January - February 2024 • Volume 26
Together
Thrive
Community Building, Engagement and Giving
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A PUBLICATION FOR THE FARGO MOORHEAD WEST FARGO COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
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COMMUNITY BUILDERS
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January - February 2024
| THANK YOU FOR INVESTING |
VISIONARY COMMUNITY BUILDERS
What is a COMMUNITY BUILDER? Community Builders are a group of leading corporate citizens dedicated to the economic prosperity and progress of the region. Community Builders represent the highest level of Chamber investment, and their commitment enables The Chamber to
promote and protect business, inspire individuals, cultivate communities, influence action and be a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity. Becoming a Community Builder distinguishes your business among the ranks of the most prominent, successful, involved and communityminded companies in the region, as they dedicate time and resources to
shape our community. Community Builders receive access to top officials and Chamber leadership, and contribute input that shapes public policy and strengthens the local business climate through the work of The Chamber. Further, Community Builders receive unprecedented recognition throughout the business community.
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| THE CHAMBER |
WHO WE ARE Chamber Staff
Board of Directors
Committee Chairs
Hannah Anderson Content Marketing Strategist
Tami Norgard Vogel Law Firm Chair
Dr. Greg Lardy North Dakota Agribusiness State University
Trish Baker Grant Project Manager
Chad Flanagan Chair Elect
Brin Braathen Director of Programs Nicolette Bresnahan Vice President of Events & Programs Christy Brown Executive Assistant Setareh Campion Director of Programs
Peter Stenehjem First International Immediate Past Chair Bank & Trust Tiffany Lawrence Sanford Health Treasurer Tina Amerman Bobcat Company
Darren Dunlop Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Cale Dunwoody Director of Public Policy Bernt Eidsmoe Graphics & Multimedia Specialist
Mike Arntson Cardinal IG Kevin Bucholz More Engineering, Inc. Kevin Christianson Christianson Companies Dr. David Cook North Dakota State University
Tyler Fischbach Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing
Camille Grade
Shannon Full President & CEO
Bushel
Kristi Huber Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Katherine Grindberg Executive Vice President
Kara Jorvig Allegro Group
Donna Heck Concierge Strategist Anja Kalvoda Administrative & Finance Specialist
Jenny Olson
Rylee Lindemann Public Policy Specialist
Anne Bergdahl Dentsply Sirona Leadership FMFW Erik Lind General Atomics Military Affairs Judd Graham Dacotah Bank Public Policy Rylee Yakowicz Microsoft Women Connect Cole Mercier Dakota Supply Group Young Professionals Network
Microsoft
Jon Riewer Eventide Senior Living Communities
Nicole Meland Vice President of Finance & Operations
Brian Shawn
Midco
Dr. Richard Vetter Essentia Health Julie Whitney Bremer Bank
Jenna Mueller Executive Director of The Chamber Foundation Grace Rebel Career Navigator
Hannah Schlosser Director of Member Engagement
Londa Hager AM 1100 The Flag Ambassadors Member Relations
Frank Matus Thales
Veera Khalil Integration Strategist
Sadie Rudolph Vice President of Strategic Communications
Cora Turner Homewood Suites Ambassadors Public Relations
Paul Matthys Cass County Electric Cooperative
Brenna Johansen Ignite Navigator
Emerald Moe-Zinn Content Marketing Specialist
Eide Bailly LLP
Chamber Foundation Board of Directors
Abby Styf Director of Member Development Curtis Sullivan Vice President of Workforce Stacia Sytsma Engagement Strategist Peighten Watson Director of Events
Tami Norgard Vogel Law Firm Chair Chad Flanagan Chair Elect
Eide Bailly LLP
Peter Stenehjem First International Secretary Bank & Trust Shannon Full The Chamber Treasurer
MISSION The Chamber is a catalyst for growth and prosperity. We promote and protect business, inspire individuals, cultivate communities and influence action. CORNERSTONES • Business Vitality • Public Policy & Advocacy • Workforce & Talent • Community Enhancement • Organizational Excellence
THE BRIDGE (USPS 124-430) is published bimonthly by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fargo, ND 58102 and at additional mailing offices. Publication No. 124430. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bridge, 3312 42nd St S, Ste. 101, Fargo, ND 58104; 701.365.3440. Printed by Forum Communications Printing.
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January - February 2024
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CONTENTS
Midwest Energy Summit
Together We Thrive Inspiring and Unleashing Developing People Collective Power
Professionals of Color
Apply for LFMWF ADVERTISER INDEX 16 Giving Hearts Day 27 CHI Friendship 31 Sanford Health 51 Boulger Funeral Home 51 First International Bank & Trust 51 & 61 North Dakota State University
53 YMCA 53 Consolidated Communications 59 Forum Communications 61 iDigital 61 Meinecke Johnson Company 63 5foot20 Design Lounge
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67 BEK Communications 67 Western State Bank 71 Cornerstone Bank 71 Prairie Business 74 Cole Papers, Inc 74 PRO Resources Back Page Alerus
Thank you to the above businesses for investing in The Bridge magazine and enabling its growth and impact as a community resource.
Find The Chamber online @fmwfchamber For past issues of The Bridge: issuu.com/fmwfchamber.com
January - February 2024 | THANK YOU FOR INVESTING |
2 . . . Community Builders 3 . . . Visionary Community Builders 74 . . . Program & Event Sponsors | THE CHAMBER |
6 . . . A Note from the President 7 . . . Meet the Chamber Staff - Christy & Emerald 44 . . . Unleashing Collective Power 46 . . . Concierge Program 55 . . . Leadership FMWF Apps Open 56 . . . 2024 ChamberChoice Nominations Open | TOGETHER WE THRIVE |
18 . . . First International Bank & Trust 19 . . . Red River Human Services Foundation 20 . . . The Arts Partnership 21 . . . ShareHouse 22 . . . Bobcat Company 24 . . . Eventide Senior Living Communities 26 . . . CHI Friendship 27 . . . HERO 28 . . . Marvin 30 . . . Sanford Health 32 . . . Red River Dance & Performing Company 33 . . . Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons 34 . . . Xcel Energy 36 . . . Nodak Insurance Company 38 . . . Lend A Hand Up 39 . . . Do Good Better Consulting 40 . . . SCHEELS 42 . . . Essentia Health | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
8 . . . Midwest Energy Summit 12 . . . The Chamber’s 2023 Annual Celebration 14 . . . Holiday Business After Hours/Jingle Mingle 47 . . . Igniting the Workforce 48 . . . Washington, D.C. Fly-In 60 . . . A New Era of Education - Part 2: Minnesota | EXPERIENCE, ENGAGE, ENJOY |
11 . . . Midwest Economic Summit 49 . . . State of the Cities 2024 57 . . . Corporate Cup 2024 58 . . . Crafting Your Narrative 72 . . . Upcoming Monthly and Signature Events | MEMBER NEWS |
62 . . . Anniversaries 66 . . . Ribbon Cuttings 68 . . . New Hires & Promotions 70 . . . New Members FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| THE CHAMBER |
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
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s we find ourselves at the beginning of another year and chapter for our community, businesses and lives, it is a unique time to look back, celebrate all that has been achieved and look ahead to all we must accomplish together.
I am consistently inspired by the collective strength we embody as a community and our attitudes toward working together, forming impactful partnerships, solving our most significant challenges and building a vibrant FMWF metro. As we approach Giving Hearts Day 2024, I want to express the profound importance of our non-profit organizations, their pivotal role in our region and the significance of businesses and individuals supporting these invaluable organizations and missions. Let’s continue actively engaging with these organizations, collaborating on initiatives and fostering a culture of support and commitment. For example, I am proud to share that our Chamber team members serve on over 50 nonprofit boards and committees in FMWF and continually seek ways to volunteer as a team, collaborate and give back to these organizations. In this Bridge magazine, you will see the numerous Chamber member businesses stepping up and engaging in our community’s success and non-profit impact.
The Chamber has been actively collaborating with dozens of non-profit organizations, state agencies, educators and businesses to address our workforce challenges. This community-centric approach has brought numerous leaders and organizations together for the first time, enhancing our collective knowledge and expertise, and accelerating our comprehensive solutions for our region’s workforce landscape. Intentional partnerships are at the core of our success, impact and progress with our work, and especially the Good Jobs Challenge Grant, which is now in Phase Two and focuses on program design. This means our industry sector partners are identifying the skills they need for a successful workforce, and we then develop training to place 900 upskilled individuals in quality jobs throughout our region. 2024 holds several major initiatives and goals for our Chamber and business community. Here are just three new, impactful programs to watch develop this year: • Comprehensive Growth Plan for our region: Increasing the economic vitality and competitiveness of our region through the establishment of a collaborative, comprehensive roadmap. • Center for Civic Engagement: Inspiring engagement, cultivating business-friendly candidates and educating individuals to increase our community’s civic engagement and ensure our business community is well-representative throughout government. • Community Concierge Program: Curating experiences so your candidates and new hires, along with their families, have a sense of belonging and feel at home in FMWF. The Chamber is here to be a catalyst for growth and prosperity, and we look forward to another year of accomplishment together, creating a collective impact and generating solutions to our greatest challenges.
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Shannon Full
President & CEO Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce
| THE CHAMBER |
MEET THE STAFF WHAT DO I DO AT THE CHAMBER? As Executive Assistant, my role is to provide administrative support to the executive team. This includes tasks such as coordinating schedules and meetings, managing communication, organizing travel arrangements and more. My goal is to streamline day-today operations, allowing the executive team to focus on their core responsibilities with maximum efficiency. EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Christy Brown
WHAT DO I LOVE ABOUT MY ROLE SO FAR? Starting as a new employee can be a challenge, as you’re not only getting acquainted with your role but also with the various personalities within the organization. I’ve been very fortunate to find our team to be exceptionally welcoming and supportive. They extend their kindness in simple gestures, and it’s evident that this team fosters a culture of mutual support and encouragement. I’m truly grateful for the chance to be part of this team!
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO KNOW ABOUT ME? Outside of work, I am happily engaged in family adventures with my husband and our two toddlers. Exploring the walking trails and parks or participating in family-friendly events has been fantastic. As newcomers to Cass County, the past 10 months have been a journey of discovery as we uncover our favorite spots and immerse ourselves in the local vibrant community.
WHAT DO I DO AT THE CHAMBER? As the Content Marketing Specialist for The Chamber Foundation, I help create engaging and informative content for both print and digital platforms. I work alongside members of the Communications and Foundation teams to promote the organization’s goals and initiatives.
Emerald Moe-Zinn
WHAT DO I LOVE ABOUT MY ROLE SO FAR? My favorite aspect so far is the people. While it usually takes me a few months to settle into a new work environment, I felt comfortable within my first month at The Chamber. Everyone is immediately welcoming, excited to get to know you and makes you feel like a part of the team from day one!
CONTENT MARKETING SPECIALIST
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO KNOW ABOUT ME? I am originally from the Twin Cities area and moved to Fargo-Moorhead for college. I never intended to stay past graduating, but I fell in love with this community and have now put down roots here. When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, playing video games, reading, going to concerts and spending time with my loved ones and pets.
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
MIDWEST ENERGY SUMMIT BREAKS VIEWERSHIP RECORD
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ovember 29, the Midwest Energy Summit returned to the FMWF area for the third year, bringing together national leaders, exper ts and executives to unpack the immense impacts, trends, opportunities and challenges related to the energy sector. Beyond the individuals and leaders in attendance on November 29, the content of this summit reached thousands of livestream viewers across several states, thanks to our 31 committed cohosting chambers and associations, and our dedicated media partners. Keynote speaker Christopher Guith, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute, laid the groundwork for the discussion, sharing his expertise of the energy sector and stressing the importance of energy security. Guith covered the current state of the geopolitical landscape for | 8 |
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energy and how there has been a lot of uncertainty when it comes to energy across the globe, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic and the variability in job security, erratic prices, historic under investment and ‘regulatory tsunamis’ that have now left a mark on where energy stands today. Guith was sure to leave a lasting impression, reminding us that “the transition into alternative energy cannot go any faster than the pace of innovation. The good news is that there is overwhelming consensus across science and engineering about what these technologies are probably going to be…but you can’t let go of the rung you’re hanging on until you have a firm grasp of the next one.” We need our next steps to be backed up by technologies, infrastructure and solutions – which are still a work in progress and will take time.
