In Episode 9, Vincent and Warren welcome Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Emily Bivens back to the podcast for another round of The Bivness.

Emily explains why connections may be one of the Chamber’s most valuable and overlooked benefits. The conversation explores how events like STIR help people build relationships, why personal invitations make networking easier, and how the Chamber regularly connects residents and businesses with trusted local resources.

The group also discusses the Chamber’s role in helping restore the interactive mural at Hugo’s after it was vandalized. Emily shares how the Chamber and Tourism originally helped bring the project together and how those same relationships are now helping connect Hugo’s with artist Max Patzner to repair the damage.

Whether it is making a business referral, introducing two people who can help each other, or bringing organizations together around a community project, this episode shows how relationships help Jamestown get things done. Emily also delivers this month’s Unfinished Bivness challenge: make an introduction and help someone new build a connection.

Guest:

Emily Bivens Executive Director Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce

Learn more:

https://www.jamestownchamber.com

https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

In Episode 8, Vincent and Warren sit down with Alyssa Looysen, Director of Business Development, and Jamie Czapiewski, Operations Coordinator, with the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation.

Alyssa and Jamie explain what economic development looks like behind the scenes, from supporting childcare expansion and workforce programs to addressing housing needs and helping businesses invest in Jamestown and Stutsman County. They also share why major projects often require months or even years of conversations, planning, approvals, and patience before the public sees the results.

The conversation explores why Alyssa and Jamie chose to build their lives in Jamestown, what people misunderstand about living in the community, and why the phrase “there’s nothing to do” does not match their experience. They also discuss the Jamestown: Hometown 2.0 series, the importance of sharing local success stories, and how Jamestown offers opportunities without the stress and pace of a larger city.

Whether you are interested in economic development, considering a move to Jamestown, or wondering what happens before a new project is announced, this episode offers a look at the people and partnerships working to move the community forward.

Guest:

Alyssa Looysen Director of Business Development Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation

Jamie Czapiewski Operations Coordinator Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation

Learn more:

https://www.growingjamestown.com

https://www.jamestownchamber.com

https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

In Episode 7, Vincent and Warren sit down with Nate Willer, Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Originator with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, Chamber Ambassador, Young Professionals of Jamestown member, Chamber Board member, and annual Chamber Banquet co-host.

Nate shares how returning to Jamestown after college led him to become deeply involved in the community, and why joining the Chamber, Young Professionals of Jamestown, and the Ambassador Committee helped launch both his business and his network.

The conversation explores the importance of community involvement, relationship building, professional networking, leadership, and why "you get what you give" when it comes to Chamber membership. Nate also discusses helping first-time homebuyers, the rewarding side of the mortgage industry, and how investing in people has helped grow both his career and Jamestown itself.

Whether you're new to Jamestown, starting a business, or simply looking for ways to become more involved, this episode offers practical advice and a reminder that strong communities are built through relationships.

Guest:

Nate Willer Branch Manager & Mortgage Loan Originator Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation

Learn more:

https://www.jamestownchamber.com

https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

Each month, Emily, Executive Director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce and Jamestown Tourism, joins Vincent and Warren to discuss what's happening around the community, highlight Chamber initiatives, and share updates that matter to local businesses and residents.

In this first edition, the conversation focuses on Buffalo Days, one of Jamestown's signature community celebrations. Emily explains how the Chamber works with dozens of organizations to market and coordinate the event, shares what's new this year, and gives listeners a preview of everything happening during Buffalo Days weekend.

The team also introduces "The Bivness", a monthly update of our business community as well as a challenge encouraging listeners to support local businesses and try something new before the next episode.

Other topics include Chamber Gift Cards, ribbon cuttings, new businesses coming to Jamestown, and why celebrating local business milestones matters.

Guest: Emily Bivens Executive Director Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce & Jamestown Tourism

Learn more: https://www.jamestownchamber.com

https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

It's the first-ever Tourism Takeover!

In this episode, Vincent and Warren hand the microphones over to Allison Limke, Visitor Experience Manager for Jamestown Tourism, and Luke Zimmer, Site Supervisor at Frontier Village, for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the biggest tourism projects happening in Jamestown.

The conversation covers Jamestown's new 24/7 World's Largest Buffalo live camera, tourism partnerships across North Dakota, the growing impact of Frontier Village, and the exciting progress on Bison Bend Miniature Golf, a new attraction opening in 2027.

