The Connection

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER JULY—AUGUST 2016

Independence Day

Calendar of Events

Jul 18 CVB Board Meeting Jul 19 CREC Field Day Jul 24 Amer. Legion Riders Jul 25-29 Chamber office closed Jul 27-31 State Legion Baseball Aug 1 Trinity River Band Aug 2 Chamber Board Meeting Aug 15 CVB Board Meeting Aug 18 Color Splash Race Aug 19 Jessie Veeder Concert Aug 23 First Day of School

In the heat of the day, young and old alike came out for the annual Independence Day Parade on Main Street of Carrington on July 4. This year the parade was better than ever with over 80 entries that included several decorated floats, a plethora of tractors and machin- ery along with a nice variety of classic vehicles. The Keystone Cops made a first appearance in the parade this year. Built and driven by local resident, Paul Straley, it was a fun addition in the line-up. Several community members were asked to weigh in and give their opinions – anonymously - as to who should receive the designation Chamber of ‘winner’ in three categories. Best Decorated Float honors went to Board HiWay Drive In, Best Vehicle chosen was Elton Leppke’s 1927 Buick and working with this year’s theme Dreams Come True Under the Kerry Anderson Red, White & Blue, the Best Use of Theme winner was the Carring- Dennis Swanson ton Pizza Ranch entry. Congratulations to all for their efforts and Katie Florhaug thanks to everyone who participated. Nicole Threadgold Kristin Cabler Following the parade, many folks stopped by the Carrington Fire Hall Jeff Welk to enjoy the firemen’s delicious grilled brats, beans, chips and cook- Wendy Bahm ies. The free will offerings help to improve the firemen’s gear. The board meets the first Thanks to the wonderful generosity of our community, the fireworks at dusk were spectacular. We are fortunate to be able to continue Tuesday of each month. this tradition. A wonderful way to end the holiday.

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Ambassador Visits

Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were on hand to offer congratulations at Leevers Foods. The grocery store, formerly known as Carrington Super Valu had been owned by the Wenaas family for many years and recently sold to Leevers upon Ron Wenaas’ retirement. Many of the familiar faces re- main at the store. The Ambassador committee enjoys getting out and about recognizing business efforts and improvements through- out the community. Pictured top left to right are: Brianne Partlow, Dr. Vern Ander- son, Nicole Threadgold, Paul Zink, Leever’s Store Manager- Randy Peterson, previous owner Ron Wenaas, Produce Manager- Susie LaBelle, Kaye Engen, Front End Manager—Sheila Harring- ton, Grocery Manager– Drew Higgins, Nikki Mertz, Dr. Angella Schaefer and Tiffany Paulson.

Several Ambassadors vis- ited the new McLaughlin Natural Health Clinic at their Grand Opening July 14. Congratulations to Dr. Vanessa McLaughlin on opening her new clinic located on First Ave S. She specializes in natural health and has a special interest in optimal hor- mone balance, adrenal and thyroid health along with digestive com- plaints.

She utilizes many tools to treat these conditions including diet and lifestyle counseling, botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrient supplementation, and hydrotherapy. L to R: Nicole Threadgold, Ken Hansen, Dr. Vern Anderson, Dr. Vanessa McLaughlin, Office Manager Crystal Miller, Brianne Partlow, Jeff Welk, Chris Bichler and Denise Schuchard. PAGE 3 THE CONNECTION

Annual Youth Track Meet

The evening was just perfect for the Youth Track Meet held on Thursday, July 7. Approximately 60 kids participated. Mary Wendel coordinated the event again this year and did a wonder- ful job organizing everything. A big shout out to the many help- ers too! We couldn’t have done it without you!

Youth Track Meet SPONSORS: BREMER BANK Central Pharmacy Central Dakota Physical Therapy Central City Repair Carrington Drug Leevers Foods Carrington School Dist.

