March Chamber Connection

CHAMBER CONNECTIONBismarck-Mandan

March 2016

10 Member ProfileButcher Block Meats

Economic Outlook ForumBe the first to hear the survey results at the 5th Annual Economic Outlook Forum

Leadership Bismarck-MandanLBM Class take part in Human Services & Law Day and Media Day1312

HOSPITALITYIN BISMARCK-MANDAN

2 | Chamber Connection

1640 Burnt Boat DriveP.O. Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502

701.223.5660 • www.bismarckmandan.comCONTACT INFORMATION

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Content:The Chamber - 701.223.5660

[email protected]:

Ryan [email protected]

MISSION STATEMENT:Leaders for prosperity. Advocates for business.

CHAMBER STAFFAnnie Bergrud ........................................................................................Chief Financial OfficerMary Masters ................................................................................Office Support ProfessionalDavid Leingang ........................................................................... Community Growth DirectorRyan Parsons .............................................................................Vice President of MembershipRebecca Rattei ............................................................................... Communications SpecialistAmanda Schwieters ........................................................................ Member Services DirectorChelse Simon .................................................................................Membership Sales Director Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Anderson ........................ Communications Specialist/ LBM DirectorMikalah Dahl ...................................................................................Marketing & Events Intern

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEPerrie Schafer .................................................................................................................... ChairBrenda Nagel .......................................................................................................... Chair-ElectRon Day ...................................................................................................................... SecretaryCraig Larson ................................................................................................................TreasurerAnnette Behm-Caldwell ........................................................................................... Past Chair

Annette Behm-Caldwell ....Open Road HondaBrenda Nagel ..........................................AetnaSandi Tabor .................................................KLJMolly Barnes .............. Northern ImprovementJeff Albers ......... Schwan Buick GMC CadillacChris Jones ................. CHI St. Alexius HealthChris Brown.............................................MotixMarc Taylor ..........Northern Plains EquipmentDan Pearson .............................Northwest TireWayne Munson .................... Indigo SignworksGreg Vetter .........................University of MaryRon Day .....................Tesoro Mandan RefineryPerrie Schafer ................ Schafer Financial Inc.

Jeff Herman ....................................Petro HuntCraig Larson ...........................Starion FinancialKevin Magstadt ..................Wenck AssociatesPaul Brucker ................... Railway Credit UnionStacey Breuer ..........................Bobcat/DoosanMike Nathe ............... Bismarck Funeral HomeTracy Kindem ..........H.A. Thompson and SonsJoe Duperre ..............................Kirkwood MallJasper Schneider ....................................NISCDr. Blake Feil ....................... Feil OrthodonticsNick Hacker ................ ND Guaranty and TitleHeather Fried ..... Fried Financial Services Inc.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAMBER NEWSChamber and Starion Financial to Host Economic Outlook 12Leadership Bismarck-Mandan 13Spring is Around the Corner 14

CHAMBER EVENTSEconomic Outlook Forum 16March Membership Mixer: BNC National Bank 16Junior Achievement Casino Night 17Chamber Spring Mixer 17

COLUMNSChair’s Corner 3

FEATURESCover Story 4Member Profile 10Ask-A-Pro 26Chamber Perks 28

The biggest difference between BNC National Bankand the new banks popping up all over — is our people — solid professionals who make up an experienced team providing financial solutions business people demand.

That comes from hard work, straight talk, sound

advice and solid financial guidance.

BUSINESS BANKINGwww.BNCbank.com

Isn’t it about time you put our team to work for you? Give us a call today!

Jason ArenzSVP Business Banking

Rheannon HuberPersonal Banking

Officer

Craig HansonBusiness Banking

Officer

Neal PresserDeposit Operations

Supervisor

Janelle Feist Personal Banking

Officer

Marc MengeBusiness Development

Manager

Clay BroszBusiness Banking

Nate PalczewskiRetail Manager

Wayne HarvisonVP Business Banking

Dave HoekstraCCO and President, BNC North Dakota

Kevin StadlerSVP Business Banking

Chad ScottSVP Business Banking

Bismarck: 322 E Main Avenue • (701) 250-3000 & 801 E Century Avenue • (701) 250-2700 Mandan: 2711 Sunset Drive NW • (701) 663-5448

Discover the difference ... Discover BNC!

Chamber Connection | 3

1640 Burnt Boat DriveP.O. Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502

701.223.5660 • www.bismarckmandan.comCONTACT INFORMATION

MISSION STATEMENT:Leaders for prosperity. Advocates for business.

Chair’s Corner

L et me touch base on a couple of issues the Chamber is working on for 2016. First, plans are already underway for the 2017 legislative session. The Chamber

is leading an effort to formulate a Bismarck-Mandan agenda in cooperation with the state House and state Senate members. Four key areas of work include infra-structure; K-12 and higher education; general business issues such as attracting and retaining talent, affordable housing and tax and regulatory environment; and behavioral health issues.

Second, local elections are coming this June. It appears there will be open seats on various boards in both cities. Finding business-minded, community-oriented people is a priority. If you know of willing, community-oriented individuals interest-ed in serving, encourage them to run for local office, and contact the Chamber to let us know who that might be.

Finally, I would like to invite you to the Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook Forum. At the beginning of each year, the Chamber distributes a survey to gauge business performance in Bismarck-Mandan. I invite you to join us on Wednesday, March 9, to learn more about the Bismarck-Mandan business climate in 2016. The half-day presentation will feature a large panel of professionals in a variety of different industries that will inform us on the current community. Some specific topics of discussion will be agriculture housing market, finance and ener-gy, just to name a few.

Find out what our community business leaders are saying about the topics covered in our 2015 performance, 2016 anticipated performance and reasons attributed for success and challenges of local businesses. Key economic indicators include the following:

• Technology changes• Local finances• Staffing issues• Housing market• State and federal government regulations

Economic Outlook Forum will be 7:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9 and the Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck. I hope to see you there.

- Perrie Schafer

Cover Photo Credit: Expressway Inn (top left), Baymont Inn & Suites (top right), Candlewood Suites (bottom left) and Holiday Inn (bottom right).

FEATURE


The hospitality industry covers a large spectrum of businesses in the Bismarck-Mandan community. From hotels and restaurants to event planners and area attractions, the industry plays an important role in bringing visitors and dollars into the local economy.

While those in the industry agree the recent downturn in the state’s oil activity has impacted hospitality businesses, the Bismarck-Mandan community remains poised to further develop its hospitality industry and invite visitors, conventions and events to the community.

“Our community has enticing choices of locally established restaurants, a nice blend of one-of-a-kind shopping and national retailers, and a wide variety of lodging options that help make us a destination that appeals to a wide variety of visitors,” sayed Sheri Grossman, executive director of the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

“The downturn in the oil industry is impacting all of North Dakota, and the Bismarck-Mandan hospitality industry is no exception,” she continued.

“Our community, however, has a long-standing reputation of being a great place to live, work, play and visit, and we are not as dependent on the oil industry as some areas of North Dakota.”

Grossman said the community also has many other strong industries, including a thriving medical community, and is home to the state’s government, which bring additional people to the area. She noted the CVB works closely with hospitality partners to continue to build the industry. “Our primary funding source is lodging tax, so we work very closely with hotels in Bismarck-Mandan. We are also a membership organization, and many hospitality-related businesses are members of the CVB.”

Membership in the CVB allows those in the hospitality industry to stay informed of meetings, conventions and events in the community, she said. “Some member restaurants use our convention and event calendar when scheduling staff. They like to know when to expect more visitors.”

Grossman noted the community has seen a large increase in the number of hotel rooms. “In recent years, Bismarck-Mandan has added 1,000 more hotel rooms, bringing the total to 3,500 rooms.”

While she noted the CVB is still compiling 2015 statistics, in 2014, the community hosted nearly 400 meeting and events, drawing 190,000 attendees that spent $27.6 million in the community. More than $11 million of these expenditures came from regional and national groups.

“That is a significant amount of out-of-state dollars injected into our economy,” said Grossman. “Bismarck-Mandan has always been a place where people like to meet, and we have a reputation for showcasing some of the world’s finest hospitality. This will help the hospitality industry remain strong in Bismarck-Mandan.”

The Industry TodayBenjamin Hemilright, regional director of hotel operations for Dora Hospitality, said many challenges are facing the hospitality industry in the Bismarck-Mandan community and across the state, including “occupancy, oil prices and staffing.”

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY REMAINS IMPORTANT TO BISMARCK-MANDAN BUSINESS COMMUNITYBy Kylie Blanchard, Clearwater Communications

“Business is down across the board,” he said, noting Dora Hospitality has experienced a downturn in occupancy at its three Bismarck-Mandan locations, including Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn and the Hampton Inn & Suites at Schafer Street. “We are down 10 percent from 2014.”

He says several new hotel properties opened in the community, which has impacted occupancy at all hotels. “With the drop in oil prices, everyone wants to drop room rates. Meanwhile, staffing and overhead remains a serious challenge at all properties.”

“Bismarck is more insulated than other towns in western North Dakota, because of different segments and room night generators, but we are all somewhat tied to the oil markets,” he adds.

“Business is down and we are all feeling the impact of more guest rooms in the marketplace from additional hotels being built,” notes Laurie Allison-Lloyd, general manager of the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. “There is saturation with less demand than this area has seen, so we are being more creative in our sales efforts.”

With the downturn in oil activity in the state, people are spending fewer resources on traveling, and hotels are now becoming more creative in their approach to attracting visitors, Allison-Lloyd notes. “We are doing more packages for guests that include a shopping package, a hunter’s package and a couple’s package. We are also doing drink specials and a new menu in our newly branded 701 Lounge & Grille at the Ramada.”

Looking to the Future“I think there are still a lot of opportunities in the hospitality industry within the local hotels, restaurants and tourism,” says Karen Summers, general manager of the Baymont Inn & Suites. “We are responding to these challenges by working harder in our sales calls and selling process, including more prospecting and outside sales calls than we ever have done before. We are also focusing on new group room business, including conferences, corporate events and sports teams.”

www.bismarckmandan.com


“Our community, however, has a long-standing reputation of being a great place to live, work, play and visit, and we are not as dependent on the oil industry as some areas of North Dakota.”

Grossman said the community also has many other strong industries, including a thriving medical community, and is home to the state’s government, which bring additional people to the area. She noted the CVB works closely with hospitality partners to continue to build the industry. “Our primary funding source is lodging tax, so we work very closely with hotels in Bismarck-Mandan. We are also a membership organization, and many hospitality-related businesses are members of the CVB.”

Membership in the CVB allows those in the hospitality industry to stay informed of meetings, conventions and events in the community, she said. “Some member restaurants use our convention and event calendar when scheduling staff. They like to know when to expect more visitors.”

Grossman noted the community has seen a large increase in the number of hotel rooms. “In recent years, Bismarck-Mandan has added 1,000 more hotel rooms, bringing the total to 3,500 rooms.”

While she noted the CVB is still compiling 2015 statistics, in 2014, the community hosted nearly 400 meeting and events, drawing 190,000 attendees that spent $27.6 million in the community. More than $11 million of these expenditures came from regional and national groups.

“That is a significant amount of out-of-state dollars injected into our economy,” said Grossman. “Bismarck-Mandan has always been a place where people like to meet, and we have a reputation for showcasing some of the world’s finest hospitality. This will help the hospitality industry remain strong in Bismarck-Mandan.”