January - February 2024
North Dakota Senator David Hogue also attended the event, introducing the importance of policy and our community’s involvement in important discussions around this topic. Senator Hogue introduced Tammy Miller, North Dakota Lieutenant Governor, as she joined us to moderate a conversation with industry experts Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines, Mike Swaney of BNSF Railway and Denver Tolliver of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute around the global energy landscape and its impact on transportation. Davidman, Swaney and Tolliver each offered their unique perspectives on the transportation industry and how they can utilize sustainable fuels and innovation to contribute to North Dakota’s goal to be carbon-neutral by the year 2030. Much of the conversation centered around the impact of federal and state legislation on the industry, addressing topics such as taxes, regulations and decarbonization. The panel also discussed challenges in adopting new technologies, discussing costs, availability and infrastructure. They concluded by stressing the collaborative effort needed for solutions, with Davidman emphasizing the Midwest’s potential
MIDWEST Energy Summit
for Sustainable Airline Fuel (SAF), Swaney advocating for increased rail utilization and Tolliver highlighting the exciting, high-tech future ahead. “By 2030, Delta Air Lines wants 10% of our jet fuel to be replaced by SAF. We use four billion gallons a year of jet fuel, 10 percent of that is 400 million. There were only 15 million gallons of SAF produced in the U.S. last year - so just for Delta, we have to increase that. We have to get from 15 million gallons to about 3 billion gallons per year [of SAF] for the airline industry by 2030.” - Jeff Davidman, Delta Air Lines We have plans to test a hydrogen fuel cell locomotive in the next few years. I would say the next bridge after renewables, is if we could introduce a hybrid locomotive. So if we’ve got the cleanest, tier four locomotives, burning renewable diesel…augmented by batteries, that might get us an additional 10 to 15% of fuel. We are already the cleanest form of land transportation, so we see this natural transition. We’ve got a plan for 2030 and beyond and are considering what our options could look like.” – Mike Swaney, BNSF Railway
Charles Gorecki of the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) got on stage to highlight the EERC’s impact and importance in the region. He also explained the potential uses of hydrogen and its role in addressing environmental challenges. Gorecki discussed the legislation surrounding hydrogen and introduced the Heartland Hydrogen Hub, urging community involvement and awareness. The event concluded with a panel discus sion on Car bon Capture, Utilization, Storage and Transpor tation, with panelist s Wade Boeshans of Summit Carbon Solutions, Andrew Sorbo of Minnkota Power, John Hamling of the EERC and moderator Christopher Guith. This discussion hit on topics such as the expansion of carbon capture, regional challenges and the importance of collaboration between industry, community and business leaders. Closing remarks emphasized
the significance of continuing crucial conversations and collaborations for a prosperous future in the Midwest. “At the end of the day, energy and agriculture represent 70% of North Dakota’s economy, and the markets are demanding lower carbon energy, and likely in the future, lower carbon food. That is our livelihood. Without that basis of understanding of why we are doing this, and then an understanding of how we do it safely and how do we address your concerns…I think the solution is collaboration and education.” – Wade Boeshans, Summit Carbon Solutions
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MIDWEST SUMMITS
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| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
MIDWEST ENERGY SUMMIT BREAKS VIEWERSHIP RECORD MIDWEST Energy Summit
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he 2023 Midwest Energy Summit was our largest summit yet, with over 300 leaders convening in person and 7,311 livestream viewers tuning in from markets across the Upper Midwest. The Chamber would like to thank Premier Sponsors, Cass County Electric Cooperative and Xcel Energy; our 31 co-hosting chambers and associations, our media partners for broadcasting the message and all of our sponsors and attendees. Your growing engagement is what makes this series successful and elevates our voice and impact as an entire region.
PREMIER SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
To our business community: please continue to get more involved in these conversations and efforts. Speak up to your legislators, share this information with the community and spread education around the pressing topic of energy that will affect our region, and nation, for many years to come.
The Mighty &
SILVER SPONSORS
EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR
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January - February 2024
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR
VENUE SPONSOR
CORPORATE SPONSORS • Bank of North Dakota • Border States • Eide Bailly LLP • Lignite Energy Council • North Dakota State University
PREMIER SPONSORS
| EXPERIENCE, ENGAGE, ENJOY |
Thursday, February 22 • 8 to 11 a.m. CST Delta by Marriott and livestreamed across Upper Midwest Our nation, communities and businesses continue to grapple with a tight labor market, foreign conflict, challenges related to inflation and elevated interest rates, and significant economic uncertainty as we look to 2024. The Midwest Economic Outlook Summit on February 22 will serve as a crucial platform for economic experts, leaders across various industries and policymakers from across the nation to convene in Fargo Moorhead West Fargo for a timely and comprehensive discussion on the current and future state of our economy. Over 7,300 viewers tuned into the previous Summit livestream
Who should attend
• Business owners, operators, managers and… • Your key staff and emerging leaders • Top clients and partners • Nonprofit and association leaders and… • Your key staff or board members • Your community partners and stakeholders • Education leaders and… • Your key staff and educators • Interested student clubs and leaders • Professionals looking to… • Connect with economic and financial pros • Meet local and regional business leaders • Learn more about our local and regional economic drivers • Find out what’s next for our economy This event is co-hosted by 30+ chambers and associations and will be livestreamed to professionals and communities across Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Experience the 2024 Summit
This is an opportunity to learn more about where our regional and national economies are headed, examine significant trends, discuss the major challenges that might lay ahead for businesses and organizations, and understand how we can be agile and prepared to respond to this evolving environment. Developing and maintaining a vibrant economy is essential to the continued growth and health of the Upper Midwest; we hope you join us and represent your business at this major event and critical discussion.
A look back at the previous Midwest Economic Outlook Summit
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Douglas Duncan of Fannie Mae and Ron Feldman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis pulled the curtain back and gave attendees and viewers an in-depth look at the current state of various facets of our economy, as well as their predictions for the upcoming year. At this past summit, Duncan predicted a mild recession in 2023 with a comeback in 2024, with the dominant theme being “Americans awaiting improvements in affordability,” especially as it relates to the housing market and manufactured goods.
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
THE CHAMBER’S 2023 ANNUAL CELEBRATION
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n the heart of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo metro, a bustling community with a vibrant spirit, The Chamber hosted an afternoon of reflection, gratitude and celebration on November 3. A time to gather and honor the dedication of countless volunteers, to look back on The Chamber’s successes over the past year and to gaze into the future with hope and enthusiasm – The Chamber’s Annual Celebration brought gratitude and insight to our members, volunteers and community. At the Annual Celebration, The Chamber prioritizes showing gratitude for the countless volunteers and community members who support the work we do and make it all possible. This was displayed through an introduction from our Premier Sponsor, Midco; an honoring of The Chamber’s past Chair of the Board of Directors, Peter Stenehjem; and a spotlight on both the outgoing and incoming Chairs for The Chamber’s committees and Board of Directors. An exciting highlight of this event came in the form of celebrating our Ambassador of the Year, JT Froning, a Fargo native whose love for his roots and community is greatly evident to all who know him. JT has devoted several years as a Chamber Ambassador, and to him, Chamber events are heartwarming community gatherings, celebrations of each milestone achieved with fellow Chamber members. JT’s advice to everyone is simple yet profound: “Dive into life, be passionate, cherish strong relationships, keep learning and, most of all, live your legacy.” The room was filled with anticipation as the spotlight shifted to Tom Dawson, who has been named the 2023 Legacy Leader.
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The Dawson family has been an integral part of FMWF for over a century, but it’s Tom’s unwavering commitment to the community that has truly set him apart. He, his family and their business have generously contributed to numerous causes, both publicly recognized and quietly given in times of need. Tom has lent his time and talents to numerous boards and causes, a list too long to read in its entirety. Notably, Tom had been a volunteer at the YMCA of Cass-Clay Counties for all 50 years since his return to Fargo in 1973. Even through all his community and business activities, Tom has always made time for his family. On stage, he spoke with pride about his wife, Georgia, and their sons and families and mentioned that he looks forward to spending more quality time with his grandchildren now that he is retired. A lifelong friend of Tom’s, Bill Schlossman, couldn’t be present in person, but he sent a heartfelt video message to be played at the event. He praised Tom’s visionary leadership, integrity and the inspiration he provides to those around him, both in business and in life. He had no doubt that many in the room, given the chance, would name Tom Dawson as a great leader in their community. Tom was indeed a perfect choice for the Legacy Award. The Celebration also raises an opportunity to highlight the Chamber’s accomplishments over the past year, thanks to collaboration with volunteers and our business community.
ENGAGEMENT The Chamber stressed the importance of engagement, with discussions on a newly structured member benefits system, new resources for business leaders and their employees, and showcasing the organization’s impact and return on investment for Chamber members. PUBLIC POLICY The Chamber is committed to public policy and civic engagement, as evidenced by efforts in candidate cultivation, East Meets West tours, the Center for Civic Engagement, the annual DC Fly-In and hosted visits to the Minnesota and North Dakota Capitol buildings. DEVELOPMENT The Chamber hosts initiatives like Young Professionals Network, Professionals of Color, Leadership FMWF and the newly launched SpeakEasy program for executive-level female leaders, offering professional development and support for all members at a variety of levels. WORKFORCE The Chamber emphasized the significance of engaging businesses and individuals in workforce initiatives, such as the Good Jobs Challenge grant, the Ignite Initiative, the new Community Concierge program, Workforce Summits and more, while also highlighting the transformative power of partnerships. In the past year, The Chamber and the FMWF community have accomplished significant goals. From student engagement to directing talent for employers, to partnerships and collaborations with numerous organizations, to successful events and programs, we have been able to reach new heights together. The Chamber is poised to continue supporting the community and local businesses, but we can’t do it without all of you. We sincerely thank our members, volunteers, partners, sponsors and Community Builders for contributing to the success of The Chamber and our growing region.
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
HOLIDAY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS A festive delight
THUR, DEC 7
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4 TO 6:30 P.M. • DELTA BY MARRIOTT
he Chamber decked the halls December 7 with the annual Holiday Business After Hours event. An evening of merrymaking, forging connections and supporting our business community – this event was a delight thanks to the incredible support of our dedicated members. Thank you to everyone who hosted a booth or secured their tickets, embraced the spirit of the event through holly jolly costumes and booths and, of course, delighted in the enjoyment of the event. Some of the door prizes for this event included golf lounge rentals, gift baskets, prize packs, gift cards and more. SEE IF YOU WON A DOOR PRIZE
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January - February 2024
| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
JINGLE MINGLE
‘Tis the season
T
he 2023 Women Connect Jingle Mingle event on December 19 was a festive triumph, uniting women in business for an unforgettable evening of celebration. Attendees engaged in a lively networking extravaganza, fostering new connections and friendships amid a vibrant atmosphere. The event featured exciting prize drawings, including West Acres gift cards and elegant earrings from Gunderson’s Jewelers.
Jingle Mingle!
WOMEN CONNECT
A highlight was the Bracelet Bar, where par ticipants crafted personalized gif ts with festive charms, fostering creativity and connections. Professional headshots offered attendees a stylish refresh for both personal and business use. The Postcards Station encouraged spreading holiday joy with heartfelt messages. Delicious appetizers and beverages formed the foundation of the gathering, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The 3rd Annual Jingle Mingle successfully blended celebration, networking and joy, leaving a lasting impression on our community of women in business.
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Give your way this
Donate dollars
GHD-00540 12/23 GHD-00540 12/23
Donate food & goods
Volunteer Donate now!
Together
Thrive
Community Building, Engagement and Giving
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| TOGETHER WE THRIVE |
LEAVING OUR MARK ON OUR COMMUNITIES
tephen L. Stenehjem, the Chairman and CEO of First International Bank & Trust, often tells a story of riding in the car with his father as a kid. His father Leland told him, “You can always tell what kind of banker a town has by driving down its Main Street.” If the community is thriving, he explained, it means that community has a good banker. Those words have long served as a guiding star for all of us at First International Bank & Trust (FIBT). Our story is a long one—beginning in 1910—but while the world has changed dramatically in 113 years, our focus remains the same. We are committed to making a difference in our communities—not only by providing robust, reliable financial services to our customers, but by investing in organizations that help our communities thrive. “Across our four-state footprint, FIBT makes outright and multiyear commitments totaling over $1 million dollars annually,” said Teresa Harland, FIBT Corporate Giving Officer. “We take our corporate value of leaving our mark on our communities seriously. We want to walk beside the charitable organizations that serve our communities and lend a hand when the need is present.” First International Bank & Trust has made it a priority to invest in
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the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo region. Approximately $250,000 were donated to local nonprofits in the FMWF community in 2023. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS WE WERE ABLE TO SUPPORT OVER THE PAST YEAR: nited Way of Cass Clay — U FIBT was recognized on the list of 2023 Top 50 Generous Workplaces anford Health BeHeard Teen S Mental Health Program TNT Kids Fitness / Able Games The spirit of community engagement goes beyond dollars and cents at First International Bank & Trust; our employees are also highly engaged as volunteers. In 2023, FIBT employees in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead pitched in many hours of volunteer work. Cheri Stangeland, an agent with First International Insurance in Fargo, said volunteering helps her connect with the community. “I love meeting new people when I volunteer,” she said. “Working side by side with someone, you can really learn a lot about the other person. It’s heartwarming to help, learn and grow, and
January - February 2024
I am very thankful for all the opportunities FIBT provides to volunteer in the Fargo area.” From significant monetary donations to spending a few hours giving back to the community, First International Bank & Trust believes in giving without expectation. One of our organization’s value statements challenges employees to leave their mark on their communities. We’re proud that we have been able to accomplish this in so many ways over the years, and believe, like Leland Stenehjem did, that it all adds up to a more vibrant community for everyone. First International Bank & Trust is a full service, independent community bank, a member of FDIC and an equal housing lender. First International Bank & Trust operates branch locations in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona, including branches in Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead.
| TOGETHER WE THRIVE |
SUPPORTING PEOPLE, CREATING COMMUNITY
t Red River Human Services Foundation (RRHSF), we are dedicated to affirming human worth, rights and dignity by providing services to people with disabilities, which enhance the quality of their lives and enable them to live, work and develop relationships within their communities.
