results the newsle er of the Twin Ci es North Chamber of Commerce
ley d i r F b u l Sam’s C r a nd g ee r s e t a celebr fter a g n i n e op n $8 millio t! men re-invest
Results Sponsors:
Chamber Leadership Board of Directors Commi ee Chairs Officers Eric Olson, Chair Speed Pro Imaging—North eolson@speedpro.com Kathy Klang, Treasurer Cummings, Keegan & Co., PLLP kjklang@ckco-cpa.com Steve McAlpin, Vice Chair McAlpin Agency Inc. steve@mcalpinagency.com
Ambassadors OPEN
Courtyard & Residence Inn by Marrio - Roseville
sanderson@csmcorp.net Shirley Barnes Crest View Senior Communi es
BJ Flayton Sam’s Club Fridley bjflayt.s06310.us@samsclub.com
Jason Helgemoe Western Bank jhelgemoe@western-bank.com
Ted Landwehr Landwehr Law Offices tland@landwehrlaw.com Andrea Murphy Northeast Bank am@northeastbank-mn.com Marnie Ochs-Raleigh Evolve Systems marnie@evolve-systems.com Shanda Osiecki Lion Precision shanda@lionprecision.com Cliff Swanson Micro Control Company C.swanson@microcontrol.com Lori Wightman Unity Hospital lori.wightman@allina.com
While we got some great feed back on individual responses, we really noticed 2 things from the survey. 1) On a scale of 1-10 of meeting expectations, the average score was a 7.8. We desperately want to improve that, but we are happy with that number out of our first survey.
Jim Huff Midway Training Services
Tim Roche
There are some things we need to look at in regards to improving, but we think this helps us identify that we are on the right track. Tightening some loose ends up should allow us to become even more effective in providing value in your membership.
Fall ‘Nine is Fine’ Golf Ou ng 2012 Brad Kadrie Kadrie Insurance Agency Gala 2013 Ann Aubitz Fuzion Print
sbarnes@crestviewcares.org Bill Helgeson Risdall Marke ng Group bill@risdall.com
Thank you if you took a moment to fill out our last survey! We had a 6.7% response rate on overall emails sent out and a 16% response rate of member companies.
Breakfast Networking Dr. Catherine Gray MorningStar Chiroprac c
Execu ve Commi ee Eric Olson Joe Brauer, Past Chair Speedpro Imaging - North Mid American Financial Group Metro jbrauer@minneapolis.nef.com Directors Sarah Anderson
From the Desk of the President & CEO
Nomina ng Commi ee Joe Brauer Mid American Financial Group Public Policy Bill Gschwind Acumen Legal Advisors
2) The heavy hitter question, in my opinion, was the “Why did you join” question. All are very important reasons, and are part of our mission. Most interesting was that every single answer was rated highest and lowest at some point, showing diversity in the value of Chamber membership. We will provide options for every answer, but what is our priorities? The number 1 answer was “Build strong partnerships with members of my community.” I am pretty sure you will see a follow up survey based on that answer alone, from the “Strategic Partnership” taskforce of Ted Landwehr; Landwehr Law Office, BJ Flayton; Sam’s Club, and Tom Sanvick; Central Bank. When thinking of partnerships, I come up with 5 possibilities: A) Business to Business Partnerships - Networking? Discounts? Referrals?
Spring Golf Tournament 2012 Chad Salewski, Signs Now Sco Vonderharr, Cartridges Direct
B) Civic Group Partnerships - In understanding that for your membership the Chamber cannot financially contribute to all Civic organizations, is our role to make connections of civic groups to members? Rotary, Lions, Festivals, Peacemakers are just a couple that come to mind.
Young Professionals Commi ee Brandon Finnestad, Pinnacle Planning Group, Inc.
D) Advocating Partnerships - Taking our legislative positions and working with groups of like positions and making our voice strong.
INTERESTED IN HELPING CHART THE CHAMBER’S DIRECTION?
C) Educational Partnerships - Internships, Mentorships, Scholarships, Curriculum assistance are just a few examples of how businesses can partner with education.
