www.fmwfchamber.com

4 • January 2013

Our region is a vibrant economic hub, thanks in large part to our over 2,000 members. Because of your professionalism, hard work, dedication and passion, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community is thriving and growing.

The ChamberChoice Awards honor organizations like you, organizations that make our communities a better place to work, play, live and do business. Award winners are shining stars, exemplifying excellence through proven stability and/or growth, innovation, creativity, community leadership and achievements.

Nominate yours or another deserving business, not-for-profi t or entrepreneur for the 2013 ChamberChoice Awards. Nominations for this year’s awards open January 15.

Nominating has never been easier. Simply visit FMWFChamber.com and click on ‘ChamberChoice Nominations.’ From there, you can nominate as many great local organizations as you want. Just remember the following criteria about your nominee(s):

Must be a current member in good standing with The Chamber.Been in business for a minimum of three years.Shows stability or growth in sales, services and/or growth in number of individuals and/or expanded programs and services.Demonstrates commitment to ethical business practices.Demonstrates commitment to employee support and development.Demonstrates corporate citizenship and/or community leadership.

Nominations will remain open through February 28. Those nominated will be asked to complete an online application, telling us more about what makes them a shining star. Members who complete the application in its entirety will become candidates for the ChamberChoiceAwards and our VIPs at the ChamberChoice Awards Luncheon on May 15, an afternoon of glitz and glamour.

So what are you waiting for? Nominate your organization or another deserving business, not-for-profi t or entrepreneur for this year’s ChamberChoice Awards. Then, join us on May 15.

Presenting Sponsor

Nominees Candidates Finalists Winners

Nominations are open from January 15 to February 28. Nominate yourself or another deserving business at FMWFChamber.com. Nominees will be notifi ed March 1.

Applications are open for nominees from March 1 to 29. Any nominee who completely fi lls out an application and meets the criteria is

considered a candidate. Candidates will be notifi ed in early April. Each candidate will receive two tickets to the ChamberChoice Luncheon May 15.

Judges choose three fi nalists in each category. Finalists are announced at the ChamberChoice Luncheon

on May 15.

One winner is chosen from the three fi nalists in each category. Winners are chosen based on a combination of

the judges’ rankings and votes from the general membership.

All New in 2013!

www.fmwfchamber.com

4 • February 2013

The ChamberChoice Awards allow you to enhance the value of your company and build trusted brand recognition in the community. The time it takes to fi ll out the nomination form and application is miniscule when compared to the

great amount of publicity your company will have as either a fi nalist or a winner. Multiple categories allow both small and large companies, not-for-profi ts and entrepreneurs equal chances to win. ChamberChoice winners have the ability to use the 2013 ChamberChoice winner designation to promote their organization in the community, as well

as in their own marketing materials. Your work will be reviewed and honored by potential clients, not just your competitors. Your company/organization will gain a unique view of current operations, a challenge to build upon them and a dynamic opportunity for

community awareness. When you win a ChamberChoice Award, you are honored onstage and featured in a one-minute video showcasing your company and the great reasons

you were selected, in front of an audience of over 500 business and community leaders. A personalized award will be presented to you on stage to display as you like in your business. An award is a cost-effective way to thank and honor your valued employees, executives and clients for all of their hard work and dedication. You, your staff and your company deserve the kind of positive recognition associated with receiving a ChamberChoice Award.

Nominate Your Business – A majority of nominations received each year are self-nominations!Do you have a staff that works hard? Is your business a hidden gem in the community that others should know about? Here’s your opportunity to get the recognition your company deserves.

Nominate Your Clients or Another Well-Deserving OrganizationShow appreciation for your clients, vendors, or fellow business owners by nominating them for a ChamberChoice Award. All nominations are confi dential unless you give us permission to give your name.

You can nominate more than once and in multiple categories!

A business/organization may be honored as a fi nalist only two consecutive years, followed by a one-year waiting period before submitting another application.

Nomination deadline is Thursday, February 28.

Once nominated, businesses will be sent a notifi cation letter with application instructions. Applications will be available online beginning Friday, March 1 and must be completed and returned to The Chamber by noon on Friday, March 29.

Finalists in each of the six categories will be announced at the ChamberChoice Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 15 at the Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center.

