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.
Hannah Anderson Content Marketing Strategist
Trish Baker Grant Project Manager
Brin Braathen Director of Programs
Nicolette Bresnahan Vice President of Events & Programs
Christy Brown Executive Assistant
Setareh Campion Director of Programs
Darren Dunlop Vice President of Corporate Partnerships
Bernt Eidsmoe Graphics & Multimedia Specialist
Tyler Fischbach Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing
Shannon Full President & CEO
Katherine Grindberg Executive Vice President
Donna Heck Concierge Strategist
Brenna Johansen Ignite Navigator
Anja Kalvoda Administrative & Finance Specialist
Veera Khalil Integration Strategist
Nicole Meland Vice President of Finance & Operations
Emerald Moe-Zinn Content Marketing Specialist
Jenna Mueller Executive Director of The Chamber Foundation
Grace Rebel Career Navigator
Sadie Rudolph Vice President of Strategic Communications
Hannah Schlosser Director of Member Engagement
Abby Styf Director of Member Development
Stacia Sytsma Engagement Strategist
Peighten Watson Director of Events
Tami Norgard Vogel Law Firm
Chair
Chad Flanagan Eide Bailly LLP
Chair Elect
Peter Stenehjem First International Immediate Past Chair Bank & Trust
Tiffany Lawrence Sanford Health Treasurer
Tina Amerman Bobcat Company
Mike Arntson Cardinal IG
Kevin Bucholz More Engineering, Inc.
Kevin Christianson Christianson Companies
Dr. David Cook North Dakota State University
Camille Grade Bushel
Kristi Huber Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Kara Jorvig Allegro Group
Paul Matthys Cass County Electric Cooperative
Frank Matus Thales
Jenny Olson Microsoft
Jon Riewer Eventide Senior Living Communities
Brian Shawn Midco
Dr. Richard Vetter Essentia Health
Julie Whitney Bremer Bank
Tami Norgard Vogel Law Firm
Chair
Chad Flanagan Eide Bailly LLP
Chair Elect
Peter Stenehjem First International Secretary Bank & Trust
Shannon Full The Chamber Treasurer
Dr. Greg Lardy North Dakota
Agribusiness State University
Cora Turner Homewood Suites
Ambassadors
Public Relations
Londa Hager AM 1100 The Flag
Ambassadors
Member Relations
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
The
The growth and prosperity of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo area are products of intentional and visionary leadership over a long period. Success is not merely a happenstance occurrence but a meticulous journey. Through shared vision and collective efforts, we propel our community forward, strengthen our influence and impact, and shape a bright future filled with opportunity and achievement.
Recently, a coalition of five area organizations, including The Chamber, announced a momentous achievement for the FMWF area and the state of North Dakota. The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded this coalition, named FARMS, up to $160 million over 10 years to enhance innovation, jobs and economic growth in agriculture technology (AgTech). This award brings great honor and recognition to our community and presents a tremendous opportunity for the future of our region. This achievement is possible because of the groundbreaking collaboration between the five partnering organizations and the strong AgTech foundation that has opened the door for such a significant opportunity. We have an in-depth story about this award on page 8, where I encourage you to learn more about the initiative, The Chamber's role and how to engage with us as we move forward.
Vision and clear foresight are crucial for the sustained growth of our community. We are beginning the next phase of our comprehensive regional growth plan to achieve our goals in partnership with the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation. This multi-year plan, developed in collaboration with our business and community leaders, aims to address the opportunities and challenges ahead for FMWF. In the coming months, we will engage in extensive outreach to ensure we have the right strategies for success. The plan will be vetted over the next year, with implementation scheduled for 2025.
Our commitment to public policy work remains one of our greatest impact areas. As we enter the Minnesota legislative session, the leadership of our business and community members will help shape policies that drive business-friendly, progrowth legislation. Please contact me with any questions or concerns during this legislative session and election season; I would be happy to have a conversation with you about the challenges or opportunities facing your business.
You may have heard our announcement about this year's Voices of Vision keynote speaker and the inspiring day we have planned for our community. We are proud to welcome Chris Gardner, whose life story you may know from the film “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith. Gardner's life is marked by resilience, determination and transformative decision-making. I cannot think of a better individual to welcome to our community to inspire our people and give us “Permission To Dream.”
All the topics and initiatives I have mentioned play an integral role in The Chamber’s ability to successfully execute its mission to be a catalyst for growth and prosperity, all while standing committed to our core values.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to The Chamber. Together, we will continue to shape a vibrant and thriving community.
As Ignite Navigator, my job is to promote the IgniteFMWF platform. I engage with local businesses, educators, agencies and job seekers as they navigate the platform to promote their business, build job skills, participate in educational trainings, explore career pathways and build resumes.
It’s rewarding work – the best part of my role is helping individuals from historically underserved populations advance their careers and foster lifelong skills and education to improve overall livelihood. I also enjoy the opportunity The Chamber provides to meet so many people in the community and extend my professional network.
When not at work, I enjoy spending time with friends and loved ones. On weekends, I help brides find their dream dress at Your Day By Nicole and I love catching a movie at the local theater. I enjoy the Red River Market and other social events held throughout FMWF. This year, I have also decided to pick up a new hobby – sewing!
In my role, I have the opportunity to work with the most kind, supportive and driven group. We have a goal to assist underserved people within our community to achieve a career that will be able to assist them in making daily life a little easier for them. I get to collaborate with community educators, non-profits and employers to shed light on gaps in our business community and find ways to work together.
I love that every day brings a new experience at The Chamber. Connecting with people in our community and collaborating with individuals who want to help make this an outstanding place to live has shown me just how amazing the commitment to excellence is here.
I am originally from the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo area. I recently retired from a career in the Army and am happy to be back home. I love spending time with my friends and family, as well as participating in local events and sports and recreation.
Brenna Johansen IGNITE NAVIGATOR Trish Baker GRANT PROJECT MANAGERThe U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program has awarded a coalition led by North Dakota State University (NDSU), in collaboration with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber), Grand Farm, The Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC) and the North Dakota Tribal College System, up to $15 million over the next two years, with the potential to access the full $160 million over the next decade.
This significant federal investment emphasizes North Dakota's role as an international AgTech leader. The regional partnership, called Food Systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security (FARMS), was named an award winner out of 188 concept outlines originally submitted throughout the U.S. and will drive initiatives that tackle food insecurity, foster economic opportunities, enhance crop growth and introduce new crops to the market.
The Chamber will support FARMS in workforce engagement, fostering industry engagement, facilitating networking and promoting the project's impact on the region.
“The NSF FARMS award marks a pivotal moment for our region, signifying more than just financial support. It is a testament to North Dakota's capacity to contribute significantly to global food security and emerge as a prominent player in the international AgTech landscape,” said Tami Norgard, Chair of The Chamber’s Board of Directors
“The commitment and engagement demonstrated by The Chamber team, under the leadership of Shannon Full and Jenna Mueller, are nothing short of remarkable. The anticipation of witnessing the transformative impact of this award is both exciting and promising for the continued growth and success of this organization and region.”
This award empowers The Chamber to elevate current workforce development efforts to new levels. “We are incredibly grateful to be part of the coalition that worked so hard on this award, which propels us into a new era of workforce development,” said Shannon Full, president and CEO of The Chamber. “Working alongside NDSU, Grand Farm, the GFMEDC and the North Dakota Tribal College System enables us to foster opportunities for education, skill development and career growth in AgTech. We are so excited for what lies ahead as we begin this journey of powering ideas that feed the world!”
