SUMMER 2015 CHAMBER NEWSLETTER
The Connection
Calendar of Events
Aug 4 Chamber Board Mtg Aug 4 National Night Out Aug 26 Community Impressions Meeting Sept 1 Chamber Board Mtg Sept 12 JunkFest & Junk N Java Sept 19 City Wide Yard Sales Sept 21 CVB Board Meeting
Chamber
Board
Kerry Anderson
Dennis Swanson
Katie Florhaug
Nicole Threadgold
Kristin Cabler
Jeff Welk
Wendy Bahm
The board meets the first
Tuesday of each month.
Community Impressions Program
Bowman ND and Carrington ND were chosen to partici-
pate in a pilot program called Community Impressions. This program has been initiated by NDSU Extension and
the Tourism Department of ND.
The program began by having each community gather a team of community leaders together and go through an
orientation. After that, each communities’ team did an
anonymous visit to each other’s community.
The purpose of the program is ba-
sically to have a team evaluate your community based on their
first impression during their brief
stay. This information can be used by the community for future
planning in many areas.
Our team consisted of: Denise Schuchard (Economic Develop-
ment), Casey Murphy (college
student), Dr. Vern Anderson (retiree), Stacey Rzsasutak (CVB
board member), Joel Lemer (NDSU Extension & also school
board) and Laur ie Dietz (Chamber).
We invite YOU to come out and hear what Bowman has learned
about Carrington! Join us on
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 AT NOON AT THE PIZZA RANCH to hear Bowman’s report
on their visit to Carrington. The no host luncheon is
open to the public. Feel free to call the Chamber office or City Hall for further info.
PAGE 2 THE CONNECTION
Scenes from our Independence Day Parade
Chamber Golf Day
It was a beautiful day for the 28th Annual
Farmer—Merchant Golf Day on June 9.
Many people enjoyed the Open Golf in the
afternoon followed by a chicken dinner
served by Chamber volunteers.
Fourteen teams competed in the evening
best ball scramble. Prizes were awarded
to 3rd place, 5th place and 7th place
teams.
Bingo for the non-golfers was held in the
clubhouse where Chamber Chairman, Ker-
ry Anderson did the bingo calling.
Thank you to our many Chamber members
who continue to support this annual event!
It was a warm and windy day for the an-
nual Independence Day Parade spon-
sored by the Carrington Area Chamber of
Commerce. The theme this year was
Star Spangled Salute. Many entries trav-
elled down Main Street including decorat-
ed trailers, golf carts, classic and vintage
cars, pick ups, emergency units and
horses. Judges awarded Best Decorated
honors to HiWay Drive Inn, Carol
Rosenau’s 1957 Chevy golf cart (first
time entry) took Best Vehicle and Best
Use of Theme category winner was Faith
Baptist Church. Honorable Mention was
given to Wholesale Ag’s entry. Carring-
ton Cash prizes were awarded to the win-
ners.
PAGE 3 THE CONNECTION
Ambassador visits
Chamber Ambassadors recently
recognized Golden Acres
Manor’s 50 Year Celebration.
Pictured L to R are: Owners
John & Pat Rodgers, Bev Brat-
lee, Administrator Mitch Page,
long time employee Carol Metz-
ger and Char Christianson.
Chamber Ambassadors Holly
Utke, Denise Schuchard, Nicole
Threadgold, Ron Wenaas, Dr.
Angella Schaefer, Stacey
Rzaszutak and Tiffany Paulson.
Members of the Carrington Area Chamber Ambassador Committee visited Garr
Dental Center at their new location during their Open House on June 1st. Now
located at 740 4th Ave S, Dr. Garr offers dentistry services for the whole family in
their new state of the art facility. Dr. Garr and his employees (four full time and
one part time) gave tours and offered a wonderful array of appetizers during the
Open House.
Chamber Ambassadors and the Garr family pictured left to right are: Denise
Schuchard, Tiffany Paulson, Nikki Mertz, Stacey Rzsazutak, Sofia Garr, Sonali
Garr, Dr. Ben Garr, Sam Garr, Bella Garr, Katie Florhaug, Laurie Dietz, Brianne
Partlow and Randy Hooey.
PAGE 4 THE CONNECTION
Fall City Wide Yard Sales
Welcome Bags for New Residents
The Chamber puts together the Welcome bags for new residents in our community.
