may 2014 the voice newsletter
DESCRIPTION
Official publication of The Chamber - GF/EGFTRANSCRIPT
Official Publication of Grand Forks - East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce
THEMay 2014
Official Publication of The Chamber - GF/EGF
PO Box 315 East Grand Forks, MN 56721
(701)772-7271 (701)772-9238 Fax [email protected] www.gochamber.org
202 N. 3rd Street Grand Forks, ND 58203
With 2,200 job openings in our two communities alone, workforce is the number one issue facing business today. In our 2014 Plan of Action book, The Chamber identified a partnership between The Chamber, The EDC, the Society of Human Resource Managers and Job Service. This Workforce De-velopment Task Force is just one of the several strategic partnerships we are focusing on this year.
A meeting of this group was held last month and six working groups have been established to work on a specific aspect of the workforce issue.
The task forces are:
• Business – Post Secondary Education Engagement• Veteran/Military Recruitment• New Americans Employment• Joint Referral Network among local HR Directors• High School Career Awareness• Niche Workforce Markets(examples: homeless, social service recipients, retirees)
Special thanks to the Workforce Development Com-mittee:
• Keith Reitmeier, Job Service ND• Rick Sandwick, UND Human Resources• Emily Myrum, Altru Health System, NDAHRA President• Keith Lund, Grand Forks Region EDC• Barry Wilfahrt, Chamber President & CEO
If you are interested in serving on any of the task forces. please email Chamber President, Barry Wil-fahrt at: [email protected]
Workforce Recruitment Tool Topic of May 15 Luncheon Event The local chapter of the Human Resources Association is hosting Internships & More, Thursday, May 15 at 11:30 a.m. at the Alerus Center’s Meadowlark room. The program will highlight opportunities to bring college students into companies for educational work experiences as a step to filling full-time positions. Click HERE for a pdf flyer with more information.
Chamber Helps Address Workforce Issue
Staff
Barry Wilfahrt President/CEO
Lisa Swanson Vice President of Operations
Kimberly Strom Program/Event Director
Carla Younce Finance Director
[email protected] Emberly Lietz
Membership Director [email protected]
Connie Klefstad Administrative Assistant
Audrey Lind Project Assistant
OfficersChair: Chris Wolf Alerus Financial
Chair-Elect: Kristi Magnuson Nelson Hugo’s/Hugo’s Wine & Spirits
Past Chair: Jeff Wilson Vilandre Heating, Air Conditioning &
Plumbing Secretary: Ron Galstad
Galstad, Jensen, McCann PA John Oncken - True North Equipment
Craig Amiot - 5 Star Collision Barry Wilfahrt
The Chamber - GF/EGF
Directors Dan Dahl - Dahl Funeral Home
Amy Haagenson - Brady Martz & Assoc. Pete Haga - City of Grand Forks
Bonnie Haley - Bon Voyage Travel Brady Hansen- Verizon Wireless, BeMobile, Inc.
Jason Heintz - Scheels Kenny Holweger - Kenny’s Music
Phyllis Johnson- UND Curt Kreun - GF City Council
Pat McLean - Clear Channel Comm. Bob Moore - River Cinema
Dennis Riesenour - Altru Health System Brian Rydell - Rydell Auto Center Cheryl Swanson- Alerus Center
Klaus Thiessen - GF Regional EDC
Matt Walkowiak - Ground Round
Sr. Military Advisor to the Board
Colonel Paul E. Bauman - GFAFB
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Chamber News
FAA Test Site Ready for OperationThe recent announcement by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, Governor Dalrymple and the ND Congressional Delegation that North Dakota’s test site for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is the first to be ready for opera-tions has major implications for our area.
• Regional and National compa-nies will look to partner with local ag, energy and defense business-es to develop and test their UAS applications
• Regional and National Compa-nies will look to locate satellite locations in our area
• There will be start up UAS relat-ed companies
• The 217 acre Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) at GFAFB will be more at-tractive than ever once it is approved (expected in June 2014) with the ability to fly un-manned aerial vehicles in the na-tional air space.
