the voice - march 2013 newsletter
DESCRIPTION
Official Publication of The Chamber-GF/EGFTRANSCRIPT
Official Publication of Grand Forks - East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce
THE
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
March 2013
Improving the Outlook with Better Monetary Policy
Economic Forecast LuncheonFeaturing Mpls. Federal Reserve CEO, Narayana Kocherlakota
Reservations not cancelled 3 business days prior to event will be billed.
2013 Economic Forecast Lunch Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013
Alerus Center
11:30am - 1pm $20/person (includes lunch)
$175/reserved, preferred location table of 8
RSVP's required by March 27th. Contact The Chamber at 772-7271 or [email protected] to make reservations.
Presents
Tuesday, April 2, 2013 11:30am Alerus Center
The Chamber-GF/EGF along with presenting sponsors Choice Financial and Altru Health System, are pleased to
host Narayana Kocherlakota to talk about the economy and our future.
The presentation will cover:
How strong is our local and regional economy?
What factors are contributing to our economic strength?
What is on the horizon in the next 12 - 24 months?
Presenting Sponsors
Narayana Kocherlakota took office as president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis on Oct. 8, 2009. In that capacity, Kocherlakota serves on the Federal Open Market Committee, the policymaking arm of the Federal Reserve System. In addition to his responsibilities as a monetary policymaker, Kocherlakota oversees all operations of the bank, including supervision and regulation, and payments services. Kocherlakota has published more than 30 articles in academic journals on a variety of topics, including monetary and financial economics. His work includes theoretical and empirical contributions to monetary economics and financial economics. Kocherlakota was named one of the top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine in 2012.
Official Publication of The Chamber - GF/EGF
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: Jeff Wilson
Vilandre Heating, Air Conditioning Plumbing
Chair-Elect: Chris Wolf Alerus Financial
Past Chair: Chris Semrau Ralph Engelstad Arena
Secretary: Kristi Magnuson Nelson Hugo’s/Hugo’s Wine & Spirits
Ron Galstad Galstad, Jensen, Olson PA
Colin Cutler Bold Method LLC
Barry Wilfahrt The Chamber - GF/EGF
Directors
Craig Amiot - 5 Star Collision Bill Burga - LM Windpower
Dan Dahl - Dahl Funeral Home Torrie Enget - Best Buy
Pete Haga - City of Grand Forks Bonnie Haley - Bon Voyage Travel
Brady Hansen- Verizon Wireless, BeMobile, Inc. Phyllis Johnson- UND
Jay Kleven - EAPC Architects Curt Kreun - GF City Council
John Oncken - True North Equipment Dennis Reisnour - Altru Health System
Brian Rydell - Rydell Auto Center Klaus Thiessen - GF Regional EDC
Coleen Tweten - Midcontinent Comm.
Matt Winjum - Rhombus Guys
Sr. Military Advisor to the Board
Colonel Tim Bush - GFAFB
2 www.gochamber.org
Chamber News
EGF Leaders Meet More than 20 elected leaders and business people from East Grand Forks, Mayor, City Council members, Polk County Commissioners, the EGF Planning Commission, EDHA and EGF Legislators met in a five hour session to talk about EGF’s future as it relates to local government services, legislative issues and federal legislation that will impact us
locally.
Consolidated dispatch service, efficiencies and the state budget as it relates to local government revenue streams and
business competitiveness were all issues discussed during the session. The annual intergovernmental retreat is cosponsored by the Chamber and the East Grand Forks EDHA office.
GF Delegation Travels to Pentagon A team of community leaders including the BRIC committee will be heading to the Pentagon March 18-20 for a series of meetings.
The focus of the meetings will be in four key areas impacting the future of the base:
• Future Tanker Mission• Remotely Piloted Aircraft Mission and Training• Airspace• Enhanced Use Lease Opportunities at the Base
The recent talk of a future BRAC round has really impacted the BRIC’s approach very little. The group has been working very aggressively on an ongoing basis on the future of GFAFB.
EGF Businesses Encour-aged to Attend Business Day in St. Paul All EGF business people are encouraged to join Chamber
President Barry Wilfahrt and EGF EDHA Director Jim Richter on March 13th in St. Paul for Business Day at the Legisla-ture.
Participants will hear a leg-islative briefing from the MN State Chamber, meet with lo-cal legislators and meet other business people throughout the state to discuss key issues facing business this legislative session.
