August Chamber Connection

CHAMBER CONNECTIONBismarck-Mandan

August 2015

Member ProfilesSylvan Learning Center

Daymond John to Speak at Entrepreneur ConferencePurchase early bird tickets today!

Sanford Health Earns Granite AwardLong-time member to be awarded at Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan.148 11

Fueling Business and Industry

Page 4

DAKOTA P R A I R I E REFINERY

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 StaffKelvin Hullet ............................................................................................................... PresidentAnnie Bergrud ........................................................................................Chief Financial OfficerMary Masters ................................................................................Office Support ProfessionalRyan Parsons ...................................................................Membership & Publications DirectorSally Paulson .................................................................................................. Program DirectorRebecca Rattei ............................................................................... Communications SpecialistAmanda Schwieters ........................................................................ Member Services Director

exeCutive CommitteeRick Matteson ................................................................................................................... ChairPerrie Schafer .......................................................................................................... Chair-ElectMolly Barnes ............................................................................................................... SecretaryBrenda Nagel ..............................................................................................................TreasurerAnnette Behm-Caldwell ............................................................................................ Past Chair Kelvin Hullet ............................................................................................................... President

Chad Moldenhauer .......................K&L HomesDave Hoekstra ............................... BNC BankKen Rutter ........... Basin Electric Power Coop.Lee Pierce ..................... Al Fitterer ArchitectsNorm Clark ............................Gate City BankJeff Essler .......................................... H.I.T. Inc.Mike Schmitz ...................... Widmer Roel, PCAnnette Behm-Caldwell ....Open Road HondaBrenda Nagel ..........................................AetnaSandi Tabor .................................................KLJMolly Barnes .............. Northern ImprovementJeff Albers ......... Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac

Chris Brown.............................................MotixMarc Taylor ..........Northern Plains EquipmentRick Matteson .............MDU Resources GroupDan 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 Union

board of direCtorS

CHAMBER NEWS“Shark Tank” Judge to Speak at Entrepreneur Conference 10Sanford Health Earns Granite Award 11TRC is on the Horizon 12

CHAMBER EVENTSCelebrate Bismarck-Mandan: Make Your Mark 16August Membership Mixer: Northern Lights LASIK 16Friday’s at the Chamber 17Chamber Sporting Clays Shootout 17Dinner on the Plaza 18

COLUMNSChair’s Corner 3

FEATURESCover Story 4Member Profile 8Ask-A-Pro 34Chamber Perks 36

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

Many times when I am traveling, people ask about the success of North Dakota. How is such a small state growing at such a rapid pace? How is the

unemployment rate so low? The only North Dakota news many of them have read or heard about is the Bakken. While oil certainly is a key driver, it is only one facet of our diversified economy. Many other states have similar non-oil resources and are not doing as well. At least part of the answer lies in the commitment of our elected officials to create a supportive business environment.

A good example of public-private sector cooperation was the effort to build the Dakota Prairie Refinery, which is this month’s lead story. It is the first greenfield refinery built in America in nearly 40 years, and could not have been possible without the support of the governor and state regulatory agencies. In far too many places across our country, people are far too quick to tell us what we can’t do. In North Dakota, the private and public sectors come together, look at the same situ-ation and figure out how we can achieve something. We can and do build things in North Dakota and for that, we should be proud.

Along that same theme, the Midwest is known for its work ethic. It seems we inherited this desire to work hard from our ancestors, many of whom came to America to seek out a better life. Along with that trait, we also inherited a humble gene that seems to forbid us from discussing success. While it is refreshing in today’s world, it at times prevents us from celebrating our accomplishments. It you look at the track record of North Dakota’s accomplishments over the last five years, we have much to celebrate.

So on August 6, we are going to put aside our inhibitions for a lunch hour to celebrate and recognize businesses for their success and contributions to our economy. From our Small Business Person of the Year to the Mike Fink Steady Growth and Profitability Award and the Granite Award Winner, we are going to take some time to reflect on the accomplishments of our members. While these winners will be singled out, they are representatives of the broader accomplishments of our business community. You can register and purchase tickets at www.bismarckmandan.com. I hope you will join us for lunch.

In closing, I hope you enjoy August. Before we know it, summer turns into fall and many schedules will once again be regulated by the school calendar. Before then, I hope you take in the many attractions in North Dakota and enjoy the outdoors.

- Rick Matteson

FEATURE


Oil is a hot topic around the region, and the opening of MDU Resources’ Dakota Prairie Refinery is adding fuel to the industry’s success in North Dakota. The refinery is the result of a partnership between MDU Resources and Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P. (Calumet), an Indiana-based company which has ownership in 14 other manufacturing and refining facilities around the United States.

Located near Dickinson, the facility is the first greenfield refinery, or refinery built from the ground up, in the United States since 1976. Dakota Prairie Refinery partners broke ground for the facility in March 2013. The completed refinery, which uses oil from the Bakken region to produce diesel and other oil-based products, sits on a 318 acre site.

It took approximately 2.5 million man-hours to complete the facility, with more than 800 workers on site during peak construction. Bilfinger Westcon, based out of Bismarck, acted as general contractor, and Ventech Engineers International was the primary equipment and technology provider.

Operation of the facility began on May 4, 2015, and the refinery now supports around 80 full-time employees. “The opportunity for this facility in North Dakota was driven primarily because of the huge demand for diesel, both with the agricultural market and the Bakken oil production,” said Rick Matteson, MDU Resources’ director of communication and public affairs.

He said the facility’s location near Dickinson was chosen due to its proximity to railroads, oil and the city’s pre-existing infrastructure, such as natural gas, electricity, water and sewer.

“From a state perspective, the refinery ensures our business and industry have a reliable source of diesel. Many times in the past, our agriculture and energy production sectors struggled with adequate supply of diesel at key times of the year,” said Kelvin Hullet, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce President.“For the Bismarck-Mandan area, the importance will be in the additional diesel supply the refinery provides,” added Matteson.

New RefiNeRy SpaRkS OppORtuNitieS thROughOut NORth DakOtaBy Jennifer Greuel, Clearwater Communications

Governor Jack Dalrymple, Calumet chairman Fred Fehsenfeld and MDU CEO Dave Goodin, at the Dakota Prairie Refinery grand opening.

Dakota Prairie Refinery is located 6 miles southwest of Dickinson.

www.bismarckmandan.com


Operation of the facility began on May 4, 2015, and the refinery now supports around 80 full-time employees. “The opportunity for this facility in North Dakota was driven primarily because of the huge demand for diesel, both with the agricultural market and the Bakken oil production,” said Rick Matteson, MDU Resources’ director of communication and public affairs.

He said the facility’s location near Dickinson was chosen due to its proximity to railroads, oil and the city’s pre-existing infrastructure, such as natural gas, electricity, water and sewer.

“From a state perspective, the refinery ensures our business and industry have a reliable source of diesel. Many times in the past, our agriculture and energy production sectors struggled with adequate supply of diesel at key times of the year,” said Kelvin Hullet, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce President.“For the Bismarck-Mandan area, the importance will be in the additional diesel supply the refinery provides,” added Matteson.

The Tesoro refinery in Mandan is the only other source of diesel produced in North Dakota, and Matteson notes the state imports approximately two thirds of its current diesel supply, much of which will now be provided by a local source.

Plant ProductionDakota Prairie Refinery is capable of processing approximately 20,000 barrels of oil per day, which produces roughly 7,000 barrels of diesel, 6,500 barrels of naphtha, 6,000 barrels of atmospheric tower bottoms and small amounts of liquid petroleum. The diesel is sold on site at the refinery to wholesalers that load trucks with the product and distribute it throughout the region. Liquid petroleum is sent on trucks to the Pronghorn Natural Gas Processing Plant near Belfield. Naphtha, a secondary product used as a diluting agent to ease the transportation of heavy oil or as a feedstock to produce gasoline, is shipped by rail to Canada.

The residual product of the refining operations, known as atmospheric tower bottoms, is shipped to Calumet’s facility in Superior, Wis., where it is used as a feedstock to produce everything from lubricating oils and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals.

New RefiNeRy SpaRkS OppORtuNitieS thROughOut NORth DakOta Stabilizer Unit

Steam is introduced to promote vaporization.

Crude OilDistillation Tower

Inside column is a set of trays, one to two feet apart, permitting vapors to rise and liquids to fall.

Operates on two main principles: gravity and temperature.

Crude oil comes into the plant by pipeline and truck.

Crude oil is delivered from tanks via pumps.

Oil passes through a series of preheatersand a desalting unit.

Oil is heated to 700°-750° F in large heater furnaces. More than half of the crude changes to vapor.

Crude oil isstored in tanks.

Liquid and vapor to the crude distilling tower to be fractionated into product streams according to boiling ranges.

Mixed LPGTrucked to Pronghorn Natural Gas Processing Plant near Belfield, N.D.

NaphthaStabilized naphtha railed to market.

Diesel Hydrotreaterand Dewaxing Unit

DieselTrucked to market.

Atmosphereic Tower BottomsRailed to market.

Overview

450°-800° F

315°-450° F

220°-315° F

100° F

FEATURE


The refinery was also uniquely designed to use treated water from Dickinson’s new wastewater treatment plant instead of fresh water and uses an average of 120 to 150 gallons of this recycled wastewater every minute.

Although the refinery is located in Dickinson, the Bismarck-Mandan community has been involved in the project. Bismarck State College worked with MDU Resources to design a program and special curriculum on an expedited basis to train refinery employees.

The refinery also provides revenue and adds to the energy production portfolio of MDU Resources, which is headquartered in Bismarck. Matteson says a unique feature of the project was each of MDU Resources’ business units was able to contribute to the project.

Knife River Corporation laid the groundwork and the concrete, MDU Resources’ construction services group provided electrical services, the company’s utilities unit is providing natural gas and electricity services to the facility, and WBI Energy, a subsidiary of MDU Resources, managed the project. “MDU Resources’ ability to expand and develop additional facilities ensures the viability of their future and contributes to the economic health of our community and the region,” said Hullet.

Matteson said he has heard feedback from companies in other states where the local and state governments are less willing to work with developers and more likely to have roadblocks in the process. Matteson credited Governor Dalrymple’s administration with choosing to look for solutions in order to encourage and accommodate the project. Since 1978, K & L Homes has been building custom homes

on a strong foundation of quality and professionalism.

Chad Moldenhauer - BuilderOffice: 701-258-4584

Cell: 701-220-1821

www.k-lhomes.com

1.26 million cubic yards of dirt excavated

18,000 cubic yards of concrete

1,850 tons of steel

146 miles of power and instrumentation cable



“I think the refinery sends a clear message about North Dakota’s economy and the government’s willingness to support development,” he said. “The impact of building the refinery is to enhance North Dakota’s position as a leader of energy production in America,” added Hullet. “The development of the Bakken and projects such as Dakota Prairie Refining are reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil.”

Looking to the FutureThe Dakota Prairie Refinery is expected to have a long lifespan, bringing jobs and revenue to the state for decades to come, said Matteson, adding MDU Resources is currently in the process of analyzing the economics and considerations for building an additional refinery in the state.

Other refinery proposals are in the works, says Matteson, and he expects the Dakota Prairie facility will encourage other investors to consider the idea. Matteson notes developers look for local sources of energy when considering a project, and he hopes the refinery will cause others to notice North Dakota’s sources of methane, natural gas and oil and encourage them to build facilities that would keep these resources in the state.

“The construction of Dakota Prairie Refinery proves that we can still build things in America,” Hullet said. “As the first refinery built since the 1970s, Dakota Prairie Refinery establishes a benchmark and will hopefully lead the way to additional projects creating value-added energy products in America. “

DPR had more than 800 workers on site during peak construction.

DPR Manager Mary Trost and MDU CEO Dave Goodin.


CHAMBER ProfileProfile News events

Q: tell us about yourself and your role within the organization.a: I am the Executive Director of Sylvan Learning of Bismarck and Fargo. I own and operate these two retail centers with my husband, Ryan. We also have Sylvan Satellites in Dickinson, Williston and Minot. I focus on our contract work with schools, organizations and overall operations.

Q: how has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted your company?a: We have benefited from the growth here in Bismarck-Mandan by being able to provide tutoring for our growing population. With our instructional platform allowing us to deliver instruction on iPads, we are also able to provide instruction to smaller communities in western North Dakota where demand has increased.

Q: Briefly tell us the history of Sylvan Learning Center.a: Sylvan Learning is a Franchise Company and began in 1979. Sylvan first came to Bismarck 20 years ago when my mother, Ellen Jacobson, decided to leave her public teaching career and open Sylvan in Bismarck. She was passionate about helping children achieve their educational goals and working with them on a personal level. I was fortunate enough to help my mother as she opened her business in 1995. I was finishing up high school and it was my first job to be her assistant. I quickly fell in love with the mission of Sylvan and working with students. I spent several years away, attending Business School at University of North Dakota and working 5 years for a public accounting firm in Minneapolis. Ryan and I came back to Bismarck to help run Sylvan in 2004. We opened our Fargo Sylvan in 2013.

MeMBer ProfiLeFeaturing Kari Weigel with

Sylvan learning center

Left to right: Tamara Wagner, Sylvan Director; Kari Weigel, Executive Director and Ryan Weigel, CFO.



Q: what differentiates your company from its competitors?a: Our personalized approach to learning is what sets us apart. We know that no two students are exactly alike and that’s why we offer a variety of programs and a personalized approach to make sure each student learns in a way that is best for him or her. We get to know each of our students through conversations with the family, Sylvan assessments and visiting with their teachers. We build programs for each student based on what we have learned, taking into account their learning style and preferences. Q: what industry trends are taking place?a: We have seen a big increase in demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs. Sylvan offers courses in Coding – Video Game Design and Sylvan Robotics using Lego™. We have had very positive feedback from our students on these courses. We are looking to add on to our STEM offerings coming this fall.

Q: what does the future of your business look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?a: The future of our business looks very promising. We have an opportunity to offer more STEM programs to help prepare students for jobs that will be available in the future. We also have an opportunity to grow our satellite centers in Dickinson, Minot and Williston and other smaller communities in North Dakota. The future of our industry also looks very good. The demand for tutoring services should remain strong and other services like ACT Prep and enrichment services are projected to increase.

