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Straddling the Minnesota state border, Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, located in the southeastern part of the state on the banks of the Red River. Known as the Gateway to the West, the city is jam-packed with museums, galleries and an Art Deco theater palace. Three college campuses, including the main campus of North Dakota State University, call Fargo home, as do a number of research and tech-based companies.
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sponsored by the Greater FarGo Moorhead econoMic developMent corporation
2013 | livability.coM/FarGo
lessons on learninGTop employers give teachers real world instruction ideas
Food for thoughtDiverse dining scene has everyone thinking about what’s for dinner
®
FarGo, nd - Moorhead, Mn
livabiliT y.com/fargo 1
2013 edition | voluMe 2
FarGo, nd - Moorhead, Mn
®
contents
Features
8 draMatic show oF supportLocal theater groups thrive
12 Food For thouGhtDiverse dining scene has everyone thinking about what’s for dinner
18 lessons on learninGTop employers give Fargo-Moorhead teachers real-world instruction ideas
8
12
livabiliT y.com/fargo 3
26
27 29
17
on the cover Microsoft FargoPhoto by Michael Conti
departments
6 almanac
17 local Flavor
20 business overview
22 biz briefs
23 economic profile
26 arts & culture
27 sports & recreation
29 education
31 health & wellness
32 see the city
36 community profile
2013 edition | voluMe 2
FarGo, nd - Moorhead, Mn
®
all or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
pleaserecyclethismagazine
4 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN
What’sonlinelivability.com/fargo
sponsored by the Greater FarGo Moorhead econoMic developMent corporation
2013 | livability.coM/FarGo
lessons on learninGTop employers give teachers real world instruction ideas
Food for thoughtDiverse dining scene has everyonethinking about what’s for dinner
®
FarGo, nd - Moorhead, Mn
See more great photos of Fargo, ND - Moorhead, MN in our online photo and video galleries.
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Facts Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more.
liVing hereLearn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health-care providers.
4 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN
FarGo, nd - Moorhead, Mn
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Images Fargo, ND - Moorhead, MN is published annually by Journal Communications inc. and is distributed
through the greater Fargo Moorhead economic Development Corporation and its member businesses.
For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact
Journal Communications inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at [email protected].
For More inForMation, contact:greater Fargo Moorhead economic
Development Corporation51 broadway, suite 500, Fargo, nD, 58102
Phone: (701) 364-1900 • Fax: (701) 293-7819 www.gfmedc.com
visit Images Fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN online at livability.coM/FarGo
©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications inc., 725 Cool springs blvd., suite 400, Franklin, Tn 37067,
(615) 771-0080. all rights reserved. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced
in whole or in part without written consent.
Member The association of Magazine Media
Member Custom Content Council
Member greater Fargo-Moorhead economic Development Corporation
Welcome to Fargo-Moorhead
almanac
Wild about WildlifeRed River Zoo sits on 33 acres and
is home to 300 animals of 75 different
species including some of the few red
pandas in captivity in the world. visitors
can comfortably tour the facility in 60-90
minutes, and some of the rare animals on
display include the endangered bactrian
camel and sichuan takin. a family of five
timberwolves was also recently added to
the overall population following their births.
The zoo is known for its well-manicured
grounds, and the facility’s smaller size allows
a more interesting and intimate experience
for anyone who visits. For more information,
see www.redriverzoo.org.
Dilly of a TreatDairy queen has been an american
restaurant favorite since 1940, and perhaps
its most famous menu item is the Dilly bar
that debuted in 1955 in Moorhead. The Dilly
bar is soft serve ice cream on a stick that
is covered with chocolate, cherry or
butterscotch. The Moorhead restaurant
has been a traditional walk-up Dairy
queen since it opened in 1949,
and besides the traditional
Dairy queen menu items,
it also offers customer
favorites such as
Chipper sandwiches,
Mr. Malties, Monkey
Tails and old
Fashioned sodas.
More information
can be found at
moorheaddairyqueen.com.
child’s PlayThe children’s museum at yunker farm is
set on 55 acres and features a miniature train, carousel, playground, pumpkin patch, nature trails, miniature golf course and more. The 50-plus interactive exhibits are designed to engage and stimulate creativity in children. The museum building is also interesting because it was the first brick house built in the Dakota territory, dating back to 1876. it became a museum in 1989 following a complete restoration. for more information, visit childrensmuseum-yunker.org.
6 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 7
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29 CASS
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Casselton
Leonard
Alice
Buffalo
Ayr
Arthur
Page
Fargo
CLAY
Red
R.