Online: FMWFChamber.com l Fax: 218.233.1200 l Email: tpowell@fmwfchamber.comMail: The Chamber, P.O. Box 2443, Fargo, ND 58108-2443 l In Person: 202 First Avenue North, Moorhead, MN

Why Participate?

Who Do I Nominate?

Here’s What You Need To Know!

How Do I Nominate?

April 2013 • Vol. 16, No. 8 A National Award Winning Chamber

Business After HoursThursday, April 18

Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center

Sponsored by

PROUDLY SERVING MEMBERS IN FARGO, MOORHEAD, WEST FARGO, DILWORTH, CASS AND CLAY COUNTIES AND BEYOND

Our area has a lot to be proud of. From award winning nonprofi ts to nationally recognized small businesses, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo metro is full of economic promise. Join us May 15 and hear the inspirational stories of businesses, nonprofi ts and individuals that have signifi cantly and positively impacted our community through leadership, proven growth or stability, innovation and creativity.

The ChamberChoice Awards Luncheon not only highlights these great organizations, but also recognizes outstanding examples among them. New to the luncheon this year is the announcement of the 2013 ChamberChoice fi nalists as well as the winners. In true awards show fashion, we’ll have you on the edge of your seat right to the end as we highlight the top three fi nalists in each category before we name the 2013 ChamberChoice Award winners.

The luncheon will be hosted by master of ceremonies James Cunningham, a stand-up comedian, TV show host, entrepreneur and public speaker who has enjoyed smashing success on comedy stages across North America, as well as with his award winning “Funny Money” lectures. No stranger to the world of entertainment, Cunningham has shared the spotlight with former United State President Bill Clinton,Sir Richard Branson, Martha Stewart, Barbara Walters, Andre Agassi and Hilary Swank.

With over 300 stand-up performances per year, Cunningham is hysterically quick-witted and will have you on the edge of your seat … and not just to fi nd out the ChamberChoice Award winners.

Register at FMWFChamber.com or call 218.233.1100 to reserve your spot for an afternoon with the stars of our business community.

CUNNINGHAM

Six Keys to Getting More from Your Business

Wednesday, April 3Hilton Garden Inn Fargo

See page 14 for more information.

Treat Your Team Luncheon

Wednesday, April 24Maxwells and Mezzaluna

See page 4 for more information.

May 2013 • Vol. 16, No. 9 A National Award Winning Chamber

Business After Hours

Thursday, June 13Courtyard by Marriott and

Moorhead Area Conference Center

Sponsored by

PROUDLY SERVING MEMBERS IN FARGO, MOORHEAD, WEST FARGO, DILWORTH, CASS AND CLAY COUNTIES AND BEYOND

2013 Corporate Cup

Thursday, May 23Minnesota State University Moorhead

Presenting Sponsors

ChamberChoice Awards LuncheonIt’s going to be the awards show of the season… Check out page 3 for the announcement of the candidates for the 2013 ChamberChoice Awards and then reserve your table for the ChamberChoiceAwards Luncheon to see who takes home the awards. This afternoon with the stars will be hosted by comedian James Cunningham.

Presenting Sponsor

June 2013 • Vol. 16, No.10 A National Award Winning Chamber

Business After Hours

Thursday, June 13Courtyard by Marriott and

Moorhead Area Conference Center

Sponsored by

PROUDLY SERVING MEMBERS IN FARGO, MOORHEAD, WEST FARGO, DILWORTH, CASS AND CLAY COUNTIES AND BEYOND

Chamber Challenge Golf Outing

Wednesday, July 17Edgewood Golf Course

Leader Board Sponsor

www.fmwfchamber.com

4 • June 2013

And the Winners Are…We had the honor of naming the 2013 ChamberChoice Award winners to a record breaking audience of over 700 members and guests on May 15. The awards recognize local organizations and entrepreneurs that are making a difference, growing their business and leading their industries.

The FinalistsThe organizations and individuals with the blue star next to their name are the winners within each category

Small Not-for-Profi t of the Year

Churches United for the Homeless

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley

Red River Zoo

Not-for-Profi t of the Year

Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch

Family HealthCare Center

Vocation Training Center

Small Business of the Year

DFC Consultants, Ltd.

