2026 Women’s Business Conference
March 10 @ 12:00 pm - March 11 @ 4:00 pm CDT
Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center (JREC) Women’s Business Conference! The conference will take place in Jamestown, North Dakota on March 10–11, 2026. Please complete the registration form below to reserve your spot. This form is for registration only—once submitted, you will receive a separate link to purchase your conference ticket. We look forward to having you join us!
Elevate your skills, expand your network, and ignite your ambition – step into a community that champions your success.
Conference Location: Jamestown Arts Center, 115 2nd St SW, Jamestown, ND 58401
Hotel Room Block: Gladstone Inn & Suites, 111 2nd St NE, Jamestown, ND 58401 – (701) 252-0700
March 10th: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Networking and Tour of Jamestown Fine Arts Center Facility – New Community Commercial Kitchen, Classroom, and second gallery
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.- Amber Blomberg, Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND – State of Health in North Dakota
Presentation Description:
This session will dive into the findings of a recent BCBSND Caring Foundation study on social drivers of health (SDoH) in North Dakota—examining the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age—and their impact on health outcomes. Attendees will gain insight into key health disparities and explore opportunities to create actionable, community-driven solutions.
Presenter Bio:
Amber Blomberg serves as the Community Engagement & Foundation Executive Director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND), where she leads statewide initiatives to strengthen community and nonprofit partnerships. She oversees the Foundation’s grant programs with a strategic focus on closing service gaps and reducing health barriers, working closely with grantees to foster nonprofit sustainability, align on shared outcomes and drive lasting change.
In addition, Amber directs BCBSND’s advertising campaigns elevating brand presence to strengthen trust and visibility across the state. She also leads the corporate giving strategy and employee volunteer program, deepening the organization’s philanthropic roots and connecting North Dakota communities in meaningful ways.
Amber earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and business management from Concordia College in Moorhead. She lives in Fargo with her husband and three daughters.
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Julie Garden – Robinson, North Dakota State University – Introduction to Food-based Entrepreneurship
Presentation Description:
Food Entrepreneurship: From Safety Considerations to Labeling
You have a product idea and a place to make it. What has to be on a food label for selling licensed food products across state lines? Do you have to include a Nutrition Facts label? How do you label cottage food products? This presentation and the accompanying handout will explain the ins and outs of food product labeling, from ingredient labeling through statements on packaging.
Presenter Bio:
Julie Garden-Robinson is a registered dietitian with a master’s in food science, and a Ph.D. degree in cereal chemistry and food technology. She is an Extension Food and Nutrition Specialist at North Dakota State University Extension. Julie has developed numerous award-winning, grant-funded multidisciplinary nutrition and food safety educational programs for children and adults on a wide range of topics. Julie has written a weekly food and nutrition column, “Prairie Fare,” since 1997. Julie serves on a variety of boards and councils. Most recently, she served as the President of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – Stephanie Blumhagen, FARRMS, Introduction to FARRMS – Organic Farming
Presentation Description:
In February 2000, the Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resources Management and Sustainability (FARRMS) was founded as the nonprofit educational arm of International Certification Services (ICS), an organic certification company. The organization has evolved throughout the years from its initial program offerings to organic transitioning farmers to a more broad focus on small producers and the local food system as a whole.
Today, FARRMS is dedicated to fostering a thriving and sustainable agricultural landscape in North Dakota. They believe in the power of knowledge, community, and collaboration to support farmers in building successful and resilient businesses. Their approach is rooted in listening to farmers’ needs and meeting them where they are. They understand the unique challenges faced by small-scale, sustainable farmers in the region, and they’re committed to providing practical solutions and unwavering support.
Learn about how FARRMS carries out a system of educational, social, and economic connections to empower farmers to build sustainable, profitable enterprises.
Presenter Bio:
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Choose Your Own ND Tourism Adventure:
CSI Building – Old School House
North American Bison Discovery Center
1883 Stutsman County Courthouse
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Buffalo Grill Banquet Room reserved – 20% discount for WBC attendees
- AI and Digital Marketing for Small Businesses – Discussion led by Jay Boyd, Buffalo Grill
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Open House at Kiella Lawrence Photography Studio
1022 4th Ave SW, Jamestown, ND 58401
March 11th: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
8 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Networking
9 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Elizabeth Phares Oren, ND Women’s Business Center Services
Presentation Description:
The North Dakota Women’s Business Center serves as a trusted and valuable resource for small business owners. Their organization supports the influence and success of small businesses as they drive economic impact in their communities and across the state. Learn about the many ways that their organization works to advance economic development in North Dakota and how you can become involved.
Presenter Bio:
Elizabeth Phares Oren serves as the Director of Client Success at the North Dakota Women’s Business Center. A subject matter expert for small business, Elizabeth is passionate about helping women business owners grow. She prides herself on meeting people where they are and connecting them to the resources they need to move to the next level.
10:05 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Jessica Edlund, 701 Strategy Group, Nonprofits & Fundraising
Presentation Description:
This interactive workshop is designed for community leaders, volunteers, faith-based groups, and aspiring nonprofit founders who want to turn local ideas into sustainable organizations that serve their communities.
Participants will learn the essential steps to legally form a nonprofit in North Dakota, including choosing a mission, building a board, and navigating state and federal requirements. The workshop will also focus on practical, rural-specific fundraising strategies.
We’ll explore how to leverage local assets such as agricultural networks, community foundations, cooperatives, tribal and county resources, and regional grantmakers. Attendees will gain tools for relationship-based fundraising, grant readiness, storytelling that resonates with rural donors, and creative approaches like events, partnerships, and in-kind support.
By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to start strong, and fundraise sustainably.