E) Community Partnerships - establishing great working partnerships with the City and County in making the community a better place to work, live and do business.
Contact the Chamber office for a complete commi ee update at 763.571.9781.
Contact Your Chamber Twin Ci es North Chamber of Commerce 525 Main Street, Suite 200, New Brighton, MN 55112 Tel. 763.571.9781; E-mail info@twinci esnorth.org; Tim Roche - president & ceo Shari Osterude - membership development Ann Aubitz - membership development
Results Sponsor
Northeast Bank 3989 Central Ave. NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 763-788-9351
Thank you again for taking the survey. When the next survey comes out, please take the time to help us further identify where the true value lies for your business membership.
Results Sponsor
Code Poetry 940 Meadow Avenue Shoreview, MN 55126 612-605-0145
Results Sponsor
Cummings, Keegan & Co. 600 S. Hwy. 169, Suite 1625 St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Member Information Do you want to be the talk of your networking group and return people to your website? Plan a unique question and answer and then tie them together to market your company. You will be able to keep your customer’s attention with new and exciting information. A sample question and answer would be: Who is the oldest automobile company in the United States?
Member Reinvestments Member
Member Since
Abbey Carpet All Pets Animal Hospital Ashley Furniture Home Store
Most people guess Ford but Ford started one month after Buick in 1903. If you want to make sure your resume and marketing materials are timeless, contact Support Systems. More examples can be found at www.supportsystemsmn.com
City of Blaine Dragon House Restaurant ECM Publishers Galaxy Auto Center
Sharon with Support Systems
Health Partners Dental - WBL
763.786.8009
Metro Vein Clinic
support.systems@att.net (email)
Micro Control Company
www.supportsystemsmn.com (weekly tidbit on website)
Northwest Youth and Family Services Opportunity Services
Effective business networking is the linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another. Want to make your business networking more effective? Here are ten tips to keep in mind. Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections. Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining. Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you. Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them. Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them. Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow. Shoreview Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.
Results Sponsor
TDS 3460 Washington Dr. Eagan, MN 55122 763-450-4000
St. Paul Pioneer Press WIN Insurance Xcel Energy - White Bear Lake
1/1/1997 11/1/2002 11/1/2004 11/1/2004 4/1/2002 11/1/2002 1/1/1997 11/1/2008 8/1/2011 12/1/2009 7/1/2002 1/1/2011 9/29/2011 1/1/1997 1/1/1992
New Members Dungeon Strength & Conditioning, LLC (612) 807-1101 173 West County Rd E Shoreview, MN 55408 http://www.dungeonstrength.com Walgreens - Arden Hills (651) 481-0165 3585 Lexington Ave. N Arden Hills, MN 55126 Walgreens - Rice St. Roseville (651) 483-3976 2635 Rice St Roseville, MN 55113 Town Course Cottage Association (952) 443-0606 1187 Gallery Lane Chaska, MN 55318 Oakwood Insurance Agency - Andover (763) 783-1188 13750 Crosstown Drive NW Suite #310 Andover, MN 55304
Members in the news! Fridley Sam’s Club Celebrates Major Remodel Community Service Leader Continues its Commitment to Fridley WHAT:
Sam’s Club invites Fridley residents to celebrate the completion of a major renovation of the 8150 University Ave. N.E. Sam’s Club location on Friday, November 30th. From expanded bakery, meat and produce departments to new lighting, paint and a freshly-repaved parking lot, the recent renovations to the Fridley Sam’s Club are the most extensive in the Club’s nearly 22 year history. The remodel also brings a fuel station to the club, open to Sam’s Club members. “These renovations represent an important time, not just for Sam’s Club or its members, but for the whole Fridley community,” said Club Manager Brad Flayton. “We’re glad to be here. The community has done so much for us that giving back is the least we can do. We’re proud to be a part of Fridley.” The Fridley Sam’s Club will look to continue its support of the community well into the future. In the past year, the Club has donated over $20,000 total and countless hours of time to numerous community organizations, including Feed my Starving Children, Free to Be, the National MS Society, and the Children’s Safety Center. “Sam’s Club has done a great job highlighting ways that they can help the community,” said Tim Roche, president and CEO of the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses benefit from them because Sam’s provides bulk pricing on needs they couldn’t get elsewhere. Sam’s Club is also heavily involved with numerous nonprofit organizations within the community. Fridley is glad they’re here; Sam’s is a great community partner.”