The Industry TodayBenjamin Hemilright, regional director of hotel operations for Dora Hospitality, said many challenges are facing the hospitality industry in the Bismarck-Mandan community and across the state, including “occupancy, oil prices and staffing.”

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY REMAINS IMPORTANT TO BISMARCK-MANDAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY

“Business is down across the board,” he said, noting Dora Hospitality has experienced a downturn in occupancy at its three Bismarck-Mandan locations, including Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn and the Hampton Inn & Suites at Schafer Street. “We are down 10 percent from 2014.”

He says several new hotel properties opened in the community, which has impacted occupancy at all hotels. “With the drop in oil prices, everyone wants to drop room rates. Meanwhile, staffing and overhead remains a serious challenge at all properties.”

“Bismarck is more insulated than other towns in western North Dakota, because of different segments and room night generators, but we are all somewhat tied to the oil markets,” he adds.

“Business is down and we are all feeling the impact of more guest rooms in the marketplace from additional hotels being built,” notes Laurie Allison-Lloyd, general manager of the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. “There is saturation with less demand than this area has seen, so we are being more creative in our sales efforts.”

With the downturn in oil activity in the state, people are spending fewer resources on traveling, and hotels are now becoming more creative in their approach to attracting visitors, Allison-Lloyd notes. “We are doing more packages for guests that include a shopping package, a hunter’s package and a couple’s package. We are also doing drink specials and a new menu in our newly branded 701 Lounge & Grille at the Ramada.”

Looking to the Future“I think there are still a lot of opportunities in the hospitality industry within the local hotels, restaurants and tourism,” says Karen Summers, general manager of the Baymont Inn & Suites. “We are responding to these challenges by working harder in our sales calls and selling process, including more prospecting and outside sales calls than we ever have done before. We are also focusing on new group room business, including conferences, corporate events and sports teams.”

Hope ... Help... Heal ing ...bismarckcancercenter.com

701-222-6100500 N 8th St|Bismarck, ND 58501

Join us for “One Little Word,” a lunch ‘n’ learn sponsored

by the Bismarck Cancer Center featuring inspirational speaker,

poet and children’s author, Irene Latham.

The daughter of a cancer survivor, Irene understands the importance of finding

the beauty in life, even in the face of great loss and longing.

Before New Year’s Day each year, Irene comes up with

“One Little Word” that will give meaning and focus to her life. Through reflection, prayer, and listening to her heart, the word

comes to her and helps her accomplish her goals for the year.

March 17, 201611:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Bismarck Chamber of Commerce

Discover your own “One Little Word”

• Event is free to attend and includes a lunch

• Space is limited to the first 50 people!

• RSVP’s are required!

Register by calling Sara Kelsch at (701) 222-6119 or emailing

[email protected].

Benjamin Hemilright, regional director of hotel operations for Dora Hospitality, is facing the downturn in the local economy.

FEATURE


Allison-Lloyd says bringing additional visitors and events to the community will be important to the success of its hospitality industry. “A solid marketing campaign would be beneficial to have so more people are coming to our area, not just for a short visit but to increase their stay in Bismarck. Also, seeing an increase in concerts, events and conventions for 2016 will set us up for an even stronger year than 2015.”

“All of the research indicates visitors like experiences,” adds Grossman about drawing people to the community. “They don’t just want to see something; they want to go home with a story to tell. Businesses that can provide a unique experience will be the most successful in attracting and retaining customers.”

It is likely the upcoming year will continue to see a downward trend in overall hotel stays, says Hemilright, but the hospitality industry will remain an important part of the community. “The hotels with strong ownership groups or those who have positioned themselves well in terms of their financing will be able to weather the storm.”

“We are expecting to maintain and grow our business from the last year,” adds Summers. “Our community still brings in a large number of conferences, events and sporting events that help the hotels and area restaurants.”

The Baymont Inn & Suites indoor waterpark is fun for people of all ages.

Monday, March 14, 2016 • 1:00 pm to 10:00 pmSixteen03 Main Events • 1603 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501Learn more or register at weareota.com

Come build with us.



Monday, March 14, 2016 • 1:00 pm to 10:00 pmSixteen03 Main Events • 1603 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501Learn more or register at weareota.com

Come build with us.


FEATURE

Faris Field failed the Mandan High School track and field team last year. Drainage issues resulted in water running underneath the track causing it to pop and bubble up.

“We weren’t able to hold a high school track meet last year,” said Cole Higlin, director of the Mandan Park District. “They had to cancel it due to the safety of our track.”

With the new Mandan Sports Complex slated to open in fall of 2017, not only will Mandan High School be able to host home track and field meets again, the community could even host NCAA-certified collegiate football games.

Football, Track, Hockey and GymnasticsThe new Mandan Sports Complex will house a football field, track and field, two ice rinks and gymnastics. The $22 million project received the approval of Mandan residents by way of a vote for a .75 percent sales tax increase in June 2015.

The goal is for the sports complex to be open by Labor Day in 2017 in time for the first Mandan High School football games of the school year.

Grandstands at the football field and track will seat 2,000 people. The football field will have artificial turf, making it of the same quality as the Community Bowl at Bismarck State College and the fields at Shiloh Christian School.

Indoors will be two ice rinks. A competition rink will seat 800 spectators. An additional practice rink will give more ice time to a community that currently has only one sheet of ice. During busy hockey season, that ice sheet gets scheduled all the way through midnight on weekdays.

The 84,000 square foot building will also house community meeting space, concessions, restrooms, four competition locker rooms and four association locker rooms.

Dakota Star Gymnastics will also make its new home at the Mandan Sports Complex. Amanda Lantz, program director for Dakota Star Gymnastics, said it will be a big improvement over their current space housed at Mandan City Hall.

The current facility for Dakota Star Gymnastics is not handicap-accessible. A total of 158 stairs prevents elderly grandparents from watching their grandchildren compete in gymnastics.

“Currently the All Seasons Area and Dakota Star Gymnastics are in facilities that are outdated,” Higlin said. “We needed to upgrade those facilities into something that is useable and also (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.”

A persistently leaky roof has soaked gym floor mats. Equipment such as balance beam and vault are so close together they are at the minimum distance required by regulations. Lantz said walkways have to be designated at events so that older gymnasts are not in danger of hitting younger gymnasts as they perform their exercises.

“We are currently running as many kids upstairs as we can safely,” Lantz said. “The most high traffic areas are also the most dangerous areas to cross.”

Community GrowthWith sporting facilities 30-50 years old, Higlin said the city looked at what it would take to update the current facilities. But updating the facilities would have cost $3-5 million, and Higlin said that still wouldn’t have addressed space concerns.

“We just didn’t think it was spending good money,” Higlin said.

NEW COMPLEX EXPANDS SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES IN MANDANBy Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

The new Mandan Sports Complex will house a football field, track and field, two ice rinks and gymnastics.



In the public hearing process that led up to the citywide vote on .75 cent sales tax, Higlin said the sentiment they heard was, “We’ve got some nice facilities in our state, and our community deserves to have those too.”“All they talked

about was how nice the (sports) facilities were in other communities, and how we need these type of facilities in Mandan,” Higlin said.

The city selected the site for the Mandan Sports Complex, north of Interstate-94, so that it would be easily accessible from Bismarck or Dickinson on the interstate and easily accessible for Mandan residents on main roads in town.

“We knew North Mandan is growing,” Higlin said. “We wanted to make sure that where we put this had growth potential for our community.”

Reusing Old FacilitiesMoving hockey and track to the Mandan Sports Complex will benefit existing Mandan sports facilities as well. Fairs Field, which was built in the 1960s, will be renovated into two baseball diamonds, bringing the community up to six baseball diamonds total.

“We need more space and we need a better quality facility,” said Lorell Jungling, athletic director for Mandan Public Schools. “Faris Field has served its purpose, but it is becoming unusable, and we are landlocked. We don’t have any room to expand around.”

Higlin said the park district is partnering with Mandan Public Schools to maximize use of the current All Seasons Arena and remodel it into a field house. The school district will have use of the facility during the day for physical education classes. From 3-6 p.m. it will be scheduled for school district programs. Evenings will be available for adult and youth sports programs, and Higlin said there will be the possibility of open gym on the weekends.

“We want to maximize the facility like a field house that you would see at most universities,” Higlin said.

Mandan High School has limited gym space, which means students often travel to elementary schools throughout community for sports practice. Jungling said it will be a benefit to have practices consolidated at All-Seasons Arena.

When the new Mandan Sports Complex isn’t busy with hockey and other activities, Higlin said they are looking at ways to maximize use of the facility during non-ice season. He said the park district is open to collaborating on community wellness, concerts and conferences.

“The community did support this through a sales tax,” Higlin said, “and we want to give back and give them ample opportunity to use it.”

Inside the new Mandan Sports Complex will be two ice rinks and hockey grandstands. The competition rink will seat 800 spectators.

project HOPEBISMARCK CANCER CENTER

2016

CELEBRATE project HOPE

WITH US!

TO PARTICIPATE, PLEASE CALL 701-222-6100

WEEK OF MAY 2-6, 2016

Project HOPE is a week-long community wellness event

in which the Bismarck Cancer Center provides your employees with information

about prevalent cancers in North Dakota as well

as health and wellness tips.

Join area businesses and allow your employees to dress casual for a week

and wear cancer awareness ribbons each day in support

of project HOPE.

A suggested donation of $10 from each employee provides hope to local cancer patients.

PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!


CHAMBER ProfileProfile News events

Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within the organization.A: I was born and raised in Mandan and have lived my whole life here. I have been in the grocery, food and meat business since I was 14 years old. When I was a pre-teen, I also had two paper routes, the Mandan Morning Pioneer and at that time the Bismarck Tribune was an afternoon paper. I did the morning paper before school and the Tribune after school. I also had 15 lawn mowing jobs in and around the neighborhood. In the winter I did the snow removal for these same people. I have always been an ambitious and hard worker. I worked for two stores through high school and started full time working as a meat cutter in January 1978. In 1990, I opened up Butcher Block Meats.

Q: Briefly tell us the history of Butcher Block Meats.A: Butcher Block Meats was started from an idea and dream I had since 1986. It has been busy since day one and continues to grow each year. We have no signs of slowing down. The older I get, the more I work! I thought it was suppose to go the other way!

Q: What differentiates Butcher Block Meats from its competitors?A: We are different from our competitors in that we are a full service market. We do custom processing to custom smoking and a full line of retail. We are also open seven days a week and we are only closed three days a year.

Q: How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Butcher Block Meats?A: The growth of Bismarck-Mandan has really impacted our business, lots of new customers, lots of new faces. We try to get to know our customers.

Q: What industry trends are taking place?A: The newer industry trends are having meats and deli items ready to go and fast. People are a lot busier these days and want faster ways to prepare their meat items. We have been doing a lot more of pre-seasoned and marinated meat items, so they can go home and throw them on the grill.

Q: Have there been any monumental changes in the industry that you’ve had to deal with?A: The most challenging changes in the industry have been mostly with the USDA new and changing regulations. In addition, the increased bookkeeping and recording of the processing we do.

MEMBER PROFILEFeaturing Dan Kraft

BUTCHER BLOCK MEATS

Left to Right: Toni, Heather, Brian, Dan Kraft (owner), Dan Selnsky, Peggy, Tom and the Butcher Block Meats staff are open seven days a week.



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Q: What does the future of Butcher Block Meats look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?A: The future looks bright for Butcher Block Meats. One thing I always say is "People have to eat!" Even if the economy slows down, we will be fine, we have a product that consumers need and want. Meat goes great for breakfast, lunch or supper.

