Inform....Promote....AdvocateConnect....Educate

2014 Plan of Action

Jeff Wilson Vilandre Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Past Chair

Col. Paul Bauman GFAFB Commander Sr. Military Advisor to the Board

Klaus Thiessen GF Region Economic Dev. Corporation

Cheryl Swanson Alerus Center

2014 Chamber LeadershipExecutive Committee

Craig Amiot 5 Star Collision Vice Chair

Chris Wolf Alerus FinancialChair

John Oncken True North Equip.Vice Chair

Ron Galstad Galstad, Jensen & McCann, PA Vice Chair/Secretary

Dan Dahl Dahl Funeral Home

Barry Wilfahrt The Chamber - GF/EGF President/CEO

Jason Heintz Scheels

Board of Directors

Matt Walkowiak Ground Round

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Pete Haga City of Grand Forks

Brady Hansen BeMobile, Inc.

Bonnie Rygg-Haley Bon Voyage Travel

Kenny Holweger Kenny’s Music

Brian Rydell Rydell Auto Center

Curt Kreun ND State Representative

Bob Moore River Cinema

Phyllis Johnson UND VP Research & Economic Develop.

Pat McLean Clear Channel Comm.

Kristi Magnuson-Nelson Hugo’s Wine & Spirits Chair Elect/Treasurer

Dennis Reisnour Altru Health System

2014 Chamber Leadership Your Chamber Working For YouWhile you are hard at work, your Chamber of Commerce is working for you. We inform, promote, advocate, connect and educate our members and community.

informThe Chamber informs members on important business and community information.

This is done through events, the newsletter, broadcast emails and social media. The Chamber lets its members know when there is something that may affect your business, something good that is hap-pening in our communities or when there is a potential issue coming up that we need to take action on.

PromoteThe Chamber promotes its members, the business community and the GF/EGF region.

Through community directories in print, on the website, on social media sites and even a mobile app, people can find out about our businesses. The Chamber makes countless referrals over the phone and via email to people looking for our services and products. Members can promote themselves through The Chamber’s newsletter, member to member emails, and various advertising and sponsorship op-portunities. Being a member of The Chamber is the most effective way to be in front of over 1000 area businesses.

AdvocateThe Chamber advocates for its members and our business climate at the city, state and fed-

eral levels. The Chamber is present at legislative meetings in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks and at our state capitals. The Chamber collaborates with other organizations in the community to make sure we have a strong voice to affect change in Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and our region.

ConnectThe Chamber provides opportunities for businesses to connect with other businesses.

Some of these opportunities are at events, at Business After Hours and through a variety of commit-tees. The Chamber connects members with government by organizing trips to the legislature, candi-date forums, legislative forums, policy meetings, and meetings with state legislators, etc. The Chamber collaborates with various community organizations to work together to create a strong community.

EducateThe Chamber provides education opportunities for your business and employees.

From monthly Brown Bag seminars, to the yearly Leadership Training Program to special trainings like Disney Business Excellence, The Chamber offers training opportunities for all businesses.

Your Chamber has been working for our communities for over 100 years. With more than 1,000 members, it is the region’s largest business organization.

The Chamber will continue to be the leader in bringing business people together to make valuable contacts that help grow and enhance your client base and business.

Member NetworkingMonthly Business After Hours Participation in the more 100 chamber programs and eventsContinue aggressive membership visits program to members in their place of businessChamber Facebook page and social media opportunities

Member ServicesRelocation packets to newcomersMember Traffic Catcher Sites on chamber websiteWebsite information and listing in the business directory (www.gochamber.org)Chamber On-Line Monthly “The Voice” newsletterChamber App for iPhone and AndroidCommunity Profile book and Member Directory Community mapsMember referralsBusiness Briefs section of newsletterMember to Member E-mailChamber Express avertising packetsCertificate of origin seals Chamber Business of the Week program in EGF Monthly column in The Exponent

