Official Publication of The Chamber - GF/EGFOfficial 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 info@gochamber.org www.gochamber.org

202 N. 3rd Street Grand Forks, ND 58203

September 2013

Official Publication of The Chamber - GF/EGF

The Chamber-GF/EGF and The University of North Dakota invite you to attend the 8th annual “Wake

Up To UND” breakfast program featuring UND Presi-dent, Dr. Robert Kelley.

Thursday, October 3, 2013 UND Student Wellness Center

(801 Princeton St.) FREE On-Site, No Hassle Parking

7:15am Registration - 7:30am Breakfast and Program

$15/personReservations are required and seating is limited.

For reservations, contact The Chamber at 772-7271 or info@gochamber.org.

Reservation deadline is September 27, 2013.

Reservations not cancelled 3 business days prior to event will be billed

Campus Sponsors: EAPC Architects Engineers

Gate City Bank

Presidential Sponsors:

Academic Sponsors:

Featuring Dr. Robert Kelley2013 Wake Up to UND

Normally Grand Forks is con-cerned about too much water in the Red River, however, in drought years the water sup-ply in Grand Forks runs short and needs attention.

Wilfahrt explained how impor-tant the Red River Valley Wa-ter Supply Project (Connection between Lake Ashtabula north of Valley City to the Sheyenne River) is to Grand Forks and Fargo. According to Wilfahrt, “Its time to take the next step to ensure a reliable and af-fordable water supply for our current and future businesses and industries.”

Wilfahrt also commented on the need for state participa-tion in the planned Grand Forks Waste Water Treatment plant. Even with state cost share, rates for residents and businesses are expected to increase significantly.

The Chamber will continue to work with the City Infrastruc-ture Committee, local legisla-tors to pursue funding for local water projects to ensure reli-ability and affordability.

Sign Up to Offer UND Student DiscountGenerate more sales to stu-dents with the Official UND Student Discount Program!

The University of North Da-kota and The Chamber Grand Forks/East Grand Forks have teamed up to offer a student discount program. This pro-gram offers benefits for both students and your business.

Click on the link to fill out the UND Student Discount Form and return to UND Fi-nancial Wellness Services.

Chamber to Host Housing UpdateThe Chamber will host an update on the local housing market on September 11th at 3:30pm. The update will be held in the Chamber of Com-merce Conference Room at 202 N. 3rd St. downtown.

The Chamber, City Council and other entities all continue to closely monitor the local hous-ing market. Much progress has been made this construc-tion season and more new housing is on the horizon for 2014. Find out what going on by attending the Housing Update Meeting on September 11th.

Also learn about the new “Housing Dashboard” aimed at getting real time housing and development information out to local developers, land owners, builders and anyone interested in the local housing market.

Housing Update Agenda

I. Welcome - Barry Wilfahrt, Chamber President and CEO; Mayor Michael Brown, Mayor City of Grand Forks

II. Overview of Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force - Recom-mendations and what has happened as a result - Mike Bergeron, Task Force CoChair

III. Update on the Numbers following this construction season (new single family homes, new lots, new apart-ments, and the outlook for 2014 - Brad Gengler, City Planner

IV. Announce and demonstrate the new Housing Dashboard as part of the City of Grand Forks Website - Meredith Rich-ards, Community Develop-ment Director

V. Q & A

BRIC to Fine Tune GoalsChamber President, Barry Wilfahrt testified in front of the North Dakota Legislature Interim Water Topics Com-mittee on September 5th.

Staff

Barry Wilfahrt President/CEO

barry@gochamber.org

Lisa Swanson Vice President of Operations

lisas@gochamber.org

Kimberly Strom Program/Event Director

kimberlys@gochamber.org

Carla Younce Finance Director

carlay@gochamber.org Emberly Lietz

Membership Director emberlyl@gochamber.org

Connie Klefstad Administrative Assistant

info@gochamber.org

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 Paul E. Bauman - GFAFB

2 www.gochamber.org

Chamber News

Chamber News

3 www.gochamber.org

Anne Carlsen CenterApplegren Construction

Cabela’sCanad Inns

Cenex - Gateway DriveCentury 21 - Red River Realty

D.J. Burris Quality Carpet CleaningDeMers Dental - Dr. Chelsea Erickson

Face & Jaw Surgery CenterJohnstown Bean Company

Morning Star RanchNate’s Canopy & Tent RentalOur Saviors Lutheran Church

Restaurant Technology Services, LLCSentry Security, Inc.Seven Clans Casino

Small Business Administration - GF OfficeThrivent Financial - Chad Erickson

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.

Anne Carlsen Center Ribbon Cutting

Ad space is quickly being reserved in the Chamber’s 2014 Community Profile/Mem-bership Directory. With 5,000 print copies, along with 24/7 online viewing exposure, the Profile/Directory is our most frequently asked for and widely distributed publication.