Q: Butcher Block Meats has been a member since 1992, why do you continue to renew each year?A: We renew our membership to keep in contact on what's going on in Bismarck-Mandan. It's a good way to stay in touch with other business owners and see what is working for them.

Q: What should Chamber members know about Butcher Block Meats that may assist them?A: We are opened Sundays, seven days a week until 6:00pm. Lots of people that work Saturdays or during the week don't think of us being open on Sundays. It's a great business day for us.


CHAMBER Profile NewsNews events

In January, the Bismarck – Mandan Chamber distributed a survey to gauge business performance in the Bismarck- Member area. On Wednesday, March 9th, we’ll be unveiling those results at our 2016 Economic Outlook Forum at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel (right across from the Kirkwood Mall on 3rd) to find out what factors are influencing the local economy and even, national. Don’t miss this half day forum which will feature a large panel of professionals covering a variety of different hot topic discussions. They’ll be informing us more on the current trends to expect in our community throughout 2016.

Also, don’t miss our opening presenter, Consul General Jamshed Merchant who will be informing us on the trade relationship between Canada and ND, both locally and regionally. Lastly, we’ll close the half day forum with our keynote presenter, Pam Sharp, Director of Office of Management and Budget for the State of ND.

Find out what our community business leaders are saying about topics covered in our: 2015 performance, anticipated performance of 2016 and reasons attributed for successes and challenges for our local businesses in this year’s survey results presented by Karel Sovak, professor at the University of Mary.

Register online at www.bismarckmandan.com, email [email protected] or call Amanda at 701-223-5660.

OUR MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING:Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Table Sponsors: Basin Electric Power CooperativeBismarck-Mandan Home Builders AssociationCentury 21 Landmark RealtyChoice FinancialFirst International Bank & TrustGreat River EnergyNISCTroy Nelson - Edward Jones

THE CHAMBER AND STARION FINANCIAL TO HOST ANNUAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Consul General Jamshed Merchant Professor Karel Sovak Pam Sharp




Gold Sponsors:

Table Sponsors: Basin Electric Power CooperativeBismarck-Mandan Home Builders AssociationCentury 21 Landmark RealtyChoice FinancialFirst International Bank & TrustGreat River EnergyNISCTroy Nelson - Edward Jones

LEADERSHIP: "DEPOSITS AND WITHDRAWALS" IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

Services & Law DayLeadership Bismarck-Mandan spent Jan. 20 in Mandan at HIT, Inc. Carrie Grosz of Carrie’s Kids spoke on how her organization help 3,200 Bismarck-Mandan children in 2015. Top donation needs for Carrie’s Kids right now are soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, bread, butter, socks, underwear, winter clothes and prom dresses.

Two clients of HIT, Inc., Josh Sperle and Matt Hager, spoke and illustrated how HIT, Inc. affects their lives day-to-day. Lunch was not only sponsored by HIT, Inc., but it was prepared by the clients who also work at HIT, Inc.

On behalf of the Bismarck Police Department, deputy chief Randy Ziegler gave an update on how Bismarck has transitioned from a big town to a small city in relation to crime. Ziegler said the department often preaches to its officers on “deposits and withdrawals.” Peace officers need to make positive “deposits” in the community by getting out of the squad cars, getting to know the citizens and handing out ice cream coupons for kids wearing bike helmets. That way, when an officer makes a mistake and a “withdrawal” is made, the community still trusts the police department.

Media DayThe highlight of Media Day in 2016 was three rapid-fire tours of media sites in downtown Bismarck. Holding Media Day at Starion Financial’s downtown Bismarck location allowed the Leadership class to tour three media sites within a two-block radius. The tour sites included Dakota Media Access, Mojo 107.5 and Big Rig 105.9 radio, and KFYR TV. Mary Van Sickle, executive director of Dakota Media Access, referred to it as “media speed dating.”

In addition, Steve Wallick, editor of the Bismarck Tribune, and Tom Gerhardt, news director of KXMB TV, spoke on a news director panel on how they verify news, how they choose which stories to cover and how to staff reporters in a small media market.


Gold Sponsor:

Program Sponsor:

Binder Sponsor: Capital Trophy

Human Services & Law Chairs:Lyn Weigel - AetnaWes Engbrecht - Capital ElectricLori Gross - Cogent Growth Partners

Media Day Chairs:Trish Helgeson - Starion FinancialTammy Langerud - Basin Electric Power CooperativeCathryn Sprynczynatyk - Chamber of Commerce

Breakfast/Lunch Sponsors:HIT, Inc. (Human Services & Law Day)Starion Financial (Media Day)Bismarck Tribune (Media Day)

Bob Denver, owner of Mojo 107.5 and Big Rig 105.9, gives the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class a tour of the two downtown Bismarck radio stations during Media Day on Feb. 10.

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CHAMBER Profile NewsNews events

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your business by participating in the 16th Annual Spring Mixer scheduled for Tuesday, April 12th at the Ramkota Hotel from 5:00pm

– 7:30pm. More than 700 people are anticipated to browse nearly 70 member booth displays. Attendees have the opportunity to network and learn about local businesses and also, the chance to win door prizes. So join us for a wonderful evening with your co-workers sampling an excellent spread of hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER

1612320 © Touchmark, LLC, all rights reserved

TOUCHMARK ON WEST CENTURYFull-service Retirement Community

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Assisted Living • Memory Care

Exercising more.

Wide range of fitness classes available for all levels.

Health & Fitness Club open to the public

What does living well mean

to you?

Let’s get one thing clear from the outset: These are not the least expensive places to live in America. There are places where you can buy a home for pocket change, and whole towns that cost less than a home in Palo Alto, Calif. But if you ask the question “Would you want to live there?”, the answer is likely “No.” Instead, this is a list of affordable cities you’d actually want to live in.

By affordable, we also don’t mean merely cheap. We take earning potential into account as well. So how do we choose the Top 10 Best Affordable Places to Live? We start with data. For this list we look at cost of living and how that compares to national averages for key components of the budget like housing, transportation, food and utilities. As you can imagine, we look for cheap places. But we also look for places with high incomes to make those cheap costs go even further. We look for places with high livability, as determined by our LivScore, and low income inequality. Finally, once we have a short list in place, our editors factor in their own knowledge of these cities and look for a good balance of sizes, geographies and types of cities.

MOST AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE 2016:1. Huntsville, AL2. Bismarck, ND3. Rochester, MN4. Round Rock, TX5. Sioux Falls, SD6. Provo, UT7. Greeley, Co8. Cedar Rapids, IA9. Holland, MI10. Bloomington, IL

For the breakdown of this list, go to www.livability.com/top-10/families/best-affordable-places-to-live/2016.

LIVABILITY NAMES BISMARCK#2 MOST AFFORDABLE PLACETO LIVE



Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your business by participating in the 16th Annual Spring Mixer scheduled for Tuesday, April 12th at the Ramkota Hotel from 5:00pm

– 7:30pm. More than 700 people are anticipated to browse nearly 70 member booth displays. Attendees have the opportunity to network and learn about local businesses and also, the chance to win door prizes. So join us for a wonderful evening with your co-workers sampling an excellent spread of hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

The Spring Mixer provides Chamber members the chance to present their products and services in an inviting way. The $300 investment includes four event tickets, exposure to hundreds of potential customers, promotional mention in the Chamberlink email, Chamber Connection publication, Chamber Website, social media outlets and event signage.

Also, it’s time to get creative! We will be doing a contest again for the best decorated Spring Mixer booth! If voted number one by attendees and participants’, you’ll receive a free booth space at the Chamber Holiday Mixer on Tuesday, December 13th, 2016!

For more information, contact Amanda at the 223-5660 or email [email protected]. Don’t wait and miss out on a booth space!

SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER

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Let’s get one thing clear from the outset: These are not the least expensive places to live in America. There are places where you can buy a home for pocket change, and whole towns that cost less than a home in Palo Alto, Calif. But if you ask the question “Would you want to live there?”, the answer is likely “No.” Instead, this is a list of affordable cities you’d actually want to live in.

By affordable, we also don’t mean merely cheap. We take earning potential into account as well. So how do we choose the Top 10 Best Affordable Places to Live? We start with data. For this list we look at cost of living and how that compares to national averages for key components of the budget like housing, transportation, food and utilities. As you can imagine, we look for cheap places. But we also look for places with high incomes to make those cheap costs go even further. We look for places with high livability, as determined by our LivScore, and low income inequality. Finally, once we have a short list in place, our editors factor in their own knowledge of these cities and look for a good balance of sizes, geographies and types of cities.

MOST AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE 2016:1. Huntsville, AL2. Bismarck, ND3. Rochester, MN4. Round Rock, TX5. Sioux Falls, SD6. Provo, UT7. Greeley, Co8. Cedar Rapids, IA9. Holland, MI10. Bloomington, IL

For the breakdown of this list, go to www.livability.com/top-10/families/best-affordable-places-to-live/2016.

LIVABILITY NAMES BISMARCK#2 MOST AFFORDABLE PLACETO LIVE


CHAMBER Profile News eventsevents

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUM Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2016 Location: Ramkota Hotel 800 S 3rd Street, Bismarck Time: 7:30AM - 11:30PM Fees: $35.00 — Members $40.00 — Non-Members Presenting Sponsor:

In January, the Bismarck Mandan Chamber distributed a survey for the fourth year to gauge business performance in the Bismarck-Mandan area and national level. Join us on Wednesday, March 9th to find out what factors are influencing the local economy. This half day presentation will feature a large panel of professionals, in a variety of different industries that will inform us on the current community. Some specific topics of discussion this year will be the housing market, finance and energy, just to name a few.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear from experts in their industries, listen to a variety of panelists and see the valuable survey data firsthand.

Find out what our community business leaders are saying about the topics covered in our: 2015 performance, anticipated performance of 2016 and reasons attributed for successes and challenges for our local businesses. Some of the key economic indicators:

• Technology changes• Local finances• Staffing issues• Housing market• State and federal government regulations

Cost to attend the Economic Outlook is $35 for members; $40 day of the event and $40 for non-members; $45 day of the event. If you are interested in having a table sponsorship contact Amanda at [email protected] or call 701-223-5660 to find out more details. You can register online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar.

ECONOMICOutlook Forum

MEMBERSHIP MIXER:BNC NATIONAL BANK Date: Thursday, March 17, 2016 Location: BNC National Bank 3000 Yorktown Drive, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Fees: Free to Attend

BNC National Bank will be hosting the March Membership Mixer on Thursday, March 17th from 4:30pm – 6:30pm. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, so help us Celebrate by wearing something green and enjoy an array of festive appetizers to choose from.

Membership Mixers are free to attend so bring along your co-workers and check out BNC’s brand new location that just opened this month at 3000 Yorktown Drive in Bismarck!

RSVP’s are appreciated and can be done online at www.bismarckmanda.com/events or by calling Amanda at 701-223-5660.

We hope to see you there!

JA CASINO NIGHT Date: Friday, April 1, 2016 Location: Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge 1199 900 S Washington Street, Bismarck Time: 6:00PM - 10:00PM Fees: $30.00 $50.00 + Entry into Grand Prizes

The 11th Annual JA Casino Night is scheduled for Friday, April 1st at the Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge. With the purchase of a $30.00 ticket, each person gets 10 bucket auction tickets, $75,000 in play money, free hors d'oeurves along with music and entertainment throughout the night. When you purchase a $50.00 ticket, you are automatically entered to the grand prize raffle along with 15 bucket auction tickets and $75,000 in play money.