Please contact The Chamber office at 772-7271 or [email protected] for more de-tails and to ride along with Jim and Barry.
Mpls Federal Reserve CEO to Speak at Chamber LuncheonThe local economy remains very strong with taxable sales hovering around a 10% in-crease year over year in Grand Forks.
The Chamber will host an Economic Outlook Luncheon on April 2nd from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. at the Alerus Cen-ter, featuring Mpls Federal Reserve CEO, Narayana Ko-cherlakota.
The title of his presentation will be: Past, Present and Future: The Macroeconomy and Federal Reserve Ac-tions.
Make your reservation by call-ing the chamber at 772-7271 or by emailing [email protected].
Mission Statement
“The Chamber of Commerce creates an environment that encourages business
success while enhancing the quality of life in our region.”
Chamber News
3 www.gochamber.org
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.Advanced Drainage Systems
Anderson Brother’s Auto BodyB & N Oil
Boldmethod, LLCCenturyLink
Culver’s of Grand ForksCurtis Fischer Tax Services
Dakota Metal Fabrication, Inc.Easter Seals Goodwill of ND, Inc.Edward Jones - Jeanne Peterson
EGF Rod & Gun ClubGF County Agencies
GGF Convention & Visitors BureauGreat Plains Financial Group
Greenberg Realty-JD KennellyGreenberg Roofing & Sheet Metal
Hugo’s #8Integra Telecom
IRET PropertiesJump for Joy Bounce Houses
Kidwell’s Signature Cleaning, Inc.McDonalds - Gateway DriveNetworking Specialists, Inc.
P.D. SproulePremier Signs, LLP
RDO Equipment CompanyRuffing It Doggie Daycare & Overnight Center
Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC CadillacRydell Honda Nissan of Grand Forks
Ski & Bike ShopSterling Carpet One Floor & Home
The Ho Sports Bar and CasinoValvoline Instant Oil ChangeVillage Family Service CenterWidseth Smith Nolting - EGF
Wild Hog Smokehouse Bar & GrillWinmar Sleep Center
www.gochamber.org4
Chamber News
Red River Valley Habitat for HumanityKyle KosiorPO Box 5415Grand Forks, ND [email protected] for Humanity strives to provide decent and afford-able housing for residents of the Grand Cities through the generosity of businesses, individuals and our volunteers.
Surface Pride Inc.Troy Boman1820 Central Ave NEEast Grand Forks, MN 56721(o) 218-773-4026(f) [email protected] Pride Inc. fabricates custom countertops including granite, quartz, solid surface and laminate, for the areas of northwestern Minnesota and northeastern North Dakota.
Wizard’s Cleaning, Inc.Grand Forks, ND 58201(o) 701-740-5506(f) [email protected]’s Cleaning, Inc. has been serving the Grand Forks area for 18 years. The company specializes in the com-mercial cleaning of professional buildings, banks, apart-ment complexes, and other office spaces.
H & R Block (EGF)210 Gateway Dr. NE Suite 2East Grand Forks, MN 56721(o) 218-793-0034(f) 218-793-0035www.hrblock.comH & R Block has opened a new location! We are open year around to prepare individual and business tax returns as well as to help clients with their tax needs.
Sigma Defense SystemsJacquelyn Follmuth PMP, PMI-RMP701 Eielson Street B607Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND 58205701-747-4423Jacquelyn.follmuth.1.ctr@us.af.milwww.sigdef.comProvide engineering, logistics, sustainment, airspace and program management support to include DoD mission stand-ups, sustainment, and set-up of manned, un-manned, and space borne intelligence collection platforms.
Welcome New Members!
Ambassador Ribbon Cuttings
Aspen Studio
Rodan & Fields
Grand Forks American Legion Post #6Bob Greene, CommanderPO Box 5692Grand Forks, ND 58206-5692218-230-4101Grand Forks American Legion Post #6 is a veteran’s orga-nization serving military veterans and the community.
Chamber News
What records do I keep? How long do I keep them? How should I store them?
What records do I get rid of? How should I get rid of them? Am I in compliance with federal and state regulations?
Does your business or organization have policies and procedures in place for organizing, storing and de-
stroying documents and records? At-tend this seminar to eliminate legal risk and ensure compliance of docu-ment destruction and retention. This seminar will identify what records need to be maintained, archived or destroyed.