Q: Sylvan Learning Center has been a member since 1995, why do you continue to renew each year?a: The Chamber is a great advocate for businesses in our community and it gives smaller businesses a stronger voice. Being a member also provides invaluable networking and educational opportunities.

Q: what should Chamber members know about your company that may assist them within theirs?a: We feel that our customers and employees are the heart and soul of our business. We listen and learn from them each and every day. The trick is to mold and adjust to what the market is asking for and to continue to provide a wonderful place to work. Change is inevitable and we focus on staying ahead of the curve. I love the quote from John Welch, “If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near.”

MeMBer ProfiLe

For delicious recipe ideas, visit cloverdalefoods.com

Dianne, a Sylvan Instructor, is working with students to master their math skills.


CHAMBER Profile NewsNews events

shadow.indd 1 5/1/12 3:22 PMshadow.indd 1 5/1/12 3:22 PM

shadow.indd 1 5/1/12 3:22 PM

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

To learn more about current openings in our assisted living

community, call (701) 323-3263.

BiSMaRCk-MaNDaN ChaMBeR NaMeS Sanford HeaLtH aS Granite award winner

pRaiRie fiRe CONfeReNCe BRiNgS ShaRk taNk JuDge DayMOND JOhNThe Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Daymond John of ABC’s Shark Tank will keynote speaker at the Prairie Fire Conference for Entrepreneurs in the Midwest on Saturday, October 24th, 2015 from 8:30am to 4:00pm at the Bismarck Event Center. The 2015 Prairie Fire Conference: Sparking Growth, will be the first regional conference of its kind and is expected to draw hundreds of people from throughout the Midwest. “The Prairie Fire Conference aims to inspire innovation and support the nucleus of budding entrepreneurs within the Bismarck-Mandan community; in North Dakota and across the Midwest region,” said Hullet.

“We are pleased to partner with others in our community to bring a day of learning and inspiration to our state.”

Other speakers scheduled to appear at the conference include:• Governor Jack Dalrymple, Governor of North Dakota

who will lead off the event keynoting breakfast with a presentation on his entrepreneurial life experiences.

• Brad Feld, Author of Startup Communities; Building An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in your City will present through video conference. Attendees will also receive a copy of his book.

• Kristen Hadeed, Founder and Owner of Student Maid which employs more than 400 college students during its peak season will speak prior to lunch.

Tickets go on-sale August 3rd at prairiefireconference.com. Early bird tickets for the event are $65 for individuals; $50 for Students and a small business package of four tickets for businesses with less than 10 employees for $250. For more information about this event, contact Amanda at [email protected] or by calling the Chamber at 701-223-5660.

PauLSon winS Junior aChieveMeNt awaRD

Chamber staffer Sally Paulson has been named the 2014-2015 Junior Achievement Upper Midwest Volunteer of the Year!

Paulson serves as the Bismarck-Mandan Junior Achievement Director and her efforts helped Junior Achievement inspire and prepare over 157,000 children this year. Thank you for sharing your

energy, insight and passion with the Bismarck-Mandan youth!



The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber announced today that Sanford Health is the 2015 Granite Award winner. The Granite Award is the Chamber’s highest award presented to a business with a minimum of 50-years of service to the community with a proven record of supporting the community. Sanford will formally receive the award at the 2015 Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan Awards event on Thursday, Aug. 6.

“Healthcare is one of the primary drivers of our economy,” said Kelvin Hullet, President of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber. “In this time of dynamic growth, the importance of a quality healthcare system is vital to the community and the region. We are honored to recognize Sanford for their service to our community.”

The western region of Sanford Health, headquartered in Bismarck-Mandan, is a fully integrated health system with clinic locations in Bismarck, Dickinson, Mandan and Minot. This region of Sanford Health includes a 223-bed hospital, four multi-specialty clinics, seven primary care clinics, three kidney dialysis centers, three occupational medicine clinics, four walk-in clinics, three long-term care facilities and a comprehensive group of health services in western and central North Dakota.

Sanford’s legacy in Bismarck-Mandan dates back to 1902, when Drs. Eric Quain and Niles Ramstad formed Q&R Clinic, which, at the time, was the nation’s second multi-specialty clinic.

“At Sanford, we are honored to be recognized by the Chamber,” said Craig Lambrecht, MD, president of the Bismarck region of Sanford Health. “So many businesses play a role in the economic success of our community. We believe access to quality health care is essential to growing our community and our region.”

On Thursday, Aug. 6, The Chamber will recognize businesses from across the community at Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan. Other awards winners to be announced include: The Small Business Person of the Year, The Golden Eagle Award, The Mike Fink Steady Growth and Profitability Award and The Entrepreneur of the Year. Tickets to the luncheon event, which starts at 11:00am, are available through the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber.

BiSMaRCk-MaNDaN ChaMBeR NaMeS Sanford HeaLtH aS Granite award winner

pRaiRie fiRe CONfeReNCe BRiNgS ShaRk taNk JuDge DayMOND JOhN

PauLSon winS Junior aChieveMeNt awaRD

Chamber staffer Sally Paulson has been named the 2014-2015 Junior Achievement Upper Midwest Volunteer of the Year!

Paulson serves as the Bismarck-Mandan Junior Achievement Director and her efforts helped Junior Achievement inspire and prepare over 157,000 children this year. Thank you for sharing your

energy, insight and passion with the Bismarck-Mandan youth!

Sally Paulson



heaDS up tRC iS ON the hORizON! Your Chamber membership is not only a wonderful networking experience, but also, an amazing marketing and advertising opportunity. Every month we have several events available and every year, four premier events. With our large membership I want to make sure everyone is familiar with our Total Resource Campaign (TRC) and all the endless possibilities available.

If this is something you would be interested in learning more about please message me so we can line up a meeting. Otherwise, September through early November, I’ll take the time to introduce businesses’ to the value of their Chamber membership. This method is designed to make budgeting and sponsorships easier on you.

To all our previous sponsors, thank you again for everything you do to help make the Bismarck – Mandan Chamber of Commerce possible. We cannot do this without your involvement and we truly appreciate your commitment! As you all know, fall signals the kick off for our Total Resource Campaign (TRC). September will begin the start of renewal sponsorships. If you’ve sponsored a previous event in the past year (minus our membership mixers) you have the right of first refusal. After four weeks your renewal sponsorships will be open to the entire Chamber membership and will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Contact me at [email protected] or by calling 701-223-5660 if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting with all of you soon!

SChNeiDeR NaMeD aMBaSSaDOR Of the QuaRteR

Shannon Schneider has been named the second quarter Ambassador for 2015. Schneider is with Spherion Staffing in Bismarck. He was born and raised in Bismarck and graduated from Bismarck High School. He is married to Cindy and has one daughter, Courtney that attends UND.

His hobbies include mountain biking, UND hockey games, snowmobiling and spending time with friends and family. Schneider has been a Chamber Ambassador since February. As an Ambassador, Schneider has been committed to attending ribbon cuttings, serving as a greeter for chamber mixers and helping out with other chamber events.

“Becoming an Ambassador has given me the opportunity to network with business owners as well as other Chamber Ambassadors in the Bismarck/Mandan community,” said Schneider.

The Ambassador Committee conducts over 150 ribbon cuttings each year welcoming new businesses, new owners, expansions, remodels and new locations. They serve as the public relations arm of the Chamber and greeters for many events.



CeLeBrate BiSMarCk-Mandan Each year, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber’s Excellence in Business Committee (EIB) looks at and accepts nominations from the membership to discover the businesses and business people who stand out for their successes. After screening and having those people and organizations qualified by Dianna Kindseth at Brady, Martz & Associates, the committee comes up with the Ivy League honorees for the annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan event.

Program Director Sally Paulson said, “We just have so many deserving organizations in our community that it’s hard to narrow them down! The other obstacle that we encounter is the humbleness that comes from those people. It’s hard to get people to ‘pat themselves on the back’ and yet, they should! They are doing some amazing things in our community!”

This year’s nominees and winners prove that we have so many wonderful people and businesses in Bismarck-Mandan and they are doing so well, that the least we can do is recognize them for this accomplishment.

Included in the honors will be the Small Business Person of the Year, the Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth and Profitability, the Granite Award, the New Entrepreneur of the Year award, our Outstanding Teachers of the Year and the Golden Eagle award.

We are thrilled to recognize Sanford Health as our Granite Award recipient for the 2015 Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan event!

Advanced Mechanical will be receiving the Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth and Profitability this year and they are a shining example of a home grown business that is flourishing in Bismarck-Mandan!

Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan will be held on August 6th at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel. The event begins at 11 am with a reception and the lunch and awards follow.

Tickets are $35 for our Chamber members and $40 for general admission. Purchase tickets online at: bismarckmandan.com/events or call 701-223-5660. Tickets must be purchased no later than July 30th and are required for attendance.



People flocked to the Mandan Eagles Club on June 19th to experience a little bit of Las Vegas flair. Junior Achievement of Bismarck-Mandan (JA) turned the Eagles into a mini-casino, setting the stage for what has become JA’s major fundraiser event.

Junior Achievement Director, Sally Paulson, said “Celebrating 10 years of Casino Night was amazing! We had a great turn out for the event and our community’s businesses never fail to support us in ways that go far and beyond our dreams!”

This fundraiser helps to provide funding for the Junior Achievement program in Bismarck and Mandan. The 2014-2015 school year saw another 4,000 students educated about economics, finances and entrepreneurism.

Paulson said that all proceeds from this event stay in the community to support the curriculum brought into the classrooms. In cooperation with schools, teachers and business volunteers, Junior Achievement is an integral

part of helping our young people succeed throughout their life and opens their eyes to the endless possibilities that await them. “Again, our Junior Achievement board of directors and volunteers created an event that our community can be proud of. Sponsorships and donations for this event never cease to amaze us!”

Participants in Casino Night played traditional casino games of chance and “cashed in” fake money for bucket auction items generously donated by local businesses. The grand prize drawing this year included a big screen television and a $500 Visa gift card.

10tH annuaL Junior aCHieveMent CaSino Night a JaCkpOt Of SuCCeSS

PRAIRIE FIRE2015

sparking growth

Saturday, October 24, 2015Bismarck Event Center, Hall A

8:30am - 4:00pm

get fired up!The Mid-West’s First Entrepreneur Conference!

featuringDAYMOND JOHNfrom ABC’s Shark Tank

Also featuring:Governor Jack DalrympleBrad FeldKristen Hadeed

www.prairiefireconference.comTickets go on-sale August 3rd

DO yOu have a StuDeNt in HiGH SCHooL?The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce is searching for several students to serve on its board for the 2015-2016 academic year. The board consists of local high school juniors and seniors who are interested in learning more about their community. Students involved focus on the same issues that the Chamber’s Board of Directors focus on, such as transportation, government affairs, local issues, education and economic development. Students are privy to meetings with local and state officials and company CEO’s and owners. The students get to ask business and community leaders questions and voice their concerns about the future of Bismarck-Mandan and their place in tomorrow’s workforce.

“As we look to the future, these are the future business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees,” says Kelvin Hullet, Chamber president. “Our goal is to provide a group of students with an in-depth experience about how businesses and the community work and interact.”

Bismarck-Mandan public and private school students in 11th or 12th grade are encouraged to apply. Application information is available at www.bismarckmandan.com/pages/BusinessEducationPartnershipCommittee.

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PRAIRIE FIRE2015

sparking growth

Saturday, October 24, 2015Bismarck Event Center, Hall A

8:30am - 4:00pm

get fired up!The Mid-West’s First Entrepreneur Conference!

featuringDAYMOND JOHNfrom ABC’s Shark Tank

Also featuring:Governor Jack DalrympleBrad FeldKristen Hadeed

www.prairiefireconference.comTickets go on-sale August 3rd

DO yOu have a StuDeNt in HiGH SCHooL?


CHAMBER Profile News eventsevents

CeLeBrateBiSMaRCk-MaNDaN Date: Thursday, August 6 2015 Location: Best Western Ramkota Hotel Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Fees: $35.00 for Chamber Members; $40.00 for General Admission Presenting Sponsors:

On August 6, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce will celebrate local businesses and their accomplishments. Help us honor our 2015 Granite Award Winner PLUS recognize these other fine nominees/award winners:

• Small Business Person of the Year• Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth & Profitability• New Entrepreneur of the Year• Granite Award (sponsored by MDU Resources and

Basin Electric)• Outstanding Teachers of the Year• Golden Eagle Recipient

RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com. You can purchase tickets for this event; $35.00 for Chamber members and $45.00 for non-members. Tickets will be available until Friday, July 31st and are required to attend as seating is limited.

Thank you to our sponsors!Video Sponsor: Threefold ProductionsGold Sponsors: American Bank Center, BNC National Bank and Miller InsulationSilver Sponsors: Bismarck Aero Center and Northland FinancialAward Sponsor: The Bismarck TribuneTable Sponsors: Bismarck State College, Bremer Bank, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Eide Bailly, LLP, Gate City Bank, Midcontinent Communications, Missouri Valley Petroleum, Sanford Health, Wells Fargo Bank, Starion Financial, Bismarck Cancer Center, Bank of North Dakota, KXMB CBS 12 and University of Mary.

MeMBeRShip MixeR:nortHern LiGHtS LaSik Date: Thursday, August 20, 2015 Location: Northern Lights LASIK 4501 Coleman Street, Ste #102, Bismarck Time: 5:00PM - 7:00PM Fees: Free to Attend

Chamber members are invited to join Northern Lights LASIK on Thursday, August 20th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm to celebrate their new location! We are very excited to have them hosting our August Membership Mixer and also, very happy to have them as new members.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see their new location, meet new members and enjoy an arrangement of tasty hors d’ouevres and refreshments.

