Feb. 2010 by TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

February 2010

Directions Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.

www.twinwest.com

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way. â&#x201E;˘

TwinWest Gala putofonGala the Ritz and Celebrate 25 will years celebrate 255years on March Page 9

Feature story page 9

Logo provided by Mod&Co

Representative Steve Smith District: 33A Page 8

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Event & program details

Page 10

XXX page 12 TwinWest Board welcomes Agre

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Endura Financial: business banking starts here.

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Open an Endura Business Checking Account today and get a $50 gift card!* Or, refer us to a friend and you’ll both receive a $50 gift card!** Plus, get your first set of business checks free. Flexible solutions. Friendly, personalized service. Best-in-class products. This is banking redefined. This is Endura Financial.

Contact Jenell with Business Services at 763.302.3042 or visit us online at EnduraFinancial.com. *Offer subject to business membership qualifications.**Referring member accounts must be in good standing at Endura Financial Federal Credit Union (EFFCU) to receive gift. Referral cannot be a joint member on another member’s account nor have an existing EFFCU account. Referral must open a Share Savings Account and a Business Services Checking account to qualify for gift. Minimum balance required to obtain the gift is the minimum opening deposit required for qualifying Business Services accounts. Offer subject to all other account opening qualifications. Referring member must provide contact information and signature, along with new member’s contact information. Referral must open qualifying account the same day as new membership. Upon validation, gift will be mailed to each member within 60 days of account opening. Referral gifts are limited to $100 per member per calendar year. Gift is considered taxable income and is reported to the IRS. Offer is subject to change or termination. Offer valid through 7/31/10. Your savings are federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency. © 2010 Endura Financial Federal Credit Union (EFFCU) BS200

Tuesday, February 9th Beer Dinner February 9th 7pm. Three course meal featuring tastings of Schell’s 150th Anniversary Brew $40 per person. Ted Marti , fifth generation Schell’s Brewing Company owner, will walk our guests through the experience. Call for reservations. 952-367-5070

February 12th - 14th Valentines Weekend Special. Three course menu with a bottle of wine $60 per couple. Add an overnight stay at the adjacent Marriott Hotel and breakfast the next day for $149 per couple. Call for reservations. 952-367-5070

Wednesday, March 17th St Patrick’s Day. KDWB’s Dave Ryan in the Morning to broadcast live from Kip’s Irish Pub March 17th from 6a-10a. $5 breakfast and $2 green beers in the morning. Two music stages, Irish dancers, balloon makers, pipers, food and drink specials and fun!

For details on these events and more visit KipsPub.com or for reservations call (952) 367-5070 Visit us on the web for more info! www.KipsPub.com www.marriottminneapoliswest.com

table of contents

6 MEMBER PROFILE

Continental Diamond - A member in the news

7 $ UCCESS TWINWEST Dealing with commercial mortgage defaults in Minnesota

8 PROFILES

Representative Steve Smith District: 33A Business Ballot

from the president’s desk

Top Ten TwinWest Member List David Letterman has been doing a Top Ten list on his late night program for more that 24 years. The very first list, “The Top Ten Things That Almost Rhyme With Peas,” aired September 18, 1985, when Letterman hosted Late Night. After watching a recent Letterman Top Ten (Top 10 Things Overhead in Line to See “Avatar”) I created the following “Top Ten Things TwinWest Members Can Count on in 2010.” 10. A new, easier-to-use twinwest.com, with event reminders and new marketing opportunities. 9. The return of Leadership TwinWest, our popular leadership development program in September.

9 FEATURE STORY

Celebrate 25 years of Gala on March 5

VENT & 10 EPROGRAM DETAILS

Make plans to attend TwinWest’s events in February, including: Member Orientation; Business Showcase; State of the City events; Emerging Leaders “On the Fast Track” Luncheon; Member Talk: For Members, By Members; Power Partners; and the Legislative Breakfast.

CHAMBER NEWS

See you at our 25th Annual Gala! Pete Greene is TwinWest’s Volunteer Superstar! TwinWest Board welcomes Agre Event Photos

MEMBERS - NEW & 14 RENEWING

TwinWest encourages all of our members to conduct business with one another

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.™ 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 Phone: (763) 450-2220 • Fax: (763) 450-2221 www.twinwest.com

TwinWest Directions (USPS 060870) is published 10 times per year by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth, MN 55441. Phone: (763) 4502220. Periodicals Postage Paid, at Hopkins, MN and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TwinWest Directions, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth, MN 55441. Annual subscription rate of $40 is included in membership investment. The TwinWest Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of: Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka, New Hope, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, and the surrounding region.

