Helping Your Business Grow
14800 Galaxie Ave, Suite 101 Apple Valley, MN 55124 952-432-8422 www.applevalleychamber.com
President Edward Kearney Chamber of Commerce
Vice Chairman Bethany Marquette BMO Harris Bank
Past Chairman Scott Kadrlik Meuwissen, Flygare, Kadrlik & Assoc.
Secretary Misty Scholler Bell State Bank & Trust
Treasurer Cynthia Heim Smith Wings Financial
Nick Martinez Nerium Independent Brand Partner
Peggy Johnson Dakota Electric Association
The Next Leaders Ugly Sweater Party Hosted at The Martinez House
A big thanks to Nick Martinez for hosting and to Robert Braun with Waddle & Reed for providing drinks.
Mike Foley Apple Valley Medical Center
John Wortman American Legion
Chamber Staff
Pictured above is the Apple Valley Next Leaders Group, Chamber Chair Scott Kadrlik (pictured on the left) joined the group for an evening of networking and fun!
Kristy Cleveland Business Manager
January 2014
From the desk of Jodi Kurtz, Chamber Chair A “New” Year, a “new” opportunity to start a “new” beginning in 2014. I am your “new” chairman, chairwomen, chairperson, or whatever you wish to call me. My name is Jodi Kurtz and I am honored to be Chair of one of the greatest chambers in MN. You help make that Chamber and I wish to know each of you by name and not just by reconition. I would like to tell you a little about myself. I was raised in northern MN and I don’t mean two hours from here, but rather a few miles from the Canadian border in a small town called Greenbush. (18 miles west of Roseau - population of 800) My father was a great mentor to me. He owned two businesses plus farmed. He taught me to find in life what I love to do, therefore I wouldn’t have to work a day in my life. I have found that at Warners’ Stellian. I am the manager at the Apple Valley store and have worked here for going on 19 years. I lived in Thief River Falls, MN after high school and went to college. After 6 years of living there I moved to West Bloomfield, MI. For 8 years I managed an out patient psychiatric clinic. We have lived in Apple Valley for 20 years. My husband, David, is an Architect CAD Engineer for Enclos. We have two awesome daughters, Jillian and Olivia. Both are attending the University of Minnesota, Jillian is a junior and Olivia a sophmore. My mother and brother still live “up north”. I lost my father in June of 2013. My predecessor, Scott Kadrlik left big shoes for me to fill. He did such a great job last year and I hope I can continue his focus and his gifted leadership. I may not be as humorous or know the tax world like he does but hopefully I can bring some of my experiences, skills and attributes. I am proud and excited to have such a strong Board of Directors this year. Their input and dedication is valuable to the success of the Chamber. Ed and Kristy work endless hours and I am thankful to have them on the team. I hope to get more members involved. Let your membership with the Chamber work for you. Not only will you meet your fellow members and be able to promote your business but you will create new friendships and have fun doing so! Let 2014 begin! *Scott may have started each luncheon off with a joke, but I “sign off” with quotes. “THE REAL OPPORTUNITY FOR SUCCESS LIES WITHIN THE PERSON AND NOT IN THE JOB” Jodi Kurtz Warners’ Stellian
Apple Valley Chamber
January
Coffee Connetion
Tuesday, January 7, 2014 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Provincial Bank and Pahl’s Market hosted their highly anticipated Holiday themed Business After Hours. Guests enjoyed beautiful Christmas decor in Pahl’s green house and fantastic food stations catered by Rascal’s. Thank Provincial Bank and Pahl’s Market for throwing a Holiday party to remember!
14610 Garrett Ave. Apple Valley Enjoy FREE coffee and pasteries while connecting with Chamber members!
Board of Directors Annual Planning Meeting
Thursday, January 21 , 2014 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. at: Warners’ Stellian Headquarters, St. Paul
Calendar of Events
Jake Johnston with Provincial Bank
Ambassador Meeting
Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 3:30 p.m. Chamber Office 14800 Galaxie Ave, Suite 101, Apple Valley
Chamber Luncheon
Wednesday, January 15th, 2014 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Business After Hours
Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
5920 148th Street West In the Design Studio Apple Valley Appetizers, Drinks and Door Prizes
Pictured above is Brian Pahl mingling with the crowd.
Rascal’s pasta station was a favorite amoung guests!
Pictured above is City Administrator Tom Lawell.
The Joint Ribbon Cutting Welcome to Apple Valley!
The Joint is a new kind of Chiropractic center, no appointments neccesary!
Pictured above is Co-Hosts, Provincial Bank Mike Lebens and Pahl’s Market Gary Pahl drawing a lucky winner!
Above (L to R) is Eric Iverson, State Rep. Tara Mack and Jay Feichtinger. Jay brought his parents as special guests.
Nick Martinez, Mayor Mary and Jim Paul enjoying the evening of conversation.
