Bismarck-Mandan employees repair two homes during Rebuilding Together event

Over two weekends, employees from MDU Resources and Montana-Dakota Utilities volunteered for Rebuilding Together in Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota. MDU Resources sponsored two of the 18 projects selected this year.

Bismarck-Mandan employees and family members volunteered at the annual Rebuilding Together event in the community. Over two weekends, a total of 21 employees representing MDU Resources and Montana-Dakota Utilities shared their time and talents to fix and improve various items at two homes.

This year, MDU Resources sponsored two of the 18 projects Rebuilding Together Bismarck-Mandan took on.

MDU Resources employees Shane Wothe, manager of enterprise endpoints and technical services, and Mark Haag, manager of project Maximo and process improvement, served as house captains.

Rainy weather didn’t stop the team during the first weekend

During the first weekend, volunteers made repairs to the home of an elderly disabled person. The largest part of the project was to relevel the front porch and rebuild the existing set of entry stairs, which were falling apart and creating a safety hazard for the homeowner. Smaller repairs done by the team ranged from repairing window screens to replacing flooring to caulking windows and many other tasks.

Cold, rainy weather on the first day did not hinder the volunteers’ dedication or efforts.

“I’m so grateful that the volunteers did not let the rain stop them from completing our work,” Wothe said.

Second weekend aided by multi-day volunteers and sunshine

The next weekend brought about warmer weather for volunteers, who had a long to-do list to tackle at the second house. The tasks included lawn/yard care, painting walls and cabinetry, replacing flooring and subflooring and much more.

Haag said the volunteers for the second house worked hard and tackled the large to-do list, as well as unforeseen repairs that needed to be made to the home.

“Many of the volunteers from MDU Resources and Montana-Dakota were multi-day helpers,” Haag said. “Shane and I would like to thank them for sticking with it and pushing through to the end.”

Rebuilding Together of Bismarck-Mandan is a nonprofit that helps elderly and disabled low-income homeowners stay warm, safe and dry by making essential repairs to their homes.

Utility group’s customer service supervisors share remote work success tips at industry conference

Jennifer Correia, customer service supervisor
Angie Robertson, customer service supervisor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While many businesses are attempting to bring employees back to the office, MDU Utilities Group has embraced remote work as a solution to recruitment and retention challenges for customer service positions.

In fact, Jennifer Correia and Angie Robertson, both customer service supervisors with the utility group, are leading the way within the utility industry on embracing and implementing a successful remote work strategy.

The supervisor duo recently shared their expertise with remote work by presenting at the Western Energy Institute’s Customer + Corporate Symposium. The topic caught the attention of many conference attendees, resulting in a standing-room-only crowd and the largest number of attendees at any breakout session.

Correia and Robertson said they wanted to share their success with hiring remote staff because utilities are losing employees due to employers’ return-to-office requirements, which makes the already difficult task of recruiting and retaining employees for inbound customer service roles even more challenging.

“We want our fellow utility companies to know that remote work can be successful, and we want to help make a shift in other companies,” Correia said.

“Many who attended our presentation found it mind blowing that this works,” Robertson added.

Telecommuting and generations at work
In their presentation, Correia and Robertson shared their strategy with using remote staff, as well as the importance of understanding the different generations in the workforce. Both topics tie into employee recruitment, retention, engagement and development.

“For the first time, the national workforce consists of five generations, and the Utility Group’s customer service team is a perfect example of this,” Robertson noted. “Our team includes employees as young as 19 years old, up to 73 years old.”

A third point Robertson and Correia also emphasized was the importance of support from leadership.

“We wouldn’t be as successful as we are without the support from our leaders,” Correia noted.

Due to the popularity of their presentation at the Customer + Corporate Symposium, WEI asked Correia and Robertson to write an article based on their presentation. It was featured in the association’s spring magazine.

About their team
Correia and Robertson manage their team of nine customer service team leads and 98 customer service representatives. There is a small staff who work from offices in Boise, Idaho, and Bismarck, North Dakota. The remaining employees work remotely from locations spanning the Utilities’ local service territories.

Support from the Utility Group’s local offices has been instrumental in helping build a culture and connection with remote customer service representatives and the company. Correia and Robertson introduce remote employees to the Utility Group’s nearest local office. After that, remote employees are invited to that office for safety meetings, United Way luncheons and other employee activities.

MDU Utilities Group is a subsidiary of MDU Resources.

