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November 2016

THE

Official Publication of The Chamber - GF/EGF

In This Issue: Chamber News....pgs 2-3 Membership Renewals......pg 4 Farmers’ Appreciation Banquet...... pg 5 Ribbon Cuttings.... pg 7 Photos & more Photos... pgs 8-9 Business Briefs... pg 10-12 New Members... pg 13 EGGstravaganza... pg 14 November Brown Bag....pg 15 State of the Base.....pg 16

Northland Community and Technical College State of the College

Officers

Chair: John Oncken True North Equipment Chair-Elect: Matt Walkowiak Ground Round Past Chair: Kristi Magnuson Nelson Hugo’s/Hugo’s Wine & Spirits Secretary: Ron Galstad Galstad, Jensen, McCann PA Jason Heintz - Scheels Cheryl Swanson - Alerus Center Barry Wilfahrt - The Chamber GF/EGF

Directors

Paula Anderson - Sterling Carpet One Josh Brown - Thompson Insurance Dan Dahl - Dahl Funeral Home Tom DiLorenzo - UND Kellee Fisk - Altru Pete Haga - City of Grand Forks Brady Hansen Verizon Wireless, BeMobile, Inc. Kenny Holweger - Kenny’s Music Brian Huschle - Northland College Curt Kreun - Independant Consultant Pat McLean - Independant Consultant Bob Moore - River Cinema Tom Rosendahl - Dakota Supply Group Scott Telle - Ad Monkeys Klaus Thiessen - GF Regional EDC Laurie Tweten - Coldwell Banker

Chamber

News

Legendary Coach Bud Grant 2017 Annual Meeting Speaker Legendary Minnesota Vikings Head Coach, Bud Grant will be the speaker at the Chamber’s Annual meeting on Thursday, January 26th at the Alerus Center. Those who have seen him talk about his motivational and entertaining style. Watch for an email in November with specific details and to make reservations.

Vote YES for Growth The Chamber Board encourages Grand Forks Voters to Vote Yes on the City Sales Tax Initiative. It will provide a stable funding source for roads and water project for decades to come. These are the type of projects that benefit every citizen and business. Click here to see the informative video on how the proposed City Sales Tax will be used.

Sr. Military Advisory to the Board Colonel Rodney Lewis - GFAFB

Staff

Barry Wilfahrt President/CEO [email protected] Kimberly Strom Program/Event Director [email protected] Autumn Barfield Finance Director [email protected] Emberly Lietz Membership Director [email protected] Gina Freitag Communications Coordinator [email protected] Rena DeSautel Administrative Coordinator [email protected] 202 N. 3rd Street Grand Forks, ND 58203 (701)772-7271 (701)772-9238 Fax [email protected] www.gochamber.org

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Chamber Forums Help Voters Decide The Chamber hosted Candidate Forums in both cities with District 18 and 42 House and Senate candidates talking North Dakota Issues on October 25th and Candidates for District 1 Senate and 1B House in MN facing off on October 27th. Candidates for City Council and Mayor in East Grand Forks are all unopposed, but each took 5 minutes to talk about why they are seeking office and what they hope to accomplish this upcoming term. The Chamber provides these forums which were well publicized in local media in an effort to inform voters on the issues and how candidates stand on various issues.

Like Us on Facebook to keep up with our events, member news, new members, pictures and lots more! super Easy, just Click the FB Logo & go.

communityservice Henry Havig Nominations Now Being Accepted

2016 Henry Havig Award For Community Service

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 Henry Havig Award for Community Service. This is The Chamber’s most prestigious award and is given annually to those special individuals who stand above the crowd by their dedication to our community through community service in multiple volunteer leadership roles. It is an award that recognizes individuals who have provided exemplary voluntary leadership service to our community over a long period of time and in a broad spectrum of community activities. Nominees must be at least 36 years of age and have proven leadership qualities, commitments to communitybased organizations and the desire to improve the quality of life in our community.The Havig Award for Community Service is given in memory of a great community leader. Henry Havig was president of the board of the chamber in 1955-1956 and was a long time successful businessman who contributed greatly to our community as a member of the Grand Forks City Council and a life-long contributor to the YMCA. Please complete and return a nomination by Monday, November 21st, 2016 to: The Chamber 202 N. 3rd St. Grand Forks, ND 58203 or email to [email protected]. Additional information regarding the nominee may be included when submitting the nomination. The Selection Committee is comprised of the past recipients of the award. This award will be presented at The Chamber’s Annual Dinner and Banquet on January 26th, 2017 at The Alerus Center.