Averill
Barnesville
Hawley
Comstock
Georgetown Ulen
Moorhead
City
City
City
City
City
STATEMINNESOTA
River
Main City Name312
3121
65
COUNTY NAMEO TY13
To City
West Fargo
32
9
18
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757
Frontier94
Harwood
NORTH DAKOTAA
Dilworth
population (2010 census)Fargo-Moorhead Msa: 208,000
locationFargo, n.D., and Moorhead, Minn.,
are divided by the Red River, which
serves as the border between the
two states.
beGinninGsFargo and Moorhead became
boomtowns with the arrival of the
northern Pacific Railway in 1871.
For More inForMation
greater Fargo Moorhead economic
Development Corporation
51 broadway, suite 500
Fargo, nD 58102
(701) 364-1900, (877) 243-0821
www.gfmedc.com
Fargo-moorheadataglance
FastFactsn fargo-moorhead is located on the red river of the North, one of the few rivers in the world that flows northward.
n Forbes magazine named fargo one of its best places to retire in 2011
n moorhead’s pioneer Prairie home cemetery on eighth Street is often cited as the inspiration for the name of garrison Keillor’s national radio program, A Prairie Home Companion.
n fargo-moorhead is among the top 50 most bike-friendly cities in the United States, according to Bicycling Magazine.
n although the academy award-winning 1996 film Fargo is named for the city, none of the movie was shot on location in fargo. The city is only seen briefly in the film’s opening scene.
n fargo-moorhead was named the No. 1 best Place for Jobs by cNNmoney.com in 2009.
Fargo-Moorhead
The Plain TruthThe single biggest art museum
between Minneapolis and seattle
is Plains art Museum in Fargo, which
comprises 56,000 square feet
for both rotating and permanent
exhibits. Recent displays have
included an exhibit of Rembrandt
etchings, the art of Fargo native
Matt Mastrud, and a show entitled
“Rodin: a Magnificent obsession.”
Plains also sponsors a biennial
regional juried exposition along
with an annual series that
showcases regional musicians,
composers and artists who work
with digital media. in addition,
the museum hosts educational
workshops in printmaking and
landscape painting, plus a yearly
clay camp for kids. More information
is available at plainsart.org.
6 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 7
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for Gen Eidem, a frequent theater-goer in Fargo-Moorhead, live dramatic productions “feed the soul,” she says. “Theater contributes to the quality of our life by energizing us and
by providing a means for us to come together for a common reason. There is something totally magical about theater, and believe me, we don’t have to fly off to NYC to find good productions. We have them right here in our area.”
art appreciationEidem isn’t alone in her appreciation for local
theater. The dramatic arts have long been an important part of the Fargo-Moorhead community.
“We have always had a strong history of supporting
the performing arts, and in the recent past, that has really grown,” says Dayna Del Val, executive director of The Arts Partnership. “The community has been very supportive of the work being done by the various theatrical companies with both financial assistance and with attendance. This is a community that seems to really value live performance.”
And theaters in Fargo-Moorhead offer live performances in a number of styles and genres including musical theater, classic American theater, contemporary theater and true community theater, Del Val says. The community also offers dramatic programming for every age group, from the very youngest children all the way up to senior adults.
“We now have multiple summer programs
theatrical Groups thrive
Show of SupportDramatic
sToRy by nancy Mann-jacksonPHoTogRaPHy by Michael conti
top: music Theatre fargo moorhead production of chicago the musical; bottom: act Up Theatre companies production of Spring awakening
8 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 9
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10 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 11
specifically geared for elementary, junior and senior high school students,” Del Val says. “We have also seen a surge in the number and variety of types of adult theatrical experiences being offered throughout the community.”
take a peek backstageWhile theater patrons broaden their horizons
by enjoying live theater, the performers and behind-the-scenes workers gain additional value.
“One of my favorite things that I take away from my involvement in the theater is meeting new people,” says Linda Hinrichs, who has performed in plays with several local companies. “I consider it a very special treat when I have the opportunity to perform with others that I have been on stage with before. I appreciate the experience of working with different directors and learning from them, as well as the people I am acting with.”
Over the past several years, Fargo-Moorhead has
become a haven for performers, theater buffs and theater novices who want to experience something new and exciting. And the dramatic arts have made Fargo-Moorhead a richer, more interesting place to live.
“On any given weekend throughout the year, there is at least one live theatrical performance going on somewhere, and often, there is more than one,” Del Val says.
“Our programming has expanded and increased as our quality of life has. It’s been a very symbiotic relationship, as the demand for both more theatrical programming and quality of life issues have grown up together. Today, there is cutting-edge theater being produced [here] as well as contemporary and classical musicals. The best of American theater and Pulitzer Prize-winning plays are being done. Comedies, dramas, farces, musicals and more are showcasing the best of the theatrical experience to our audiences and our actors.”
clockwise from top left: Trollwood Performing arts School in moorhead; The fargo-moorhead community Theatre’s children’s Studio Theatre performs annie Jr. The Stage at island Park in fargo is a 330-seat venue that offers live performances. fargo-moorhead community Theatre’s 2009 production of into the Woods
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Fargo-Moorhead foodies have a lot to be proud about when it comes to the local restaurant scene. Innovative foreign cuisine jostles good ol’ American standbys, sometimes on the
same menu. This is an area that likes choice, and its restaurateurs respond.