Document Destruction & Retention
Paper & Electronic
Reservations not cancelled 3 business days prior to event will be billed.
Seating is limited. Sign up by March 19, 2013. Reservations can be made at 772-7271 or email [email protected] with the names of those attending.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 11:30am - 1:00pmThe Chamber - GF/EGF$20/Person (lunch provided)$30/Non-Member (lunch provided)
Presented by: Dave Upham, Sales Manager & Compliance Consultant, DocushredKane Aubol, Compliance Manager, Docushred
1. How government rules apply to your business or organization2. HIPPA and FACTA rules3. Ideas on how to implement compliance programs for your business or organization
Alerus 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. You might even win
$2500 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, drink tickets & cash
bar• Great door prize!• Progressive cash drawing is at $2500!
Hosted by
Alerus Center Thursday, March 21, 2013
4:45pm - 7:00pm
www.gochamber.org 6
Business Briefs
1697 South 42nd Street701.746.6010
4501 South Washington Street701.738.4300
Member FDIC • www.choicefinancialgroup.com
$20 ATM Refunds
No ATM Fees 3
$50Refer A Friend
FriendshipFunds2
$60 iTunes®
Rewards 1
iTunes® Gift Cards
1 Reward - $10 iTunes gift card at account opening. Monthly $5 iTunes gift card when the following requirements are met each statement cycle: 1) Enroll in and receive monthly eStatements, 2) Enroll in Online Banking and access 3 times per month, 3) Complete 10 Point of Sale (POS) Debit Card transactions per month. Reward will be paid in increments of $10. A minimum of two qualifying months must be met before a reward will be paid. The account must remain open and in good standing. A maximum of $70 in rewards may be earned in the first calendar year the account is open and $60 in rewards the following calendar year. Subject to change at any time. 2 Subject to qualification. $50 will be deposited to this account at opening upon the enrollment of an automatic deposit or automatic withdrawal. Subject to 1099 interest reporting. Not valid with any other offer. New money/accounts only. 3 You may be charged a foreign ATM fee. Choice Financial will automatically credit a maximum of $20 in fees back to your account by the 15th day of the following month. iTunes® and iTunes Music Store® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. ChoiceTunes Checking is an independent product of Choice Financial and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. Member FDIC.
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Mention this ad for an additional $25 iTunes® gift card.
Offer expires June 15, 2012. Some exclusions may apply.
Limit one per person.
AE2S Promotes Gaddie and Case, Hires Sickler AE2S (Advanced Engineering and Environmen-tal Services, Inc.) has promoted two employ-ees at the firm’s Grand Forks, ND corporate headquarters.
Shawn Gaddie, PE has moved from the Op-erations Manager role of the Grand Forks office
to the position of Division Manager at AE2S Nexus, the financial divi-sion of AE2S. He is working with the Nexus team to continue to provide financial services to clients such as utility rate studies, asset management solutions, funding development and administration, and municipal financial services, as well as working to develop fu-
ture initiatives. In addition, Gaddie will contin-ue to maintain a client management role with the City of Grand Forks.
Gaddie joined AE2S in November 2005 and took over the Operations Manager position in 2007. “Shawn will be instrumental in running the day-to-day operations of AE2S Nexus, as well as building and maintaining client relation-ships and business development opportunities,” says Steve Burian, PE, Chief Executive Officer of AE2S.
With Gaddie’s transition, Sanford Case, PE has been promoted to Operations Manager of
the Grand Forks office. Case is responsible for business develop-ment, client management, project management, and the day-to-day operations of the office.
Case joined AE2S in June 2012 as a Senior Project Manager, bringing over 30 years of project manage-ment and design experience in
water, rural water, wastewater, and infrastruc-ture. “Sanford’s strong ability to manage large projects while simultaneously managing a team make him a great fit for the Operations Man-ager position,” says Burian.
AE2S has hired Jonathan Sickler as Corpo-rate General Counsel in the firm’s Grand Forks,
ND, headquarters. He will be responsible for managing all legal aspects of the company’s opera-tions.
