Eight recognized as Fit-Friendly Worksites
Eight area companies have been recognized as Fit-Friendly Worksites by the American Heart Association for helping employees eat better and move more.
Worksites receiving Platinum-Level recognition were: Sanford Health, Bemidji, Minn.; and the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
Worksites receiving Gold-Level recognition were: Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Sanford Health, both in Bismarck; SJE-Rhombus, Detroit Lakes, Minn.; Doosan and Swanson Health Products, both in Fargo; and Northern Plains Rail Services, Fordville, N.D.
Fit-Friendly worksites offer employees physical activity options in the workplace, increase healthy eating options at the worksite, promote a wellness culture in the workplace and implement at least nine criteria outlined by the AHA in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.
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Sorensen receives social media award
Hannah Sorensen, a financial associate with Thrivent Financial, Fargo, has received the SilverBowl Award for best use of social media by an agent/adviser from the Life Insurance and Market Research Association.
The award recognizes Sorensen for demonstrating how social media can be used to achieve strategic business success within the framework of today's social environment. She has been with Thrivent since 2012.
Choice Financial named to best place to work list
Choice Financial has been recognized as a 2015 Best Place to Work runner-up by the North Dakota Young Professionals. This is the third year in a row Choice Financial has received the award.
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NDYP recognizes businesses that provide high quality jobs and a work environment enticing to and in support of young professionals.
Two elected to National MS Society board
Fargo residents Michael Olsen and Ralph Hansen have been appointed to the board of trustees for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Upper Midwest Chapter.
Olsen has held a variety of positions throughout his professional career, including senior vice president of corporate communications and public affairs at the Otter Tail Corp., senior vice president of corporate communications at Great Plains Software, deputy assistant secretary of transportation and public affairs in Washington, press secretary for Sen. Mark Andrews of North Dakota and more. He currently serves on the boards of The Arts Partnership in Fargo and Churches United for the Homeless in Moorhead.
Hansen was elected as treasurer for the group. He is managing partner of Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co., a local CPA firm. A member of the MS movement for more than 20 years, he has served on the board of three MS chapters and was board chairman for the former Dakota Chapter. He has also participated in Bike MS for 22 consecutive years and is a top fundraiser for the Upper Midwest Chapter.
Thiem admitted to trial lawyers college
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Rebecca S. Thiem became a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America, at its 2015 annual meeting.
Founded in 1950, the college is composed of the best of the trial bar from the U.S. and Canada. Fellowship in the college is extended by invitation only to trial lawyers who have a minimum of 15 years of trial experience marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Membership cannot exceed 1 percent of the total lawyer population in any state or province.
Thiem joined the Serkland Law Firm in 2014 to open its Bismarck office. A graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, her practice is focused on commercial and general litigation, business transactions, employment litigation, mediation and arbitration, and professional malpractice defense. Thiem has practiced law in Bismarck for more than 30 years.
Bremer Bank announces contest winners
Bremer Bank has announced the winners of the Lights, Camera, Save! video contest. One student was selected in each of the three states in which Bremer does business and received a prize of $500. The winners are:
• Cory Williamson, Willmar, Minn., for "Interest and Perspective."
• Cedar Anderson, Carrington, N.D., for "Cash Queen."
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• Claire Karr, Washburn, Wis., for "The Most Thrifty Man on Earth."
The students will represent Bremer on the national level for a scholarship of up to $5,000 and an opportunity for a teacher at their school to attend the 2016 Jump$tart National Educator Conference in Washington.
Sponsored by the American Bankers Association Foundation, Lights, Camera, Save! is a national, bank-driven competition that encourages teens to use video to communicate the value of saving, as well as to inspire others to become lifelong savers. Students from the ages of 13 to 18 are eligible to enter the contest by producing and submitting 90-second videos, which are then judged on their quality, message and appeal to other teens.
Financial advisers selected for Portfolio Focus
The Elbert Holstad Group members, financial advisers in RBC Wealth Management's Fargo office, were recently selected as members of the firm's Portfolio Focus-Senior Portfolio Manager Group, an exclusive group of financial advisers recognized for their success in building fee-based discretionary portfolio management practices.
The Senior Portfolio Manager Group is the highest level of recognition that the firm bestows on its fee-based discretionary financial advisers.
To qualify, the Elbert Holstad Group demonstrated a commitment to creating and managing customized portfolios designed to meet client's individual investment needs and enhancing their professional knowledge and portfolio management skills.
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El Zagal Shrine Temple elects officers
El Zagal Shrine Temple, Fargo, has elected Brad Richards as potentate for 2016.
Other officers are: Blake Wrigley, chief rabban; Jason Rockswold, assistant rabban; Rick Qual, high priest and prophet; Mike Dow, oriental guide; Jeff Woods, treasurer; and William R. Wedberg Jr., PP, recorder.
Sanford honors 3 with Daisy awards
Sanford Health registered nurses Stephanie Brustad, Marie Nordahl and Lacie Maresh have earned the Daisy award, which is presented to nurses who are recognized as outstanding role models and consistently demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise and compassionate, extraordinary care.
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Lindley earns Golden Stethoscope Award
Sanford Health, Fargo, has honored Dr. Timothy Lindley with the Golden Stethoscope Award, which recognizes outstanding physicians who demonstrate excellence in patient care, customer service, communication and teamwork.
Lindley earned a medical degree from University of Iowa. He completed his residency and fellowship in neurosurgery at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Window installers earn certified designation
Renewal by Andersen, the replacement window division of Andersen Corp., announced that its installers at Western Products in Fargo have earned the designation of Certified Master Installer.
In order to be eligible for this training, a location must achieve consistently high customer satisfaction ratings on surveys administered by a third party, and the installer must meet the required number of Renewal by Andersen window installation projects. Installers then complete the training modules, which are validated by field audits.
NDHRC elects officers
The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition's board of directors has elected officers for 2016. Those elected are: Kjersten Nelson, Fargo, chairwoman; Janelle Miedema, Fargo, vice chairwoman; David Lanpher, Fargo, treasurer; Stacy Schaffer, Bismarck, secretary; and Robert Anderson, Casselton, member-at-large of the executive committee.
Three new members were elected to the 15-member board of directors. They are: Kathryn Artlip, Bismarck; Michelle Stevier-Johanson, Dickinson; and Nandita Bezbaruah, West Fargo.
Kasper invited to Hilton MVP program
Tom Kasper, general manager of Homewood Suites by Hilton, Fargo, was invited to participate in the recent Extended Stay MVP program at Hilton Worldwide Operations Center in Memphis.
MVP candidates are brand advocates and leaders in extended stay in their communities and demonstrate their leadership qualities at the hotel by advocating new community initiatives, participating in brand-wide sales programs and driving extended stay sales and revenue at their hotel.
During the three-day event in Memphis, Kasper received training to develop personally and professionally through presentation, listening and communication exercises, and he competed in high energy sales simulations.
Wangen commissioned as Kentucky Colonel
North Dakota Veteran Affairs Commissioner Lonnie Wangen of Horace has been commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor given by the commonwealth of Kentucky honoring those who have dedicated their lives to civic service.
Dating back to 1812, Kentucky has recognized many with this honor, including Astronaut John Glenn, English Prime Minister Winston Churchill, President Lyndon B. Johnson and Harland "Colonel" Sanders.
Wangen was nominated for the award because of his dedication to the service of veterans on a national level through his involvement in many organizations. He has served the state of North Dakota as veteran affairs commissioner since 2008.
He graduated from North Dakota State University and the University of Mary, and served with the North Dakota Army National Guard for 27 years.