• Various UND de-partments will play key roles in UAS research from fly-
ing the actual systems to design-ing and the data collection devic-es carried by the systems to data analysis and addressing legal and social related issues affected by unmanned aviation.
• NCTC’s UAS maintenance and data analysis programs will both see additional activity
Grand Forks Hosts ND Interim Committee of Economic Development and InfrastructureThanks to the efforts of local legislators, Grand Forks played host this week to its second In-terim Committee this legislative off season. The ND Legislatures Interim Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure heard testimony on the Base Realignment Impact Committee and UAS opportunities from City Councilman, Dana Sande; Cham-ber President and BRIC Commit-tee member Barry Wilfahrt: UAS Sector Senior Manager with the EDC, Terry Sando; and Klaus Thiessen, EDC President and BRIC Committee member.
The committee toured GFAFB to Cont. on page 3
16 South 16th Street • Fargo, ND 58103701.235.1121 • 888.526.1121 • www.knightprinting.com
Making it happen.for yo
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Great People. Superior Quality. Exceptional Customer Service.
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Chamber News
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see how the states investments in the enhanced use lease will be used and to learn more about the missions at GFAFB and what the City, County and business com-munity are doing to retain the base and work on future mis-sions.
Finally the committee heard from local and regional transportation experts on the region’s ground and air transportation needs.
In preparation for the 2014 leg-islative session, The Chamber, EDC and City have partnered to host three ND Legislature Interim Committees to help educate them on how we have leveraged state resources in the past and what we are working on to ensure our region continues to strategically expand and prosper.
Proudly Serving: Devils Lake • 3 Locations in Grand Forks Northwood • Bisbee • Lakota • Larimore • Ft. Totten • St. John North Dakota’s Loan Resource
Focusing On Your Profits. Not Ours.
www.citizens-cu.com
NMLS#810388SBA Approved Lender
Citizens Community Credit Union has all the financial services your business needs.• no loan is Too Big or Too Small• great loan rates• Checking & Savings Accounts• Credit/debit Card Processing• direct deposit/ACH origination• SeP irAs• Health Savings Accounts• Free online Account Access• Free e-statements
Brad BulgerRegional Director of Business [email protected]
3351 32nd Ave S • Grand Forks, ND701.772.9960
Cont. from pg. 2 Chamber to Host City/School Candidates Forum The Government Affairs Commit-tee of The Chamber will conduct a forum in the GF City Council Chambers on Tuesday, May 20th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Greg Gerloff, retired CEO of Altru Health Systems, will moderate the forum. The Chamber offers this public forum so voters can learn more about each of the candidate’s qualification and positions on various issues.
The schedule for the forum is as follows:
6:00pm Welcome 6:05pm City Council Candidates Ward 2- Crystal Schneider Ward 2 -Jode Gibbs Ward 4- Nels Christianson
Ward 4- Jeannie Schultz MockWard 6- Dana Sande
6:45pm School Board Candidates 2 Year- Justin Berry 2 Year- Joshua L Brown 2 Year- Ward K. Johnson 2 Year- Tim Lamb 2 Year- Bill Palmiscno 2 Year- Hyrum Patterson
4 Year- Joshua D. Anderson 4 Year- Eric Burin 4 Year- Douglas C. Carpenter 4 Year- Dane J. Ferguson 4 Year- David George 4 Year- Rebecca Grandstrand 4 Year- Benjamin Hoffman 4 Year- Kevin Kuntz 4 Year- Christina Loh 4 Year- Michelle Rydz 4 Year- Meggen Sande 4 Year- Cynthia H. Shabb 4 Year- Cory Solem 4 Year- Matthew J. Spivey 4 Year- Mike St. Onge
The forums are open to the public and you are encouraged to at-tend.
Chamber News
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“Soaring to New Heights” 2014 Membership Drive
Membership RenewalsThe 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.