Member EventsThe Chamber Annual Meeting & Dinner - JanuaryMayor State of the City Luncheon - FebruaryAnnual Chamber Golf Classic - JuneVolunteer Appreciation Picnic - AugustWake Up to UND - SeptemberNorthland State of the College - OctoberState of the Base Breakfast – NovemberAg Appreciation Banquet - November Eggstravaganza - DecemberBusiness After Hours - Monthly

We are the Premiere Networking and Business Information Resource in the GF/EGF Area

Member RecognitionHenry Havig Award - January Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award - DecemberAmbassador of the QuarterBusiness Briefs Section of Newsletter

Member EducationMonthly Brown Bag SeminarsDisney Training - April 2014Adult Leadership training programAdvanced Leadership training program - Every other yearBusiness related training opportunities semi annually

The Chamber - GF/EGF had a successful year in 2013 and the momentum continues to grow. The strength of our organization and support of our members allows The Chamber to be actively involved in advocating, promot-ing and collaborating for a better business community.

The Momentum Continues

Chamber Committees, Purpose and 2014 PrioritiesChamber committees will continue to:Invite additional chamber members to get involvedCommunicate accomplishments to the membershipContinue a business approach to chamber projects Agribusiness Committee– Chair: Brad Costello, Alerus Financial

Purpose: Promote agriculture and its importance to the region.Goals: •Continue to grow annual Farm Appreciation banquet.•Work on Ag Education in the Community.•Recruit monthly speakers on ag issues for meetings.•Research and develop policy positions on agribusiness issues.•City to Farm Tour.

Ambassadors Committee– Chair: Daniel Ward, Alerus Financial

Purpose: To be the welcoming arm of The Chamber and promote chamber membership.Goals: •Welcome new chamber members and businesses with ribbon cutting ceremonies. •Assist with registration and greeting at chamber functions.•Involve Ambassadors in 2014 Membership Drive.•Conduct Annual Operation “Thank You” campaign designed to thank membership and promote chamber business.

Business Government Education Alliance Committee – Chair: Larry Nybladh, Superintendent of GF Schools and Jim Galloway, partner JLG Architects.Purpose: Bring Business, government and education leaders together to address issues and share information of importance for the success-ful development and positive growth of the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks region.

The Chamber will continue to be the premier organization for meeting the needs and providing services for the diverse business community in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks through the work of its standing committees.

This has long been the hallmark of the Chamber as it has continually provided value-added services to its members throughout its 109 year history. The Chamber’s products and services are under constant review and our offerings change as new ones evolve to accurately reflect our member’s diverse needs over time.

We Address the Needs of the 1000+ Members

Goals: • Host monthly meetings on topics of keen interest and importance to the

community.• Identify opportunities for The Chamber to be involved in implementing the

NV360 results.• Report outcome of meetings to the membership.• Continue the work of the BGEA Workforce Subcommittee.

Facilities Committee – Chair: Jay Kleven, EAPC Architects EngineersPurpose: Update and manage the current chamber facilityGoals: •The Chamber will continue to work on its facility plan.•The Chamber will work to keep its rental space occupied.

Finance Committee – Chair: Kristi Magnuson Nelson, Hugo’s/Hugo’s Wine & Spirits

Purpose: Help determine and meet chamber financial goals to ensure financial stability of the organization.Goals: •Monitor chamber finances and ensure accountability.•Make personal contact with past due accounts.•Coordinate chamber membership visits and membership survey to secure input and learn about member concerns.

Government Affairs Committee - Chair: Dane Ferguson, Ferguson Books and MediaPurpose: Provide leadership, information and advocacy that will enhance the economic environment and represent the interests of the local business community. Develop cooperative relationships with orga-nizations to establish and nurture positive relationships at the local, state and national levels. The Chamber will be an advocate for the free enterprise system.