“We have a variety, and the majority of our restaurants are locally owned so they add a lot of f lair and personality unique to Fargo,” says Mike Hahn, president and CEO of the Downtown Community Partnership. “They help our downtown core stay vibrant, but also add to the overall personality of the community.”
One of the best-known players on Fargo’s restaurant roster is Mezzaluna, which hangs its hat on the use of fresh, local ingredients in a rotating menu.
“We’re definitely known for our duck, but people
also really like our seafood, which we have flown in,” says Sara Watson, who along with husband and chef Eric owns and operates Mezzaluna. “Fargo loves its food, and in the eight years we’ve been here we have found it to be a really special place.”
downtown Fargo restaurant scene prospers
While there’s fine dining to be found all over the area, downtown Fargo is known for its concentration of quality restaurants.
If wine’s your thing, then don’t miss Taste of Italy, which continues to add traditional wines to its offerings. A well-known spot for romantic dinners, the restaurant also has private dining rooms and banquet facilities for larger parties.
A taste of Tuscany is also an offering at Toscana,
dininG scene has everyone thinkinG about what’s For dinner
Food forThought
sToRy by joe MorrisPHoTogRaPHy by Michael conti
Diners enjoy the food and atmosphere of hoDo restaurant at hotel Donaldson in downtown fargo.
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14 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 15
which promises an escape to Italy in everything from seafood dishes to the décor.
Over in the Hotel Donaldson, the HoDo Restaurant maintains its local favorite status. Its “come as you are” ambiance belies the care and attention that goes into its food.
Like your dining with a twist? Then try the martinis at Monte’s Downtown, which blends upscale cuisine with urban hip.
The organic vibe continues at the Green Market Kitchen, where fresh-daily cuisine mixes everything from flax crepes to socca (chickpea) cakes with red pepper mojo.
Want a view with that truffle mac and cheese? Then don’t miss Usher’s House, overlooking the Red River from its perch in Davey Memorial Park.
If you haven’t filled your dining calendar yet, then be sure to mark down Maxwells, one of North Dakota’s most award-winning restaurants.
Steaks and seafood also lead the bill of fare at the Cork ’n Cleaver, which also is rightly known for its amazing salad bar.
You’re a long way from Kentucky, but if you need a Hot Brown sandwich, then stop over at John Alexander’s, where casual dishes are elevated to fine-dining status.
casual dining scene offers varietyFood on the fly also has its place here, too,
where a quick, casual meal, snack or drink is easy to find and enjoy.
On the pizza front, look no further than Rhombus Guys, whose unique visions have led to many a satisfied customer over the years.
And for a memorable burger, try JL Beers, where the Humpty Dumpty has made a believer of many.
Lighter fare can be found at Nichole’s Fine Pastry, where soups and salads nudge up against such daily features as house-made gelato and sorbets.
If you need to feel important, then don’t miss the VIP Room. Large dining rooms with local art and classical music provide a relaxing dining experience.
Then there’s Bertrosa’s Cafe, which introduced Vienna all-beef hot dogs to North Dakota.
clockwise from top left: Diners enjoy a meal at mezzaluna. classic bruschetta with spinach-almond pesto, tapenade and toasted breads is on the menu at mezzaluna. Usher’s house executive chef cary carr prepares a meal at the moorhead restaurant. hoDo restaurant at hotel Donaldson in downtown fargo draws diners with fresh food and a comfortable atmosphere. hoDo restaurant’s menu includes dishes such as these pan-roasted manila clams.
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livabiliT y.com/fargo 17
Top 10 College Towns
Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website
Fargomade the list.Top 10 College TownsSee more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.
OxFOrd Mississippi
LOuisviLLe Kentucky
COLLege sTaTiOn Texas
auburn alabama
FargO north dakota
ann arbOr Michigan
MadisOn Wisconsin
aThens georgia
burLingTOn vermont
bOuLder Colorado
livabiliT y.com/fargo 17
eating is believing in Fargo-Moorhead, where culinary
options are abundant. Here’s a taste of interesting tidbits about what the area has to offer.
internationalDining choices in Fargo-
Moorhead range from bison
burgers and traditional
steakhouses to ethnic cuisine
such as italian, Mexican, german
and Russian. Meanwhile, you
might not expect to find great
sushi so far inland, but there
are several excellent spots that
include 101 sushi bar, kobe’s,
osaka, samurai, Wasabi and
yuki Hana.