TwinWest Directions

8. Scholarship giving surpassing the historic $800,000 mark by the TwinWest Foundation. 7. The state Senate and House elections of 2010, in addition to a few county and city races, not to mention the Governor’s race. 6. Continued success of TwinWest’s Emerging Leaders program and its impact on TwinWest’s leadership structure. 5. The 25th Annual TwinWest Gala on March 5 at the Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place. 4. Recognition of successful businesses through our participation in Grow Minnesota!, TwinWest Business Gives, the Small Business Awards Luncheon, the Circle of Distinction program, and our monthly Volunteer Superstar initiative. 3. Business Day at Your City Hall, a new program to connect you with local public officials and your business neighbors. 2. Over 100 no-cost TwinWest networking events, designed to connect members with opportunity. And the number one thing TwinWest members can count on in 2010… 1. TwinWest’s laser-sharp focus on job growth and the health of the business community. Thank you for your commitment to the mission of TwinWest through support and involvement in 2010.

Bruce Nustad President of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

TWINWEST BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, Chair of the Board Mark Carlson, Minnesota Mailing Solutions, Past Chair of the Board Dannette Coleman, Medica, Chair-elect of the Board Sarah Toepke, Treasurer Bruce Nustad, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, President DIRECTORS Nathan Agre, Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs Gary Aiken, Investors Capital Corporation Jerry Archambeau, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank Daniel Duffy, Daniel K. Duffy Architects, Inc. Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park Annette Hruby, Costco - St. Louis Park Rick Kaufman, Cox Insurance Associates Greg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Pamela Muldoon, Next Stage Business Tim Raymond, Voyager Bank – Minnetonka Jim Snoxell, Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. Mike Sowada, VISI Incorporated Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners

TwinWest Staff Bruce Nustad, President Judy Johnson, Director of Government Affairs Jacqui Sauter, Regional Sales Director Sara Hopkins, Office Manager Tabatha Rol, Manpower, Administrative Assistant Loretta Kenney-Lillejord, Owl Bookkeeping & CFO Services, Accounting Victoria Marley, Signature Events Representative Stacy Slygh, C.E.L., Communications

ECM Publishers, Inc. 12180 County Road 11 Burnsville, MN 55337 Phone: (952) 846-2040 Fax: (952) 846-2044 Ginny Lee, Project Manager & Advertising Director Jeff Remme, Director of Production & Graphic Design Mariah Hendrickson, Advertising Sales

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oey Nova’s, an authentic East Coast-style Pizzeria featuring pizzas made from scratch, grilled subs and pasta. We have a comfortable atmosphere and a spirited and fun working environment in a made from scratch kitchen. Rigatoni Gorgonzola

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www.joeynovas.com February 2010

member profile

Continental Diamond Member name: Jim Pesis Business name: Continental Diamond In business since: 1981 TwinWest member since: 1989 Number of employees: 30 Location: St. Louis Park

Why does your business belong to the TwinWest Chamber? We believe in supporting our community and have made that part of our mission for our business. We donate to hundreds of local charities and always try to support other local businesses.

What is your main service/product? We are a full service jewelry store that provides an unprecedented shopping experience. We have a vast selection of engagement rings, diamonds, wedding rings and cutting edge fashion jewelry in all price points. We are an authorized dealer for ten fine watch collections including; Ebel, Movado, Raymond Weil, Philip Stein, Michele, Skagen, Ball, Swiss Army, Oris, and Toy watch. We have a full service repair department with three master goldsmiths. What makes you stand out from your competition? We have a great selection of loose diamonds, rings and fine jewelry that is hand chosen for both quality and price. We employ an educated FEB ofTorque Wrench.qxp 12/9/2009 staff career salespeople (not clerks) to help

CONTACT INFORMATION:

answer all your questions. Finally, we have great prices to match all budgets! What’s your company’s most significant recent accomplishment? Nominated Best Jewelry store in 2009 by Minnesota Bride Magazine Nominated Best Place to Buy a Diamond in Mpls/ St. Paul Magazine Named Coolest Store in America by In Store 9:05 AM Page 1 Magazine

Helain and Jimmy Pesis jimmy@continentaldiamond.com 1600 Utica Ave. S. #130, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 593-5602 www.continentaldiamond.com

Each month TwinWest profiles a long standing member and recognizes their sustained commitment to our region’s business climate. We greatly value their ongoing presence in our membership.