FARMS brings the ability to attract talent and create opportunities for upskilling our region’s workforce. “The project’s inclusive vision will lead to equitable agricultural opportunities for new Americans, Tribal citizens, veterans and so many others looking for opportunities in AgTech,” said Jenna Mueller, Executive Director of The Chamber Foundation, who will co-lead education and workforce development on the project.
Mueller brings knowledge in executing the Good Jobs Challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. “Our region has a wealth of AgTech pioneers, and we’ll tap into their expertise to grow the next generation of talent,” she said.
“The NSF Engines award supporting FARMS will turbocharge
academia and previous
in federal and state programs, including serving as a Presidential Appointee, brings a wealth of expertise to FARMS. As an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, she has a deep understanding of community needs and has been a pivotal figure in recognizing and incorporating Tribal agricultural expertise into the coalition's initiatives. Her extensive experience and contributions to the project, including her instrumental role in securing federal funds, make her an ideal candidate for this position.
the existing momentum and energy of North Dakota’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem so that everyone in the world knows of the amazing opportunities and resources existing here for AgTech entrepreneurs,” said Colleen Fitzgerald, vice president for research and creative activity at NDSU. “FARMS will be a magnet for new startups given North Dakota’s business-friendly environment. This work over the next 10 years is about accelerating economic growth for North Dakota.”
In its winning proposal, FARMS outlined solutions that will:
• Ignite a new wave of AgTech leaders
• Amplify our AgTech ecosystem
• Accelerate AgTech Innovation
• Catalyze collaborative partnerships to solve food insecurity
February 22, The Chamber convened regional and national thought leaders for the Midwest Economic Outlook Summit at the Delta by Marriott in Fargo, North Dakota. This annual conversation serves as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to converge, share insights and dive into crucial economic discussions shaping the region's trajectory.
To kick off the morning, Joel Honeyman of Bobcat Company and Frank Matus of Thales discussed regional economics and the Midwest’s role in the global economy with moderator Dr. John Bitzan of the Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth. Touching on important topics such as technological innovation, workforce development and infrastructure investment, Honeyman and Matus provided an overview and specific examples of the strengths, advantages and opportunities of North Dakota and the Midwest.
“ When we look at the economy as a whole, all of the initiatives that this state has going on – it’s something that is very attractive to a large global organization like Thales,” stated Frank Matus, allows us to bring technologies in from outside of the region to start to think innovatively about - How do we transform the economy? How do we diversify between just energy and agriculture? really start to look at advanced technologies as being that next wave of innovation that we can position our state and position our economy as being a world leader.”
This overview was followed by the keynote address, given by Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Dubay's insightful analysis of domestic economics provided a comprehensive overview of the current economic landscape, addressing key factors influencing growth, workforce dynamics, inflation and geopolitical risks.
“ We had COVID, then we had inflation, and then we had high interest rates.” remarked Dubay.
“Usually when you have something like that, shocks to the economy,
FRANK MATUS, Director of Air Control Sector, Thales
discussed potential risks, including geopolitical tensions, 2024 election impacts, fiscal policy decisions and inflationary pressures, urging stakeholders to remain vigilant and adaptive in their strategies.
“The Fed wants a 2% inflation rate. The Inflation rate is 3.1% as of January. So, we’re not quite there yet, but we are headed in the right direction,” Dubay explained.
“The Fed looks at something called Core Inflation, it strips out food and energy. Food and energy are things we spend a lot of money on. Prices are up a lot higher than they were before inflation took off in March of 2021.”
He continued, “ What people want to see for the end of inflation is prices falling, but prices don’t fall. Inflation ends when prices stop rising as much as they did the year before. So, everyone wants prices to go back to where they were, but that won’t happen, and there’s good reason for that. Deflation is as economically destructive as inflation. Think about it in your own businesses – your workers aren’t going to take lower wages, your suppliers aren’t going to take lower prices. If suddenly, you’re getting lower prices for your goods, that creates a problem.”
Following Dubay's keynote, panel discussions continued, featuring industry experts and leaders Brett Myer of Eide Bailly LLP, Libby Starling of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Matthew Leiseth of Hornbacher’s Foods to dive into the question of, “How far does your dollar go? ” Chamber President and CEO, Shannon Full, moderated the conversation, driving discussion around the rising prices for consumers, investment strategies and mindsets, the business perspective on this challenging environment and what our specific region needs to be aware of as we continue to grow and compete on a national scale.
Matt Leiseth of Hornbacher's commented, “I think the biggest reality is that everything impacts the price of groceries. There are so many things in the grocery industry that we rely on – and it’s everybody else - from trucking industries to production of crops. Everything that goes into the food that comes into the grocery store is impacted by inflation at every level that it comes in. All those little things add up to the bigger price that you’re seeing for all of those goods that come in.”
Throughout the day, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, addressing pressing concerns and exploring avenues for collaboration and growth. From housing affordability to investment strategies, each session provided valuable insights and actionable recommendations for businesses, individuals and policymakers alike.
As the summit concluded, Shannon Full reiterated the importance of ongoing collaboration and dialogue to drive regional prosperity. The Midwest Economic Outlook Summit serves as a testament to the Midwest's resilience and ingenuity, reaffirming its pivotal role in the national and global economy.
Tuesday, June 11 | 8 to 11 a.m.
Red River Valley Fairgrounds – Butler Machinery Arena Livestream also available at no cost
The Midwest Agriculture Summit is returning to FMWF as a crucial platform for businesses, sector and industry experts, policymakers, innovators, growers and other stakeholders to convene and exchange ideas about agriculture in the Midwest. From impending polices to pressing issues, and innovative tech to transformative partnerships, this event addresses the vital role of Midwestern agriculture in our region, nation and world.
The Midwest Agriculture Summit is the second installment of the 2024 Midwest Summit event series.
Midwest Agriculture Summit Premier Sponsor
REGISTER FOR THE AGRICULTURE SUMMIT TODAY
June 10 - 14
Various locations across FMWF
From the first 4WD tractor to the original skid steer, Fargo has been a hub for innovation in agriculture. Today, it’s an incubator for what’s next in our food, field and feed supply chains. Join us for a week-long celebration in AgTech, alongside growers, policymakers, educators, investors and innovative companies. This is a combination of learning, networking and fun through FMWF’s welcoming community.
KEY EVENTS:
June 11 | Midwest Agriculture Summit
Host: The Chamber
Location: Red River Valley Fairgrounds and livestream
June 11-12 | Bushel Buddy Seat Conference
Host: Bushel
Location: Brewhalla
June 13 | Cultivate Conference
Host: Grand Farm
Location: Announced soon
Cultivating communities and influencing action are core elements of The Chamber’s mission. To maintain strong connections between our elected leaders and business community, The Chamber convened the mayors of Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, Dilworth and Horace to discuss strategies to tackle the most pressing issues in the community, increase civic engagement and enhance the sense of pride and belonging. A range of topics were covered, including housing initiatives, city growth and development plans, public safety and emergency services, and the general outlook for 2024.
The event emphasized the broader mission of fostering unity by connecting not just individual communities, but the entire FMWF metro and surrounding areas. This highlighted not only the localized impact of mayoral relationships but also underscored the collective strength that arises when communities come together for the greater good of the entire region.