If you have something from your business that you would like to contribute—please
contact the Chamber office. You are invited to submit coupons, pens, little freebies,
business cards, brochures or whatever you would like—to promote your business.
Don’t miss this chance to get the word out about what you have to offer!
SATURDAY, SEPT 19 ~ 8 AM TO 4 PM
CALL THE CHAMBER OFFICE TO LIST YOUR
SITE ~ 652-2524 ~ IT’S JUST $5.00
DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, SEPT 9 @ NOON
PRINTED SALE SITE LISTINGS WILL BE
AVAILABLE AT CASEY’S AND CENEX C-
STORE.
Ambassador visits
It was a bright sunny day for the ribbon
cutting held on June 22 at Northern
Plains Electric Cooperative to cele-
brate the new Solar Research Project.
This is a joint venture of the Northern
Plains Electric and Dakota Valley Electric
Cooperatives.
To find out more about this
innovative research, visit:
http://nplains.coopwebbuilder2.com/content/solar.
Pictured are: NPEC co-manager Darrin Sand, Chamber Ambassadors Randy Hooey,
Dr. Kathy Hendrickson, Nikki Mertz, Bill Davis of USDA, NPEC directors Tracy Boe
and Richard Schlosser, Chamber Ambassadors Dr. Vern Anderson, Brianne Goplen
and Dr. Angella Schaefer.
PAGE 5 THE CONNECTION
CHAMBER BOARD MEETING APRIL 14, 2015 - 12:00 NOON
PIZZA RANCH
ATTENDING: Kerry Anderson, Katie Florhaug & Avery, Jeff Welk, Wendy Bahm, Nicole Threadgold,
Denise Schuchard and Laurie Dietz.
ABSENT: Kristin Cabler, Dennis Swanson.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kerry Anderson. Welcome little Avery (new daughter of
Katie & Ross Flohaug)!
Nicole moved to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2015 meeting as written. Seconded by Jeff, motion
carried.
Financial report was presented. Katie moved to approve the report, seconded by Nicole. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Committee reports: Ambassadors – We have a list to get going on. Pageant - Nothing new to report.
Birding Drives Dakota – Festival meeting on Thursday. Registrations continue to come in. Healthy Com-
munities - I submitted the monthly report for March for the SPF-SIG grant. New idea: Kid Experience
(helps kids and resources connect). Welcome Wagon – Always looking for new residents. Carrington En-
dowment – Applications are in and the committee will meet on April 28. Brochures distributed to Cham-
ber board. Critical Access Hospital Committee – Met on March 26. Heard reports from various depts.,
Spring Fling coming up – tickets available. Staff changes. Nicole reported today that the CHC Spring
Fling was a good success. CDC – JDA – CVB – CDC last met on Feb 13. CVB last meeting was March
16 – see minutes of meeting attached. JDA- Denise reported on the meeting held last Tuesday: working on
attracting Shopko to Carrington; looks hopeful.
- Website update: Laurie brought an iPad so the board could view new website and offer input. It was
suggested to put our ‘Employee of the Month’ nomination form on the website. Our hosting will now be
through NDTC as DCT is no longer offering web hosting services.
-Annual Meeting recap: Seemed to go well. We had 85 attendees. Discussion on having an outside
speaker or reporting on local items of interest in the future.
-Main St Beautification Committee: Laurie reported that Dennis has proposed that we consider imple-
menting this project in 2016 to give us more time to organize sponsors, a watering system etc. The goal
would be to place flower baskets along Main Street and 281.
-Fort Seward Wagon Train: Not much new to report. A spaghetti supper will be served (pasta donated
from the DGPC and garlic toast from Pizza Ranch). We’ll promote the Wagon Train’s visit to our com-
munity.
-Building repairs update: Laurie has contacted a Chamber member contractor to take on the project this
summer. If he doesn’t get back to us – we’ll try another.
NEW BUSINESS
-Spring City Wide Yard Sales: Will be held on May 16. We have some sign ups already. The ad has been
in the paper and we are promoting it on our Facebook page.
Employee of the Month: The new nomination forms are being utilized. It was decided to add to the nomi-
nation form: Nominations will be accepted from patrons or customers only.
CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
Board meeting minutes
PAGE 6 CHAMBER NEWSLETTER
Board meeting minutes continued
CHAMBER BOARD MEETING MAY 15, 2015 - 12:00 NOON
THE GARDEN GATE
ATTENDING: Kerry Anderson, Katie Florhaug & Avery, Wendy Bahm, Nicole Threadgold, and Laurie
Dietz.
