February 2012 by TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

February 2012

Directions www.twinwest.com/directions

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.TM

The R-Factor Returns to TwinWest’s Gala page 5 Time for Minnesota’s Commitment to Southwest Light Rail—page 3

Profile: Representative Ryan Winkler—page 7

TwinWest Gala: Dancing Under the Stars 2012—page 4

Upcoming Events and Activities—page 12

President’s Message Time for Minnesota’s Commitment to Southwest Light Rail Southwest Light Rail has been a policy priority of the TwinWest business community for years. In fact, TwinWest first introduced support for Southwest Light Rail in 2006, when we led the formation of the Southwest Transit Alliance—a group of area chambers of commerce dedicated to the study and development of light rail from Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. Since then, our Business Agenda has included the project with the capacity to grow 60,000 jobs along the corridor. Our recently completed 2012 TwinWest Business Agenda is clear in its request for $25 million in State project bonding this year, followed by an additional $95 million next year. Governor Mark Dayton has responded by including $25 million in State funding for Southwest Light Rail in his $775 million bonding proposal. Now legislators have the task for sorting through the Governor’s bonding request. While there are a number of legislative leaders behind the advancement of the project, our job today is to convince several key legislative leaders that now is the time for the project to advance. While we know the capital costs of constructing the Southwest Light Rail line are heavy, around $1.25 billion, we are convinced the impacts are great for this area and for the state. When you look at the proposed line and its route, service to employers is top of the list. Today, 210,000 jobs can be found along the proposed line. Metropolitan Council estimates put that number at 270,000 by 2030 once the line is built. In addition to serving some the west metro’s largest employers, there are hundreds and hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses that will benefit directly and indirectly from the development of Southwest Light Rail. Financing for the project is all but complete. The only absent portion is a ten percent commitment from the State of Minnesota. The federal government will assume responsibility for $625 million (50 percent) through its competitive New Starts program, followed by the Counties Transit Improvement Board at $375 million (30 percent), and the Hennepin County Rail Authority at $125 million (10 percent). Given the impact that Southwest Light Rail will have on our area and our State, now is the time to reach out to your legislators and ask for Minnesota’s commitment to Southwest Light Rail.

Bruce Nustad, president

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—February 2012

27th Annual Gala Mark your calendar for March 9 Mark your calendar: 27th Annual TwinWest Gala Friday, March 9, 2012 7:00 p.m.—12:00 a.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis—Park Place, St. Louis Park Enjoy fine dining, dancing, live and silent auctions, raffles, and more at the 27th Annual TwinWest Gala. $85/ticket; buy 10 tickets, get 2 free Link | 27th Annual TwinWest Gala Link | Donate an Auction Item Proceeds from this event benefit TwinWest Chamber of Commerce initiatives and the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation scholarship fund. Support your business community through participation in the Gala!

Thank you to these sponsors: Allina Health, Platinum Sponsor CenterPoint Energy, Gold Sponsor CliftonLarsonAllen, Gold Sponsor Center National Bank, Silver Sponsor Circadian, Silver Sponsor Medica, Silver Sponsor Rasmussen College, Silver Sponsor TDS, Silver Sponsor Xcel Energy, Silver Sponsor Cass Screw Machine Products, Bronze Sponsor Duke Realty Corp., Bronze Sponsor Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley, Bronze Sponsor Twin Cities Orthopedics, Bronze Sponsor Best Wishes Floral, Floral Sponsor Crescent Moon Productions, Lighting Sponsor DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis – Park Place, Host Sponsor Encore Events, Décor Sponsor Fuzzy Duck Design, Design Sponsor Graham Jewelers, Raffle Sponsor High Five, Raffle Favor Sponsor J & F Reddy Rents, Inc., Transportation Sponsor Liberty Carton Company, Décor Sponsor Morrie’s Cadillac & Saab, Valet Sponsor Star Tribune, Media Sponsor Swank Audio Visuals, Audio/Visual Sponsor Speedpro NW Minneapolis, Signage Sponsor The Magic of Suzanne, Entertainment Sponsor Wallace Carlson Printing, Print Sponsor

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—February 2012

27th Annual Gala Award-winning The R-Factor brings great history to the 27th Annual TwinWest Gala Robinson, Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Huey Lewis, The Temptations, and many more.

