On the Street business news, Feb. 3

FARGO, ND – On Tuesday, Jan. 10, Gate City Bank held a special pre-Giving Hearts Day surprise announcement at its headquarters in downtown Fargo.

A crowd of roughly 100 people attended the event, including representatives of nearly 40 Giving Hearts Day charities, as well as many team members and community partners. To celebrate 100 years of better banking, and in honor of the Giving Hearts Day charities that keep communities strong, Gate City Bank gave $5,000 to five charities through its annual nomination contest and also donated $100,000 to one lucky charity.

To show appreciation to Giving Hearts Day charities this year, the bank attempted to break a Guinness World Record for the most “heart hands” shown on a video call.

Team members and a number of community partners came together by the hundreds to display heart hands across the 22 communities Gate City Bank serves, including its Alexandria location. While the final number fell slightly short of the 400 heart hands needed to break the record, bank leaders said they were thankful to accomplish the true goal – to show a massive sign of love and appreciation for Giving Hearts Day charities in a way that was fun and different.

GLENWOOD – BE YOU Brands, a certified LGBTQ+ distributorship has launched under the American Solutions for Business umbrella, expanding the company’s branding and customer reach.

“Our vision was to create a diversity company, but more than that to get involved in the community that we care about, to support entrepreneurialism in the LGBTQ+ space, and to offer marketing insight to our clients,” said Scott Coder, co-founder and managing partner of BE YOU Brands. “This enables employees to be open about their true self at work and expand work relationships with friends and allies who share and support a common bond.”

“Our core beliefs focus on the customer experience and making sure it delivers positive feelings and memories for our clients,” said Rob Whitman, co-founder, managing partner, and LGBTQ+ ally. “This, coupled with our individual stories and involvement in the LGBTQ+ community supports our vision.”

“American couldn’t be more proud of the initiative that Scott and Rob have taken, applying the experiences they’ve had to the business that they love,” said the president of ASB, Justin Zavadil. “The American family has never been shy about creating an accepting environment, and the businesses that they work with share the same vision of an all-inclusive future.

Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union recently increased its ability to provide more financial education to the communities of Ada, Alexandria, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Staples and Wadena.

Nicole Pfeffer will take her 20 years of experience in the financial industry helping members to classrooms, businesses, and community events as a new community outreach specialist.

Jennifer Guenther Photography

Mid Minnesota said it knows that the financial world can feel intimidating. In fact, a recent survey of its members indicated that 60% are only somewhat financially knowledgeable.

“This is why we’re passionate about helping our members and community build financial literacy. Our team at MMFCU has plenty of expertise and we want to share it with you. By having two of us delivering this information and helping the communities we can have a bigger impact,” said Jill Casper, vice president of community engagement.

In 2022, MMFCU provided 4,120 hours of financial education free of charge in the communities it serves.

“I am going to miss working each day with the Alexandria team helping our members. But I am excited to reach more people in Ada, Alexandria, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Staples, and Wadena with financial education,” said Pfeffer.

For more information about financial education and how to arrange for an education event or simulation for your students, employees or group call your local MMFCU office or visit https://www.mmfcu.org/community/financial-education/ .

GLENWOOD – American Solutions for Business has announced new members joining its Vendor Advisory Board, effective January 1, 2023.

Since 2019, the board has continued to assist in propelling American into a future that successfully collaborates with suppliers and distributors in a way that both sides are heard and appreciated. Although the inaugural team served an extra year, members moving forward will serve a total of two years.

“We feel great about where this board has brought us thus far,” says Dana Zezzo, vice president of marketing, vendor relations and events. “The impact that these individuals have already made towards our approach to the relationships we’re building with our suppliers is incredible.”

Incoming members for 2023-2025 include: Kim Newell (Gold Bond), John Abbott (Abbott Label, Inc.), Mark Gammon (Cap America), and Kevin Mullaney (PDF Print). They will be joining the following members that will be rolling off in 2024: Marc Held (alphabroder), Dan Taylor (BamBams), Melissa Ralston (Koozie Group), Beth Marston (Navitor), Jarod Thorndike (SAGE), Kevin Walsh (Showdown Displays), Roni Wright (The Book Co.) and Bob Saunders (Wise).

Members rolling off the board after serving from 2019-2022 include: Steven Osterloh (Ennis), Scott Leonard (Hit Promotional Products), Phil Sperling (Print Co.) and Miles Wadsworth (Logo Mats, LLC).