Cash is the key to business success these days. And no matter how tight-fisted you think you are, there are always ways to improve your cash flow. Anchor Bank’s cash management services can help you breathe new life into your old cash flow practices by accelerating receivables processing, reducing idle balances and providing up-to-the-minute online financial data so you can better monitor balances and reduce the risk of fraud. Let us help you select the right combination of services to torque down your hard-earned cash and make it more productive today.

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TwinWest Directions

$uccess TwinWest

Dealing with commercial mortgage defaults in Minnesota Over the last several years, I have received many phone calls that start out something like this, “So, you recall how we were talking about things not going so well? I just received a default notice from my mortgage lender and I’m not sure how I’m going to deal with a foreclosure.” It seems that the scariest aspect of mortgage troubles for the business person is not the potential foreclosure, but not knowing how the process works or what options they have. First: a default notice is really only the beginning of the process. Regardless of the nature of the underlying default, a “default notice” can be thought of as the tool lenders use to start the timeline for exercising its remedies arising from your default. Generally, if you “cure” the default within the time period specified in your loan documents, then your loan will revert to it’s predefault state and you can continue with business as usual. Second: at least with regard to your lender, time is on your side. Your lender likely has a number of remedies under your loan documents, but foreclosure is the most well-known. With certain exceptions, Minnesota foreclosure statutes provide the owner of real property possession of

the property and entitlement to rents generated from the property until the foreclosure process is complete. I will deal with the specifics of the foreclosure process in part two of this article, but you will likely have in excess of nine months from the receipt of the first default notice until you lose all of your rights in your property. If you are not making your monthly debt service payments, you’ll probably hear from your lender quickly. Lenders have varying policies on how they deal with defaults and it isn’t atypical for a default to continue for several months before you receive anything beyond a default notice. Third: your lender does not want to foreclose upon your property. Always remember that lenders are in the business of lending money, not owning property. Lenders are under significant pressure from governmental regulators to keep loans “performing” and to keep foreclosed property off of their books. While they certainly prefer foreclosure to losing the money they lent you, many lenders would prefer to negotiate a deal with you. The most common reasons that a lender will refuse to “workout” a loan with a borrower are egregious defaults and antagonistic behavior, so we generally recommend that you work with

your loan officer proactively and professionally, rather than waiting for a default to occur. The second part of this article will review the foreclosure process and other lender remedies while discussing some strategies for borrowers to deal with defaults and is available online at www.twinwest.com/success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brad Hintze is an associate with Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren Ltd. and is a member of the ﬁrm’s Real Estate and Land Use practice group. Mr. Hintze’s practice is concentrated in transactional real estate law, focusing on real estate transactions, leasing and real estate-based commercial lending. Bradley J. Hintz, Esq. Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren Ltd Phone: (952) 835-3800 Email: bhintze@larkinhoffman.com Website: www.larkinhoffman.com

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February 2010

profiles

Representative Steve Smith District: 33A TwinWest recently caught up with Representative Steve Smith (R-District 33A) for a conversation about the business community and the start of the 2010 Legislative session. Here is a digest of what Representative Smith had to say.

1. Why is the business community important to you?

Plain and simple, business is where the jobs come from. Businesses create real, sustainable jobs that don’t require an ongoing appropriation from the taxpayers. They are not an adversary to be taxed, regulated and controlled. From the venerable big names to the smallest of momand-pop corner stores, businesses are what built Minnesota and will rebuild its future - if government allows them to do good business. We need to get government off our backs, out of our pockets, and out of our way. 2. What are the top concerns you hear from constituents?

My constituents express most of the same concerns that you would hear from any district. They are concerned about the economy and the seemingly slow or invisible recovery; they want to know what can be done on health care and they want to express their concerns about education. Much of the letters and emails we receive are people looking for help navigating the morass of state agencies as they deal with one issue or another. I don’t know how any legislator can hear from constituents who get bounced from one corner of government to another and not realize the need for reforms. 3. What do you see as the top issue for the 2010 legislature to deal with?