lakehotspotZorbaz is a favorite restaurant
chain for all the locals who head
to lake country over summer
weekends. it was established
in 1969 and named after the
1960s movie Zorba the Greek,
who was a fun-loving, free-spirited
otherFoodFavoritesiNTereSTiNg TiDbiTS aboUT fargo-moorheaD’S local flavor
Wasabi Sushi and asian grill in downtown fargo
Local Flavor
character. The restaurant calls itself
a Mexican food and pizza joint, and
has a large selection of beers.
culinaryartsprogram
Minnesota state Community
and Technical College has a
culinary arts program for students
who want to pursue a career in
the restaurant and hospitality
industry. M state students receive
hands-on practical lab training
paired with traditional academic
courses aligned with industry
needs. Demand these days is
high in the overall culinary field,
with culinary arts accounting for
more than 9 million jobs annually
in the united states.
homegroWnResidents who advocate
farm-to-table dining practices
can turn to Fargo Local Foods
for information on local farmers
markets as well as businesses and
restaurants that sell and prepare
food using products from area
farms and producers. notable
farmers markets in the area
include the Fargo Community
Farmers Market and the FM
Farmers Market. Locally-owned
Hornbacher’s supermarkets also
are known for carrying a variety
of local produce and meats.
localWineMaple River Winery is a short
20-mile drive west of town, in
Casselton, n.D. it opened in
2001 and specializes in making
small batches of wine with north
Dakota fruit. The array is
impressive: dandelion, apricot,
country crabapple and even
apple jalapeño pepper, to name
just a few. – Kevin Litwin
MiC
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Gone are the days where students would sit in algebra class wondering how they
will ever use what they are learning in the real world.
Today, more and more students are being taught through STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, which focuses on engaging students in projects and using the engineering design process.
Greater Fargo-Moorhead teachers now have the chance to learn real world applications for
principles they teach in their classes through a summer internship at some of the area’s largest employers.
teachers in industryThe Greater Fargo-Moorhead
Economic Development Corporation and North Dakota State University launched the Teachers in Industry program in 2011 to spark more innovation in teaching in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math in hopes more students will enter the workforce in related fields.
The program grew to include four employers – Sanford Health, Bobcat, Microsoft and John Deere Electronic Solutions – in 2012; it is expected to grow by at least two companies in 2013.
There’s a real world app that seventh-grade teacher Adam Gehlhar learned through his summer internship at North and South Dakota’s largest employer, Sanford Health, that the work his school is doing “to teach kids how to think, not what to think, is critical to their success in the 21st century.”
top eMployers Give FarGo-Moorehead teachers real-world instruction ideas
sToRy by erin edGeMonPHoTogRaPHy by Michael conti
Sanford health medical center in fargo, one of four local employers participating in the 2012 Teachers in industry program
business
leSSoNS on Learning
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The first few weeks of Gehlhar’s classes at the West Fargo STEM Center in fall 2012 focused on some of the hands-on demonstrations of lean engineering that he learned during his month-long internship at Sanford Health.
“The students will learn and apply these concepts to improve processes and standardize our workflows for the year,” he says. “We will use lean engineering and its ideas to support building a growth mindset within our students.”
Students also will learn to apply math concepts by using Excel to tabulate and analyze data as Gehlhar learned in the Office of Continuous Improvement at Sanford Health.
research and developmentEDC Communications
Coordinator Lisa Gulland-Nelson got the idea for the internship program after speaking to the principal of the West Fargo STEM Center. She learned teachers are trained to educate, but they rarely get exposed to the working world.
From there, she went to work on securing large employers to partner with and allow area teachers to work in companies that have some of the most in-demand jobs.
Companies say they participated in the internship program as a way to serve the community and assist in educating the future workforce.
“We truly benefited from having an engaged and eager teacher as a part of our team this summer. He brought forth lots of great questions, input and observations,” says Nicole Schell, human resources advisor for Sanford Health.
At John Deere Electronic Solutions, the teacher intern was exposed to the different phases of the design and development of new projects to the manufacturing and testing of prototypes.
“These activities correlated very closely to what the teacher was hoping to get from the experience as we wanted to make sure that they were very engaged throughout the process,” says Sam Wheeldon, technical manager of electronic design at John Deere.
From top: John Deere electronic Solutions in fargo, a participating company in the 2012 Teachers in industry program, designs, develops, manufactures and tests products including display systems for John Deere vehicles. microsoft, also a program participant, handles research, development, sales and more at its fargo campus.
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business
farm and construction equipment manufacturer and retailer cNh employs more than 1,000 people here.
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Fargo-Moorhead’s economy is known for companies that excel at developing and
implementing technology, advanced manufacturing and a diverse and affordable real estate market awaiting new workers.
techcompaniesMicrosoft’s Fargo facilities make up the company’s
second-largest campus worldwide, where more than
800 employees develop and support major software
products. This campus features a Microsoft
Dynamics Development Center and houses
Microsoft’s executive briefing Center.