Try your hand at blackjack, pull tabs, poker, roulette and paddlewheel. At the end of the evening you can trade your winnings in for more bucket auction tickets to win amazing prizes!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:Platinum Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Blackjack Table Sponsors: Bismarck Aero Center, TownSquare Media, A-1 Steam Brother & Fode's Carpet Inc., Swenson Hagen, Front Street Millwork, Capitol City Welding, Truss Systems and Northwest Contracting.

Poker Table Sponsors: Century 21 Landmark Realty, North American Coal Corp, Missouri Basin Materials, Flecks Furnature and Wells Fargo Bank.

Pull Tab Table Sponsors: Armor Interactive and Pacific Sound & Video.

Paddlewheel Sponsors: Cornerstone Bank, Bismarck Motor Company and Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge 1199.

Proceeds from this event go to Junior Achievement Bismarck-Mandan. For tickets, contact Dave at 701-223-5660 or [email protected].

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MEMBERSHIP MIXER: BALANCEDIET OF BISMARCK Date: Thursday, April 28, 2016 Location: BalanceDiet of Bismarck 1421 Mapelton Ave, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Fees: Free to Attend

BalanceDiet of Bismarck will be hosting the Membership Mixer on Thursday, April 28th. Join fellow Chamber members for refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and some business after hours. Mixers are free for Chamber members to attend. Please consider attending and bringing colleagues from your workplace.

RSVP’s are appreciated and can be made online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events/calendar or by calling Amanda Schwieters at 701-223-5660.

MEMBERSHIP MIXER:BNC NATIONAL BANK Date: Thursday, March 17, 2016 Location: BNC National Bank 3000 Yorktown Drive, Bismarck Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Fees: Free to Attend

BNC National Bank will be hosting the March Membership Mixer on Thursday, March 17th from 4:30pm – 6:30pm. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, so help us Celebrate by wearing something green and enjoy an array of festive appetizers to choose from.

Membership Mixers are free to attend so bring along your co-workers and check out BNC’s brand new location that just opened this month at 3000 Yorktown Drive in Bismarck!

RSVP’s are appreciated and can be done online at www.bismarckmanda.com/events or by calling Amanda at 701-223-5660.

We hope to see you there!

JA CASINO NIGHT Date: Friday, April 1, 2016 Location: Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge 1199 900 S Washington Street, Bismarck Time: 6:00PM - 10:00PM Fees: $30.00 $50.00 + Entry into Grand Prizes

The 11th Annual JA Casino Night is scheduled for Friday, April 1st at the Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge. With the purchase of a $30.00 ticket, each person gets 10 bucket auction tickets, $75,000 in play money, free hors d'oeurves along with music and entertainment throughout the night. When you purchase a $50.00 ticket, you are automatically entered to the grand prize raffle along with 15 bucket auction tickets and $75,000 in play money.

Try your hand at blackjack, pull tabs, poker, roulette and paddlewheel. At the end of the evening you can trade your winnings in for more bucket auction tickets to win amazing prizes!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:Platinum Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Blackjack Table Sponsors: Bismarck Aero Center, TownSquare Media, A-1 Steam Brother & Fode's Carpet Inc., Swenson Hagen, Front Street Millwork, Capitol City Welding, Truss Systems and Northwest Contracting.

Poker Table Sponsors: Century 21 Landmark Realty, North American Coal Corp, Missouri Basin Materials, Flecks Furnature and Wells Fargo Bank.

Pull Tab Table Sponsors: Armor Interactive and Pacific Sound & Video.

Paddlewheel Sponsors: Cornerstone Bank, Bismarck Motor Company and Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge 1199.

Proceeds from this event go to Junior Achievement Bismarck-Mandan. For tickets, contact Dave at 701-223-5660 or [email protected].

www.firstintlbank.com

For All Your Banking NeedsBrittany Lenertz, Private Banker 1533 N 12th St • Bismarck, ND [email protected]

0188_02-15


Community NewsNews ASK-A PRO PERKS

The city of Mandan management monitors several local economic indicators. The majority of statistics for the 2015 calendar year are now available. RESIDENTIAL BUILDING. The City Building Inspection Department issued permits for 224 new residential units in 2015. While that’s the lowest level seen since 2010, construction activity had been at record highs in recent years. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDING. The city issued permits for new construction, remodeling and addition projects totaling a record $52.5 million, more than double last year’s level. The previous record was set in 2012 at $50 million in commercial and industrial projects permitted. VALUE OF ALL BUILDING ACTIVITY. The value of all projects for which building permits were issued in 2015 totals $93 million, almost on par with last year’s $94 million. The record was $139 million in 2013.

1% RESTAURANT AND LODGING TAX. Collections are up 3 percent at $419,682, compared to $407,418 in 2014. 2% HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX. Collections are down 19 percent at $57,046, compared to $70,293 in 2014.

REAL ESTATE SALES. The Bismarck Mandan Board of Realtors reports a 4 percent increase in the average sale price of residential property in Mandan for 2015 compared to same period in 2014. The average for the year was $238,939 compared to $230,632 in 2014. This is on 360 units sold, compared to 391 units the year prior. The average time on the market for 2015 was tighter at 53 days compared to 66 in 2014. The statistics include single family home, condo, twin home and duplex sales reported through the multiple listing service. The City of Mandan Assessing Department recorded 947 property deed transfers for the year. 1% SALES TAX. Total collections for 2015 finished the year down 7 percent at $2,485,386 compared to $2,673,946 last year. However, that’s still the second highest level ever and up 63 percent compared to the 2010 level. The City of Mandan as of Oct. 1 now has an additional 0.75 percent sales tax that goes toward funding for a voter-approved sports complex. That portion generated $248,926 in November and December collections. TAXABLE SALES AND PURCHASES. Statistics on the 2015 fourth quarter will not be available from the North Dakota Tax Department until later this spring. The total through the third quarter was $206 million. That is down 3 percent compared to the same period for 2014, but comparatively stronger than state levels, down 14 percent for the first three quarters. Looking at taxable sales and purchases by industry sector, Mandan levels for retail trade were actually up 3 percent for the first three quarters of 2015 as compared to the same period for 2014. Retail trade accounted for 47 percent of the total for the first three quarters. Mandan industry sectors showing the most significant decreases are wholesale trade, manufacturing and construction. JOB OPENINGS. North Dakota Job Service reported 2,361 online job openings in December for the metro area, Burleigh and Morton counties. That’s down 27 percent from a year ago. For the state, there were 13,524 open and available positions in December, down 29 percent from a year ago.

2015 ECONOMIC INDICATORS DOWN FROM RECORD LEVELS

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The University of North Dakota presidential search committee interviewed presidential candidates today in-person in Minneapolis to narrow the list of 16 candidates to seven.

"I was highly impressed with the level of experience that these individuals brought to our search and the specific qualifications each one has to meet the needs of our students and build our campus legacy into the future," UND Presidential Search Committee Co-Chair Hesham El-Rewini said. "We look forward to each candidate visiting our university to meet our faculty, staff, students and community members. These visits will be essential in showcasing our beautiful campus and engaging our various constituents in the process.”

“We are pleased with the wealth of experience embodied by the candidates of this presidential search,” UND Presidential Search Committee Co-Chair Grant Shaft said. “As we progress through the next phase of this search we are confident that we will discover who will be the best fit to serve the campus and community.”

The semi-finalists will be invited to campus between the dates of Feb. 11 through March 3 to meet with the search committee as well as meet with a broad base of internal and external constituency groups. The search committee will solicit feedback from faculty, staff, students and all other constituencies before the final meeting of the search committee scheduled for March 7.

The finalists who will proceed to the next interview stage include:

• Dr. Mark Rudin, vice president for research and economic development at Boise State University, Idaho

• Dr. Jay Noren, associate dean, College of Medicine at University of Illinois in Chicago and former president at Wayne State University

• Hon. Mark R. Kennedy, director of Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; and former congressman (2001-07)

• Dr. Nagi G. Naganathan, dean, College of Engineering and Interim President (2014-15) at University of Toledo, Ohio

• Dr. Daniel L. Clay, Dean, College of Education at University of Missouri, Missouri

• Dr. Morgan R. Olsen, executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer at Arizona State University, Arizona

• Dr. Steven Shirley, president of Minot State University, Minot, N.D.

The search committee will recommend a slate of finalists to the State Board of Higher Education, which will conduct final interviews on the UND campus March 15, with the selection of the next UND president announced thereafter.

COMMITTEE NARROWS LIST OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TO INTERVIEW ON UND CAMPUS

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GROWTH, GROWTH, GROWTH!From unsustainable, rapid growth to steady growth — I believe that describes Bismarck today. We are still on the grow!

It’s difficult for communities anywhere to grow at a rate of 5% per year—you just can’t keep up with roads and other infrastructure needs. I am amazed both at how well Bismarck responded to unsustainable rapid growth and how it is adjusting to steady growth.

In the past 5 years, Burleigh County has already grown by more than 11,500 people. By 2020, we will add another 8,000 residents and five years after that another 6,200, according to recent North Dakota Department of Commerce Census Office projections for 2016.

From 2010-2015, Bismarck Public Schools has added 1,635 students, based on first day of school enrollment. Four years from now in 2019-2020, our demographer predicts we will grow by another 1,500 students to 14,242. He’s been 99.5% accurate so far, overall, on our school projections. For example, he predicted we’d have 12,422 total K-12 students this fall; we had 12,410 so he was long by 12 students or .5 students per school.

At a recent meeting with the mayor and some city administrators, we talked about the anomaly of growth in the Capital City. We know people are moving here for jobs in the medical and service industries. We know others move here when they retire for the availability of senior citizen housing and medical facilities. This trend is expected to continue.

Most of our school growth in the next few years will impact our middle schools. Even if no new students move to Bismarck, we estimate the secondary seeing 500 additional students in grades 7-12, just based on today’s elementary numbers.

Because our three middle schools will each be over capacity in the fall, principals are looking to problem solve overcrowding in the short term. We also have a Facilities Planning Committee studying the issue. If the demographer is as right as he has been, BPS’s middle school numbers will increases by 625 students 2019-20, just four short years from now. Questions with which the Facilities Committee is wrestling with include should we add space for 300 onto each middle school or build a new middle school to house 900 students or do something else? And if we add on to middle schools, what will we do when that population can’t fit into one of our high schools? Adding to existing middle schools would make them the about same capacity as Century High is now. A new school would necessitate boundary changes and break our current feeder school system. And given the projected growth for Burleigh County of 14,200 more residents in the next 10 years, will we still need to add MORE middle school space in the not so distant future? Those and other thorny questions are being tackled by our committee.

Please watch for community input opportunities in March as we grapple with these issues and ultimately present a plan to the Bismarck School Board for consideration this spring.

Submitted by Tamara Uselman, Superintendent of Bismarck Public Schools



EASTER STORE OPENS AT SEEDS OF HOPE

The Seeds of Hope Thrift and Gift Store is ready for spring.

Its Easter store opened, Feb. 1. Located in the lower level of the store at 520 E. Main, the Easter store has hundreds of Easter baskets, bunnies and décor items to fill your home and season with fun at a reasonable price.

“You will be amazed at the unique items Seeds of Hope has to offer,” said Lisa Ternes, Seeds of Hope manager. “Whether you are decorating your home or office, hosting an Easter egg hunt, or looking for that perfect gift we have everything you need. New items are always added daily so every day is a new shopping experience.”