ABSENT: Kristin Cabler, Dennis Swanson, and Jeff Welk.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kerry Anderson. Katie moved to approve the minutes of
the April 14, 2015 meeting as written. Seconded by Wendy, motion carried.
Financial report was presented. Nicole moved to approve the report, seconded by Katie. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Committee reports: Ambassadors – Laurie outlined upcoming visits: Garr Dental Center, Carrington
Inn & Suites, Central Distributing, and Prairie Inn etc. Pageant - Nothing new to report.
Birding Drives Dakota – We have about 47 registrations in. Plans are coming along. Healthy Communi-
ties - Met yesterday. Work on SPF-SIG grant continues. Possible offering of soccer this summer.
Welcome Wagon – New residents – Laurie will work on getting some bags ready. Carrington Endow-
ment – Committee met on April 28. Each application received some funding. Critical Access Hospital
Committee – Met on April 23. Heard reports from various depts., Spring Fling went well. Nicole report-
ed today that Dr. Page is staying, the Health Center has a lot of activities planned for next week which is
EMS Week. CDC – JDA – CVB – CDC last met on Feb 13. CVB last meeting was April 27 – see
minutes of meeting attached. JDA- No report.
- Website update: The new website is up and running. Adobe Contribute software has been purchased
so we can do updates.
-Main St Beautification Committee: No report. Plans for next summer.
-Fort Seward Wagon Train: Not much new to report. A spaghetti supper will be served (pasta donated
from the DGPC and garlic toast from Pizza Ranch). We’ll promote the Wagon Train’s visit to our com-
munity. CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
CHAMBER BOARD MEETING APRIL 14, 2015 - 12:00 NOON
PIZZA RANCH
Community Impression Pilot Program: Laurie brought some info on this program that we have been
asked to participate in by ND Tourism and NDSU Extension Service.
Fireworks Fundraising: After looking over the calendar and also discussing ideas for fundraising,
we’ll have a burger and brat grill out at Super Valu on Thursday, May 21.
Golf Day: The June 9 date has been reserved at the Golf Course. Laurie will send letters out to busi-
nesses for sponsors in early May. Discussion on promoting it as a ‘family golf day’.
Parade Theme: The board looked through some ideas for themes. Nicole moved to choose ‘Star
Spangled Salute’. Seconded by Jeff, motion carried. Laurie will work on getting the word out.
Other: Chamber Scholarship applications were reviewed and scored. Kerry will present our first
$500.00 scholarship to Sabrina Wolfe on May 5 at Honors Night at CHS.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: Katie moved to approve and pay all bills presented. Seconded by Jeff motion
carried.
NEXT MEETING DATE: May 5 at the Garden Gate. Meeting adjourned.
PAGE 7 CHAMBER NEWSLETTER
Board meeting minutes continued
-Building repairs update: Nothing new to report at this time.
-Spring City Wide Yard Sales: May 16. Over 50 sale sites are registered. Listings will be available at
Cenex C-store, Junk N Java and Casey’s as well as online.
-Community Impression Pilot Program: Laurie reported that the team has been organized and has
had orientation. Heading out to Bowman on May 18-19. Their team will come to Carrington in a few
weeks.
-Fireworks Fundraising: Super Valu on Thursday, May 21. Sign up sheet for working was passed
around. Discussion on grills.
-Golf Day: The June 9 date has been reserved at the Golf Course. Laurie sent letters out to business-
es for sponsors this week. Discussion on food, bingo etc. Bessette’s will sponsor the Hole In One
contest again. Kerry and Wendy offered to help that day.
-Independence Day Parade: Laurie had an article in the Independent regarding the fireworks fund-
raising and also the theme of the parade. Letter to city council and council approved the parade re-
quest. Discussion on flag carriers.
NEW BUSINESS
-Youth Track Meet: Laurie will contact Jennifer Sundby and Mary Wendel to see if they will co-chair
again. Possibly find a date in July.
-Wine & Beer Taste: We’ll look for a date in October and begin planning.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: Nicole moved to approve and pay all bills presented. Seconded by Katie,
motion carried.
NEXT MEETING DATE: June 2 at Prairie Inn. Meeting adjourned.