WHO:
Sam’s Club managers and associates joined Mayor Scott Lund and Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce officials for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony which will include a National Anthem performance by Crystal Lewis.
2012 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award Recipients Announced Student of Integrity Scholarships also awarded Burnsville, Minnesota – October 30, 2012 – The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) announced the recipients of the 2012 BBB Integrity Awards at a ceremony held at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul yesterday evening. This year’s keynote speaker was Holly Petraeus, head of the Office of Service member Affairs, part of the recently created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Washington, DC. Best Buy was the presenting sponsor. The Integrity Awards were held as part of the BBB’s Centennial Gala. This year’s theme was “Lighting the Way,” in honor of the founding of the BBB in the Twin Cities back in 1912. The BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota is proud to be known as “the first BBB.” “This year’s Integrity Awards were especially memorable, as we celebrated our organization’s 100th anniversary,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “It was therefore fitting that history was made tonight: for the first time, two outstanding businesses were named winners in the same category.” The 2012 Integrity Award winner of Category I (1-10 employees) is:
Mark O. Finney, DDS
The BBB Integrity Awards are presented each year to companies who exemplify ethical behavior and display integrity in all aspects of their operations; toward their employees, vendors, customers, and within their community. Companies must also uphold BBB standards. BBB Accreditation is not required. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges. Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2013 BBB Integrity Awards and may be made by customers, vendors, or even the company itself. Visit www.thefirstbbb.org for more information. Best Buy is the 2012 Integrity Awards presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors for the event are: CenterPoint Energy, Think Mutual Bank, Gray Plant Mooty, ABRA Auto Body, Financial Concepts, Inc., Northland Group, Clear Channel Radio, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Pioneer Press, Clear Channel Outdoor, Del Monte Agency, Prairie Business Magazine, Memory Vision, and Rippe Print. 2012 Student of Integrity Scholarship sponsors are: Hubbard Broadcasting, Cedar Valley Exteriors, Diversified Exteriors, Globe University, and Multiventure Properties.
Inspiring Business Awards On December 20th, 2012 our Holiday Luncheon will be held at Murzyn Hall in Columbia Heights. Every year we gather to celebrate the holidays for good food, great company, a worthy cause and a little celebration. Food is provided by Chamber member companies. With close to 200 in attendance, our main focus of the event is as a fundraiser for 2 local food shelves. Ralph Reeder Food Shelf in Ramsey County and SACA ~ Southern Anoka Community Assistance in Anoka County. All proceeds from the event, made possible by our member food donation, are given to these worthy causes. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to bring perishable food items, toys, or cash to be donated as well. Annually we also celebrate our 5 Inspiring Business Chamber awards. These awards are focused on businesses within the Chamber either increasing their visibility within the Chamber or within the greater community. The Ambassador of the year award winner is generated form point given throughout the year for involvement. Our other awards and nominees are as follows:
New Member of the Year: This award is given to a Chamber Member that has joined since December 2011 who has become immediately immersed in the services & events of the Chamber. The nominees are: Mounds View Schools Adult Education Midway Training Services Minnesota Department of Transportation – Metro District Paychex, Inc Past Winners: Running Aces, Helpmety.com, Minnesota Timberwolves, Rasmussen College
Small Business of the Year: The award is given to a Chamber Member business with 1-10 employees that have enhanced its visibility within the Chamber or the community. The nominees are: Kadrie Insurance Agency Mark O Finney, DDS. Signs Now Past Winners: Cartridges Direct, Zellner & Associates, Team logic IT, Code Poetry
Business of the Year: This award goes to a Chamber Member business with 10+ employees that has enhanced its visibility within the Chamber or the community. The nominees are:
Holiday Charity Luncheon & Annual Member Awards!
