MATBUS Announces the

8-Week #LiddysLessons iGoEco Challenge

The iGoEco Challenge 2014 has launched and it’s better than ever! Better water bottles, bigger prizes and a new face. Running now through Nov. 2, iGoEco encourages area residents to follow “Liddy’s Lessons” and give up their car at least once every two weeks for eco-friendly transportation – walking, carpooling, biking, rollerblading or riding MATBUS!

Participants who complete the iGoEco Challenge every two weeks will be eligible to win individual prizes valued at over $500. If they complete all four of the two-week challenges, they will be eligible to win the grand prize of a 50” flat-screen TV with Blu-Ray player, donated by Gate City Bank!

Metro residents can sign up for the IGoEco Challenge by visiting iGoEcoChallenge.com, where they can quickly enter their information and learn about iGoEco. Those who register will receive a free glass water bottle (while supplies last).

For more information, including the bi-weekly prize packages, visit iGoEcoChallenge.com or Facebook and Twitter (keyword – MATBUS).

Midcontinent Business Solutions

Earns MEF Carrier Ethernet 2.0 Certification

Midcontinent Business Solutions has earned the prestigious Carrier Ethernet (CE) 2.0 certification from the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF). Level 2.0 certification requires vigorous testing to ensure a provider can meet the functionality and performance standards set by the MEF, the only industry body offering certification of Carrier Ethernet Services.

The achievement of CE 2.0 certification places Midcontinent Business Solutions among cutting-edge industry leaders. Only twelve companies in the United States have received 2.0 certification; this group includes such internationally recognized brands as Comcast and AT&T. Midcontinent Business Solutions is the only MEF 2.0 certified company in North Dakota and South Dakota. Additionally, Midcontinent is now the 7th Service Provider worldwide to be MEF

1.0, MEF 2.0 Certified, and have a MEF 1.0 and MEF 2.0 CECP (Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional) on staff.

For more information please visit the MEF web site at: http://www.MetroEthernetForum.org/.

Tip-A-Cop at Applebee’s to

support Special Olympics North Dakota

On Sept. 23 and 24 from 5 – 9 p.m., law enforcement personnel from Fargo and across the state are asking for your tips, but it has nothing to do with crime and everything to do with serving the public.

More than 100 law enforcement personnel will volunteer their time, hosting in Applebee‘s Neighborhood Grill and Bars across the state to raise awareness and tip money for Special Olympics. This is the eighth annual event for the Law Enforcement Torch Run group, which consists of volunteers from all agencies of law enforcement. The Law Enforcement Torch Run program is the largest public awareness and fundraising program for Special Olympics throughout the world.

The event will take place during the dinner shifts from 5 – 9 p.m. at 12 Applebee‘s restaurants in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, West Fargo, and Williston. “We strive to be a good neighbor in all of our communities and with the support of area law enforcement, we can provide a wonderful fundraiser for Special Olympics North Dakota” states Dusty Jensen, chief operating officer of Apple Core, the management corporation for all Applebee‘s locations in North Dakota.

In 2013, the event generated more than $19,000 and the group hopes to exceed that with this year‘s event.

Training for working new

minimum wage costs into your budget

A lunch and learn training for small businesses adapting to the new minimum wage costs will be hosted by the Business and Entrepreneurial Services (BES) of M State with presenters from the West Central MN Small Business Development Center (WC MN SBDC). This training will be held at M State Detroit Lakes in room C101 on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from noon-1:30 p.m.

The presenters include Cathy Lindquist, executive director for the WC MN SBDC, and Matt Magness, business consultant for the WC MN SBDC. The training will cover the recent minimum wage increases, determining the cost of the increased wages on your business, understanding possible cost implications and determining the best solutions for increasing prices, reducing labor costs or cutting other expenses.

This training costs $7, and lunch will be provided. Preregistration is required through M State’s BES. To register, call (218) 846-3733 or email bes.dl@arvig.net.

Home Builders Care

scholarships available for area

students, deadline Sept. 30

Fargo, N.D. – Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation, the charitable organization of the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, will award scholarships to area high school and college students this fall. The deadline to submit an application is 4:30 p.m. Sept. 30. Visit www.hbcfm.com to download a form. You may also call (701) 232-5846 or send an email to info@hbcfm.com with any questions.

High school scholarship applicants must plan to enroll in a residential construction trade or related field at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead or North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton within 18 months of graduation.

Collegiate scholarship applicants must be active in a National Association of Home Builders’ student chapter at one of the following schools: North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University – Moorhead, Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead or North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton.

Students can find additional scholarships offered directly from the National Housing Endowment by visiting www.nationalhousingendowment.com.

Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation provides a positive outlet for the housing industry to give back to the community, building a framework for the future. Founded in 1993, it is the Home Builders Association of F-M’s charitable organization. For more details, visit www.hbcfm.com.

The HBA of F-M promotes an environment in which members and their businesses can prosper. It is a non-profit trade association of over 800 members that has been in existence since 1956. Its public events include the Spring Parade of Homes, Fall Parade of Homes, Remodeled Home Tour, Red River Valley Home & Garden Show and Fall Home Show. For more details, visit www.hbcfm.com.

Fargo streets are under construction

Find a complete list of road closures online at www.FargoStreets.com.

Follow @FargoStreets on Twitter.