ACE Security ServicesAd Monkeys
Allstate Insurance - Corbin Insurance Agency
Ameriprise FinancialBetaseedBonzer’s
Center for Rural Entrepreneurial StudiesDacotah Paper CompanyDakota Fire Protection
Deek’s PizzaDrees Farming AssociationDusterhoft Family Stores
Farm & Ranch GuideForum Communications Printing
Freedom ChurchGlitz, Glam and Tan
Greenberg Realty-Lynda & Tom Hart-mann
Greenwood Online Services and Consult-ing, LLC
Happy GrassIdeal Aerosmith, Inc.Jolly Mon Vacations
KVRR-TVLafarge Dakota, Inc.Mayo Manufacturing
Networking Specialists, Inc.Northrop Grumman CorporationObermiller Nelson Engineering
Quentin Burdick Job CorpReliance Telephone
Roger Amundson, DDSSand Steel Buildings Co.
Sanford HealthSharon Opdahl-State Farm Insurance
Stamart Truck StopStromsodt CPA, LTD
Structures, Inc.TIAA-CREF Financial Services: Scott
RocheTop Quality Motors, Inc.
University of MaryUrban Stampede
Valley Vision ClinicWells Fargo Bank (Columbia Rd)
Wendy’s (S. Washington)
“Soaring to New Heights” 2014 Membership Drive Update
The Membership Drive has launched and 60 eager volunteers are “Soaring to New Heights”! So far, 31 new members have
joined The Chamber! The Drive has been extended to May 9th. Be sure to check
out our Facebook page frequently for up-dates on our newest Chamber Members.If you know of a business who should be a member of The Chamber, contact Em-berly to have a volunteer call on them.
[email protected] or 772-7271.
Chamber News
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GoodToGreat Public Speaking TrainingAnna Coleshaw-Echols431 Strathmillan RoadWinnipeg, Manitoba R3J2V8(P) 431-999-2662(P) [email protected] you experience the debilitating fear of freezing up before a crowd of people when having to present, or feel that you are limited in your chosen or future career path – then my course can definitely help you to conquer your fears.
Championship Tae Kwon DoKristina Hylton1305 Dyke AveGrand Forks, ND 58203(P) [email protected] Championship Tae Kwon Do, we provide martial arts instruction and fitness.Recruited by: Larissa Campbell
Nord DentistryBrian J. Nord DDS2720 17th Ave SGrand Forks, ND 58201(P) 701-772-6922(F) [email protected] take great satisfaction in helping you maintain optimal oral health. Our practice is devoted to comprehensive and preventive patient care.Recruited by: Bret Bentow
Stan’s Electric LLPDan Kovarik1803 Dyke Ave.Grand Forks, ND 58203(P) 701-772-0885(F) [email protected] provide electrical and computer services for individuals and business / commercial.Recruited by: Larissa Campbell
White Horse SalonCale Bergeron1604 S. Washington St.
Welcome New Members!Grand Forks, ND 58201(P) [email protected] hair salon with an artistic side. A lot more fun a lot less stuffy…Recruited by: Kenny Holweger
Coalition for a Healthy Greater Grand ForksCindy Janssen1210 7th Ave South Grand Forks, ND 58201(P) 701-215-2758sclinda.janssen@med.und.eduwww.healthyggf.gmail.comInclusive network of stakeholders invested in promoting health and well-ness in the greater Grand Forks area.Recruited by: Kenny Holweger
NINE18 PhotographyJohn CampbellPO Box 115 Reynolds, ND 58275(P) 701-213-8863john@nine18photography.comwww.nine18photography.comPhotography business specializing in headshots, environmental and editorial portraiture.Recruited by: Larissa Campbell
Amanda BentowAmanda BentowGrand Forks, ND 58201(P) [email protected] is a health and wellness coach whose goal is to give enor-mously. “I’m proof that even if you don’t love exercise, you can be in the best shape of your life”.Recruited by: Bret Bentow
Skip’s Gourmet GrubSkip HaagGrand Forks, ND 58203(P) [email protected] are a fully certified kitchen on wheels-restaurant kitchen meets food truck. We can come to you and cook or provide fresh meal delivery at your site. We can also help you with your event, capable of serving from our trailer, buffet or family style.
