12 April 2012 • Vol. 17, No. 4 Perks Cont. From 11


Rivinius Awarded Christine Rivinius recently earned the Century 21 System’s CENTURION Producer Award following her 2011 sales success. Rivinius’ success was acknowledged on stage while attend- ing the Century 21 Global conference in New Orleans, LA. The Centurion Award is one of the most prestigious awards presented to Century 21 sales associates and ofices worldwide. Only a small percentage of ofices and sales associates attain this status, making this award the bench- mark for true professionalism. Rivinius has been with Century 21 Morrison Realty for 14 years.


Tourism Helps Promote Ag Op-


erations with Agritourism Growing national interest in connect- ing with the rural way of life is present- ing North Dakota with a new tourism opportunity, and the North Dakota Tourism Division has a new program in place to promote it. Agritourism, the practice of invit- ing guests to visit and/or participate in working farm or ranch activities, is enticing North Dakota families to open their doors to visitors. New legisla- tion passed last year makes it easier and safer for rural residents to invite


visitors onto their farm and ranch operations. In addition, North Dakota Tourism will implement additional marketing eff orts for agritourism as a result of the legislation. The Agritourism Liability Act’s (House Bill 1142) purpose is to pro- vide liability protection and promote agritourism in North Dakota. This is accomplished by the creation of a registration process through which the state can assist in promoting agritour- ism operations and limiting liability through signage, which advises visitors of inherent risks.


Eligible entities include all of North


Dakota’s working farms, ranches, gar- dens, wineries or agricultural opera- tions that open their property to the public for enjoyment, outdoor recre- ation, activities, education, shopping, dining or lodging. Several providers have already


registered their agritourism operations with North Dakota Tourism, and Tour- ism Development Manager Dean Ihla encourages more of North Dakota’s agricultural operations to consider this growing tourism opportunity. For more information on becoming an agritourism operator, please contact Ihla at the Tourism Division at dihla@ nd.gov or by calling 701-328-3505.


On Aug. 16, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce will celebrate local businesses and their accomplish- ments. Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan “Beyond the Horizon” is the Chamber’s annual awards event that celebrates success and encourages continued economic growth. “Innovative business and people


make our community thrive,” said Kel- vin Hullet, president of the Chamber. “Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan gives us the opportunity to showcase business- es, large and small, that are showing success.” Each year the following awards are


presented: Granite Award This award is presented annually to a company that has been in business for at least 50 years, has been a Chamber member for the last ive years, and has shown a commitment to the commu- nity.


Small Business Person of the Year This award is presented to an indi- vidual or to business partners. The nominee should have a substantiated history as an established business owner. The company’s ability to grow also is considered. The winner of this


award will be submitted for the North Dakota SBA awards. New Entrepreneur of the Year This award is presented to an indi- vidual who has served as a majority owner in a com pany for the past three years, increased employment oppor- tunities, demonstrated entrepreneur- ial potential for long-term business success and economic growth, has overcome obstacles, has used technol- ogy creatively, and has invested in the community through social responsibil- ity and community service. Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth and Proitability This award is presented to small businesses that have been in business at least ive years, have shown revenue growth over the last four years by at least 20 percent, and are currently members of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber.


Please join us on Aug. 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Ramkota. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for non-mem- bers. Registration is available online at www.bismarckmandan.com/events.


Boom! Celebrating Our Opportunities


Ethanol-blended Fuel Sales Nearly Double


The sale of ethanol-blended fuel in North Dakota nearly doubled from 2010 to 2011. According to the North Dakota Tax Department, more than 1.3 million gallons were sold in 2011. This is a 97 percent increase over the 663,727 gallons sold in 2010. “The ND Blender Pump Program has signiicantly increased the availability of ethanol blends, and consumers are proving that when the product is avail- able they will choose ethanol blends. Consumers are realizing that lex fuel ethanol blends, such as E85 and E30 are safe and economical for use in their lex fuel vehicle,” says Jeff Zueger,


chairman of the North Dakota Ethanol Council. The program has been successful in establishing North Dakota as national leader in blender pump infrastruc- ture. Currently, there are 221 blender pumps applied for or installed in 44 communities statewide. In addition, the number of lex fuel


vehicles licensed in North Dakota has increased by 50 percent since 2009 with more than 64,000 currently on the road. Flex fuel vehicles operate most eficiently with ethanol blends, which include E-20, E-30 and E-85.


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