Please RSVP to [email protected] or call Amanda at 701-223-5660.

fRiDayS at the ChaMBeR Date: Friday, August 14, 2015 Location: Chamber Patio 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Fees: Free for all Chamber Members and their employees Presenting Sponsor:

If you haven’t had an opportunity to make it to our Chamber office, now is the time to stop in for our last member appreciation luncheon. The Chamber staff would love to say thank you for everything you’ve done for us and continue to do for the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and our business community.

Stop by Friday, August 14th from 11:30am - 1:00pm for our last FREE luncheon of the summer. Enjoy some brats, pulled pork, multiple side dishes and the opportunity to mingle with fellow members for a relaxing afternoon on us.

Please RSVP online at bismarckmandan.com/events or by calling Amanda at 701-223-5660 so we can prepare ahead for plenty of food.

Presenting Sponsor: Daniel Companies

Lunch Sponsors: Cloverdale Foods & Cash Wise Foods

Event Sponsor: North American Coal Corp.

What’s on your Horizon?Stop in and meet our staff and see how we can help make your dreams a reality.

Now with four locations to serve all of your banking needs!

Now Open in Bismarck!

We are excited to bring our hometown community bank to you!Horizon Financial Bank – new to Bismarck,

but serving North Dakotans since 1905!Locations in Munich, Osnabrock, Devils Lake and

1207 West Divide Ave • HorizonFinancialBank.com

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CeLeBrateBiSMaRCk-MaNDaN Date: Thursday, August 6 2015 Location: Best Western Ramkota Hotel Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Fees: $35.00 for Chamber Members; $40.00 for General Admission Presenting Sponsors:

On August 6, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce will celebrate local businesses and their accomplishments. Help us honor our 2015 Granite Award Winner PLUS recognize these other fine nominees/award winners:

• Small Business Person of the Year• Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth & Profitability• New Entrepreneur of the Year• Granite Award (sponsored by MDU Resources and

Basin Electric)• Outstanding Teachers of the Year• Golden Eagle Recipient

RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com. You can purchase tickets for this event; $35.00 for Chamber members and $45.00 for non-members. Tickets will be available until Friday, July 31st and are required to attend as seating is limited.

Thank you to our sponsors!Video Sponsor: Threefold ProductionsGold Sponsors: American Bank Center, BNC National Bank and Miller InsulationSilver Sponsors: Bismarck Aero Center and Northland FinancialAward Sponsor: The Bismarck TribuneTable Sponsors: Bismarck State College, Bremer Bank, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Eide Bailly, LLP, Gate City Bank, Midcontinent Communications, Missouri Valley Petroleum, Sanford Health, Wells Fargo Bank, Starion Financial, Bismarck Cancer Center, Bank of North Dakota, KXMB CBS 12 and University of Mary.

ChaMBeR SpORtiNg CLayS SHootout Date: Friday, August 21, 2015 Location: Capital City Sporting Clays 12951 71st Ave NE, Bismarck Time: 9:00AM - 2:30PM Fees: $100 for Members; $125 for non-members

It’s finally here, August’s Capital City Sporting Clay Shootout! This outdoor event is fun for all members, from the casual shooter to those with serious shooting skills. This is a wonderful opportunity to treat your co-workers or loyal clients to a fun networking experience with nearly 100 members and a chance to win some awesome Grand Prizes from Scheels. Enjoy a lunch catered by Famous Dave’s and end the afternoon with some cool refreshments provided by McQuade Distributing.

Cost to attend is $100 each for Chamber members and $125 for non-members. Admission includes shotgun shells, course fees, lunch, beverages and great door prizes.

Visit www.bismarckmandan.com/events to register or call 701-223-5660 for registration.

Long Range Sponsors:

Rapid Fire Sponsors: Bremer Bank, City Air Mechanical, Missouri Valley Petroleum, North American Coal Corp.

Pigeon Sponsors: Advanced Business Methods, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, McQuade Distributing Co., Liberty Business Systems Inc, Starion Financial, CornerStone Bank and Century 21 Landmark Realty.

fRiDayS at the ChaMBeR Date: Friday, August 14, 2015 Location: Chamber Patio 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Time: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Fees: Free for all Chamber Members and their employees Presenting Sponsor:

If you haven’t had an opportunity to make it to our Chamber office, now is the time to stop in for our last member appreciation luncheon. The Chamber staff would love to say thank you for everything you’ve done for us and continue to do for the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and our business community.

Stop by Friday, August 14th from 11:30am - 1:00pm for our last FREE luncheon of the summer. Enjoy some brats, pulled pork, multiple side dishes and the opportunity to mingle with fellow members for a relaxing afternoon on us.

Please RSVP online at bismarckmandan.com/events or by calling Amanda at 701-223-5660 so we can prepare ahead for plenty of food.

Presenting Sponsor: Daniel Companies

Lunch Sponsors: Cloverdale Foods & Cash Wise Foods

Event Sponsor: North American Coal Corp.


CHAMBER Profile News eventsevents

dinner on tHe PLaza Date: Thursday, August 27, 2015 Location: Chamber Patio 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM Fees: $30.00 per person Presenting Sponsor:

This month is our second Dinner on the Plaza of the summer and we cannot be happier to have the Broadway Grill & Tavern catering this fabulous evening event. The Broadway Grill & Tavern is a new restaurant in town and has been a Chamber member basically since they’ve opened in our community! They have a beautiful location near downtown and offer an array of delicious meals to choose from. If you’ve never been to their location you can find them at 100 West Broadway Ave. Bismarck. I hope you are all as excited as we are to have Broadway Grill & Tavern catering this month’s Dinner!

Chamber members are invited to join us on our Plaza Thursday, August 27th for an evening of fine dining and wonderful company. You’ll enjoy a customized course that will be paired perfectly with a wine from Captain Jack’s Liquor Store. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a selection of beer samples provided by the Jerome Distributing.

Bring along your employees, spouses or loyal customers for a delightful evening networking and enjoying live music by a local musicians.

The evening will begin with a social hour at 6:00pm and dinner served at 7:00pm. There is a limited number of seats available, so secure your spots as soon as possible. Tickets are $30 each and include your three course meal and all your drinks.

RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events, by emailing [email protected] or calling Amanda at 701-223-5660.

pRaiRie fiRe eNtRepReNeuRCONfeReNCe Date: Saturday, October 24, 2015 Location: Bismarck Event Center, Hall A 315 S 5th St, Bismarck Time: 8:30AM - 5:00PM Fees: $50.00 for Students $65.00 for Early Bird Individuals

The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Daymond John of ABC’s Shark Tank will keynote speaker at the Prairie Fire Conference for Entrepreneurs in the Midwest on Saturday, October 24th, 2015 from 8:30am to 4:00pm at the Bismarck Event Center. The 2015 Prairie Fire Conference: Sparking Growth, will be the first regional conference of its kind and is expected to draw hundreds of people from throughout the Midwest. “The Prairie Fire Conference aims to inspire innovation and support the nucleus of budding entrepreneurs within the Bismarck-Mandan community; in North Dakota and across the Midwest region,” said Hullet. We are pleased to partner with others in our community to bring a day of learning and inspiration to our state.”Other speakers scheduled to appear at the conference include:• Governor Jack Dalrymple, Governor of North Dakota




Tickets go on-sale August 3rd at prairiefireconference.com.Early bird tickets for the event are $65 for individuals; $50 for students and a small business package of four tickets for businesses with less than 10 employees for $250.



MeMBeRShip MixeR:uNiteD pRiNtiNg Date: Thursday, September 24, 2015 Location: United Printing 300 South 1st Street Bismarck Time: 5:00PM - 7:00PM Fees: Free to Attend

Save the date for next month’s Membership Mixer at United Printing at their new location on Thursday, September 24th. Also, don’t forget to invite your coworkers along to enjoy some tasty hors d’ouevres, refreshments and a casual evening networking amongst other fellow members. Please RSVP to [email protected] or call Amanda at 701-223-5660.

pRaiRie fiRe eNtRepReNeuRCONfeReNCe Date: Saturday, October 24, 2015 Location: Bismarck Event Center, Hall A 315 S 5th St, Bismarck Time: 8:30AM - 5:00PM Fees: $50.00 for Students $65.00 for Early Bird Individuals

The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Daymond John of ABC’s Shark Tank will keynote speaker at the Prairie Fire Conference for Entrepreneurs in the Midwest on Saturday, October 24th, 2015 from 8:30am to 4:00pm at the Bismarck Event Center. The 2015 Prairie Fire Conference: Sparking Growth, will be the first regional conference of its kind and is expected to draw hundreds of people from throughout the Midwest. “The Prairie Fire Conference aims to inspire innovation and support the nucleus of budding entrepreneurs within the Bismarck-Mandan community; in North Dakota and across the Midwest region,” said Hullet. We are pleased to partner with others in our community to bring a day of learning and inspiration to our state.”Other speakers scheduled to appear at the conference include:• Governor Jack Dalrymple, Governor of North Dakota




Tickets go on-sale August 3rd at prairiefireconference.com.Early bird tickets for the event are $65 for individuals; $50 for students and a small business package of four tickets for businesses with less than 10 employees for $250.

Providing catering & meeting/ banquet space in the Bismarck Mandan area.

Contact our Sales Office for more information!Phone: 701-258-7000Fax: 701-258-2001

1400 E. Interchange Ave. Bismarck, ND 58501

For Reservations Call: 1-800-554-7077

dinner on tHe PLaza Date: Thursday, September 17, 2015 Location: Chamber Patio 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM Fees: $30.00 per person Presenting Sponsor:

September’s dinner will feature customized culinary delights by Ruby Tuesday’s. Also, enjoy our selection of beers to sample from Jerome Distributing and wine provided by Captain Jacks.

RSVP online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events or call Amanda at 701-223-5660 to register.


Community NewsNews ASK-A PRO PERKSspotlight

18 www.accc-cancer.org | May–June 2015 | OI

Bismarck Cancer Center (BCC) is a joint venture between Bismarck’s two medical centers—CHI St. Alexius

Medical Center and Sanford Bismarck Medical Center. BCC is a freestanding facility providing radiation oncology services to a patient population spanning a 250-mile radius that includes most of North Dakota, and parts of South Dakota and Montana. While the facility is situated in the city of Bismarck, this wide catchment area requires BCC to perform “both a rural approach, as well as a more urban approach” to cancer care, according to Ken Dykes, BCC’s executive director.

Outreach and EducationBCC is proactive in its approach to mitigating barriers to care for patients living in more rural areas. “We already have people who

drive a considerable distance to receive treatment here, so we try to reach out to them. We provide housing and transportation assistance, and a host of other wrap-around services to try and make access to care as easy and painless as it can possibly be,” said Dykes. BCC conducts two outreach clinics each month. Two BCC radiation oncologists, along with nursing staff, travel to these clinics located 100 miles from Bismarck.

The cancer center also employs an outreach coordinator who is responsible for community relations and development. “The idea is that cancer affects everybody, so the better job we do letting people know what’s available and where it’s available, the better off everyone will be,” said Dykes. BCC’s outreach efforts focus mainly on education and screening in local communities, as well as making people aware of resources that are available within driving distance of where they live. “Our belief is that if we actually meet, talk to, and establish a relationship with people throughout our service area, then they’ll be more likely to pick up the phone and call us if they have specific needs or questions. Or they can call the [outreach] coordinator to ask her to facilitate resources they might like to have brought into the community,” said Dykes.

Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Since 2007 the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation has helped to ease some of the additional burdens that accompany a cancer diagnosis. For patients traveling to the Bismarck location to receive treatment, BCC offers both travel assistance and lodging

assistance. Through the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, patients can receive gas cards and have access to discounted furnished apartments within walking distance of the cancer center and discounted rooms at nearby hotels. In addition to transportation and lodging assistance, foundation funds support a survivorship program, a massage therapist, dietitian/nutrition counseling, physical therapy, occupational therapy with lymphedema, support groups, and survivorship classes.

“Making sure that we provide not only the best technology and treatments, but also care that meets all other patient needs is why BCC can provide wraparound care,” said Amy Gross, assistant director of operations.

All BCC staff are empowered to be alert to needs that are expressed or manifest (even if they’re not expressed) by patients and families as they come through the cancer center. If staff notes an issue, they can initiate a meeting with the fiscal officer to move forward with setting a patient up with foundation assistance. The foundation raises funds through donations, community events and fundraisers, and local and national grants.

Dykes gives credit to the foundation’s advisory board for the success in securing assistance for patients in need. A group of dedicated volunteers, the advisory board is comprised of “leaders in the community” who generously donate their time and energy to help reduce barriers to care for indigent patients.

Additional patient support is provided via BCC’s REACH (Resources, Educate, Advocacy, Care, Hope) program. The REACH

Bismarck Cancer CenterBismarck, North Dakota

Select Support Services• Support group

• Financial assistance

• Transportation assistance

• Lodging assistance

• Massage therapy

• Spiritual and emotional care

• Nutrition and dietary counseling

• Physical therapy

• Survivorship Care

Number of new analytic cases seen in 2014: 440

Advertisement- Article originally published in May-June 2015 edition of Oncology Issues.



OI | May–June 2015 | www.accc-cancer.org 19

BCC operates a physician hotline which allows doctors to speak directly to a radiation oncologist to get information or seek advice on treatment or side effects. Patients can also easily get their questions or concerns answered; BCC nurses field patient calls that involve the reporting of new symp-toms or questions.

BCC employs two nurses specializing in cancer survivorship. They prepare comprehen-sive survivorship care plans that are provided to patients at the end of their radiation treatment. Survivorship care plans document the treatment patients received, a recom-mended follow-up schedule, short- and long-term side effects of the disease and treatments, what to look for regarding reoccurrence, chronological list of events in their cancer journey, and a list of various support systems within the community. The survivorship plan helps streamline communi-cation for patients as they transition back to their primary care provider, and provides the patient with a concise treatment summary for use by any future treating personnel.

coordinator, a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) meets with patients within the first week of treatment and provides the support services that a social worker would, including helping patients apply to financial assistance programs, educating patients on managing stress, and more. Patients have the option of meeting regularly with the REACH coordinator after this initial consult. The REACH program is funded through the BCC Foundation.