Recruited by: Matthew Dehnert
Boss Signs & GraphicsBilly MatejcekGrand Forks, ND 58201(P) 701-330-7544bosssignsandgraphics@gmail.comwww.bosssignsandgraphics.comBoss Signs & Graphics provides graphic design services in Grand Forks, ND. From wedding banners and mesh banners to fleet graphics and lettering, we do it all. No job is too big or small for us.Recruited by: Bryan Brendan
1st Choice CleaningWendy FortmanGrand Forks, ND 58203(P) [email protected] Choice Cleaning provides profes-sional office cleaning services.Recruited by: Joe Forte
Eastside Express / Luigis PizzaJeff Baldock122 4th St. NEEast Grand Forks, MN 56721(P) 701-773-3036(F) [email protected] one stop convenience store and gas station along with a pizza deli!Recruited by: Kathy Olson
MC Transport LLCChristy Amundson698 Mighty Acres Dr.Grand Forks, ND 58201(P) 701-787-0096(F) [email protected] Transport LLC is a trucking com-pany that hauls grain.Recruited by: Andrew Hendrickson Nature’s Country StoreDana Bakke1824 S. Washington St.Grand Cities MallGrand Forks, ND 58201(P) 701-772-8086www.naturescountrystore.netNature’s Country Store of Grand Forks, ND is more than just your vita-min store. We offer you with healthy options at reasonable prices. We have
food products to suit your diet and lifestyle. Recruited by: Kenny Holweger
Nature’s Country StoreDana Bakke3001 S. Columbia RdGrand Forks, ND 58201(P) 701-746-4499www.naturescountrystore.netNature’s Country Store of Grand Forks, ND is more than just your vita-min store. We offer you with healthy options at reasonable prices. We have food products to suit your diet and lifestyle. Recruited by: Kenny Holweger
The Heart Institute Dr. Noah Chelliah1191 S. Columbia RdGrand Forks, ND 58201(P) [email protected]. Chelliah is a cardiologist with Triple Board-Certification in Grand Forks with 25 years of cardiology practice in the community.Recruited by: Kenny Holweger
Bethel Lutheran ChurchPastor Jeff Stephan1616 S. 17th St.Grand Forks, ND 58201(P) 701-772-5790(F) 701-775-6313pastorjeff@mybethelchurch.orgwww.mybethelchurch.orgProviding spiritual care and services.Recruited by: Larissa Campbell
Newport Group, LLCCatherine ToddGrand Forks, ND 58201(P) 757-585-0747newportgroupllc@gmail.comwww.newportgroupllc.comImproving management and leader-ship in complex organizations through a systems approach.
Meland ArchitectureScott Meland2303 S Washington Suite AGrand Forks, ND 58201(P) [email protected] Meland has been design-ing houses, additions, renovations, gazeboes, porches, decks & notable commercial buildings since 1985.Recruited by: Kenny Holweger
Inna PhotographyInna Sumra116 West Main St.Cavalier, ND 58220(P) 701-520-0641inna@photographybyinna.comwww.photographybyinna.comWe offer creative options for portrait sessions. Our indoor studio is state-of-the art and accommodates individuals and families. Outdoor portrait ses-sions are available and the property offers many creative opportunities.
Best Friends Grooming SalonCheri Dahl1323 9th Ave. S.Grand Forks, ND 58201(P) 701-746-7144cherbear4bestfriends@yahoo.comwww.bestfriendsgroominggrandforks.comFor more than 20 years, Best Friends Grooming Salon has offered compre-hensive top-quality grooming services for cats and dogs.Recruited by: Kenny Holweger
Grand Forks Exchange ClubChad Gerloff & Dan GoodmanPO Box 13092Grand Forks, ND 58208(P) [email protected], America’s Service Club, is a group of men and women work-ing together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and its na-tional project, the Prevention of Child Abuse.Recruited by: Lisa Almquist
GF Limo, LLC Deb Inocencio1726 S. Washington St.Grand Forks, ND 58201(P) 701-795-5620(F) [email protected] Limo, LLC provides a wide variety of rental and for sale items for wed-dings and other special occasions, including chair covers, centerpieces, photo booths and more! Our elegant limousines turn any trip into a high-class party.Recruited by: Dianne Dybwad
Midwest Supply Company Keith Blomquist1613 2nd Ave NEEast Grand Forks, MN 56721(P) 218-779-5635(F) [email protected] Supply Company sells clean-ing equipment and chemicals for car washes, dishwashers, floors and more.Recruited by: Matthew Dehnert
The Simply Sweet ShopBarbara Milhem – Field205 N. Washington St.Grand Forks, ND 58201(P) 701-620-9866barbara@thesimplysweetshop.comwww.thesimplysweetshop.comThe Simply Sweet Shop is family-owned and operated, and will begin servicing the Grand Forks area with fresh baked goodies, and hand dipped chocolates by early May, 2014. We offer catering services as well.Recruited by: Jill MorsethOur ribbon gift program provides busi-nesses with a thoughtful and cost-ef-fective way to reward employees and grow/retain their customer base. It’s a unique solution to show appreciation and help build long lasting relation-ships with employees, customers, and business associates!