Sickler brings more than eleven years of experience in various aspects of corporate law, including antitrust, mergers and acquisi-tions, and federal and state litiga-
Cont. on page 8
A Month in Pictures
December Brown Bag Seminar
Winter Bash at GFAFB
Legislative Forum
BeMobile Business After Hours
Ambassador Recruitment Meeting
February Brown Bag Seminar
BeMobile Business After Hours
Rodan & Fields Open House
New Member Plaque Presentation
Business Briefs
8 www.gochamber.org
tion. Prior to joining AE2S, he worked in the Washington offices of the law firms Weil, Gotshal, & Manges, LLP and Clifford Chance US, LLP.
“I am excited to come back to North Dakota to join a dy-namic company that’s making critical contributions to the economic vitality and qual-ity of life in North Dakota and throughout the upper Great Plains,” Sickler said.
Originally from Dickinson, North Dakota, Sickler holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Po-litical Science from the Univer-sity of North Dakota, as well as a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School in Cam-bridge, Massachusetts.
Rygg Haley Recognized by Sandals Resort Bonnie Rygg Haley from Bon Voyage Travel Leaders has been recognized by Sandals Resorts, the Luxury Included® Vacation, at the Eleventh An-nual Sandals Travel Agency Recognition (S.T.A.R.) Awards held December 1, 2012, at the newly renovated Sandals Royal
Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island in Nassau, Bahamas.
Bon Voyage Travel Leaders has earned “The Best of the Best” Award for the past
9 years in a row. Top agencies Including Bon Voyage Travel Leaders were recognized for their outstanding knowledge and performance in selling the World’s best Luxury Included® resorts. Cont. on page 9
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.)
The resort company recog-nized and paid tribute to more than 400 travel agents from around the world including North America, Latin America and the U.K.
“We value the hard work of travel agents like Bonnie Rygg Haley, and take the opportu-nity to commend them as they are essential in bringing the Sandals Resorts’ and
Beaches Resorts’ vacation ex-periences to life for their
Clients,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resort International. “Bonnie is an extension of our Sandals Resorts family and because of her dedication in exceeding customer expectations, we are able to provide guests with the vacation of their dreams and the experience of a lifetime.”
Cont. from page 6
representative. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and has previous work experience at FedEx Express,
and holds a paraprofessional certificate. Mills is also actively involved at the United Church of Christ in Grand Forks.
JLG Announces Licen-sures JLG Architects is proud to an-nounce the licensure of three of the firm’s architectural pro-fessionals. The rigorous reg-istration and licensure process includes several years of work experience and education and requires the passage of seven portions of the Architec-tural Registration Examination (ARE).
MICHAEL McLEAN, AIA, LEED AP: As the Manager
of JLG’s Willis-ton office and an Oakes, North Dakota native, Michael has dedi-cated himself to building a bet-ter North Dakota since joining JLG in 2007. In addi-
tion to his architectural regis-tration, Michael is a LEED-Ac-credited Professional, which is a licensure awarded to those specialized in energy-efficient and sustainable design. Mi-chael graduated from North Dakota State University with a Master of Architecture, a Bachelor or Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Envi-ronmental Design.
JOSH KEHRWALD, RA: As JLG’s Revit Leader, Josh over-
sees all of the firm’s Building Information Man-agement (BIM) processes and standards. Josh received a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of
Svoboda Joins Bremer Mortgage Bremer Bank announces that Kelsey Svoboda has joined the organization as a mort-gage loan officer in the Grand Forks location. Svoboda has more than five years of resi-dential real estate mortgage experience and will be one of two mortgage loan officers in Grand Forks.
She has a bach-elor’s degree from the University of North Dakota. Svoboda is active in the community and serves on the board of the Grand Forks Opti-
mist Club and is the president-elect. Additionally, she is an affiliate member of the Board of Realtors and an account ex-ecutive with the United Way.
“Kelsey has excellent residen-tial real estate mortgage expe-rience and knows the Grand Forks market well,” said Russ Erickson, president and CEO. “We are really excited to have her join our mortgage team and assist our clients with all their residential mortgage needs.”
Network Center Announc-es Hire and Certifications Technology solution provider, NetWork Center Inc., an-nounces the addition of two Sales Associates Andrew McKenzie and Adam Martin. Andrew McKenzie graduated from MSUM with a degree in
Communications Studies. Before joining NetWork Center, Inc. he spent two years working as an Admissions Coun-selor for both the University of Ne-braska - Lincoln
and Minnesota State Univer-sity Moorhead (MSUM).
