9/17/2025
September Brown Bag
Cybersecurity Survival Guide for Businesses of Any Size
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
$20/Member & $30/Non Member
(Includes Lunch)
Cybersecurity Survival Guide for Businesses of Any Size
No matter the size of your business, cybersecurity should be a priority. This seminar will break down the essential topics every organization needs to know — including the end of life for Microsoft Server, Desktop, and Office products, as well as what that means for your business.
We’ll also highlight practical security updates and strategies that can make a real difference, especially for small and mid-sized businesses without a full in-house I.T. team.
Protecting your data, your customers, and your reputation has never been more important. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to stay ahead of the curve. Your business deserves the tools to stay secure.
Featured speaker:
Dan Durkee, Director of Network Services for Twotrees Technology
Dan Durkee is the Director of Network Services for Twotrees (formerly Connecting Point). Dan aspires to live in a world where all the passwords are strong, ransomware is held in check, and everyone has GB fiber internet service at their home and business. He has passed over 40 IT certification tests including national certification tests by Ruckus, Cisco, HP, Microsoft, Novell, Symantec, Altiris, Promethean, Kaseya, and CompTIA. He has been a hockey announcer and public speaker since 1988.
Dan’s security certifications include CompTIA Security+, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) – LASO Officer (Local Agency Security Officer), CJIS – Level 4 Security Awareness Training, Florida International University – Cybersecurity Leadership and Strategy, Florida International University – CISSP Level 1: Intro to Concepts, Techniques and Domains.
9/4/2025
Join us for a fun-filled day of golf and community at the YMCA Golf Scramble! The Altru Family YMCA is hosting its annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at King’s Walk Golf Course. The event supports the YMCA Partner of Youth financial scholarship program. The 4-person team, 18-hole scramble will begin with lunch and registration at 11:00 am followed by a 12:00 noon shotgun start. Cost is $125/player or $500/team. The tournament includes cart service, lunch, dinner, door prizes, and course games like longest drive, longest putt, closest to the pin, and the $1,000 putt contest. Sponsorships are available! Contact Bob McWilliams.9/9/2025 - 9/10/2025
Join local Law Enforcement at your Neighborhood Applebee's Grill & Bar on September 9th and 10th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm as they volunteer their time to serve you, and donate 100% of their tips earned to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics North Dakota.
9/9/2025
What does it mean to be BOLD?Join the Women’s Fund for an inspiring evening with health enthusiast and wellness leader Patty Purpur de Vries as she shares what boldness has looked like throughout her journey, from NCAA All-American and Olympic Trials competitor to successful entrepreneur and wellness advocate for Fortune 500 companies and Stanford University.
Born and raised in Grand Forks, Patty brings her story full circle as she returns to her hometown to speak on the power of showing up with purpose, courage, and heart. Whether you're navigating change, stepping into leadership, or simply seeking your next step, this free event will leave you feeling energized and empowered to define bold on your own terms.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from a woman who continues to inspire and empower communities from Silicon Valley to the Red River Valley.
**About the Women's Fund**
Established in 2002 by 20 area women, the Women’s Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region that promotes regional programs to inspire, empower, and invest in women and girls. It also allows for tax-deductible gifts of all sizes to collectively make an even greater difference in the communities of Grand Forks, Walsh, and Polk Counties.
9/10/2025
On 10 September, the IEEE-USA Innovation, Workforce, and Research Conference (IWRC) will bring together stakeholders from industry, government, and academia for an AI and Autonomy Summit at the University of North Dakota. The Grand Forks region is a global leader in unmanned and autonomous systems research, application and policy development. At IWRC, we will meet, network, learn, and discuss federal and state technology initiatives related to artificial intelligence and autonomy, and other government programs that promote innovation and small business in the upper midwest. Come be a part of the conversation! Register at: https://iwrc.ieeeusa.org/iwrc-grand-forks/9/11/2025
The Alerus Center has partnered with The Chamber to host a trade show style
Business After Hours for their event.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 • 4:45-7:00pm
The Alerus Center will serve as the host for Business After Hours and will provide the food, beverages and door prizes.