Join the many Chamber member businesses that have reserved their 2014 ad space:

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services Alerus Financial Altru Health System Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND Bremer Bank Canad Inns Cariveau Workforce Services Choice Health & Fitness EAPC Architects Engineers EGF Economic Development Housing Au-thority Edgewood Management Group First State Bank GF Park District GF Public Library GF Public Schools GF Regional Airport Authority Home of Economy Hugo’s Family Marketplace Hugo’s Wine & Spirits JLG Architects Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson Knight Printing Midcontinent Communications ND Mill & Elevator Northland Community Technical College Riverside Christian School SpringHill Suites Summer Performing Arts (SPA) Super Target The Ralph Engelstad Arena TrainND University of Mary Vaaler Insurance Valley Memorial Homes VFW Post 1874 & Ladies Auxiliary Vilandre Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing Xcel Energy

Space is limited. Please contact Emberly if you would like more information or to place an ad, emberlyL@gochamber.org or 701.772.7271

Advertising in 2014 Community Profile/Membership Directory

Bon Voyage Travel Leaders Ribbon Cutting

www.gochamber.org4

Chamber News

BBI InternationalJohn Nelson308 Second Avenue N., Suite 304Grand Forks, ND 58203(o) 701-746-8385(t) 866-746-8385jnelson@bbiinternational.comwww.bbiiinternational.comSince 1995, BBI International has been producing globally recognized events and maga-zines. The company publishes Ethanol Producer Magazine, Biomass Magazine, Biodiesel Magazine and The Bakken

Welcome New Members!magazine, and produces in-dustry events for the biomass, advanced biofuels, ethanol and shale industries.

Sarita Bansal – Independent AgentPrudential Crary Real Estate 4551 S Washington St Ste G Grand Forks, ND 58201(o) 701-775-0013(c) 701-330-2024(f) 701-775-2720sbansal@craryrealestate.com www.luvgfk.comHaving lived in Grand Forks,

Choice Financial 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 $700 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 & beverages ~ Great door prizes ~ Progressive cash drawing is at $700!

Hosted by

Choice Financial

Thursday, September 19, 20134:45pm - 7:00pm

ND for over 25 years, Sarita has come to understand and appreciate the community and its people. Sarita is extremely motivated to help find you the home of your dreams! “LUV WHERE YOU LIVE”

1697 S. 42nd St. Location

Chamber News

www.gochamber.org 5

Chamber Announces Date of Disney’s Business Excellence Training-Mark Your CalendarsThe Chamber-GF/EGF is partnering with the well known Disney Institute to bring their top notch training to Grand Forks on April 22nd of 2014.

Disney is hailed as a leader in provid-ing excellent training programs. Their trans-formative insights are grounded in real-world

experiences and time-tested philosophies of The Walt Disney Company. The Chamber last hosted this training in the area in 2003 and 2004.

The seminar in April 2014 will be the Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence Training. The full day training will cover: Creativity & In-novation, Leadership Strategies for Organiza-tional Excellence, Disney Selection, Training & Engagement Practices, Consistent Delivery of Quality Service and Fortifying Brand Loyalty. This is a great seminar for all employees to create a stronger team.

Mark you calendars, information on register-ing for the seminar will be available in the coming months.

Phone: 701-787-8583 or 701-795-9143

Find us on Facebook or www.prairieharvest.net

Highest restaurant in town provides friendly service and spectacular food with a great

view overlooking the city! Located on the 6th floor of the Grand Forks

County Building ~ 151 S. 4th St

LinkedIn is the top rated social media plat-form for businesses.

Find out how you can become part of one of the fastest moving relationship building

platforms for your business.

At this seminar you will learn:• How to setup your profile.

• How to use it for sales, getting your next job or hiring your next employee

• Best features of LinkedIn• How to get banned from LinkedIn

• Best productivity apps that use LinkedIn• How to manage your LinkedIn on a week-

ly basis

Linked In

Seating is limited. Sign up by September 17 2013. Reservations can be made at 772-7271 or email

info@gochamber.org with the names of those attending.

Reservations not cancelled 3 business days prior to event will be billed.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013 11:30am - 1:00pm

The Chamber - GF/EGF$20/Person (lunch provided)

$30/Non-Member (lunch provided)

Presented by: David Sena, Exec. Director at Northland Rescue Mission

Canad Inns BAHAugust Brown Bag Seminar

Military Appreciation Day

Canad Inns BAH

Military Appreciation Day

Summer Bash at GFAFB

Canad Inns BAH

Canad Inns BAH

Business Briefs

8 www.gochamber.org

Schumacher Completes ABA School Kara Schumacher, market-ing and customer manage-ment director, Alerus Finan-cial, recently graduated from the American Bankers Asso-ciation School of Bank Mar-keting and Management held June 19-25, 2013 at the Emo-ry Conference Center Hotel in

Atlanta, GA.

