The Chamber Link

Are you waiting until you feel "ready" to take the next big step in your career? In this episode of The Chamber Link, host Abby Styf sits down with Nicole Thorfinnson, JT Froning and Abby Zimmerman to discuss why young professionals shouldn't let imposter syndrome stand in their way. Together, the panel explores how the Young Professionals Network (YPN) goes far beyond exchanging bus...

In this episode of The Chamber Link, host Abby Zimmerman (FMWF Chamber Program & Engagement Specialist) sits down with Sandi Piatz (United Way of Cass-Clay President & CEO) and Madison Maides (United Way of Cass-Clay Corporate Relations Manager) from United Way of Cass-Clay, alongside Kim Wonch (Center for Dermatology Marketing Manager), to discuss how local businesses of any size can spar...

Discover how a single afternoon of service can transform an entire community. In this episode of The Chamber Link, Abby Styf is joined by Setareh Campion (FMWF Chamber), Christi Hawley (TNT Kids Fitness & Gymnastics), and Maggie Ness (Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley) to preview Chamber Impact Day on September 3rd. Want to participate in Chamber Impact Day? Learn more and register here!

In this episode of The Chamber Link, host Cale Dunwoody, Vice President of Public Policy for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber, is joined by Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson and Downtown Moorhead Inc. President & CEO Matt Leiseth to discuss the city's rapid growth, downtown redevelopment, and economic momentum. Later, Chamber Executive Vice President, Katherine Grindberg, shares key informati...

In this episode of  The Chamber Link , host Katherine Grindberg sits down with regional healthcare leaders to explore the critical challenges and innovative solutions shaping healthcare in North Dakota and Minnesota. From tackling rural care access and workforce shortages to navigating Medicaid policy changes and provider-insurer partnerships, this conversation examines the most pressing healthcar...

Homelessness is often viewed as an isolated, individual crisis, but in reality, it is a complex societal challenge that deeply impacts the workforce, public safety, and overall economic vitality of an entire region. In this episode of  The Chamber Link , host Katherine Grinberg sits down with three local leaders to demystify the landscape of homelessness in the Fargo-Moorhead area, look past the s...

In this episode of the Chamber Link, host Cale Dunwoody sits down with newly elected leaders  Mayor-elect Josh Boschee of Fargo  and  Mayor-elect Eric Gjerdevig of West Fargo . Fresh off a pivotal primary election, the two leaders dive into their visions for the future of the FM metro area, reflecting on their campaign experiences and discussing how they plan to navigate the region’s current “expo...

In this episode of the Chamber Link, host Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, dives into the intersection of agriculture, innovation and economic growth. Joined by Andrew Jason (Ecosystems Director at Grand Farm) and Allison Weckman (National Science Foundation AgTech Engine in North Dakota), the conversation previews the highly...

Ever wonder who really pays for the streets you drive on or the water in your tap? On this episode of  The Chamber Link , host  Katherine Grindberg  dives into the details of  Fargo City Measure No. 1 , a proposed infrastructure sales tax on the upcoming  June 9, 2026 , ballot. Joined by  Cale Dunwoody ,  Tami Norgard and  John Gunkelman , the group breaks down why this “penny tax” is a continuati...

In this episode of the Chamber Link, Jane Vangsness Frisch, vice president of workforce for The Chamber, dives into the critical importance of career awareness, exploration and preparation for our emerging generations. Joined by a passionate panel of educators and workforce leaders, the discussion centers on how the region is proactively tackling talent attraction and retention years before studen...

In today's fast-paced professional landscape, mentorship remains the cornerstone of career longevity and leadership development. In this episode of The Chamber Link, host Setareh Campion sits down with three dynamic leaders from the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo community to deconstruct what it really means to guide (and be guided) in 2026.Joining the conversation are: Abby Zimmerman (FMWF Chamber...

In this episode of The Chamber Link, Chamber President and CEO Shannon Full and Executive Vice President Katherine Grindberg sit down with the 2026 Legacy Leader, Marilyn Guy, to discuss a lifetime dedicated to education, mentorship and community stewardship. With over 50 years of experience shaping institutions and students alike, Marilyn reflects on her journey from the classroom to leadership r...