Residential Services
Activity Center
Supports range from minimal supports to 24/7. Supports are based on a person’s needs, desires and goals. RRHSF supports children and parents in their homes, adults living in their own homes and apartments, and people who need a higher level of support to include Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF).
The Activity Center (AC) is a social, recreational and leisure program for people with disabilities from the Fargo–Moorhead area. The AC is open 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Fridays. The AC offers learning and life skill development, as well as a variety of options for community inclusion and just plain fun. There is bike safety, fitness, health and nutrition, ceramics, darts, cards, games, camping, attendance at local events, restaurants and more. Dances are held every Friday with a live band every few months.
Vocational Services RRHSF offers a range of supports, from pre-vocational support to direct employment. The job coaching and career guidance we provide aims to help people succeed. RRHSF offers supports to help people who have reached retirement age or are ready for a slower pace of life.
The Activity Center’s focus is on providing people with intellectual disabilities the opportunities for personal growth, social interaction and recreational opportunities. Through this program, participants can take part in recreational activities in
a variety of interest areas such as organized sports, arts and crafts, games and community involvement. We also provide numerous life skills opportunities such as cooking classes, social skills and personal safety. At RRHSF, our focus is to provide independence. It’s the foundation of our mission, the emotion in our work and the reason we exist. For the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support, independence means doing what is not otherwise possible. Think about how easily you may live, work, shop, eat out and enjoy all forms of entertainment. With our community’s support, the adults and children we serve can experience those everyday activities independently.
www.rrhsf.org
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| TOGETHER WE THRIVE |
ARTS & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY IN THE FMWF AREA
hen you invest in the arts and culture, you are investing in an industry that strengthens your economy and builds more livable communities” – Randy Cohen, VP of Research, Americans for the Arts Americans for the Arts conducts a national study every five years, working closely with community and business organizations in select regions to conduct robust surveys and collect key economic data. The following information is from Fargo Moorhead West Fargo’s (Cass and Clay Counties) 2022 Arts & Economic Prosperity Study. Note: This study reflects impact driven by nonprofit arts & culture organizations and does not reflect for-profit events, concerts, etc.
Local Economic Impact: $55 million in spending
Tax Revenue Generated by the Arts • $2.9 million local and state tax revenue
This does not include spending on admission/tickets
• $7.2 million federal tax revenue
• Audience Spending: $34.3 million (62%) Locals: $25.3 million (74%) Visitors: $9 million (26%)
• Nonprofit Spending: $21.1 million (38%) Local attendees spend roughly $25.89 in our community per person, per event, while visitors spend roughly $49.66 per person, per event.
Tourism and Social Impact • 8 of every 10 attendees agree that the arts are important to the community. • 88.3% of survey respondents affirmed: “I would feel a great sense of loss if this activity or venue were no longer available.” • 86% of visiting attendees reported that the primary purpose of their visit to FMWF was “specifically to attend the performance, event, exhibit, venue or facility.” • 54% of visiting attendees responded “I would have traveled to a different community to attend a similar activity” had it not been available in FMWF.
Visitors
Locals
Attendance at In-Person Events: 1.2 million+ attendees
Visitors
Locals: 977,728 (84%)
• Local Jobs Supported: 1,384 • Household Income Paid by Audience and Nonprofit Spending: $37.2 million
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Visitors: 180,717 (16%) Locals If visitors have a positive experience in a city, it may become a place to work – and ultimately a place to live. Creating livable communities is economic development.
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HELP GIVE THE GIFT OF RECOVERY
t ShareHouse, Recovery Is Possible. ShareHouse has been impacting the Upper Midwest region since 1975 by providing Substance Use Disorder services in the FM area. Since then, ShareHouse has evolved into a trusted co-occurring disorders treatment program that offers a wide range of services including assessments, medication-assisted therapy, mental health, residential and outpatient treatment. We have also expanded our operations further north and have established a residential treatment facility located in Grand Forks. This year on Giving Hearts Day, consider donating to ShareHouse. Help give the gift of recovery to someone suffering from drug and/ or alcohol addiction by supporting the mission of ShareHouse. As a catalyst in our recovery efforts, your donation can help moms, dads, sisters and brothers find their path to recovery so they can be reunited with their families and children. Donations are used towards numerous services and amenities offered at ShareHouse, from
recovery services to general living essentials for patients. Your generosity could go towards a better patient experience in residential and outpatient treatment, as well as providing them with meals and other necessities such as hygiene products and clothing. You can also help patients get back on their feet through our Helping Hands Program, which helps remove barriers to recovery for our
patients. This program can help with obtaining a state ID, money for an apartment application fee or deposit, medication co-pays, eyeglasses and more. We believe every donation can make an impact. Something as small as a new toothbrush can make a difference in our patients’ lives.
It is important for our patients and future patients to know that ShareHouse offers unique services to everyone who walks through our doors. We understand no two recovery journeys are alike, and because of this, we offer an individualized care plan for each patient. Our staff at ShareHouse will meet every patient where they are at, no matter the level of care that is needed. Our mission is to help our patients believe that recovery is possible. And with that, we understand patients may have to go through recovery services at ShareHouse more than once. In the case that this happens, we welcome them back with open arms, ready to restart their recovery journey. In conclusion, we stick with our patients from the beginning of their journey until they graduate and become a ShareHouse alum. Thane was previously a patient at ShareHouse and has since completed the program and has been living a life of freedom and sobriety. He sums up what our goal has been at ShareHouse all along: “When I came to ShareHouse, I never imagined a life without alcohol… I will forever be grateful to ShareHouse for caring for me when I couldn’t care for myself.”
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BOBCAT COMPANY EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH MORE
t Bobcat, we have a long history of giving back and improving the lives of people within the communities where we live and work. That’s why every year, we invest in our communities around the globe by supporting our employees in charitable contributions and volunteer efforts with organizations that are near and dear to their hearts.
Giving Back to Our Communities One of our longest-standing traditions is merging golf and community outreach at the Bobcat North Dakota Open golf tournament. This annual event benefits many worthwhile programs of The Village Family Service Center, a Fargo nonprofit that enhances the lives of area children and families through counseling, mentoring, family engagement and many more community services. Bobcat has served as the lead corporate sponsor of the tournament since 1984. Over the past nearly four decades, we have donated more than $1.24 million in support of The Village’s community outreach services.
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Over the years, we’ve supported hundreds of organizations with thousands of volunteer hours. Multiple times each year, hundreds of Bobcat employees across North America participate in designated days of community service, during which they work at local food banks, schools and medical facilities; paint and clean up community centers and food pantries; perform construction tasks at community recreational facilities and homeless shelters; and so much more. Our employees look forward to these events, as they get the opportunity to serve others in the community and engage in a meaningful activity with their colleagues.
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In addition to The Village, we have partnered with dozens of organizations in the FargoMoorheadWest Fargo area during our annual volunteer
outreach, including BIO Girls, Bonanzaville, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Fargo Parks, Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization (HERO), Jeremiah Program, Red River Zoo, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley, United Way of Cass Clay, YWCA Cass Clay and many more.
Encouraging Employee Engagement Our community impact would not be possible without our team members. That’s why we support our employees contributing to organizations close to their hearts. Our teams have the chance to forge relationships not only with each other, but with neighbors and organizations in our surrounding communities. Through our annual fall giving campaign, Bobcat provides matching corporate donations to our employees’ donations to their nonprofit of choice. We continue to see strong participation in this annual event and have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to impact local organizations.
Bobcat is well known for our tough and versatile equipment, so in addition to our teams volunteering their time and talent, we will also bring out our fleet of Bobcat equipment for applicable projects. Our compact loaders, excavators, compact tractors, mowers and more make tough jobs easier while increasing efficiency and productivity.
and our Doosan Discovery Grant program. We also support students through STEM outreach and educational opportunities at area schools, and we hire hundreds of college students through our intern and co-op program.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Groundbreakers
Advancing Future Leaders
and increases collaboration and overall connectedness within the organization. LEAD (Leadership, Exploration and Development) events are an opportunity for women within our organization to further develop their leadership strengths, be inspired and connect with others to encourage an inspirational, creative and innovative culture. Hundreds of employees take part each year in these programs.
We believe our success is powered by our people, so we encourage growth and development throughout our employees’ careers and provide a variety of learning, skill-building and mentoring opportunities to advance future leaders.
At Bobcat, our teams are focused on what is next for the industry and creating the tools of tomorrow, as well as supporting and empowering all employees to build their careers here, shape our vision for the future and leave a lasting positive impact on our communities.
Inspiring students to pursue careers that fit their passions is essential for a thriving society, as we work together to solve workforce needs and foster positive growth in the communities where our employees, dealers and customers live and work.
Bobcat’s company culture creates an environment in which employees can connect, develop and build a lifelong career as we work together to achieve remarkable results. We want every individual at Bobcat to reach their full potential, which is why we strive to offer the tools and resources to support them on their career journey.
With a mission to empower people to accomplish more, Bobcat Company strives to create positive social impact for our customers, dealers, employees and communities.
Bobcat is proud to support diverse STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs through monetary donations in the form of scholarships for STEM students, our scholarship program at North Dakota State University
One of the ways we support our colleagues is through mentorship, which takes many forms at Bobcat. Our Legacy Builder program forges stronger connections among employees, fosters leadership capabilities
Innovation at Bobcat would be impossible without our inventive employees. Whether traditional or hands-on training, classrooms are where the career of every Bobcat employee began, which is why we are proud to support educational programs that fuel the next generation’s innovative spirit.
These initiatives generate community progress and fuel the curiosity needed to build the technology of the future.
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EVENTIDE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES COMMUNITY AND CARING AT ITS BEST
ventide grew from an onion field. It was 1951, a time when Moorhead’s urban Eighth street corridor was still home to farming families who grew onions and other sustenance on that legendary fertile land just east of the Red River. But the city was growing and changing. Those same farmers stood together in that onion field and together peeled away at one important question: Did the burgeoning city need a home for cultivating onions, or did it need a home for cultivating the well-being of its seniors? There was little debate. Moorhead’s Eighth Street onion field - a symbol of generations of hard work, patience and fortitude - would become a safe harbor for the area’s older adults. Over the years, we’ve never forgotten the legacy gift of that onion field. Thanks to those future-focused farmers, we are now a faith-based nonprofit providing senior living care in a full range of lifestyle and service options, including independent and assisted apartment living, memory care, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation/transitional care. We now serve over 1,200 residents daily at our five locations in Moorhead, Fargo, West Fargo, Jamestown and Devils Lake.
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Rooted in Thriving Communities for All In the spirit of the farmers’ gift to Moorhead, Eventide’s philosophy has continued to be one that always puts residents and community first. Eventide’s team members work around the clock to deliver the best care to residents. We also empower staff to give back to the community in ways that are most fulfilling to them personally. “Our mission is to empower older adults, families and communities to thrive, and that means helping our team members find their personal mission to help our community too,” said Jon Riewer, Eventide’s President and CEO. Team members can be found at community events filling sandbags, packing meals for Feed Our Starving Children, filling carts at the Emergency Food Bank and more. Riewer has led Eventide for 20 years, serves on the FMWF Chamber board of directors and supports several other organizations with his experience and expertise as a senior living leader in our community. “My calling is to help others, primarily older adults. Being involved in strengthening our greater communities directly supports that mission and provides an opportunity to do even more for even more people,
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creating a legacy for those who will come next,” Riewer said.
Spreading the Seeds of Senior Support Being a community resource is an important part Eventide’s work, too. “Whether people are looking for independent senior living, rehabilitation care after surgery or any of the other services we provide, finding information and making decisions can be daunting,” explained Laura Maeyaert, Senior Living Advisor at Eventide. “We are a community resource, and my hope is that we can make someone’s journey a little easier and less overwhelming.”
Maeyaert’s role is to help individuals and their families navigate senior living and care options. “We are here as a resource for anyone with questions, not just those looking at Eventide’s services,” she explained.
Budding Opportunities for Continuing Education In addition to being a resource for senior care in our community, Eventide also offers fun, educational opportunities to our residents and the public. Eventide University, which launched in 2022, has since offered 28 classes on a variety of topics led by area subject experts. Local professors, authors, business owners, elected officials and experts have covered topics on the Vietnam War, political unrest in Ireland, updates on our cities, the history of the Moorhead Dairy Queen and more. The best part: no homework, no tests. Just fun! “It’s been fun to offer these classes to our residents and welcome people from the community to our campuses,” Riewer said. “Many people are interested in continuing education, and it’s an added perk at Eventide that we can provide these opportunities.”