Fusion AutomationDan Hanson622 S 15th StGrand Forks, ND 58201(p) 701-757-0852(f) 701-757-0906dan.hanson@fusionautomationinc.comwww.fusionautomationinc.com
Ultima Bank MinnesotaDerek Nelson722 Demers Ave., Suite 1East Grand Forks, MN 56721(p) 218-399-1200(f) [email protected] Bank Minnesota was founded in 1904. At the UBM Loan Production office in East Grand Forks, inquiries on all loan types, from consumer to com-mercial, are welcomed. Full-service banking is offered at UBM’s other four locations in Winger, Fosston, Bemidji and Plummer. Member FDIC
Welcome New Members!
BeMobile Business After Hours
April Brown Bag Seminar
Disney Seminar
BeMobile Business After Hours
Ambassador Committee Meeting
BeMobile Business After Hours
April Brown Bag
Disney Seminar
BeMobile Business After Hours
BeMobile Business After Hours
Disney Seminar
Business Briefs
Boe Named Business Development Director at AE2S Andrea Boe has been named Business Development Direc-tor of AE2S Water Solutions, AE2S Industrial, and AE2S Construction. Each of these
companies is an affiliated company of Advanced Engi-neering and Envi-ronmental Servic-es, Inc. (AE2S), where Boe served as Marketing Manager for more
than 17 years. She will be responsible for directing sales, marketing, and client relation-ship activities for AE2S Water Solutions, AE2S Industrial, and AE2S Construction.
Boe joined AE2S in March of 1995 and has made significant contributions to marketing and business development services
for external clients, as well as AE2S and its divisions. Spe-cific projects have included public information services, advertising, graphic design, newsletters, direct mail cam-paigns, social media, propos-als, and legislative activities.
“Andrea has been one of AE2S’ keys to success since the firm’s early days. She knows what it takes to build success-ful companies, and has a keen sense of our clients’ needs,” said Gary Cline, Chief Devel-opment Officer of AE2S. “Her leadership, vision, creativ-ity, drive, and commitment to the firm and our clients have played an instrumental role in making AE2S what it is today. We know Andrea has great things planned for AE2S Wa-ter Solutions, AE2S Industrial, and AE2S Construction in the future.” Cont. on page 12
Sometimes projects need a boost when trying to cross over from concept to reality. AE2S Nexus helps bridge that gap. We focus on creating solid plans, aggressively pursuing funding options, and assisting you with implementation to make sure your project is on solid ground.
The Financial Link
bridging the financing gap
• Utility Rate Analysis• Funding/Financing• Project Development and Administration• Economic Development• Asset Management
SerViceS
www.AE2SNexus.comA Division of AE2S (Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.)
In her new role, Boe is focus-ing heavily on design/build water projects for oil produc-ers and industries in North Dakota’s Bakken region. She has also helped launch a web-based application called Op-Works, aimed at helping water facilities manage their opera-tions.
Originally from Richardton, ND, Boe holds a Bachelor of Business Administration de-gree in Marketing from the University of North Dakota. She is a member of the Soci-ety of Marketing Professional Services, the American Water Works Association, and Ameri-can Advertising Federation North Dakota.