Nominations shall include: 1. Nominee’s Name

2. Leadership qualities, organization memberships, youth involvement, community service and other pertinent and relevant information

communityservice 3. Name and signature of person submitting the nomination

IGNITING WORKPLACE ENTHUSIASM

Dale Carnegie Course: Effective Communications and Human Relations/Skills for Success This effective communication course will help you master the organizational communication skills demanded in today’s tough business environment. You’ll learn to strengthen interpersonal relationships, manage stress and handle fast-changing workplace conditions. You’ll develop more effective communication skills and be better equipped to perform as a persuasive communicator, problem-solver and focused leader. And you’ll develop a take-charge attitude initiated with confidence and enthusiasm. MSW ASR Research found the Dale Carnegie Course Graduates are much more likely to be engaged than the general business population.

www.northdakota.dalecarnegie.com

Seating is limited.

Grand Forks Public Works Facility 724 47th St., Grand Forks , North Dakota Begins: January 18, 2017 1:00-4:30pm *for 9 weeks* Register today at: northdakota.dalecarnegie.com/events

Or Contact: Bethany Gartin | 701.476.8734 [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. Ad sample02-DCC- half-H

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October 1- October 31 Membership Renewals The following businesses know the value of their Chamber Membership and have renewed their membership in The Chamber - GF/EGF. Please visit them for your purchasing needs.

Asche Insurance Agency Bank Forward - Columbia Rd Becker Marketing Consultants Big Jim’s East Side Tire Black Gold Potato Sales Blue Moose Bar & Grill Crary Real Estate-Jack Wadhawan Dell-Comm, Inc. East Grand Forks Dental Care GFK Flight Support HB Sound and Light HOPE Evangelical Covenant Church Hornbacher’s JLG Architects KLJ La Quinta Inn & Suites Lignite Energy Council Mary Kay Cosmetics - Jane Brueske, Sales Director Minn-Dak Growers, Ltd. New Vision Truck Accessories Northland Custom Woodworking Inc.

Orchard Oil Polar Communications Prairie Public Pringle & Herigstad P.C. Retrax Holdings, LLC Robert Boyd Rod Holth Rubicon Mortgage Advisors, LLC Sertoma Club of Greater Grand Forks Sherwin Williams Company Sky’s Fine Dining T-Global, Inc. Terracon Consultants, Inc. Thrivent Financial - John Halstenson VFW Post 1874 and Auxiliary Wakefield Hearing Center WDAZ TV Wendy’s - 32nd Ave Widman’s Candy Wintrust Mortgage

Thursday November 17 4:45pm - 7pm

Hosted by

3100 Demers Ave, Grand Forks

EAPC Architects Engineer invites all Chamber Members and their employees to join them for a fun Business After Hours event! It’s been 3 years since EAPC hosted and they are excited to welcome you back!



FREE ADMISSION

•Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & beverages •Great Door Prizes •Progressive cash drawing is at $900!

Stop in...Enjoy the fun and take advantage of great networking opportunities. You might even win $900 in our progressive cash drawing! We’ll draw the name of one Chamber Member business. If someone from that organization is present, they win!! 4

Because of the business nature of this event, no children under 18 may attend.

2016 Farmers’ Appreciation Banquet

On behalf of the The Chamber’s Ag Committee and our sponsors, we invite area farmers and a guest to a FREE “Farmer’s Night Out” on us! Please join us for an evening of food, fun and socializing!

Thursday, November 17th • Ramada Inn, Grand Forks 5:30pm Social • 6:30pm Dinner & Program

FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT

The LineBenders “the comedy professionals”

Tickets are available for pick-up only at The Chamber, 202 N. 3rd St., downtown Grand Forks. Tickets are limited to 2 per person and must be picked up. (No tickets will be mailed) Request tickets by contacting us at 701-772-7271 or at [email protected]. Deadline to request tickets is November 11th. Limited tickets available. SIGN UP NOW!

The laughs don't stop with The LineBenders Improv Comedy Troupe. Fast paced and full of up-to-the-minute references, The LineBenders style of improv comedy involves audience participation and crowd interaction. You never know what they will say next!

5:30pm - Social 6:15pm - Welcome 6:25pm - Mike Hergert 6:40pm - Dinner 7:30pm - The LineBenders

Lots of Great Door Prizes!