A Robust Service LineBCC offers a full range of radiation oncology treatment modalities and also performs the following special procedures:

• External beam radiation therapy

• 3D-CRT (conformal radiation therapy)

• IMRT

• VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy)

• SRS (stereotactic radiosurgery)

• SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy)

• 4D-IGRT

• Brachytherapy

• Low-dose rate brachytherapy (prostate seed implant)

• High-dose rate brachytherapy (GYN and MammoSite).

BCC radiation oncologists regularly partici-pate in multidisciplinary tumor conferences at area hospitals. In addition, they are actively involved in multidisciplinary breast cancer care conferences at both CHI St. Alexius Medical Center and Sanford Bismarck Medical Center.

Improving Care CoordinationAs a cancer survivor, Dykes understands firsthand how draining the logistics of receiving cancer treatment can be. “Even under the best of circumstances, a cancer patient is often overwhelmed with the level of activity necessary to get to all of the people and places providing care. And all of this must take place at a time when the patient isn’t feeling very well.”

BCC is jointly owned by CHI St. Alexius and Sanford Health and provides radiation oncology services for both hospitals. To ensure smooth care coordination, BCC’s patient navigation program establishes the connection between medical oncology and radiation oncology. BCC nurses handle the patient navigation responsibilities, helping patients and their families to find available resources, treatment services, and support options to best fit their unique needs. The BCC navigation program also schedules treatment and follow-up appointments, including imaging and labs; helps patients and their families understand doctors’ instructions; and answers questions. In addition, the navigation program connects patients with support services for nutrition, physical therapy, massage therapy, emotional counseling, spiritual counseling, and solving practical problems related to treatment, for example, transportation, financial assistance, lodging, wigs and prosthetics, pain management, and exercise. BCC’s nurses work with the doctors and cancer team to make sure patients are aware of services that can help them and ensure no gaps exist between medical and radiation oncology care.

This “Spotlight” is a benefit of ACCC membership. To have your program profiled, email: [email protected].


Community NewsNews ASK-A PRO PERKS

National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of technology solutions to utility and telecommunications organizations worldwide, officially broke ground today for their newest building at the Mandan, N.D. campus. This expansion will accommodate the current and projected growth of the IT cooperative as well as connect all buildings on the campus.

“Breaking ground on a larger facility reflects NISC’s commitment to our growing Membership and to North Dakota. We are very thankful for the community support we have received,” said Jasper Schneider, Vice President of Member Engagement at NISC

The event was attended by many NISC Mandan employees and members of the Bismarck-Mandan community. The Mandan location, one of four NISC campuses in the United States, has been the North Dakota campus of the technology cooperative since 1966 and is home to more than 400 employees. The Mandan facility will expand by 33,000 square feet in an effort to accommodate the demands of a growing organization, offering additional office space, meeting rooms, a dining facility and fitness center.

Due to the continued steady growth of the IT cooperation, NISC expects to add 70 employees over the next five years.

“The expansion of our Mandan campus will allow us to better serve our Membership and create a positive work experience for our employees,” said Dosch.

Photo courtesy of Landscape Structures

NiSC aDDiNg 33,000 SQuaRe feet tO aCCOMMODate CONtiNueD gROwth

4120 Memorial Hwy, Mandan701-663-4023www.openroad-honda.com

The Power To Do More!The Power To Do More!

The Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network is proud to announce the 2015 Top 10 Young Professional Workplaces. The Top 10 Young Professional Workplaces award recognizes local businesses committed to recruiting and retaining talented young professionals. This year’s recipients are:

• Bartlett and West • Sanford Health• Applied Engineering • Aetna• Starion Financial • KLJ• Capital Credit Union • HDR Engineering• Basin Electric Power Coop. • Bismarck State College

Businesses employing young professionals under the age of 40 were measured on criteria related to the active development and execution of strategies advancing employment of young professionals in the community, quality and type of benefits offered to employees and active development and execution of strategies resulting in the inclusion of young professionals in the workplace.

yp NetwORk aNNOuNCeS tOp 10PLaCeS to work



Choice Financial announces that pending regulatory and other approvals, it is acquiring Northland Financial--with locations in Bismarck, Steele and Medina—through an ownership agreement jointly approved by the board of directors of both entities.

Combined, Choice Financial will have $1.15 billion in assets and be positioned as the 6th largest community banking organization (by asset size) in North Dakota. Customers will have access to 19 locations in North Dakota and be served by 250 team members across our great state. The transaction is expected to close sometime in the third quarter. This partnership will bring together two teams with a shared values system – one that demonstrates commitment to customers, communities and each other. Team members are proud to volunteer to make a difference, and are supported in their efforts. Choice gives team members the time and opportunity to be active with their families and communities.

The organization’s emphasis on supporting team members is evident in their quest to be a premier employer in North Dakota. It offers a culture of support where team members are encouraged to work hard, do the right thing and have fun. It’s attractive because of the focus on innovation and technology, with resources such as active engagement in social media, video collaboration and internal chat platforms.

Recently, Choice was named the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo (FMWF) ChamberChoice Finalist in the category of Best Place to Work by the Young Professionals Network. In addition, it has been recognized nationally by SNL Financial as the #1 top-performing community bank (of 784 banks), and ranked #3 best of the best in community banking by the Independent Community Bankers of America (based on asset size).

The entities expect that while they proceed with the required approvals, they will make the transition to one organization as smoothly as possible. During this time, the banking experience for Northland Financial customers and community members will be “business as usual.” Once combined, customers and community members will continue to see the same smiling faces they’ve been accustomed to over the years, and our team members will continue to serve with their same caring style.

North Dakota communities need a strong community banking organization as a partner in a thriving and vibrant future. Both organizations have a solid footing in this region and were born from the agricultural communities that we have served well for many years. That tradition will continue.

Choice Financial’s pledge is that its strength, stability, and caring style of community banking will ensure it creates one of the best independently-owned community banks in our region.

twO gReat COMMuNity BaNkS JOiN tOgetheR

l o c a l f a r m - f r e s h f o o d sf r e s h c u t f l o w e r s

k i d s a c t i v i t i e sl o c a l e a t s

a r e a m u s i c

LocationSertoma Park

Riverside Park Dr., Near Shelter 5Use entrance by Amusement Park

Dates and TimesJuly through the end of the season

Saturdays10:00am - 1:00pm

Tuesdays4:00pm - 7:00pm

Go! to the Market Saturdays

July 11, 2015August 8, 2015

September 12, 2015Local artists & crafters,

healthy community booths,food demonstrations,

imagination playground and MORE!

w w w. b i s m a r k e t . c o m



Wells Fargo Bank helped jump start the Housing Incentive Fund today, presenting a $1 million check to members of the state’s Industrial Commission. HIF relies on taxpayer support to provide low-cost financing to developers of affordable multifamily housing.

“Thank you to Wells Fargo for this generous contribution to help launch the new round of funding for the Housing Incentive Fund,” said members of the North Dakota Industrial Commission in a joint statement. “We truly appreciate the individuals and businesses who have stepped forward to support our efforts to strengthen North Dakota communities and ensure the availability of affordable housing for all.” The Industrial Commission, consisting of Governor Jack Dalrymple as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, the fund administrator.

“With this $1 million contribution, Wells Fargo is thrilled to kick off the Housing Incentive Fund’s capitalization campaign,” said John Giese, regional business banking manager for Wells Fargo in North Dakota.

“Wells Fargo is committed to supporting long-term economic growth and enabling the development of more affordable housing options to improve the quality of life for everyone in North Dakota.” The bank supported HIF with a $1 million contribution during the prior biennium as well.

After accepting the contribution, the commission members announced that 24 developments have been awarded assistance from HIF for the new biennium. The projects, located across the state, will split $34.7 million leveraging $181.5 million in development costs and creating 985 housing units of which 285 are targeted to households that provide essential community services. Approximately one-third of the developments will provide housing for special needs households including disabled, homeless and elderly individuals and families.

“We look forward to hearing from more of our past contributors and encourage new businesses and individuals to support the Housing Incentive Fund so we can move these projects forward,” said Jolene Kline, NDHFA executive director.

NDHFA began accepting contributions into the fund on July 1. In order to be able to honor its financial commitments, the agency must fully capitalize the fund, raising $30 million by Dec. 31, 2016.

In addition to the $30 million in tax credit authority given to NDHFA by the state legislature during the 2015 session, the agency also received $5 million from profits earned by Bank of North Dakota. NDHFA will receive another $5 million from BND contingent upon the bank earning $130 million in profits during calendar year 2015. NDHFA will hold another application round when additional program funding becomes available.

HIF contributions can be targeted to a specific project or designated for general use in a community or region. Individuals and businesses that contribute to HIF receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit.

In anticipation of the state legislature reauthorizing the program, NDHFA solicited applications for development assistance in May. The agency received 33 applications requesting $52 million; the 24 projects selected received conditional commitments from the agency this week.

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Digital Printing | Express Graphics

weLLS farGo Bank JuMP StartS Hif CaPitaLization CaMPaiGn

BaSin eLeCtriC Honored witH internationaL eMPLoyer of tHe year award



“Wells Fargo is committed to supporting long-term economic growth and enabling the development of more affordable housing options to improve the quality of life for everyone in North Dakota.” The bank supported HIF with a $1 million contribution during the prior biennium as well.

After accepting the contribution, the commission members announced that 24 developments have been awarded assistance from HIF for the new biennium. The projects, located across the state, will split $34.7 million leveraging $181.5 million in development costs and creating 985 housing units of which 285 are targeted to households that provide essential community services. Approximately one-third of the developments will provide housing for special needs households including disabled, homeless and elderly individuals and families.

“We look forward to hearing from more of our past contributors and encourage new businesses and individuals to support the Housing Incentive Fund so we can move these projects forward,” said Jolene Kline, NDHFA executive director.

NDHFA began accepting contributions into the fund on July 1. In order to be able to honor its financial commitments, the agency must fully capitalize the fund, raising $30 million by Dec. 31, 2016.

In addition to the $30 million in tax credit authority given to NDHFA by the state legislature during the 2015 session, the agency also received $5 million from profits earned by Bank of North Dakota. NDHFA will receive another $5 million from BND contingent upon the bank earning $130 million in profits during calendar year 2015. NDHFA will hold another application round when additional program funding becomes available.

HIF contributions can be targeted to a specific project or designated for general use in a community or region. Individuals and businesses that contribute to HIF receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit.

In anticipation of the state legislature reauthorizing the program, NDHFA solicited applications for development assistance in May. The agency received 33 applications requesting $52 million; the 24 projects selected received conditional commitments from the agency this week.

weLLS farGo Bank JuMP StartS Hif CaPitaLization CaMPaiGn

Basin Electric was awarded the International Right of Way Association’s (IRWA) 2014 Employer of the Year Award for right of way staffs of 20 or less people at the 61st annual IRWA Education Conference June 15 in San Diego, Calif.

Accepting the award on behalf of Basin Electric’s 10 right of way staff were Mike Murray, Basin Electric property and right of way manager, and Matt Greek, Basin Electric senior vice president of engineering and construction.

Competing for the international honors were companies in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South Africa and Nigeria.

Basin Electric allows time for its employees to volunteer in IRWA leadership roles, Murray says, which provides educational and personal growth opportunities.

“I was pleasantly surprised to be recognized for our hard work and for Basin Electric’s dedication to providing opportunities to staff,” Murray says.

“Our staff gets very good support from Basin Electric in terms of education and leadership development. We have very skilled and knowledgeable employees on our team.”

Murray recently completed a six-year term as an IRWA Region 3 officer. Amy Spilman, Basin Electric senior property and right of way specialist, and Shawna Laber, Basin Electric property and right of way specialist, currently serve as IRWA chapter officers.

BaSin eLeCtriC Honored witH internationaL eMPLoyer of tHe year award

Mike Murray accepts award from Matt Greek.



SHutter PiLotS awaRDeD faa exeMptiON fOR aeriaL iMaGeryNorth Dakota based aerial imaging company, was granted a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exemption to operate drones for the use of aerial imaging and computer animation. Shutter Pilots was founded in 2014 by Bismarck natives Mike Mabin, Ed Sargeant and Alexander Mabin.

Shutter Pilots joins a small field of companies to have received an FAA exemption, as just over 300 had been granted by the FAA upon date of approval. Shutter Pilots’ exemption allows the company to operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 drones at altitudes of 400 ft and below. In addition, the exemption was the first in the nation to outline a mission of using the captured footage to provide 2D and 3D visualization services to support various industries.

“By combining aerial imaging and 2D/3D animation, Shutter Pilots is at the forefront of the industry and is able to provide services that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, stated founder and Managing Partner, Mike Mabin. He continues, “The technology can be utilized in a variety of fields -- from doing flyovers and 3D renderings of real estate developments to capturing historic sites and reconstructing what they might have looked like hundreds of years ago.”

BiS-Man tranSit to CeLeBrate 25tH aNNiveRSaRy

In July, Bis-Man Transit celebrated its 25 years of service to the community, as well as the hard work and dedication of the many people and organizations that helped create the area’s door-to-door service, and help it to flourish in the decades since its inception.

A public event was held July 15 at the Bis-Man Transit Center. The event was followed by a reception for Robin Werre, the system’s Transit Director for the past two and half decades. This past April, Werre announced that she would be retiring in July.

“There are many, many people that owe a huge debt of gratitude to Robin Werre,” said Interim Transit Director Al Wangler, who worked with Werre for more than 23 years. “She completely altered the transit landscape for countless people in the communities of Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln.

“It wasn’t just a situation where we wanted to bring this service to the people who needed it most, and everything lined up and fell into place. We really had to struggle to make it, especially in those first few years, and Robin was right there helping to guide the organization. Transit in this community would be drastically different if not for all the hard work and fundraising she helped put together. And I’m not just talking about applying for, and writing, grants. Once upon a time, she was organizing bake sales, raffles, and other fundraisers to help pay for vehicles. She believed in the mission of this organization, and did what it took to make it succeed.”

LeGaCy HiGH oPen hOuSeThe public is invited to an open house and tours of Legacy High School on Monday, August 24, from 4:30pm - 6:30pm at 3400 Calgary Ave in NE Bismarck.