Last session was all about the deficit and 2010 will be no different. Wages are down, job growth is anemic, but the battle will still be over whether to raise taxes or cut spending. The Governor’s use of unallotment was necessary last year after

it became obvious that there was no other way to avoid a special session, but if the Democrats have learned from their mistakes they won’t let it get to that point again. However it gets done, we need to work the budget problem out now, so that future deficits do not exist or are more manageable. Your state should spend what revenue comes in on the core functions of government, e.g. public safety, education, infrastructure, etc., and then stop spending on unnecessary or new programs. The legislature needs to get it’s work done - without raising taxes.

4. What is your philosophy relative to addressing the state’s continued budget problems?

Stop overspending. Since fiscal year 2000, state revenues and inflation are pretty much a match with each other at about a 30 percent increase. But spending is up more than 50 percent, and that just cannot continue. The failed notion that you can spend our way out of the problem is like saying you can dig your way out of a hole.

5. Minnesota does not have a full time legislature. Many legislators, like you, have other careers. How do you balance your work as an attorney with your work as a legislator, and do you learn things from one that you apply to the other?

When you are in legislative session, you have to put your professional life and personal life on hold. Representing my constituents comes first. When we are not in session, you just go back to work, and work harder. As for my work as an attorney and also as a legislator, like having any two occupations, you learn to treat people fairly and with respect, because you will run into them again, and also it is the right thing to do.

B u s i n e s s B allot In an effort to gage the views of business leaders, TwinWest produces a monthly business ballot on various issues. Results below are from December 11, 2009, which focused on business and the Minnesota court system featuring Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Christopher J. Dietzen.

With the 2010 legislative session poised as a traditional bonding year for the State, which priorities should legislators and the governor focus on for inclusion in the upcoming bonding bill? 44%: The bonding bill should include only essential statewide projects of significance that include infrastructure improvements such as roads and bridges. 37%: The bonding bill should be very broad and include a variety of state and regional projects in an effort to stimulate the economy focused on job creation. 19%: The bonding bill should be inclusive of projects with not only a statewide focus but also regional significance that include projects such as community centers, educational facilities improvements, and local infrastructure projects.

As Congress debates the future of health care reform, what is your take on how the proposed bills in the House and the Senate will impact your business? 60%: Health care reform proposals threaten my business’s ability to continue employee coverage due to increased costs and mandates. 33%: The outcome should help reduce my business’s healthcare costs for employees. 7%: I want my business to get out of providing healthcare to my employees, it should be the role of the federal and state governments to manage health care coverage.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Representative Steve Smith Deputy Minority Leader House District 33A Email: rep.steve.smith@house.mn Phone: (651) 296-9188

Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Christopher J. Dietzen at TwinWest’s December 2009 Legislative Breakfast event.

TwinWest Directions

feature story

Celebrate 25 Years of Gala on March 5 On March 5, TwinWest will host the 25th Annual Gala. The silver anniversary of the event marks a great milestone in TwinWest’s history. Since 1985, this event has built a reputation in the community as a popular and successful fundraiser that has raised well over $1,250,000 for TwinWest and the TwinWest Foundation. Funds raised have helped hundreds of high school students with college tuition, supported many TwinWest initiatives, and helped member businesses grow through marketing and networking opportunities. Since the beginning, the TwinWest Gala has been strongly supported by members and their businesses. Even in the first few years, it drew over 600 attendees and raised nearly $25,000. The Gala would not be as successful today if it

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weren’t for contributions from members who donate food for the event, hotel space, auction items, cash sponsorships, in-kind services and volunteer hours on the planning committee. Jan Kruchoski of LarsonAllen LLP chaired the Gala in 2002, 2003 and 2004, and still supports it today as a silver sponsor. “LarsonAllen continues to support the TwinWest Gala for a number reasons. First, a portion of the proceeds are awarded to deserving students in the form of scholarships. Second, it is a wonderful opportunity to spend social time with many of our clients. And finally, it is a great reminder to all of us as to how fortunate we are to be members of such a tremendous business-focused chamber.” The TwinWest Gala has had a remarkable history, beginning with the first events held at Ridgedale Center. As soon as the mall closed for the day, the planning committee brought in all the tables, chairs, décor, food and auction

