eBridge weekly: Nominations are OPEN for the ChamberChoice Awards!

eBridge weekly: Nominations are OPEN for the ChamberChoice Awards!

Plus, learn how to champion mental wellness in schools


In today's edition:

  • Nominations are OPEN for the 2025 ChamberChoice Awards!
  • Kick off the New Year at State of the Cities!
  • Breaking barriers to build a thriving workforce
  • How can we champion mental wellness in schools?
  • The National Civics Bee is time to shine for your middle schooler!
  • Level up your inclusion game with our free training series!
  • The time to upskill your employees is now.
  • In 2025, let's redefine what it means to lead with courage.
  • Make your recruitment stand out!


Nominations are OPEN for the 2025 ChamberChoice Awards!

Know a business, nonprofit or changemaker in the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo community who is making an impact?

Now’s your chance to celebrate the achievements of the FMWF business community!

Award Categories Include:  

  • Business of the Year
  • Small Business of the Year
  • Emerging Business of the Year  
  • Young Professionals Best Place to Work
  • Inclusion Champion of the Year 
  • Nonprofit of the Year
  • People’s Choice

Nominations close Jan. 24, 2025—and there’s no limit to how many you can submit!

Nominate today and help highlight the inspiring organizations and individuals shaping our vibrant community.

Submit your nominations now


Kick off the New Year at State of the Cities!

Start the year strong with State of the Cities this Thursday, Jan. 9!

This is your chance to hear firsthand from the mayors of Dilworth, Moorhead, Fargo, Horace and West Fargo on the most pressing issues and exciting opportunities shaping our region.

You’ll get insider updates on:

  • Affordable housing solutions that will impact our community
  • Workforce strategies that could transform local businesses
  • Economic growth initiatives you won’t want to miss

Plus, be the first to hear about game-changing projects like the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion, Convention Center Development and the Downtown Moorhead Redevelopment.

This is THE event to kick off the year—don’t miss it.

Register


Breaking barriers to build a thriving workforce

Inclusion at work isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s key to overcoming workforce challenges and driving success across industries.   

Discover how leaders from Bobcat Company, Essentia Health, Flint Group and A.M.P. Contracting are breaking down barriers to foster inclusion, adaptability and leadership in their organizations.  

Key takeaways:

  • Proactive listening and flexible hiring practices  
  • Creating a cohesive culture that embraces differences  
  • Starting with small, impactful actions to build trust  
  • Overcoming language barriers to create equity  

These strategies are transforming workplaces and unlocking opportunities for employees of all backgrounds.  

Want to dive deeper? Read the full blog and learn how your organization can take action to break barriers and build a thriving, inclusive workforce.  

Read the article

Want to take your inclusion efforts to the next level?

Don’t miss out on Inclusion Insights, our free 3-part training series starting Jan. 22. Equip yourself with the tools to create a more inclusive, thriving workforce.

Learn more about Inclusion Insights


How can we champion mental wellness in schools?

Join us Tuesday, Jan. 14 for The Pulse of K-12 Mental Wellness.

Help shape the future of mental health support in our schools.  

On Jan. 14, gain practical insights, hear inspiring stories and learn from experts at the forefront of mental health advocacy. This is your chance to connect with changemakers who are passionate about empowering our youth and making a lasting impact on their well-being.  

Let’s work together to empower the next generation!

Register


The National Civics Bee is time to shine for your middle schooler!

Has your middle schooler ever wanted to make a difference and share their ideas on big issues?

This spring, we’ll be hosting the local competition and we’re encouraging passionate students to submit their essays for a chance to compete. This is more than just a competition though, it’s a chance for students to build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of civics.

Hear from past participants about how this experience transformed their perspectives and inspired them to take action. We can't wait to see what this year's competitors will achieve!

Learn more about the National Civics Bee


Level up your inclusion game with our free training series!

Unlock practical strategies for fostering inclusive, diverse and equitable environments in the workplace and community.

Inclusion Insights is a three-part series designed for HR professionals, workforce activators and anyone committed to championing inclusion.  