Thank you Sponsors Agribusiness Committee

ND Mill & Elevator

Alerus - Bremer Bank - Altru Health System - BNSF

Ag Country Farm Credit Services - AgriData, Inc. - Brady Martz - Farmer’s National Co. - First State Bank GF County Soil Conservation District - Nodak Electric American Federal Bank - Choice Finacial - Citizens Community Credit Union - Frandsen Bank & Trust - Zimney Foster P.C. Bergstrom Electric - RML Trading - True North Equipment

Don't Miss Your Chance Advertise in the 2017 Community Profile/Membership Directory Nearly 40 chamber member businesses have reserved ad space in the 2017 Community Profile/Membership Directory. There are a limited number of spots available.

Grand Forks East Gr and Fo rks NORT

H DAK OTA

The Profile/Directory book has become an image piece for Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Many businesses include it in their information or welcome packets and as a recruiting tool for new professionals, businesses, area developers and new residents to our area. An online version of the current publication can be found on The Chamber’s website.

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2016 C In 2015, the Profile/Directory book was revamped Memb ommunity Pr ership o Directo file to take on a more magazine style look & format. The ry content was re-written by Pulitzer Prize winner and former GF Herald Editor and Publisher Mike Jacobs and now reads more like a story about our region. We also include a variety of pictures to highlight our communities. Many of which are submitted by members of the community and chamber.

Space is limited and time is running out, so don’t delay! For more information or to place an ad, contact Emberly at 701-772-7271 or [email protected]

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YOUR Full Service Financial Partner Business Loans Checking Accounts SEP IRAs Merchant Credit Card Business High-Yield Savings Accounts

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October Brown Bag at The Chamber

NCTC State of the College

October Ambassador Meeting

NCTC State of the College

October Ambassador Meeting

• Commercial & Industrial Construction • Structural & Custom Steel - Fabrication - Erection [email protected]

101 Browell St. • PO Box 129 • Emerado, ND 58228 8

NCTC State of the College

Ribbon Cutting at Stray Media Group Ribbon Cutting Fire Hall Theatre

BAH at Rhombus Guys Brewing Company

BAH at Rhombus Guys Brewing Company

BAH at Rhombus Guys Brewing Company

Ribbon Cutting Fire Hall Theatre BAH at Rhombus Guys Brewing Company 9

Business Briefs UND Physician Assistant Program earns Reaccreditation The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of North Dakota Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences for 10 years, the maximum length of time allowable before another on-site review. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2026. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. The PA Program at the UND SMHS welcomes applicants from North Dakota and surrounding states with interest in serving rural and underserved populations. In fact, nearly half of all of the practicing PAs working in North Dakota come from the UND program. The following statistics are from the most recent survey regarding the mission of the program (average of past three graduating classes): •74 percent reside in the same community where they graduated (trained and retained as medical providers in home areas); •66 percent practice in primary care including family medicine, urgent care, internal medicine and women’s health; and •51 percent practice in a rural area (defined as 25,000 or less population). For further information, please visit the Department of Physician Assistant Studies or contact und. [email protected] or (701) 777-2344.

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Choice Financial Hires Demester and Ritz Joseph Demester recently joined Choice Financial as a Frontline Customer Service Representative. D e m e s t e r brings a degree in Business A d m i n i s t ra t i o n with emphasis on Business Management. Demester is very friendly, outgoing, and loves to make people laugh. He has volunteered to coach little league baseball, helping the kids learn and have past players to look up to. Demester also likes to golf, play hockey, fish, and spend time with friends and family. He hasn’t done a lot of traveling but is happy to go if anyone wants to take him somewhere! Abigail Ritz recently joined Choice Financial as a Frontline Customer Service Representative. Ritz completed an internship at Bank of North Dakota last year.

The Spirit of America award honors distinguished individuals for their active involvement and participation in community service and public affairs. “Leon is a very deserving recipient of this award.” said Hugo’s President/ CEO, Kristi Magnuson Nelson. “He embodies the overall objective of the award and is a valuable member of the Hugo’s team.”

Magnuson Nelson Appointed Chair of NDGA Board of Directors Also at the Convention, Hugo’s Family Marketplace President, Kristi Magnuson Nelson, was appointed to the position of Chair of the Board of Directors for the ND Grocer’s Association (NDGA). Kristi also serves on the Minnesota G r o c e r s Association Board and Board of Directors for the National G r o c e r s Association.

Ritz is currently attending University of North Dakota and volunteers with Circle of Friends. She is recently married and enjoys cooking and reading. Ritz has also traveled to many different countries including Norway, England, Germany and France. Her next stop is Italy this fall.

Hugo’s Cake Decorators Win Awards at NDGA Convention

Leon Merck Receives National Grocers Association Spirit of America Award

Cyndy Rodacker with Jamestown Hugo’s - 3rd place in Advanced Wedding Cake Fondant

H u g o ’s Fa m i l y Marketplace is pleased to announce that the National Grocer’s Association (NGA) has chosen Leon Merck, C h i ef Bu s i n e s s Development Officer with H u g o ’s Fa m i l y Marketplace, as the recipient of the 2016 Spirit of America Award. The award was presented at the recent North Dakota Grocer’s Convention Banquet in Fargo, ND.