Minnesota Goals:•Lead an annual business/community delegation to the legislature to meet with elected officials and key decision mak-

ers on issues impacting the GF/EGF region.• Organize EGF Intergovernmental Retreat in February.• Work with MN State Chamber to provide input on issues of importance to the local business community.• Work with MN State Chamber, Greater MN Coalition and Boarder Cities Coalition to provide input on issues of importance to the local

business community. Assist in communicating their platforms back to local elected officials .• Support the EGF Legislative team agenda. North Dakota Goals:• Lead annual business/community delegation to the legislature to meet with elected officials and key decision makers on issues impact-

ing the GF/EGF region.• Conduct Legislative Forums on Saturdays during the ND Legislative sessions.• Be visible and active in local city, school and county decision making that potentially impacts the business community.

Chamber Committees, Purpose and 2014 PrioritiesChamber committees will continue to:Invite additional chamber members to get involvedCommunicate accomplishments to the membershipContinue a business approach to chamber projects Agribusiness Committee– Chair: Brad Costello, Alerus Financial

Purpose: Promote agriculture and its importance to the region.Goals: •Continue to grow annual Farm Appreciation banquet.•Work on Ag Education in the Community.•Recruit monthly speakers on ag issues for meetings.•Research and develop policy positions on agribusiness issues.•City to Farm Tour.

Ambassadors Committee– Chair: Daniel Ward, Alerus Financial

Purpose: To be the welcoming arm of The Chamber and promote chamber membership.Goals: •Welcome new chamber members and businesses with ribbon cutting ceremonies. •Assist with registration and greeting at chamber functions.•Involve Ambassadors in 2014 Membership Drive.•Conduct Annual Operation “Thank You” campaign designed to thank membership and promote chamber business.

Business Government Education Alliance Committee – Chair: Larry Nybladh, Superintendent of GF Schools and Jim Galloway, partner JLG Architects.Purpose: Bring Business, government and education leaders together to address issues and share information of importance for the success-ful development and positive growth of the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks region.

The Chamber will continue to be the premier organization for meeting the needs and providing services for the diverse business community in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks through the work of its standing committees.

This has long been the hallmark of the Chamber as it has continually provided value-added services to its members throughout its 109 year history. The Chamber’s products and services are under constant review and our offerings change as new ones evolve to accurately reflect our member’s diverse needs over time.

We Address the Needs of the 1000+ Members

Past Board Chairs Committee – Chair: Jeff Wilson, Vilandre Air Conditioning , Plumbing & Seamless Gutter Purpose: Serve in an advisory capacity to chamber leadership and staff.

If you are interested in joining any of our committees or just want more information about them, please contact us at 701-772-7271 or info@gochamber.org.

• Be in contact with the congressional delegation on key issues impact-ing the GF/EGF Region. Coordinate listening sessions with business leaders and congressional leaders.

• Work with ND State Chamber to provide input on issues of importance to the local business community. Assist in communicating their platforms back to local elected officials.

• Support the GF Legislative team agenda.

Herald Advisory Committee – Chair: Bruce Gjovig, UND Center for InnovationPurpose: Meet periodically with representatives of The Grand Forks Herald to discuss how business is represented and its issues communicated in the publication. Goals: • Meet quarterly with the Herald editorial board to talk about the Herald’s coverage of business issues.

• Assist the GF Herald in identifying business related stories of interest to the community. Leadership Committee – Chair: Gwen Klawon, UND Aerospace

Purpose: Continue to respond to the need for future leaders by conducting an annual leadership training program.Goals:• Conduct the 29th annual personal growth and professional development training program. • Continue to successfully graduate 40 participants.• Identify new ways to encourage the more than 900 graduates of the program to become involved in the community.• Continue to work with the Community Foundation to award the Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award.• Grow the scholarship fund for future Leadership Program attendees established in 2009.

• Continue the biennial Advanced Leadership Program.

Military Affairs Committee – Co-Chairs: Donna Wolfe-Sholes, Greenberg Realty and Al Palmer, UND Aerospace SciencesPurpose: Foster a strong relationship between the GF/EGF communities and the military units in our region and help provide community support for future missions. Goals: •Facilitate improved communication between military and non-military groups.•Coordinate Military and Military Family Support/Community Connection.•Support Air Base future missions and realignment activities (CBEI, BRIC).