To start the event, attendees heard from representatives of four large-scale community impact projects that have public funding associated with them:
• Hector International Airport Transformation
• Fargo Parks Sports Center
• Moorhead Community Center Library
• Dilworth Fire Station
Our communities are constantly evolving and striving for the next project that will enhance our quality of life and the vibrancy of our region, and it takes many hours, many people and many resources to make these projects happen. You can learn more about these four community impact projects by watching the full event recording with the QR code:
CITY OF DILWORTH MAYOR CHAD OLSON
CITY OF MOORHEAD MAYOR SHELLY CARLSON
CITY OF FARGO MAYOR TIM MAHONEY
CITY OF HORACE MAYOR KORY PETERSON
CITY OF WEST FARGO MAYOR BERNIE DARDIS
Local Mayors Chad Olson of Dilworth, Dr. Tim Mahoney of Fargo, Kory Peterson of Horace, Shelly Carlson of Moorhead and Bernie Dardis of West Fargo took the stage to dive into the crucial conversation of our region’s happenings. To begin the conversation, each mayor took a few minutes to share some highlights within their respective cities that are currently in the spotlight, before they dove into pressing topics that citizens were particularly interested in learning more about.
While growth is great for our community, it doesn’t come without its challenges. There has been tremendous growth in the entire region throughout the last few years, but this growth brings along challenges in terms of the ability to maintain ample emergency services. One note from Mayor Peterson was the need for additional deputies and potential plans for a dedicated police station in Horace. He also emphasized the growing pains experienced for the rural fire department and the importance of mutual aid agreements with neighboring cities.
Because of these struggles with emergency services, the mayors moved on to discuss the vital role of mutual aid and joint powers agreements in maintaining public safety across the metro. Mayor Olson added a crucial perspective, highlighting the need to support the police and focus on creating a community that values the sacrifices made by law enforcement.
downtown experience, including the consideration of an engagement center, were discussed to further improve safety and reduce crime in the area.
The proposed merger of Dilworth’s police department with Glyndon’s was explored by Mayor Olson. He mentioned the importance and ongoing process of hiring a chief in Dilworth, but he also acknowledged the opportunities for collaboration with neighboring police departments.
Mayor Dardis discussed the recent opening of West Fargo’s new fire station, addressing its impact on the city’s ability to respond to fire emergencies. The newly implemented half cent Public Safety sales tax was emphasized as a crucial funding mechanism to provide vital services to West Fargo citizens.
Mayors shared their communities’ efforts to improve access to mental and behavioral health services, with Mayor Peterson bringing up the introduction of a clinic in Horace and the need for ongoing mitigation efforts as the town grows. Mayor Dardis expressed the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis, emphasizing the need for more counselors and resources.
As the event concluded, mayors expressed their expectations for 2024. Construction emerged as a common theme, with Mayor Carlson
expressing excitement about ongoing construction projects in Moorhead. Challenges, including funding, property taxes, social and economic issues, and increased citizen engagement, were acknowledged by Mayor Dardis. The collective vision for 2024 centered around continued growth, a fantastic community spirit and a shared commitment to thriving together.
In essence, the State of the Cities event served as a platform for mayors to showcase their cities’ achievements, discuss shared challenges and emphasize the power of collaboration in shaping the future of the metro area. The diverse perspectives and unified commitment to progress underscored the strength of the region’s leadership and the collective resilience of its communities.
Despite the challenges, the leaders expressed optimism about continued growth and a united sense of community spirit. The collective commitment to increased citizen engagement and a shared vision of thriving together emphasized the determination of regional leaders to overcome challenges and build a resilient and prosperous future for Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, Dilworth and Horace.
This led to discussion about concerns raised by business and community members regarding the safety of Downtown Fargo. Mayor Mahoney shared that regular meetings have been held to address the issue particularly in Fargo, which have resulted in a decrease in the crime rate. Plans to enhance the
PREMIER SPONSOR
’m Chris Gardner. I’m an entrepreneur, single parent and author of “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
We all embrace the power of choice. ❞
A message from our speaker, Chris Gardner.
I’ve recently taken my newest position and the last job I will ever have in my LIFE! I am the CEO of Happyness and I love my job. My first book, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” became a New York Times and Washington Post No. 1 Bestseller that has been translated into over 40 languages. That book was the story of my life, but I’ve always thought of it as the book of ‘us,’ meaning everyone who had every opportunity to quit
We all embrace the power My book also inspired an iconic film that became critically acclaimed and is perhaps more relevant today than when it was first released. Will Smith played me in that film and received a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nomination for his performance. Having survived all of the cycles that could and should have crashed me, and crashed many others,
I found myself once again challenged in the early ‘80s when I became a working homeless veteran with a toddler son. This is when I made the two most important decisions I’ve ever made in my life, and I was about to be tested to the nth degree.
It was then I decided that my children would always know who their father was. I consciously chose to break every typical cycle that I was born into: child abandonment, child abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, fear, poverty and illiteracy.
The second decision I made is that I would become world class in whatever I did in my life. This led me to a nearly 40-year career on Wall Street, and I wouldn’t trade a single day of it for anything in the world.
Those two decisions led me to a new question that I had to recently answer, “What are you doing with the rest of your life? Do you retire or REWIRE?”
I’ll see you on April 18, where we will give ourselves “Permission to Dream,” and make the life-changing decisions to improve and REWIRE our lives.
If I can do this, then you can do that.
• Bring your team
• Reserve your table
• Get your tickets
• Meet Chris Gardner
lease join us in thanking these significant event sponsors for investing in The Chamber’s mission and making it possible to bring Chris Gardner to our community for the 2024 Voices of Vision event.
The following stories are directly from our very own FMWF leaders and Voices of Vision.
Their passion, commitment and dedication positively impact their businesses and organizations, the individual lives they touch and our entire community.
PREMIER SPONSOR PLATINUM SPONSORInsurance is about helping people in a time of loss or need. Every day is different, and every year creates a new challenge. I enjoy getting up each morning knowing that a new problem or challenge lies ahead.
Focusing on the insurance industry, we are a North Dakota company established over 75 years ago to provide insurance products and services to the Farm Bureau. While we have expanded beyond this today, we still go back to our roots of being the largest domestic insurance company in North Dakota, providing the same great service and products to the residents of North Dakota.
A key part of our company’s mission is “to give back to the communities where we live and work by supporting education, community and charitable organizations through corporate sponsorships and employee volunteerism.” A few examples include supporting The Chamber’s annual Voices of Vision event; helping, along with many others, to build the Nodak Insurance Football Performance Complex; and participating as a company with United Way and Giving Hearts Day.
It is our responsibility as businesses, leaders, employees and residents to be a part of creating the community that we want to live in. I’m not only proud of Nodak’s commitment to giving back to our community, but I am also proud to stand alongside so many other dedicated companies and leaders who are dedicated to and engaged in this work.
As a leader at Nodak, it is also of the utmost importance that I am always paying attention to what is happening in our industry. This is especially true with technology and learning what others are doing, as well as adopting changes that will help the organization. I also find it valuable to spend time with peers to learn what they are doing in their own organizations. It’s a great way to learn what works and perhaps what doesn’t.
While we are in the risk business you cannot be afraid of taking on additional risks in your personal and professional life. You must be willing to take a chance on a new product, expansion into a new state or even to take your company from a mutual insurance company to a publicly traded insurance company. Sometimes you fail, but you still need to be willing to take risks.