Cultivating Long-Term Career Success At Eventide, there are many longtime employees who have remained with the organization because of available growth opportunities. Eventide offers a paid CNA class, scholarships and loan repayment. Other employee benefits include access to Eventide’s employee assistance program, competitive wages and benefits. “From providing flexible hours to fit my school schedule to offering me scholarships and having mentors that follow Eventide’s mission, Eventide has been a large part of my journey,” said Brittni Berg, RN. “Without the past and present teams of Eventide, I would not be as successful or as satisfied in my role.” Berg is an employee, like many others, who found her career path at Eventide. She started as a CNA and took on a variety of nursing roles, most recently as the Director of Nursing at Eventide’s Moorhead campus.
to live life at its best, no matter what that looks like for them. Eventide is again adding to its list of offerings when it opens Sanders Flats at the beginning of 2024. Sanders Flats is in Moorhead and just a block south of that original onion field. Sanders Flats is Eventide’s first 55+ Active Adult community, with premium amenities to allow for independent, active adults to enjoy life without worrying about home maintenance or yard work. Sanders Flats is also the perfect home base for those wanting to be close to an airport and lake country and those who simply want to enjoy life more and work less. If you or someone you know would like more information on careers, volunteer opportunities or the services we provide, please reach out at 218-291-2200 or visit eventide.org.
Blooming Where We’re Planted Just like the farmers, we want to ensure we’re building communities where retirement-age residents are free
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WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND LIVES OF THOSE WE SERVE
ationally recognized as a leader in supporting people with intellectual disabilities, Friendship has been in the business of helping dreams come true for over 50 years. Whether it’s landing that dream job, learning to cook, living independently, planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, reconnecting with a family member, obtaining important medical care or attending a college football game, Friendship is committed to assisting people to live exciting and meaningful lives. Providing residential and vocational assistance to more than 200 people in our Fargo and Grafton/Park River communities, Friendship fulfills its mission to
“make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.” Grounded in faith, Friendship supports each person, regardless of age or stage of life, to experience all the joys and fullness of life, including relationships, responsibilities and on-the-job assistance. Friendship’s team, comprised of 350 devoted employees, understands the value of both community employment and participating in society as essential to a person’s identity. This perspective guides Friendship to assist people to find full-time and part-time work, self-employment opportunities and volunteer positions. Alongside employment is Friendship’s commitment to seeing people with disabilities participate in the life of the community. Giving Hearts Day makes this possible. Giving Hearts Day is Friendship’s biggest fundraiser of the year and allows Friendship to further its mission in many ways. Every dollar received from generous partners directly improves the quality of life for people receiving services by helping them pay for unplanned medical events, hearing aids and wheelchairs, winter clothing, wellness memberships and many others. In addition to
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these necessities, Giving Hearts Day donations also provide Friendship opportunities to turn people’s dreams into reality, like seeing a Minnesota Twins game for the first time or traveling to reunite with a long-lost relative. The founder of Friendship once wrote, “The most worthwhile ventures of this life begin as dreams.” Friendship dreams of everyone having their own jobs, owning their own homes and, with the help from their Giving Hearts Day donors, seeing people’s wildest dreams come true. Friendship is blessed to have many donors who help further its mission. A big thank you to past, present and future donors for giving so generously.
To help make a difference, scan the QR code.
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PROVIDING ACCESS FOR ALL
he mission of Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization (HERO) is to provide access to affordable medical equipment and supplies for all. HERO’s goal is to collect and redistribute donated healthcare equipment and supplies to benefit those in need. HERO provides reasonably priced healthcare supplies through their retail center, and
little to no cost for those items, on the HERO Cares Program. All viable excess supplies are handled in an environmentally safe manner, promoting recycling through redistribution. In 27 years, HERO has had over 7,500 volunteers, who have donated 65,000 hours, served 55,000 individuals locally and reached more than 140 countries with life-saving medical supplies.
Make a difference. CHI Friendship is a nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities. We provide comprehensive residential and vocational supports, allowing for full community participation. Thank you to the community for embracing our mission by supporting all people to have meaningful employment, integrated environments, and community inclusion. Get involved with CHI Friendship by volunteering, donating, and/or applying for employment. 701-235-8217
www.chifriendship.com
facebook.com/chifriendship
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A LEGACY OF CARE by Cairn Reisch, CVA
Community Relations Manager, Marvin
or more than 111 years, Marvin has been handcrafting award-winning windows and doors from its headquarters in Warroad, Minnesota. Marvin’s commitment to doing the right thing for its employees, customers and communities has been a mainstay since the company’s inception, carried on by the fourth generation Marvin family members who lead the business today. As Marvin grew, operations expanded to Fargo, West Fargo and Grafton,
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North Dakota more than 25 years ago, where Marvin now employs more than 2,000 of its more than 7,500 team members nationwide. True to our history, Marvin strives to support causes that are meaningful to our teams. In North Dakota, Marvin partners with more than 70 non-profit organizations that give back to our local community, including Marvin employees and their families. There is a true emphasis on partnership, as we work to ensure that we are building long-lasting relationships that
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contribute meaningful impact in the Red River Valley. At Marvin, our purpose is to “imagine and create better ways of living.” For us, that means helping people feel healthier and happier in the spaces where they live, work and play. Our purpose, and the values that guide us, go beyond windows and doors to the role we play in helping people live well. That includes giving back, which can be done in so many meaningful ways. Our efforts include contributing financial
support, donating supplies and volunteering time, to name a few. Marvin also provides opportunities for employees to give back throughout the year to causes they are personally passionate about, as we believe this enables each of us to grow as a person both at and outside of work. Like me, many of my Marvin colleagues find that volunteer activities are especially meaningful. They not only provide a chance to learn more about our community, but also offer a unique way
for teams to grow and bond together. By supporting local organizations, we also have the opportunity to interact with their clients, which is incredibly personally rewarding. While we’re typically focused on the day-today needs of our professional roles, it’s these moments to connect with each other and our community that provide perspective and inspiration. Giving Hearts Day is one amazing example of where this all comes to life for the Marvin team. This
past year, Marvin team members contributed financial support to organizations like the Veterans Honor Flight, Fix It Forward Ministry, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and 4 Luv of Dog Rescue. Connecting funding to important causes across our community is wonderfully gratifying, but more importantly, helps to ensure the critical work being done by these causes continues. For all of us at Marvin, it’s an honor to be a part of their journeys.
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FOSTERING A SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY AND VOLUNTEERISM
n the realm of health care, Sanford Health stands not only as a pillar of medical excellence but also as a beacon of community impact. Beyond the walls of hospitals and clinics, Sanford Health extends its reach deep into the heart of the communities it serves, fostering a spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism that sets it apart. One of the most notable ways in which Sanford Health leaves a lasting impact is through its unwavering support of local non-profits. Recognizing the interconnectedness of health care and community well-being, Sanford Health has forged partnerships with numerous non-profit organizations dedicated to various causes. Sanford Health’s giving focuses around four key areas: access to quality healthcare, workforce and education, social and community well-being, and neighborhood and infrastructure advancement.
Sanford Health believes in the power of its people to effect positive change. Each year, employees are provided eight hours of paid time off to volunteer in their communities. This initiative not only strengthens the bond between Sanford Health and the communities it serves but also empowers employees to actively contribute to the betterment of society. The ripple effect of these volunteer efforts is felt far beyond the initial act, creating a culture of compassion and service that permeates every aspect of the organization. A cornerstone of Sanford Health’s community support is the United Way. Recognizing the vital role the United Way plays in addressing the most pressing social issues, Sanford Health actively raises funds and supports employee-led activities aimed at contributing to the United Way’s mission. This commitment underscores Sanford Health’s dedication to holistic community development, where health care and social well-being are intertwined. Furthermore, Sanford Health is not only an active community supporter but also
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a direct beneficiary of charitable causes such as Giving Hearts Day. The community’s generous donations to the Roger Maris Cancer Center, Sanford Hospice House and Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center are instrumental in advancing these causes and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve, fostering a community of resilience and hope. The impact of Sanford Health’s community engagement is not just measured in dollars and cents but in the lives they touch and improve. Sanford Health’s impact on the communities it serves goes far beyond the medical services it provides and is a shining example of how a health care organization can be a force for positive change, not only in the realm of medicine but in the very fabric of the communities it calls home.
MATILDA, NURSING ASSISTANT Her days start with dancing and connection because Matilda feels called to truly care for every patient and spread joy wherever she goes.
It’s not just about finding a job – it’s about working for an organization that truly cares about people. Your work matters here.
FIND A CAREER WITH PURPOSE AT GROWTHEGOOD.COM
312-343-576 11/23
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INVESTING IN RELATIONSHIPS TO BUILD LOCAL DANCERS
ed River Dance & Performing Company is the region’s only all-inclusive non-profit dance studio! Red River Dance provides quality instruction, choreography and performance opportunities for dancers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds by valuing integrity, relationships, growth, adaptability and creativity. At Red River Dance, we fulfill our mission by offering classes for children ages 2 through adult through three different paths.
Path One - Recreation Recreational classes are perfect for anyone from a beginner to advanced skill level, and classes are offered year-round!
Path Two – Competition Competition dancers train regularly and compete at the regional and national level.
Path Three – Outreach Programming Our outreach is unique in many ways, as we partner with various non-profits such as Bio Girls, Hope Inc., Head Start, Art & Soul and New Perspective Nursing Home. In addition to partnering with these non-profits, we were proud to launch our own program in 2022 that specifically caters to children and adults with disabilities,
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Beyond Dance, powered by Gate City Bank! Beyond Dance is free of charge, promotes inclusivity, movement and creativity through the power of dance. The Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding communities make it possible to bring our mission to life. Through donations, we are able to make improvements that aid in the health and wellness of our dancers, continue to educate our instructors and help to keep prices at an affordable rate for our families. Additionally, donations can be specifically earmarked for our Scholarship program. At Red River Dance, we never turn a child away. Our community members, area businesses and supporters help to make our Scholarship program possible. At the beginning of every Fall and Spring session, scholarships are awarded partially or in full to families experiencing financial hardship. For the past three sessions, we are proud to say we have awarded over $17,000 in scholarships. “With gratitude beyond words, Red River Dance and its sponsorship program have allowed my daughter to continue in something far more than dance. Our family was dealt unforeseen circumstances that
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would have pulled her from her passion. It’s turned a shy, meek girl into a passionate, hardworking human and dancer. It’s transformed her into the person she was meant to be. She’s not only grown, she shines. To our family, this is everything. We are at a loss as how to say everything we want to, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts. A child’s happiness and opportunity is made possible by this program and Red River Dance.” -Parent of a Scholarship Award Winner Red River Dance depends on our community’s support to be able to continue to offer free programing, keep prices affordable and to ensure we have the highest level of instruction and safety for our dancers. We would love your support this Giving Hearts Day!
Learn more at redriverdance.com
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THE GIRL SCOUT DIFFERENCE
irl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges— whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons provides the preeminent leadership development experience for thousands of girls across North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Iowa and Minnesota. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Girl Scouts. “Girl Scouts has offered me opportunities to learn and grow. I have gained confidence during cookie sales and leadership skills through mentoring younger girls. I really appreciate the friendships I’ve made with other girls and adult volunteers,” Rose said when reflecting on her time in Girl Scouts.
Making The World A Better Place Rose V., a Girl Scout from Moorhead, MN, decided to take action to help her local food pantry while earning her Gold Award, the highest award to be achieved in Girl Scouts. Rose noticed many types of foods were being donated to local food pantries each month, but spices were rarely among the mix. After discussing the issue with her community food pantry and church, Rose created a monthly spice drive and helped create a monthly community event that acts as a food education opportunity for the public. The items that are donated are given to the area food pantry and distributed to families in need. Her accomplishments reflect leadership, citizenship and foundational skills built through
Since 1912, Girl Scouts have been making meaningful, sustainable change in their communities and around the world. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn, acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself but also to making the world a better place for others. These young women are courageous leaders and visionary change-makers. They are our future, and it looks bright!
Help Them Navigate the Pathway to Success An investment in Girl Scouts is an investment in making our community better, stronger and brighter. Your gift will be used to ensure local Girl Scouts gain the skills and confidence needed to accept challenges, overcome obstacles and become leaders. Plus, every dollar you give stays right here in our community.
Learn more at gsdakotahorizons.org
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ENERGIZING THE FUTURE XCEL ENERGY ENGAGES WITH COMMUNITIES AND DRIVES CHANGE BY GIVING BACK
t Xcel Energy, we’ve been part of North Dakota’s story for more than 115 years. Imagine all of the innovative thinkers we’ve powered over the past century. Now, we’re energizing the future with our focus on reliable and competitively priced electricity and natural gas. And we’re powering change by giving back to the communities we serve. This fall, our annual Day of Service brought together the entire company to support our communities. Nearly 1,000 of our coworkers and retirees across North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota put in 3,100 hours
s from the Grand Xcel Energy employee k meals on the pac ter Cen e Forks Ser vic Northlands the for e vic annual Day of Ser ich kpack program, wh bac n’s sio Mis cue Res -income families low in en ldr chi es provid the school year. with extra food during
of volunteer work. They packed 50,000 meals, assembled school supplies for 6,000 students, 3,000 dental kits, and ultimately made a $100,000 economic impact in our communities. Year after year, our coworkers and retirees show their passion for their communities. Our coworkers have a long legacy of making a difference through volunteering and board leadership. Through our Volunteer Energy program, line workers organized a volunteer event at the Special Olympics in Fargo-Moorhead. This year, our coworkers planted trees, painted and rehabilitated community facilities, and packed meals for people in need in FargoMoorhead, Grand Forks and Minot. We empower our coworkers to give their time and talents to organizations that align with their passions. We match employees’ donations to nonprofits and higher education institutions.
