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Report on Business on Housing & Real Estate Launch with the Missing Column
The latest issue of Report on Business is here, and the theme is Housing and Real Estate. We are proud to feature content from The Title Team, the North Dakota Association of Realtors, the Bismarck/Mandan and Fargo/Moorhead Area Board of Realtors, Affordable Housing Developers, and the North Dakota Magazine.
As usual, we announce with the missing column of our VP of Strategic Engagement, Amanda Remynse's column.
MISSING COLUMN: Memories Are Made by Those That Take the Time
May this be in lesson in influence. My daughter is in 4th grade—which means North Dakota Studies. She’s learned about the state, its history, and now is diving into the political process—specifically the legislature. She’s grown up around these conversations, which gives her a bit of a leg up on her classmates.
Legislative session is not an easy time in the Remynse house. There are stretches where I work six days in a row—tracking bills, supporting the team, and ensuring our members have the information they need on issues that impact their operations. The 2023 session was especially challenging. My kids were younger and didn’t fully understand the time commitment over four full months.
One Saturday, as I was getting ready to leave, I overheard my oldest make a comment that suggested I was never home. It stuck with me. It was near the end of session—we were expecting sine die soon—but that moment mattered more. So I made a decision. I took her with me.
I had bills to monitor, members to connect with, and talking points to finalize. We show up so our members don’t have to. And that day, I showed up with my almost-seven-year-old in tow.
We watched a bill move from the House to the Senate and be acted on—a rarity. But like many days at the Capitol, there was also waiting. During that time, then-Representative Corey Mock did something small that turned into something significant.
He noticed us talkingabout the Capitol and offered to show her around. He took her to his desk, explained the voting buttons, talked about the role of pages, and even let her sit in the Speaker of the House’s chair. It was something I hadn’t experienced myself. I was deeply grateful for the time he took.
Fast forward three years to her 4th grade classroom.
During North Dakota Studies, she shared that experience with her classmates—talking about knowing legislators, how the process works, and yes, that one of them builds Legos. As she recounted the memory at the dinner table, I was struck by how much she remembered, and with such clarity.
My goal that day was simple: show her where mom goes and what mom does. What she gained was far more than I intended. It was a moment I couldn’t have created on my own. I’m grateful to Rep. Mock for taking the time—whether he realized the impact at the time or not.
Memories were made. Lessons were learned.
May this be a reminder—or even a challenge—to those who can: take the time. Introduce someone to the processes that matter, or to something that sparks their interest—whether that’s civic service, business, careers, volunteerism, or life.
We guard our time closely—and for good reason. It’s limited, and the demands are real. But it’s also one of the most valuable things we can give. Because you never know what will stick.
A few minutes, a small gesture, an open door—it might feel insignificant in the moment. But to someone else, it can shape how they see the world, what they believe is possible, or where they choose to engage.
What felt like a simple Saturday became a story she has held. A moment that showed up later. A connection that made learning real. That’s the kind of return you don’t see right away—but it shows up over time.
SPRING ISSUE OF REPORT ON BUSINESS:HOUSING & REAL ESTATE