I believe that one of the greatest challenges we will have as a company and community is keeping pace with the ever-changing workforce. Yet, I also believe this is our greatest opportunity. Nodak Insurance Company is successful because of our people, our work ethic and our reputation. I think the same can be said for our greater community, but we must put immense focus on the perception of the Fargo-Moorhead area. Sharing our unique community story and opportunities with the nation and world will be a critical part of us keeping up with our workforce demands.
The team at Nodak Insurance Company looks forward to continuing to work alongside you all to build a bright future for Fargo Moorhead West Fargo.
Sometimes you fail, but you still need to be willing to take risks.
Ihave one of the best jobs in the world. Our business provides the most critical essential service to modern society: Electricity. My job is to ensure the power is on and that it’s affordable in the communities we serve. Thanks to my incredible team of dedicated employees, our board of directors and our power supplier, we do that daily.
We strive to be industry leaders in safety, providing exceptional service to our members, as well as a national leader in reliability, data security, financial management and employee engagement.
I believe that there are three core elements to the positive impact and success The Cooperative has had:
• We have implemented a Strategy Execution System to provide a roadmap for employees to achieve our mission, vision and values.
• We are blessed with highly skilled and dedicated employees.
• Our board and management team are aligned.
If there’s one thing I want everyone to remember, it’s that you can always prepare for the next step in your personal and professional journey by continually learning, improving and preparing for what might be around the corner.
We have a connection with over 58,000 accounts, equating to well over 100,000 individuals using Cass County Electric Cooperative as an essential service provider. We are local - from our board, to the employees, to the electricity we supply from North Dakota’s homegrown resources - and we are proud of it!
Leadership in community/ economic development is essential for continued growth and prosperity in the communities we serve. As a leader, I continue pushing my own growth and development by engaging with other leaders and staying abreast of current issues and challenges in our community and the electric industry. To support the community, I volunteer with organizations that I passionately support.
I have spent the past nine years on the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation board (I was board chair in 2023) to help guide the organization to success. I also co-chaired Valley Prosperity Partnership to advocate for business-friendly legislation for eastern North Dakota. For many years, I served on The Chamber’s Public Policy Committee to support The Chamber’s mission and participated in numerous legislative events.
If there’s one thing I want everyone to remember, it’s that you can always prepare for the next step in your personal and professional journey by continually learning, improving and preparing for what might be around the corner. Get out of your comfort zone. A team of leaders with the same mindset can do great things.
Growing up in rural Arnegard, North Dakota, there were far more cows than people and only a handful of paved streets. My experiences in this small, rural community afforded not only opportunities to step up when asked but fostered a sense of obligation to engage in community conversations and be part of solutions.
I watched my parents and grandmother serve on and lead the rural electric cooperative, nursing home, hospital foundation board, church board, Lion’s Club, Dollars for Scholars, homemakers club, county planning commission and more. Being raised with this participatory, do-er mentality likely normalized my willingness to step into leadership positions when asked, both within Vogel and in community organizations. I currently serve as Chair of the FMWF Chamber Board and serve on the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Board and Fargo’s Downtown Community Partnership Board.
Vogel Law Firm supports and encourages attorneys to engage in community stewardship. In addition to being smart, hardworking attorneys, many of our attorneys feel an innate obligation to step up to “steer the ship,” whether that ship is the operation of the law firm, state legal associations, community initiatives, non-profit boards or even their kids’ school or sports organizations. By dedicating time to serve these groups through board service or volunteering, our lawyers forge deep relationships with their communities. In doing so, they connect with a broad spectrum of people, build relationships, educate themselves on important local issues, and impact the region in a profound and meaningful way.
As a community, and as leaders, we must continue to focus on building relationships and having diverse voices, backgrounds, perspectives and experiences around the table.
A vibrant, progressive community breeds success for the businesses operating within it. I’m proud to work for a law firm that feels compelled to be part of that progress. As a community, and as leaders, we must continue to focus on building relationships and having diverse voices, backgrounds, perspectives and experiences around the table. This allows us to make well-informed, thoughtful and impactful decisions for the future of our business, organizations, schools, communities and greater region.
Ijoined the health care industry as a nurse with the goal of saving lives and helping others. Today, I am honored to carry out that mission on a much larger scale as the Vice President of Operations for the Sanford Health Fargo Region, North Dakota’s largest employer and health care provider.
In 2010, I joined Sanford Fargo to oversee the organization’s efforts to become a Level I Trauma Center. At the time, this was a daunting task since no population similar to Fargo had a Level I Center – you could only find them in major cities or academic medical centers. While intimidating, our hard work and commitment never wavered, and after eight years, we proudly became North Dakota’s first and only Level I Trauma Center.
Once we achieved this impressive feat, bringing other cutting-edge services to Fargo no longer seemed far-fetched, so we’ve continued to make it happen. Today, Sanford Fargo is home to North Dakota’s first and only blood and bone marrow transplant program, children’s hospital, advanced comprehensive stroke center, micro-preemie program and much more. It’s a privilege to oversee the operations to help make state-of-the-art, close-to-home care a reality for our patients.
It’s a privilege to oversee the operations to help make state-of-the-art, close-tohome care a reality for our patients.
In addition to advanced services, it’s essential to recognize that our patients will only receive the highest-quality care possible when our employees are at their best. I strive to make that a reality by enhancing our work culture, and one example of that is my implementation of the “Sanford Scoop,” a monthly town hall that offers two-way dialogue for open and honest communication between our senior leaders and frontline staff. During these sessions, we provide the latest organizational updates, encourage employees to ask questions and never shy away from difficult conversations.
I also help foster a positive work environment by hosting monthly award ceremonies to recognize staff members who have gone above and beyond in carrying out our organization’s mission. These efforts have gone a long way toward building trust with our staff and ensuring they feel connected to the why behind our daily work.
I could not be more proud of where our organization is today, and I look forward to continuing to help shape the future of rural health and employee engagement for a better tomorrow.
Xcel Energy has been in the FMWF area for more than 100 years, and I see us being here for over 100 more. We are engrained in the communities we serve by the employees who work here and the energy we provide. We all take pride in our company, ourselves and our communities.
The world is constantly changing, especially in terms of energy. Everyone is being pulled in different directions for different reasons. Looking ahead, our greatest challenge will be to continue to discover new energy sources in order to serve our customers, and the greatest opportunity will be to continue serving customers reliably and efficiently while giving them better flexibility and options for that energy.
As it relates to my work at Xcel Energy, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with many different people throughout my career. I get to problem-solve, entertain, lead, follow, market, build relationships and more. Every person I interact with is unique, and I enjoy learning and working with them all.
One thing you should know is that I am always striving to be better. Whether it is going above and beyond in my day-to-day work life, attending Chamber events or meeting with another leader, there are ample opportunities to better oneself. I enjoy leadership development opportunities and classes, such as The Chamber’s Leadership FMWF program. I am also thankful to have a manager that pushes me to do things outside my norm and to challenge myself.
Everyone is a leader, whether they realize it or not. My wife and I have two children who watch us every day, and they are a large part of why I take pride in the job I do and how I interact with people.
Someday, our children and their generation will take our seats, and it is our responsibility to show them they can become successful leaders both inside and outside of the office. While I am a Vikings fan, I feel the need to share a quote from the esteemed Vince Lombardi, in which he says, “Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else – through hard work.”