If you’re ready to part with some of your Easter items, Seeds of Hope accepts holiday donations all year long. Donations are accepted daily (except Wednesdays) and Saturday during normal store hours. Donors are asked to have their items boxed or bagged for easy processing. Tax receipts are available.

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MARCO CONTINUES NATIONAL EXPANSIONMarco, a leading technology services provider in the United States, announced today that it has purchased Data Comm, Inc. located in Missouri and Nexus Office Systems, Inc. in Illinois.

The purchase of Data Comm allows Marco to expand its geographic footprint and provide technical services from six locations throughout the state of Missouri.

Marco entered the Illinois market in October 2014 when they purchased Illinois Valley Business Equipment. With the purchase of Nexus Office Systems in Rockford, the company now has four locations in Illinois. Marco has completed 14 acquisitions over the past three years.

“Our acquisition strategy is to buy similar companies in locations where Marco doesn’t already have a presence,” said Marco CEO Jeff Gau. “We look forward to continuing our commitment to satisfying our new clients and expanding their technology service offerings.” Since 2010, the company has grown from 350 employees to 1,030 employees and now has 48 locations. Marco serves 30,000 customers throughout the Midwest and nationally.

Data Comm has been in business for 43 years and serves over 4,200 customers. “When you're a business owner and are considering selling the company you worked your entire life building, you want to make sure the company you sell to will carry on the same or even better value system,” said Joe Birk, president of Data Comm. "I'm totally convinced Marco is that company. They will care for our employees who have become my family, and they have so many resources to do so much more for our customers. It's a winning situation for everyone involved."

Nexus has been in business for 34 years and serves over 1,200 customers. “We are proud to be joining the trusted Marco team,” said Bill Rockwood, president of Nexus Office Systems. “They will provide our customers with the outstanding service they have come to expect from us and even more opportunities for our valued employees.”



CAPITAL CREDIT UNION PRESENTED SBA DIRECTOR’S AWARD Capital Credit Union was recently recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration of North Dakota for supporting over 20 small businesses through lending. Capital Credit Union received the Director’s Award, which, according to the SBA, is given to “lenders who have demonstrated a commitment to financing small businesses using SBA programs.” Capital Credit Union lent $1.6 million to small businesses in the 2015 fiscal year. This is Capital Credit Union’s fifth time receiving the award.

Capital Credit Union appreciates small businesses and values the relationship with business owners and continues to provide services for a variety of small businesses in the communities and surrounding areas of Capital Credit Union branches.

SILICON PLAINS, LLC EARNS RESPECTED TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY CREDENTIAL Silicon Plains, LLC, a managed IT services provider in Bismarck, ND announced today it has received the CompTIA Managed Services Trustmark™, a respected industry credential that signifies its adherence to best practices for technology service delivery and customer interaction.

“Earning this credential identifies Silicon Plains, LLC as a business that meets or exceeds the best business practices the IT industry has to offer,” said Nancy Hammervik, senior vice president, industry relations, CompTIA. “This includes managed services agreements, standard operating procedures, systems and tools for delivering services and general business operations.”

The Trustmark was developed by CompTIA, the non-profit association for the information technology industry, in collaboration with industry experts and leaders, to identify businesses that have made a commitment to the highest levels of integrity and sustained quality service.

“This recognition is amazing. We deliver on our promises because we’ve built a business on high standards. This achievement is a great way to recognize what a fantastic team of professionals we have!” said Dan Polk, President, Business Development, Silicon Plains, LLC.

To earn the CompTIA Managed Services Trustmark, Silicon Plains, LLC was evaluated on several aspects of their business operations, including organizational structure, technology tools and systems they utilize, standard operating procedures and IT service specific activities. The company also committed to abiding by a code of conduct and provided customer references.



UNIVERSITY OF MARY TO CREATE REGION’S MOST CUTTING-EDGE SYNDAVER™ LAB

One of the nation’s most respected health care programs in higher learning, the University of Mary in Bismarck, is creating a one-of-a kind anatomy lab that will bring hands-on learning to a new level.

Dr. Jodi Roller, dean of the University of Mary’s School of Health Sciences, announced today the University of Mary is purchasing and hosting six new synthetic humans that will be part of “one of the most complete state-of-the-art synthetic anatomy learning facilities in the nation.”

This SynDaver™ Labs technology, made possible in part through a $500,000 grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, will go towards enhancing the preparation and prevalence of rural health care providers.

“This is really a shot in the arm, so to speak, for not only our students, but rural health care in North Dakota and across the country,” added Roller.

“While many schools utilize real cadavers that are tediously dissected and can only be used once, the SynDaver™ Labs technology creates the world’s most realistic synthetic human tissues and body parts that are flexible, can be studied in less time and are durable and less costly.

I think this technology is the wave of the future and we are proud to be on the ground floor of its advancement as it greatly enhances our present method of virtual anatomy teaching. We are truly blessed. And now our students and rural health care providers will continue to reap the benefits of our well educated and trained graduates.”

University of Mary School of Health Sciences strives to provide comprehensive and experiential learning for its health care programs, complete with stellar clinical experiences in regional, national and international settings.

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Vote for the best decorated Spring Mixer Booth - Winner receives a FREE Chamber Holiday Mixer Booth!

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United Tribes Technical College has earned a notable distinction from a world-wide industry organization. UTTC’s Welding Program is certified as an Accredited Test Facility of the American Welding Society (AWS).

“We’re very pleased to have the designation,” says Steve Shepherd, UTTC Campus Planner and the college’s former welding director. “It’s the kind of educational service that fits our mission and helps make our students more employable. And it’s an opportunity for the community because the industry is looking for qualified people.”

The tribal college at Bismarck earned the accreditation following a program audit last fall. A certified AWS inspector validated UTTC’s welding program for equipment in place, training provided, quality assurance, and following industry practices.

United Tribes is the only AWS accredited test facility in the state of North Dakota. There are 129 locations nationwide in the AWS system of accredited tests facilities. The organization is best known for its code and certification procedures, providing industry standards for welding and joining metals and other materials.

UNITED TRIBES ACCREDITED AS WELDING TEST SITE

NORTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS ANNOUNCE STATE AWARDSClay Dietrich, member of the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, and Ken Callahan, member of the Williston Area Builders Association, were respectively named “State Builder of the Year” and “State Associate of the Year” at the Annual Meeting of the North Dakota Association of Builders (NDAB). Also, Heritage Homes, members of the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, was awarded the Builders Engaging Associate Members (BEAM) award.

Dietrich, owner and operator of Dietrich Homes, Inc., is very involved in the local, state and national home builder’s activities. Dietrich is currently president of the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead and serves on the North Dakota Association of Builders Board of Directors. When describing his leadership style, Dietrich says, “We have focused on building a team dedicated to servicing clients and providing homeowners not only a beautiful home, but a wonderful building experience.”

Callahan is a current employee of Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. in Williston, ND, and is an active community member. Working for MDU, Callahan says of his career, “My position with MDU allows me to work with contractors, developers, and everyone in the building industry not to mention the associate members. I live by MDU’s slogan “In the community to serve”.”

Dietrich and Callahan competed with other builder and associate members from Bismarck-Mandan, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Minot, and Williston. The awards are based on member spirit, civic activity, business accomplishments, and activities within the local, state, and national associations.

Tyrone Leslie, of Heritage Homes, was honored with the BEAM award for 2015. As long-time members of the HBA of Fargo-Moorhead they recognize that, “Our team works with associate members because we believe in working with the best in the industry to provide the best homebuilding experience for customers. The associate members are more aware of the changes in the industry and are able to bring the latest innovations and product improvements to our homes.”



The Small Business Administration (SBA) presented Dakota Certified Development Corporation (CDC) with the SBA District Director Award on January 6, 2016. The award recognizes Dakota CDC as the top SBA lender in the State of North Dakota. Dakota CDC received the award, leading in dollar amount and number of loans approved. This is the fifth consecutive year that Dakota CDC has been awarded the top honor.

As a private, not-for-profit development corporation, Dakota CDC's mission is to provide financing solutions through collaborative partnerships in a supportive and creative environment to grow the economy and create and preserve quality jobs.

Through their partnership with the SBA, area lenders and small businesses, Dakota CDC has provided $42 million to borrowers throughout North Dakota in the last Federal fiscal-year.

DAKOTA CDC EARNS SBA DISTRICT DIRECTOR AWARD

CHI St. Alexius Health’s Auxiliary presented the Medical Center with a $75,000 donation during the Auxiliary’s annual business meeting. The Auxiliary is comprised of 57 members, who host several fundraisers a year and volunteer their time to run the hospital’s gift shop.

Kurt Schley, market CEO stated, “We really appreciate the generosity of our hospital Auxiliary. The funds donated help us maintain the high level of quality that our patients have come to expect at CHI St. Alexius Health.”

“The Auxiliary members work tirelessly year-round to help patients and visitors at CHI St. Alexius Health,” said Laurie Hatzenbuhler, director of volunteer services. “Each member generously adds their time and talents and this donation is an incredible testament to their dedication to helping the Medical Center.”

In 2015, some items purchased through funds donated by the Auxiliary include appliances for In-patient Rehabilitation’s apartment, recliners in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and electronics and exercise equipment for selected units.

CHI ST. ALEXIUS HEALTH'S AUXILIARY DONATES TO MEDICAL CENTER

When you have the right financial advisor, life can be brilliant. What matters most to you in life? It’s a big question. But it’s just one of the many questions our advisors will ask to better understand you, your goals and your dreams. All to help you live confidently—both today and well into the future.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. ©2015 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (10/15)

Legacy Financial Partners A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

701.258.9735 l planwithLFP.com 505 E Main Ave Ste 100, Bismarck ND 58501

Housing Incentive Fund Story Clarification

In the February 2016 issue of the Chamber Connection, we inadvertently altered a North Dakota Housing Finance Agency press release regarding the Housing Incentive Fund, an affordable housing development program capitalized by contributions from state taxpayers.

State income tax credits can only be earned for the tax year in which a contribution is made. Taxpayers making contributions to the program after Dec. 31, 2015, through Dec. 31, 2016, will receive 2016 credits.

More information on the program is available online at www.ndhousingincentivefund.org or by contacting the agency at (800) 292-8621 or [email protected].


COMMUNITY NEWS ASK-A-PROASK-A-PRO Perks

401 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501701-258-2611

withKEVINDYKEMAat

Q: WHAT ARE THE MAIN FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN FINANCING A NEW BUSINESS VENTURE?

A: When thinking about starting a new business, there are few key things to consider if you are planning to seek financing for your enterprise. One of the most important items to prepare is a sound business plan. A business plan is a statement of your goals, reasons they are attainable and how you are going to achieve them. It should include a breakdown of what the financing needs of your business are as well as cash flow projections which demonstrate how you will repay the borrowed funds.What will be pledged for collateral, or assets to secure the loan, is also very important. This may consist of the assets being purchased for the operation of the business but many times will also include personal assets to help secure the financing request. Creditors will require some form of borrower equity (can come from a 3rd party) into the venture as the owner is sharing in the risk that the creditor is taking on. The personal credit history of the business owner is also an important consideration when obtaining business credit.Community banks are best equipped to handle small and start-up business financing. There are several organizations that can also assist with developing business plans and business advice including your local SBA office, SCORE or Small Business Development Center.

2603 E. Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501701-323-5222

Q: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR INJURED WORKER ON THE JOB?