MDU Resources-sponsored STEM Expo attracts more than 380 kids

More than 380 kids and their families attended this year’s STEM Expo, presented by MDU Resources, the Bismarck Larks and North Dakota’s Gateway to Science.

 

More than 380 kids and their parents attended the fifth annual STEM Expo, sponsored by MDU Resources, the Bismarck Larks and North Dakota’s Gateway to Science.

The free expo featured 15 booths of hands-on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) for kids of all ages. It was held at the Bismarck Municipal Ballpark where the Larks play their baseball games.

The MDU Resources family of companies was represented by:

  • Montana-Dakota Utilities line technicians and bucket truck.
  • MDU Resources employees who helped kids participate in brain teaser activities.

STEM-related activities offered by other organizations included:

  • Meteorology.
  • Robotics.
  • Forensics.
  • Virtual reality.
  • Medical demonstrations and more.

For the first time, the event featured a live science demo conducted by local science teacher Scott Weigum.

North Dakota Army National Guard
Bismarck Police Department
Bismarck State College Nursing
Bismarck EMTs
Gateway to Science
Montana-Dakota Utilities
MDU Resources Group
Robotic dog

MDU Resources honors STEM All-Stars, awards $1,000 STEM grant to Bismarck teacher

MDU Resources, North Dakota’s Gateway to Science and the Bismarck Larks honored the 2023 STEM All-Star students during the June 3 baseball game, deemed STEM Night. The students were nominated by their teachers for their love of learning and commitment to using STEM to serve their schools and communities.

The 2023 STEM All-Stars are:

  • Temperance Castillo |8th grade | Mandan Middle School
  • Charles Dobrzelecki | 8th grade | Horizon Middle School
  • Kyle Marcotte | 12th grade |St. Mary’s Central High School (Bismarck)
  • Lander Monson |8th grade | East Fairview Elementary School
  • Chloe Pierson | 4th grade | Carrington Public School
  • Charlee Weinert | 5th grade | Hettinger Public School

 

STEM grant recipient

The MDU Resources Foundation sponsors a $1,000 STEM grant for one nominating teacher to be used for a STEM project at their school.

The 2023 STEM grant was awarded to Stacy Larson and St. Mary’s Central High School. Ms. Larson plans to use the grant to purchase equipment for the school’s robotics team.

In conjunction with the STEM All-Star recognition, the MDU Resources STEM Expo was held at the ballpark earlier in the day. The expo features hands-on STEM activities hosted by local businesses.

This is the fifth year MDU Resources, the Bismarck Larks and North Dakota’s Gateway to Science have teamed up to showcase STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and honor local STEM All-Stars.

 

WBI employees help ready popular lake for summer visitors

Richie and Nathan, both pipeline operators with WBI Energy, volunteered their time to enhance portions of Hollecker Lake, located near Glendive, Montana. Richie operated a skid steer to enhance the beach area, and Nathan used an excavator to place large rocks along the lake’s shoreline.

 

WBI Energy employees in Glendive, Montana, recently helped prepare a nearby fishing pond and swimming area for upcoming summer visitors. Hollecker Lake near Glendive is a community fishing pond that features a public beach area for swimming and relaxing in the sun.

“Hollecker Lake is a great place to take the entire family to fish and swim, and is very popular in the summer,” Dave Linn, WBI Energy senior engineering and project manager, said.

Recognizing the fishing pond needed some TLC, the Glendive chapter of Montana Walleyes Unlimited applied for and received a Community Pond Program Grant from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

WBI Energy helped the local Walleyes Unlimited chapter meet the grants’ matching funds requirement by providing heavy equipment and equipment operators. This in-kind donation was used to repair erosion along the lake’s shoreline and add more sand to enhance the beach area.

“WBI Energy has many employees who are members of Walleyes Unlimited,” Linn said. “These members very much appreciate the company’s support for our local chapter and for helping us meet the grants’ local matching funds requirement.”

Employees recognized with corporate award for workplace spirit

 

Advocating for other employees and their career growth. Having a positive attitude. Coordinating events that foster camaraderie. These are a few examples of how four employees within the MDU Resources family of companies help create a positive work environment.

For their efforts, they were each honored with the Summit Award. This annual corporate award recognizes employees who make the company a better place to work. Each winner receives a cash price, plus $1,000 is given to a qualified charity of the winner’s choice.

