Vistage Members Excel

Bismarck, ND, May 11, 2010–Two members of the western North Dakota Vistage group, Kari Warberg Block and Beth Ehlis Strube, recently gained recognition by the Small Business Administration for their accomplishments in business.

The Small Business Administration named Warberg Block, founder and owner of Earth-Kind, Inc., Bismarck, North Dakota Women’s Champion Advocate. She is also the regional winner and national finalist for the Working Woman’s Entrepreneurial Award of Excellence for most innovative new product or service.

Earth-Kind, Inc. is a Bismarck-based product development and manufacturing company committed to providing superior products that are safe, easy to use and biodegradable. Their Mouse Pouch/Fresh Cab® rodent (mouse and rat) repellent and Natural Air Freshener/Prairie Aire® Air Freshener are non-toxic, made in the U.S. and used in thousands of farm storage areas, businesses, RVs, boats, garages, U.S. military bases and other locations across North America.

Ehlis Strube, founder and owner of FunShine Express, Inc. and Strube Rentals, LLP, Dickinson, is being recognized by the Small Business Administration as the 2010 Small Business Person of the Year for North Dakota.  The 2010 U.S. Small Business Person of the Year will be announced during the National Small Business Week being held in Washington, DC, May 23-20.  Award winners are judged on business performance, sustainability, overcoming obstacles, and contributions to the community.

FunShine Express creates and produces early childhood curriculum materials for more than 6500 child care providers and preschools across the United States, and internationally.  Their products align with early learning standards published by individual states, and adhere to the most up-to-date research in child development.  In business since 1995, programs include Buttercups for ages 0-3 years; Fireflies for ages 3-5 years; a Christian Supplement; a School Age Summer Supplement; and a variety of additional educational resources.  FunShine Express will also begin to offer on-line continuing education for preschool teacher within the next few months.

 Vistage is the world’s largest CEO organization with over 14,000 members worldwide.  They meet monthly in a confidential environment to help each other make better decisions, become better leaders and grow their companies.  There are two groups in western North Dakota. The North Dakota chair is Jon Jennings of Bismarck.

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