A: In spite of all your safety measures and safety education, your employee has been injured while on the job. Now the goal is to have the worker return to his or her job in a safe manner and as quickly as possible. It is important to have your injured worker treated by a medical provider who has a strong stay-at-work philosophy. This includes limiting the use of narcotics and avoiding taking the employee off work completely. This will help the injured worker recover more quickly from the injury. If your worker is given any restrictions, make sure you accommodate them. The restrictions given will be more helpful and easier to follow if the medical provider has knowledge of your work site and the demands on your worker. This makes having a designated medical provider all the more important. Together, you and this provider should develop a job function testing plan beforehand so when an injury does occur, you can test the injured worker and be assured he or she is returning to work when it is safest to do so.The relationship you have established with the designated medical provider prior to the injury will lead to less time lost and less restrictive orders. This process will decrease the risk of disability to the injured worker and assure their return to a successful and productive life.

withJOELBLANCHARD,MDat

Ask A Pro

Q: WHAT IS COLORECTAL CANCER?

A: March is colorectal awareness month. Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum become abnormal and divide without control, forming a mass calleda tumor. Symptoms: Bleeding from the rectum, or blood in the stool, Change in bowel habits, Stools that are more narrow than usualGeneral problems in the abdomen, such as bloating, fullness or cramps, Weight loss for no apparent reason. Screening Tests: Your first colonoscopy should be by the age of 50 or if a first degree family member has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you should have your first colonoscopy 10 years prior to the age the relative was when diagnosed. If your colonoscopy is negative, it’s recommended every 10 years thereafter. If it’s positive, it should be repeated in 6 months to 5 years depending upon findings (your physician will make specific recommendations).

500 N 8th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501701-222-6100

withDR. DUFANat



Ask A Pro

Q: WHY WOULD SOMEONE HACK OUR WEBSITE?

A: A hacker can profit in many ways by hacking your website, and most aren’t obvious.Hackers try to gain access to servers through web sites. If they can gain control of your web server, they can add it to a “botnet", which is an army of remote-controlled infected computers that can carry out malicious tasks like disrupting other websites or sending spam email. Botnets can scan other web servers for vulnerabilities and automatically take them over. Hackers sell botnets on the black market for use in illicit activities.Hackers can also add malicious code to your website to steal information that customers type in, or drive your visitors to scam websites & harmful downloads.A compromised website can leak databases of user information which leads to identity theft and fraud.Use strong passwords and perform regular software updates on your server and website to keep your customers safe.

withNICK KRAMERat

Q: WHAT IS PINKEYE AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO TREAT IT?

A: Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) is redness and swelling of the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. Symptoms include redness of the whites of the eye, swelling of the eyelids , itching, and a thick, often discolored drainage from the eye. Pinkeye can be caused by viral/bacterial infections, dry eyes, and allergies. The viral/bacterial type are highly contagious and spread easily. Some schools and child care facilities require that a child wait at least 24 hours after starting treatment before returning. Pink eye generally remains contagious as long as a person is experiencing tearing and matted eyes. Poor hand washing is the main cause of spreading. Symptoms can be relieved by applying a warm compress for 5-10 minutes 3-4 times daily. Bacterial pinkeye can be treated with antibiotic drops, so it is important to see your practitioner if you suspect pinkeye.

3101 North 11th Street, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-224-9521

withPATBRUNELLEat

1003 Gateway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503701-250-0728

withJOELBLANCHARD,MDat

Q: WHY IS CONTRACTOR SAFETY IMPORTANT TO A PROJECT OWNER?

A: First and foremost, job site safety is paramount to ensuring that every individual in and around the project returns home safely to his or her family each night. It’s the right thing to do at any cost. Fortunately, projects with high safety standards and high profitability are not mutually exclusive. Contractors and project owners that demand a comprehensive safety program see safety as a cost driver and a critical element for budget success. Contractors that have excellent workers compensation safety records are more efficient at reducing risks, being profitable, and completing projects on time. To select a contractor with a good safety record, implement a pre-qualification process that includes the contractor’s workers’ compensation history and three years of historical safety data. Obtain references from past clients and gauge their assessment of the contractor’s safety program. You can also request the contractor’s organizational chart to see that the necessary leadership structure is in place to support an active safety culture.Although the project owner may hesitate to “interfere” in a contractor’s safety program, it’s a big mistake to be complacent. Without participation in the process, the owner is passively giving control to the contractor, assuming greater risk, and generally adding unnecessary expense.

1355 Airport Road, Bismarck, ND 58504701-557-3698

withJOHN MEULEMANSat


COMMUNITY NEWS ASK-A-PRO PERKSPERKS

Photo courtesy of Landscape Structures

BSC Welcomes New Employees Bismarck State College

announces the hiring of new business faculty and several professional staff. Jeanne Masseth, a former BSC TrainND manager and instructor, was hired as assistant professor of management. She most recently worked as CEO of Legacy Talent Development in Mandan, and as learning and development supervisor at Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck. Masseth holds a master’s degree from University of Mary. Ginny Saiki is BSC’s new institutional student retention coordinator. She was instructor and coordinator of academic success programs at Arizona State University in Tempe with additional experience at Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. Her MBA is from the University of North Dakota. Ellie Shockley recently completed a post-doctoral program at University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and worked in research positions at Drexel and Duke universities. She is BSC’s institutional research analyst and has a doctorate from the University of Chicago. Gentry Lee, admissions counselor, was a job coach at Heartland Industries, Moorhead, Minn. Lee has a Bachelor of Arts from University of Minnesota, Moorhead. Jeanne Vetter, former BSC merchandise associate, was promoted to student and residence life coordinator, a new position.

Capital Credit Union Promotes Geiger

Shelby Geiger was recently promoted to financial services representative at Capital Credit Union.

Geiger, originally from Mandan, has been with Capital Credit Union since 2012. While

at the credit union, she previously served as a teller. In her new role as financial services representative, she will work with new members in opening accounts and with existing members in opening and servicing loan and deposit needs. She has been attending Dickinson State University and will receive a bachelor’s degree in finance in spring 2016.

Hilton Named North Dakota Guaranty & Title Co. Office Supervisor Tami Hilton joined North Dakota Guaranty & Title Co. as an Office Supervisor and Escrow Closer in the company’s Dickinson, ND office.

Hilton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Dickinson State University. She brings extensive knowledge of the title and real estate closing industry to NDGT. Hilton began her career in the title industry as an Escrow Closing Assistant. Prior to NDGT, she was an Escrow Closing Officer.

Journal Accepts Schreck Paper

Jane Schreck, professor of English at Bismarck State College, had her analysis of Wendell Berry’s short story, “Pray without Ceasing,” published by In Factis Pax: Journal of Peace Education and

Social Justice. The scholarly article, titled “Inculcating Peaceability: ‘Let us make what peace is left for us to make’,” examines the connection between education and violence in the story. Her analysis articulates Berry’s skepticism about institutionalized education within the plot and with support from his other writings. Schreck holds a doctorate in teaching and learning in higher education from the University of North Dakota. She has a master’s degree in English and bachelor degrees in English, mathematics and education, also from UND.

Hoffman joins BNC’s Staff BNC National Bank recently hired Brandon Hoffman as a the Mortgage Area Manager for the North Dakota markets. Hoffman has over 15 years of mortgage banking experience, 11 of these he served in a management

role. Hoffman’s office is located at BNC's downtown bank, located at 322 East Main Avenue.

Great Plains Food Bank Announces New Hire

The Great Plains Food Bank, a program of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, announces a new hire. Gary Hummel’s role at the Great Plains Food Bank includes handling finance/accounting, human resources, risk management, and information

technology. Hummel’s broad background in both the private and nonprofit sectors provides a solid base to support the mission of the Great Plains Food Bank. Hummel is a certified public accountant and holds a degree in Accounting from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

Sanford Gastroenterologist Receives Certification Kyle Eliason, MD, gastroenterologist at Sanford Clinic in Bismarck, was recently board certified in gastroenterology and hepatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Board certification is voluntary and reflects a physician’s commitment to quality patient care.

Dakota Eye Institute Team Members Complete Certification Training

Five members of the Dakota Eye Institute team recently completed Certified Medical Scribe Specialist (CMSS) training. Cindy Anderson, Courtney Campbell, Allison Laib, Lisa Schorsch, and Terri Kasemen earned their certification from an accredited training program. The certification testing process is designed to test for the knowledge and understanding of advanced medical terminology, including anatomy, physiology, in/outpatient reports, pharmaceuticals, laboratory data, electronic medical records, computer software and data entry, and medical coding and billing.

Brandon Hoffman

CHAMBER Perks

Gary Hummel

Cindy Anderson

Courtney Campbell

Allison Laib

Lisa Schorsch Terri Kaseman

Tami Hilton

Jane Schreck



Sanford Health Hires Patient Experience Manager Kyla Sanders, RN, has been

hired as the patient experience manager for the Bismarck region of Sanford Health. In her role, Kyla will work closely with all departments to ensure patients are receiving exceptional care. She will focus on finding ways to improve

the care patients receive at Sanford by monitoring patient satisfaction scores to identify opportunities for improvement.

Dockter Hired as Project Manager at Agency MABU

Maria Dockter recently joined Agency MABU as project manager for website development.

Dockter brings extensive experience in project

management. She will be coordinating the development of websites, mobile apps and other client-related projects. Dockter was previously a Project coordinator at AVI Systems in Bismarck. She recently graduated from the University of Mary with a Master’s degree in Project Management, and is a certified associate in Project Management through the Project Management Institute.

Wald Named Advisor of the Month Securian Financial Advisors of

ND, Inc. is pleased to announce that David Wald has been named Advisor of the Month for January based upon his production and service to his clients. David has been a representative with Securian since August 2008 and is

located at 1550 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck.

Bianco Realty Sales Awards

Bianco Realty has named Shirley Thomas and Randy Fix "REALTORS® of the Month"! Thomas and Fix had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty for the month of January 2016. Thomas has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2001 and Fix has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2003.

Board Members Re-Elected, Volunteers honored at AARC Annual Meeting

Christine Hogan, Dave Clark and Aruna Seth were re-elected to the Abused Adult Resource Center (AARC) Board of Directors at the nonprofit’s annual meeting last night in Bismarck.

Honored as Volunteers of the Year for 2015 were Jan and George Jury , who volunteer their time at the Seeds of Hope Thrift & Gift Store operated by AARC. The couple oversees the book area at the store.

Hogan is the staff attorney for the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project, Clark is the executive vice president of Bismarck State College (BSC), and Seth is the founder of the Ghandi Peace Network of North Dakota.

Other board members are Mary Miller, communications manager at Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Kevin Stadler, senior vice president for commercial lending at BNC National Bank; Mike Lund, manager of Herberger’s Department Store; Tamara Barber, executive vice president for finance and operations at BSC; Justin Currie, vice president-corporate controller for BNC National Bank; and Anne Jones, vice president for Human Resources, MDU Resources Group Inc. All board members serve three-year terms.