Enjoy an evening celebrating the business community and 27 years of the TwinWest Annual Gala on March 9. Dance the night away while sampling delicious sweet and savory selections offered by many of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers. This event also includes live and silent auctions, as well as the popular ―Wall of Wine.‖ Back this year is one of the Twin Cities hottest dance bands - The R-Factor. The band, formerly known as The Rupert’s Orchestra, consists of 18 talented musicians that perform throughout the United States at many different types of events. The R-Factor is made up of six singers and an eight piece band, including a four piece horn section, a four piece rhythm section, and two violins. The R-Factor has provided back-up, or played with artists including Michael Bolton, The Beach Boys, Celine Dion, Smokey

The members of the band are a powerhouse of studio musicians that have played both in Minnesota and across the country. Emil Campbell and Mark Lickteig lead the group as musical directors who have perfected every last detail of the performance. Campbell made his mark from Florida to Las Vegas with his dynamic impersonations of Michael Jackson and Prince. Lickteig is one of the most respected artists in the business having played thousands of shows for hundreds of corporations. The artists have extensive education and experience in the industry. A few accomplishments of others in the group include: Chazz Reed, the percussionist in the group was the drum and stage tech for the late great Ray Charles; Margaret Cox, vocalist, co-wrote a song on Paula Abdul’s Forever Your Girl album; Kimberly Michaels, vocalist, has performed in several theatrical productions; and guitar player, Joe Elliott, is the guitar department head at McNally Smith College of Music.

The R-Factor won ―Best Entertainment‖ for the Minnesota Meetings and Events Readers’ Choice Awards in 2009. The musicians’ eclectic backgrounds and variety of musical instruments allows them to have a complete variety, including 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and today, big band, Motown, classic rock, R&B, soul, top 40, country, oldies, swing, and jazz. See The R-Factor at TwinWest’s 27th Annual Gala, learn more at www.therfactor.com, or contact Marsh Edelstein, Marsh Productions Entertainment Agency, Inc., for more information (www.marshproductions.com, tel. 952.922.1800, e-mail marsh@marshproductions.com).

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—February 2012

27th Annual Gala... Top area restaurants and caterers at the 27th Annual TwinWest Gala TwinWest’s Gala Committee (right) welcomes and thanks these restaurants and caterers for providing a fantastic experience for Gala attendees at the upcoming March 9 event.

27th Annual TwinWest Gala Committee: Bev Russell—Committee Chair, CAbi/Independent Fashion Consultant Virginia Atony, Virginia Atony, Realtor-Edina Realty Mike Collins, Cutting Edge Property Maintenance Jane Denny, Evolve Systems Mike Dietz, Wallace Carlson Printing Catherine Flaherty, Money Mailer Twin Cities Sue Frick, Signature Bank Gail Furseth, Wallace Carlson Printing Daniel Goldman, Twin Realty Investment Co. Kari Johnke-Henzler, International Travel Care Kayla Knudsen, Fuzzy Duck Design Leslie Knutson, Nexpro Personnel Services Lala Latgnotha-Wieser, Tranquility Dental Christy Lewis, Doran Construction Michele Okerlund, Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLC Patricia Trumbull, Mary Kay Cosmetics Georgene Vesey, Woody’s Grille—Plymouth Sarah Wells, Citizens Independent Bank—St. Louis Park Brad Hintze, Passing Seisen, Plc

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—February 2012

Profile... Minnesota Representative Ryan Winkler (DFL) District: 44B Year Elected: 2006 Term: Third District: 44B Contact Information: ryan.winkler@house.mn (651)296-7026 Legislative Assistant: Susan Merthan Home: Golden Valley Education: B.A., Harvard (history); J.D., U of MN Family: Wife, Jenny; Three boys (7,5,2) Committees/organizations you participate in as Mayor: State Government Finance, Government Operations and Elections, Legacy What initially sparked your interest in running for public office? Since I was young, I’ve been interested in history, government and politics. When I was five, I explained to my 11 year-old sister how homestead property taxes work (probably because my dad was a home builder, but who knows?). My parents taught us that we were fortunate to be from Minnesota, and I care very much about the future of our state.