Business After Hours Pahl’s Market and Provincial Bank
“COOL CENSUS TOOL UNVEILS OUR CHANGING FACE”
President’s Perspective By: Edward Kearney
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Be sure to take a look at this new Census tool that came out recently which looks at the changing face of Apple Valley or anywhere. Even check out your own hometown. You can find it at: www.census.gov/censusexplorer You just hover the mouse over a section and it tells you the mix every few blocks. You’ll find 10 year, 20 year or 30-year interactive maps on immigration, seniors, income, labor force, % owner occupied and education level, anywhere in the US. It will not however tell you the countries of origin which would be important to any discussion, especially with regards to educational needs. Apple Valley has been changing for years and with our new Red-Line transit options we are likely to accelerate our cultural momentum. The US Chamber and Minnesota Chamber will tell you that immigration is critical to offsetting the fairly flat natural growth of our population. Our board has not addressed the issue yet but businesses I talk to frequently overall are mixed on it. I hear often, “we just want customers who are working overall no matter where they are from” or “transit is great as long as it doesn’t just become all low-income housing. Keep it a good mix of market rate and some low-income.” So let’s look at new Census to see who is here. The key trait that I found in this new Census data is how high the foreign born’s education level is in Apple Valley overall. Our most affluent northeast side is already nearly 10% foreign born. However our most recent immigration mix is primarily concentrated in one key area; that overall rental area southeast of Cedar & 42 down to the Lakeville border. This apartment rich square mile leads me to believe that this high concentration of the highly educated (43% with Bachelors or more and 23% foreign born) may become future homeowners sooner than you think. That is a good indicator.
Jane Pahl welcomed Julia Thompson, Kathy Maguire and Tom Wroblewski to the party.
Pictured right is Chairman Scott Kadrlik chatting with Tharan Leopold.
Jane Pahl’s parents
Pictured here is Gary Pahl speaking with Marci from Rascal’s and his Mom.
What makes Apple Valley so attractive is obvious. If I were an immigrant just moving here, I would be attracted heavily to our national award winning school district, our new RED-LINE Transit so that I can keep my transportation expenses minimal and the ease of having everything nearby within a few blocks including jobs and school. Few suburbs can offer that total “uptown” mix. Two teachers told me this week that generally, many of these incoming kids work harder than those born here and their parents are very engaged and really push. It depends on the culture and country of origin, especially with language barriers. Our growing base of foreign born, at least our current mix is poised to be very successful. They seem very motivated and may introduce a new mix of businesses and services. (Counter-Clockwise)
Apple Valley
Income
Bachelors Foreign or Higher Born
North West
$71,869
43%
5.5%
South West
$69,583
31%
7.6%
South Central
$59,469
43%
22.9%
South East
$64,524
39%
10.9%
NE of Galaxie
$121,838
55%
9.2%
Cedar
$78,977
43%
5%
Last week I visited a large business with many job openings but they are having trouble finding qualified people and are actively seeking qualified immigrants who are many of their best workers. But occupational skills is still the key and that is where Apple Valley just had a setback. DCTC recently pulled out of the Apple Valley’s Partners in Higher Education at our old City Hall. St. Mary’s University still prospers there. The Mayor and I have already put in motion, steps to work closer with St. Mary’s and MNSCU trying to correct this void. Transit needs higher education to attract and retain the young and the Red Line does not directly serve the DCTC’s campus. Our rich business services mix, our wide retail, scores of restaurants and packed nightlife only add further in attracting and keeping the very best and brightest, no matter their age or where they are from. I am certain my Grandparents, who were both immigrants, would have loved Apple Valley.
2013 Chamber Christmas and Awards Luncheon Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
2013 Volunteer Of the Year
2013 Business Of the Year
120 Chamber members attended the last Chamber luncheon of 2013 at Old Chicago. Guests enjoyed beautiful music by the talented Eastview High Chamber Choir, who recieved a standing ovation at the end of their preformace.
Apple Valley Medical Center
David Hurley - The Strategic Financial Alliance
2013 Legacy Award
Kay Shimek & the late Dan Shimek Enjoy!
Outgoing Chamber Chairman, Scott Kadrlik was roasted by Chamber President Ed Kearney and The Stagebenders Comedy Group.
Scott & Pam Karlik
ABRA Auto Body & Glass
Entrepreneur of the Year
Thank you Platinum Golf Classic Sponsors
Apple Valley Medical Center
Great Gatsby Gala Grand Sponsor
BMO Harris Bank
Great Gatsby Gala Chair
Sterling State Bank
Golf Classic Chair
Chris Ellickson Ellickson Photography
Valley Buick GMC
Ambassador Chair
Iris Huber
Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A.
At the end of the luncheon, Scott passed the gavel to incoming Chair Jodi Kurtz along with a clown nose and horn, symbolizing “the show must go on”.
Jodi Kurtz Warners’ Stellian
Outgoing Past Chair - Eric Iverson 2013 Treasurer - Guy Gunner Home Instead Senior Care Gunner’s Garage
Cynthia Heim Smith Wings Financial
2012 Secretary - Jane Hill Apple Valley Culver’s
Misty Scholler Bell State Bank & Trust
Next Leaders Chair
Marty Johnson TruStone Financial