40 years ago Bismarck Public Schools opened a new high school; Century High School was opened during the 1975-76 school year. Bismarck School Superintendent Tamara Uselman says society, technology, and educational delivery have seen substantial changes over the past four decades. “We want our students to be ‘choice ready’ for post-secondary training or education, for careers/work, and to be good citizens in local, global, and virtual communities. Being choice ready means BPS graduates are educated so well that they have expectations and options.”

Before Legacy was built, students, staff, parents and business officials were invited to a series of meetings to discuss what they wanted in a new, 21st Century high school. Students asked for more natural light, open areas to do group work, windows to see into classrooms, computers, fitness equipment, project-based learning, and more science and fine arts. Staff wanted a large commons area and other spaces for collaboration, large windowed classrooms to showcase curriculum, fine arts and physical education, with administration and counselors placed throughout the building for improved communications and safety. Parents and business leaders talked about the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. They wanted spaces for students to interact in small groups, more fine arts, and college and career exploration and planning opportunities.



BiS-Man tranSit to CeLeBrate 25tH aNNiveRSaRy

In July, Bis-Man Transit celebrated its 25 years of service to the community, as well as the hard work and dedication of the many people and organizations that helped create the area’s door-to-door service, and help it to flourish in the decades since its inception.

A public event was held July 15 at the Bis-Man Transit Center. The event was followed by a reception for Robin Werre, the system’s Transit Director for the past two and half decades. This past April, Werre announced that she would be retiring in July.

“There are many, many people that owe a huge debt of gratitude to Robin Werre,” said Interim Transit Director Al Wangler, who worked with Werre for more than 23 years. “She completely altered the transit landscape for countless people in the communities of Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln.

“It wasn’t just a situation where we wanted to bring this service to the people who needed it most, and everything lined up and fell into place. We really had to struggle to make it, especially in those first few years, and Robin was right there helping to guide the organization. Transit in this community would be drastically different if not for all the hard work and fundraising she helped put together. And I’m not just talking about applying for, and writing, grants. Once upon a time, she was organizing bake sales, raffles, and other fundraisers to help pay for vehicles. She believed in the mission of this organization, and did what it took to make it succeed.”

Werre was part of a six-person group that helped form the Bis-Man Transit Board, a volunteer board that is currently comprised of 11 community members. The board was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1987, following its inception as a committee in 1986.The first rides provided by the door-to-door paratransit service began in 1990, mostly with the fleet from Taxi 9000, the first and only service provider for Bis-Man Transit. The first customers were primarily individuals with disabilities, as a qualification based on the age of the customer was not incorporated immediately. In early 1991, the system began operating as a handful of vehicles, with a cobbled together fleet from other organizations, serving limited hours. Many of those first drivers came to Bis-Man Transit with the vehicles and were able to provide familiarity for clients, even though it was technically a new service.

Werre said a big turning point in the history of the organization came when the cities of Bismarck and Mandan voted to allocate part of the mill levies to the organization.

Following the success of the door-to-door system, the cities gave Bis-Man Transit support in creating and running the fixed-route system.

LeGaCy HiGH oPen hOuSeThe public is invited to an open house and tours of Legacy High School on Monday, August 24, from 4:30pm - 6:30pm at 3400 Calgary Ave in NE Bismarck.

40 years ago Bismarck Public Schools opened a new high school; Century High School was opened during the 1975-76 school year. Bismarck School Superintendent Tamara Uselman says society, technology, and educational delivery have seen substantial changes over the past four decades. “We want our students to be ‘choice ready’ for post-secondary training or education, for careers/work, and to be good citizens in local, global, and virtual communities. Being choice ready means BPS graduates are educated so well that they have expectations and options.”

Before Legacy was built, students, staff, parents and business officials were invited to a series of meetings to discuss what they wanted in a new, 21st Century high school. Students asked for more natural light, open areas to do group work, windows to see into classrooms, computers, fitness equipment, project-based learning, and more science and fine arts. Staff wanted a large commons area and other spaces for collaboration, large windowed classrooms to showcase curriculum, fine arts and physical education, with administration and counselors placed throughout the building for improved communications and safety. Parents and business leaders talked about the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. They wanted spaces for students to interact in small groups, more fine arts, and college and career exploration and planning opportunities.



The Valley City-based 231st Brigade Support Battalion (231st BSB) now will have a new home to provide maintenance support for its inventory of combat and tactical vehicles. North Dakota National Guard leaders along with elected officials today broke ground for a new vehicle maintenance shop and unheated enclosed vehicle storage facility to support unit maintenance operations and training. The $12 million project is expected to be complete by July 2017.

Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley, Sen. John Hoeven, Valley City Mayor Bob Werkhoven, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, and other community leaders pitched the first mounds of dirt using ceremonial shovels at the site of the new buildings, signifying the official start of the project’s construction.

“The addition of this new vehicle maintenance shop will enhance the North Dakota National Guard’s ability to provide more effective, efficient, and responsive maintenance for larger equipment,” Wrigley said.

“I’m proud of the collaboration that took place between local, state, and federal agencies to make this facility a reality.”

As a result of force structure changes in 2008, the 231st BSB — which supports two engineer detachments — added Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks with Palletized Load Systems and accompanying oversized equipment to its inventory. The current maintenance shop, which is located in an area near the Valley City Airport, was not suitable for expansion to house this equipment. Built in 1960, the building has only 3,230 square feet of floor space to for the unit’s 175 vehicles, while the 231st BSBs new buildings will encompass more than 45,000 square feet.

“The men and women of North Dakota’s National Guard are dedicated to service and keeping us safe,” Hoeven said. “When disaster strikes or the nation calls, we count on them to be there for us, so we need to give them the tools they need to do their job. This new maintenance shop will be a big help to them.”

“With the construction of these new facilities, our Soldiers will receive much-needed space for maintenance operations and training, allowing them to complete their missions effectively and safety,” Sprynczynatyk said.

The facilities are designed for a minimum 50-year life span and include the latest technology in energy efficiencies in accordance with the Department of Defense’s Unified Facilities Code.

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iNteRState eNg. CeRtifieD fOR Cured-in-PLaCe PiPe inStaLLation iNSpeCtiONSixteen Interstate Engineering employees are certified for cured-in-place pipe installation inspection. The training, administered by the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO), brought engineers and construction observers together for an intensive two-day training to strengthen their knowledge of the cured-in-place pipeline renewal technology.

The Inspector Training and Certification Program (ITCP) for cured-in-place pipe installation is the first of a number of pipeline renewal technology programs being developed by NASSCO. The ITCP course covers specific areas of expertise that are needed to ensure a cured in place project is built correctly and meets the requirements of the contract documents.

“Given the advancements in the cured-in- place technology, we see this as a long term solution,” explained Lonni Fleck, Vice-President and Principal Engineer with Interstate Engineering. “Compared to traditional open cut methods and other trenchless methods, cured-in-place technology can provide a more economical and less disruptive solution. Having our staff certified provides clients with further assurances that the work being performed accurately and to specifications. This translates into a more sustainable product.”

Cured-in-place pipe technology was developed in England in the 1970s. With successes abroad, this technology was brought to the United States in the mid-1970s. Liner and resin technology have improved over the years, providing more cost effective installation that is less risky for the construction industry. Furthermore, industry education and contractor familiarization have improved to provide 50-plus year solutions to renew old deteriorated and leaking pipelines. Though cure-in-place pipe technology was initially used to rehabilitate sanitary sewer systems, the technology has been expanded to include almost any pipeline that needs to be renewed. Interstate Engineering will continue to stay educated on new developments including water main rehabilitation.

“I’m proud of the collaboration that took place between local, state, and federal agencies to make this facility a reality.”

As a result of force structure changes in 2008, the 231st BSB — which supports two engineer detachments — added Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks with Palletized Load Systems and accompanying oversized equipment to its inventory. The current maintenance shop, which is located in an area near the Valley City Airport, was not suitable for expansion to house this equipment. Built in 1960, the building has only 3,230 square feet of floor space to for the unit’s 175 vehicles, while the 231st BSBs new buildings will encompass more than 45,000 square feet.

“The men and women of North Dakota’s National Guard are dedicated to service and keeping us safe,” Hoeven said. “When disaster strikes or the nation calls, we count on them to be there for us, so we need to give them the tools they need to do their job. This new maintenance shop will be a big help to them.”

“With the construction of these new facilities, our Soldiers will receive much-needed space for maintenance operations and training, allowing them to complete their missions effectively and safety,” Sprynczynatyk said.

The facilities are designed for a minimum 50-year life span and include the latest technology in energy efficiencies in accordance with the Department of Defense’s Unified Facilities Code.

CONStRuCtiON tO BegiN ON N.D. guaRD MaintenanCe faCiLity in vaLLey City

BiSMaRCk, ND aMONg the tOp 10 u.S. CitieS fOR MOveRSHomeInsurance.com, a consumer-centric insurance marketplace, recently conducted a study to find the top cities for movers in the United States - and Bismarck, ND ranked sixth.

To find the top cities, analysts at HomeInsurance.com looked at 51 cities with the greatest percentage population growth from 2010 to 2014. Analysts then factored in average home values, combined household income, average home insurance premiums and average renters premiums for each of the cities.

Bismarck ranked sixth on the list for having some of the lowest average renters insurance premiums of all the cities examined by HomeInsurance.com analysts. Bismarck also boasted a high average for combined household income. Overall, five North Dakota cities made the top 25 list, more than any other state.



The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF) announced today that as of July 6, attendance at the 2015 Medora Musical is up 17.3 percent, with over 31,000 people already having seen this year’s rendition of the “Greatest Show in the West!” Producers of the Medora Musical projected an aggressive 10 percent growth in attendance over 2014 – which had a 9 percent growth of its own over the previous season. Even those projections are being surpassed currently, during this year’s 50th Anniversary Season. Producers of the show expect 115,000 people to enjoy this year’s Medora Musical. Justin Fisk, Marketing and Communications Director for TRMF, commented, “The 2014 Medora Musical attendance numbers ranked among the top-five years of all time. But what is most exciting, especially for folks like Sheila Schafer who have been involved since the beginning in 1965, is that we are currently on pace to set an all-time attendance record for the Medora Musical this year. Fisk continued, “These attendance numbers are a testament to how good the Medora Musical is this year. The whole cast is extremely talented; the way the show explores the first 50 years of the Medora Musical while incorporating fan-favorite-scenes like the ‘charge up San Juan Hill’ and the ‘Ghost Ride’ has been a hit; and the variety acts we have, with the Chicago Boyz returning to standing ovations so far this season, are really showing

CenturyLink announCeS LoCaL SCHoLarSHiP ReCipieNtCenturyLink, Inc. recently awarded Amethyst Wirkkala, daughter of CenturyLink service delivery coordinator Mandy Bertch, a 2015 CenturyLink Employees’ Children Scholarship. The scholarship, open to any high school senior who will be attending an accredited college or university and with at least one parent employed by CenturyLink, is worth $1,000 per year and is renewable for up to three additional years if the student continues to meet certain criteria.

CenturyLink received nearly 700 applications from across the U.S. and Canada, and from those applications, 80 scholarships were awarded.

“For more than 20 years, we have been pleased to award educational scholarships to CenturyLink employees’ children,” said Terry Vanwatermulen, CenturyLink’s area operations manager for North Dakota. “We recognize that there are financial challenges in attending college today and value the importance of education in helping create the next generation of leaders and business men and women.”

Medora MuSiCaL attendanCe uP 17 PerCent over 2014

Make the fiRSt Day MeMoraBLeThe Chamber and BEPC Task Forces encourage employers to make the first day of school memorable for their staff and students. The “First Day of School Holiday” is an effort by the task forces to prompt businesses to consider flexibility on the first day of school to promote educational excitement and increase awareness and safety as students head back into the classrooms and parents get back to the school year routine.

The “First day of School Holiday” suggests the following points to make this school year a success:• Some schools host back-to-school open houses

for parents before school starts. Please consider allowing your employees to attend these.

• On the first day of school, all employers are encouraged to give parents time off from work so they can go to school with their children. In most cases, that’s about a half hour employer time contribution. Most schools start at 8:30 am, so employees should be back to work by then. If giving a half hour isn’t feasible, consider offering flex time-perhaps a shorter lunch hour that day.

• Now is a good time to talk about flexible leave policies if you have them and to get input from staff about what kind of policy they’d like to see, if one is not already in place.

“We hope you’ll consider this family-school-business partnership idea and share your decision with your employees,” said Sally Paulson, Chamber staff liaison. “Together, we can make the first day of school a special event for children and their parents.”



The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF) announced today that as of July 6, attendance at the 2015 Medora Musical is up 17.3 percent, with over 31,000 people already having seen this year’s rendition of the “Greatest Show in the West!” Producers of the Medora Musical projected an aggressive 10 percent growth in attendance over 2014 – which had a 9 percent growth of its own over the previous season. Even those projections are being surpassed currently, during this year’s 50th Anniversary Season. Producers of the show expect 115,000 people to enjoy this year’s Medora Musical. Justin Fisk, Marketing and Communications Director for TRMF, commented, “The 2014 Medora Musical attendance numbers ranked among the top-five years of all time. But what is most exciting, especially for folks like Sheila Schafer who have been involved since the beginning in 1965, is that we are currently on pace to set an all-time attendance record for the Medora Musical this year. Fisk continued, “These attendance numbers are a testament to how good the Medora Musical is this year. The whole cast is extremely talented; the way the show explores the first 50 years of the Medora Musical while incorporating fan-favorite-scenes like the ‘charge up San Juan Hill’ and the ‘Ghost Ride’ has been a hit; and the variety acts we have, with the Chicago Boyz returning to standing ovations so far this season, are really showing

that people love the show this year – and nobody wants to miss our landmark season.” Additionally, golf rounds played at Medora’s Bully Pulpit Golf Course are over 23 percent ahead of 2014, the number of people enjoying trail rides at the Medora Riding Stables is up, and attendance at the popular “TR Salute to Medora” presented by nationally-known Theodore Roosevelt repriser, Joe Weigand, are up as well. Attendance is expected to continue its rise as North Dakota moves into its peak summer tourist season. The 2015 Medora Musical shows through September 12, every night at 7:30pm. MDT. For more information, visit medora.com.