Adam Martin has over 7 years of experience in the field of sales and has consulted many
companies in business devel-opment. Adam brings to the table a multi-dimensional sales vision and experi-ence with many industry specific
verticals. When asked what it means to be an account exec-utive, his reply was, “It means to execute the responsibility of cultivating and maintaining key business relationships.”
Gerald Urlaub achieved the Cisco Sales Expert and Cisco Express Foundation for Ac-count Managers certifications. These certifications give Ur-laub an in-depth understand-ing of Cisco technologies and solutions.
Choice Financial Hires Kolling, Promotes Mills Deb Kolling has joined Choice Financial as Mortgage Loan Originator at its 1697 South 42nd Street location in Grand Forks.
Kolling has previ-ous experience at the University of North Dakota Wellness Center as a coordinator of membership/guest relations, and as an insur-
ance agent for Nodak Mutual she also spent several years as a marketing sales represen-tative for Noridian Insurance.
Kolling is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Crookston, Minn., with a de-gree in business and market-ing management. Kolling is active in community organiza-tions in Grand Forks including the Chamber of Commerce, the GF Young Professionals Network and St. Jude’s Catho-lic Church.
Denise Mills was recently promoted to Mortgage Proces-sor with Choice Financial in Grand Forks.
Mills joined Choice Financial in 2011 as a customer service
9www.gochamber.org
Business BriefsCont. from page 8
Cont. on page 10
This area for current advertiser, delete this statement prior to printing.
Environmental Design from Montana State University, where he was also a member of the school’s club hockey team.
ADAM BARNETT, AIA: A Project Designer at JLG, Adam Barnett received a Master and Bachelor of Architecture, as well as a Bach-
elor of Science in Environmen-tal Design, from North Dakota State University in 2010. A BWBR Award finalist, Adam was a Teacher’s Assistant in 2007 for the school. Prior to his studies at NDSU, Adam graduated magna cum laude from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Bach-
elor of Arts in Anthropology and a concentration in Archaeology. White at MSUM, Adam competed on the Track and Field team.
Insight Technologies Announces New Hire The Insight Technologies Sales Team expanded again adding Rick Lenarz who will focus on Busi-ness Development in Grand Forks Area.
Rick comes to Insight Technolo-gies with a strong education and technology based background. He attended Bemidji State University (B.A. Business Administration) and has been part of various roles such as Implementation Consultant, with a leading mid-market ERP (Enter-prise Resource Planning) software
solution for the process manufacturing indus-try. Director of Business Development for a data center. Rick also spent a number of years building community relations and programs throughout Northwest Minnesota as Area Director with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Bergstrom Electric Receives Award Bergstrom Electric, Inc., Grand Forks, ND re-ceived a top award from the Minnesota Associ-ated Builders and Contractors for its work on the Cass County Courthouse West Addition in the category of Electrical Commercial Projects Over $1 Million. ABC’s awards competition was held on
January 31st at the 2012 Awards of Excellence In Construction Banquet at The Metropolitan in Minneapolis, MN.
ABC’s awards program is de-signed to recognize publicly the quality and innovation of merit shop construction and to honor all the members of the construc-
tion team, including the contractor, the owner and the design team responsible for the project. The winning projects were selected from entries submitted from across the state and were judged
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on complexity, attractiveness, unusual challenges, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety and budget.
Bergstrom Electric, Inc. was the electrical contractor chosen to help build the $16 million West Addition to the Cass County Courthouse.
Accepting the award on behalf of Bergstrom Electric was the Project Foreman Curtish Kalash.
GGFYP Bring Back Chick-Fil-A Leader-cast The Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals are excited to bring back a one-of-a-kind Lead-ership Development Opportunity to the commu-nity on Friday, May 10th from 8am to 4pm.
Chick-Fil-A Leadercast, presented in part by AE2S, takes place in Atlanta and is simulcast all over the world in front of thousands. 100% of the attendees from the Grand Forks area stated that the event was worth their time and money, and most stated that the only way to improve would be to increase attendance. No matter what your position or experience level is, this day has something valuable for you.
Tickets are $100 for the General Public and $85 for GGFYP members, and are available now at www.ggfyp.com/leadercast. Contact [email protected] with any questions you may have.
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! * Furniture * Appliances * Electronics* Furniture * Appliances * Electronics
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Cont. from page 9