Everyone is a leader, whether they realize it or not.
One of the most important things we can all do to become better leaders is to listen intently and be engaged. There are many distractions in our lives today, but taking the time to connect with, understand and have empathy for others is key and cannot be forgotten.
Iam here to be the marketing visionary for our clients and specialize in empowering them to scale their businesses and organizations through brand elevation, revenue generation, marketing strategies and more. I am a solution-driven individual who will not stop until the best possible solution is conceived and successfully implemented. The dedicated team at BeTold is here to lead our clients and community through a transformative process aimed at delivering video marketing solutions that surpass conventional expectations and what is typically thought to be possible.
What really drives me is the potential to significantly and positively impact our greater community, as well as individual lives. We all possess the ability to create a lasting and meaningful impact on the world around us. I am always humbled to be able to work with organizations like The Chamber, the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation and the FM Convention and Visitors Bureau, because these groups truly stand for the greater good of our community, region and individuals who live here.
What really drives me is the potential to significantly and positively impact our greater community, as well as individual lives.
At BeTold, we hold ourselves to a standard of work based on the entire country, not just the region. Having the highest of standards not only for our services, but for the individuals on our BeTold team, is critical to our success as a business. As the leader, I must have accountability and expectations for myself that exceed what anyone else would have for me. I also focus considerable time and resources to mentorship and coaching for myself and our team members. Throughout my journey, it has become apparent to me how crucial it is to effectively and intentionally delegate and let go of certain aspects of my work, so I can pour into my team and build a strong and scalable foundation.
One of the biggest opportunities we have as a region is our storytelling and bragging about how exceptional the Fargo region is. I think about things like the metro’s size, the proximity to lakes country, outdoor activities like camping, fishing and hunting, our concerts and entertainment and more. We tend to complain about the cold often, but there is so much more to do and love about this area than we give ourselves credit for. BeTold will continue partnering with and supporting our community to help tell that story. Let’s let the rest of the country know about Fargo Moorhead West Fargo.
Vantis is transforming the future of aviation as a national and global model for what unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) integration looks like in the real world, starting in North Dakota. Vantis is an innovative system of UASenabling technologies that makes it simple and economical to perform safe, repeatable and scalable commercial UAS and AAM operations. It’s developed and managed by the Northern UAS Plains Test Site, a North Dakota state agency and Thales.
The opportunity to be a part of aviation history is why I’m here and why I do what I do every day. Our vision for Vantis is to be the gold standard in UAS/AAM integration. That starts here in North Dakota, a state with a long legacy of aviation innovation and leadership, as well as a strong sense of community and local citizenship. Vantis is made up of a team of North Dakota locals committed to working with community members to establish and maintain industry leadership.
Vantis is the greatest investment in a community. By using technology and innovation to solve UAS integration challenges, we are attracting talent and industry to North Dakota. We are creating a pathway to enable technology and careers for our youth through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Being a part of the community allows me to help solve problems across many different businesses, which keeps me learning and growing as a business leader.
Working in uncharted territory, I rely on business lessons acquired over the years, and I try to learn something new every day. For example, one of the greatest lessons in my career has been to never leave anything to chance; always envision things that can go wrong and try to mitigate those things.
Leadership is a lot of problem-solving and filling voids where people need direction or simply creativity. Being a part of the community allows me to help solve problems across many different businesses, which keeps me learning and growing as a business leader.
For me, perseverance, a positive attitude and good mentors are essential to staying on the right path. Learning is a journey, not a single act, and I’m inspired and humbled every day by how I get to learn and grow as a business leader in North Dakota.
At a young age, I was told to “never project yourself as the smartest person at the table.” Even if you understand a lot about the topic, ask meaningful questions, be humble and polite when debating a point, and listen. Chances are, you will always learn something new that will help you grow.
As the leader of a privately-owned business, my utmost priority is the strategic growth of our enterprise. I aspire to sustain a consistent and measured expansion, all while preserving our family-centric team culture. It is key that we stay true to our core values, ensuring our authenticity and genuine approach remain steadfast. This commitment will serve as the foundation for our continued success and resilience in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Heartland Trust Company is guided by the mission statement, “To provide a lifelong commitment to the well-being of those we serve,” extending this commitment to our team members, clients and the community. Our team members actively live out this mission by contributing their expertise to non-profit boards and engaging in various volunteer activities.
Being part of teams throughout my life has taught me valuable lessons—being accountable to others, focusing on details, having a plan and executing it, and learning from mistakes.
Personally, I am dedicated to this mission as well. In addition to serving on boards, I am currently coaching a Squirt A hockey team. When my wife Sara and I started our family, I made a conscious commitment to invest in children by taking on a coaching role. My aim as a coach is to strike a balance between being knowledgeable and passionate about the game while ensuring a fun and ultimately successful experience for the kids.
While I may not have been a straight-A (or B) student, being part of teams throughout my life has taught me valuable lessons—being accountable to others, focusing on details, having a plan and executing it, and learning from mistakes. These life lessons carry over into a career, shaping individuals into responsible and focused professionals. Recognizing that not every child will pursue a professional sports career, my goal is to contribute to their enjoyable life experiences, which they can leverage to become successful business leaders or simply great team members. I find fulfillment in knowing that the years I’ve spent coaching can positively impact their lives. Similarly, the years we spend learning, serving others, building relationships and empowering others to be the best they can be can positively impact all our lives, and our entire community.
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.
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A local Voice of Vision
Dan Hannaher, Field Director of Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, is a visionary leader making significant strides in refugee resettlement for our community. Having spent most of his life in Fargo-Moorhead, Hannaher has witnessed its tremendous growth, as well as its occasional struggles, but through it all has seen the community maintain a reputation for opportunity and quality of life.
Hannaher’s journey to Global Refuge began with a 33-year career at Hannaher’s Office Environments, later rebranded as Connect Interiors. His exceptional leadership earned the company its first ChamberChoice Business of the Year award in 1999. Then in 2009, Hannaher took on an exciting new challenge when President Barack Obama appointed him as the Regional Administrator of the Small Business Administration in Denver. After he returned to Fargo, Hannaher served in public policy roles at Sanford and Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota. It was in March 2021 that he was officially named Field Director of Global Refuge.
that arise from welcoming new residents, including job creation and increased consumption of goods and services. “That’s what makes our work at Global Refuge so special,” said Hannaher. “Providing newcomers the chance to join with us in creating a better, more vibrant, more inclusive community is a key ingredient to the American success story.”
Dan Hannaher stands as a catalyst for community transformation in Fargo-Moorhead. His journey from the private sector to leading Global Refuge exemplifies a commitment
At Global Refuge, Hannaher supports the mission of providing a “long welcome” to those displaced by war, famine, climate change, persecution and more. Beyond the humanitarian perspective, Hannaher emphasized the economic benefits
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to inclusivity and positive change. Hannaher is not only envisioning, but actively contributing to the creation of a community where diversity is celebrated, and everyone plays a vital role in its success.
Global Refuge and The Chamber’s workforce team are partnering to assist refugees in finding good quality employment in the community. In 2022, The Chamber’s Ignite Initiative was awarded the Good Jobs Challenge grant, which helps provide funding to educate and upskill the region’s workforce. Utilizing that grant, The Chamber provided 85 bus passes, ranging from 31 to 120 days, to meet critical workforce and transportation needs for Global Refuge clients. The collaborative efforts of these organizations aim to empower refugees and facilitate their integration into the workforce, fostering a thriving and diverse community.