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Medora MuSiCaL attendanCe uP 17 PerCent over 2014

Photo credit: Paul Tharalson



RuNNiNgS SuppORtS 4-H By donatinG 5-GaLLon BuCketSRunnings, a family-owned retailer of general merchandise and strong supporter of youth organizations, announced today the company is donating 14,428 5-gallon buckets to 4-H clubs across six states.

The buckets, dyed in signature 4-H green, will be given to youth preparing to participate in county fairs across Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Montana, New York and New Hampshire. The county fair season typically starts in June and runs through the end of August. Nutrena, Weaver Leather, Farnam and Vitalix are co-sponsoring the bucket program now in its second year. Last year, Runnings donated approximately 7,000 buckets.

“Runnings is a proud supporter of youth organizations like 4-H,” said Dennis Reed, Runnings owner. “Growth and development of our young people is vital to our future. The more that we as community partners can positively support them, the better.” 4-H actively involves more than 6 million youth across the country.

Starion finanCiaL NaMeD tO tOp 10 yp workPLaCeSStarion Financial was presented with a Top 10 Young Professional Workplaces award by the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network.

The award, presented annually since 2007, recognizes local businesses committed to recruiting and retaining talented young professionals. Nominees are judged on criteria related to the active development and execution of strategies advancing employment of young professionals, quality and type of benefits and active development and execution of strategies resulting in the inclusion of young professionals in the workplace.

In Bismarck-Mandan, Starion has 80 employees – more than half of its workforce – between the ages of 21 and 39, the age group considered young professional.

“Recruiting and retaining young professionals is vital to a business’s success,” said Lee Weisbeck, Starion Financial Mandan market president. “One thing that really sets Starion apart as an employer is our commitment to career planning. When we are in our 20s, not all us know what we want to be when we ‘grow up’ but Starion tries to help provide opportunities for career growth.”

Weisbeck adds, “The mission and vision of YP and Starion align perfectly in both organizations’ commitment to serving the community. We are proud to be affiliated with an organization that truly wants to make a difference in Bismarck-Mandan and help our neighbors.”

Mallory Westby, a personal banker at Starion’s downtown Bismarck location, nominated the company for the award. “To me, keeping employees engaged and informed is the best way to recruit and retain young professionals and Starion Financial excels at that.”

YP Ambassadors present Starion Financial with Top 10 Award.



Bismarck Public Schools will facilitate vendors to work with preschool programs with funds allocated in Senate Bill 2151 but BPS will not run a preschool program. The $3 million in grants authorized by the Legislature to help families send their children to preschool act somewhat like a voucher says BPS Superintendent Tamara Uselman. “The grant money approved by the Legislature under the early childhood education bill will subsidize the cost of preschool tuition for low-income families. My job is to call a meeting of local early childhood education providers. Those who are interested will form a coalition whose decisions will come to the School Board. While the Board can give input, it’s up to the coalition to make final decisions on how the preschool funds will be disbursed.” The subsidies must go to parents whose children are involved in preschool programs that charge tuition. The money cannot go toward families whose kids attend no cost programs like Head Start or others housed under Bismarck Early Childhood Education Program (BECEP).

PreSCHooL info fROM BiSMaRCk PuBLiC SCHooLS

Starion finanCiaL NaMeD tO tOp 10 yp workPLaCeS

ND tOuRiSM OffeRS gRaNt fOR New tOuRiSM iNfRaStRuCtuRe deveLoPMentNorth Dakota Tourism is offering grants to develop new tourism attractions that can bring more visitors to North Dakota. This program is made possible by a one-time $750,000 appropriation from the 2015 North Dakota legislative session. Applications must be received at North Dakota Tourism by Thursday, October 1, 2015. The 2016 Tourism Infrastructure Grant Program’s purpose is to fund new tourism operations capable of attracting visitors from outside of North Dakota for at least one overnight stay. Funds can be used for building new visitor attractions, major expansions, offering a new experience or supporting services for visitors. Funds cannot be used for marketing or ongoing operating expenses. “This grant program is an investment in North Dakota’s tourism infrastructure that will not only increase the legendary experiences we offer our visitors, but will ultimately create new wealth by attracting more visitors who will stay longer and spend more of their money here,” said Sara Otte Coleman, director of North Dakota Tourism.

Elements that make a project a strong candidate for consideration:

• Projects that clearly demonstrate their role as a tourism and recreation attraction in their community and region, as well as the benefits the project will provide through maintaining or expanding this visitor attraction.

• All project funding is in place and grant funding will complete a project rather than provide “seed money” to start a project.

• The demand for the tourism-related project is clearly demonstrated through research and analysis.

• All infrastructure needs are important and each application is judged on its own merit. Projects that offer unique or in-demand experiences and have the ability to attract and retain out-of-state visitors will score higher.

The grant-eligible portion of the project must be completed by June 1, 2017. Under certain circumstances, a project may be funded if the construction has begun, a final construction schedule has been approved, and all construction projects are signed.


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

Ask A Pro

Q: What is prostate brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer?

a: Brachytherapy (also known as ‘seed implantation’) is a method of treating prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland. Using ultrasound image guidance, radioactive seeds are placed into the prostate via needles inserted through the perineum (skin just behind the scrotum). Brachytherapy has increased in popularity over recent years due to its effectiveness and relative convenience.Prostate brachytherapy is an alternative to traditional external beam radiation or surgery for men who have early stage prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread outside the prostate gland.) Seed implantation is also an attractive option for men whose age or other health conditions preclude radical prostatectomy, or who may be unable to undergo eight weeks of daily treatments for external beam radiation therapy.Brachytherapy will be done by a team of physicians including a radiation oncologist, urologist, medical physicist (physicist who specializes in the use of radioactive materials for medical purposes), and anesthesiologist.

500 N 8th St, Bismarck, ND 58501 • 701-222-6100

withDr. russoat

Q: hoW can i minimize the signs of aging of my hanDs anD nails?

a: Only second to the area around the eyes, hands and nails can quickly show the signs of aging. Hands are constantly exposed to the sun, water and chemicals, and the skin on the backs of the hands is finer and thinner. Be diligent about moisturizing and use your anti-aging facial products on the backs of the hands to keep them looking youthful.I interviewed Katie Stenson, nail specialist at Escape on 3rd Salon, and she said the signs of aging nails were brittleness, slower growth, lengthwise ridges, splitting and breaking.She recommended using a nail strengthener (her favorite brand is Nail Envy) applied daily for a whole week. Then, she said, take a day off and repeat to harden nails and prevent brittleness.She recommended a gel manicure every two weeks to prevent nail splitting. Also, the daily use of solar oil is best to keep the cuticle bed and the nail moisturized, promoting growth and healthy nails. Be sure when using any type of chemical to wear gloves. Doing so will immensely slow down the aging of the hands and nails.Concerning toenails, the signs of aging are discolor of the nail and thickness. Katie recommended monthly pedicures to make toenails manageable.

424 South 3rd Street #3, Bismarck, ND 58504701-258-7895

withKristalgrinolDsat

3300 Chisholm Trail, Bismarck, ND 58503701-220-1821

withchaDmolDenhauerat

Q: is it a gooD time to buy a neW home or sell my existing home?

a: I am often asked this question with oil settling at around $40 per barrel and North Dakota slipping slightly from the national media attention. The economic boom in our state has been tied closely to the increase of oil exploration. However, with the state government, two regional medical centers and major employers such as Aetna, MDU, University of Mary, Basin Electric and Bobcat our housing market in Bismarck and Mandan is based on much more than oil prices and continues to hold strong.According to the Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors, 451 single family homes have been sold in Bismarck and Mandan this year versus 468 last year at this time. The average selling price of the homes are up seven percent and the average time on the market is 66 days in Bismarck and 75 days in Mandan, which is quicker than last year. The market has also been strong for new construction with new permit levels staying on par with last year. Generally the housing market is most active in the spring months of April and May before buyers start engaging in summer activities and the late fall months of September and October when buyers are eager to move before the cold winter months. Nonetheless, I typically advice clients that the sooner they can expose their home to potential buyers, the better. Even during non-peak months we have buyers moving due to family changes or who are relocating to the area.



Ask A Pro

Q: hoW is excess noise DefineD anD hanDleD in the WorKplace?

a: Noise is an unwanted sound that is too loud, too intense, unexpected, unwanted or a combination of any these things. The workplace is too loud if you must raise your voice to be heard, can’t hear someone three feet away or have ringing in your ears after exposure to the noise.A common misconception is that employees get “used to” noise in the workplace. The reality is they are gradually losing their hearing. OSHA requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program (HCP) if the employee’s noise exposure is 85 decibels (dBA) or higher.

What are the employer’s responsibilities for noise exposure?• Monitor the HCP and keep record of

noise surveys and audiometric tests• Audiometric test with annual follow-ups• Provide hearing protection devices and

training on their use

What are the employee’s responsibilities for noise exposure?• Insert ear plugs properly for needed

protection• Keep hearing protection clean to

prevent ear infections• Know the symptoms of hearing loss and

report it to a supervisor or safety office.

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

witholasunKanmialabiat

Q: is it time for electronic time anD attenDance recorDs?

a: In fiscal year 2013, the Wage and Hour Division recovered nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in back wages for workers whose employers improperly denied them pay they had earned. In addition, the Presidents’s FY 14 budget included $3.4 million for increased enforcement of the Fair Labor Standards Act. NRG Technology has been selling and implementing KRONOS time and attendance systems for the past two years. KRONOS is the largest and most recognized work time keeping system in the country. Here are a few questions you need to answer:• Do you have accurate, up-to–date

employee data, including historical information?

• Are your exempt and nonexempt employees classified correctly?

• How are you handling unapproved overtime practices? Are you paying earned overtime correctly?

• Are you tracking meal and rest breaks in accordance with regulations?

• When is work performed “off the clock?” Are people staying late or coming in early and not recording time?

It is nearly impossible to pay employees correctly 100 percent of the time with manual pay systems. To reduce risk, companies need to automate, to the extent possible, all policies for timekeeping, scheduling, tracking overtime and other employee time and pay information.

1661 Capitol Way, Suite 102, Bismarck, 58501701-250-9400

withsteve Kelschat

Q: hoW safe are over-the-counter cough anD colD proDucts in chilDren?

a: When used appropriately, the ingredients found in OTC cough/cold preparations are generally safe in most older children. You may notice that there are no products for cough/cold symptoms indicated for children under two years old. In recent years, the removal of cough/cold products in children under two years old has resulted in a reduction of emergency room visits for this age by half. In fact, using these products in kids under four years old offers minimal benefits and may have risks. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for fever or pain; fluids, nasal saline sprays, or a humidifier for congestion; and possibly honey at bedtime for cough in children older than 12 months of age. Many of the over-the-counter preparations are multi symptom remedies with ingredients that your child may not necessarily need. It’s important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing any OTC cough/cold products for your child.

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

withpatbrunelleat

withchaDmolDenhauerat


COMMUNITY NEWS ASK-A-PRO PERKSPERKSChaplain Receives Board Certification Rev. Heather K. Baggett,

who has served as a chaplain at CHI St. Alexius Health since December of 2013, recently became certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains.

As a chaplain, Baggett is responsible for caring to the

spiritual and emotional needs of patients, visitors and staff in the women’s and children’s units and Transitional Care Unit (TCU). Prior to joining CHI St. Alexius Health, Baggett was a PRN Chaplain I at Baylor All Saints Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas. She is ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church.

Three Become Professional Engineers Three Interstate Engineering team members have recently earned their Professional Engineering Licenses. James Dahlman, PE, a Civil Engineer with Interstate Engineering, recently earned his Professional Engineer License in the State of North Dakota. Dahlman has been with Interstate Engineering full time since 2005. Based out of our Wahpeton, North Dakota office, he has worked on a variety of projects with a municipal and infrastructure focus. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Adam Smith, PE, a Civil Engineer based out of Interstate Engineering’s Sidney, Montana office, recently earned his Professional Engineering License in the State of Montana. Smith, a team member of Interstate Engineering since 2009, holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He specializes in municipal design, land development, site design, construction administration, design drafting and technical data collection. Ben Aaseth, PE, a Civil Engineer based in the Jamestown, North Dakota office of Interstate Engineering, earned his Professional Engineering License. Ben has been an asset to the Interstate Engineering team since joining in 2012. As a member of the team, Ben focuses on county and municipal projects. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Jones Joins Kirkwood Bank & Trust Board of Directors

The staff and current board of Kirkwood Bank & Trust are pleased to welcome Heather Jones as a new board member. Jones, the leader of the largest Woman Owned Mechanical

Construction Company in the state of ND, is President of City Air Mechanical, Inc. Jones, a Minot native, has earned Bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business from Moorhead State University. Community service activities are her passion, along with being a champion for women in business.

Werle Hired to Head BPS Library Systems

Misti Werle has been named the new Library Media Systems Innovator for the school district. She has a Master of Library and Information Technologies degree from Florida State. She’s been the Library Media

Specialist at Solheim Elementary School for three years and was a teacher at Saxvik Elementary School for eight years before that. She also taught in Alaska for five years. Werle has helped train Bismarck Public School teachers in project based learning and she served as a school-level teaching and technology specialist. She will start her new duties overseeing the district library staff on July 1.

Fink Named Housing Development Officer Joe Fink was recently hired by

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) as a housing development officer. As part of the agency’s planning and housing development division, Fink will primarily be responsible for the administration of the

Housing Incentive Fund, a program that supports the development of affordable multi-family housing units for essential service workers, main street employees and fixed-income households. Prior to coming to NDHFA, Fink was employed with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage as a home mortgage consultant.