Heartland Trust Company

Offi ce Sign Company

Video Arts Studios

Business of the Year

Border States Electric

Indigo Signworks

Prudential Premiere Real Estate

Young Professionals Best Place to Work

Border States Electric

Dawson Insurance

Hilton Garden Inn Fargo

Entrepreneur of the Year

Jake Joraanstad and Ryan Raguse, Myriad Devices

Jill Krahn and Jodi Ellingson,Hair Success Salon & Day Spa

Brent Teiken, Sundog

www.fmwfchamber.com

June 2013 • 5

Alerus FinancialBank of the West

BlackRidgeBANKBorder States ElectricBremer Bank, N.A.

Cass County Electric Cooperative Inc.Choice FinancialCornerstone BankDawson Insurance

DFC Consultants, Ltd.Discovery Benefi ts, Inc.

EnventisEvolution1Fraser, Ltd.

Games Galore Party RentalHeartland Trust Company

KLJMidcontinent Communications

Moore Engineering, Inc.NetWork Center Inc.Offi ce Sign Company

Prairie St. John’sStarion FinancialTitan Machinery

U.S. BankWestern State Bank

Award Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Corporate Table Sponsors

Spotlight Sponsors

The Chamber couldn’t host such a wonderful event without the support of our sponsors. Thank you!

Small Not-For-Profi t of the Year Sponsor Not-For-Profi t of the Year Sponsor

Small Business of the Year Sponsor Business of the Year Sponsor

Young Professionals Best Place to Work Sponsor Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsor

Event Production Sponsor

www.fmwfchamber.com

June 2013 • 25

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Making a Big ImpactMost people think of the American Red Cross when large-scale natural dis-asters like hurricane Sandy or the Red River fl ooding strike our country and cities. “Whenever people are displaced, we are usually the fi rst people on the scene to determine what needs there are whether it be food, clothing or shelter and make sure all those people have a place to go and stay, at least in the short term,” said Brian Shawn, regional communications offi cer for the American Red Cross – Red River Valley Chapter.

“What people may not recognize is that the Red Cross was actually founded as a military support organization,” said Shawn. “Right now, the biggest way we support military is through our communications in emer-gency situations.”

The Red Cross helps reach out to military members who are currently deployed during family emergencies. They have a direct way to get ahold of that person and fi nd a way to get them home. So far in 2013, 204 families have been assisted with emergency communications.

Another lesser known program of the Red Cross is their international services. “People don’t necessarily realize that there are refugees in this area that have no way of getting in touch with their family,” said Shawn. “We try to reach out and connect those families again.” There are currently 41 international tracing cases open in the region.

The Red Cross also works hard to prepare people for disaster situations before they happen through resources like smartphone apps, survival kits and CPR and First Aid courses. “It is so critically important that you are prepared when disaster hits,” said Shawn. The state of North Dakota recently passed legislation that will fund classes for every student to learn fi rst aid and CPR

“You don’t really appreciate what the Red Cross does until you are in a situation where you really need them,” said Shawn.

Coming Soon...

Learn the story behind the best of the best in our metro. Starting in July, we’ll be featuring our 2013 ChamberChoice winners.

Member Profi le

Commercial Expertise. Service Excellence. TM

The ChamberChoice Awards recognize the best of the best when it comes to businesses in the Fargo Moorhead metro area. These companies and organizations make a signifi cant impact, drive economic growth and help make the region a better place to work, live and do business. Winners exemplify excellence through proven growth or stability, innovation, creativity, community leadership and achievements.

“Winning the ChamberChoice award is the biggest thing that’s happened to us,” said Steve Halverson, president of Heartland Trust Company. “We have been a very quiet company and this award gets our success story out there. It’s confi rmation from an outside source that we are conducting our business professionally and treating our customers correctly.”

Heartland provides innovative and professional investment management and trust services to their clients. Services include: retirement planning, fi nancial planning, estate settlement, investment management, IRA rollovers, living trusts, charitable trust and testamentary trusts.

Halverson said they were surprised both when they were nominated and when they won the award. “To actually win the award was an eye opening experience,” said Neil Jordhiem, Executive Vice President. “It’s even bigger to get this award from a Chamber located in such an outstanding community,” said Brian Halverson, retirement services.

What sets Heartland apart from other trust companies? “We are a privately owned, independent company with a focus on the client as the number one priority,” said Jordhiem.

Heartland also believes in giving back to the community. “We give employees the opportunity to give some of their time to organizations they are passionate about,” said Jordhiem. “We also to give fi nancial support where our employees are involved.”

Learn more about Heartland Trust Company at www.heartlandtrust.com.