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Topics and PresentersLEADERSHIP/TEAM BUILDING The Leader In YouSheila Gerszewski - 1st International Bank & TrustLeadership Lifeline - Who Am I? Gwen Klawon - UND AerospacePersonal Awareness & Growth - Mey-ers Briggs AssessmentNoreen Keesey - Certified MBTI TrainerTeam Building Activities - Ropes CourseND Army National GuardCelluloid Leadership
BG Alan Palmer (Ret)BUSINESS PRACTICESRecognizing Drug Use in the WorkplaceSgt. Travis Jacobson - GFPDHow to Replace Workplace Negativity with EnthusiasmTonya Stende - Dale Carnegie Training Name Remembering TechniquesTonya Stende - Dale Carnegie TrainingHR:101Rick Sandwick - UND Dan Gordon - LM Windpower
COMMUNITY AWARENESSGF/EGF City History and TourLonnie Laffen - JLG ArchitectsA Day At The GFAFBGFAFB Personnel
COMMUNICATIONSManaging Conflict in the WorkplaceKristine Paranica - UND Conflict Resolu-tion CenterGenerations in the WorkplaceTerry Horpedahl - TrainND
A Professional Development Training ProgramLeadership 2014
eaders For Life LThe Chamber of Commerce held its first Leadership Training Program in 1985. Since then, over 1000 busi-ness professionals have graduated from the program. Leadership 2014 is designed to give local and regional participants an opportunity to develop the leadership skills necessary to achieve success in their career, fam-ily and community. Fun volunteer and leadership chal-lenge activities help to immerse you in our communities.
O v e r t h e c o u r s e o f t h r e e m o n t h s , participants attend orientation and seven one-day sessions (8:00am -5:00pm) covering topics from Leadership and Team Building to Communications and Community History. Each session is held at a different location in the Grand Cities. The program ends with a graduation ceremony.
Leadership Team Building Communications Business Practices Community & Regional Awareness
The Chamber Leadership Program has offered me such a great opportunity to grow. I was able to connect and network with individuals from a variety of work backgrounds. I have developed many skills and began learning new techniques to apply to different work situations and different experiences in life. After graduating from this unique program, I believe that I am a more well-rounded individual!-Tricia Berg, Prairie Harvest
I had a blast in the program last year and I learned a lot. The present-ers arranged by the Chamber communicated ideas and lead activities that changed how I do things at work and at home. I learned a lot about Grand Forks, Grand Forks Air Force Base, and local businesses and organizations, and I made friends with 40 people who I had never met before meeting them at Chamber Leadership. The program developed in me a deeper ap-preciation of our communities and the people who live here, and I recom-mend it to anyone who wants to develop their skills and meet wonderful people in the process! - Connor Ruff, Alerus Financial
Space is limited to 40 participants and fills up fast. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. You are required to complete a volun-teer commitment of a minimum of 2 hours during the program as well as a Leaderhip Challenge in the community.
Applications can be obtained at The Chamber. Please call 772-7271, email us at [email protected] or from our website, www.gochamber.org.
Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please return completed applications to The Chamber no later than August 15th, 2014.
How To ATTend:
TrAining dATes & LocATionsSeptember 3 - Orientation - Lincoln Park (4:30pm - 6:00pm) September 10 - Scheels (Columbia Mall)September 24 - GF City HallOctober 8 - Altru S. Washington Campus October 22 - GFAFB November 5 - Bremer Bank November 19 - TBDDecember 3- ND Army Nat. GuardDecember 11 - Review - River Cinema Graduation - Banquets on the Boardwalk
*Build on current skills that enhance job performance*Learn new skills to advance in your workplace
*Gain a greater awareness of our community*Improve communication skills
*Develop skills to aid growth at work and home*Meet professionals in the business community and create a network of contacts
BenefiTs To pArTicipAnTs And empLoyers:
Tuition covers the program, all materials, breakfast, lunch and the graduation ceremony for the participant and a guest. You recieve great training and community outings with professional presenters all in one program
$599 for Chamber Members$699 for Non-Members
I feel that the leadership class was not only a learning experience but a great networking experience. The people in the 2013 class seemed to bond. The class spent time together outside of the training through group suppers and still keep in touch through email and ‘Business After Hours’. We learned about ourselves as leaders and were able to use those experiences in our daily work, as well as establish connections with the other classmates in both professional and social aspects. Josh Kaiser, Valley Dairy
Choice Financial Re-ceives Recognition Choice Financial, a North Da-kota based bank, earned the top place in SNL Financial’s ranking of the top-performing community banks of 2013 with assets between $500 million and $5 billion.