Hugo’s Cake Decorating team competed in the NDGA Cake Decoration Competition and won several awards. Winners included:

Lori Dorr with Jamestown Hugo’s - 2nd Place in Advanced Wedding Cake Fondant Jacqueline Zone & team with East Grand Forks Hugo’s - 1st Place Advanced Wedding Cake Fondant Lena Seidl with Park Rapids Hugo’s - 1st place winner in Novice Wedding Traditional Cake Jacqueline Zone & team with East Grand Forks Hugo’s - People’s Choice.

continued on page 11

Business Briefs cont. Two Hugo’s Cake Decorators competed in the live demonstration competition. They decorated cakes on site at the convention. The awards for this competition were Rebecca Sanders with Park Rapids Hugo’s - Sculptured Cake 2nd place Winner Jacqueline Zone with East Grand Forks Hugo’s - Sculptured Cake 1st place Winner

Michael Lukkason joins Evergreen Insurance E v e r g r e e n I n s u r a n c e Agency of East Grand Forks has hired Michael Lukkason; a licensed i n s u r a n c e agent to a sales position. Lukkason brings great work ethic and energy to Evergreen Insurance. He has the ability to manufacture relationships, along with finding competitive markets and does everything for the benefit of his clients. Lukkason has been a real asset to the agency from a growth and service standpoint and will continue this moving forward.

Lukkason is originally from Grand Forks and is a 2008 graduate of East Grand Forks SR High. He holds a bachelor and masters degree from Dakota Wesleyan University which is located in Mitchell, S.D. Lukkason participated in baseball for Dakota Wesleyan and was previously an assistant coach at the college level.

First Class Mortgage welcomes Jason Oehlke First Class M o r t g a g e welcomes Jason Oehlke to its Grand Forks team. Oehlke will help support business growth and the needs of the customers in today’s everchanging mortgage industry. Oehlke joins First Class Mortgage as a mortgage consultant. His primary responsibilities include working with customers, mortgage partners and real estate professionals to secure home financing and make sure the overall process is a smooth transaction across all parties. Oehlke is excited to have the opportunity to provide customers with more home financing options than many lenders can offer, while providing a first class experience.

Prior to joining the First Class Mortgage team, Oehlke was a mortgage loan and personal loan officer at Gate City Bank for over eight years and business banker at Choice Financial Group for two years. He earned a liberal arts degree from ND State College of Science, Wahpeton, ND in 2001 and bachelor’s degree in Business Management & Finance from UND in 2004.

continued on page 12

BE HEARD Get your ad in

Contact Gina for details 701-772-7271 email: [email protected]

There are great savings and nice selections at the

Home Place Thrift Store 701-795-9704

1811 S. Washington, Grand Forks, ND www.prairieharvest.net

Call us to pick up your donations! (Available Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, schedule permitting)

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Business Briefs cont. New Events Coordinator at SCHEELS SCHEELS of Grand Forks is excited to announce that Molly Johnson is their newest Events Coordinator. She was previously working for First Lutheran in Fargo and has held positions with the Montgomery Biscuits and F-M RedHawks. In her position, Molly will be the point person for community relations, donations, store events, and sponsorship opportunities. Molly and her husband Andrew reside in Larimore.

Children’s Librarian Wins NDLA Award Grand Forks Public Library’s Children’s Librarian, Aaron Stefanich, recently received the North Dakota Library Association’s 2016 Youth Excellence Program of the Year Award. This award was given in recognition of Stefanich’s work both within the Library and throughout the greater North Dakota library community. Stefanich has dramatically increased the frequency and variety of the children’s programming at the Grand Forks Public Library, with a special emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). He has made the library more visible in the community and has collaborated extensively with people and organizations throughout the community. In addition, Stefanich has shared his expertise with librarians across the state by presenting at conferences and serving as a mentor to many librarians across the state. “I couldn’t be more proud of Aaron and the wonderful work he has done at GFPL and across the state over the past 7 years. We are so fortunate to have him as part of the library team!” said Grand Forks Public Library Director Wendy Wendt.