MDU Resources annually honors employees who make outstanding contributions to its family of companies and the communities it serves. Four award categories recognize spirit (community and workplace), skill and stewardship.

 

2022 Summit Award winners

Paul Stafford
Preventative maintenance trainer, Knife River — Western Oregon division
Tangent, Oregon
Selected charity: Oregon Health & Science University Foundation

The individual who nominated Paul noted his amazing attitude and attention to detail.

Paul is “always willing to help anyone else in need, no matter what the situation,” his nominator said. As a trainer, Paul continues to carry forth that positive attitude and assistance with the employees working under him.

Paul’s nominator noted, “Knife River is lucky to have him as a loyal and dedicated employee. He, and many like him, make this a great place to be.”

 

Mike Davis
Superintendent, Bombard Electric
Las Vegas, Nevada
Selected charity: Project 150

Mike has been working for Bombard Electric since 1989. His expertise, knowledge and character contribute to making Bombard Electric a great place to work.

He is currently running multiple jobs, including a solar project with 50+ employees and more than 350 employees at Las Vegas’ most unique project of all time: the MSG Sphere.

  • Mike is open minded and accepting, willing to support and mentor anyone who is motivated and wants to work hard.
  • MSG Sphere has a large percentage of female employees. Mike takes seriously his role in advocating for them on the job and encouraging their career growth.
  • Bombard works with some very large general contractors across the country, thanks in part to Mike’s expertise in the field and his working relationships.

 


Patty Fillion
Human resources administrative assistant, WBI Energy
Bismarck, North Dakota
Selected charity: Dream Center Bismarck

With responsibilities for the front desk area, Patty greets all visitors and co-workers that pass her desk with a hearty hello and has befriended everyone from the Pepsi man to the UPS lady.

She also is one of the first points of contact for new hires across WBI Energy. Her nominator said Patty’s “enthusiasm and pride for working here is shared with candidates immediately, and I can’t think of a better way to introduce new hires to what a great place to work this truly is!”

Patty is quick to recognize achievements of others, gives great constructive feedback (in all directions), pitches in and helps whenever she is asked or sees a need and freely shows gratitude to all that are deserving. She advocates for those in need and serves as an informal mentor to many that cross her path, both personally and professionally, sharing insightful words of wisdom and advice.

Feedback from her co-workers include, “Patty is one of the most selfless and kind-hearted people I have come to meet. She takes things that are already beautiful and makes them extraordinary. Her personality makes everything around her shine. She’s the type of person that I aspire to be when I grow up.”

 


Amy Prokop
Legal analyst, MDU Resources
Bismarck, North Dakota
Selected charity: Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue

Amy goes above and beyond to make MDU Resources a great place to work. For 18 years, she has organized a successful employee volleyball tournament. Her commitment to this annual event is grounded in her drive to encourage and support camaraderie, build relationships among employees and their families, and ensure that MDU Resources has a positive atmosphere.

Amy inspires a positive workplace in her department and with everyone she works with throughout the corporation. She has a professional “can do” attitude, an impeccable work ethic and a steady willingness to help others. Her co-workers see her not only as a leader, but also as a mentor with her extensive knowledge of the company.

Amy recognizes the need to give back to our community and leverages the opportunity to build team camaraderie. Throughout her 20 years with the company, Amy has volunteered with the local United Way for its Day of Caring and summer lunch program and has been the company liaison with the nonprofit to coordinate employee volunteer activities like the Backpack Program. If there’s a volunteer program and she’s available, she’s the first person to sign up. Her giving spirit is on full display during the holiday season, as she leads her team’s effort to shop and wrap gifts for their participation in Abused Adult Resource Center’s Hope for the Holidays program.

Granting an impact: MDU Resources Foundation celebrates 40 years of giving

 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the MDU Resources Foundation. For the past four decades, the foundation has served as the philanthropic arm to share the company’s success with the communities in which its companies operate.

In its 40 years, the MDU Resources Foundation has:

  • Donated more than $42.3 million to worthwhile charities and organizations in 42 states.
  • Awarded more than $1.09 million in scholarships.
  • Sponsored annual scholarships at more than 100 colleges and universities.
  • Matched employees’ donations to educational institutions in the amount of $990,537.
  • Supported employees’ volunteerism by donating $523,250.

“We’re proud of our record of supporting qualified organizations that enhance the quality of life in our communities,” Cory Fong, president and director of the MDU Resources Foundation, said. “We believe our efforts have had, and will continue to have, a positive impact.”