United Tribes Technical College Hires Human Resources Director United Tribes Technical

College announces Rae Gunn to the position of Human Resources Director. Gunn will oversee and administrate the Human Resources Department. She has been employed with United Tribes Technical College since 2012 and has served

in various positions within the institution including Course Scheduling Coordinator, Contracts and Grants Specialist, and TCC DeMaND Workforce Project Director. In her new position as HR Director, Gunn will be responsible for hiring, retention, terminations, personnel records management, legal compliance, compensation, benefits, and long-term staffing strategies. Gunn holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Dickinson State University and a Master of Business Administration degree through the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at the University of Mary. She resides in Bismarck with her husband Fred and their three children. She is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

BSC Welcomes New Employees Bismarck State College

announces the hiring of new business faculty and several professional staff. Jeanne Masseth, a former BSC TrainND manager and instructor, was hired as assistant professor of management. She most recently worked as CEO of Legacy Talent Development in Mandan, and as learning and development supervisor at Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck. Masseth holds a master’s degree from University of Mary. Ginny Saiki is BSC’s new institutional student retention coordinator. She was instructor and coordinator of academic success programs at Arizona State University in Tempe with additional experience at Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. Her MBA is from the University of North Dakota. Ellie Shockley recently completed a post-doctoral program at University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and worked in research positions at Drexel and Duke universities. She is BSC’s institutional research analyst and has a doctorate from the University of Chicago. Gentry Lee, admissions counselor, was a job coach at Heartland Industries, Moorhead, Minn. Lee has a Bachelor of Arts from University of Minnesota, Moorhead. Jeanne Vetter, former BSC merchandise associate, was promoted to student and residence life coordinator, a new position.

Capital Credit Union Promotes Geiger

Shelby Geiger was recently promoted to financial services representative at Capital Credit Union.

Geiger, originally from Mandan, has been with Capital Credit Union since 2012. While

at the credit union, she previously served as a teller. In her new role as financial services representative, she will work with new members in opening accounts and with existing members in opening and servicing loan and deposit needs. She has been attending Dickinson State University and will receive a bachelor’s degree in finance in spring 2016.

Jeanne Masseth

Ginny Saiki

Ellie Shockley

Gentry Lee

Jeanne Vetter

Shelby Geiger

Christine Hogan

Dave Clark

Aruna Seth

Rae Gunn

Kyla Sanders

Shirley Thomas

Randy Fix

Maria Dockter

David Wald


COMMUNITY NEWS ASK-A-PRO PERKSPERKSStarion Financial Promotes, Hires for Business Banking Team

Starion Financial has hired a new business banking officer and promoted two others in Bismarck-Mandan.

Landon Feil has been promoted to business banking officer/assistant vice president at the Mandan branch. Feil joined Starion as a credit analyst in 2012 and was promoted to business banking officer in 2014. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Dakota.

Rick Geloff has been promoted into the position of business banking officer in Bismarck. He joined Starion in December 2013 as a credit analyst I and was promoted to credit analyst II in January 2015. Geloff is a graduate of Minot State

University and Bismarck State College. Kordel Wolfe joined Starion as a business banking officer in Mandan. Wolfe earned a bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Mary.

Alliance Real Estate Welcome New Agents Alliance Real Estate would like to send out a warm welcome to our newest REALTORS® Sarah Tarver and Deb Ellison. Tarver a native to North Dakota has recently returned and is looking forward to being an asset to our community. Ellison has raised her children and is now ready to put hew professional skills to work and start a career in real estate.

HEI Civil Engineers Earn Professional Engineering Registrations

Brent Aakre, Ted Rud, Adam Ruud, Aaron Schmidt, and Bret Zimmerman—civil engineers with Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI)—all recently earned their professional engineering registrations after successfully completing the eight-hour Principles and Practices of Engineering exam. The exam measures a candidate’s academic and practical knowledge of technical engineering. Candidates become eligible to take the exam after meeting statutory requirements that include a minimum of four years of acceptable work experience.

Brent has served out of HEI’s Fargo office since 2010. Brent completes analysis and design for a variety of water resource related projects and has contributed to more than 10 flood mitigation projects in Moorhead, MN, alone that help shield the City from the Red River. Ted, who has served out of HEI’s Fargo office since 2011, assists water boards, counties, and others as a hydraulics modeler, design engineer, and construction project representative. He notably helped model approximately 559,000 acre-feet of storage in the Red River Basin upstream of Halstad, MN, in an effort to help achieve lower flow rates.

Adam, a civil engineer working out of HEI’s Fargo office since 2011, focuses on providing transportation solutions to HEI’s clients. Adam’s design experience ranges from reconstructions of portions of I-29 and I-94 to widening 25th Street South in Fargo and other urban roadways. Aaron has served out of HEI’s Bismarck office since 2010. He brings a diversified skillset to a wide array of municipal civil projects, often working closely with a range of service sectors to complete roadway and transportation, site development, and municipal designs as well as establish survey requirements to complete AutoCAD designs. Bret started as a civil engineer working in HEI’s Fargo office and transferred to our Maple Grove, MN, office in early 2015. Bret’s experience with water resources spans across North Dakota and Minnesota, from flood protection in Minot, ND, to hydraulic studies for Minnesota watershed districts. This allows him to draw on a wide-ranging expertise when seeking solutions for water resources clients.

United Tribes Technical College Hires Media Specialist

United Tribes Technical College announces Alicia Hegland-Thorpe to the Office of Public Information as Media Specialist. Hegland-Thorpe comes from a communications

and broadcasting background. She was a news anchor and reporter for a television station in Minot. She also served as radio talent for radio stations in Williston, Minot, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. Other media background includes camera operator, audio board operator, script manager and teleprompter operator for several other North Dakota TV stations. Other talents include copywriting and marketing for other media outlets. Her position at United Tribes Technical College as media specialist is to provide technical assistance and professional media communications services for the college by working with staff and students, contractors and others on electronic, print and social media projects. Using her broadcasting background, Hegland-Thorpe will gather electronic news, generate human interest stories for the community, produce, edit, archive, conduct marketing research and serve as a media liaison between the United Tribes Technical College and the surrounding communities. She assists Dennis Neumann, Director of Office of Public Information.

Capital Credit Union Promotes Shetler, Yackley Capital Credit Union recently

promoted Brad Shetler and Melissa Yackley.

Shetler was named business services officer and is originally from Sturgis, S.D. He graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck with a bachelor’s degree in business. He has been with Capital Credit Union since 2008 and previously served as a credit analyst and branch manager to the Beulah and Hazen branches. In his new role, Shetler will assist members with commercial loan or commercial account needs. Yackley was named senior

business services officer-administrative supervisor. She is originally from Rapelje, Mont., and graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She has been with Capital Credit Union since 2005 and previously served as a consumer loan officer and most recently business services officer. In her new role, she will lead and supervise the operations of the business department.

DFC Consultants Welcomes Dahl Daphne Dahl has joined the

team at DFC Consultants as a Business Solution Consultant, assisting customers with software installation, training and support. She has worked with Microsoft Dynamics GP for 14 years, with a special interest in the Inventory and Sales Order

Processing functionality. She previously worked as a purchasing and inventory manager.

Bismarck's Widmer Roel Hires Palczewski as a Staff Accountant

Kyle Palczewski has joined the tax department of Widmer Roel, a public accounting and business advisory firm with offices in Bismarck, Fargo and Hazen. Palczewski as a staff

accountant provides tax and accounting services. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota.

Eide Bailly Technology Consultant Receives Salesforce Certification Regional CPA and business advisory firm Eide Bailly LLP congratulates Travis Hendrix on becoming a Salesforce Certified Flatform Developer. Salesforce Platform Developer I certification recognizes one’s expertise in building custom applications using the Force.com platform.

Japel Named Member Of Million Dollar Round Table Loren H. Japel, an agent for

New York Life in Bismarck, ND, has earned membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for 2016. Achieving membership in MDRT is a distinguishing life insurance career milestone, attained only by those who have

demonstrated superior professional knowledge, experience and client service. MDRT membership represents the top life insurance and financial service professionals worldwide. MDRT is an international, independent association of the world’s best life insurance and financial services professionals. In addition, this is the 61th consecutive year that New York Life has dominated the MDRT in the United States. Japel has been a New York Life agent since 1977, and is associated with New York Life’s North Dakota General Office in Fargo. Loren is a life member of Councils with New York Life, a life member of Million Dollar Round Table, and a member of NAIFA.

Alicia Hegland-Thorpe

Brad Shetler

Melissa Yackley

Daphne Dahl

Kyle Palczewski

Loren Japel

Brent Aakre

Ted Rud

Adam Ruud

Aaron Schmidt

Bret Zimmerman



Widmer Roel Hires Mastel as a Staff Accountant Chontay Mastel has joined the

audit department of Widmer Roel, a public accounting and business advisory firm with offices in Bismarck, Fargo and Hazen. Mastel as a staff accountant provides audit and accounting services.

She has a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University.

United Tribes Hires Career Development Counselor

United Tribes Technical College announces the hiring of Camille Martell to the position of Career Development Counselor. She’s an enrolled member of the Standing Rock

Tribe and joined the UTTC staff in January. Martell has experience in academic and mental health counseling. She was an adult inpatient addiction counselor and worked with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) on Standing Rock, for both Indian Health Service and for the Tribe. Most recently, she served as a Career and Technical Guidance counselor at Sitting Bull College. In her new position at UTTC, she helps students find a career path for long-term employment by offering resume-writing workshops, skill testing and mock interviews. She works with employers to evaluate their employment needs and also coordinates a UTTC speaker series held on the campus. Martell earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Mental Health from Sinte Gleska University, Mission, South Dakota. She is nearly complete with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and has been accepted into the UND Distance Masters of Social Work program.

CHI St. Alexius Health Announces Excellence in Nursing Awards Bismarck, N.D. — CHI St. Alexius Health announces its 2015 Excellence in Nursing Award recipients. Five nurses were recognized by their colleagues as individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty in the profession of nursing and make significant contributions to the profession of nursing. Christine Lofberg, RN, received the Excellence in Practice Award for outstanding nursing practice as demonstrated through clinical skills, care and compassion. Christine is an infusion nurse in the Infusion Clinic and has worked at CHI St. Alexius Health since 1996. Lisa Goetz, RN, received the Excellence in Precepting Award for outstanding nursing practice as demonstrated through orientation of new nursing staff and precepting of students. Lisa is a nurse in Home Health and Hospice. Judy Bicknese, RN received the Excellence in Community Service Award for significant contributions to promote health in a community. Judy has more than 24 years of experience as a Home Health and Hospice nurse. Missy Wetsch, BSN, RN, PCCN, received the Excellence in Evidence Based Practice Award. This award is given to a nurse who has completed evidence based practice changes contributing to improvements in patient care, nursing practice and/or education. Missy started her career at CHI St. Alexius Health in 1998. Peggy Thurlby, RN, was the recipient of the 2015 Nightingale Nursing Award. This award recognizes individuals with a long tradition at CHI St. Alexius Health and honors a nurse who has made outstanding contributions to nursing throughout an active nursing practice of 40 or more years. Peggy began her career at CHI St. Alexius Health in 1971. She has worked on the medical, telemetry, women and children, labor and delivery and psychiatry units. She is currently an admission coordinator.

Starion Financial Promotes, Hires for Business Banking Team

Starion Financial has hired a new business banking officer and promoted two others in Bismarck-Mandan.

Landon Feil has been promoted to business banking officer/assistant vice president at the Mandan branch. Feil joined Starion as a credit analyst in 2012 and was promoted to business banking officer in 2014. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Dakota.

Rick Geloff has been promoted into the position of business banking officer in Bismarck. He joined Starion in December 2013 as a credit analyst I and was promoted to credit analyst II in January 2015. Geloff is a graduate of Minot State

University and Bismarck State College. Kordel Wolfe joined Starion as a business banking officer in Mandan. Wolfe earned a bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Mary.