CHAMBER BOARD MEETING JUNE 2, 2015 - 12:00 NOON
PRAIRIE INN
ATTENDING: Dennis Swanson, Katie Florhaug, Wendy Bahm, Jeff Welk, Nicole Threadgold, Denise
Schuchard and Laurie Dietz.
ABSENT: Kristin Cabler and Kerry Anderson
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Dennis Swanson. Katie moved to approve the
minutes of the May 15, 2015 meeting as written. Seconded by Wendy, motion carried.
Financial report was presented. Nicole moved to approve the report, seconded by Wendy. Motion car-
ried.
OLD BUSINESS
Committee reports: Ambassadors – Laurie outlined upcoming visits: Garr Dental Center, Carrington
Inn & Suites, Central Distributing, and Prairie Inn etc. Pageant – ND State Pageant in Williston coming
up.
Birding Drives Dakota – We have over 50 registrations in for June 10-14 festival. Healthy Communities -
Work on SPF-SIG grant continues. Beginner soccer offered this summer. Starting to implement the Kid
Experience program. Welcome Wagon – Laurie will work on getting some bags ready. Carrington En-
dowment – Checks are in. Looking to hold a photo session & present checks soon. Critical Access Hospi-
tal Committee – Met on May 28. This committee is disbanding. Last meeting will be in June. Heard re-
ports from various depts., everyone is excited that Dr. Page is staying in Carrington.
Carrington Cash
Puzzled over what to buy for that birthday,
anniversary or thank you gift? How about
CARRINGTON CASH? Available at the
Chamber office—it’s great for gift giving for
that hard to buy for person! We have two
denominations—fives and twenties.
PAGE 8 CHAMBER NEWSLETTER
Board meeting minutes continued
.CDC – JDA – CVB – CDC last met on Feb 13. CVB met on May 27 – see minutes of meeting at-
tached. JDA- Denise reported that the West side housing development is moving right along. Discus-
sion on need for apartment rentals in Carrington. Things are looking positive for Shopko to come to
Carrington.
- Website update: The new website is up and running. Adobe Contribute software has been purchased
so we can do updates.
-Main St Beautification Committee: Planning for next summer.
-Fort Seward Wagon Train: We’ll promote the Wagon Train’s visit to our community.
-Building repairs update: Laurie has had P.A.C.K. Construction take a look at the buildings. She has
shared some photos regarding their ideas for the front of the building to update. We’ll get a quote.
-Spring City Wide Yard Sales: May 16. There were over 50 sale sites. The community was bustling.
-Community Impression Pilot Program: Laurie reported that the team visited Bowman on May 18-19.
The Bowman team is visiting this week. Laurie & Denise will work on the report out for Bowman and
will present to them on June 15. Other team members are welcome to go to Bowman as well.
-Fireworks Fundraising: We raised $1,545.00 at the Burger & Brat stand. We have received an addi-
tional $100.00 donation. Total in the account is $2,845.00. Discussion on fireworks.
-Golf Day: The June 9 date has been reserved at the Golf Course. A sign up sheet for helping with the
Golf Day was passed around. Discussion on Golf Day activities.
-Independence Day Parade: The theme this year is Star Spangled Salute. We’ll do Carrington Cash
prizes again. Laurie has been promoting the parade.
Youth Track Meet: No date has been set. Laurie has asked Jennifer Sundby if she is willing to help
again.
Wine-Beer Taste: Due to time constraints, we’ll discuss this next month.
NEW BUSINESS
-JunkFest Brochure: Laurie will work on this again this year if there is an interest in it.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: Nicole moved to approve and pay all bills presented. Seconded by Wendy,
motion carried.
NEXT MEETING DATE: July 7 at Chieftain. Meeting adjourned.
871 Main Street
Carrington, ND 58421
Phone: 701-652-2524
E-mail:
www.cgtn-nd.com
Carrington Area Chamber of Commerce
Like Us!
Looking ahead —
Here are some dates to jot down on your calendar:
Aug 4 National Night Out
Aug 25 First Day of School
Aug 26 Community Impressions Program Luncheon
Sept 12 Junk Fest
Sept 12 Junk N Java Fall Sale
Sept 12 Central City Auto Auction Public Auction & Classic Car Show
Sept 19 Fall City Wide Yard Sales
Oct 27 Annual Red, White & Brew Wine & Beer Taste event
Nov 7 Annual Craft & Gift Extravaganza