Aafedt and Buckingham Join DFC Consultants DFC Consultants has hired Scott Aafedt as a Business Solutions Consultant and Jason Buckingham as an Applications Consultant. Aafedt has a degree in Digital Design and Animation from Rasmussen College and previously worked as a Senior Technical Lead at VMC Consulting. Buckingham holds a BS in Business Technical Management and Accounting from DeVry University and has

15 years of experience in accounting and Microsoft Dynamics GP. He was most recently a Senior Solution Specialist with Encore Business Solutions.

Oberlander Earns Award Kevin Oberlander, R.Ph and owner of Dakota Pharmacy, is the 2015 recipient of the “Bowl of Hygeia Award” given by the North Dakota Pharmacy Association in conjunction with their annual convention held April 24-26, 2015.

LeBeau Named Senior Executive Vice President Michael LeBeau, MD, Sanford

internal medicine, has been named Senior Executive Vice President for the Bismarck region of Sanford Health. In his new role, Dr. LeBeau will work with Sanford leaders to keep Sanford Clinic on the forefront of innovation and quality.

He will also serve as a strong advocate and provide valuable insight for physicians in the Bismarck region. Dr. LeBeau will continue to see patients at the Sanford Seventh & Thayer Clinic on a part-time basis. He has been with Sanford for six years.

Ihmels Becomes Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition Amanda Ihmels, Licensed Registered Dietitian with the Bismarck Cancer Center, recently became a board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO). As a CSO, Amanda has the expertise to provide sound nutrition advice and guidance to patients undergoing treatment, as survivors, and also in prevention of cancer. In addition, she is up to date with current treatment regimens, medications and side effects.

Network Center, Inc. Hires Sanders Technology solution provider Network Center, Inc. announces the addition of Help Desk Technician Tyler Sanders. Tyler graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Natural

Resources Management-Biotics. Prior to Network Center, Inc., Tyler was in the US Army, worked for L-3 Communications as a Satellite Communications Field Technician, and was a full-time student.

Scott Aafedt

CHAMBER Perks

Jason Buckingham

Kevin Oberlander

Michael LeBeau, MD

Tyler Sanders

Misti Werle

Joe Fink



Starion Financial Promotes, Hires in Mandan Starion Financial has

promoted three employees and hired two, all at the Mandan branch. Ian Carlson has been promoted to operations specialist. In this role, he provides support for business bankers and customers with deposit products, cash management tools and quality control functions. Since joining Starion Financial in July 2005 as a part-time teller, Carlson has held a variety of positions including teller, lead teller, customer service representative, phone banker and operations support specialist. Monika Kitzan has been promoted to proof operator II. In this position, she is responsible for accurate and timely balancing of all transactions, item sorting and statement preparation, and cash letter processing. Kitzan joined Starion Financial in 2006 as a proof operator I. Ashley Schmitt has been promoted to mortgage operations specialist II. Prior to joining the Starion mortgage team in 2013, she had several years of experience with title and escrow processing. Schmitt attended the University of Mary. Terri Hooker joined Starion Financial as a mortgage operations specialist II. Hooker earned a bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D., and has more than eight years of experience in banking and sales. Tosha Steinwand has joined

Starion as a mortgage operations specialist II. She brings more than eight years of experience in the mortgage servicing/title industry. As mortgage operations specialists II, Schmitt, Hooker and Steinwand process mortgage loan applications, verifications, credit reports and appraisals. In addition, they prepare mortgage files for underwriting, analyze credit documentation and inform lenders of underwriting decisions and conditions.

Credit Collections Bureau Announcements Credit Collections Bureau is proud to announce that Miesha Martinez has been named collector of the month and Adrian Jacobs has been named employee of the month for May 2015.

Dakota Eye Institute Hires Karvo and DeGroot

Dakota Eye Institute recently hired Jessi Karvo to join its eye care team as an ophthalmic technician and Molly DeGroot as a receptionist.

Karvo performs initial screenings and preliminary eye function testing for patients prior to seeing the doctor. Karvo is from Bismarck, N.D. She graduated from University of Mary with a Bachelor’s degree in University Studies. She has previously worked at Coffee Break in Bismarck.

DeGroot will check in patients, verify information and make future appointments. DeGroot is a native of Jacksonville, Illinois where she attended Lincoln Land Community College and Western Illinois University.

Miller Earns Administrator of the Year Missouri Slope Lutheran Care

Center is proud to announce Carlotta Miller, as the recipient of both the North Dakota Nursing Administrator of the Year Award and the Long Term Care Northwest Region Nurse Administrator of the Year Award, both from the National

Association Directors of Nursing Administration (NADONA).

Krikava and Ternes New at North Dakota Long Term Care Association

Peggy Krikava has joined the staff of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association in Bismarck. Peggy is the new Education Assistant. In this position Peggy will assist with training events, the annual convention and will be the website administrator. Prior to joining the Association, Peggy was the Web Project Coordinator with Sanford Health.

Carol Ternes has joined the staff of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association in Bismarck. Carol is the new Executive Assistant and will be responsible for office operation and assist with member services. Prior to joining the Association, Carol was the Branch Administrator with AVI Systems, Inc.

Chaplain Receives Board Certification Rev. Heather K. Baggett,

who has served as a chaplain at CHI St. Alexius Health since December of 2013, recently became certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains.

As a chaplain, Baggett is responsible for caring to the

spiritual and emotional needs of patients, visitors and staff in the women’s and children’s units and Transitional Care Unit (TCU). Prior to joining CHI St. Alexius Health, Baggett was a PRN Chaplain I at Baylor All Saints Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas. She is ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church.

Three Become Professional Engineers Three Interstate Engineering team members have recently earned their Professional Engineering Licenses. James Dahlman, PE, a Civil Engineer with Interstate Engineering, recently earned his Professional Engineer License in the State of North Dakota. Dahlman has been with Interstate Engineering full time since 2005. Based out of our Wahpeton, North Dakota office, he has worked on a variety of projects with a municipal and infrastructure focus. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Adam Smith, PE, a Civil Engineer based out of Interstate Engineering’s Sidney, Montana office, recently earned his Professional Engineering License in the State of Montana. Smith, a team member of Interstate Engineering since 2009, holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He specializes in municipal design, land development, site design, construction administration, design drafting and technical data collection. Ben Aaseth, PE, a Civil Engineer based in the Jamestown, North Dakota office of Interstate Engineering, earned his Professional Engineering License. Ben has been an asset to the Interstate Engineering team since joining in 2012. As a member of the team, Ben focuses on county and municipal projects. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Jones Joins Kirkwood Bank & Trust Board of Directors

The staff and current board of Kirkwood Bank & Trust are pleased to welcome Heather Jones as a new board member. Jones, the leader of the largest Woman Owned Mechanical

Construction Company in the state of ND, is President of City Air Mechanical, Inc. Jones, a Minot native, has earned Bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business from Moorhead State University. Community service activities are her passion, along with being a champion for women in business.

Rev. Heather Baggett

Heather Jones

Jessi Karvo

Molly DeGroot

Carlotta Miller

Peggy Krikava

Carol Ternes

Ian Carlson

Monika Kitzan

Ashley Schmitt

Terri Hooker

Tosha Steinwand


COMMUNITY NEWS ASK-A-PRO PERKSPERKSPetersen and Feist New at Widmer Roel

David Petersen has joined the accounting department and Jeremy Feist has joined the audit and tax department of Widmer Roel, a public accounting and business advisory firm with offices in Bismarck, Fargo and Hazen.

Petersen as a staff accountant provides audit and accounting services. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Dickinson State University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Mary.

Feist as an audit and tax associate will provide audit, tax and accounting services out of the Hazen office. He has a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University.

Farm Credit Services Of Mandan Election Results Two positions for directors were filled at the Farm Credit Services of Mandan, ACA annual meetings. Sectional meetings were held as part of Farm Credit Services’ Customer Dinner Meeting and Director Elections on June 10 in Dickinson and June 11 in Mandan. Cary Moch, Braddock, was re-elected and Clair Hauge, Carson, was elected to the board. Dallas Bakken, Napoleon, Pamela Hoff, Flasher, Derrick Dukart, Manning, and Jeremy Huether, Mott, were elected to the nominating committee. Leonard Gerhardt, Flasher, Arthur Bonogofsky, Flasher, Jodi Schriefer, Golden Valley, and Joshua Greff, Regent, were reelected to the nominating committee for a one-year successive term. Following the last sectional meeting, the board met and elected Cary Moch to serve as the board chairman for Farm Credit Services of Mandan, ACA. Kent Albers, Center was elected vice chairman.

Braun Intertec Welcomes Loel Fetting Braun Intertec is proud to

announce the hire of Senior Engineer and Associate Principal, Loel Fetting. Fetting brings more than 25 years of geotechnical and client relationship experience. His previous roles included managing a variety of projects

in a three state region as well as drilling, field and laboratory technicians. Prior to joining Braun Intertec, Fetting was a department manager at Terracon Consulting, geotechnical engineer at Midwest Testing Laboratory, and project engineer at Twin City Testing Corporation. Loel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from North Dakota State University, Fargo.

Starion Financial Adds to Management Committee, Announces Promotions Starion Financial has

announced promotions and added a member to its management committee.

Marc Rasmussen, credit administration, vice president, has joined Starion’s management committee. This committee coaches and leads team members, strategically plans for the future and shapes the direction and priorities of the organization. Rasmussen joined the bank in 2013 and is located at the Mandan branch. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Dakota and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School and the Mortgage Bankers Association School of Mortgage Banking.

Cody Schoonover has been promoted to investment advisor and is located at the bank’s North Washington location. Schoonover joined Starion in

2012 as a teller in Fargo, moving to Bismarck in 2013 after accepting the position of junior investment advisor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from University of Mary and is in his seventh year in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Doug Zinke has been promoted to business banking officer, vice president, and is located at the Starion’s downtown Bismarck branch. He has been in banking and financial services for nearly a decade and began his career with Starion Financial in 2011 as a business banking officer. Zinke was promoted to business banking officer, assistant vice president, in 2014. Zinke earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA from the University of Mary.

Doran Named Dean of Offutt School of Business Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., has appointed Dr. K. Brewer Doran as dean of the Offutt School of Business. Her 30 years of higher education experience includes serving as dean of the Bertolon School of Business at Salem State University in Salem, Mass., since 2005. Doran earned her bachelor’s degree in art history and anthropology from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire; an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia; and a Ph.D. from McGill University in Montreal. Her doctoral work focused on cross-cultural marketing, including a study of Chinese and North American consumers.

Wamboldt Hired as New Principal Alivia Wamboldt has accepted the position as the new principal for Jeannette Myhre Elementary School. She will replace Tyler Hanson, who resigned after six years of being a principal at Centennial and

now Myhre. He is taking a position as Superintendent of Schools in Edgeley, North Dakota. Wamboldt will start her duties at Myhre on August 1st. She attended University of Mary and has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is completing a Masters of Education in Elementary Administration. Wamboldt has 15 years of teaching experience. She has most recently been an instructional coach at Liberty Elementary School. Before that, she was an elementary teacher at Will-Moore and Martin Luther in Bismarck, and at Roberts School in Montana.

Ellingson Joins Missouri River Pages Maria Ellingson was hired

as a Digital Marketing Coordinator for Social Media and Text Marketing at Missouri River Pages, An Arvig® Company. Ellingson earned her Communications Studies Degree from Luther College in IA and is Google AdWords

Certified. She previously managed the marketing and communications services for a health company located in the Chicago area where she specialized in Social Media Marketing.

Rector Hired as New Executive Director of Central Dakota Children’s Choir The board of directors of Central Dakota Children’s Choir is pleased to announce that Tamara Rector, currently the Director of Program Management & Development, will be stepping into the position of Executive Director effective July 1, 2015. She has worked in the CDCC office since September of 2007. Her previous duties included maintaining financial records, ensuring nonprofit compliance, development and serving as project manager.

Bianco Realty Sales Awards Bianco Realty has named Judy Maslowski and Shirley Thomas “REALTORS® of the Month”. Maslowski and Thomas had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty for the month of June 2015. Maslowski has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2007 and Thomas has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2001.

Jackson Joins Convention Visitors Bureau

The Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau recently hired Kris Jackson as a Destination Sales Specialist. Jackson has extensive sales experience and most recently owned/managed a Curves in Mandan. Jackson works with meeting and event planners,

matching their needs with the facilities and services available in Bismarck-Mandan. Jackson’s primary market segments include: associations, ethnic groups, oil & gas, corporate, events, and the sports/leisure market.

Three Staff Join the Bismarck Eide Bailly Office

Eide Bailly LLP, a regional certified public accounting and business advisory firm, has hired Shaina Merkel, Shantel Helmer and Nicole Wald to join their Bismarck office.

Merkel serves as a Financial Institution Compliance Associate and is a graduate of Rasmusen College and Bismarck State College in Bismarck, North Dakota. She has an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and an Associates in Arts.

Helmer serves as an Accounting Services Associate and is a graduate of Mayville State University. She has a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Accounting with a specialization in banking and finance. Wald serves as an Accounting

Services Senior Associate and is a graduate of Minot State University. She has a B.S. in Accounting.

Director of Spiritual Care Presents at National Conference Preston VanLoon, director of

spiritual care at Sanford Health, presented at the Association of Professional Chaplains Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 6. He presented on “The Effects of an Interpersonal Forgiveness Intervention on the Personal

and Professional Lives of Clergy and Chaplains: An Experimental Research Study.” VanLoon has also been appointed by the Association of Professional Chaplains to serve as the Continuing Education Chair for North and South Dakota.

Kris Jackson

Shaina Merkel

Shantel Helmer

Nicole Wald

Preston VanLoon

Alivia Wamboldt

Maria Ellingson

Marc Rasmussen

Cody Schoonover

Doug Zinke



Consolidated Construction Announces New Staff Additions Consolidated Construction Co. Inc., a full-service design/build firm, announces new staff additions in its Bismarck office: Deanne Willows has joined Consolidated Construction as Project Assistant and Receptionist. Willows has over 23 years of local experience in the communications field. She earned her degree in Communications with a minor in Business Administration at the University of Mary. Huston Brashears joins Consolidated Construction as a new Assistant Superintendent. He has prior experience in commercial and residential construction as well as superintendent experience. In his position he will be working on-site at large-scale projects, working with the Superintendent to manage safety, quality, and construction logistics.