2013 Small Business of the Year

The ChamberChoice Awards recognize the best of the best when it comes to businesses in the Fargo Moorhead metro area. These companies and organizations make a signifi cant impact, drive economic growth and help make the region a better place to work, live and do business. Winners exemplify excellence through proven growth or stability, innovation, creativity, community leadership and achievements.

20 • The Bridge | July 2013

Border States Electric strives to be more than just a wholesale electrical distributer. They aspire to be a distribution solution, solving customer issues and making their businesses work better. The company, which was founded in 1952, is one of the largest 100 percent employee-owned companies in the country. Over 60 years, BSE has expanded from one location to 55 in 13 states, making it the ninth largest independent electrical distributor in the United States.

The Chamber recognized Border States Electric for their 60 years of excellence by naming them the 2013 ChamberChoice Business of the Year. While the company wasn’t shocked by the award, it was still a great honor. “To be selected from that great group of businesses in the community is very rewarding,” said Jason Stein, executive vice president for Border States Electric “It represents the spirit of our culture of employee ownership.” .

For BSE, it’s about culture. They work hard to develop and retain the talented employees they have. “One of the things that’s important for us is succession

planning, planning for the future,” said Stein. The company also utilizes career planning and trainee programs to improve skill sets and get an employee from their current position to where they want to be in the future.

BSE is passionate about community involvement as well. Management teams work with their employees to become more engaged in the community and organizations they are interested in. “We engage our branch managers to support that initiative as well,” said Stein. “They want to give back to the communities they live and work in.”

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Member Profile

24 • The Bridge | September 2013

Family HealthCare, which has been serving the community for 20 years, provides high quality, affordable healthcare. “We try to remove all the barriers that affect how people access healthcare,” said Patricia Patrón, chief executive officer of Family HealthCare. Even their new location in downtown Fargo aims to remove barriers. “You can get here by bus or car and if you walk or bike, downtown is very friendly for that.” The space consists of four downtown buildings, which Family HealthCare renovated. One of the buildings in even listed in the national registry of historic places. “We did a lot to bring back the spirit of the building,” said Patrón.

For Family HealthCare, their job goes beyond providing medical services. “We feel strongly that healthcare is just one little piece,” said Patrón. For example, they work closely with organizations in the community who provide shelter and services for the homeless. “Until people have a roof over their head, they cannot work to be successful in a healthy lifestyle,” said Patrón.

They are also active in bringing healthy, affordable lifestyle changes to the individuals they serve. “We know at the end of the day, having access to a

doctor is not everything everyone needs to be healthy,” said Patrón. To achieve this goal, Family HealthCare has a fitness facility and even a teaching kitchen to help promote an all-around healthy lifestyle.

Winning the ChamberChoice Award for Not-for-Profit of the Year was an honor for the staff, board and the community in general. “We feel overwhelmed and overjoyed,” said Patrón. Because of the support they receive in the community and the hard work of their staff and board of directors, they are able to give their patients a voice in their own healthcare.

The ChamberChoice Awards recognize the best of the best when it comes to businesses in the Fargo Moorhead metro area. These

companies and organizations make a significant impact, drive economic growth

and help make the region a better place to work, live and do business. Winners exemplify excellence through proven

growth or stability, innovation, creativity, community leadership and achievements.

2013 Not-for-Profit of the Year

Member Profile

FMWFChamber.com • 25

Our 2013 ChamberChoice Small Not-for-Profit of the Year won’t argue with the fact that work is sometimes a zoo. The Red River Zoo, which boasts more than 300 animals, representing 75 species, is a highly unique zoo for several reasons. The first is that it is completely funded by donations, zoo admissions, sponsorships

and fundraisers, a rarity among zoos that are normally funded through municipalities.

The zoo is also accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) something only 10 percent of the zoos in the United States have

accomplished. “It’s a grueling process,” said the zoo’s executive director, Lisa Tate. “They even try the food at the concession stands.”

Conservation is the third unique aspect of the zoo. While many zoos across the nation work to conserve and preserve animals, especially endangered species, the Red River Zoo has seen overwhelming success. The zoo was recently awarded an Edward H. Bean significant achievement award from the AZA for their conservation efforts. Tate said the award was an even bigger honor as it normally goes to zoos with considerably larger budgets (think the San Diego Zoo or the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park.)

