ChamberChoice Winners Announced

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The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2013 ChamberChoice Award Winners.

Small Business of the Year: Heartland Trust Company

Business of the Year: Border States Electric

Small Not-for-Profit of the Year: Red River Zoo

Not-for-Profit of the Year: Family HealthCare

Entrepreneur of the Year: Jill Krahn & Jodi Ellingson, Hair Success Salon & Day Spa
 Young Professionals Best Place to Work: Dawson Insurance

The winners were announced at The Chamber’s annual ChamberChoice Awards Luncheon held Wednesday, May 15 at the Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center. Over 700 people attended the event, which honors the vigorous entrepreneurial spirit and important contributions made by businesses in the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo metropolitan area.

The ChamberChoice Award finalists and winners were selected by a panel of independent judges from the regional business community, who evaluated accomplishments in the areas of business growth, innovation, creativity, community involvement and unique achievements relating to a specific business or industry.

Learn more about The Chamber at www.fmwfchamber.com.

Chamber Gradutes 35 Business Leaders

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Today, 35 regional business leaders will graduate from The Chamber’s Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo program during a graduation ceremony at the Bluestem Center for the Arts at 11:30 a.m.

The Chamber’s leadership program is centered on creating leaders through community training and leadership development. The program is designed to expose emerging and existing community leaders to the issues that face the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo region while challenging and engaging participants to strengthen the community through service and leadership.

The 2012-13 Class at their Feburary session

 

“Our leadership graduates leave this program with a sharpened sense of how they can positively impact this community,” said Craig Whitney, Chamber President/CEO. “These individuals have been immersed in a powerful leadership experience that has given them knowledge, skills, and dedication to achieve professional and organizational success.”

Please join us in congratulating our 2013 Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo graduates:
Cody Aldinger, TMI Hospitality
Kristin Anderson, John Deere Electronic Solutions
Tiffany Anderson, GOLDMARK Property Management
Shar Berns, Inspire Dance & Wellness Studios
Michelle Blakeman, TMI Hospitality
Amanda Boyer, Tronsgard & Sullivan Dental
Rebecca Breen, Choice Financial
Craig Brye, Otter Tail Corporation
Liz Buethner, Serco Global Services
Pat Claus, Fargo Police Department
Linette Dahl, Appareo Systems, LLC
Sean Elsner, First International Bank & Trust
Jenny Erickson, Home Builders Association of F-M
Greg Ewing-Lee, Sundog
Adam Gangl, Courtyard by Marriott and Moorhead Area Convention Center
Cari Goodyear, CoreLink Administrative Solutions
Ryan Grussing, Cornerstone Bank
Sedi Halvorson, Hilton Garden Inn Fargo
Jon Hasbargen, TMI Hospitality
Calie Larkin, Bell State Bank & Trust
D.C. Lucas, Eide Bailly Technology Consulting
Paul Matthys, Cass County Electric Cooperatve
Todd Medd, JLG Architects
Karsten Melgaard, Bank of the West
Jenny Mondry, Wimmer’s Diamonds
Brein Olmstead, Rasmussen College
Jake Overby, Hannaher’s, Inc.
Brad Penas, Moorhead Police Department
Gail Petersen, The Chamber
Lindsay Schroeder, Integrity Windows and Doors
Jessica Shawn, Discovery Benefits, Inc.
Cheryl Stock, Bell State Bank & Trust
Matt Thompson, Vogel Law Firm
Mike Turchin, Gate City Bank
Teresa Warne, American Crystal Sugar Company

We’re excited to see what this year’s group of leaders will do in our community!

Chamber Urges Members to Help Fill Additional Sandbags

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With new amounts of snowfall in the Red River Valley over the weekend, the City of Fargo has decided to reopen Sandbag Central. The goal is to fill 500,000 additional bags to protect the city.

It is imperative we make this happen so that we can avoid business shut downs and mandatory evacuations. The goal is to have these sandbags filled, stored and ready to go by Friday, April 26.

The Chamber is urging its members and their employees to once again join forces and get involved to fill the additional sandbags needed. We are asking that employers allow their employees to volunteer to sandbag during the hours of 2 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday beginning on Thursday, April 18.

For more information, or to register to volunteer, please contact Julie Yourczek at 218.233.1100 or jyourczek@fmwfchamber.com.

Chamber, EDC Urge Members to Join the Flood Fight

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Together, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber and the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC) are urging members, investors and their employees to get involved in sandbagging efforts and help prevent spring flooding.