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The Xcel Energy Foundation, our company’s charitable arm, invests in organizations within three focus areas: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) career pathways, community vitality and environmental sustainability. In 2023, we teamed up with 31 North Dakota nonprofits.
Community Vitality Our vision is to build community strength and vibrancy by advancing economic prosperity and fostering cultural expression and inclusion.
The company’s pro bono, skills-based volunteer consulting program helps advance racial equity through volunteerism. Through the program, employees contribute their professional skills to organizations that support Black communities, Indigenous communities, and people of color. In 2023, we provided more than $278,000 of pro bono services company wide. ers, h Heart s and Hamm In collaboration wit One of the seven projects ng s per form landsc api Xcel Energy employee ce, fen the nt was at the Grand Forks pai work and fix up and deck and gar age at
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We offer additional paid time off specifically to allow employees to volunteer for the causes that are most important to them. Under our Dollars for Doing program, we provide grants to nonprofits where our coworkers volunteer outside of work hours.
a veteran’s home
Children’s Museum. Eight of our Xcel Energy coworkers created a business plan and provided technology support, enabling the museum to hire its first two staff members, use software to grow its reach and serve the community. In addition to making a positive economic and social impact for local non-profit organizations, employees grow as leaders and build relationships with colleagues.
Through our recent $100,000 donation, a new exhibit at the Grand Forks Children’s Museum will enrich children’s lives through exploration. And we supported Giving Hearts Day through matching funds for the Minnesota State University Moorhead Planetarium.
For many years, we’ve supported the Trollwood Performing Arts STAR Program in Moorhead, which allows at-risk youth to attend Trollwood Performing Arts School programs by providing transportation, meals, supplies and tuition support.
Our goal is to minimize environmental impacts while protecting air, water and land. This year, we were proud to support the construction of Centennial Park at Trinity Health’s new campus and medical district in Minot. The park will honor Trinity Health’s 100 years of health care service in northwest North Dakota. Funded in part from our $21,000 donation to the Trinity Health Foundation, the park will provide an area for patients, visitors, staff and community
STEM Career Pathways We need workers with the skills to navigate future opportunities and emerging technologies. Our vision is to expand education opportunities and connect emerging and existing talent to STEM careers. That’s why we invest in scholarships at Minot State University, University of North Dakota, Mayville State University, North Dakota State University, Bismarck State College, Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College.
Environmental Sustainability
Turbines generate electricity at the Courtenay Wind Farm in Stutsman County, North Dakota.
members to enjoy the outdoors. The park will include retention ponds, a walking path, seating areas, a playground and lighting. We also support RiverKeepers in the Fargo-Moorhead area through the Red River Water Festival, which facilitates awareness and appreciation of our area’s natural resources. Through hands-on activities related to water quality and treatment, students come away with knowledge of the Red River’s importance in the community and how water management is crucial for a healthy environment and economic stability. We’re proud to call FargoMoorhead, Grand Forks and Minot home, and this motivates us to give back to local nonprofits that share our vision of energizing the future.
A young volunteer dig s into the soil at a pollinator garden eve nt at the Fox tail Win d Farm in Dickey County , North Dakota.
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THE SPIRIT OF NODAK INSURANCE COMPANY SERVING & STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY
hether it be volunteering time or charitable giving, we understand the value and role our organization plays in creating successful communities that benefits us all. Each year, we look for opportunities to strengthen our connection to our community, whether it’s financial giving or lending a helping hand. We support a variety of local
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organizations that address food insecurity, housing and health and wellness. On average, we support over 60 organizations and are consistently recognized by United Way as one of the Top 50 Generous Workplaces. Some of the recipients of our giving include the United Way, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Meals on Wheels, local food pantries, 4
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Luv of Dog Rescue, Fraser, Ltd., Fargo Public Schools, Sanford Health Foundation, American Red Cross, Great Plains Food Bank, Hope Blooms, FFA, MakeA-Wish and Hope, Inc. We have also adopted local families during the holidays to provide essential household necessities, along with meals and gifts.
Our employees and agents are the heart and soul of our company. Our giving goes beyond dollars, as our employees routinely volunteer their time and talents to make our communities a better place to live. Philanthropy is and will always be at the core of our culture.
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INSPIRING AND BOOSTING GENEROSITY
end A Hand Up is a nonprofit subsidiary of Dakota Medical Foundation that raises financial help and hope for community members experiencing hardship due to health issues or trauma. Lend A Hand Up works by and through volunteers to host online fundraisers and in-person benefits with all funds benefiting local families. Unlike other crowdfunding platforms that profit from people’s generosity, Lend A Hand Up resources are free and backed by a caring professional staff who share how to guidance and provide promotional help. All online fundraisers are connected to a bank account established for the recipient family, so gifts are immediately available to them. Lend A Hand Up’s goal is to inspire and process generosity, as well as to compound the impact of people’s time and donations. Recipient families of Lend A Hand Up fundraisers receive an added boost in the form
of gift cards and a 20% match added onto online gifts raised through their LendAHandUp.org fundraiser. Gift cards and boost grants increasing the impact of generosity are made possible by program supporters who make charitable gifts on Giving Hearts Day, at year-end, and through program fundraisers with an intent of helping many area families verses one specific family. Last year, Lend A Hand Up hosted 70 online fundraisers in partnership with volunteers who served as champions, passionately rallying help and hope for their friends and neighbors living in Cass (ND), Clay (MN) and Becker (MN) Counties. More than $2M was raised through these fundraisers. With medical expenses as the leading cause of bankruptcy in our country, these successful fundraisers coordinated in partnership with Lend A Hand Up staff, were vital toward many of these families’ ability to access treatment, buy groceries and maintain a roof over their heads. Among the 70 families helped in the past year were; Clara Mostschenbacher, an active teenager who was thrown a curve ball when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Mitchell Amundson who
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coded several times following a hunting accident, Michelle Vesey whose Huntington’s Disease progressed to a need for roundthe-clock care, teenage Brady Prochnow who attempted to take his own life, and Amy Roehrich, wife and mother of two teenagers, who underwent a leg amputation when her cancer came back for the third time. Because these neighbors were supported by their community, Clara has returned to playing sports, Mitchell is back to golfing and attending fundraisers for other families, Michelle is receiving full-time care, Brady has returned to school, and Amy is learning to walk more comfortably with her prosthetic.
| TOGETHER WE THRIVE |
THE VALUE OF GIVING BACK
s we head into one of the most generous days of the year here in our region, it’s amazing to reflect on a fact that has defined our region for years: Our community supports nonprofit organizations when they need us the most. North Dakota’s nearly 5,500 nonprofit organizations provide everything from emergency shelter for at-risk-youth, taking in animals who have been abandoned, developing programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and providing food and basic needs to those who have none. These nonprofits provide the services and safety nets the government won’t and can’t do. And this Giving Hearts Day, we’re going to need to show them extra support with time, talent and especially our treasure as this year our local nonprofits need us more than ever. These organizations have been incredibly resilient, even while watching the decline in the number of individuals giving over the past 30 years. In fact, Americans gave the lowest percentage of their
disposable incomes to charity last year since 1995, per a Giving USA report. Inflation, global instability and political infighting are part of the problems… but our nonprofits are acutely aware of something we’re seeing more of recently: donor burnout. Everywhere you look there is another cause that has an emergency, another building desperately needing to be built to provide for our most vulnerable populations, or a seemingly never-ending list of galas, letters and giving days. It can be overwhelming. And for us who work with the organizations getting their hands dirty, and fighting for more funding as they see the needs across our state grow, it can be a bit harrowing at the prospect of asking for more.
But the individuals who live in this state are as resilient and as optimistic as our nonprofits. e know the importance W of providing a safety net for the most vulnerable. e know the value W of giving back. e know that loving our W neighbor when they need it the most is something they’d do for us when we’re in need. e’ve been helping others W for over 130 years in North Dakota, and we’re not about to stop now. So, whether you plan on giving to your favorite nonprofit, or you start the conversation at your office or home about what organizations you’d like to help support, know that you’re joining so many in the community to help make life better for so many here in the FM area.
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| TOGETHER WE THRIVE |
THE SCHEELS MISSION WE DO GOOD IN OUR COMMUNITIES
strong part of the SCHEELS mission is to give back to our communities, and as a team, we strive to do good. Each of our stores serves a unique community, and we make it our mission to be an active member of each of those communities through
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outreach and volunteerism. We strive to improve the lives of others by donating our time, energy and resources to building up and supporting the people and organizations who make our communities home. Our associates are passionate about this shared commitment and volunteer thousands of hours annually. We make it our goal to live our mission each day by getting involved in everything from United
January - February 2024
Way campaigns to community service organizations and local sports teams. Across the company, SCHEELS encourages associates to give their time, whether as an entire team or as individuals. Many employees value our Helping Hands program, which provides two paid hours per month for approved volunteer projects. SCHEELS RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) Committee also organizes volunteer activities to get entire teams involved to help make a greater impact.
One of the opportunities our associates love being a part of is Giving Hearts Day. With Giving Hearts Day being the single biggest fundraising event in our region, it is an awesome way for our team to connect with many local organizations that make Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo, a great place to live, work and play. Truly, SCHEELS is fortunate to be in such a generous community that creates opportunities to do good for others. We are grateful for all the wonderful communities that surround us, to every volunteer who gives their time, and to the countless local nonprofit organizations working to make a difference. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others and shape our community to be better for everyone. We can’t wait to see the good we can do together in the many years to come.
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| TOGETHER WE THRIVE |
MAKING A HEALTHY DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES
t Essentia Health, our mission guides us every day: We are called to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. This commitment extends past the walls of our facilities. We believe in having a meaningful presence in the communities we serve. “By supporting and investing in our communities, and leveraging our relationships with a variety of partners, we can make the greatest impact on population health,” says Dr. Mark Thompson, president of Essentia Health’s West Market. Essentia partners with other agencies and organizations to make a healthy difference in new and innovative ways. We want to help all people — you, your friends, your family, your neighbors — live safe, healthy and active lives. That’s why we look for every opportunity to affect positive change and help our neighbors thrive.
Through the Resourceful program, Essentia helps people facing challenges — and those who help others — find and make referrals to free and reducedcost resources for food, shelter, health care, work, financial assistance and more. To date, more than 10,000 referrals have been placed, connecting people in need to communitybased programs and services. Every three years, our hospitals conduct a community health needs assessment (CHNA) to systematically identify, analyze and prioritize community health needs. This process helps us identify gaps in our communities, areas in which we can have the greatest impact. We prioritize giving to nonprofit organizations working to address social determinants of health in key priority areas, like economic stability; access to education and healthy youth development; and access to righttime, right-place health care. Throughout Fiscal Year 2023, Essentia contributed $216,250 to 16 nonprofit organizations in the Fargo-MoorheadWest Fargo area.
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Our Giving Included: ECONOMIC STABILITY • $10,000 for housing • $5,000 for food access • $29,000 for employment opportunities • $15,000 for transportation ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND HEALTHY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT • $17,000 for education • $100,250 for child and youth development RIGHT-TIME, RIGHTPLACE HEALTH CARE • $15,000 for mental and social well-being • $25,000 for substance use Underscoring the importance of these funds, every organization that applies for a community grant is asked to approximate how many people it will impact. Based on reporting from these organizations, the projected number was 206,822 for Fiscal Year 2023. At Essentia, we are honored to be engaged members of the communities we call home. We have a culture of volunteerism and encourage our staff to donate their time and talents in these places. Through our “Together we Thrive” program, every employee
What others say about Essentia Health “ GiGi’s Playhouse and Essentia Health collaborate to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Initiatives like the Teddy Bear Clinic and Olive Branch project help educate medical professionals and shift perspectives on Down syndrome. Essentia employees play a key role in championing our mission of global acceptance for all.” -Heather Lorenzen, Executive Director, GiGi’s Playhouse who reaches at least 20 volunteer hours in a year is eligible to select a nonprofit to receive a $100 donation on their behalf. Last fiscal year, our colleagues accumulated 1,095 volunteer hours in the FargoMoorhead-West Fargo community. To learn more about community giving at Essentia or to apply for funding, visit EssentiaHealth.org and search for “community grants.”
“ Since 2021, Essentia Health has stepped up to support the United Way School Supply Drive and local kids by ensuring critical needs are met to fulfill any gaps in supply donations. With this support, United Way has been able to successfully reach our goal of providing 6,000 backpacks to local students, and the continuation of this support has been a gamechanger for our community. The backpack is the physical component — but it’s so much more than that! It’s 6,000 kids, their families, their teachers, their classmates and our community.” -Tiff McShane, Director of Community Engagement, United Way of Cass-Clay “Through our collaborative partnership, we’ve not only achieved shared goals but also magnified our impact and created meaningful initiatives that transcend individual efforts. Through combining our strengths, together we can access resources, skills and expertise.” -Kim Pladson, President & CEO, TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics
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UNLEASHING COLLECTIVE POWER Forging Paths to Sustainable Workforce Solutions
NAVIGATING WORKFORCE CHALLENGES THROUGH COLLABORATION: The Chamber’s Strategic Initiatives
In the ever-evolving landscape of workforce challenges, The Chamber’s workforce team has emerged as a dynamic force, spearheading innovative strategies and forging key relationships to address the growing complexities in connecting people with opportunities. Since May 2023, concerted efforts have seen The Chamber inviting collaboration from nonprofit organizations, state agencies and educators, fostering a collective impact approach to problem-solving.