Color Splash Fun Run / Walk

Several people in the Carrington community are working toward fundraising for the Carrington swimming pool. The first big fundraising event is the Color Splash Fun Run / Walk scheduled for Thursday, August 18 at Carrington City Park. Early registration is open until August 5 with a cost of $20 per person and includes a t-shirt. August 6—18 registration is $25 (not guaranteed t-shirt). Preschool and under is free and t-shirts will be available for purchase for $10. The day of the event, registration begins at 4:30 pm with the run / walk starting at 6:00 pm. A free will offering meal is also being planned at the picnic shelter. If there are any businesses interested in sponsoring this fundraiser, please contact Jana Lesmeister at 701-652-3512. Registration forms are online at:http://www.cgtn-nd.com/images/ColorsplashAugust2016.jpg Completed forms and payment may be dropped off at the Chamber office at 871 Main Street.

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Retail & Promotions Committee

Our Chamber board of directors is looking at organizing a Retail & Promotions Committee of the Chamber and would like your input. An initial brainstorming meeting was held on July 14 over a noon lunch. Some ideas that were discussed included: A Scratch & Win promotion for December for retailers to participate, planning some type of event or promotion during February which seems to be a slow time of year for most businesses, having a larger celebration around Independence Day and other ideas. It was decided to send out a survey to businesses via Survey Monkey to gather more input and then more meetings will be planned so we can move forward on these ideas. If you are interested in learning more or have some ideas to share, please feel free to contact Laurie Dietz at the Chamber office or Kerry Anderson (Chamber Chairperson) at Central City Lumber.

Annual Golf Day—THANK YOU to our many sponsors!

AGRO LIQUID FERTILIZER CROSSROADS GOLF LEADING EDGE EQUIPMENT ARROWWOOD PRAIRIE COOP GOLDEN ACRES MANOR LEEVERS FOODS BANK FORWARD DJ’S HOME CENTER OK TIRE STORE BESSETTE MOTORS TELECOMMU- PIZZA RANCH NICATIONS BREMER BANK RICK’S WHOLESALE TIRE PASTA CO BREMER INSURANCE RUNNINGS ERICKSON IMPLEMENT CARRINGTON DENTAL CARE SCHROEDER CONSTRUCTION EVANS FUNERAL HOME CARRINGTON DRUG WHOLESALE AG PRODUCTS FAMILY VISION CENTER CARRINGTON HEALTH CENTER FARM CREDIT SERVICES CENTRAL PHARMACY FARMERS UNION INSURANCE— CENTRAL AGENCY RANDY HOOEY CENTRAL CITY GRAIN FOSTER COUNTY INDEPENDENT CENTRAL CITY LUMBER GATE CITY BANK CENTRAL CITY MARKETING & HAGEL CONSTRUCTION– LOCAL PROCESSING CHIEF BLDG & WESTEEL DEALER CENTRAL STEEL BUILDING & HI WAY OFF SALE CONSTRUCTION JAMESTOWN TRAVEL COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION KRACHT IMPLEMENT

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER PAGE 5

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Ashley Peterson chosen as Employee of the Month. Ashley works at Prairie Inn and was nominated because "Ashley is a hard worker, very polite, and has very good customer service skills. Ashley is very considerate to cus- tomer's needs and she does her job very well!" Ashley received a framed certifi- cate and $20 Carrington Cash for her efforts. Pictured are Rae Neuman, owner at Prairie Inn and Ashley Peterson.

Have you received exceptional service or had someone go above and beyond in their job? You can nominate them to receive the Chamber’s Employee of the Month award. The nomination form is available at the Chamber office or online on our website www.cgtn-nd.com

Trivia Time

Laurie Dietz gives the ‘Town News’ and ‘Here’s What’s Happening’ on two radio stations each week. Which two are they? Good luck! A. KDAK and KSJB B. KFYR and KDAK Be the FIRST person to email the C. KHND and KDAK Chamber office with the correct trivia answer and you could WIN a free D. KYNU and KSJB small pizza courtesy of the Past winners and answers were: Linda Schuster correctly an- Carrington Pizza Ranch! swered that the Chamber is a non-profit organization and Brenda Gorseth correctly answered that the main source of revenue for [email protected] the Chamber is membership dues. Barb Eli correctly answered that the Chamber sponsors 2 parades each year. CHAMBER NEWSLETTER PAGE 6