It’s been an award-winning year for the zoo. On top of the ChamberChoice and AZA award, the zoo also won the Governor’s Award for best tourist attraction of the year. The award recognized the fact that 64 percent of the zoo's 70,000 visitors are tourists, helping bring people and commerce to the community and state.

There are a number of ways for individuals and businesses to get involved with the zoo and help further their mission. Individuals can get zoo memberships or attend fundraisers like Zoolebration. Businesses who are interested in helping the zoo can sign up for business memberships, donations, sponsorships and zoo events.

For more information about the zoo, visit www.redriverzoo.org.

2013 Small Not-for-Profit of the Year: Red River ZooOtters, Camels and Wolves, Oh My?

Member Profile

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26 • The Bridge | October 2013

Member ProfileYoung Professionals Best Place to Work:

Dawson Insurance President Tom Dawson’s grandfather, Charlie, founded the company in 1917. While the company is more than 95 years old, their tactics for attracting young professionals are anything but.

We named the locally owned business our 2013 ChamberChoice Young Professionals Best Place to Work because the company knows how to recruit, retain and engage the up-and-coming workforce. It’s one of the reasons the company is now in it’s third downtown location. “We like downtown,” said Dawson. “It’s so vibrant. I think everybody in the office enjoys being downtown.” Dawson went on to say the employees are “downtown people.”

“The insurance industry probably doesn’t strike one as attracting a lot of young people,” said Dawson. “In the last few years, we concentrated on who we hire, and we know younger, creative people provide a lot to the company and our clients.” Some of the things Dawson said are effective for attracting and retaining those young professionals are:§A clothing allowance.§Generous benefits.§Relaxed atmosphere.§Community involvement.§Office events (including closing the office down at 4:30 p.m. on a Friday and having a social hour).§Employee stock ownership plan.§Having fun at work.

Dawson said the ChamberChoice award meant a lot to the organization. “I can’t think of a higher award or honor,” said Dawson. “[Young professionals] are the backbone of our company and the backbone of our future.”

Dawson’s advice to other business owners and managers is to be personable to their employees. “You have to care,” he said. Dawson takes time to walk around the office and make sure employees have everything they need to succeed and help their clients.

Learn more about Dawson Insurance at www.dawsonins.com.

16 • The Bridge | December 2013

   

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Member Profile2013 ChamberChoice Entrepreneurs of the Year

Jodi Ellingson and Jill Krahn know a thing or two about starting and running a successful business. Next year, the two will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their first business venture, Hair Success Salon & Day Spa. Hair Success, which was the first day spa in North Dakota, was started in 1984 in Ada, Minn.

Elle magazine ranked the spa as one of the top 100 salons in the nation four years in a row. “Education is what has brought us here,” said Krahn. “The more you learn, the more you see things differently, and we wanted to bring that back to Fargo.”

The two have now started several other businesses including The Salon Professional Academy, Salon Brand It, Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) and Virtual Salon Campus.

Virtual Salon Campus is the newest venture between the duo. The web-based campus, which will fully launch in 2015, looks to help prepare their students for their future careers. All of their academy students will have access to the site along with past graduates and other salon professionals for a small membership. The courses offered on the site will be geared toward professional development such as maintaining social media sites, managing your money and starting your own business.

Ellingson and Krahn agree that one of the most challenging things they’ve faced on their journey is franchising their school through SPEC. “You have to be able to budget for growth,” said Ellingson. Krahn added that it’s been especially challenging with economy changes over the last couple of years. Their advice for anyone considering a franchising opportunity comes from one of their mentors, Ace Brandt:

� Hire the right leader. � Pay the right people well. � Walk in the back door – by the time you get to your office, you’ll know what’s going on in your business.

The two have also done a lot of work to change their business to fit with the needs of today. For example, they recently developed a program called TSPA 2.0 where they train students on how to interact with the different generations (millenials, generation X, etc.) “We are trying to open up the stylist to see how one person thinks differently than another,” said Ellingson. “We want our students to be able to work with multiple generations and not limiting themselves.”

When Ellingson and Krahn aren’t busy with their multiple businesses, they volunteer some of their time to plan and promote Fashion Avenue, a style show to raise money for the Christmas Wish. “The thing I love is watching all the people from the business community come together to give,” said Krahn.

Their final bit of advice? “You have to go after your dreams,” said Krahn.

FMWFChamber.com • 21