Choice Financial, with 15 loca-tions across North Dakota and Minnesota, recorded double-digit loan growth bolstered by its acquisition of Belfield, N.D.-based Great Plains National Bank in a deal completed Dec. 30, 2013.
Choice Financial is now 10th in North Dakota in terms of 2013 deposits, based on the FDIC’s Summary of Deposits mar-ket share data from June 30, 2013. With a 2.57% return on average tangible assets be-fore tax, recoveries exceeding charge-offs, and an efficiency ratio in line with the median ratio for the top 100 perform-ers, Choice Financial produced strong metrics for profitability, asset quality and growth. The company ranked 35th in SNL’s prior ranking, based on 2012 financials.
Network Center Recog-nized NetWork Center, Inc. today announced it has been named to CRN’s annual list of the Tech Elite 250. These compa-nies represent an elite group of IT solution providers that have invested in the training and education needed to earn the most advanced techni-cal certifications from leading vendors.
In compiling the list, CRN edi-tors worked with The Channel Company’s research group to define the most customer-beneficial technical certifica-tions in the IT channel. These technical certifications – from vendors including Cisco, Citrix, Dell, EMC, HP, IBM, NetApp, Microsoft, VMware, and Sy-mantec. – have enabled solu-tion providers to deliver the most premium products, ser-
mentation of new programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Grand Forks.
Solga is also the recipient of the 2014 Pathfinder Parent Center Exceptional Achieve-ment Award. This award is given to professionals in the
disability field in recognition of valuable contri-butions and out-standing service to unite families and educators with the re-sources needed to build positive fu-
tures for children with special needs. The award was pre-sented at the Pathfinder Par-ent Involvement Conference in Minot, ND in April 2014.
Choice Adds New Em-ployees Chuck Beaudry and Elisha Ferguson recently joined Choice Financial in Grand Forks.
Beaudry joined Choice in Octo-ber 2013 as a Frontline Custom-er Service Rep-resentative. He brings extensive retail and train-ing experience and was most recently employed
with Forx Builders Associa-tion. Beaudry graduated from the University of North Da-kota, Grand Forks, N.D. with a bachelors of business admin-istration degree in information management.
Ferguson joined Choice in No-vember 2013 as a Frontline Custom-er Service Repre-sentative. Fergu-son was previous-ly employed as an administrative assistant and at-tended Northland
Community and Technical Col-lege, East Grand Forks, Minn.
The Arc, Upper Valley Hires Executive Director Rachel Hafner has joined The Arc, Upper Valley as Execu-tive Director. Prior to moving into this position, she served on The Arc’s board of directors and also facilitated Teen Sib-shops.
Hafner has a Bachelor of Sci-ence degree in el-ementary educa-tion from Indiana University, and she has a Master of Social Work degree from the
University of North Dakota. After graduating from col-lege, she taught school for two years and then worked for ten years at Prairie Harvest Mental Health in Grand Forks.
Rachel feels extremely privi-leged to work for an organiza-tion that has such a long and rich history of advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in Grand Forks and the state of North Dakota.
Kate Lewandowski Pro-moted to Director of Op-erations at The Arc, Upper Valley Kate Lewandowski has been promoted to the position of Director of Operations for The
Arc, Upper Valley. Lewandowski has been employed in the business office at The Arc, Upper Valley since 2008. In her current posi-tion Lewandowski
manages the financial aspects of the organization and super-vises thrift store and chari-table gaming operations.