The foundation considers requests in the following categories:

  • Health and human services.
  • Education.
  • Civic and community activities.
  • Culture and arts.
  • Environment.

The foundation’s greatest impact is through lower-dollar grants. On average, about 85 percent of the foundation’s annual grants are $10,000 or less.

These lower-dollar grants to smaller charities and organizations — often located in small towns with limited funding sources — have a special place in the heart of Rita O’Neill, manager of the MDU Resources Foundation.

“The smaller organizations are so grateful for the funds,” O’Neill said. “They’re the first to send a thank you note, and they use the money so well.”

Throughout its years, the foundation also has made some large donations, like a $1 million donation to the Oregon State University Construction Safety Lab; $100,000 to the Norm Waite Jr. YMCA in South Sioux City, Nebraska, to increase access to daycare options for families; and $250,000 to the North Dakota Heritage Center, to name a few.

“No matter the dollar amount — big or small — MDU Resources Foundation supports efforts to enhance quality of life,” O’Neill said. “We’ve supported large projects that help increase families’ access to much-needed childcare and have helped bring STEM education to youth in rural communities, as well as smaller projects, like helping a small town upgrade its playground.”

Another highlight for O’Neill is working with MDU Resources’ employees in the field, from administrative assistants to presidents, who give her insight on the charities from their communities that apply for grants.

“If it wasn’t for them, our foundation wouldn’t be what it is,” O’Neill said. “They’re my boots on the ground, and they have the pulse on the community where they live and work. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”

 

Foundation also supports employees’ charitable and volunteer activities
The MDU Resources Foundation also has programs to encourage and support employees’ charitable and volunteer activities.

It does this through two match programs:

  • Employee Match Program for Education
    This program doubles employees’ and corporate directors’ personal contributions to educational institutions (elementary, secondary and higher education) by matching contributions between $50 and $750.
  • Employee Match Program for Volunteerism
    This program encourages employees to participate in volunteer activities by giving a grant of $750 to a nonprofit organization at which an employee or employee group volunteers 25 or more hours in one year.

Employees recognized with corporate award for volunteerism, community involvement

 

Four employees within the MDU Resources family of companies recently received the Community Spirit Award for 2022. This annual corporate award recognizes employees’ volunteerism and community involvement. Each winner receives a cash prize, plus $1,000 is given to a qualified charity of the winner’s choice.

Each year, MDU Resources honors employees who make outstanding contributions to our family of companies and the communities we serve. Four award categories recognize spirit (community and work), skill and stewardship.

 

2022 Community Spirit Award winners


Rob Jongsma
Vice president and general manager of Knife River Materials
Casper, Wyoming

Rob has continuously supported Natrona County 4-H and its youth participants. One of the biggest learning opportunities for 4-H youth is learning how to raise, care for and show a farm animal such as a cow or pig. Rob has purchased livestock from 4-H youth and has donated the meat to two local non-profits: Natrona County Meals on Wheels and IReach2. Rob’s donation to Meals on Wheels helps provide up to 500 meals to the community’s homebound, handicapped and convalescent adults. The meat donation to IReach2, a progressive care facility for adults with developmental disabilities and brain injuries, helps feed its participants.

 


Shirley Messerle
Senior project administrator with OEG Mid-Valley
Eugene, Oregon

Shirley believes in finding ways to provide for those in need and has found a way to stretch the efforts of one by involving many. She coordinates OEG’s community service through an organization called Bags of Love, whose mission is “Helping Children in Crisis One Bag of Love at a Time.”

Shirley introduced Bags of Love to the OEG team to collect necessities and comfort items for children in crisis due to neglect, abuse, poverty or homelessness. She even set up a donation point in OEG’s Mid-Valley office, making it convenient for OEG employees to donate. She also arranged a business partnership between OEG and Bags of Love; OEG is listed on the organization’s website as a convenient drop-off location.

Shirley also has a long history of coordinating Lane County Food Bank volunteer opportunities with the OEG team – since before she began employment with OEG.

 


Terry Hood
Warehouse person, WBI Energy
Glendive, Montana

Thanks to the efforts of Terry Hood and his family, the community of Glendive, Montana, glows with holiday spirit. For seven months of the year, Terry builds, maintains and refurbishes all 80 of the Christmas decorations that adorn the downtown light poles during the holiday season.