PRaCs institute’s Fargo facility represents more
than 25 years of research experience in clinical
pharmacology. This facility has completed more than
5,000 studies and features 120 iCu-style hospital
beds; experienced physicians, nurses and clinical
staff; and a database with more than 120,000 people
who are available for Phase i-iii studies.
nokia develops and supports the gPs navigation
software that is used in many in-car navigation units
today including those produced by garmin,
Magellan, and TomTom. nokia’s production center
in Fargo develops digital mapping.
advancedmanuFacturingbobcat Company, a leader in the engineering,
manufacturing, marketing and distribution of
construction equipment, has its corporate offices on
six acres of land in West Fargo, employing nearly 200.
Farm and construction equipment manufacturer
and retailer CnH has a major presence in Fargo,
employing more than 1,000 people.
John Deere electronics solutions, a global
provider of design and manufacturer of high-value
rugged electronic solutions for use in harsh physical
and electrical environments, is headquartered in
Fargo and employs nearly 700.
realestateThere are more than 30 housing communities
being developed in the Fargo-Moorhead region,
offering prospective homebuyers nearly limitless
options when deciding where to live, ranging from
downtown condos to suburban communities.
amenities found in these communities include
ponds, fountains, walking and biking paths,
playgrounds, picnic areas and golf facilities.
some have characteristics of new urbanism such as
walkable neighborhoods, empty-nester attractions
smartandaffordableecoNomy STroNg WiTh Tech comPaNieS, DiverSe real eSTaTe
and master-planned overlays. Many appeal to
young families due to having nearby schools,
soccer fields and swimming pools.
virtually any style of home is obtainable here
including rowhouses and twinhomes to single-family
homes of all shapes and sizes, with pricing of new
houses starting in the low $100,000s.
“From new homes to remodeling projects,
Home builders association of F-M members strive
for quality and putting up a product that consumers
appreciate and enjoy,” says bryce Johnson, executive
vice president of the Home builders association of
F-M. “in general, those who belong to the Hba see
a need to stay on top of current industry
developments and care about giving back to their
industry. They have a sense of responsibility.”
For detailed information, contact the Hba of F-M
at (701) 232-5846 or visit www.hbafm.com.
– Braxton Shoop
MiC
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$3billionAnnual Retail Sales
$27,484Retail Sales Per Capita
$314millionAnnual Hotel and Food Sales
10,156Total Number of Firms
business
Biz Briefsa SamPliNg of bUSiNeSSeS – large aND Small – ThaT helP DefiNe
fargo-moorheaD’S STroNg aND Well-balaNceD ecoNomic climaTe
solid coMFortBiz: Wood furniture and cabinet manufacturerBuzz: Solid Comfort’s facility in Fargo produces beds, dressers, nightstands, desks, vanities and more. The company’s furniture can be seen in well-known hotels such as Country Inn & Suites, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn.www.solidcomfort.com
pactivBiz: Foodservice disposables, food packaging manufacturerBuzz: Pactiv, the largest manufacturer of disposable materials and packaging products for the food industry in the world, provides items such as molded fiber egg cartons, portion cups and lids, berry clamshells, cutlery and more. The company operates 55 manufacturing facilities around the world, including one in Moorhead, Minn., and serves more than 1,600 customers.www.pactiv.com
swanson health productsBiz: Nutritional supplement providerBuzz: Swanson Health Products offers vitamins and minerals to aid in cardiovascular health, cholesterol support, fitness and energy, and more. The company also provides products to enhance diets such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and kosher.www.swansonvitamins.com
sundoGBiz: Marketing and technology companyBuzz: Headquartered in Fargo, Sundog assists clients with content development, website design, advertising and more. The company has worked with clients throughout the United States such as Sanford Health, Bobcat, Schwan’s and United Healthcare.www.sundoginteractive.com
aMity technoloGyBiz: Agriculture equipment manufacturerBuzz: With its research, development, manufacturing and headquarters in Fargo, Amity Technology offers agriculture equipment. The company provides sugar beet equipment, crop management equipment, air seeding tools, potato equipment and more. Amity Technology’s products are available around the world, and they are also frequently on display at farm shows throughout North Dakota.www.amitytech.com
scorecard business at a Glance
source: U.s. Census QuickFacts
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ThiS SecTioN iS SPoNSoreD by
amtrak Passenger Service
www.amtrak.com
otter Tail valley railroad
www.railamerica.com/
railservices/oTvR.aspx
red river valley &
Western railroad
www.rrvw.net
workForce
122,000approximate Total Workforce
70%have attained an education
level beyond high school
(age 25+)
63%White-collar Jobs
37%blue-collar Jobs
incoMe
$28,618Per capita income
$66,833average annual household income
transportation
Air Service:
hector international airport
2801 32nd ave. n.W.