items. It took a lot of effort for the committee, but it made for a very successful fundraiser. Mark Schadow of Ameristar Agency and 1986 Gala chair remembers, “The committee would load all the tables, chairs, and decorations onto the loading docks all day long. Then at 6:00 p.m. an army of volunteers would show up to set up for the Gala which then started at 8:00 p.m. When the Gala was over at midnight, a new group of volunteers would show up and tear down everything, and move it back to the loading docks for pick up the next day. The average Ridgedale shopper never knew we were there!” Since then, the Gala has been hosted at a variety of member hotels and event venues, including the Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place, International Market Square, the Marriott Minneapolis Southwest, and The Northland Inn. This year’s event will once again be back at the Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place.

Over the years, the Gala has grown and changed, but it has remained an enjoyable social event and a successful fundraiser. This year will be no exception! Lisa McDaniel of Voyager Bank, this year’s Gala chair, invites you to join TwinWest “ EVERY CUSTOMER IS DIFFERENT. at this year’s event. “This year’s Gala will be very BUT THEY ALL DESERVE THE SAMEspecial because we will be honoring the history of THING. OUR ATTENTION.” the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce and its Gala. Attendees will be able to enjoy a fun evening of great “Whether your business is large, small or networking, wonderful food, fabulous auction items medium, we know you have a lot on your plate. and big band music from the R-Factor. We look So we look for ways to make things easier for you. With BillWise from Xcel EnergySM, we offer forward to seeing you there!” services like Auto Pay and Electronic Funds Transfer, so you’ll worry less about your bill,

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February 2010

event & program details

February 2010

Connect with success at TwinWest’s events and programs—your links to influential people, innovative ideas, and exclusive opportunities.

Member Orientation 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Hampton Inn - Minnetonka 10420 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 541-1094 No cost to attend

ROI: Learn how to make the most of your investment and get a jump start on networking. To get there: From 394, exit on Hopkins Crossroad and go north. Take a right on Wayzata Boulevard.

Business Showcase 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. FedEx Office – Plymouth 2700 Annapolis Circle, Suite G, Plymouth MN 55441 (763) 553-0703 No cost to attend

Government Affairs Committee Meeting 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 100, Plymouth MN 55441 (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend

ROI: Network with fellow emerging leaders and share ideas and resources for professional development.

ROI: Discuss issues that impact the business community and share policy recommendations to the TwinWest Board of Directors. All members are welcome to participate in this Committee.

To get there: Take I-494 to Highway 55 west. Turn right on Fernbrook Lane and right on Harbor Lane.

Minnetonka State of the City 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Minnetonka City Hall 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka (952) 939-8200 No cost to attend

ROI: Connect with success with the TwinWest Chamber. Meet other members, exchange ideas and sales leads, and build relationships.

ROI: Hear the latest city affairs, connect with neighborhood businesses, and talk with city leaders.

To get there: From 494, take the Highway 55 East exit. Take Campus Drive north. Turn left on Annapolis Circle.

To get there: From 494, take Minnetonka Boulevard west. Turn left onto McGinty Road/CR-16. Turn right onto Minnetonka Boulevard.

St. Louis Park Business Council 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Wolfe Lake Professional Center 5000 36th Street, St. Louis Park MN 55416 No cost to attend

ROI: Get involved in the St. Louis Park business community and hear updates from the city and schools.

Legislative Breakfast Governor Tim Pawlenty

ROI: Exchange leads with a group of businesses that meets twice monthly. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right.

New Hope State of the City 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. New Hope City Hall 4401 Xylon Avenue North, New Hope MN 55428 (763) 531-5100 No cost to attend

ROI: Hear the latest city affairs, connect with neighborhood businesses, and talk with city leaders. To get there: From 169, take County Road 9 east. Take a left onto Xylon Avenue.

ROI: Hear the latest from Governor Pawlenty; connect with public officials and regional business leaders. To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/Xenia exit. Travel south on Park Place Boulevard and turn right on 16th Street.

Crystal/New Hope Business Council 8:00 -9:00 a.m. Liberty Diversified International – New Hope 5600 North Highway 169 New Hope, MN 55428 (763) 536-6600 No cost to attend

ROI: Get involved in the local business community and hear updates from cities and schools. To get there: Take 169 to the 49th Avenue N exit and turn right. Turn left onto Independence Avenue N.