Library Director Wins NDLA Award The North Dakota Library Association recently named Grand Forks Public Library Director, Wendy Wendt, one of two 2016 Librarians of the Year. This award was given in recognition of Wendt’s work both within the Grand Forks Public Library and throughout the North Dakota library community.Wendt has been the director of the Grand Forks Public Library for over 7 years and has expanded library outreach and collaboration efforts, revitalized library services through technology and training, and increased public awareness of what it means to be a 21st century library. Wendt has also helped shape the future of libraries across the state and the region through her active participation in and presidencies of the North Dakota Library Association (2015/16) and of the Mountain Plains Library Association (2013/14). “Wendy is the epitome of a contributing member of the North Dakota library profession; the embodiment of exemplary service to the state and to her community,” said NDLA PastPresident Laurie McHenry.

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A FEW THINGS WE ARE THANKFUL FOR AT freedom KNIGHT PRINTING...

YOU!

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M E M B E R S

State Farm Insurance Tony Meyer 997 47th Ave. S. STE 1 Grand Forks, ND 58201 (P) 701-757-0437 (F) 701-205-1651

[email protected]

Pokrzywinski Financial Chris A. Pokrzywinski 5417 Chestnut St Grand Forks, ND 58201 (P) 701-306-3039

[email protected]

Broken Sentry Games

James May 1375 S. Columbia Rd. STE B Grand Forks, ND 58201 (P) 701-757-0528 [email protected] www.facebook.com/ BrokenSentryGames/?fref=ts At Broken Sentry Games, we supply our community with the ideal retail gaming store experience, and provide a fun and safe place for any gamers to learn and play.

North Sky Construction LLC Tim Lindquist 4200 James Ray Dr Grand Forks, ND 58203 (P) 701-741-7596 [email protected] www.northskyconst.com North Sky Construction is a General Contractor also providing Construction Management and Design Build services. We are dedicated to performing projects on time and on budget while maximizing project scope.

Pampered Chef

Tonya Murphy Grand Forks ND, 58201 (P) 701-741-0958 [email protected] www.pamperedchef.biz/tonyamurphy At Pampered Chef, our mission is to help bring families back around the dinner table. We offer tools, recipes and tips to help you get meals on the table in 30 minutes or less. I would love to help show you how to take the stress out of dinner time!

Your Home Improvement Company Brett Borg 420 Center Ave. STE 3 Moorhead, MN 56560 (P) 800-557-2701 (P) 218-233-1822 (F) 218-233-1824 [email protected]

www.yourhomeimprovementco.com Top-quality products and outstanding service! Your personal expert in home remodeling and improvements. Let our experience in windows, siding, roofing, doors and more assist you in your next home improvement.

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29th Annual

2016

a n g a z v a a r t

E GG S

On December 1st join us for breakfast at the Blue Moose

December 1st, 2016 7am to 9:30am Blue Moose Bar & Grill – EGF $10/person Treat your employees, family, clients & customers to the best breakfast in town at the 29th Annual Chamber of Commerce EGGStravaganza!

A delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, pancakes, juice and coffee will be cooked and served by your Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and past & present Chamber Leadership.

Tickets available at the Chamber: [email protected] or call 772-7271. Tickets for EGGStravaganza will go FAST, get yours today! •Meet your Board Members & Leadership •Network with other business people •Hold your staff or board meetings at the Blue Moose •Treat your staff and clients to breakfast with The Chamber! Sponsored by: The Blue Moose ~ Altru Health System ~ Dean Foods Hugo’s ~ JR Simplot ~ ND Mill & Elevator ~ US Foodservice Cancellations not made 3 business days prior to event will be billed. 14

As study after study validates, employees well-hired, well-trained, empowered, and valued provide the best chance for a business/organization to be successful. Our discussion will center on this simple truth of human leadership – caring about people is important - and why it is often neglected and what to do to ensure it is not.

Everybody Matters: Why Caring About Employees is Important Presented by: Dr. Robert Boyd, Vice President Emeritus, UND Wednesday, November 16, 2016 11:30am – 1pm The Chamber Board Room $20/person ~ Member (Includes Lunch) $30/person ~ Non-Member (Includes Lunch) Registrations are available online only. To register and add the event automatically to your calendar click the register button below.

State of the Base One Grand Forks Air Force Base ...Defending Freedom!

Wednesday, November 9, 2016 Ramada Inn

I-29 & Hwy 2 West, Grand Forks

7:00 am $20/person (includes a delicious breakfast) Join featured speaker Col. Rod Lewis, Wing Commander at GFAFB for breakfast and his State of the Base presentation. Col. Lewis will brief the community on what is happening at Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Reservations are required. Click below to reserve your seats. Include the names of all attendees.

REGISTER Reservation deadline is November 4th. Reservations not cancelled 3 business days prior to event will be billed.

Event Sponsors