What you’ll learn:

  • Actionable strategies to improve employee morale, reduce turnover and drive innovation.  
  • Tools for addressing unconscious bias, creating inclusive policies and fostering belonging.  
  • Networking opportunities with peers from various sectors.  

Facilitator: Whitney Harvey Senior Director of Workforce Diversity and Inclusion at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Session dates:  

Register now to start making a difference in your workplace and community!

Register


The time to upskill your employees is now.

Is your business ready to tackle skill gaps and accelerate workforce growth?

The Chamber's Good Jobs Challenge (GJC) connects employers with industry-specific training partners to help employees upskill and reach their full potential.

With a focus on Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity/IT and Precision Agriculture/Food, GJC provides access to up to $5,000 for training, tuition and essential needs support for eligible participants.

Target populations include:

  • New Americans
  • Veterans and service members
  • People of color, Indigenous, Black
  • High school students
  • Women in tech

How it works: GJC participants receive financial support for training and education, plus help with essential needs like child care, transportation and career coaching.

Interested in learning more?

Contact Jane Vangsness Frisch, VP of Workforce, at jvrisch@fmwfchamber.com to start connecting with upskilled talent today!

Learn more


In 2025, let's redefine what it means to lead with courage.

Take the next step in your leadership journey and join us on Jan. 28!

We’re excited to welcome Jill Nelson, Ph.D., BCC, CDTLF as she takes the stage to explore why courage is critical in leadership. Her powerful message will inspire you to show up—no matter the fear, discomfort or uncertainty.

Are you ready to embrace vulnerability, discover your strength and become part of a community that empowers you to lead with purpose?

Register today!

Do you have a story to tell?

We’re seeking four inspiring women to speak at our April Women Connect event! This is your chance to inspire others by sharing how failure shaped you, the lessons you learned and how those experiences propelled your growth.

Help others find strength in life’s obstacles.

Apply here.


Make your recruitment stand out!

Elevate your recruiting and onboarding process with our Community Concierge program.

Our customizable and all-inclusive program levels transform recruiting and onboarding by helping candidates and employees build meaningful connections based on personal and family interests.

While you concentrate on hiring the best talent, we ensure they feel right at home. Our program integrates newcomers into the community, demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond the workplace and reinforcing your company's dedication to employee well-being.

Our services can include a community tour, lunch or welcome box to engage candidates during the interview process. For new hires, we can assist with circulating their spouse/partner's resume to local businesses and offer a follow-up acclimation service to ensure a smooth transition.

Learn more about Community Concierge


It's time to register for the Midwest Economic Outlook Summit!

The Midwest Economic Outlook Summit is your chance to engage with business leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders to shape the region’s economic future.

Ask the questions that matter

Participate in interactive discussions addressing key economic challenges and opportunities in the Midwest.

Learn from the experts

Hear from distinguished speakers in banking, real estate, technology and more, offering diverse insights into trends and strategies impacting our region.

Expand your network

Build connections with industry and community leaders, foster collaboration and explore new partnerships to drive growth.

📅 Feb. 20

📍 Red River Valley Fairgrounds - Butler Machinery Arena

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of economic shifts, gain critical insights and shape the future.

Register now


Congratulations to our newest Chamber members from December!

Last week's new members

  • Guardian Angel Armed Event Security

This week's celebrations

  • Wellness Collective - 1-year Anniversary

Member directory


Upcoming Chamber Events

Signature events in italics

State of the Cities - THIS Thursday, Jan. 9

The Pulse of K-12 Mental Wellness - Tuesday, Jan. 14

Inclusion Insights Part 1: What is Inclusion? - Wednesday, Jan. 22

Young Professionals Network: Holiday Party - Thursday, Jan. 23

Women Connect: Dare to Lead - Tuesday, Jan. 28

Midwest Economic Outlook Summit - Thursday, Feb. 20

View all events


The BRIDGE magazine | Member Benefits + Resources | Chamber blog

Post your Careers at IgniteFMWF.com


Your Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber is a catalyst for growth and prosperity.

We protect and promote business, inspire individuals, cultivate communities and influence action.



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