With help from his family, they also decorate the Gazebo Park and BNSF Park with ground mount holiday light displays. Terry makes sure other holidays get their share of attention, too, by changing all the light bulbs in the park lanterns to the respective color of each holiday like St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween and the Fourth of July.

Terry’s attention to Gazebo Park and BNSF Park is a year-round effort. He and his family regularly pull weeds, pick up garbage, and maintain the gazebo with regular upkeep and staining.

His community efforts don’t end there. Terry is the president of the Red Devil Booster Club, which raises money to support junior high and high school athletics. He’s also a retired volunteer firefighter, has coached and umpired baseball for 40 years and helped WBI Energy’s welding department build the red iron superstructure for the new grandstand at Glendive’s fairgrounds.

 


Laura Lueder
Manager of Communications and Public Relations, MDU Resources
Bismarck, North Dakota

Laura is someone who gives humbly of her time and talent in the community. She currently serves on the boards of Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota and the North Dakota Newspaper Association Foundation and is heavily involved with the Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons organization.

Laura has been active as a Girl Scout and Girl Scouts volunteer for over 20 years and is a Lifetime Girl Scout member. Her involvement with the Girl Scouts started when her mom signed her up in first grade. Her mom was her Girl Scout troop leader. Laura volunteered as her daughter’s Girl Scout troop leader. While she was a troop leader, she also was a Service Unit volunteer, serving in officer positions. Laura has been a camp director and continues to serve on the camp planning committee and as a camp volunteer. She serves on the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons and volunteers for many Girl Scouts events.

Her passion for STEM opportunities, combined with her love for the Girl Scouts organization, has fostered a STEM partnership between MDU Resources Group and Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons. The partnership encourages young ladies to consider STEM opportunities and introduces them to STEM career fields.

Laura has submitted a total of 855 volunteer hours with Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons to the MDU Resources Foundation employee matching contribution program for volunteerism. Her dedication to building future girl leaders earned her the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award.

 

 

MDU Resources Foundation commits $50,000 to outdoor pool in Williston, North Dakota

On behalf of the MDU Resources Foundation and Montana-Dakota Utilities, Shane Homiston (left side of check), Williston district manager, presented a check to the Williston Community Builders in support of building an outdoor community pool.

 

The MDU Resources Foundation, in partnership with Montana-Dakota Utilities, committed $50,000 to Williston Community Builders to help construct an outdoor public pool in Williston, North Dakota.

Residents of Williston have been without an outdoor community pool since 2014. The community’s sole outdoor pool was retired that year due to aging equipment, structural concerns and lack of ADA compliance. Since then, community sentiment has indicated a strong desire to bring a public pool back for outdoor summer recreation and to enhance residents’ quality of life.

Williston Community Builders is the nonprofit leading the fundraising efforts to bring an outdoor pool back to the community. The pool, named Williston Water World, is being funded through support of local donors and community partnerships. After the pool is constructed, the intent is for a partner to take over operations in the future.

MDU Resources Foundation donates $100,000 to Early Learning & Youth Development Center expansion in South Sioux City, Nebraska

 

 

A project that will provide increased access to high-quality childcare in the South Sioux City, Nebraska, area got a boost from the MDU Resources Foundation, Jebro, Inc., and Knife River Corporation.

The three entities partnered to donate $100,000 to the Early Learning & Youth Development Center expansion project at Norm Waitt, Sr. YMCA in South Sioux City, Nebraska.

This project is a vital initiative that will allow the YMCA to better serve the needs of the Siouxland area by increasing the capacity of its Early Learning & Youth Development Center.

At the heart of the Y’s mission is the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. The expansion project is a powerful step forward in that mission.

“We are extremely grateful for the generous donation from Jebro, Knife River and MDU Resources Foundation,” said Rhonda Robson, CEO of the Siouxland Y.  “Thanks to this gift, we are one step closer to achieving our goal of an expanded Early Learning and Youth Development Center and providing families with a safe and welcoming environment for their children to learn, grow and thrive.”

“This donation perfectly fits our mission of building strong teams which, in return, builds strong communities for generations to come. We are committed to making a difference in the Siouxland area,” Bob Cheever, president of Jebro, said.

“Initiatives promoting education, youth development, and social responsibility with our youth is very important to our community’s future. I am looking forward to years of success with this new Expansion Project,” Chris Winkle, vice president of Knife River said.