Pam Solga Receives Pro-motion at The Arc, Upper Valley Pam Solga was recently promoted to the position of Program Director at The Arc, Upper Valley. Employed with the organization since 2004, Solga has been instrumental in the development and imple-
Business Briefs
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officer for Choice Hotels Inter-national. “We here at Choice Hotels are very proud to award this distinguished honor to the Grand Forks Sleep Inn & Suites hotel”.
Platinum Award status repre-sents a tremendous accom-plishment for a hotel and its entire staff. Each year, only the very top hotels in each brand are eligible to receive this elite distinction. As a top performing property among the company’s more than 5,100 U.S. franchised hotels, the Grand Forks Sleep Inn & Suites hotel is among the top percentage of properties within the Sleep Inn & Suites brand. As one of the com-pany’s top franchised hotels operating under the Sleep Inn & Suites flag, the hotel has demonstrated an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to providing supe-rior service.
Business Briefs
vice and support to their North American customers.
NetWork Center, Inc. has been providing products, service, support and expertise to our clients since 1986. Commit-ment to proactive service, re-sponsible innovation and dedi-cated support, have made us one of the most skilled computer networking solution providers serving thousands of customers across the Mid-west. Our relationships with hardware and software manu-facturers, in conjunction with our experience and in-depth understanding of technology environments, assure rapid delivery of proven solutions to give you peace of mind.
“To be the only North Dakota based business to be rec-ognized in CRN’s list of the Tech Elite 250 for two straight years, is an honor,” said Steve Stenerson, Sales Manager at NetWork Center, Inc. “This award acknowledges our com-mitment to providing cutting edge technologies and endless commitment to our advance technical specializations. It reaffirms that we have invest-ed wisely in the appropriate
www.gochamber.org
technologies to provide the most value to our customers.”
Sleep Inn & Suites Wins Award The Sleep Inn & Suites hotel of Grand Forks was recently announced as a recipient of a prestigious 2014 Platinum Hospitality Award from one of the world’s largest hotel com-panies, Choice Hotels Inter-national, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), franchisor of the Sleep Inn & Suites brand. This is the sec-ond consecutive year they have received the Platinum Award.
“The Sleep Inn & Suites ho-tel’s commitment to excel-lence and outstanding guest service has earned it this well-deserved recognition as one of the best hotels among the Sleep Inn & Suites brand.” , said Stephen P. Joyce, president and chief executive
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Home Place Thrift StoreHome Place Thrift StoreHome Place Thrift Store 701-795-9704
1811 S. Washington, Grand Forks, ND1811 S. Washington, Grand Forks, ND www.prairieharvest.netwww.prairieharvest.net
Call us to pick up your donations! (Available Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, schedule permitting)
* Furniture * Appliances * Electronics* Furniture * Appliances * Electronics
* Household Items * Clothing * Books* Household Items * Clothing * Books
All Proceeds Benefit:All Proceeds Benefit:
Disney Seminar is a HitNearly 300 Chamber Members felt the magic at The Chamber’s Disney Keys to Business Excellence training last month.
Disney is home to the famous Disney Insti-tute at Disney World. They also offer their various trainings “on the road”. The Cham-ber last hosted the folks from Disney in 2004. “We felt it was the right time to bring them back,” said Chamber President Barry Wilfahrt. “Their seminars offer real world tips and experiences that our business community can benefit from.”
The day was filled with great ideas on how to engage employees, promote customer service and create a great team of employ-ees to grow business.
Special thanks to our part-ners, Al-tru Health System, Alerus Financial, Hugo’s Family Market-place and UND.
14 www.gochamber.org
Rydell Auto Center invites all Chamber Members and their employees to join them for a fun Business After Hours. Stop in...enjoy a fun evening of networking opportunities.
You might even win $1500 in our progressive cash drawing. We’ll draw the name of one Chamber Member business. If someone from that organization is present, they win!
Business After Hours is a great time to network, catch up with friends, coworkers and clients in a fun and casual way. Spread the word and plan to attend the next Business After Hours.
• Free Admission• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & refreshments
Great door prizes• Progressive cash drawing is at $1500!
Hosted by
Rydell Auto Center
Thursday, May 15, 20144:45pm - 7:00pm
BeMobile.
Yorhom Medical Essentials
Ribbon Cuttings