In The Spotlight

Dry Dock Sports recently held an exciting event in Carrington! On Saturday, July 9 a Meet & Greet with Anthony Imperato of Henry Repeat- ing Arms was held at Dry Dock Sports. The Henry dealer set a One Day Record! Folks came from as far as over 200 miles away to Dry Dock Sports in Carring- ton to purchase one or more Henry rifles. Over 400 were sold setting a Henry Heirloom Day rec- ord. Congratulations to Travis and the gang at Dry Dock!

New This Summer

New this year at Dakota Sun Gardens & Winery —self guided tours of the beautiful gardens. Call 652-5588 or 674-3634 for more info. Save the date—AUGUST 19. Jessie Veeder of Watford City will be performing at Dakota Sun Gardens and Winery.

Do YOU have something new going on in YOUR business? We want to know about it—give us a call and we’ll come out to recognize it! CHAMBER NEWSLETTER PAGE 7

Fall City Wide Yard Sales

Our Chamber will be sponsoring the Fall City Wide Yard Sales event on Saturday, September 17. The sales will run from 8 am to 4 pm. If you would like to participate, you may contact the Cham- ber office with your name and site address. Multiple party sales are welcome. The cost to partici- pate is $5.00 for your listing. Deadline is Sept 7 before noon. Sale site listings will be available online on our Chamber website, printed copies at Casey’s and Cenex C-Store a day or two prior to the September 17 event date.

Chamber Office Closed -

The Chamber office will be closed July 25 through July 29. Laurie will be on vacation during that time. We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes. If you have an emergent need, please contact Chamber Chairman Kerry Anderson at Central City Lumber.

Like us on Facebook—keep up with what’s happening with the Carrington Area Chamber of Commerce and also our Carrington Convention & Visitors Bureau! And now the CARRINGTON GARDEN CLUB too!

Carrington Cash

Puzzled over what to buy for that birthday, anniversary or thank you gift? How about CARRINGTON CASH? Available at the Chamber office—it’s great for gift giving for that hard to buy for person! We have two denomina- tions—fives and twenties. CHAMBER NEWSLETTER PAGE 8

Board meeting minutes

CHAMBER BOARD MEETING JUNE 7, 2016 - 12:00 NOON GARDEN GATE

ATTENDING: Kerry Anderson, Nicole Threadgold, Jeff Welk, Katie Florhaug, Wendy Bahm, Denise Schuchard and Laurie Dietz. ABSENT: Dennis Swanson, Kristin Cabler. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kerry Anderson. Katie moved to approve the minutes of the May 3, 2016 meet- ing as written. Seconded by Nicole, motion carried. Financial report was presented. Wendy moved to approve the report, seconded by Jeff. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS Committee reports: Ambassadors – Most recently visited Crossroads Golf. A few more visits planned. Pageant – Bailey Schu- mann, Miranda Peterson, Sabrina Wolfe and Savannah Buskness will compete at the state pageant this week. Birding Drives Dakota – We have about 60 registered attendees from 21 different states. Festival dates are June 8-12. Healthy Communities – Meeting minutes were shared with the board. Welcome Wagon – Mike Seaburg is looking into new bags for us. Carrington Endowment – Checks have been distributed and photos taken. Membership Update – Newest members are: Dakota Rustics, McLaughlin Natural Health Center and individual member Jill Edinger. CDC – JDA – CVB: CDC - Met on April 26. CVB - minutes were shared. JDA- Denise reported that the JDA met this morning and didn’t have much new info to report. H&H Holdings LLP is having Open House today for the two new homes in the development. Carrington Garden Club: Laurie and Denise shared information regarding the progress of the club. The flowering baskets are up and looking nice. Dan Trosen of the city works dept is watering in the early a.m. Other ideas the club has discussed: fair booth and parade entry for 4th of July. -Building repairs update: Nothing new to report. -Spring City Wide Yard Sales: Laurie reported that there were about 50 sites. It was a busy day for Carrington (Central City Auto Auction had a Classic Car Auction and Junk N Java had a Spring Sale vendor booths at the Armory). -Burger & Brat Stand: Was held on May 26 at Leever’s Foods parking lot. Great fundraiser for fireworks. We raised approxi- mately $2,232.00. -Independence Day Parade: Laurie will inquire if the NHS students will carry the flags. Flyers have been printed and are going up around town. -Welcome to Our Town Workshops: The trainings were held May 5 and May 19. There were 44 participants and good feed- back on the training. CVB paid for the costs. We’ll plan to hold it again. -Golf Day: The date has been set for June 14 at Crossroads Golf. Food has been ordered. Kerry will help with Bingo, Denise and Wendy will help serve the meal and witness the Hole In One contest. -Membership Clings / Welcome Bags: Clings are in and Laurie has been handing them out to businesses and Mike Seaburg is checking on pricing for bags for us. -Community Impressions Program: This is an ongoing priority. -Retail Committee- Not much new to report. Laurie will get a meeting organized soon. Denise offered to be involved and gather input from the retailers for the JDA. -Wine & Beer Taste: Discussion on holding this event and also possible dates. Other: Denise Schuchard, Amy Aesoph and Laurie attended a regional quarterly meeting of the Recruiter Network on May 10 in Jamestown and found out more information on recruiting workforce in . It was an interesting meeting.

