Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC Office and Team Overview

The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC is operating as a member-driven organization with more than 1,200 members, focusing on business, workforce, and community development in the Bismarck-Mandan region. The organization is currently implementing a 2026-2030 Strategic Plan designed to cultivate economic growth, public policy, and leadership.

The Chamber EDC’s office is located at 1640 Burnt Boat Drive in Bismarck. The organization’s mission involves uniting community leaders, nonprofits, and businesses to drive innovation and provide advocacy and resources to the regional business community.

Organizational Leadership and Staff

Brenda Nagel serves as the President and CEO of the Chamber EDC. Nagel previously held the role of Vice President for Public Affairs at the University of Mary, where she had been employed since 2017. Her professional history also includes a tenure from 1994 to 2017 at Aetna CVS Health, where she served in various leadership capacities, including Senior Director of Operations for the company’s Bismarck office and other global locations.

Rachel Neff is the Director of Membership Development. Neff joined the organization in November 2023, initially serving as the Membership Sales and Retention Director. In her current role, she oversees events, advertising, and sponsorships as part of the Membership Engagement team. Neff is a graduate of the University of Mary, earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a minor in Public Relations in April 2022.

Mel Hammons joined the organization in January 2026. Hammons specializes in relationship management and recruiting. Originally from Willcox, Arizona, Hammons relocated to Bismarck in 2019 before returning to the area in early 2026.

Strategic Initiatives and Community Investment

The 2026-2030 Strategic Plan outlines the organization’s vision for the next several years, with a specific focus on delivering value to its members and the broader community through leadership and public policy initiatives.

To support these expanded missions, the Chamber EDC utilizes a system of nearly 200 Community Partners. These partners provide investments that exceed the cost of annual membership dues. In exchange for these higher investment levels, partners receive additional recognition in Chamber EDC publications and at events. These funds are used to support economic development initiatives and business advocacy efforts.

The organization categorizes its partners into several tiers, including Platinum, Titanium, and Public Partners.

Upcoming Regional Events

The Chamber EDC has scheduled several engagement opportunities for its members in the spring of 2026:

• The 2026 Chamber EDC Annual Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. To 9:00 p.m.
• A Membership Mixer at the Eclipse Venue is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. To 6:30 p.m.

These events are part of a broader effort to provide professional development and civic leadership opportunities for the region’s business community.