COMMUNITY-CENTRIC APPROACH: Tackling Challenges Head-On The Chamber’s initiative began with a simple yet profound question: “What do you wish people knew about the community you serve?” This question set the tone for the journey, with the first meeting in late May centered around open discussions. The focus then shifted towards exploring the pressing challenges faced by community members in entering and sustaining their positions in the workforce.
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Community leaders articulated a spectrum of challenges, ranging from transportation and childcare to language barriers and housing. As the discussion unfolded, additional challenges surfaced, including access to and understanding of healthcare systems and benefits, behavioral health support, financial literacy and more. The resulting picture painted was one of complexity, wide-reaching issues and nuanced struggles.
DIVERSITY DRIVES INNOVATION: 54 Individuals, 40 Organizations Unite for a Common Goal
Recognizing diversity as a catalyst for innovation, we have successfully brought together 54 individuals representing 40 different organizations in the region. This diverse coalition not only boasts a rich tapestry of skills but also brings varied perspectives to the forefront. This diverse collaboration has proven instrumental in fos tering creativit y, enabling a comprehensive and adaptable approach to workforce development—a critical necessity in the ever-changing business environment.
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE: The Heart of Collaboration
A core goal of the collaborative effort is knowledge exchange. By sharing best practices, research findings and successful strategies, participating organizations aim to accelerate intersections and work more effectively together. This collective learning not only benefits individual organizations but contributes significantly to the growth and resilience of the entire workforce development ecosystem
CRAFTING COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS
Collaboration is the linchpin in crafting comprehensive and sustainable workforce solutions. Through the synergy of diverse perspectives, operational efficiency, knowledge exchange and a shared commitment to collective impact, a lasting positive impact on the region’s workforce landscape can be achieved. As we continue to navigate the challenges ahead, The Chamber’s collaborative approach stands as a beacon for communities striving to build resilient and thriving workforce ecosystems.
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| THE CHAMBER |
CONCIERGE PROGRAM
CONNECTING NEWCOMERS
to Our Community
The Community Concierge Program strengthens connections in the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo communities. It establishes a supportive network where people can share experiences, form friendships and nurture valuable connections. It connects newcomers with our community champions, known as “Icebreakers”. This program also supports employers while they are conducting job searches or welcoming new employees. We curate experiences so candidates and newly hired individuals feel at home in our community. Investing in a sense of belonging isn’t just about connecting people; it’s about nurturing the very essence of our community. Together, we strengthen the bonds that make us a vibrant, thriving place to live.
Program Levels ALL ACCESS New in town or simply want to expand your social circle and community involvement? Meet our Icebreakers - local community champions who share your interests and can introduce newcomers to local activities, events and like-minded individuals.
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CUSTOMIZED CONCIERGE
PREMIER CONCIERGE
If you’re looking to hire top candidates, the community concierge is here to help you. Our menu of services includes tours, lunches and personalized experiences for potential hires, so you can focus on finding the right candidate for your company.
Employers, enhance recruitment with our Premier Concierge Services. We’ll create a curated experience for executive candidates, which could include dinners, networking events and personalized area tours to showcase the local lifestyle.
January - February 2024
| THE CHAMBER |
HEALTH, TECH & TRADES CAREER EXPO
N
ovember 30, The Chamber Foundation par ticipate d in the annual Health, Tech & Trades Career Expo. With over 4,000 attendees at the FARGODOME, the event provided high school students a chance to explore diverse industries through immersive, hands-on experiences. The Chamber Foundation played an integral part in the planning and execution of the expo with Jenna Mueller, Executive Director of The Chamber Foundation, serving as the Vice Chair and Curtis Sullivan, Vice President of Workforce, overseeing the development of STEM sessions for the rural schools. The entire Foundation team volunteered the day of the event to ensure its success.
IgniteFMWF, an initiative powered by The Chamber Foundation, hosted a booth to showcase the platform’s unique features for career exploration, provide resume writing tips and emphasize skillbuilding oppor tunities through various learning courses. To make the experience more engaging, fun promotional items were distributed to students who interacted with the booth. The career expo not only served as a bridge between students and potential career paths but also highlighted the impor tance of community collaboration in fostering educational and professional growth. We are committed to empowering and enhancing the workforce, which includes the next generation of it.
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IGNITEFMWF VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR
D
e c e m b e r 7- 8 mar ked Ig niteFMWF’s first vir tual career fair. While its main focus was on the manufacturing industry, it also expanded to related sectors such as distribution, auto repair/shops, food and beverage, among others. This two-day event was not just a conventional job fair, but a dynamic and interactive experience for job seekers. Prior to the event, we sent out information to IgniteFMWF users
on how to prep their resumes and recommended three manufacturing skill-building courses available for free on the platform. Once the event started, attendees could explore virtual booths at a time that was convenient for them. These booths featured many resources, inclu ding d et aile d co mp any descriptions, live chat functionalities, current job openings and multimedia content such as documents and videos offering insights into the
organization’s culture and values. Additionally, companies could create three custom interview questions, providing job seekers the chance to showcase their skills and personality. A couple of businesses offered specific times when they would be hosting virtual interviews, enabling candidates to engage directly with recruiters and hiring managers. Going forward, these virtual career fairs will be held monthly with a wider range of industries represented.
This update was prepared by The FMWF Chamber Foundation using Federal funds under award ED22HDQ3070087 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Good Jobs Logo is a trademark of the Economic Development Administration, used with permission. FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
WASHINGTON, D.C. FLY-IN
O
ver 30 busines s and communit y lead er s t r avele d to Was hington, D.C. for The Chamber’s annual D.C. Fly- In November 13 -15, sponsored by Dacotah Bank. This year’s fly-in featured key meetings with congressional delegates, federal agency staff members, the U.S. Chamber and other major stakeholders. This annual event affords attendees the opportunity to discuss and advocate for key regional priorities that are critical to our region’s growth and prosperity. This year’s s tr ategic meetings were centered around comprehensive workforce solutions, immigration reform, allof-the-above energy policies, agricultural programs, water infrastructure funding, local military assets and a variety of other topics.
D.C., with note of the impending November 17 budget deadline and looming possibility of a government shutdown. In the morning, business and community leaders engaged in discussions on immigration reform with Kristi Boswell of Alston & Bird. Subsequently, CJ Epps of the U.S. Depar tment of Commerce and Frank Avery of the U.S. Economic D eve l o p m e nt A d mi ni s t r at io n (EDA) offered perspectives on their priorities, including an update on the EDA’s Good Jobs Challenge
NOVEMBER 15 Before depar ture, the group received a briefing from the U.S. Department of Defense on Air National Guard units across the country. The opportunity to meet with federal agencies, militar y leaders and congressional members allowed for effective advocacy on behalf of the region.
NOVEMBER 13 Upon arrival, the group received a comprehensive briefing from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the ever evolving federal legislative and political landscape. The day concluded with a dinner attended by over 30 members of the North Dakota National Guard. NOVEMBER 14 The day started with a discussion led by Primacy Strategy Group, The Chamber’s government affairs par tner, which focused on the evolving dynamics of Washington, | 48 |
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Dakota Military and Congressional Reception, co -hosted by the Nor th Dakota National Guard Association, the FMWF Chamber and the communities of Grand Forks and Minot. Attended by key U.S. military personnel, congressional delegates and ND military Leaders, this event expressed gratitude for the military’s essential mission. The group also received a briefing from the National Guard Association of the United States, outlining federal military legislation aimed at further supporting the men and women of the armed forces.
Grant—of which the FMWF Chamber Foundation was a 2023 recipient. The group then went to Capitol Hill for meetings with all six regional congres sional delegates and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN01), Chair of House Agriculture Subcommittee. Discussions covered major regional challenges, spanning workforce, childcare, immigration, water, farm bill and more – with an emphasis on the vital role of the 119 Wing Air National Guard and broader military assets in the Midwest region. The day continued with a North
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Federal Advocacy is critical to the growth and prosperity of our community. The Chamber’s Washington, D.C. Fly-In serves as a platform for meaningful discussions, strategic meetings and advocacy on key issues vital for regional development. If you are interested in attending the D.C. Fly-In next year, please reach out to cdunwoody@fmwfchamber.com for more information.
| EXPERIENCE, ENGAGE, ENJOY |
STATE OF THE CITIES 2024
E
ach January, we gather our mayors from across the metro to directly a d d r e s s yo u, o u r Chamber and community members. This annual event features a Q&A with the mayors, and audience members will weigh in on issues and topics facing our communities. WHAT BIG PLANS ARE IN STORE FOR OUR CITIES? The event provides a unique opportunity for community members and leaders to learn about the latest plans and projects emerging in our metro and weigh in on the challenges and opportunities our communities, residents and businesses face. We invite you to this important annual conversation, as we keep our city leaders directly connected to our business community. Don’t miss this opportunity to represent your business, connect with the 600+ leaders in attendance, stay in the know and participate in the Q&A with your mayors.
S E I T I C STATE OF THE
CITY OF DILWORTH Mayor Chad Olson
CITY OF FARGO Mayor Tim Mahoney
CITY OF HORACE Mayor Kory Peterson
CITY OF MOORHEAD Mayor Shelly Carlson
Thursday, January 11 8 to 10 a.m.
Delta by Marriott & livestream CITY OF WEST FARGO Mayor Bernie Dardis
PREMIER SPONSOR
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR Connect to Thrive
N
ovember 21, The Chamber’s Professionals of Color (POC) program hosted a virtual “Connect to Thrive” event, featuring Ntwali A. Cyusa, a public speaker passionate about business and community development. Participants were welcomed into a session that delved into Ntwali’s remarkable background and commitment to global unity, topped with conversation around mentorship, personal branding and community engagement. Cyusa’s in-depth discussion began with the importance of mentors and sponsors, exploring the distinctions between the two and sharing personal anecdotes that underscored their impact on his journey. The subsequent topics centered on building a personal “Board of Directors,” the intricacies of personal branding and networking, and the vital role of community engagement and leadership.
The audience actively participated in the Q&A session, posing insightful questions that further illuminated the discussion. As the event drew to a close, Cyusa’s parting words resonated, urging everyone to remember, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Attendees were encouraged to carry forward the wisdom shared by Cyusa, fostering a spirit of togetherness as they navigate their respective journeys.
| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
NETWORKING AFTER 5
P
articipants enjoyed an evening of connection and camaraderie at the POC Networking After 5 hosted at Brewhalla on November 9. Attendees strengthened relationships, engaged in dynamic conversations and forged new friendships through a joyous celebration of unity. | 50 |
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LEARN MORE ABOUT POC
E X PA N D YO U R B U S I N E SS
FIBT.COM
100% WHILE YOU WORK ONLINE EARN YOUR DEGREE
MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN
FAMILY FINANCIAL
PLANNING www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/online
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| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK Lighting trees and spotlighting members
E
ach quarter, The Chamber’s Young Professionals Network program (YPN) partners with local non-profits to host volunteer events. This past quarter, YPN had the exciting opportunity to partner with Fraser Ltd. to help with setting up their Annual Festival of Trees. The Annual Festival of Trees is an annual event whereas Fraser, Ltd. highlights artificial Christmas trees sponsored and/or decorated by community businesses, organizations and families. YPN helped fluff, light and organize the trees for organizations to decorate. YPN is excited for their next volunteer event taking place January 12 for Feed My Starving Children, where the group will volunteer their time to the MobilePack to pack meals that will feed hungry children around the world.
Introducing the Young Professionals Network One to Watch
Nicole Thorfinnson Nicole is a Marketing Specialist and Social Media Strategist with Bobcat Company. She oversees the strategy and content for Bobcat’s North American social media accounts! Nicole has been with YPN for a little over 2.5 years and loves the Lattes with Leaders events and volunteer opportunities. She’s a critical member of numerous committees that help operate YPN and a friendly face at many events!
Congratulations, Nicole! Keep being a key player in our community!
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FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| THE CHAMBER |
LEADERSHIP FMWF
Non-profit Exploration & Community Engagement
N
ovember 9 kicked off Session 4 for the Leadership FMWF progr am. The day came with knowledgeable speakers and hands-on activities that encouraged participants to learn more about the needs of our community and opportunities to engage in with existing non-profits in FMWF. This session provided meaningful conversation focused on opportunities, challenges and what is to come.
into real dialogue regarding the needs of non-profits in our area. To finish the session, a panel including representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Hatch Realty/ Hatch Coaching and SCHEELS hosted a discussion to tackle topics from getting involved in the community to navigating the hurdles of giving as a large company. United Way of Cass-Clay hosted a Poverty Simulation for the group, which allows participants to walk through a month of daily life as someone living in poverty. The eye-opening experience made participants more aware of the current landscape of our community and unveiled how there are ways to be part of the solution. “The poverty simulation was eyeopening to me in many ways - one way in particular was the childcare component. Finding childcare in our community is difficult in general, but having limited funds to do so forces parents to potentially leave their children in unsafe situations in order to make ends meet. Since, I have been putting a lot of thought towards how our community can further support young families.”