NEW BUSINESS -Youth Track Meet: Laurie will contact Wendel’s to see if they will help put this together again. Laurie will look for sponsors. Nicole offered perhaps County Health and CHI – Carrington Health will be willing to help out as an event to combat obesity initiative. Will be held in July most likely.

APPROVAL OF BILLS: Nicole moved to approve and pay all bills presented. Seconded by Katie, motion carried. NEXT MEETING DATE: July 7 at Pizza Ranch (date change due to July 4 holiday).

Meeting adjourned. CHAMBER NEWSLETTER PAGE 9

Board meeting minutes

CHAMBER BOARD MEETING JULY 7, 2016 - 12:00 NOON PIZZA RANCH

ATTENDING: Kerry Anderson, Nicole Threadgold, Katie Florhaug, Dennis Swanson, Wendy Bahm, Denise Schuchard and Laurie Dietz. ABSENT: Jeff Welk, Kristin Cabler. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kerry Anderson. Nicole moved to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2016 meeting as written. Seconded by Katie, motion carried. Financial report was presented. Dennis moved to approve the report, seconded by Wendy. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS Committee reports: Ambassadors – Most recently visited Leevers Foods. Next Thursday visit McLaughlin Natural Health at their Grand Opening (also a new Chamber member). Pageant – Bailey Schumann, Mi- randa Peterson participated in the Parade on July 4. Nothing else to report. Birding Drives Dakota – We had about 60 registered attendees from 21 different states. Festival went well. Still gathering data for sur- veys sent out and also bills etc for a final financial report. Healthy Communities – Nicole reported on the last meeting held in June regarding info on the violence prevention grant and activities. Welcome Wagon – Mike Seaburg is looking into new bags for us. Laurie has one about ready to deliver. Carrington Endow- ment – Photos were printed in the Independent. Nothing new to report. Membership Update – Third quar- ter billings will go out soon for membership renewals. CDC – JDA – CVB: CDC - Met on April 26. CVB - minutes were shared. JDA- Denise reported that the JDA met this week and there was discussion on the housing development, the industrial park infrastructure, The Ice Cream Shoppe, and property tax incentive for new house construction. Carrington Garden Club: Dennis reported that the Garden Club had a Fair booth in June and parade entries in the Independence Day Parade. The club has about 40 mem- bers now and they are also working on some new ideas such as a Pumpkin Fest. Next meeting is August 1st and members will be touring some member yards and enjoying pizza too. -Building repairs update: Gutter replacement is complete. No word yet on work beginning on the front of the building. -Independence Day Recap: The parade had approximately 80 entries. Parade winners were: HiWay Drive In, Elton Leppke’s 1927 Buick and Pizza Ranch. Letters with Carrington Cash have been mailed out. Some discussion on perhaps having more activities next year. -Golf Day recap: This was held on June 14 at Crossroads Golf and it went well although the Scramble had to be postponed to the next Tuesday due to rain. We had less teams playing then but they had fun. The meal was well received and we had about the usual number of bingo players. - Welcome Bags: Mike Seaburg is going to stop by with ideas and pricing for our new bags. -Community Impressions Program: This is an ongoing priority. -Retail Committee- Laurie reported that a brainstorming /organizational meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 14 at noon at the Chieftain. Looking for ideas for promotions for retail businesses etc. -Wine & Beer Taste: Discussion on holding this event and also possible dates. It was decided to hold off this year and bring it back in 2017 in conjunction possibly with a Pumpkin Fest event. -Youth Track Meet: The event will be held tonight – July 7 at the track and field. Sponsors have been orga- nized and Mary Wendel is heading up the event and has ordered the ribbons and medals etc. Other: Discussion on Employee of the Month nominations.