Hopkins State of the City 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343 (952) 979-1100

To get there: Go south on US-169 to the Excelsior Boulevard exit towards downtown Hopkins. Merge onto Excelsior Boulevard towards downtown Hopkins. Turn right on 11th Avenue South. Turn left onto Mainstreet.

Member Talk: Innovative Financing Solutions for Today 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office - Plymouth 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 100, Plymouth MN 55441 (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend ROI: Brainstorm with other Chamber members about issues affecting your business while expanding your professional network. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right.

Prospective Member Forum 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest office – Plymouth 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 100, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right. TwinWest Directions

ROI: Hear the latest city affairs, connect with neighborhood businesses, and talk with city leaders.

ROI: Join other members for this event featuring a 25-minute overview of the opportunities with TwinWest followed by a half hour open discussion. Current members are welcome when accompanied by a prospective member.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right.

7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place – St. Louis Park 1500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park MN 55416 (952) 542-8600 Investment: $30/member, $40 nonmembers before Feb. 4

To get there: Take Highway 100 to Highway 7. Turn left onto Highway 7. Turn right onto Belt Line Boulevard.

Power Partners Networking 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year

Emerging Leaders “On the Fast Track” Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Comfort Inn - Plymouth 3000 Harbor Lane, Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 559-1222 Investment: $25/member, $35 nonmembers

Overtime Vino 100 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Vino100 - Plymouth 3225A Vicksburg Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 559-5525 No cost to attend

ROI: Connect with success with the TwinWest Chamber. Meet other members, exchange ideas and sales leads, and build relationships. To get there: From Highway 55 West of 494, go south on Vicksburg Lane.

Saint Louis Park State of the City 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. AAA – St. Louis Park 5400 Auto Club Way, St. Louis Park MN 55416 (952) 927-2600 No cost to attend

ROI: Hear the latest city affairs, connect with neighborhood businesses, and talk with city leaders. To get there: From Highway 100, take Minnetonka Boulevard east. Turn right on Raleigh Avenue.

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12/9/09 3:04:30 PM February 2010 11

chamber news

See you at our 25th Annual Gala! You are invited to our 25th Annual TwinWest Gala on Friday, March 5! Enjoy an evening celebrating the business community and the 25th anniversary of the TwinWest Annual Gala! Dance the night away while sampling delicious food and browsing and bidding on ritzy and glitzy silent auction items. We encourage all members to attend - and bring your friends, co-workers, neighbors and loved ones. The more, the merrier! Aside all of the fun, there are other great ways to be involved with this event. A portion of the Gala’s proceeds benefits the TwinWest Foundation, which provides scholarships to local students of all ages. Want to build your company’s visibility? Donate an interesting, unusual or highly valuable item for the silent auction. This is a great way to get your business noticed! Items can be donated through February 26. For more information, contact Victoria Marley at (763) 450-2227 or victoria@twinwest.com. Here are a couple ritzy raffle items we have so far: O ne men’s Tissot watch donated by Graham Jewelers O ne ladies’ Baccarat necklace donated by Graham Jewelers

Member Event Photos TwinWest members are actively involved in our events and programs. Whether our members are networking, developing plans for TwinWest events, taking charge of their professional development, or new to the Chamber, we are proud to post photos of our members getting a return on their member investment.

Member Orientation on December 2, 2009. From left to right: Kristin Dowell, Salem Communications - AM 1280 The Patriot; Adam Schmidt, Salem Communications - AM 1280 The Patriot; Chuck Blair, Salem Communications - AM 1280 The Patriot; Susan Beverley, Salem Communications - AM 1280 The Patriot; and John Cowle, ADT Security Services, Inc.

Member Orientation on December 2, 2009. From left to right: John Miller, Salem Communications - AM 1280 The Patriot; Gary Borgandale, Salem Communications - AM 1280 The Patriot; Judy Larson, Larson Records; Robert Hay, RiteMade Paper Converters; and Steve Zelinsky, Haworth & Company, Ltd.

Member Orientation on December 2, 2009. From left to right: Paul Carlyon, Salem Communications - AM 1280 The Patriot; Nic Anderson. Salem Communications - AM 1280 The Patriot; Shannon Garrity, The Sun Newspapers; Mike Heflin, The Sun Newspapers; and Rich Borchardt, The Sun Newspapers.

