in activities such as basketball, obstacle course, tug of war and more. Teams are sold out, but you can still come to spectate or volunteer!

May 2016 Community Small Business Resource Fair

Tuesday, May 3 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offutt School of Business, Concordia

In celebration of National Small Business Week, the ND SBA and Regional Small Business Development Centers will host a free Small Business Resource Fair. The event will feature more than 20 assistance providers/exhibitors and 10 workshops.

Dale Carnegie Training: Creating a Culture that Engages and Retains Millennials Wednesday, May 4 | 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Eide Bailly, 4310 17th Avenue South, Fargo

Engaged millennials are more productive, less likely to leave, and highly likely to recommend your organization to friends and followers on social media. Hear from Tonya Stende as she shares how to engage millennials at your organization.

Moorhead Area Public Schools Groundbreaking Ceremony

Wednesday, May 4 | 4 p.m. 4400 24th Avenue South, Moorhead

Groundbreaking ceremony for new K-4 elementary school.

Free Resources to Support Your Business or Marketing Plan Thursday, May 5 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Prairie Den

Did you know that you have free access to a wealth of information through government websites and your local libraries? NDSU business and government information librarians will cover how you can access and use these great resources. Learn how to find demographics for a particular zip code, industry overviews and trends, market research surveys, and more.

Eyes Wide Open Community Forum Thursday, May 5 | 6:30 to 8 p.m. West Fargo High School

In response to the growing heroin, fentanyl and opiate crisis in the Red River Valley, Prairie St. John’s is sponsoring a community meeting. The Eyes Wide Open Community Forum will feature speakers on the impact of the opioid and heroin crisis in the FM and surrounding areas, the impact on our youth and communities and how we can work together to find new solutions.

Spring Art Mania

Sunday, May 15 | 1 to 3 p.m. Veterans Memorial Arena

Enjoy an afternoon of being creative and making works of art with a spring theme. Move from station to station while learning new art techniques. Make a variety of projects using chalks, watercolors and pastels. Other art projects will include wood art and fun craft items.

Fargo Marathon May 19 to 21 FARGODOME

The Fargo Marathon is in its 12th year of running in 2016! The Indoor Start & Finish is back in 2016. A weekend full of events, the Fargo Marathon is bound to have something for everyone. From the largest kid’s race, 5k walk/run, 10k, half marathon, full marathon and relays, there is a distance for all!

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Bridge the

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

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