Jamestown Ope'n Forum | Podcast on RSS.com

Jamestown Ope'n Forum

Jamestown Ope'n Forum

by Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce

Business Comedy

Season 1

Jamestown Ope'n Forum | Episode 6: The Bivness Begins with Emily Bivens

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

Jamestown Ope'n Forum | Episode 5: Tourism Takeover with Allison Limke & Luke Zimmer

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/

Jamestown Ope'n Forum | Episode 4: Shirley Jackson, A Jamestown Gem

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

Jamestown Ope'n Forum | Episode 3: Frying Our Best with Cavendish Farms

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

Jamestown Ope'n Forum | Episode 2: Doing Good Better with Patrick Kirby

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

Jamestown Ope'n Forum | Episode 1: Meet the Team

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