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Real Good Bath and Body closes in West Acres, GNDC releases list of Top Women to Know and Watch, and more

Also included in this week's Business Buzz, The Village has announced plans to consolidate its Fargo locations.

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Real Good Bath and Body, seen in this undated West Acres Shopping Center photo, has closed its kiosk at the Fargo mall to focus on its Crookston, Minn., store and online and wholesale operations.
Contributed / West Acres Shopping Center

FARGO - Real Good Bath & Body has closed its West Acres Shopping Center kiosk as part of a plan to focus more on its Crookston, Minn., outlet and online and wholesale business.

The Fargo retail outlet shut down operations at the end of the day March 11, with the end of the Unglued Craft Fest at the mall.

“We sadly said goodbye to Real Good Bath & Body,” a post on the West Acres Facebook page said Monday, March 30. “While we are sad to see them go, we are so excited to see where their future takes them, while they live out their mission to do good in the world. We are so grateful for their years at West Acres!”

Real Good Bath & Body owner Carol Simmons made the initial announcement of her plans in a Feb. 28 Facebook reel, saying she wanted to simplify her business.

“It’s kind of a leap,” she said, but “It’s really hard to do all the things. We want to focus on our mission better - doing good and feeling good.”

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She said the firm will use more sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging for its products, which will also be easier to ship.

Keeping the West Acres kiosk stocked was a challenge, particularly in the winter, when travel between the Crookston manufacturing site and Fargo could be treacherous due to storms and icy roads.

She encourages customers to visit the Crookston shop.

“If you’re not in Crookston, it’s actually worth a day trip,” she said.

Simmons said her products will be available at Minn-Dak Market in the mall, and at the Red River Refillery, which recently moved its retail shop to Brewhalla, 1702 1st Ave. N., Fargo.

Real Good Bath & Body uses natural ingredients to make a range of products such as soaps, bath bombs, massage oils and lotions.

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GNDC announces list of Top Women to Know and Watch

The Greater North Dakota Chamber has released its 15 Women You Need to Know and 5 Women to Watch in North Dakota business lists. These lists call out individuals to celebrate their success as these accomplishments are furthering the progress of their organizations and industries.

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This list of 15 Women You Need to Know in ND Business is comprised of agents of action, according to a GNDC press release. In building the list, GNDC looked at trailblazers at all levels – in their organizations, among their peers, and in their community. These women have taken on leadership roles – either formally or by default.

“Too often, we see that women do not take the time to celebrate their accomplishments. Shying away from spotlight or acknowledgement of their efforts,” stated Amanda Remynse, GNDC vice president operations and outreach via statement. “This list is set to nod at those keeping the lights on and making payroll. They hustle each day fulfilling their professional and personal missions. They are the go-tos, individuals that have the answers or if they don’t – they know someone that does.”

Additionally, GNDC is celebrating 5 Women to Watch. Comprised of aspirants, this list has nominees set to make big impacts – whether it’s in a new position or field.

GNDC will be honoring these individuals with weekly spotlights and commence the celebration with a luncheon in Bismarck.

15 WOMEN YOU NEED TO KNOW IN ND BUSINESS

  • Paula Anderson, Sterling Carpet One Floor & Home
  • Jill Beck, North Dakota Association of REALTORS
  • Jill Berg, Spherion Staffing Services/Insight Consulting
  • Helen Bullinger, Bullinger Tree Service
  • Cindy Griffin, Harvestone Low Carbon Partners
  • Kelby Hovey, Basin Electric Power Cooperative
  • Christie Huber Obenauer, Union State Bank
  • Kristi Jean, ComDel Innovation, Inc.
  • Heather Jones, City Air Mechanical, Inc.
  • Brekka Kramer, Minot Area Chamber EDC
  • Marlene Miller, Altru Health System
  • Ann Pollert, General Equipment Sales & Supplies, Inc.
  • Nancy Slotten, Border States Paving, Inc.
  • Danita Tysver, Stark Development Corporation
  • North Dakota Women’s Business Center Spotlight: Meg Wold, Meg-A-Latte Coffee House

5 WOMEN TO WATCH

  • Cassie Andress, Cassie’s Cleaning Company/Rural Route Therapies
  • Beth Feldner, Xcel Energy
  • Mackenzie Gable, Northern Improvement Company
  • Anna Nelson, Williston Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Representative Emily O’Brien, District 42/Bioscience Association of North Dakota

Additional information can be found at ndchamber.com .

The Village to combine Fargo locations

The Village Family Service Center is planning to merge its two Fargo facilities to achieve improved efficiency, integrated company culture, and better resource utilization. The organization will sell its 1201 25th St. S. building and relocate staff and current operations to its office down the street at 2701 12th Ave. S.

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"We remain committed to providing the best possible service to our community. We understand the invaluable role that our donors, supporters, and clients play in enabling us to carry out our mission, and we are truly grateful for their unwavering support. We are confident that this decision will help us continue positively impacting the lives of those we serve," President and CEO Kelly Olson said via press release.

The Village aims to ensure a seamless transition for clients and staff. The 1201 25th St. S. staff will move to The Village's nearby location at 2701 12th Avenue South after the building sells. The 2701 location is currently the primary building for most clients, and staff will communicate when appointments shift to the new location.

For more information about The Village Family Service Center and its mission, visit TheVillageFamily.org .

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