Eight years ago, Cairn Reisch took a leap of faith, moving to Fargo without ever having set foot in North Dakota. Despite initial uncertainties, the vibrant energy of the region quickly made her feel at home. With over a decade of experience in community management spanning higher education, government and nonprofits, her journey led her to the corporate space, where she now serves as Community Relations Manager at Marvin. Reisch’s focus areas include industry leadership, workforce development, employee engagement and community involvement. Her role centers on fostering positive relationships with Marvin employees and local community members.
While Marvin is known for its expertise in manufacturing windows and doors, the company is also dedicated to supporting the overall well-being of their employees. Through the Dale Carnegie Leadership Program, an educational partner of The Chamber’s Ignite Initiative, Marvin invests in its workforce, offering employees an avenue to grow their communications skills, confidence and leadership abilities.
Numerous Marvin employees have successfully completed this leadership program, and last year, The Chamber added capacity for three additional employees to complete the course thanks to funding from The Chamber’s Good Job Challenge grant. The Dale Carnegie Leadership Program not only grows employees by preparing them for career growth at Marvin, but it also equips graduates for long-term success that will follow them into their next role and beyond.
“My vision for our community is one in which everyone feels a sense of belonging and is supported to pursue their passions to live their best life,” Reisch said. Outside her responsibilities at Marvin, Reisch actively contributes to community development. She serves as a member of the City of West Fargo Economic Development Advisory Committee and holds board member, committee member and volunteer positions for a variety of organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Reisch acknowledges the power of community members as individuals and encourages everyone to get involved and be an active participant in making this a great place to live.
Cairn Reisch stands as a symbol of positive change, both within the corporate landscape and the broader community. She is not just managing community relations; she is actively shaping communities and transforming the lives of those within and beyond Marvin.
This year marks the third annual Women Connect Intentional Collisions event - an engaging and interactive experience connecting attendees with our FMWF community's influential women.
During the afternoon, each attendee will have the opportunity to select several 'collisions' they would like to make. This will give Women Connect attendees direct access to our influential leaders in a one-on-one setting to share insights, experiences, journeys and advice, as well as answer any questions that may arise during the collision.
Tuesday, March 26 | 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn (4351 17th Ave S, Fargo)
“Intentional Collisions is worth every minute! It’s different than other events, making it safe to have quick, candid conversations, even one leading to a new hire for us at Light Consulting.”
– Sarah West, Owner of Light Consulting“I went to the Intentional Collisions Women Connect event in 2023 with a goal of connecting with some of the most inspirational and successful women in the FMWF area. Not only did I make some new friendships and get to learn about some of the amazing businesses in the area, I also gained a job out of it as well. That’s right! One of those ‘collisions’ was with Sarah West at Light Consulting. The collision with her lead to an additional conversation with the leadership team, and I ended up joining the Light Consulting team just a month later.”
– Stephanie Youngblom, Accounting Coordinator at Light Consulting
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4 TO 6:30 P.M. RED RIVER VALLEY FAIR
Get ready to enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere where you will meet top business leaders, mingle among trade show booths and connect with your peers to forge powerful partnerships for yourself and your organization. Be sure to decorate your booths and dress in your best Kentucky Derby attire, featuring elegant outfits, bright and bold colors, floral prints, bow ties, stylish hats and more!
Thursday, May 16 | 3 to 6 p.m. | Delta by Marriott Fargo
It's time to honor and celebrate the incredible organizations leading the way and contributing to the vitality of our community. Join us at the ChamberChoice Awards where we'll honor this year's outstanding candidates in each category and name the 2024 award winners. Get ready for a new, classy take on the ChamberChoice Awards and be sure to stick around after the event for a fun social and happy hour.
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As The Chamber prepared for the 2nd Session of the 118th United States Congress and the 93rd Minnesota Legislative Session, it was important for our team to establish our Federal and Minnesota legislative priorities. The Chamber has prioritized the following topics as they have a significant impact on our community. We encourage you to engage with our public policy and advocacy efforts and initiatives. We are also accepting applications for our Public Policy Committee; please contact our Executive Vice President Katherine Grindberg at kgrindberg@fmwfchamber. com with any questions on how you can get involved in The Chamber's public policy efforts.
Comprehensive Workforce Solutions
Quality, Accessible and Affordable Childcare
Building a Community for the Future
Business and Community Vitality
Comprehensive Workforce Solutions
Agriculture and Energy
Business and Community Vitality
Military
Visit the Public Policy and Advocacy page to read more in depth on The Chamber's priorities and get updates on the latest news and efforts
Each year, The Chamber publishes The Public Policy Guide to provide insight into the general public policy stances of The Chamber. These stances and the respective legislative session priorities are created, in conjunction with our members, to best represent the key interests of our business community and region. We encourage you to explore The Chamber's Public Policy Guide and Minnesota and Federal Session priorities.
Cultivating meaningful connections
As someone deeply involved in the FargoMoorhead community, I've had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse network of businesses, ranging from financial institutions to non-profit organizations. Over time, I've witnessed our community flourish and evolve into a more diverse landscape. That's why I am particularly passionate about The Chamber's POC program. This program provides a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures to come together, fostering connections and potential
collaborations. The ultimate goal is to cultivate meaningful connections.
Through The Chamber's POC program, I've had the opportunity to meet inspiring individuals who are driving positive change in our community, investing in their respective roles and careers. As our community continues to grow, it's imperative that we bridge gaps and break barriers by connecting with individuals from various backgrounds and experiences.
The Chamber's POC program plays a vital role in facilitating this essential connectivity in the FMWF community.
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As Leadership FMWF passes the halfway point of the program, participants have become quite immersed in the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community. Since August, a variety of local businesses and organizations have joined Leadership sessions to share their expertise and insight, and the most recent session continued this trend.
Most recently, the Leadership class got to hear from Jorden LaducerDix from the North Dakota Health and Human Services Community Engagement Unit . He led the class through various topics from Cultural Competency to Implicit Bias Training and helped guide conversation around the different biases individuals may hold and how it is possible to deepen one’s understanding of others to overcome these biases.
“As someone who is immersed in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices in the work that I do, I found Jorden’s presentation to be very insightful. Starting conversations around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion can be challenging. The HUMBLE Model that Jorden shared looks like a great tool to support leaders and their staff in having that conversation in a supportive way!”
- JENNA CRONEN; Parent,Family, and Community Engagement Manager at CAPLP
The Leadership cohort was also joined by area organizations that have devoted their work to serving specific populations and enhancing the FMWF community. F5 Project, Global Refuge, Immigrant Development Center, and Creative Care for Reaching Independence participated in round table discussions with program participants. From empowering recovery to reimaging possibilities, achieving economic independence and enriching lives, these businesses enhance the accessibility and livability of the FMWF community, and they demonstrated this through their insightful discussion.
The class also got to hear from Laetitia Hellerud, Executive Director of Jeremiah Program, who shared her story and lived experience as a refugee. Her narrative underscored resilience, showcasing how she has transformed adversity into empowerment, inspiring strength in all her endeavors.
and Able are making movement and opportunity possible for all abilities.