Small Business Committee – Co-Chairs: Donna Remer, Remer Accounting PC & Josh Brown, Thompson Insurance Purpose: Provide value to chamber member small businesses through educational, programming and other small business services. Work with SBA, SCORE and other small business programs to carry out this purpose.Goals: • Continue to offer a monthly Brown Bag seminars on a variety of pertinent topics to small busi-nesses in the GF/EGF region.• Offer one half-day small business education opportunity.

Chamber Staff

Carla Younce Finance Directorcarlay@gochamber.org

Barry Wilfahrt President/CEO barry@gochamber.org

Past Board Chairs Committee – Chair: Jeff Wilson, Vilandre Air Conditioning , Plumbing & Seamless Gutter Purpose: Serve in an advisory capacity to chamber leadership and staff.

If you are interested in joining any of our committees or just want more information about them, please contact us at 701-772-7271 or info@gochamber.org.

Chamber Staff

Connie Klefstad Administrative Assistantinfo@gochamber.org

Carla Younce Finance Directorcarlay@gochamber.org

Emberly Lietz Membership Director emberlyl@gochamber.org

Audrey Lind Project Assistantinfo@gochamber.org

Lisa Swanson Vice President of Operationslisas@gochamber.org

Barry Wilfahrt President/CEO barry@gochamber.org

Kimberly Strom Program/Event Director kimberlys@gochamber.org

Past Chamber Board Chairs2013 Jeff Wilson

2012 Chris Semrau

2011 Jim Galloway

2010 Barb Schultz

2009 Rick Duquette

2008 Jerry Youngberg

2007Kristi Hall Jiran

2006Rich Becker

2005Rich Becker/Joanne Otto

2004Phil Gisi~EGFDave Molmen~GF

2003Mike Pokrzywinski~ EGFJudi Paukert ~GF

2002Mike Pokrzywinski~EGFDarrell Larson~GF

2001Dr. Steve Gander~EGFDave McFarlane~GF

2000Terry Hecht~ EGFBob Peabody~ GF

1999Duane Finney~EGFDon Fisk~GF

1998Wally Rodgers~EGFDr. Robert Boyd~GF

1997Terry Atkins~EGFJack Carroll~GF

1996Cheryl Gaddie~ EGFLonnie Laffen~ GF

1995Cindy O’Keefe~ EGFRandy Newman~ GF

1994Craig Buckalew~ EGFGreg Gerloff~ GF

1993Steve Worwa~EGFRalph J. Noll~GF

1992Bob Bydal~EGFDr. James E. Gjerset~GF

1991Jack Robertson~EGFBruce Rampelberg~GF

1990Bob Rosenberg~EGFBob Kerr~GF

1989Jeff Westrem~EGFDon Larsen~GF

1988JoAnn Sayler~EGFMarlan Helgeson~GF

1987Gerard Neil~EGFRalph Campbell~GF

1986Gerard Neil~EGFJohn Marshall~GF

1985Paul Stadem, DDS~EGFR.J. Fiala~GF

1984Richard Wiley~EGFJean Kiesau~GF

1983Steve Gorman~EGFJames Dalglish~GF

1982Steve Gorman~EGFBob Vaaler~GF

1981Robert E. Peabody~EGFJim Strausbaugh~GF

1980Robert E. Peabody~EGFClair Rowe~GF

1979Dean F. Mitzel~EGFPaul J. Bridston~GF

1978Kenneth Coauette~EGFGeorge Unruh, Jr.~GF

1977Raymond German~EGFCurt Magnuson~GF

1976Francis Mireault~EGFDick Wold~GF

1975John F. Ellison~EGFJohn Norby~GF

1974Marvin K. Devig~EGFJustin Hoberg~GF

1973Maury Finney~EGFDavid Kessler~GF

1972George Mack~EGFDavid Vaaler~GF

1971Arvy J. Larson~EGFJerome M. Dunlevy, Jr.~GF

1970Arvy J. Larson~EGFEd Lander~GF

1969John J. Gaddie~EGFN.C. Olsson~GF

1968Albert Boushey~EGFChuck Goodman~GF

1967Lee Dunlevy~EGFRalph Roth~GF

1966Lars Stennes~EGFDon Lindgren~GF

1965John P. Bushee~EGFJohn A. McDonald.~GF

1964Leonard Zimmer~EGFBob Lander~GF

1963Emil Rychart~EGFEdward Olson~GF

1962John P. Bushee~EGFT.P. McElroy, Jr.~GF

1961Leonard Driscoll~EGFR.W. Blaine~GF

1960Earl Levasseur~EGFJames Rice~GF

1959Leo Dunlevy~EGFG.E. Satrom~GF

1958Lee Everett~EGFH.T. Gustafson~GF

1957Michael K. Gorman~EGF Gordon Caldis~GF

Chamber Strategic Partnerships