Chamber members may purchase booth space to promote their business!
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• A limited number of Booths are available on a first come/first serve reservation
• Cost for each 8’ booth is $185 which includes:
• 1 - 8’ table (skirted with table cloth, if requested)
• 2 chairs
• Electricity available for additional $30
(Limited to 10 booths - must select at time of registration)
• Food & beverage distribution and sampling at booths is restricted.
(Please contact Doug at The Chamber for restriction guidelines.)
• Booths must be staffed from 4:30 pm - 7:00pm (no early tear downs)
• Booth set up AND take down is the day of the event
(set up time is from 2:00pm - 4:30 pm - set up must be finished by 4:30pm)
• Cost for each 8’ booth is $185 which includes:
• 1 - 8’ table (skirted with table cloth, if requested)
• 2 chairs
• Electricity available for additional $30
(Limited to 10 booths - must select at time of registration)
• Food & beverage distribution and sampling at booths is restricted.
(Please contact Doug at The Chamber for restriction guidelines.)
• Booths must be staffed from 4:30 pm - 7:00pm (no early tear downs)
• Booth set up AND take down is the day of the event
(set up time is from 2:00pm - 4:30 pm - set up must be finished by 4:30pm)
Space is limited...Reserve your space now!
Cancellations must be received by September 1st or you will be invoiced for the booth space.
9/13/2025 - 9/14/2025
We're gearing up for an epic tournament, and we need YOU to help make it happen! Whether you're great at organizing, score keeping, or just bringing positive vibes - We've got a spot for you! Athletes from across the state have been working hard practicing and training for the past 8-10 weeks and now get to compete for the GOLD! Special Olympics North Dakota State Soccer & Bocce Tournament is being held on September 13th & 14th at Oxford Sports Complex and Kraft Field in Grand Forks.
The event kicks off with the Parade of Athlethes and the Running of the Torch at our Opening Ceremonies at 9:15am on Saturday September 13th on Kraft Field!
Sign up now and be part of the action! Here is the link if you would like to volunteer at the event: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D44ADA92EA0FD0-56079998-2025#/ or scan the QR Code below.
Questions: contact our office at 701-746-0331 or email info@specialolympicsnd.org
9/23/2025
Bring any unused or expired medications (including pills, creams, inhalers, patches, liquids and even pet meds) in their original container to the drop-off event to have them properly disposed of. Medications can be OTC or prescription. Labels can be left on the medications as they will simply be incinerated. For more information, call Safe Kids Grand Forks at 701.780.1489.9/25/2025
On September 25, the Longest Table welcomes 700 residents to sit down for a free meal in a welcoming environment with people they may not know, to foster stronger connections and exchange ideas.
Our theme in 2025 will collaboratively explore the interconnections between education and industry and their impact on the community’s well-being and future. The importance of connection, discussion, relationships, and community have never been more important.
The Longest Table will provide space for residents to exchange stories and share ideas about what we can do as a community to ensure that educational programs prepare individuals for meaningful careers, the economy supports local livelihoods, and industries are responsive to community needs..
9/26/2025
Wake Up to UND
7:30am
Friday, September 26
Featuring UND President, Andrew Armacost
Join us at the Memorial Union on
Friday, September 26th at 7:30 am for breakfast
and "Wake Up to UND"
This annual breakfast is a partnership between The Chamber and UND
which showcases UND to the Greater Grand Forks business community.
7:30 am Breakfast and Program
(check-in begins at 7:15am)
Reservation is for Sponsorships only at this time.
9/27/2025
Discover a world of creativity and unique finds at the Grand Cities Mall Craft & Vendor Show! Join us for a day of shopping, exploring, and supporting local crafters and vendors. This exciting event brings together a diverse array of talented crafters and businesses under one roof, offering a delightful shopping experience for visitors of all ages.
Date: 9/27/2025
Time: 9AM - 3PM
Location: Grand Cities Mall9/27/2025
Les Schwab Tire Center of Grand Forks will be hosting a canned food drive throughout the month of September to benefit The Salvation Army. We need help getting the word out!