Fargo, nD 58102
www.fargoairport.com
Bus:
maT – metro area
Transit System
www.matbus.com
Jefferson lines
www.jeffersonlines.com
Major Highways:
i-94, i-29
Railroads:
bNSf railway
www.bnsf.com
Major eMployers
Sanford health
6,739 employees
North Dakota State University
2,339 employees
blue cross blue Shield
of N.D./Noridian
1,872 employees
fargo Public Schools
1,762 employees
essentia health
1,264 employees
West fargo Public Schools
1,034 employees
cNh america
1,005 employees
US bank Service center
975 employees
microsoft
869 employees
business overviewFargo-Moorhead’s business environment is evolving rapidly,
adding new expertise, facilities and capacity every day. businesses
are benefiting from world-class education and research, unique
advanced facilities, strong industry-university partnerships,
sophisticated business infrastructure, and hardworking, skilled
and productive employees.
econoMic proFile
the Fargo Moorhead region’s many cultural attractions and
events ensure people always are in the middle of the action when it comes to the arts.
museumsWith rotating exhibits and
a permanent collection, the
Plains art Museum is the largest
art museum between Minneapolis
and seattle. aviation lovers
may enjoy the Fargo air Museum,
which is home to the world’s only
flying super Corsair and a beech
staggerwing. With more than 50
exhibits, the Children’s Museum
at yunker Farm keeps little ones
entertained. according to Child
magazine, the museum is one
of the best in the nation.
liveevents,Festivalsvisit the gate City bank
Theatre, located inside the
Fargodome, to enjoy broadway
shows such as Rent, as well as
concerts by top entertainers.
situated downtown, the Fargo
Theatre offers plays, concerts,
and various films.
bluestem Center for the
arts is home to Trollwood
Performing arts school, and
The stage at island Park hosts
plays, concerts and more.
additionally, the Fargo-Moorhead
Community Theater puts on
several shows a year.
Musical offerings in the area
include the blues Festival in
Fargo and We Fest in Detriot
Lakes, Minn., which features
three days of country music
at soo Pass Ranch.
For more live music, check
out the Fargo-Moorhead opera,
Fargo-Moorhead symphony
orchestra, Jazz arts group of
Fargo-Moorhead, great Plains
Harmony Men’s Chorus, The Hub
and The aquarium.
galleriesgallery 4, Ltd. and ecce,
both on broadway, attract
artsy types. gallery 4 Ltd.
shows paintings, drawings and
sculptures by local artists, while
ecce showcases the works of
local and regional artists and
offers yoga classes.
– Pamela Coyle
JumprightinregioN offerS maNy cUlTUral eveNTS aND aTTracTioNS
arts & Culture
children paint with their parents at the children’s Museum at yunker Farm.
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thanks to an abundance of places to get active, Fargo
Moorhead area residents stay busy no matter the season.
BikinginFargonamed one of the “top 50
bike-friendly communities in the
u.s.” by Bicycling magazine in
2011, Fargo recently developed a
plan to create additional on-street
bike lanes in the community. Many
of the new lanes will be located
in the 6-square-mile area that
includes the central business
district, a hospital, north Dakota
state university’s main campus
and the city’s downtown.
The city is also home to the
great northern bicycle Co.,
which is also known as island
Park Cycles. The shop provides
new and used bicycles, parts,
accessories and more, while also
offering repair services and
organizing community bike rides.
Fargomarathonin addition to a strong cycling
community, Fargo is home to
devoted runners. The biggest
event for the running community
each year is the Fargo Marathon,
a boston Marathon qualifier
enhanced by events spanning
an entire weekend, including a
half marathon, the Radio Fargo-
Moorhead 10k Run, the Fargo
Marathon youth Run and the
swanson Products Health &
Fitness expo. The main marathon
begins and ends at the Fargodome,
and the course has live music
from more than 60 bands. after
the race, finishers receive medals
and enjoy a concert.
multi-usetrailsFargo maintains 85 miles of
paths for walking, running, biking
and in-line skating, plus four cross-
country ski trails, including some
that utilize public golf courses.
The trail system has received
regional and national awards, and
the city keeps adding to it. in
2008, Fargo finished a trail along
a drainage canal that will include
a bridge connecting to osgood
Park and the last leg of the Red
River Trail. This trail runs through
Wildflower grove Park and loops
through downtown Fargo and
Moorhead, Minn.
golFcoursesboth Rose Creek golf Course
and edgewood golf Course in
Fargo offer 18-hole courses, while
osgood golf Course, Prairewood
golf Course and el Zagal golf
Course provide nine holes. More
courses are located in Moorhead
such as Meadows golf Course
and village green golf Course.