“The ABA School of Bank Market-ing and Manage-ment gave me the opportunity to learn from the best in the field

and to exchange information and ideas with my peers,” said Schumacher.

The two-year program pro-vides marketers, managers, and specialists with a one-of-a-kind education under the guidance and direction

of faculty advisors comprised of distinguished marketing professionals. Students de-veloped strategies to promote new products and received a solid foundation in marketing principles and management practices.

“Kara is a key member of Alerus’ leadership team and her exposure to ABA’s bank marketing training will help us better serve our customers and execute on organizational strategies,” said Kris Compton, Alerus Financial’s chief operat-ing officer.

Schumacher has been with Alerus Financial for 16 years. She manages Alerus’ market-ing department and is respon-sible for leading and facilitat-ing the processes of marketing throughout the organization in areas such as brand manage-ment, corporate communica-tions, research, and customer

Cont. on page 9

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management. Schumacher was selected to serve as the 2013-2014 student represen-tative on the School of Bank Marketing and Management Advisory Board. Previously, she served on the Downtown Leadership Group Board of Di-rectors and has been involved with the American Heart Asso-ciation and Community Vio-lence Intervention Center.

Vetter Joins Alerus’ Board of Directors Alerus Financial Corporation is honored to announce the ad-dition of Galen G. Vetter to their board of directors. Vetter has four decades of experi-ence in the accounting/finance industry.

“We have a very strong leader-ship foundation in place and are extremely pleased to have Galen join Alerus’ Board of Directors,” said Alerus Finan-

“The biggest thing is being honest with people and giv-ing them a quality product for their dollar,” Lynn said. “Cus-tomers need to know you are trustworthy, knowing we are here for the long run, that we do a good job and are hands-on.”

Many staff at Vreeland’s have had decades of service with

the company including Finish Car-penter/Cabi-net Maker John O’Keefe (29yrs/de-ceased), Of-fice Manager and Lynn’s

wife Virginia Vreeland (25yrs), Finish Carpenter Gwyndale Bayne (22yrs) and Carpenter Scott Walski (11yrs). Lynn’s son Corey has also worked in the family business since 1993 after his service in the US Air Force. Side by side with his father, Corey is now running the day-to-day operations of Vreeland Remodeling.

Current Office Manager Gary Allen, who has been with Vreeland since 2008, said the success of Vreeland Remodel-ing is the culture of respect and collaboration, not only with customers and vendors but among those within the Vreeland team itself.

In 1988, Lynn was awarded ‘Builder of the Year’ by the Forx Builders association and was the 1st contractor in North Dakota to receive ‘Cer-tified Graduate Remodeling’ status from the National Home Builders Association in 1990. The business officially changed its name to ‘Vreeland Remod-eling’ in 2000 and opened its current shop/showroom on Gateway Drive in 2008.

According to Lynn, the legacy of Vreeland has a bright fu-ture with son Corey as well as his three grandsons who are waiting in the wings. The 50th Anniversary Open House will be held September 4th at

inactive), and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of North-ern Iowa.

Reisdorf, COTA/L Joins Altru’s Outreach Therapy Altru’s Outreach Therapy wel-comes Erin Reisdorf, licensed certified occupational therapy

assistant, to its department. Erin graduated with a degree in the Occupational Therapy Assis-tant program from Northland Community and Technical College.

She will be providing outreach therapy services at Valley Eldercare and the Transitional Care Unit in Grand Forks, ND.

Altru’s Outreach Therapy pro-vides comprehensive rehabili-tation services for children and adults in over 20 communities throughout northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Min-nesota.

Vreeland Celebrates 50th Anniversary In what first started out as a summer job doing roofing and painting houses in 1963, Lynn Vreeland began the legacy of realizing remodeling goals for his customers. On September 4th, 2013 – Vreeland Remod-eling, one of the oldest family-owned contractors in the Red River Valley, will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

Vreeland Contracting started out doing both general con-struction and remodeling and in 1976, they built an office/shop at 2014 13th Avenue North. In 1978, Lynn found that he enjoyed the challenges of the remodeling side of his business so Vreeland Contract-ing Inc. made the change to become a ‘total remodeling services’ company.

Lynn, son Corey, and the entire Vreeland team takes great pride in its long-standing reputation for quality and reli-ability.

cial Corporation Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Randy Newman. “Ga-

len’s deep profes-sional background in working with financial service companies will bring insightful perspective and knowledge to our Board.”

Vetter spent the greater por-tion of his career with Mc-Gladrey, the fifth largest U.S. public accounting firm. During his 25-year tenure with Mc-Gladrey, Vetter held leadership positions including Partner In- Charge of the Upper Midwest Region and National Executive Partner. In addition to serv-ing clients during his career at McGladrey, Vetter was respon-sible for financial manage-ment, information technology, and development of industry specific practices, including financial service companies.