Honeyman and Knoell Join Capital Credit Union

Stephanie Honeyman and Marcy Knoell recently joined Capital Credit Union in Bismarck. Honeyman will serve as the Vice President of Retail Lending while Knoell will be a mortgage loan officer.

In her role, Honeyman will oversee consumer lending and mortgage lending for all of the Capital Credit Union branches.

Honeyman, originally from Bowman, N.D., has more than 27 years of extensive financial industry experience and has

held the position of Vice President of Retail Lending in both of her previous positions with other financial institutions. She received her bachelor’s degree in university studies from Dickinson State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Western Governors University in Salt lake City, Utah. She is an active volunteer with the Bismarck Salvation Army and serves at the treasurer for Rebuilding Together, a local organization dedicated to helping low income homeowners. In her role, Knoell will underwrite and originate mortgage loans to assist members through the home buying process. She will serve the Beulah, Hazen and New Salem Capital Credit Union branches. Knoell, originally from Bismarck, N.D., has more than 14 years of experience working with home mortgages. She is a graduate of Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND and has completed numerous financial training courses such as the Federal Housing Administration direct endorsement underwriting and appraisal course. She is an active volunteer with the Hazen Figure Skating Club, Bison Boosters and Relay for Life.

Collections Bureau Promotion Credit Collections Bureau’s Amber Nelson has been promoted to Collection Associate.

BNC Hires Ulmer and Feist BNC National Bank has

expanded its Banking staff. Jason Ulmer recently joined BNC as a Senior Credit Analyst. Ulmer has worked in the financial industry for over 10 years, including experience in commercial banking and credit administration. His undergraduate degree in finance is from Concordia College, in Moorhead, Minnesota and he completed his Executive MBA from the University of Mary. Janelle Feist is BNC’s newest Personal Banking Officer (NMLS#688237). Feist

graduated from South Dakota State University in Economics with an emphasis in Business. She has worked over 10 years in the banking field with experience in lending as well as deposits.

Kontos Hired as Director of Hospital Based Physician Administration

CHI St. Alexius Health recently announced Susy Kontos was hired as the director of hospital based physician administration for the organization. Throughout

her career, Suzy has held various administrative and director positions in the medical arena, including serving as CHI St. Alexius Health’s director of the specialty clinics. In her role as director of hospital based physician administration, Suzy will work with physician and provider practices groups in a collaborative effort to meet the needs of the patients, physicians, providers, other associates of the organization. Suzy earned a double major in business administration and accounting from University of Mary.

Bianco Realty Associates of the Month

Bianco Realty has named Shirley Thomas and Darcy Fettig Associates of the Month! Thomas and Fettig had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty for the month of May 2015. Thomas has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2001 and Fettig has been a licensed REALTOR® since 1993.

a

Petersen and Feist New at Widmer Roel

David Petersen has joined the accounting department and Jeremy Feist has joined the audit and tax department of Widmer Roel, a public accounting and business advisory firm with offices in Bismarck, Fargo and Hazen.

Petersen as a staff accountant provides audit and accounting services. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Dickinson State University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Mary.

Feist as an audit and tax associate will provide audit, tax and accounting services out of the Hazen office. He has a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University.

Farm Credit Services Of Mandan Election Results Two positions for directors were filled at the Farm Credit Services of Mandan, ACA annual meetings. Sectional meetings were held as part of Farm Credit Services’ Customer Dinner Meeting and Director Elections on June 10 in Dickinson and June 11 in Mandan. Cary Moch, Braddock, was re-elected and Clair Hauge, Carson, was elected to the board. Dallas Bakken, Napoleon, Pamela Hoff, Flasher, Derrick Dukart, Manning, and Jeremy Huether, Mott, were elected to the nominating committee. Leonard Gerhardt, Flasher, Arthur Bonogofsky, Flasher, Jodi Schriefer, Golden Valley, and Joshua Greff, Regent, were reelected to the nominating committee for a one-year successive term. Following the last sectional meeting, the board met and elected Cary Moch to serve as the board chairman for Farm Credit Services of Mandan, ACA. Kent Albers, Center was elected vice chairman.

Braun Intertec Welcomes Loel Fetting Braun Intertec is proud to

announce the hire of Senior Engineer and Associate Principal, Loel Fetting. Fetting brings more than 25 years of geotechnical and client relationship experience. His previous roles included managing a variety of projects

in a three state region as well as drilling, field and laboratory technicians. Prior to joining Braun Intertec, Fetting was a department manager at Terracon Consulting, geotechnical engineer at Midwest Testing Laboratory, and project engineer at Twin City Testing Corporation. Loel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from North Dakota State University, Fargo.

Starion Financial Adds to Management Committee, Announces Promotions Starion Financial has

announced promotions and added a member to its management committee.

Marc Rasmussen, credit administration, vice president, has joined Starion’s management committee. This committee coaches and leads team members, strategically plans for the future and shapes the direction and priorities of the organization. Rasmussen joined the bank in 2013 and is located at the Mandan branch. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Dakota and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School and the Mortgage Bankers Association School of Mortgage Banking.

Cody Schoonover has been promoted to investment advisor and is located at the bank’s North Washington location. Schoonover joined Starion in

2012 as a teller in Fargo, moving to Bismarck in 2013 after accepting the position of junior investment advisor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from University of Mary and is in his seventh year in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Doug Zinke has been promoted to business banking officer, vice president, and is located at the Starion’s downtown Bismarck branch. He has been in banking and financial services for nearly a decade and began his career with Starion Financial in 2011 as a business banking officer. Zinke was promoted to business banking officer, assistant vice president, in 2014. Zinke earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA from the University of Mary.

Doran Named Dean of Offutt School of Business Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., has appointed Dr. K. Brewer Doran as dean of the Offutt School of Business. Her 30 years of higher education experience includes serving as dean of the Bertolon School of Business at Salem State University in Salem, Mass., since 2005. Doran earned her bachelor’s degree in art history and anthropology from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire; an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia; and a Ph.D. from McGill University in Montreal. Her doctoral work focused on cross-cultural marketing, including a study of Chinese and North American consumers.

David Petersen

Jeremy Feist

Jason Ulmer

Janelle Feist

Loel Fetting

Susy Kontos

Shirley Thomas

Darcy Fettig

Stephanie Honeyman

Marcy Knoell


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

Michael Schwieters, owner, in his new location at 2010 46th Avenue S.E., Suite A in Mandan. Phone: 701-751-1115.

CITY SCAPES

In their new location at 406 West Main, Suite 105 in Mandan. Phone: 701-258-4933. Member.

ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATION OF MN-ND

Steven & Melanie Pierson in their new business located at 218 West Front in Bismarck. Phone: 701-751-7575. Member.

NUTRISHOP

New owners Crystal Neumann and Jason Schmidt located at 2021 East Main in Bismarck. Phone: 701-223-7422. Member.

OAKTREE REALTORS

A ground breaking held for their new project with participation between Sanford, Mandan Parks, and the YMCA.

Located at 2600-46th Avenue S.E. In Mandan.

RAGING RIvERS WELLNESS CENTERJoette Knapp, Raychel Chumley, and Mandy Anderson in their new business located in the Idea Center at 2720 East Broadway

in Bismarck. Phone: 701-250-2198. Member.

BIG BLUE COUCH COACHING, LLC

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!



Joette Knapp, Raychel Chumley, and Mandy Anderson in their new business located in the Idea Center at 2720 East Broadway

in Bismarck. Phone: 701-250-2198. Member.

Lauren Meiers in her new business located in the Idea Center at 2720 East Broadway in Bismarck. Phone: 701-390-2716. Member.

FAT CAT MARKETINGChris Schneider & Bob Kupper in their new location located at 1100 57th Ave NW, Bismarck. Phone: 701-258-1944. Member.

BISMARCK MOTOR COMPANY - HONDA

Chris Schneider & Bob Kupper in their new location located at 1026 57th Ave NW, Bismarck. Phone: 888-486-0588

BISMARCK MOTOR COMPANY - NISSANChris Schneider & Bob Kupper in their new location located at 914 57th Ave NW, Bismarck. Phone: 701-203-4400. Member.

BISMARCK MOTOR COMPANY - vOLKSWAGEN

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

Want to add staff and stay Affordable Care Act compliant?

Dakota Staffing Services offers an affordable Health Care plan to our employees that meets eligible requirements.

For more information, please call us at 701-751-STAF

1310 E. BOULEVARD AVE., STE 6 • BISMARCK, ND 58501701-751-STAF (7823) • WWW.DAKOTASTAFFINGSOLUTIONS.COM

WE CAN HELP!

LO CA L LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D W I T H OV E R 6 0 Y E A R S O F CO M B I N E D STA F F I N G E X P E R I E N C E .

Staffing know how frompeople you know...


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.

face it tOgetheR BismarckBismarck, NDDavid Whitesock605-271-9044Face IT TOGETHER Bismarck-Mandan is working to solve the disease of addiction. We’re dedicated to saving lives and reducing the tremendous social, human and economic costs of this chronic disease.

Copper Ridge Design & Builders1102 South Washington St. Suite 100Bismarck, NDTerry Bunk(701) 426-7342Copper Ridge Design and Builders, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience in the residential home-building industry.

great plains insulation1102 South Washington St. Suite 100Bismarck, NDLandon Bunk(701) 516-7252Bismarck’s local blown in fiberglass insulation experts.

Sundance apartments320 W. LaSalle Dr.Bismarck, NDCheryl Graner(866) 927-3844Spacious 1, 2, & 3 bedroom luxury apartments. Homes are well appointed with granite countertops and vanities, in-home washer/dryer and custom kitchens with USB charging ports.

Securitas Security uSa, inc.919 South 7th Street Suite #207Bismarck, NDRory Schuh(701) 258-5596Provide onsite Security Services with highly trained guards. Also can provide security solutions via Technology as well.

Dynamic Cabinet Design1840 Revere Dr.Bismarck, NDMary Maier(701) 751-2945Cabinet design and countertops.

Mommies 2B1929 N. Washington Suite XBismarck, NDErin Magelky(701) 751-7273Mommies 2B carries stylish and quality clothing for Every Body. The clothing is designed to be worn before, during and after pregnancy. We carry workout shorts, pants, and tank tops.

off the wall advertising4909 Harbor Trail SE Mandan, NDJeannie Critelli(701) 530-0149Off The Wall Advertising provides a cost effective way to reach your target consumers, every day every time of the year.

aLLtite inc.1910 50th Street W Suite BWilliston, NDPat Toomey(701) 609-6292Torque tools. Rentals, sales, calibration and service.

Lotus nail Bar & Spa 1401 Skyline Blvd. Suite CBismarck, NDBill Campbell(701) 751-2823Salon specializing in manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, permanent make-up, eyelash extensions, eyelash perms and body wraps.

Welcome new members

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See our work at midco.com/business

Focused. Like me.Midcontinent Business Solutions™ Ad Sales.

1.800.888.1300 | midco.com/business

TV Production • Ad Sales

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.

Dynamic Cabinet Design1840 Revere Dr.Bismarck, NDMary Maier(701) 751-2945Cabinet design and countertops.

Mommies 2B1929 N. Washington Suite XBismarck, NDErin Magelky(701) 751-7273Mommies 2B carries stylish and quality clothing for Every Body. The clothing is designed to be worn before, during and after pregnancy. We carry workout shorts, pants, and tank tops.

off the wall advertising4909 Harbor Trail SE Mandan, NDJeannie Critelli(701) 530-0149Off The Wall Advertising provides a cost effective way to reach your target consumers, every day every time of the year.

aLLtite inc.1910 50th Street W Suite BWilliston, NDPat Toomey(701) 609-6292Torque tools. Rentals, sales, calibration and service.

Lotus nail Bar & Spa 1401 Skyline Blvd. Suite CBismarck, NDBill Campbell(701) 751-2823Salon specializing in manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, permanent make-up, eyelash extensions, eyelash perms and body wraps.

“As a caterer, my focus is food. So when it comes to finding new customers,

word of mouth works fine. Advertising on Midcontinent cable works wonders.

My Midcontinent Business Solutions™ rep learned about my clients. Then she

placed my commercial on big-time networks that people like my customers

are watching. I look like a major player, next to national advertisers, on some

of the biggest shows. And business has never been better. Like I said, my focus

is food, so when I want to talk to new customers, I talk to Midcontinent.”

See our work at midco.com/business

Focused. Like me.Midcontinent Business Solutions™ Ad Sales.

1.800.888.1300 | midco.com/business

TV Production • Ad Sales

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

Strong leadership is a powerful thing. At Marco, we have a reputation

for passionate employees, happy customers and community giving

because our leadership empowers us to be the best. So when Ernst

& Young named CEO Jeff Gau 2015’s Entrepreneur of the Year in the

Upper Midwest, we weren’t surprised. Under his leadership, we empower

thousands of businesses to work smarter, dream bigger and take

technology further. Learn more at marconet.com/mpowering.

high performance

Jeff Gau CEOMarco, Inc.

marconet.com #mpowering

taking technology further

FRIDAYS AT THE CHAMBERDate: 8/14/2015 • Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Location: Chamber Patio - 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

CELEBRATE BISMARCK-MANDAN: MAKE YOUR MARKDate: 8/6/2015 • Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Location: Ramkota Hotel - 800 South 3rd Street, Bismarck

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: NORTHERN LIGHTS LASIKDate: 8/20/2015 • Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Location: Northern Lights LASIK - 4501 Coleman St. Ste #102

CHAMBER SPORTING CLAYS SHOOTOUTDate: 8/21/2015 • Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Location: Capital City Sporting Clays - 12951 71st Ave NE, Bismarck

DINNER ON THE PLAZADate: 8/27/2015 • Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Location: Chamber Patio - 1640 Burnt Boat Drive, Bismarck

MEMBERSHIP MIXER: UNITED PRINTINGDate: 9/24/2015 • Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Location: United Printing - 300 South 1st Street Bismarck

Upcoming Chamber Events

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