Alliance Real Estate Welcome New Agents Alliance Real Estate would like to send out a warm welcome to our newest REALTORS® Sarah Tarver and Deb Ellison. Tarver a native to North Dakota has recently returned and is looking forward to being an asset to our community. Ellison has raised her children and is now ready to put hew professional skills to work and start a career in real estate.

Landon Feil

Rick Geloff

Kordel Wolfe

Chontay Mastel

Camille Martell


COMMUNITY NEWS ASK-A-PRO PERKSPERKS

Prime Partners, Inc.9500 Oak DriveBismarck, NDRandy Schwartz(701) 226-5369Prime Partners helps companies increase their value 20 percent annually. As a FocalPoint member we contribute to a world where every individual can achieve true success in their business and personal lives.

S & S Promotional Group Inc.Bismarck, NDRob Thompson(701) 280-1916Specializes in finding the best promotional solutions for our clients. From humble beginnings, we are now one of the largest promotional clothing, and product providers in the state.

Oxentenko, Inc.1401 E. Calgary AvenueBismarck, NDShellae Backman(701) 255-4383Oxentenko, Inc. is a third generation, family owned business specializing in commercial and industrial coatings and abrasive blasting.

Caffe Aroma120 N 3rd streetBismarck, NDTina Wetzel & Emily Burrows(701)-258-0204Amazing downtown gem! Featuring specialty lattes, coffee and a delicious food menu. We offer catering and also delivery! Fabulous desserts will be the perfect way to end your experience here!

Slip Solutions, LLC4713 Windsor StBismarck, NDZach Nye(701) 595-4661A distributor for an international company specializing in non-slip flooring and floor safety products.

MARCH TELEVISED LIVE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

Tuesday, 1st 5:30 pm Mandan City CommissionMonday, 7th 5:00 pm Burleigh County CommissionMonday, 7th 5:30 pm Mandan School Board (recorded)Tuesday, 8th 8:00 am Burleigh County Water Resource DistrictTuesday, 8th 5:15 pm Bismarck City CommissionWednesday, 9th 5:15 pm Burleigh County Planning CommissionThursday, 10th 5:30 pm Morton County Commission (recorded)Monday, 14th 5:15 pm Bismarck School BoardMonday, 14th 5:30 pm Mandan Park Board (recorded)Tuesday, 15th 1:00 pm Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy BrdTuesday, 15th 5:00 pm Mandan City CommissionThursday, 17th 5:15 pm Bismarck Park District Board

Monday, 21st 5:00 pm Burleigh County CommissionMonday, 21st 7:00 pm Mandan School Board (recorded)Tuesday, 22nd 5:15 pm Bismarck City CommissionTuesday, 22nd 5:30 pm Morton County Commission (recorded)Wednesday, 23rd 5:00 pm Bismarck Planning CommissionMonday, 28th 5:15 pm Mandan Planning CommissionThursday, 31st 3:30 pm Burleigh County Social ServicesThursday, 31st 5:15 pm Bismarck School Board

Meetings can be viewed LIVE (unless otherwise indicated) and are replayed several times on Government Access, cable

channel 2 and HD602. Government meetings are also available for online viewing

(LIVE and Video on Demand) at www.freetv.org.

Skjeret Joins BNC’s Mortgage Division

Jamestown native, Karli Skjeret, recently joined BNC National Bank as a Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS# 449219). Karli relocated to Bismarck in 2014 and has over 15 years of banking experience

of which eight were in the mortgage industry. She is located at BNC’s Century Avenue branch, located at 801 E. Century Ave, Bismarck.

United Tribes Hires New Chemical Health Center Director United Tribes Technical College announces the hiring of Anita Monek to the position of Director of Chemical Health at the college’s Lewis Goodhouse Wellness Center. Monek is a professional with 20 years of experience in the addiction field. She earned a B.A. and B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Dakota and a M.A. in Community Agency Counseling with an emphasis in addiction.

Houston Engineering Adds Three Shareholders

Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) is proud to announce the addition of three employees as company shareholders: Zach Herrmann, Alan Kemmet, and Joe Lewis. All serve critical roles that have aided in the success of HEI.

Herrmann, PE, and Kemmet, PE, are civil engineers in HEI’s Fargo office and Bismarck office, respectively, and have both been with HEI since 2008. Lewis, PE, is a civil engineer in HEI’s Maple Grove office and has been with HEI since 2004.

Open Road Honda Powersports Technicians Recieve Technical Certifications Casey Martin and Tyler

McMurtrey, Powersports Technicians at Open Road Honda in Mandan, ND have earned technical certifications and awards. Martin has earned distinction as a Honda Powersports Red Level Technician. This certification, the highest that can be earned by a Honda powersports technician, requires completion of 48 online courses and 77 classroom modules. McMurtrey has earned a Routine Maintenance and Advanced Engine certification

and is recognized as a Bronze Level Technician. Martin and McMurtrey recently attend training at a Honda training facility in Irving, TX.

Zach Herrmann

Alan Kemmet

Joe Lewis

Casey Martin

Tyler McMurtrey

Karli Skjeret



The Chamber of Commerce encourages all members to do business with each other. The following companies and organizations have recently made an important investment in their business by joining the Chamber. Please consider them for your professional and personal needs.

To find a complete listing of Chamber members, view the Member Directory online at www.bismarckmandan.com.

Prime Partners, Inc.9500 Oak DriveBismarck, NDRandy Schwartz(701) 226-5369Prime Partners helps companies increase their value 20 percent annually. As a FocalPoint member we contribute to a world where every individual can achieve true success in their business and personal lives.

S & S Promotional Group Inc.Bismarck, NDRob Thompson(701) 280-1916Specializes in finding the best promotional solutions for our clients. From humble beginnings, we are now one of the largest promotional clothing, and product providers in the state.

Oxentenko, Inc.1401 E. Calgary AvenueBismarck, NDShellae Backman(701) 255-4383Oxentenko, Inc. is a third generation, family owned business specializing in commercial and industrial coatings and abrasive blasting.

Caffe Aroma120 N 3rd streetBismarck, NDTina Wetzel & Emily Burrows(701)-258-0204Amazing downtown gem! Featuring specialty lattes, coffee and a delicious food menu. We offer catering and also delivery! Fabulous desserts will be the perfect way to end your experience here!

Slip Solutions, LLC4713 Windsor StBismarck, NDZach Nye(701) 595-4661A distributor for an international company specializing in non-slip flooring and floor safety products.

New Vision Security 1313 Republic Street Suite ABismarck, NDBill Dean(701) 222-8888To be a local resource for all your security needs. Including at your home, your business, and even on the streets. Via intrusion, surveillance, and emergency vehicle up fitting.

Veracity Motors1701 E Main AveBismarck, NDChad Monroe(701) 258-2277Veracity Motors is the most recognized and respected used vehicle dealership in central North Dakota. Our job as a dealer is to deliver high quality, convenient and superior service.

Welcome new members

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Dave Huizenga 224-5683Deb Larson 224-2534

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Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

Tana Trotter, CEO, at her new business on 1151 W. Divide Ave in Bismarck. Phone: 751-7797. Member.

PROXIMAL50 LIFE CENTER

Ribbon cuttings are conducted by a committee of Chamber volunteers called Ambassadors. Businesses qualify for a ribbon cutting if they open, move, and remodel, are under new ownership, change their name, or offer a new product or service. To schedule a ribbon cutting, please call Amanda Schwieters at 701-223-5660 or email [email protected].

Ribbon Cuttings

Kim Schuh, owner, at her newly remodel business on 3100 N 11th Street #2 in Bismarck. Phone: 222-4786. Member.

ELECTRIC SUNN TANNING & SALON

Mark Burke, owner, at his new business on 107 Collins Ave in Mandan. Phone: 214-8490.

SHOWBIZMARCK AND ARTWORX 33

Rory Schuh, Branch Manager, at their new branch on 919 S. 7th Street Ste. 207 in Bismarck. Phone: 258-5596.

Member.

SECURITAS SECURITY USA

Taylor Rash, owner, at his new business on 204 N 4th St. in Bismarck. Phone: 751-7360. Member.

BAM - BRAND AWARE MARKETING

Kathy Johnson, Vice President of Campus Services, and the staff, at their newly remodel Jack Barden Center on 3315 University Drive in

Bismarck. Phone: 255- 3285. Member.

UNITED TRIBES TECHNICAL COLLEGE



Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

Katie Horner, MSN FNP-C, owner, and staff, at her new business on 4503 Coleman Street, Ste. 208 in Bismarck. Phone: 354-0964.

Member.

MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS SPECIALISTS OF BISMARCK

Tana Trotter, CEO, at her new business on 1151 W. Divide Ave in Bismarck. Phone: 751-7797. Member.

Jason Sellers, owner, and staff, at their newly completed second location on 413 East Bismarck Expressway in Bismarck. Phone:

751-8338. Member.

MATTRESS FIRM

Dave Zieske, Sales Manager, and staff, at their newly remodeled building on 807 East Century Ave in Bismarck.

Phone: 800-892-8548. Member.

MARCO

Kim Schuh, owner, at her newly remodel business on 3100 N 11th Street #2 in Bismarck. Phone: 222-4786. Member.

Lance Wolf, Director and Norman Clark, SW Regional Leader, at their new branch location on 3204 Yorktown Drive in Bismarck.

Phone: 355-7670. Member.

GATE CITY BANK

Kathy Johnson, Vice President of Campus Services, and the staff, at their newly remodel Jack Barden Center on 3315 University Drive in

Bismarck. Phone: 255- 3285. Member.

Tina Wetzel and Emily Burrows, new owners, at their business on 120 N 3rd St in Bismarck, located inside the Logan Building.

Phone: 258-0204. Member.

CAFFE AROMADr. Matt Franck, D.C., owner, at his new business on

125 Slate Dr. Suite 1 in Bismarck. Phone: 751-8300. Member.

ALPHA CHIROPRACTIC

Bismarck-Mandan ChamberConnection1640 Burnt Boat DriveP.O. Box 1675Bismarck, ND 58502

CHAMBER SPRING MIXERDate: 4/12/2016 • Time: 5:00pm - 7:30pmLocation: Ramkota Hotel – 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck

LEADERSHIP BISMARCK-MANDAN GRADUATIONDate: 5/25/2016 • Time: 11:15am - 1:00pmLocation: Baymont Inn & Suites – 2611 Old Red Trail, Mandan

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FORUMDate: 3/9/2016 • Time: 7:30am - 11:30amLocation: Ramkota Hotel – 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck

JA CASINO NIGHTDate: 4/1/2016 • Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pmLocation: Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge 1199 – 900 S Washington St, Bismarck

MARCH MEMBERSHIP MIXERDate: 3/17/2016 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pmLocation: BNC National Bank – 3000 Yorktown Drive, Bismarck

APRIL MEMBERSHIP MIXERDate: 4/28/2016 • Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pmLocation: BalanceDiet of Bismarck – 1421 Mapelton Ave, Bismarck

Upcoming Chamber Events

Friday, April 1, 2016 | Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge | 6:00pm - 10:00pm

$30 $50$30 $50OR

TICKETSWITH CHANCE

TO WIN FIVE GRAND PRIZES!

Test Your Luck WithBlack JackRoulettePokerPaddlewheelPull Tabs

Must be 21 to attend. No actual cash tendered in gaming. For tickets, contact Dave at 701-223-5660 or visit www.bismarckmandan.com

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