Devils Lake car saleswoman receives national recognition

Jodie Longie, a saleswoman at Marketplace Motors in Devils Lake, has been named as one of the 10 finalists in a video contest sponsored by the National Automobile Dealers Association.

For this contest, called #WomenInAutomotive, the association invited women in the industry to share a quick video talking about their experiences and how they encourage women to consider pursuing a career in the automotive field.

Only about 19 percent of dealership employees in the U.S. are women, according to the NADA.

As a Top 10 Finalist, Longie will receive an Apple watch.

The award was announced recently at the association's convention in Las Vegas.

When she began working in sales at Marketplace Motors 15 years ago, Longie said she had two young children and was working two jobs, not making much money.

"I never saw my kids, they were 3 and 8 at the time," she said. "I was working mornings and evenings."

She was hesitant to accept the offer because "I knew nothing about cars," she said.

But the dealership provides "a lot of training" and she has become a top-seller.

The only female salesperson in the company's three locations, Longie said women "are the ones who really buy the car."

She feels that female salespersons convey a "more caring" attitude and can create "more of a connection" with female customers, she said.

"There's so much more technology (in vehicles) now. When I talk with female customers, I think they feel it's explained a little better."

Longie also goes "above and beyond" for her customers, before during and after the sale, which has earned her a loyal following.

"My customers are No. 1," she said.

She is enthusiastic about persuading other women to consider a career in car sales, she said. "It's a comfortable living, with good benefits."

Marketplace Motors "is a great place to work," she said. "We have great bosses, and they are there to help you improve. If you're motivated and work hard, you'll succeed."

Receiving the NADA #WomenInAutomotive award was an "honor," Longie said, especially since her video was chosen from among 600 that were entered in the contest.

HudSun Wellness opens

HudSun Wellness Center and Tan has opened at 2015 Library Circle, near Kmart on South Washington Street in Grand Forks.

The business offers tanning and massage services, fitness classes, teeth-whitening treatments, a red light canopy, infrared saunas and body wraps.

It also offers hydro massage which uses water pressure to alleviate body and muscle pain.

HudSun is a licensed and insured wellness company that's committed to helping clients achieve total body wellness and relaxation without having to spend hours at the spa, gym or dermatology office, said Jessie Shirek, manager.

The business, which is not part of a chain, is named for Jessie and Nick Shirek's son, Hudson, who's almost 2-and-a-half years old.

Hours are Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

J.C. Penney hosts event for job-hunting students

J.C. Penney has teamed up with the UND Career Service Center to host a "Suit Up" event to help students dress for success and jump-start their careers.

The private event takes place Saturday after the store's regular hours to accommodate hundreds of students looking for advice on what to wear for job interviews.

UND faculty and staff members and alumni will be on hand to offer insights into the latest career fashion trends as well as practice tips including how a suit should fit and how to tie a tie.

J.C. Penney will offer a special 40 percent discount to students with a valid ID.

Students will have have an opportunity to receive a free mini-makeover at the Sephora located inside the the store and a free salon consultation and hair touch up at the salon.

And the store's portrait studio will offer to take business headshots, with packages starting at $29.99.

The event runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

No date set yet for Ross opening

Officials at the corporate headquarters of Ross Stores, Inc., have not announced a date for opening the Ross Dress for Less store that's planned for the strip mall north of Columbia Mall in Grand Forks.

They said Thursday that they can only confirm they have a signed lease for the property, but asked the Herald to check in later for potential updates.

Signs posted near the property indicate the store will be located there.

A PetSmart store is also expected to open in that mall.