Presenter Bio:
Jessica Edland is the Co-Founder and Active Partners of a consulting agency named 701 Strategy Group, which started nearly 3 years ago. Jessica has over 17 years in the nonprofit sector, engaging members and building coalitions across communities to create change. Jessica has extensive experience with budgeting and compliance in the nonprofit sector, and a proven track record of fundraising for nonprofits and issue-based campaigns. Jessica received a BA in Business Administration and Communications from the University of Jamestown. She was elected to the ND House of Representatives in 2012, where she served two sessions. She also works at the North Dakota Farmers Union as the Membership Director and has served NDFU members since 2009. Jessica is active in her local community serving on the TRAC advisory board and on her church council. She currently lives in Jamestown with her husband, four children, and their family dog.
11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Dr. Liz Hunt, University of Jamestown, The Power of Character: Shaping Organizational Culture from the Inside Out
Presentation Description:
The Power of Character: Shaping Organizational Culture from the Inside Out
Unlock the hidden force that drives lasting success—character. In this transformative workshop, we explore how individual integrity and values become the foundation for a thriving organizational culture. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, you’ll learn how to cultivate character-driven leadership, foster trust, and inspire teams to align with a shared purpose.
Whether you’re a leader seeking to strengthen your influence or an organization aiming to build resilience and unity, this session will equip you with actionable tools to shape culture from the inside out—starting with the people who define it.
Presenter Bio:
Elizabeth K. Hunt is the Executive Director of the Unruh School of Character in Leadership and Profess of Leadership at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, ND. Hunt holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, a master of arts in communication from NDSU, and a bachelor of arts in History-Political Science and English from the University of Jamestown. She is the principal coach and consultant at Hunt Leadership Solutions, specializing in nonprofit organization strategy and engagement, as well as executive and emerging leadership coaching. Her research interests include sensemaking, leadership communication, organizational culture and climate, servant leadership, and values and character education.
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Lunch at Jamestown Fine Arts Center – Booth Vendor Reps each allowed 3 to 5 minutes to intro their respective organizations.
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Kristi Huber, Perspective Shift Consulting, Reclaim Your Voice: Why Radical Clarity Is Essential for Women in Leadership
Presentation Description:
Reclaiming Yourself in Leadership: From Quiet Drift to Radical Clarity
Many high-achieving women leaders find themselves quietly drifting. They appear successful by every external measure, yet internally question their purpose, fulfillment, and direction. The constant pressure to perform and persevere can slowly pull leaders away from their authentic voice, values, and vision long before burnout ever appears. In this powerful keynote turned workshop, executive coach and former C-suite leader Kristi Huber invites women to pause, reflect, and reclaim what matters most. Through vulnerable storytelling, warmth, and hard-won insight, Kristi introduces Radical Clarity, a transformative practice that helps leaders realign who they are with how they lead, even in demanding seasons.
Drawing from decades of executive experience, current burnout research, and her proprietary Radical Clarity Compass, Kristi delivers more than inspiration. She offers a practical and grounded roadmap for sustainable leadership. Participants will learn how to recognize the early signs of Leadership Drift, reconnect to their authentic voice and values without leaving their current role, and lead with greater conviction, presence, and energy from the inside out. Attendees leave feeling seen, equipped, and reconnected to the leader they were always meant to be.
Presenter Bio:
Kristi Huber, MBA is a seasoned executive leader, advisor, and the founder of Perspective Shift Consulting. She brings over 20 years of experience leading mission driven organizations and high-performing teams, including serving as a non-profit President & CEO and EVP & Chief Marketing Officer. With a track record of navigating complex change, Kristi is known for her ability to build trust, inspire alignment, and drive strategic transformation. A compelling voice in executive leadership, Kristi
partners with companies, teams, and emerging leaders to unlock clarity, elevate culture, and reignite
performance. Kristi is known for her unique blend of executive credibility and stage presence that moves
both hearts and strategy.
2:10 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Melissa Thury, Balance & Business with Melissa, Time Management
Presentation Description:
Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time? If we’re being honest, you don’t have a time issue…you have a priority issue. I’ll walk you through how to protect your time and boundaries based on your priorities. I truly believe women can build a business and keep their life.
Presenter Bio:
Melissa Thury is a growth-minded visionary, chaos coordinator, and the Founder & Coach at Balance & Business with Melissa.
First and foremost, Melissa is a wife and mom. She and her husband, Jeremy, have been married for 15 years and are raising two daughters, Ramsey (13) and Merritt (9). Both Melissa and Jeremy were raised in Jamestown, ND, and returned to the community in 2022 after time away for work. As a family, they enjoy traveling (and the good food that comes with it), camping, playing card and board games, and watching movies. Melissa is an avid reader, a literacy champion, and a fierce advocate for mental health, wellness, and access to treatment.
Melissa launched Balance & Business with Melissa in April 2025 after more than seven years in the social selling/direct sales industry—five of those in leadership. During that time, she also spent over 12 years in healthcare administration, steadily working her way up through multiple positions with hard work, curiosity, and a drive to excel. For the past 11 years, she has also worked with a local poker tour. At one point, she balanced a full-time healthcare role, a part-time poker position, a thriving direct sales business, raising two young daughters, and managing her household.
These experiences taught Melissa a lot—the good, the bad, and the ugly. In 2019, she realized her actions didn’t fully align with her priorities. That realization led her to create systems and strategies for her work and home life that allowed for true balance and peace of mind. By combining those systems with the skills she developed in healthcare and direct sales—and her passion for teaching, connecting, and helping others grow—coaching became the natural next step.
Today, Melissa supports women in building and growing their businesses without sacrificing their personal lives. She believes in big goals, strong boundaries, and creating both with intention.
2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Wrap Up & Reflection
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