The organizations are asking that members allow their employees to volunteer to sandbag during the hours of 2 and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning April 3, 2013 at Sandbag Central in the 2400 block of Eighth Avenue North. The City of Fargo is hoping to complete a million sandbags in 10 days to protect the city to 42.5 feet.

“It is important for the metro area to not grind to a halt because of the flood. Our businesses must remain open and commerce must not stop,” said Chamber President/CEO Craig Whitney. “Just as we did in 2009 and 2011, the business community must answer the call and not allow the toll of another major flood to affect our metro area.”

The Chamber has also spoken with Moorhead city officials and at this time, the City of Moorhead does not need to fill additional sandbags. If this changes, The Chamber and GFMEDC plan to engage member participation for the City of Moorhead as well.

“Flooding is not a Fargo issue, a Moorhead issue or a West Fargo issue. It’s a regional issue that affects all of us,” said Whitney. “When the flood hit Grand Forks, it didn’t distinguish by state line. The whole area was affected and is still dealing with the aftermath. We must not let this be Fargo Moorhead West Fargo’s story.”

The Chamber and GFMEDC have made long-term flood protection a top priority. The Business Leaders’ for Permanent Flood Protection task force continues to advocate for the diversion project and the importance of comprehensive flood risk reduction.

“We are fortunate to have made it through past floods largely unscathed,” said President of the GFMEDC Jim Gartin. “We must remain vigilant in ensuring that the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo region remains open for business 365 days a year. Let’s remove major flooding from the long list of national headlines about our community.”

To volunteer, call Julie Y. at 218.233.1100 or email jyourczek@fmwfchamber.com 

Remember Small & Midsized MN Businesses

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Minnesota businesses have always contributed to our economy and our state in a meaningful way. Partners in the community. Job providers. Taxpayers. But the current legislative majorities seem determined to make doing business in our state as hard as possible. Governor Dayton proposes to raise taxes by $1.8 billion – three times more than the temporary, short-term deficit of $627 million. The governor’s proposal, unfortunately, is the floor. The Senate and House targets are even bigger. The governor wants to increase the top income-tax rate to 9.85 percent, which will impact 21,000 of Minnesota’s most successful businesses. House Democrats upped the ante by proposing a temporary surcharge on the highest wage-earners, raising the rate to 11 percent, second highest in the nation.

Income-tax increases represent only a slice of how the Legislature is treating small businesses this year. You’ll be paying higher insurance premiums to fund the new health insurance exchange. Brace for an increase in the state’s minimum wage. Look for street improvement fees, water appropriation fees, transit and gas taxes, and new energy mandates just to name a few.

We talk to businesses every day – our members. As one member said, “It’s so disheartening; I don’t know what to say.” Many will say nothing, but are already making decisions about their investments in our community. Senator Eken and Representative Lien, we know you have many pressures and demands at the Capitol. We ask that you don’t lose sight of the importance of keeping small and midsized business successful in our state.

Sincerely,

Craig Whitney 200x300 Remember Small & Midsized MN BusinessesCraig Whitney 
President & CEO President
Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber

Flood Protection is a Regional Issue

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From President/CEO Craig Whitney

When I came here over three years ago, I was amazed by this community. The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo area is full of economic success stories, collaborative efforts and innovative entrepreneurs with cutting-edge, nationally renowned projects. It’s an area I’m proud to be a part of.

As the President and CEO of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber, I get to see these stories come to life every day. I have seen us grow even further, working together. As our 2012 Legacy Leader Bruce Furness said, by working together, we are able to promote a distinct, different and better community.

Our Chamber is proud to be part of this collaborative mindset. Not only do we represent the needs of more than 2,000 members, but the needs of three cities in two different states. We are continually at work in both the North Dakota and Minnesota legislatures and will work tirelessly to keep abreast of and champion issues that affect Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and the surrounding areas.

One of these issues is the need for permanent flood protection. This is not a Fargo issue, a Moorhead issue or a West Fargo issue. It’s a regional issue that will affect all of us. When the flood hit Grand Forks, it didn’t distinguish by state line. The whole area was affected and is still dealing with the aftermath. We must not let that be Fargo Moorhead West Fargo’s story.

The Chamber has recently collaborated with the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation on a task force for permanent flood protection. Championed by leaders of the business community and led by Tom Dawson, of Dawson Insurance, and Ann McConn of Alerus Financial, this group will work to ensure that permanent flood protection is achieved for our area.