The city also features The
sports bubble, which includes
a driving range, golf simulators
and a mini-golf course.
spectatorsportsThe north Dakota state
university bison, Minnesota state
university-Moorhead Dragons and
the Concordia College Cobbers
get area college sports fans on
their feet. The region also has
the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks
baseball team and Fargo Force,
a junior hockey team. Roller derby
fans cheer on the Fargo Moorhead
Derby girls, north Dakota’s first
and premier flat-track roller derby
league. and don’t forget new
york yankee great Roger Maris
is a Fargo native.
– Pamela Coyle
FitnessandFunoUTDoor, iNDoor oPPorTUNiTieS KeeP commUNiTy oN iTS ToeS
sports & Recreation
cyclists compete in a mountain bike race at M.b. johnson park in Moorhead.
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education
Go to the head of the class if you realize that Fargo-Moorhead has numerous
educational opportunities, from innovative public and private schools to several high-quality colleges and universities.
succeed2020The Hess Corporation has donated $25 million
to help north Dakota students become better
prepared for college and careers, with the south
east education Cooperative in charge of designing
specific programs for Fargo schools. specific goals
in the succeed 2020 initiative include increasing
aCT scores, improving college and career counseling
beginning in middle school grades, increasing
advanced placement course opportunities for rural
smartapproachiNNovaTive SchoolS earN accolaDeS
students, and offering more access to technical
education programs.
threepuBlicschooldistrictsFargo Public school District has classes from
preschool through high school, plus performance
and musical arts training at the Trollwood
Performing arts school. West Fargo Public
school District provides classes from kindergarten
through high school and also contains a sTeM
Center, which teaches a curriculum focused on
science technology, engineering and mathematics.
Moorhead area Public schools address the needs
of students from kindergarten through high school,
also providing an emphasis on sTeM courses at
both the middle and high school levels.
privateschoolsFargo-Moorhead’s religion-based private schools
all include high-quality education while instilling the
values of their respective faiths. blessed John Paul ii
Catholic schools network, oak grove Lutheran
school and Park Christian school all provide education
from kindergarten through high school, while grace
Lutheran school educates students from kindergarten
through eighth grade.
statecollegesnorth Dakota state university offers a wide range
of opportunities in programs covering 112 bachelor’s
degrees, 61 master’s degrees and 44 doctoral
degrees. Minnesota state university Moorhead delivers
variety with 75 majors and 16 pre-professional
programs, while north Dakota state College of
science-Fargo and Minnesota state Community
and Technical College both have many academic
and career programs that prepare students to enter
four-year institutions or technical careers.
privatecollegesConcordia College features 78 majors and
12 pre-professional programs, with all students
required to learn one of nine global languages.
Rasmussen College has degrees and diplomas
in allied health, business, justice studies, and
technology and design fields, while globe university
Minnesota school of business has degrees in
business, health science, legal science, technology
and multimedia fields. The university of Mary
also offers a vast accelerated program to meet
the needs of working adults.
– Kevin Litwin
students walk past weld hall at Minnesota state university Moorhead.
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visit ouradvertisersBest Western Kelly Inn & Suiteswww.bestwesternfargo.com
Border States Electricwww.borderstateselectric.com
Cardinal IGwww.cardinalcorp.com
Cass County Electric Cooperativewww.kwh.com
City of Moorheadwww.cityofmoorhead.com
Fargo Public Schoolswww.fargo.k12.nd.us
Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporationwww.careerfm.com
Holiday Innwww.fargohi.com
Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorheadwww.hbafm.com
Homewood Suites by Hiltonwww.fargo.homewoodsuites.com
Kilbourne Groupwww.kilbournegroup.com
Minnesota State University Moorheadwww.minstate.edu
Moorhead Area Public Schoolswww.moorhead.k12.mn.us
Oak Grove Lutheran Schoolwww.oakgrovelutheran.com
Phoenix International – A John Deere Companywww.johndeerecareers.com
Ramada Plaza Suites and Conference Centerwww.ramadafargo.com
Rasmussen Collegewww.rasmussen.edu
Sanford Healthwww.sanfordhealth.org
Swanson Health Productswww.swansonhealth.com
West Fargo Public Schoolswww.west-fargo.k12.nd.us
All WFPS students will continuously improve toward, or maintain proficiency in essential skills in core
content areas of reading/language arts; mathematics; science; and social studies.
All WFPS students will graduate college-ready and/or work-ready.
All WFPS students will be lifelong learners, demonstrating and applying 21st century skills.
West Fargo Public SchoolsEducating today’s learners for tomorrow’s world.
(701) 356-2000 www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Do you have goals for your child’s education? WE DO.