Patrick Kirby got the day started with energy and great insight, providing information about the current non-profit landscape and examples of important ways to connect with non-profits in the community. Patrick encouraged the group to lean into the needs presented by non-profits and to help meet those needs – thinking outside the box to not overwhelm small nonprofits with large groups of volunteers while also engaging our employers. | 54 |
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- LFMWF participant, Sam Lower of Marsh McLennan Agency To kick off the second half of the day, five area non-profits came to participate in round table discussions. The Salvation Army, Farm in the Dell, Friends of the Children, Box of Balloons and Jail Chaplain all talked about their missions, challenges and celebrated successes. This opportunity was special for many, as the group was able to dive
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It was a great session full of conversation, ac tivit y and challenge. Keys takeaways included encouragement to find one’s passion and get connected in the community. As LFMWF nears the halfway point of our program, participants are starting to dive deeper into leadership growth and development, as well as community engagement. We directly heard from one LFMWF participant, Emily Sumner of NDSU Team Makers, about the exciting possibilities ahead: “Through the Chamber Leadership Program, I have not only honed my leadership skills but also discovered the power of collaboration , i n n ova t i on a n d com m u n i t y engagement. This transformative journey has equipped me to drive positive change and foster growth, both personally and within my community.”
| THE CHAMBER |
LEADERSHIP FMWF
APPLICATIONS
OPEN ON
FEB. 16
Take the next step in your career and community today.
APPLY FOR THE 2024-25 CLASS 2/16 to 3/14 Learn more about why your business and your team’s leaders need to be involved with the Leadership FMWF program.
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| EXPERIENCE, ENGAGE, ENJOY |
2024
ChamberChoice Awards Nominations are now open! January 8 to January 26
It’s time to honor and celebrate the best of the best in FWMF! We encourage you to nominate your fellow Chamber members that you believe are leading the way and contributing to the vitality of our community. Companies who are nominated will receive an invitation to apply for the 2024 ChamberChoice awards, with an application window from January 30 to February 29. This event is a time to have fun and celebrate the vibrancy of our business community. Help us shine the spotlight on innovative, creative, highachieving and leading businesses and make your nominations today!
Award categories Small Business of the Year
Nominate online at fmwfchamber.com
Business of the Year
Non-profit of the Year
Young Professionals Best Place to Work Inclusion Champion of the Year People’s Choice Award
The People’s Choice Award is voted on by YOU, our Chamber membership and community. The organization who receives the most community votes is crowned People’s Choice winner. Voting will open later this spring, stay tuned for details.
Thursday, May 16 | Delta by Marriott Fargo
Premier Sponsors | 56 |
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January - February 2024
| EXPERIENCE, ENGAGE, ENJOY |
CORPORATE CUP
2024 CORPORATE CUP
2024 CORPORATE CUP
2024 CORPORATE CUP
2024 Team Registration Opens Monday, February 5 at 10 a.m.
Competition begins Thursday, May 23 at noon | MSUM Campus Gather your squad, ignite your spirit and conquer the day of games together. It’s time to compete, connect and create memories with hundreds of your friends and community peers. Let the games begin!
YPN - CORPORATE CUP
SAVE THE DATE
YPN - CO
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
WOMEN CONNECT From Passion to Purpose: Women Leading on Boards
Ackerman, Blehm, Stoeker and Soblik
A
WOMEN CONNECT
re you keen on deepening your engagement with the communit y? Numerous opportunities exist for everyone to actively participate and make a meaningful impact – and that includes you.
Es teemed panelis t s, Stacey Ackerman of Wells Fargo, Julie Blehm (recently retired), Caitlin Stoeker of Doosan Bobcat and Melissa Sobolik
of the Great Plains Food Bank collaborated to enlighten the women of our business community on how they can transform their passions into purpose for the greater good of our community. This insightful discussion provided a platform for these accomplished women to delve into their personal journeys of leaving a lasting impression on the FMWF community. Attendees had the chance to actively engage, submitting their burning questions pertaining to board service and volunteer work.
Our panelists advise embracing your true values, connecting with community organizations, exploring co mmit te e involve me nt an d expressing interests to supportive network individuals who can guide you in your next steps.
“Be bold. Invite yourself. Observe a board meeting,” Ackerman says with an echo from Blehm, “Just do it.”
From insights on board service paths to instilling confidence in involvement, these women demonstrated turning aspirations into reality. Wondering what’s next?
WOMEN CONNECT
Crafting Your Narrative:
Uncover, Create and Shape Your Life Story Nicole Thom-Arens, Owner, Dakota Scandi Writing Company
January 30 | 3:30 - 5 p.m. | Armory Events Center | 58 |
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January - February 2024
PROGRAM SPONSORS
Marketing solutions for businesses serious about growth. We believe in the strength of our community. We are proud to help local businesses reach their goals. Our business and marketing consultants have years of experience helping local businesses grow utilizing a multimedia approach. Working together, we create strategies that will attract your target audience and get them to convert. We customize each and every campaign based on your goals and unique business needs. ▶ Targeted Digital Ads ▶ Social Media Marketing ▶ Print Ads ▶ Commercial Printing
701-241-5431 advsales@forumcomm.com
▶ Direct Mail ▶ Video Production ▶ Broadcast ▶ Content Creation
WWW.FARGOMOORHEADMEDIA.COM
| IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
EGGS & ISSUES A New Era of Education - Part 2: Minnesota
D
ecember 12, The Chamber’s Eggs and Issues series gathered the presidents of three local universities: Dr. Colin Irvine of Concordia College, Dr. Carrie Brimhall of Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) and Dr. Tim Downs of Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), for a crucial conversation about the future of higher education in Minnesota. With Dr. Irvine and Dr. Downs recently joining the FMWF community and their respective universities, this was the first time The Chamber convened these three leaders for a joint conversation with C ha m b e r m e m b e r s, of fering Chamber member s a unique opportunity to engage with these distinguished leaders. Katherine Grindberg, Chamber Executive Vice President, moderated the discussion about challenges and opportunities that these institutions face. This included discussing the newly emerged North Star Promise, enrollment challenges and s trategies, collaboration opportunities and more. Looking at each institution, each president shared their institution’s goals for this next year, with a common goal of growth and opportunity for students and the region. The diverse experiences and perspectives of each president set the stage for a dynamic conversation, with Tri-college collaboration emerging as a key theme. It was prominent
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that the presidents all believe in the efficiency of a collaboration between the local institutions in order to better serve students and the business community. While it was announced in early December 2023 that Tri-College University will be ending, the collaboration across institutions and the opportunities for students to access academic courses at partnering local institutions will remain.
Diving into enrollment challenges, Dr. Ir vine addressed the value of a four-year degree and how institutions need to have programs that meet the needs of our workforce. He emphasized that workforce readiness and engagement with business leaders is vital, stressing the importance of aligning curricula with industry needs, while Dr. Downs emphasized the role of faculty in understanding and responding to industry requirements. Str ategies to ad dres s t he challenges took center stage as Dr. Downs highlighted the importance of communit y engagement in
January - February 2024
retaining students and Dr. Brimhall underscored the flexibility of their institution to accommodate students’ work schedules. The event provided valuable insight into Minnesota’s newly emerged North Star Promise, which offers free tuition for families with an adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less, as a significant initiative that could also aid enrollment challenges. Dr. Brimhall and Dr. Downs discussed its potential to close educational gaps and reduce financial stress for students, along with emphasis from Dr. Irvine on the importance of spreading awareness about the program’s fundamental impact and that it does not apply to private college tuition. The event concluded with a lighthear ted moment as each president shared a word or two to define their vision for 2024: “momentum and growth” for Dr. Irvine, “fun” for Dr. Brimhall and “positive” for Dr. Downs. Our December Eggs and Issues event highlighted the shared commitment of our Minnesota higher education institutions for community engagement, innovation and education that these leaders bring to the table.
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Heritage Middle School
Detriot Lakes Police Department
Rustad Recreational Center
First Community Credit Union
MeineckeJohnsonCompany.com
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| MEMBER NEWS |
ANNIVERSARIES Congrats to these members for celebrating the following milestone Chamber anniversaries!
SEE OUR ONLINE MEMBER DIRECTORY
50 YEARS • Nilles Law Firm • West Acres Shopping Center
30 YEARS
25 YEARS
20 YEARS
• Magnum Companies
• The Bridges Apartments
• Brady’s Service Center
• Manning Mechanical, Inc.
• Heritage Homes, LLC
• Essentia Health Moorhead Clinic
• Opp Construction/Patio World
• Northern Plumbing Supply
• Oxbow Country Club
• U.S. Bank
• Wanzek Construction, Inc.
10 YEARS • Aldevron
• Kind-er Care
• Razor Tracking
• Fargo Trailer Center
• Mayville State University Foundation
• Sagency
• Farm in the Dell of the Red River Valley
• Northwest Truck & Trailer
• Scherling Photography • SGC Apartments
5 YEARS • BeMobile - Verizon Authorized Retailer
• Jim’s Towing Inc.
• Radiant Homes
• LFP Partners
• RamJack North
• Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel
• Parvey, Larson, and McLean, PLLC
• Saving Smiles Dentistry
• First Community Credit Union
• Precision Lawn & Landscape
• Brandt Hospitality Group
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THE BRIDGE
January - February 2024
| MEMBER NEWS |
RIBBON CUTTINGS
OCTOBER OCTOBER
ABM Technology Group
Concordia College – Sanford Heimarck School of Health Professions
NEW OWNERSHIP
GRAND OPENING
901 8th St S, Moorhead concordiacollege.edu
4160 98th Ave S, Fargo abmnow.com
OCTOBER
Dakota Supply Group
OCTOBER
HighPoints Network 20TH ANNIVERSARY
GROUNDBREAKING
728 Beaton Dr Ste 200, Fargo highpointnetworks.com
1387 55th St N, Fargo dsgsupply.com
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
Industrial Builders, Inc
Infinity Wellness Clinic
REMODEL/EXPANSION/70TH ANNIVERSARY
GRAND OPENING
1307 County Road 17 N, West Fargo industrialbuilders.com
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
InterOffice
Jeremiah Program
RELOCATION
REMODEL/EXPANSION
1630 1st Ave N Fargo interofficend.com | 64 |
THE BRIDGE
4674 40th Ave S Suite A, Fargo infinitywellnessclinic.com
3104 Fiechtner Dr, Fargo jeremiahprogram.org January - February 2024
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
GRAND OPENING
RELOCATION
McDonald’s
Northern Plains Surgery Center
5160 Charles Way S, Fargo mcdonalds.com
2829 University Dr Suite 103, Fargo northernplainssurgerycenter.com
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
Prairie Dog Boarding and Grooming
RBC Wealth Management
10TH ANNIVERSARY
GRAND OPENING
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
GRAND OPENING
RELOCATION
5126 51st Ave S, Fargo prairiedogfargo.com
4207 28th St S Suite 200, Fargo us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/fargo/
Thai Orchid
Travel Travel
110 Main Ave E, West Fargo thaiorchidfm.com
1700 42nd St S Ste 1000, Fargo traveltravelgroup.com
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
Battle Blitz Paintball
D
LL
O
OR
A
B IN
1711 Center Ave W, Dilworth battleblitzindoorpaintball.com
LE BLI TT T A
Z
GRAND OPENING
HOTWORX
P AIN
TB
GRAND OPENING
2901 S Frontage Rd Suite 8A, Moorhead hotworx.net/studio/moorhead FMWFCHAMBER.COM
| 65 |
| MEMBER NEWS |
RIBBON CUTTINGS
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
10TH ANNIVERSARY
30TH ANNIVERSARY
North Dakota Assistive
Mojo Fit
435 32nd Ave E, West Fargo mojofitstudios.com
NOVEMBER
Progress Weight Management
GRAND OPENING
3625 Lincoln St S Suite C, Fargo progressweight.com
3240 15th St S Suite B, Fargo ndassistive.org
Sanford Health GRAND OPENING
7951 Jacks Way, Horace sanfordhealth.org/locations/sanford-medical-center-fargo
NOVEMBER
GRAND OPENING
GRAND OPENING
Valvoline Instant Oil Change
480 24th Ave W, West Fargo theteehive.com/locations/west-fargo-nd
NOVEMBER
West Fargo Fire Department
GRAND OPENING
1201 10th Ave E, West Fargo westfargofire.org | 66 |
THE BRIDGE
January - February 2024
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
The Teehive
North Dakota
ASSISTIVE
3981 53rd Ave S, Fargo valvoline.com
NOVEMBER
Western Products 75TH ANNIVERSARY & EXPANSION
474 45ths St S, Fargo westernproducts.com
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
Xcel Energy
YWCA
GRAND OPENING
GRAND OPENING
118 Broadway Floor 2, Fargo nd.my.xcelenergy.com
3001 32nd Ave, Fargo ywcacassclay.org
A community influenced by young professionals is a community that attracts and retains them. Start getting involved today and become a part of this network that is home to the leaders and influencers of tomorrow. Follow us on Facebook and learn more at fmwfchamber.com/YPN
CONNECT Let us get to know your business.
UNIFIED BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
If you need a bank that truly listens, turn to Western State Bank. We’ll work to understand your business and your goals. You’ll always get a customized approach, guidance you can trust, and the attention you deserve.