The importance of this issue cannot be overstated. We have lost lives, homes and business to constant spring flooding. By not taking a stand on this issue, we will surely suffer the economic effects and our future generations will be left to cope with our indecision.

Now is the time to rise together in collaboration and protect our metro area. For together, we are a stronger, greater community and can do together what no one city can do alone.

 

 

Chamber Members Push for Diversion Project at 2013 Chamber Day at the North Dakota Capitol

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Yesterday, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce held its second Chamber Day at the Capitol. The event was a chance for the business community to meet with elected officials in Bismarck and to carry the message of important issues affecting our area, including the need for permanent flood protection.

“Without a doubt, the most vital issue of the day was pressing the legislators from across North Dakota about the need to support the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo diversion,” said President/CEO Craig Whitney. “This is an economic and financial issue that will devastate our community if not addressed.”

Chamber Day at the Capitol is held each year the North Dakota legislature meets. Chamber members participated in committee hearings, floor sessions and met with legislative leadership about significant issues.

“We cannot afford to have Fargo Moorhead go down in a flood like Grand Forks and Minot did,” said Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner. “It’s important for people in your community to get involved in these things and stay active in your Chamber.”

At the end of the day, The Chamber hosted a reception with more than 60 legislators from across the state in attendance. The reception was another opportunity for attendees to drive home the message of permanent flood protection for the area.

Chamber members attend the Second Chamber Day at the Capitol

Chamber Names Taskforce Leadership

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Tom Dawson, President of Dawson Insurance, and Ann McConn, Fargo West Fargo President of Alerus Financial, have been named chair and vice chair of the newly formed Business Leaders Task force for Permanent Flood Protection.

“This group will provide a much needed voice to the business community regarding permanent flood protection for the area,” said Dawson.

A joint effort between The Chamber and the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, the task force is committed to ensuring the importance of comprehensive flood risk reduction stays at the forefront of the region’s priorities.

“It’s important we have a business environment where we can all be successful,” McConn said. “We’re really doing this for the future of our region.”

 Chamber President/CEO Craig Whitney also noted the task force is working hard to ensure funding for flood protection for the area, despite recent actions by the North Dakota legislature. “We cannot and will not stand for any one person or group trying to derail this effort,” Whitney said. “We are confident that the North Dakota Senate will restore what we believe was the intent of the governor’s appropriation recommendations. We must do everything in our power to see that our area is protected.”

Chamber Launches Third Annual Membership Campaign

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We have kicked off our third annual Members Get It! campaign. The 2013 membership recruitment campaign challenges existing Chamber members to recruit new members for a chance to win great prizes.

“Our 2011 and 2012 campaigns were an incredible success and have catapulted the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber to new membership records making it the largest local chamber in both Minnesota and North Dakota, ” said Chamber President/CEO Craig Whitney. “We continue to build on that momentum. A highly engaged business community positions the region for success.”

The Chamber has continued its partnership with Go Radio Broadcasting as part of this year’s membership campaign. Go Radio will provide complimentary radio advertising to all new members recruited through the campaign.

“Go Radio is proud to partner with The Chamber in promoting the strengths of our local economy and developing local business,” said Dave Howland, sales manager of Go Radio Broadcasting. “Go Radio gets it … When the local community works together we all win!”

The Chamber offers a full menu of membership benefits, including:

  • Nationally recognized, bi-monthly Business After Hours networking and tradeshow events
  • Professional development through business training and leadership programs
  • Community involvement through various committees
  • Marketing assistance through Chamber publications and targeted referrals
  • Strong voice for pro-business legislation

Learn more about the campaign and how to get involved.

Chamber Seeks Business Nominations

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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.

In celebration of the achievements of our business community, The Chamber annually hosts the ChamberChoice Awards. The ChamberChoice Awards honor organizations like you that make our communities a better place to work, live, play and do business. Award winners exemplify excellence through proven stability and/or growth, innovation, creativity, community leadership and achievements.

Nominations are now open for the 2013 ChamberChoice Awards. We invite you to nominate your organization or another well deserving Chamber member you feel has made an impact in our community. ChamberChoice Awards are given in a variety of categories, including:

  • Small Business of the Year
  • Business of the Year
  • Not-for-Profit of the Year
  • Small Not-for-Profit of the Year
  • Young Professionals Best Place to Work
  • Entrepreneur of the Year

Nominations will close on February 28. 

So what are you waiting for? Nominate yourself or another deserving business for a 2013 ChamberChoice Award!