This session offered valuable insights into how our community leaders can broaden their scope of understanding and empower others to do the same, thereby fostering a culture of continuous growth and support. Participants were empowered to embrace curiosity and further uplift themselves and their peers to bring everyone to greater heights of achievement and impact.
“In the leadership program, not only were my eyes opened to the intricacies of our community's richness and diversity, but I also recognized the profound impact of forging personal connections. I discovered that these relationships enhance my professional development but also serve as a crucial support network for this community’s emerging leaders.”
- LAUREN YOUNG, Digital Experience Manager at Bobcat Company
The day concluded with an opportunity with TNT Kids Fitness & Gymnastics and Able in Action. The class got to tour the facility and meet with Erin Ahneman, Senior Project Director, to discuss how TNT
This quarter, the Young Professionals Network gathered to hear invaluable insights from Steve Martodam, Chief Operating Officer of Brandt Hospitality Group. Martodam shared his journey in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of building strong character to advance your connections and hiring great teams that contribute not only to professional success but also foster an enjoyable work environment.
Martodam’s emphasis on company culture as a driving force aligns with the aspirations of many young professionals seeking workplaces that prioritize growth and employee well-being. FMWF young professionals from a variety of sectors got to hone in on Mortodam’s successes, hearing a blend of practical advice and personal anecdotes that inspired them and will help guide them as they navigate the complexities of the business world throughout their careers.
Beyond team culture, Martodam underscored the significance of personal character development. His message motivated young professionals to concentrate on honing their skills, reputation and network. Martodam articulated, "If you can’t do a fantastic job where you’re at, you can’t grow," urging young professionals to stay committed to their present responsibilities and continuously enhance their abilities, positioning themselves for any future opportunities that may come their way.
Jae is the Area Director of Sales for S & L Hospitality at Holiday Inn Fargo. She is also Past-Chair of the YPN Leadership Committee and has served on both the Membership and Engagement Committees.
Jae’s favorite part of YPN has been the formation of natural friendships forged with other active members. She says, “I can sincerely count on keeping in touch with certain individuals beyond the scope of YPN events and my time within the organization.” Congratulations, Jae!
“I realized that if I start telling my own stories again, maybe I could reconnect with who I am.”Nicole Thom-Arens, January Women Connect Speaker
SESSION TOPIC: UNCOVER, CREATE AND SHAPE YOUR LIFE STORY
Women Connect is a Chamber program dedicated to the needs and development of professional women in FMWF. Among other opportunities, the program offers a monthly event session on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m.
Each time you come to an event, you can expect knowledgeable speakers addressing a range of topics applicable to women in the modern workplace, workshop opportunities that will help you develop as a professional, and opportunities to network and connect with your peers and local leaders.
Join us for great conversation, delectable desserts and an opportunity to address the unique challenges women face in today’s business environment and develop the skills necessary to positively affect your organization and community.
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT WOMEN CONNECT EVENT!
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The Eggs & Issues monthly series recently convened the leaders of several schools throughout multiple districts: Dr. Rupak Gandhi, Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools; Dr. Brandon Lunak, Superintendent of Moorhead Area Public Schools; Bob Otterson, President of Oak Grove Lutheran School; Chris Nellermoe, President of Park Christian School; Mike Hagstrom, President of Saint John Paul II Catholic Schools; and Beth Slette, Superintendent of West Fargo Public Schools to share major accomplishments, significant challenges and exciting opportunities within their schools and districts.
Katherine Grindberg, Chamber Executive Vice President, moderated the insightful exploration into the public and private schools of FMWF. This included anticipated growth, challenges and needs for students, staff and faculty, parents and the community. Each speaker provided valuable insights into the unique aspects and plans of their respective school districts.
To begin, panelists dove into a comprehensive overview of the growth and future plans of K-12 education in the FMWF region. Dr. Brandon Lunak highlighted the construction of the new Moorhead High School, which has been designed for collaboration and flexibility as part of a 2014 facility plan, with 30% yet to be constructed. Anticipating a growth of about 1,000 students over the next decade, Lunak emphasized the ongoing efforts required for this expansion. Panelists expanded on this to share their excitement and hope to see their school systems growing, such as Park Christian’s vision to become a K-12 school and
Oak Grove’s vision of expansion dedicated to STEM classrooms through their Acorns to Oaks campaign.
The discussion also ventured into the complex issue of students’ mental health needs. Dr. Gandhi addressed the multifaceted nature of mental health, emphasizing the school’s role
The panelists explored workforce development and the balance between college and trade education. Each offered insights into intentional connections between teachers and the business community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and adaptability. A great example of this shines through the Moorhead High School Career Academy. The adoption and impact of IgniteFMWF within the business community and school systems was noted as a major success thus far, filling a need of connecting our businesses directly to students, educators and curriculum of today and tomorrow. In the last 12 months, IgniteFMWF has welcomed an additional 1,356 area businesses to the platform.
in addressing trauma. He particularly discussed the challenge when it comes to role clarity as a society for addressing children’s mental and behavioral health needs. He shared that teachers are often expected to address and care for children’s mental and behavioral challenges, but that is not their specialty, and it causes confusion for schools and families to know when accommodations are not enough, and expert treatment should be provided.
The event concluded with panelists sharing their one-word outlook for 2024, providing a glimpse into their aspirations. Words such as optimism, strategy, vision, growth and excitement were used to predict this next year, and it was evident that the speakers all have these concepts at the forefront when diving into comprehensive plans for their school districts. These leaders have a shared vision of the future and immense compassion for their students, staff, faculty, parents and community alike.
Congrats to these members for celebrating the following milestone Chamber anniversaries!
50 YEARS
• Diocese of Fargo
• Northern Improvement Co.
30 YEARS
• All Occasions Limousines, Inc.
• Dakota Electric Construction Co., Inc.
• Heyer Engineering, Inc.
• Minko Construction, Inc.
• RLE
• Smile Care – Dr. Ryan Nygard
• Bailey’s Auto Body
• Blackbird Woodfire Pizza
• The Boiler Room
• Bolton & Menk, Inc.
• Boulevard Square I, LLC
• Boulevard Square II, LLC
• Aspire Realty
• Brew Bird
• Dairy Queen
• Fargo Ergonomics
40 YEARS
• General Equipment & Supplies, Inc.
• Valley Mortgage, Inc.
• YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties – Fercho Branch
25 YEARS
• North Dakota State College of Science Fargo
• Western State Bank
20 YEARS
• Information Management Systems
• Moorhead Country Club
• Northland Glass and Glazing, LLC
• Valley Rental Service, Inc.
10 YEARS
• Coldwell Banker Element Realty
• Dakota Fluid Power, Inc.
• Drekker Brewing Company
• First Interstate Bank
• Home Design and Supply
• Jail Chaplains
5 YEARS
• Gate City Bank
• Gjesdahl Law
• Meridian Seeds LLC
• Northstar Capital, LLC
• MGI Landscape & Outdoor Living
• National Association of Women in Construction No. 246
• Rehab4Life Physical Therapy
• Showcase Floors
• Sylvan Learning Center
• Valley Oral & Facial Surgery
• Small Wonders Preschool & Child Care Center, Inc.
• Starion Bank - Broadway Location
• Turf Tamers LLC
SANDMAN
Welcome to the following businesses who joined The Chamber in December and January!
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!
Automobile Dealers
allcityauto.com
Sells used cars, trucks and SUV's.