701-277-5003 • westernbanks.com
Keith Johs 701.490.3060 Everything your business needs to stay connected from anywhere! CALLING: Get a complete set of powerful cloud calling features with a business number that rings on any device. MESSAGING: Connect in real-time with advanced features for messaging, file-sharing, whiteboarding, and more. MEETINGS: Stay connected with video conferencing that’s engaging, intelligent, and inclusive.
Member FDIC
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
| 67 |
| MEMBER NEWS |
NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS ALERUS
A colored box distinguishes individuals employed by a Chamber Community Builder.
CORNERSTONE BANK
PROM
Matt Hendrickson Mortgage Banker
Tiana Chiselom Personal Banker
DAKOTA BUSINESS LENDING
OTED
Ryan Grussing
SVP Business Banking Manager
Dakota Larson
Cash Management Sales Officer
Kate Lea
VP Business Banker
Julie Jaksha
Director of Small Business Advising
ESSENTIA HEALTH
PROM
Brenda Meyer
Facilities Cleaning Manager
Alicia Sandoval-Del Rio
Teresa Stundahl
Tamara VanWechel
Dr. Rabiah Ashraf Hospitalist
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Brady Larson
Dr. Arslan Mahmood
Hannah Schiefelbein
Dr. David Schwartz
Mary Weisberg
Facilities Cleaner
Leasing Agent
Dr. Zara Hussain Pediatrician
Family Medicine Specialist
FARGO YOUTH BASEBALL
Critical Care Specialist
FIRST WESTERN BANK
PROM
Shayne Davidson
Director of Fastpitch
OTED
Zach Frazier
Director of Baseball Operations
Vice President of Finance
Hospitalist
Radiation Oncologist
FLINT GROUP
Dr. Judah Askew
Rheumatology Specialist
GREATER NORTH DAKOTA CHAMBER
OTED
Mario Stanislao Universal Banking Supervisor
Kasey Christine Digital Content Producer
Allie Maciej
Public Relations and Social Media Specialist
Liz Markham
Membership Director
MARVIN
PROM
Erin Runck
Client Coordinator
Heidi Stalboerger Client Advocate, SBD
Alison Mooridian Senior HR Manager
STEFFES GROUP
Erich Schoenfish IT Project Manager
| 68 |
THE BRIDGE
OTED
January - February 2024
PROM
Eric Dion
Senior HR Manager
Jocelyn Friskop Equipment Project Manager
OTED
Kevin Corneliusen
Production Manager II
DAKOTA CARRIER NETWORK
EPIC COMPANIES
PROM
Kate Savage Loan Servicing Specialist
Human Resources/ Business Manager
Kari Alme
Aiden Jung
Jordan Coplin
Lauren Drotts
Emily Greenstein
Family Medicine Specialist
Family Medicine Specialist
Design Intern
Podiatry Specialist
OTED
Andrew Kallas
Mirissa Kronebusch CBE Accounting Manager
Director of Accounting
Katie Gurskis
Dr. Daniel Hoy
Melanie Hulm
Director of Maintenance
Family Medicine Specialist
Tanner Lautt
Family Medicine Specialist
Hospitalist
FARGO-MOORHEAD REDHAWKS
PROM
OTED
Karl Hoium VP/GM
PROM
OTED
Grant Langseth Director of Ticket Operations
IRONCLAD MARKETING
Lindsey Gerhold
Mary MacCall
PR Writer/Marketing Analyst
NORTH DAKOTA SAFETY COUNCIL
PARK COMPANY REALTORS
Erika Erb
OTED
Ashley McCoy
Director of Promotions and Special Events
PROM
Bob Roers
Director of Business Development
OTED
Will Thom
Director of Food and Beverage
JEREMIAH PROGRAM
Marketing Coordinator
Safety Consultant
PROM
Vanessa Gunderson REALTOR®
Rose Kramer
Housing Manager
Heidi Hansen
Transaction Coordinator
PROM
OTED
Teresa Mattson
Director of Group Sales & Community Relations
MARSH MCLENNAN AGENCY
Lindsey Paschke
Shonna Severson
CDC Teacher
Program Coordinator
SANDMAN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
SPOTLIGHT MEDIA
Todd Vik
BIM Technician
Madelyn Hurt
Administrative Assistant
Austin Cuka
Austin Smith
Digital Growth Specialist
Web Developer
CELEBRATE YOUR EMPLOYEES!
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
| 69 |
| MEMBER NEWS |
NEW MEMBERS Welcome to the following businesses who joined North Dakota Safety The Chamber in October Council Education- training/ Public Safety and November! We thank each of you for your support in our mission and investment in your business and community. Please consider doing business with your fellow Chamber members first!
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Financial Institutions affinityplus.org
Member-owned cooperative that empowers members to achieve financial goals.
ndsc.org
Non-profit organization that provides community and workplace safety training and advocacy throughout North Dakota.
PACE Fundraising Consultants pacefundraising.com
Consulting company that provides fundraising counsel for capital campaigns with concentration in the following industries: education, healthcare, faith and human services.
PDL Connect Consulting LLC
Boot Barn Retail - Store bootbarn.com
Western and work wear retailer that strives to offer a piece of the American spirit.
Great Kids Therapy Ltd Child Care/ Health care services greatkidstherapy.com
Service that provides pediatric outpatient therapy services for children with special needs and fosters an environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Integrated Staffing Solutions, LLC Employment Services integratedstaffingmn.com
Direct placement geared to companies looking to improve their retention rates, providing them with workforce from Puerto Rico.
Education - Training pdlconnects.com
Leadership development training company that specializes in developing leadership potential.
Media production business with a primary focus on video production with animation, audio and drone services as well.
Roof Mazz/Roof Keepers Contractors – Roofing/Sheet Metal/Metal Wall Panels roofkeepers.com
Full-service roofing service with an emphasis on restoring roofs vs replacement.
Signum Engineering signumiot.com
Engineering company that provides Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, engineering services, and ISO certified manufacturing of electronics to a wide range of industries including agriculture, construction, vehicle electrification, medical devices, aviation, and consumer electronics.
The Teehive
Creators of The Preferred Savings Guide in Fargo, The Blue Coupon Book, which is a product for a customer to recoup costs with coupons.
Printing facility that works with businesses, teams, schools and event organizers to make their design vision come to life on shirts, pants, hats, backpacks and more.
Premiere Equipment
Wicked Willies Seafood Steam Pots TO-GO
Marketing Services thepreferredsavingsguide.com
Construction Equipment – Supplies premierequips.com
Construction, Snow Removal and Lawncare equipment dealership, rental center and service shop.
Coffee & Tea redrivercoffeecompany.com
Women-owned coffee shop that strives to bring a comfortable atmosphere. THE BRIDGE
Media/Video/Audio Production redfieldmedia.com
The Preferred Savings Guide
Red River Coffee Co
| 70 |
Redfield Media
January - February 2024
Screen Printing theteehive.com/locations/west-fargo-nd
Restaurants wickedwillies.com
Restaurant that creates seafood boils to take home, to work, to parties and more.
DID YOU KNOW THAT WE RUN NEW HIRE AND PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM OUR MEMBERS IN EVERY BRIDGE MAGAZINE? START SHARING THE NEWS ABOUT YOUR GROWING TEAM TODAY! Submitting your content is free and simple, Use the QR code to visit our website to see the few things we need from you. We look forward to helping you share your news with the community!
Nominations accepted through January 15, 2024.
WHO WILL MAKE THE LIST IN 2024? Prairie Business magazine will begin accepting nominations for our annual Top 25 Women in Business on December 11, 2023. We’re seeking those women who are making big moves and leading the way in their careers and communities. If you know a great candidate for this coveted list, go to prairiebusinessmagazine.com to submit a nomination. To advertise, contact Nichole Ertman at 701-780-1162 or nertman@prairiebusinessmagazine.com
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
| 71 |
| EXPERIENCE, ENGAGE, ENJOY |
UPCOMING MONTHLY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
EGGS & ISSUES
Crafting Your Narrative: Uncover, Create and Shape Your Life Story
Each month, The Chamber hosts a wide variety of events and experiences that focus on a range of key topics centered around the needs and interests of our members and business community. These dynamic offerings are built to educate and engage you and your team while providing unparalleled networking and relationshipbuilding opportunities. Now is the time to get involved!
Tuesday, January 30 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. Armory Event Center & livestream (904 Center Ave, Moorhead)
Save the Date
• Tuesday, February 27 • Tuesday, March 26 - Intentional Collisions • Tuesday, April 30 • Tuesday, July 30
YPN
Stay up to date with these programs and our full events calendar at fmwfchamber.com
Leveling Up
Thursday, January 11 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. Minnesota State Community and Technical College (1900 28th Ave S, Moorhead)
The Future of K-12 Education in FMWF
Tuesday, January 16 | 8 to 9:30 a.m. Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead & livestream (1080 28th Ave S, Moorhead)
PANELISTS: • Beth Slette, Superintendent, West Fargo Public Schools • Mike Hagstrom, President, St. John Paul II Catholic Schools • Dr. Brandon Lunak, Superintendent, Moorhead Area Public Schools • Chris Nellermoe, President, Park Christian School • Bob Otterson, President, Oak Grove Lutheran School • Dr. Rupak Gandhi, Superintendent, Fargo Public Schools
Save the Date • Tuesday, March 5 • Tuesday, April 2 • Tuesday, May 7
| 72 |
THE BRIDGE
WOMEN CONNECT
January - February 2024
Volunteer Opportunity
Friday, January 12 | 3 to 5 p.m. FARGODOME (1800 N. University Dr., Fargo)
Holiday Party
Thursday, January 18 | 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. The Cellar - Basement of Front Street Taproom (614 Main Ave, Fargo)
Lattes with Leaders: Steve Martodam Tuesday, January 23 | 7:30 to 9 a.m. Kingpinz Social (3485 Jacks Wy S, Fargo)
IGNITE INITIATIVE Career Fair
January 18 - 19 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Virtual career fair (IgniteFMWF.com)
| EXPERIENCE, ENGAGE, ENJOY |
UPCOMING SIGNATURE EVENTS
S
S E I T I C E TAT
PREMIER SPONSOR
OF THE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 8 to 9:30 a.m. | Delta by Marriott & livestream
PREMIER SPONSORS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 8 to 9:30 a.m. | Delta by Marriott & livestream
PREMIER SPONSOR
APRIL 2024 4 to 6 p.m. | Delta by Marriott Fargo
E NT NCEM U O N ER AN ON! VOICES OF VISION SPEAK OMING SO C
VOICES OF VISION
VOICES OF VISION
THURSDAY, APRIL 18 3 to 5 p.m. | Sanford Health Athletic Complex (SHAC)
VOICES OF VISION
2024 CORPORATE CUP
2024 CORPORATE CUP
VOICES OF VISION
2024 CORPORATE CUP
2024 CORPORATE CUP THURSDAY, MAY 23 Noon to 5 p.m. | MSUM
2024
ChamberChoice Awards
PREMIER SPONSORS
THURSDAY, MAY 16 Delta by Marriott Fargo
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
| 73 |
| THANK YOU FOR INVESTING |
PROGRAM & EVENT SPONSORS Thank you to all of our sponsors that make The Chamber’s regular events and programs possible.
PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM SPONSORS
Daily Local Deliveries | Monday - Friday
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
A complete distributor for all your paper, plastic, janitorial, equipment, supply, packaging, and automation needs.
Cole Papers, Inc
Serving Customers since 1918 Fargo, ND (Headquarters) 10 branch locations in ND, MN, SD, IA, and NE
Food Service Disposables Sanitary | Towel | Tissue Packaging | Shipping Supplies Office Supplies Janitorial | Sanitation Maintenance Products Packaging Equipment Janitorial Equipment Fine Paper Automation
SERVICES
Daily local delivery Order online, via phone, or contact your sales rep Staff expertise in products & equipment Service Department for equipment repair & maintenance Laundry | Warewash dispensing equipment installation Gym Floor Refinishing
701.282.5311 www.colepapers.com
| 74 |
THE BRIDGE
January - February 2024
American Crystal Sugar Company | Beverage Wholesalers, Inc Choice Bank | Cornerstone Bank | Eide Bailly LLP Essentia Health | Eventide Senior Living Communities Gate City Bank | ROERS
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK PROGRAM SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Gate City Bank | Sanford Health
EGGS & ISSUES
WOMEN CONNECT
PREMIER SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
AM 1100 The Flag | Bremer Bank Concordia College | Dabbert Custom Homes First Western Bank & Trust Home Builders Association of FM | Moore Engineering, Inc. MWC Advertising of Fargo Moorhead | Sanford Health
EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Bell Bank | Dacotah Bank | Delta by Marriott | Enclave First International Bank & Trust First Western Bank & Trust Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. | Western State Bank
VENUE SPONSOR
LEADERSHIP FMWF
DESSERT SPONSOR
EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSORS
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Dale Carnegie Training of ND & NW MN First International Bank & Trust Minnesota State Community and Technical College MWC Advertising of Fargo-Moorhead Sanford Health
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR PREMIER SPONSOR
MILITARY AFFAIRS PREMIER HONOR STAR BUSINESS
PROGRAM SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
FMWFCHAMBER.COM
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Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber 3312 42 St S Ste 101 Fargo, ND 58104 fmwfchamber.com