Luke also shares stories from meeting visitors from around the world, what it's like welcoming thousands of guests each year, and why conversations with travelers are one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Whether you're curious about tourism, community development, Frontier Village, or simply want to hear what's coming next for Jamestown, this episode offers an inside look at the projects shaping the city's future.

Guests:

• Allison Limke, Visitor Experience Manager, Jamestown Tourism
• Luke Zimmer, Site Supervisor, Frontier Village

Learn more:

Discover Jamestown: https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.jamestownchamber.com

Frontier Village: https://discoverjamestownnd.com/fun-things-to-do-in-jamestown-nd/frontier-village/

Welcome back to Jamestown Ope'n Forum!

In Episode 4, Vincent and Warren sit down with one of Jamestown's most recognizable residents; Shirley Jackson of Riddle's Jewelry.

For more than two decades, Shirley has served as a Chamber Ambassador, welcoming new businesses, celebrating ribbon cuttings, recognizing outstanding customer service, and helping chamber members and new residents in the community feel welcome.

With her usual high energy delivery, Shirley shares why she first became an Ambassador, how volunteering has shaped her life, and what she's witnessed as Jamestown has continued to grow during her time as an Ambassador.

This is the episode where you'll learn more about the green-shirt, black-jacketed Ambassadors and that one lady who is in virtually every single ribbon cutting, ground breaking, or Chamber-related event.

Guest: Shirley Jackson Riddle's Jewelry, Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador

Learn more about the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.jamestownchamber.com

In Episode 3 of Jamestown Ope'n Forum, Vincent and Warren sit down with Mike Lawson, Director of Operations at Cavendish Farms in Jamestown.

As Cavendish celebrates 25 years in Jamestown and continues a major modernization project, Mike shares what happens behind the scenes at one of the community's largest employers. From workforce development and automation to community involvement and company culture, this conversation explores what it takes to keep a manufacturing operation running around the clock.

Mike discusses how Cavendish is investing in its employees, supporting local projects, partnering with community organizations, and preparing for the future of manufacturing. The conversation also covers Cavendish Days, workforce recruitment, technology in manufacturing, and the surprising journey a potato takes before becoming a French fry.

Whether you've driven past the plant for years or are curious about careers in manufacturing, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of Jamestown's most recognizable businesses.

Guest: Mike Lawson Director of Operations Cavendish Farms

Learn more: https://www.cavendishfarms.com

Learn more about the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.jamestownchamber.com

Learn more about Discover Jamestown: https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

In Episode 2 of Jamestown Ope'n Forum, Vincent and Warren sit down with Patrick Kirby of Do Good Better Consulting following his visit to Jamestown for a nonprofit leadership and fundraising workshop.

Patrick shares insights on nonprofit fundraising, donor relationships, chamber membership, community engagement, leadership, and why organizations should spend more time celebrating their wins.

The conversation explores how nonprofits and businesses can learn from one another, the value of community connections, and practical ways organizations can strengthen relationships with supporters, volunteers, donors, and customers alike.

Along the way, Patrick discusses creative fundraising ideas, handwritten thank-you notes, artificial intelligence, nonprofit challenges, chamber membership benefits, and the importance of building strong local networks.

If you're involved with a nonprofit, serve on a board, own a business, volunteer in the community, or simply want to learn how organizations can do more good, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement.

Guest: Patrick Kirby Do Good Better Consulting

Learn more: https://www.dogoodbetterconsulting.com

Learn more about the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.jamestownchamber.com

Learn more about Discover Jamestown: https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

Welcome to the very first episode of Jamestown Ope'n Forum.

In this introductory episode, we pull up a chair and introduce the team behind the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce and Jamestown Tourism. Join Emily Bivens, Allison Limke, Vincent Kloubec, and Warren Abrahamson as they share their roles, what they work on every day, and some of the things that might surprise you about the work happening behind the scenes.

We also talk about why we decided to start a podcast and what listeners can expect from future episodes.

Along the way, you'll learn more about the Chamber, Tourism, community partnerships, local events, and the many ways our office works to support businesses, residents, visitors, and the broader Jamestown community. You'll also get a fun look at how our office works too!

Whether you're a longtime resident, a Chamber member, a business owner, or simply curious about what's happening in Jamestown, North Dakota, this episode is your introduction to the people and conversations that will shape the Jamestown Ope'n Forum.

Future episodes will feature local business owners, community leaders, event organizers, elected officials, nonprofit partners, and others who help make Jamestown a great place to live, work, visit, and grow.

Thanks for joining us for Episode 1. We're glad you're here!

Learn more: www.jamestownchamber.com www.discoverjamestownnd.com