Fresh off the Moorhead and Detroit Lakes Area Day at the Capitol, this episode dives into the real-world impact of public policy and why showing up matters more than ever. Host Katherine Grinberg is joined by Chamber Vice President of Public Policy Cale Dunwoody and business leaders Jon Riewer and Rich Slagle for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at advocacy in action. From navigating a sharply div...

How does a local airport evolve from a simple transit point into a massive engine for regional economic growth? In this episode of Chamber Link, Shannon Full sits down with Hector International Airport Executive Director Shawn Dobberstein and Airport Authority Board Chair Rick Berg to unpack the historic $200 million expansion and redevelopment project currently reshaping Fargo’s skyline. We explo...

In this episode of The Chamber Link, we examine the economic forces shaping the FMWF region and what national trends mean for Upper Midwest businesses. Hosted by Katherine Grindberg with the FMWF Chamber, the conversation features Erick Garcia Luna of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Mike Arntson of Cardinal IG and Ray Grefsheim of Old National Bank. Together, they connect federal economic...

Giving Hearts Day is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with purpose. In this episode of The Chamber Link, host Abby Styf sits down with Emily Jones of Dakota Medical Foundation, James Botnen of Mark Knutson's Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund and John Burt of SCHEELS to explore the impact this day of giving has across the entire region. From the evolution of Givin...

In this episode of The Chamber Link, host Jane Vangsness Frisch is joined by economist and futurist Rebecca Ryan and Chamber President and CEO Shannon Full for a forward-looking conversation on workforce readiness, regional collaboration and long-term economic prosperity. Together, they connect national trends to local realities, exploring how proactive leadership, aligned systems and shared respo...

We kicked off 2026 on The Chamber Link by spotlighting one of The Chamber’s longest standing and most impactful programs, Leadership FMWF. In this episode, Abby Styf is joined by Setareh Campion, Matt Bushard and Isaac Olson to break down what Leadership FMWF is all about. They give an overview of the program’s structure and monthly sessions, sharing the powerful Community Change Initiative and th...

On this episode of The Chamber Link, host Abby Styf is joined by Chamber team members Katherine, Jane and Cale for our final episode of 2025 as we share what members and the community can expect from The Chamber in 2026. From new membership benefits and refreshed signature events to expanded advertising opportunities! We’re excited to highlight the changes designed to bring even more value to your...

In this episode of The Chamber Link, we explore how animal agriculture fuels our region’s economy, workforce and rural vitality. Host Jane Vangsness Frisch with the FMWF Chamber is joined by Amber Wood of the North Dakota Livestock Alliance and Brady Janzen of Riverview LLP for a fast-paced conversation on livestock development, dairy expansion, technology, workforce needs and the future of our re...

In this episode, we sit down with Shirley Hughes, the newly appointed President and CEO of Visit Fargo-Moorhead, for an insightful conversation about her journey back to the FM region and her vision for the future of our growing community. After decades leading national marketing and brand development initiatives, she’s returned home with a renewed perspective and a wealth of experience. We talk a...

What happens when employees become owners? In this episode of The Chamber Link, we explore how the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) model is transforming businesses across the Fargo-Moorhead region. Hear from Tammy Miller, former CEO of Border States, Shane Waslaski, CEO of Vistal, and Dan Martinson, CEO of Fargo Glass & Paint Co., as they share what it takes to transition to employee owne...

As Fargo continues to grow, the Fargo Park District is reimagining what community spaces can be. In this episode, Chamber Executive Vice President Katherine Grindberg sits down with Craig Bjur (Fargo Park District Foundation), Susan Faus (Fargo Park District) and Kali Mork (Fargo Park District) to explore the transformative projects shaping our city—like the new Fargo Sports Center and the Island...

On this episode of The Chamber Link, we’re exploring how collaboration is driving workforce solutions across our region. From customized training and upskilling opportunities at Minnesota State Community and Technical College (MState), to inclusive pathways for New Americans through Global Refuge, to family economic empowerment efforts at Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership (CAPLP), pa...

On this episode of The Chamber Link, we’re diving into Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, set to launch Jan. 1, 2026. This legislation will bring big changes for businesses and organizations in our region, with preparation and compliance being essential. The Chamber has been closely tracking PFML from the start, engaging with policymakers and providing resources to help...