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Health & Wellness
a healthy mix of hospitals, specialized medical services and community clinics make the
Fargo-Moorhead area a health-care destination.
sanFordhealthFargo-based sanford Health is the largest, rural,
not-for-profit health-care system in the nation. The
largest employer in north and south Dakota, sanford
Health operates 34 hospitals and 116 clinics. sanford
Fargo Medical Center is a 583-bed teaching hospital
with a Level ii trauma center, LifeFlight air transport
services, newborn/pediatric intensive care services
and children’s, women’s, orthopedics, heart and
cancer centers. at sanford Children’s Hospital Fargo,
pediatric and neonatal specialists care for kids.
The hospital received a welcome boost in 2012,
when Minnesota Wild center Matt Cullen donated
$1 million to create a 3,000-square-foot, hockey-
themed play and learning area at the children’s
hospital. also in 2012, sanford Fargo Medical Center
broke ground on a new $541 million hospital set to
open in 2016. The new medical center will add 2,000
full-time positions to the 7,463 employees already
working at sanford’s Fargo-Moorhead locations.
essentiahealthanother key player in regional health care is
essentia Health-Fargo. The 104-bed multispecialty
hospital offers critical care, medical surgical care,
pediatric, neonatal intensive care, and maternity
care. services also include a 24-hour emergency
Department with Level ii trauma designation.
in 2012, essentia Health became Fargo’s first
hospital to offer interventional neurology, which uses
high-tech imaging and a tiny catheter to open blood
vessels in the brain and prevent strokes. That ability
and essentia Health-Fargo’s stroke team have
earned the facility accreditation as an advanced
Primary stroke Center. essentia Health-Fargo also
features a medical clinic, while the essentia Health
Heart & vascular Center provides cardiac care.
Fargovahealthcaresystemveterans and their families rely on the Fargo va
Health Care system, which serves more than 89,000
veterans living in north Dakota, Minnesota and
south Dakota. services at the Fargo va Medical
Center include extended care and rehabilitation,
mental health programs, a pharmacy, specialty
care and women’s health services. The system
also operates eight outpatient clinics in the region.
prairiest.John’sFargo also is home to Prairie st. John’s, a 91-bed
facility offering services for children, adolescents
and adults struggling with mental health issues,
chemical dependency or addiction and co-occurring
disorders. services include inpatient hospitalization,
partial hospitalization, residential treatment,
intensive outpatient services and clinic services.
– Melanie Hill
ahealthyoutlookmeDical choiceS are PleNTifUl iN fargo-moorheaD
Sanford fargo medical center’s children’s area
essentia health-fargo
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Veterans Memorial Bridge in Moorhead
Photo by Michael Conti
see the City
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Cyclists enjoy trails near downtown Fargo.
Photo by Michael Conti
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ENGINEERING THE FUTURE OF INSULATING GLASS
4611 15th Ave. NW • Fargo, ND 58102(701) 492-0920 • www.cardinalcorp.com
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The Fargo Theatre in downtown Fargo
Photo by Michael Conti
see the City
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Ad Index 34 BestWestern
KellyInn&suItes
C4 BorderstateseleCtrIC
34 CardInalIG
26 CassCounty
eleCtrICCooperatIve
34 CItyofMoorhead
4 farGopuBlICsChools
2 farGo-MoorheadeConoMIC
developMentCorporatIon
5 holIdayInn
30 hoMeBuIldersassoCIatIon
offarGo-Moorhead
C3 hoMeWoodsuItes
ByhIlton
36 KIlBourneGroup
28 MInnesotastate unIversItyMoorhead
34 Moorheadarea puBlICsChools
C3 oaKGrove lutheransChool
24 phoenIxInternatIonal –aJohndeereCoMpany
23 raMadaplazasuItes andConferenCeCenter
34 rasMussenColleGe
C2 sanfordhealth
30 sWansonhealthproduCts
30 WestfarGo puBlICsChools
ThiS SecTioN iS SPoNSoreD by
weather
With lots of sunshine all year
long, Fargo-Moorhead has
temperate, bright springs,
warm summers and crisp, cool
autumns. Winter’s frequent
snowfalls each average less
than an inch. Rainfall is fairly
evenly distributed throughout
the year.
82°
July average high
16°January average high
21”annual rainfall vs. National
average annual rainfall of 37”
55%age 20-54
18%age 55 and over
92%White
2%black
2.3%hispanic
3.7%other
transportation
16.5minutesaverage Travel Time to Work
tiMe zone
Central
cost oF livinG
$52,393median household income
$147,000median home Price
$660median rent for a
Two-bedroom apartment
household inForMation
31median resident age
50%married
50%Single
27%age 19 and Under
coMMunity proFile
coMMunity overviewFargo-Moorhead is a diverse, stimulating and family-oriented city
with all the amenities that make for a satisfying and fulfilling life.
There are exceptional k-12 and higher education systems, world-
class health care, affordable housing, a low cost of living and a
myriad of cultural and entertainment options.
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