Honors and officers - 06/01/13

Watson elected IAAP chapter secretary

Sheila Watson, a member of the Red River Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals, has been elected secretary of the Minnesota-North Dakota-South Dakota division of the IAAP.

She has been a member of the Red River chapter since 2009 and is employed as a J-flight administrator at the Air Force Recruiting Squadron, Fargo, and is currently outgoing president of the chapter.

Jastram wins Carnegie achievement award

Joel Jastram has won the highest award for achievement for his participation in the Dale Carnegie course he completed recently in Fargo.

The recipient for the award is voted on by class members upon completion of the course series. The criteria for this award is to exemplify the principles of Dale Carnegie training throughout the course, demonstrate significant personal and professional development, careful preparation and are showing leadership in the class.

Jastram is director of operations with Doosan Bobcat in West Fargo.

Paulson named fellow in corporate group

Lynn Paulson, a director on the board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, has become a National Association of Corporate Directors fellow, the highest level of credentialing for corporate directors and corporate governance professionals.

As an NACD fellow, Paulson has demonstrated his knowledge of the leading trends and practices that define exemplary corporate governance today.

Paulson is the senior vice president/director of agribusiness development at Bell State Bank & Trust in Fargo. A native of Maddock, N.D., he graduated from North Dakota State University. He has more than 30 years of experience in the agriculture and banking business and has worked at Farm Credit Services, Citizens State Bank and as president and chief executive officer of Choice Financial Group.

Yexley receives Toastmasters award

Joyce Yexley, fashion historian of "A Century of Fashion" has earned the Competent Leader Award by Great Plains Toastmasters of Fargo.

Yexley's leadership achievement resulted in completing 10 leadership projects as outlined by Toastmaster's International.

Serkland firm and attorneys recognized

Chambers and Partners has ranked Serkland Law Firm, Fargo, and four of its attorneys in the 2013 publication of Chambers USA, "The Client's Guide," a leading directory of the legal profession.

The Serkland Law Firm is ranked Band 1 in North Dakota for litigation: general commercial; and bankruptcy/restructuring.

Ranked firm attorneys were also recognized for litigation - general commercial: Ronald McLean, Star; Jack Marcil, Senior Statesmen; and Joseph Wetch, Band 3; and for bankruptcy/restructuring, Roger Minch, Band 1.

Knight receives 32 under 32 award

Jeff Knight, designer and lead creative at Sundog, Fargo, received Ad2's 32 under 32 award. The award recognizes top advertisers and marketers in the industry.

Ad2 is the young professionals segment of the AAF affiliated Advertising Federation of Minnesota. He will be profiled in Thirty Two Magazine.

Knight is known locally for co-founding TAG, a Fargo-based retailer of graphic T-shirts, and working with local designers to launch DSGNX, a group celebrating design in the community.

He has contributed graphic design and branding for local businesses and events, including TEDxFargo and Startup Weekend. Knight is an adjunct professor at North Dakota State University and Concordia College. His artwork also appears around the country as a participating artist in Art-O-Mat. His artwork is also shown in various local galleries, including his carved, wooden wishbones in the Plains Art Museum's permanent collection in Fargo.

American Gold elects members to board

American Gold Gymnastics, Fargo, has elected Krista Andrews of Anderson, Bottrell, Sanden & Thompson, as president of its board of directors. Others elected include Virgil Seibold, former American Gold president as vice president; Robin Huebner, Forum Communications, secretary; and Rick Rayl, Altravax, treasurer.

New board members elected were Trish Erickson, Fargo Public Schools; and Rhea Haugrud, community volunteer. Other members include Vickey Borgen, Borgen Family Farms; Tony Leysring, Sealy Mattress Co.; Brian Osowoski, AMKO Advisors; Shannon Thornton, community volunteer; and Steve Wettstein, Acuity Insurance.

Brown & Saenger earns award from HON Co.

Brown & Saenger, an independent dealer of business products, office furniture, professional printing and promotional products, has earned the HON Co. Values Award which recognized the company's sales and service to its office furniture customers in 2012.

The award was voted on by HON employees and given to the top HON office furniture dealer for being a good corporate citizen, appreciated by HON members, favored by customers and respected by the community.

Scott, Houska honored by ND Motor Carriers

The North Dakota Motor Carriers Association has recognized Robert Scott as the 2012 Driver of the Year and Richard Houska as the Service Manager of the Year. Both are employed by Holland Enterprises, Mapleton, N.D.

Scott has been driving commercially for more than 45 years and has driven 4.1 million miles with no preventable accidents. He has also received Holland Enterprise's annual safety award 32 times.

Houska has worked for Holland Enterprises for more than 25 years, the last 20 years as service manager. Houska was recognized with the manager award for his commitment to excellence, continuing education and professionalism.

Holland Enterprises also received the 2012 Grand Trophy Award for its outstanding safety record.

Luther Family named a GM Dealer of the Year

Luther Family Buick GMC has been named one of the General Motors' Dealers of the Year. The honor was awarded to only 16 GMC dealers nationwide.

To receive the recognition, a dealership must be a top performer in sales and customer service.

Fredrikson & Byron ranked by Chambers

Five attorneys from Fredrikson & Byron's North Dakota offices were ranked by 2013 Chambers USA based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by clients.

The rankings for law firms and individual attorneys are in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best. The following North Dakota attorneys were ranked by Chambers: Kristy L. Albrecht, labor and employment; Lawrence Bender, litigation: energy and natural resources; Nola A. McNeally, corporate/commercial; Jon E. Strinden, corporate/commercial; and Todd E. Zimmerman, litigation: general commercial. Chambers also ranked three North Dakota practice areas: corporate/commercial advanced to Firm Band 1, labor and employment was added as Firm Band 2, and litigation: general commercial was ranked Firm Band 2.

Roehrich qualifies for Top of the Table honors

Dale F. Roehrich, Fargo, has qualified for the Top of the Table of the Million Dollar Round Table, the premier association of financial professionals.

He is an 18-year MDRT member, six-year Court of the Table qualifier and seven-year Top of the Table qualifier.

Brye graduates from leadership program

Craig Brye, internal audit manager/information technology at Otter Tail Power Corp., has graduated from the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Leadership program.

The program is centered on creating leaders through community training and leadership development.

Dewhirst to serve on pharmacy assn. board

Gary Dewhirst has been elected to serve a three-year term representing District 5 on the executive committee of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

Dewhirst has been a member of the North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy since 1999. He is a pharmacy manager for Thrifty White Drug, Hettinger, N.D., and he previously owned and was general manager of the Hettinger Drug for more than 20 years.

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