Ribbon Cutting at VINO 100 on December 16, 2009.

Event Details Friday, March 5 7:00 p.m. - midnight Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place St. Louis Park Tickets are $75 plus tax. Purchase 10 tickets and receive two free! Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220.

Sponsorship Opportunities! Gala sponsorship investments range from $500 to $7,500. For more information, contact Victoria Marley at (763) 450-2227 or victoria@twinwest.com.

Pete Greene is TwinWest’s Volunteer Superstar! On any given month Greene introduces two to three nonmembers to TwinWest and what it has to offer. In addition, Greene is an active participant in the Crystal/New Hope Business Council, and served on the golf tournament committee this past year. NSI – Horwitz Mechanical was the lead sponsor, helping the business community raise $1,500 for area nonprofit organizations.

TwinWest is pleased to name Peter Greene, NSI – Horwitz Mechanical, as our January 2010 Volunteer Superstar. Greene, who works in business development, can frequently be seen at TwinWest events and has distinguished himself as one of TwinWest’s biggest champions.

TwinWest Directions

Correction in the January 2010 edition of Directions: In our member event photos, the Minnesota Chiropractic and Rehabilitation representative should be identified as Dr. Shane Boroditsky in the Member Orientation photo.

TwinWest Board Welcomes Agre On January 1, the TwinWest Board of Directors welcomed Nathan Agre, Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs (BPK&Z). Agre replaces Stacy Bogart, who left Liberty Diversified International and her Board seat at the end of 2009.

Greene is an active TwinWest Ambassador, was an exhibitor at the 2009 STEM Summit, and participated in the October manufacturing tour activities hosted by TwinWest.

Agre joined BPK&Z in 2000 and was promoted to manager in the accounting and auditing department in 2006. He supervises team members and oversees audit, review and attestation services, and has experience working in the tax area.

TwinWest is grateful for Greene’s activity in the business community and his support of area businesses.

Agre is a Leadership TwinWest graduate, is active in the Emerging Leaders program, and frequently attends Legislative Breakfast.

The Damaged Vehicle Repair Experts • Collision Repair • Auto Glass • Paintless Dent Repair • Bumper Touch-up Repair 1.877.LUTHERS (1.877.588.4377) www.LutherCollisionAndGlass.com

NovaCare REHABILITATION

a Select Medical company NovaCare is proud to be the

Official Provider of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Services for the

Minnesota Vikings and you!

Ridgedale NovaCare • (952) 545-0663 2000 Plymouth Road, Suite 200 • Minnetonka, MN 55305 • www.novacare.com/minnesota February 2010

new & renewing members NEW MEMBERS Welcome New Members!

New members are printed in each issue of Directions. Following is a list of businesses or individuals who have invested in the greater community by joining the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. Please support these businesses when making purchases and business decisions. Our Membership Directory, listing all Chamber members in alphabetical order, by category, and by individual representatives, is published each year. For the most up-to-date information, you can use our searchable online member directory at www. twinwest.com. If you are a current member, you may update your records online. Want to become a member? Call (763) 450-2220.

A.H. Hermel Company WHOLESALERS 5401 Opportunity Court Minnetonka, MN 55343 Mr. Bill Hendrickson

Discover Strength

HEALTH & FITNESS CENTERS 10100 Sixth Avenue North Suite 116 Plymouth, MN 55441 Mr. Luke Carlson

SportClips

SALON 3570 Vicksburg Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 Mr. Dan Jesse

Sun Newspapers

NEWSPAPERS 10917 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Mr. Jeffrey Coolman

The Brost Clinic

CHIROPRACTORS 1421 East Wayzata Boulevard Suite 100 Wayzata, MN 55391 Ms. Christa Steiner

TruStone Financial, Golden Valley CREDIT UNION 6500 Old Memorial Highway Golden Valley, MN 55427 Mr. Justin Neal

VINO 100

RETAIL STORE 3225 Vicksburg Lane North Suite A Plymouth, MN 55447 Mr. Phillip C. Miller

Farmers Insurance Group INSURANCE 4400 West 78th Street Suite 110 Bloomington, MN 55435 Ms. Melissa Worrel