In 2008, Vetter joined Franklin Templeton Investments (FTI) as Senior Vice President and Global Chief Financial Officer. FTI is one of the largest mu-tual fund complexes in the world. As a member of FTI’s executive management team, Vetter helped oversee approxi-mately 450 mutual funds and approximately 8,100 private accounts. He was also respon-sible for enterprise-wide risk assessment and management, including global internal con-trol activities.

In retirement, Vetter also serves on the Board of Direc-tors for Land O’Lakes, a For-tune 500, farmer owned food and agricultural cooperative. He is currently a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and previ-ously served on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Executive Coun-cil/Technology and the Invest-ment Company Institute Audit and Treasury Committee.

Vetter obtained his CPA des-ignation in 1973 (currently

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Business Briefs

Cont. on page 10

reside in Grand Forks.

Alerus Financial An-nounces Purchase of Tegrit Administrators, LLC Alerus Financial N.A. (OTCQB: ALRS) will purchase the as-sets of Tegrit Administrators, LLC, effective September 30, 2013. The acquisition, consist-ing of 1,875 retirement plans with more than 30,000 partici-pants, will increase the wealth management assets of Alerus Financial by $1.3 billion in as-sets.

“The vast majority of the clients Alerus will serve from this transaction are located in Michigan, where we cur-rently have two offices with 26 employees,” said John Flesch, director of wealth manage-ment services for Alerus Fi-nancial. Flesch further com-ments, “The purchase aligns with our strategies of expand-ing our presence in the state of Michigan by leveraging our local expertise and the exist-ing retirement plan services infrastructure.”

With over 65 years in retire-ment services, Alerus cur-rently services over 2,500 retirement plans with more than 180,000 retirement plan participants throughout the United States. Operating as Alerus Retirement Solutions, it ranks within the top record keepers nationally including 30th for number of sponsors, 42nd for number of plan par-ticipants, and 38th for size of plan assets under record keep-ing.1 Additionally, Alerus ranks 86th out of 1,500 banks with trust departments based on 2012 year-end revenue.2 1 Source: Pension & Investments.

2 Source: Trust Performance Report.

11-3:30pm in its showroom at 2003 Gateway Drive in Grand Forks.

Hobby Lobby to Open in Grand Forks Hobby Lobby Stores, a pri-vately held national retail chain of arts and crafts stores, is pleased to announce it has signed a lease to open a store in Grand Forks, ND. Construc-tion is underway on this new 55,000 square-foot building located at the SW corner of 32nd Avenue & 31st Street.

This is Hobby Lobby’s fourth location in North Dakota, which is projected to open in mid October. The location will bring about 40 – 60 jobs to the community paying $14 per hour for full time and $9.50 per hour for part-time associ-ates.

“We are very excited to open our Grand Forks store, and provide the crafting and home

décor commu-

nity with quality merchandise, exceptional value and the wid-est variety of crafting supplies and home décor merchandise under one roof,” stated John Schumacher, Assistant Vice President of Advertising. He added, “Each new store en-ables us to become an integral part of the community while sharing in the growth of both the city and the state.”

Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, started as an out-growth of Greco Products, a miniature picture frames com-pany founded in a garage by David Green in 1970. Today, Hobby Lobby has over 540 stores across the nation that average 55,000 square feet in size. This major Oklahoma City-based private corporation offers more than 67,000 craft-ing and home decor products in its stores. Departments include floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, baskets, home accents, wearable art, arts and crafts, jewelry and scrapbooking and paper craft-

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Business Briefs

ing supplies. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and all Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sunday.

Johnson to Chair Federal Reserve Advisory Coun-cil The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis has named Brian Johnson, Choice Financial

CEO, chair of its Community De-pository Institu-tions Advisory Council. As chair of the Minneapo-lis Fed’s Council, Johnson will represent the

Ninth Federal Reserve District at semi-annual meetings with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in Washington, DC.

The Councils were established in 2011 to provide input to the Federal Reserve on the economy, lending conditions, and other issues of interest to community depository insti-tutions. Johnson has been a member of the Minneapolis council since its inception. All six district states are repre-sented on the council.

Johnson has been with Choice Financial since 1999. Prior to becoming CEO, he was chief operating officer, and has also served as president of the bank’s Walhalla, N.D. location, chief credit officer, and market president for the bank’s two locations in Grand Forks, N.D. Johnson is also a member of the company’s board of direc-tors, senior credit committee, and executive management team.

Johnson graduated from Jamestown University, James-town, N.D., with a business management and economics degree. He was previously on the board of directors for the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, and was named a Rising Star by Northwestern Financial Review in 2006. He and his family

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