Business Brief - Jan. 9, 2023

New Year, New Director

Madison Cermak began Jan. 3 as the City of Mandan's new business development and communications director. She brings eight years' experience in marketing and project coordination with the Downtowners Association of Bismarck. She has bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising with a minor in business administration from North Dakota State University.

Responsibilities include providing support to existing businesses, fostering entrepreneurism and attracting new businesses. The role involves managing local business assistance and incentive programs; conducting business retention and expansion visits; organizing informational and educational activities for existing businesses and start-up prospects, and more. Cermak will also oversee community marketing, public information and outreach activities.

Reach Cermak by email or by calling 701-667-3485.

Passing the Baton

Ellen Huber is finishing her last week as business development and communications director with the City of Mandan after nearly 17 years. An open house is being held at City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Voting Ends Jan. 13 for Winter Decorating Award

Nominations for Golden Shovel Award Due Feb. 1

The contest for winter decorating of the exterior of commercial buildings and sites as well as interior spaces visible from outside such as storefronts and windows drew four nominees:

Cappuccino on Collins, 105 Collins Ave,
Copper Dog Cafe, 218 W Main St.,
Hirsch Florist, 211 W Main St., and
Mane Expressions, 220 W Main St.

View photos and vote for your favorite at this link.

Mandan is also recognizing businesses and commercial property owners that do a good job of keeping walkways free of snow and ice. Nominations for the “Golden Shovel Award” are open through Feb. 1. Nominees to date are:

Beyond the Blooms, 111 Fourth Ave NW
Buffalo Commons Brewing, 2307 Memorial Hwy.
Butcher Block Meats, 108 W Main St.
Environmental Services, 402 First St NW
Hirsch Florist, 211 W Main St.
Mane Expressions, 220 W Main St.
M & H Gas Station, 322 E Main St.
NarDawahl’s Tattoo Emporium, 122 ½ W Main St.
Vicky Sports Bar, 106 Second Ave NW

Winners in the winter decorating and snow shoveling categories will receive traveling awards along with $500 cash prizes. Runners-up each will receive $250 cash prizes.

The City of Mandan is paying forward to the business community a prize from its Main Street Initiative award for overall excellence. The North Dakota Department of Commerce is providing $1,500 for a small project to increase community vibrancy during the winter season.

The goal of these contests is to improve Mandan’s sparkle, accessibility and pedestrian-friendliness during the winter season. Winners will be recognized at meetings of the Mandan City Commission.

Learn more

Snow Removal Reminders

Property owners must clear sidewalks on or along lots or parcels of land of snow and ice within 24 hours after accumulation (not during a snow storm).
Where sidewalks run to alleys or other public ways, owners are responsible to clear snow and ice half the distance across the alley or public way, or to street’s gutter line. Please help keep corner sidewalks, ramps and curb extensions walkable, too.
For properties in the downtown core with buildings constructed lot line to lot line, snow from sidewalks may be placed in the adjacent parking lane for the City to haul out, generally 1-2 days after a snowfall of 4 inches or more.
Failure keep walkways free of snow and ice can result in the City hiring a contractor for the job and billing the cost to the property owner. The minimum fee is $50 per occurrence plus the cost of services ($15 plus an additional $1 per foot beyond distances of 50 feet).
Concerns may be submitted online or by calling the City of Mandan code enforcement officer, 701-667-3250.

For details, see municipal code chapter 16-2-1.

Iconic Restaurant on the Market

The Ohm's Cafe real estate, assets and inventory are for sale. The restaurant has been a mainstay breakfast and lunch spot in Mandan for about 75 years. Here's the detailed listing. Find information about other commercial properties for lease and sale in Mandan at this link.

Jan. 26 Deadline to Enter Pitch Challenge

Mandan’s 5th Annual Business Pitch Challenge is for prospective and start-up businesses to assist them in fine-tuning their ideas toward securing investment and financing to advance from concept to launch, from early stage to profitability. The goal is to inspire and support a local culture of entrepreneurism. The deadline to enter is Jan. 26, 2023. Four finalists will present their business plans to a panel of judges on March 23. The event will be held at the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, 3201 Nygren Dr NW. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Spectators will have an opportunity to vote for the People's Choice Award. Sign up to attend at this link .

Contest Prizes & Overview

Year-End Economic Indicators

Revenue from a 1% local sales tax in 2022 was 5% ahead of the year prior. Check out the latest on other signs of business and building activity:

Download Statistical Graphs

Upcoming Webinars

Jan. 10: Pricing & Creating Value

Jan. 12: 2023 Hottest Ideas, Trends & Markets

Jan. 17: Best Strategies for Starting A Small Business

Jan. 19: Should You Get Certified as Woman-, Veteran- or Minority-Owned?

Jan. 24: SEO Marketing for Small Business Websites

Jan. 26: Bringing Your Invention to Market

Jan. 31: Marketing Plans for Small Businesses

Photo: Opening Day by Philipp Schoellkopf

Local Information

Online Business Directory

Memorial Highway Project Update

Assistance & Incentive Programs

Available Properties

Community Profile

The Mandan Progress Organization reports an estimated 24,000 people visited Holiday Lights on Main from Nov. 25-Jan. 7. Thanks to all who supported this community attraction!