Focus Financial

FINANCIAL ADVISORS 1000 Shelard Parkway Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55426 Ms. Denise Stibal

Homewood Suites by Hilton-Minneapolis/ St. Louis Park HOTELS & MOTELS 5305 Wayzata Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Ms. Tara Boldt

Ladin Ventures, LLC

REAL ESTATE-COMMERCIAL 11140 Highway 55 Suite F Plymouth, MN 55441 Mr. Steve Ladin

Luther Enterprise

FOOD PRODUCTS - SPECIALTY & GOURMET 5990 Lake Virginia Drive Excelsior, MN 55331 Mr. Jeffrey Sullwold

Maccabee Group

PUBLIC RELATIONS 211 North First Street Suite 425 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Mr. Paul Maccabee

Practical Systems

HEATING & CONDITIONING 4342 Shady Oak Road Hopkins, MN 55343 Mr. Jeff Kline

TwinWest Directions

RENEWING MEMBERS

Congratulations to the following members who have recently celebrated their membership anniversaries. These members are part of a continued commitment to our communities through their investment in the TwinWest Chamber.

6-10 Years Cass Screw Machine Products DKS Systems ECM Publishers, Inc. Edinburgh USA Hiawatha Rubber Company MN Insurance Group, Inc. Park Dental Ridgepark The Tegra Group VISI Incorporated

1-5 Years Ameresco, Inc. Anderson Builders Binary Web Design, LLC Brunberg Blatt and Company CPA’s Damiani, Jim - NAI Welsh ev3, Inc. HealthSource of Plymouth Jos. A. Bank Mens Clothier Marketing Midwest, Inc. - Media Planning and Placement Services Mintáhoe Catering & Events Mohawk Moving and Storage, Inc. Next Stage Business Payroll Post LLC PillowGram Soulo Communications St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development Travel Leaders Weber Johnson Public Affairs, LLC

25+ Years CenterPoint Energy Citizens Independent Bank Hoigaard’s, Inc. Minnetonka Public School District #276 Park Tavern Robbinsdale Area Schools YMCA - Northwest Branch

21-24 Years AmeriStar Agency, Inc. Hopkins, City of Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP Taher, Inc. Woodhill Financial, Inc.

16-20 Years Benefits Design Group, Inc. Coldwell Banker Burnet-Minnetonka Data Recognition Corporation

11-15 Years Memorial Blood Centers

TwinWest Champions Thanks to the following people for referring new members to TwinWest. We appreciate their efforts to spread the word to others in their network about the benefits of chamber membership. Doug Johnson - Shred-N-Go, Inc. Greg Rye - Allegra Print & Imaging - Plymouth Stacy Slygh - C.E.L. If you know of someone whose business might benefit from TwinWest membership, please ask them to contact us at (763) 450-2220 or info@twinwest.com, or let us know how we might get in touch with them.

YOUR MARKET Members doing business with members – That’s the TwinWest Way! Call Mariah Hendrickson at 952-846-2042 to advertise in the next issue of Directions.

YOUR MARKET

Experience St. Louis Park Public Schools! St. Louis Park Public Schools offers a world of opportunity to all students.

St. Louis Park Offers: • Excellent teachers and staff. • 98% of district parents feel their children are taught by highly trained teachers who care about them.

YOUR MARKET

• A commitment to ensure that all students have access to equal, high-quality educational opportunities. • A wide array of educational programs and services under an international umbrella aimed at providing students with learning experiences that will enable them to succeed in a global marketplace. • Small, neighborhood schools with individual attention. • The International Baccalaureate (IB) program for students from pre-school through high school. IB is an internationally recognized method for teaching that uses inquiry, local and international focus and collaboration throughout the school day and includes weekly world language instruction for all students. • The Park Spanish Immersion (PSI) School, a K-6 elementary program provides students a high-quality, full Spanish immersion education with an international focus and global perspective. There is an application and lottery process to attend PSI.

Experience what sets the St. Louis Park Schools apart from the rest! For more information about what our schools have to offer, visit us at

www.slpschools.org

February 2010

Discover jewelry and gifts to celebrate, beautify and lift your spirits!

www.ContinentalDiamond.com

1600 Utica Avenue South Suite 130 S t.Louis Park, Minnesota 55416 | 952.59 3.5 6 0 2