Brightondale Senior Campus New Windows for America Costco Past winners: Ameripride Linen & Apparel Services, Risdall Marketing Group, Biolife Plasma Services, Eye Care Center, CU Companies
Leadership Award: The definition of Leadership includes that of guidance and setting a direction. The following Chamber Member businesses have shown exceptional leadership within the Chamber by guiding the Chamber in new or positive directions. The nominees are: Fridley Medical Center / Multicare & Associates Micro Control Company
Thursday, December 20, 2012 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Murzyn Hall, Columbia Heights
Pawn America Past winners: Sam’s Club, Fridley, PJW Automotive, Mid-American Financial Group, Alden Pearson, P.A. Congratulations to all of our nominees!
Benefi ng SACA Food Shelf Investment: $15 Nonperishable food items/toys also appreciated!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Chamber Toastmaster Club Announcement Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. The mission of a Toastmaster club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop oral communication, listening and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. The Board of Directors of the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce has agreed to sponsor a new Toastmaster club. Meetings will take place at the New Brighton City Hall, 803 Old Highway 8 NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 every Wednesday morning, 7:30-8:30 am. Membership will be open to only TCNC members and their staffs. Please encourage members of your organization to attend to learn more about the program and how it could support their personal development plans. Contact Tim Roche; tim@twincitiesnorth.org or Joe Brauer at jbrauer@mineapolis.nef.com with any questions.
Legisla ve Breakfast with the Chamber Third Friday of month (September-May) Shorewood Bar & Grill, Fridley Sponsors:
2013 Annual Gala & Excellence in Business Awards! Friday, February 22, 2013; 6:00 p.m. Vadnais Heights Commons
Member Ad
Arden Hills, Blaine, Columbia Heights, Fridley, Li le Canada, Mounds New Brighton, Roseville, Shoreview, Spring 525 Main Street, Suite 200 New Brighton, MN 55112 Tel. 763.571.9781 Fax 763.572.7950
Featured Member:
YOUR CHAMBER CALENDAR - December 2012 Business Councils! 7:30-8:30 a.m., FREE Columbia Heights Chair: Larry Pietrzak, Northeast Bank December 7th, Northeast Bank, 6th Floor 1st Friday of every month Fridley Chair: Ma Brandt, Fridley Medical Center December 11th, Fridley Medical Center 2nd Tuesday of every month Mounds View Chair: Jason Helgemoe, Western Bank December 12th, Mounds View Community Center 2nd Wednesday of every month New Brighton ~ Cancelled in December Chair - Bill Helgeson, Risdall Marke ng Group Risdall Marke ng Group 3rd Thursday of every month Roseville ~ Cancelled in December Chair: Open Courtyard by Marrio 3rd Tuesday of every month Shoreview ~ Cancelled in December Chair: Jonathon Weinhagen, SPACC Northwest Youth & Family Services 3rd Wednesday of every month
Wednesday, December 5th Toastmaster Club 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. New Brighton City Hall Thursday, December 6th Public Policy Commi ee 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Chamber Office Thursday, December 6th Ugly Sweater Happy Hour 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Grumpy’s Bar & Grill – Roseville Wednesday, December 12th Chamber Toastmaster Club 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. New Brighton City Hall Thursday, December 13th Breakfast Networking 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Country Inn & Suites – Shoreview Wednesday, December 19th Chamber Toastmaster Club 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. New Brighton City Hall Wednesday, December 19th Lunch & Law 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. Chamber Office
Thursday, December 20th Holiday Charity Luncheon & Membership Awards 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. Murzyn Hall, Columbia Heights Friday, December 21st Legisla ve Breakfast with the Chamber 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Shorewood Bar & Grill Wednesday, December 26th Chamber Toastmaster Club 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. New Brighton City Hall Friday, December 28th Board of Directors 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Shorewood Bar & Grill
Featured Event: HOLIDAY LUNCHEON Thursday, December 20th 11:30—1:00 p.m. Murzyn Hall, Columbia Heights Food donated by many Chamber members! Proceeds donated to local food shelves! Bring non perishable food and toys for food shelves! Chamber member yearly awards!
Visit www.twinci esnorth.org for member event lis ngs also!