The Chamber recognizes that it is most effective when it works closely and in cooperation with other organizations in the community. The Chamber’s overall approach in working in partnership with other organizations is: The Chamber will work in partnership with other organizations whenever possible to accomplish its mission and goals.The Chamber will serve as a catalyst to ensure the GF/EGF Region remain future focused, looking at the future vision of all sectors and how they interrelate in the region.The Chamber will be the voice of business in the GF/EGF Region.The Chamber will work toward a “one community” approach with GF/EGF.

BRIC (Base Realignment Impact Committee) – A partnership of the City of Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, The Grand Forks EDC, UND and The Chamber. Mission: Work to retain and enhance Grand Forks Air Force Base.Vision: A fully operating base with multiple long term relevant missions. A base near capacity with new infrastructure , many personnel well positioned for future BRAC rounds. A base with alternative uses incorporated into the overall base plan. Goals:• Pursue new Tanker Mission at GFAFB• Support and enhance all current missions and capabilities at GFAFB• Prepare response to BRAC 2015/2017• Pursue complimentary capabilities and technologies for GFAFB• Support Grand Sky and other economic diversification

NV and ME – The NV and ME (NV360/Community Visioning Action Team) is a partnership between The Chamber and The Com-munity Foundation. Purpose: The NV and ME Action Team will work to ensure implementation of the various aspects of the NV360 results.Goals: • Serve as a catalyst to ensure the results of the NV360 Community Visioning process are implemented.• Pursue and secure funding for programs aimed at helping implement the NV360 results.• Operate a Micro Grant Program aimed at increasing community attachment and progress on the key attachment factors: social offer-

ings, aesthetics and openness.

GF Legislative Priority Committee– A coalition of The Chamber, The GF EDC, The City of GF, UND and other entities as necessary. Purpose: To identify key infrastructure and policy needs and work with elected officials at the state and local level to promote the “Grand Forks” legislative agenda.

EGF Intergovernmental Committee– A coalition of The Chamber, The EGF EDHA, The City of EGF, NCTC, Polk County. Purpose: To identify key infrastructure and policy needs and work with elected officials at the state and local level to promote the “East Grand Forks” legislative agenda. Workforce Development Task Force– A coalition of The Chamber, The EDC, The Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM), and Job Service. Purpose: To develop strategies to increase workforce availability for area employers.

UND Advisory Committee– A coalition of The Chamber, The EDC, and UND. Local Legislators and other elected officials will also be invited to participate.Purpose: To identify where the community, business community and UND can work more closely together to meet each other’s needs and strategically seize opportunities.

Chamber Strategic Partnerships

Our MissionWe create an environment that encourages business

success while enhancing the quality of life in our region.

202 North 3rd StreetGrand Forks, ND 58203

701-772-7271701-772-9238 fax

info@gochamber.orgwww.gochamber.org

Find us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/thechambergfegf