Non-profits
americanheroesoutdoors.com
Shares the stories of our nation's heroes, while helping them heal in the great outdoors.
Social Services arccassnd.org
Provides advocacy and social programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Photographers/Videographers baredsoulboudoir.com
Specializes in capturing emotive and creative imagery.
Restaurants
boppasbagels.com
Offers over 30 kinds of homemade bagels, cream cheeses and sandwiches.
Photographers/Videographers brittathephotographer.com
Specializes in modern headshots and storytelling imagery for businesses of any size.
Education/Training
capstoneclassical.com
Provides private, tuitionbased, Pre-K-12 classical and Christian education.
Non-profit down-home.org
Empowers lives by furnishing homes for families and individuals emerging from homelessness.
Wellness fmwellnesscollective.com
Supports individuals in person, at events, via an online community, and with personal and professional development workshops.
Non-profit fargopack.org
Works to feed kids hungry in both body and spirit.
Consultants – Design gotchacovered.com/fargo Designs window coverings custom to your needs.
Agriculture Products
jacksbean.com
Provides customers with consistent, high quality edible beans and popcorn.
Advertising
mediashackfargo.com
Designs, develops and creates art to help your brand stand out from the competition.
Contractors - Specialty Services midwestironworksllc.com
Specializes in piping and millwright work.
Non-profit legionpost21.com
Advocates for patriotism across the U.S. through diverse programs and member benefits.
Business & Professional Services neon-unicorns.com
Provides event emcees and employee training services sure to captivate your crowd or classroom.
Child Care pafargo.com
Nurtures children, enriches parents and strengthens the community.
Restaurants
puertovallartafargo.com
Serves traditional Mexican cuisine.
Education/Training
therange701.com
Builds a strong, responsible, selfreliant community with a virtual shooting range and training center.
Retail
replaygames.us
Provides video and board games for community enjoyment and hosts a variety of events.
Counseling Services
riverhavenfargo.com
Specializes in family, divorce, couples work and substance use counseling.
Jewelers
schmidtsjewelry.com
Creates custom jewelry and provides jewelry repair, ring sizing, prong and channel repair, cleaning, Rhodium plating and inspection of your jewelry.
Contractors - Specialty Services
signaturehometech.com
Provides solutions for Home Control, Entertainment, Networking, Security and more.
Restaurants
tatismediterranean.com
Offers fresh and healthy Mediterranean cuisine.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Morning Buzz
Wednesday,March 13 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Sandy's Donuts, Osgood
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR (POC)
Networking After 5
Friday, March 15 | 5:15 to 7 p.m.
Brewhalla
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Off The Clock
Thursday, March 21 | 5:15 to 7 p.m.
Frank’s Lounge
WOMEN CONNECT
Intentional Collisions
Tuesday, March 26 | 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn
EGGS & ISSUES
Community Safety
Tuesday, April 2 | 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Off The Clock
Thursday, April 4 | 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Tati's Mediterranean
BREAKING THE ICE SUMMIT
Saturday, April 6 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
West Acres Mall
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR (POC)
Networking Before 9
Thursday, April 11 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Chai Moto
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR (POC)
Discuss, Connect & Reflect
Wednesday, April 17 | Noon to 1 p.m.
Location TBD
VOICES OF VISION - CHRIS GARDNER
Thursday, April 18 | 3 to 5 p.m.
Sanford Health Athletic Complex
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Lattes with Leaders: Sandi Luck
Friday, April 19 | 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Kingpinz
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Volunteer: Down Home
Wednesday, April 24 | 1 to 3 p.m.
Down Home
WOMEN CONNECT
Save the Date
Tuesday, April 30 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Armory Event Center
Kentucky Derby Theme
Wednesday, May 1 | 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Red River Valley Fair Grounds – Butler Machinery Arena
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Morning Buzz
Thursday, May 2 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Location TBD
EGGS & ISSUES
Save the Date
Tuesday, May 7 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR (POC)
Networking After 5
Thursday, May 9| 5:15 to 7 p.m. Brewhalla
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Off The Clock
Tuesday, May 14 | 5:15 to 7 p.m.
Location TBD
CHAMBERCHOICE AWARDS
Black & White, Classy Theme
Wednesday, May 16 | 3 to 6 p.m.
Delta by Marriott Fargo
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR (POC)
Discuss, Connect & Reflect
Wednesday, May 22 | Noon to 1 p.m.
Location TBD
CORPORATE CUP
Thursday, May 23 | Noon to 5 p.m.
Minnesota State University Moorhead
WOMEN CONNECT
Save the Date
Tuesday, May 28 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Armory Event Center
MIDWEST AGRICULTURE SUMMIT
Tuesday, June 11 | 8 to 11 a.m.
Red River Valley Fair Grounds - Butler Machinery Arena
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR (POC)
Networking Before 9
Thursday, June 13 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Boppa’s Bagels
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Off The Clock
Thursday, June 13 | 5:15 to 7 p.m.
Location TBD
STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR FULL CALENDAR
MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT
Tuesday, June 18 | 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Newman Outdoor Field
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR (POC)
Discuss, Connect & Reflect
Wednesday, June 19 | Noon to 1 p.m.
Location TBD
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Morning Buzz
Thursday, June 20 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Location TBD
EDVENTURES
June 24 – 27 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Various locations
WOMEN CONNECT
Summer Event
Tuesday, June 25 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Armory Event Center
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Leveling Up
TBD, June | 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Location TBD
EGGS & ISSUES
Save the Date
Tuesday, July 7 | 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR (POC)
Community Gathering
Thursday, July 11 | 5 to 8 p.m.
Location TBD
PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR (POC)
Discuss, Connect & Reflect
Wednesday, July 17 | Noon to 1 p.m.
Location TBD
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Welcome to YPN/Summer Picnic
Tuesday, July 23 | 5 to 7 p.m.
Location TBD
CHAMBER CHALLENGE GOLF OUTING
Wednesday, July 24 | 11 to 7:30 p.m.
Edgewood Golf Course
WOMEN CONNECT
Save the Date
Tuesday, July 30 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Armory Event Center
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
Morning Buzz
Wednesday, July 31 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Location TBD
Thank you to all of our sponsors that make The Chamber’s regular events and programs possible.
PROGRAM SPONSOR
PREMIER SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
AM 1100 The Flag | Bremer Bank
Building Industry Association of the Red River Valley
Concordia College | First Western Bank & Trust
Moore Engineering, Inc. | MWC Advertising of Fargo Moorhead
Sanford Health | Town & Country Credit Union
EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSORS
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Dale Carnegie Training of ND & NW MN
First International Bank & Trust
MWC Advertising of Fargo-Moorhead
Sanford Health
PREMIER HONOR STAR BUSINESS
PREMIER SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota | Essentia Health
PROGRAM SPONSORS
PROGRAM SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
AdShark Marketing | Bell Bank | Dacotah Bank | Enclave Fargo Center for Dermatology | First International Bank & Trust
First Western Bank & Trust | Town & Country Credit Union
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. | Western State Bank
VENUE SPONSOR
DESSERT SPONSOR
EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
American Crystal Sugar Company | Beverage Wholesalers, Inc
Bobcat Company | Cardinal IG | Choice Bank
Cornerstone Bank | Eide Bailly LLP | Essentia Health
Eventide Senior Living Communities | Gate City Bank
PROGRAM SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Gate City Bank | Sanford Health