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Board meeting minutes continued

NEW BUSINESS -Junk Fest Brochures: We have been putting these out each year toward the end of summer to offer advertising space for businesses and also to promote our upcoming fall events. We’ll do this again this summer. -Fall City Wide Yard Sales: The date is Saturday, September 17. We’ll get the word out soon. -Other: The Chamber office will be closed July 25-29 as Laurie will be on vacation.

APPROVAL OF BILLS: Dennis moved to approve and pay all bills presented. Seconded by Wen- dy, motion carried. NEXT MEETING DATE: August 2 at Wholesale Ag and we’ll order from Subway.

Carrington JDA Scholarship Program

JDA would assist businesses in sponsoring individuals who choose to go onto college or a trade school and receive a degree or certification. This will allow them to return to Carrington to work after school or certification is completed. The program would be a matching grant program up to $3,000 per individual applicant used to match the particular business’s investment into the indi- vidual. The Business must also provide matching funds.

LIST OF PROGRAMS:

Skilled Trades (Plumbing, HVAC, Electric, Machining, Mechanic, Body Shop, Construction, etc.) Education/Teaching Nursing/ Other Medical Skills Culinary Arts Agriculture Engineering Technology Business Management Other Trades and Skills but not limited to those listed.

Requirements for the grant will include but not be limited to the following: 1. A minimum 9 months of completed schooling, or a 3 month internship. 2. Must be a business in the Carrington Area sponsoring the Individual. 3. Individual must return to Carrington to work for the sponsoring business immediately after schooling is completed. 4. JDA will receive a signed agreement between the Business and Individual stated the sponsor- ship and time to which the student must work for the Business to fulfill obligation for receiving money. 5. Should the individual not complete the required service the grant will convert to a loan with terms to be set by the JDA. The partner business will be required to verify completion of required terms of the program.

For more information, please contact Denise Schuchard, Economic Development Director for the City of Carrington (phone 652-3919 or email to [email protected])

Carrington Area Chamber of Commerce

871 Main Street Carrington, ND 58421 Phone: 701-652-2524 E-mail: [email protected] www.cgtn-nd.com

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Looking ahead -

Here are some dates to jot down on your calendar:

Jul 20 Kids—Gallery on the Go Painting Class @ the Putnam House Jul 24 American Legion Riders visit Carrington Jul 25-29 Chamber office closed Jul 27-31 ND State Class B American Legion Baseball Tourney Jul 28 Pallet Painting Workshop at the Putnam House Aug 1 Trinity River Band performs on the Putnam House Porch Aug 16 Garden Mosaic Class at the Putnam House Aug 18 Color Splash Fun Run / Walk at City Park Aug 19 Jessie Veeder Concert at Dakota Sun Gardens & Winery Aug 23 Back to School Sep 9 Putnam House Wine Taste Sep 10 Junk Fest Sep 17 Fall City Wide Yard Sales