What specific bills or initiatives will you be working on during the 2012 legislative session?  Make tax codes simpler for people and businesses.  Connect high school students with certification programs so they have a technical education as soon as they graduate and can enter the workforce.  Reform how government works, which includes legislation to prevent another state shutdown.  Increase the amount of research and development from the colleges by making grant money more accessible.  Use the state surplus to pay down debt. What should the Governor and legislature do to help stimulate the economy, support job growth, and increase Minnesota’s economic competitiveness? Support research and development expansion in the academic and private sectors, simplify Minnesota’s tax code, expand access to technical education, invest in early childhood education.

As it relates to a bonding bill this session, what should be the legislature’s focus and what funding limit is appropriate? Every bonding bill should be focused on long-term economic infrastructure, especially transportation (including transit), college and university buildings, water treatment facilities, expanding broadband access to schools. Continued on the next page….

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—February 2012

...Profile

Minnesota Representative Ryan Winkler (DFL) District: 44B Continued from page 10... Given recent problematic state budget deficits and volatile revenue, does the state have a spending problem? A revenue problem? Or both? Both. Minnesota has a long-term spending problem because of rising health care costs and rising numbers of elderly and disabled people, and a revenue problem because we have been unable to raise state tax since we cut them in the middle of the dot-com boom. Our price of government is lower now than 20 years ago, but in 2011 we resorted to short-term budget fixes and unprecedented debt for operations instead of aligning revenue and expenditures.

What is your favorite pastime or leisure activity? With three young kids, most of my leisure time involves enjoying time with them. When I can, I enjoy running, reading and hunting. What is something from your past or present that people would be surprised to know about you? When I was 12 years old, I was hit by a boat while riding my bike. Seriously, I grew up in Bemidji and was on a bike ride when a boat and trailer unhitched from a moving pick-up and hit from behind. Link | Rep. Winklerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legislative Profile

What advice do you have for the business community as it relates to making an impact on the upcoming legislative session? The business community is well-represented at the State Capitol, but TwinWest should particularly push the Southwest Corridor LRT project so that Republican opposition can be overcome.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;February 2012

Members

Welcome New Members/Member Orientation Photos Anytime Fitness 4190 Vinewood Lane North Plymouth, MN 55442 Beth Linton HEALTH & FITNESS PRODUCTS/ CENTERS

Apple Automatic Food Service 3525 Kilmer Lane Plymouth, MN 55441 Mark Young VENDING MACHINES & SERVICES

Ardaich, LLC. 12800 Industrial Park Blvd. Suite 100 Plymouth, MN 55441 Glen Townsend MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Carciofini Company

JAmdal Architects, LLC

755 East Cliff Road Suite 100B Burnsville, MN 55337 Heather Grazzini CONTRACTORS

10700 West Highway 55 Suite 317 Plymouth, MN 55441 Jack Amdal ARCHITECTS REAL ESTATECOMMERCIAL

CHOICE, Inc. 9850 1st Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55442 Holly Pounds NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Scott Builders, Inc. 12 Division Street Buffalo, MN 55313 Aron Hill CONTRACTORS

TwinWest hosts Member Orientation every month on the first Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m., at the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce office in Plymouth. Link | Member Orientation March 7 Left to right: Jack Amdal - JAmdal Architects, LLC; Sean Leyk The Grounds Guys; Mandy Scott-Scott Builders; Aron Hill - Scott Builders; Jason Touw - Group 3 Marketing

Member Orientation sponsor:

Encore Events 1971 Seneca Road Eagan, MN 55122 Yvonne Arendt EVENT PRODUCTION & LOGISTICS WEDDING SUPPLIES & SERVICES

GREG RYE OWNER AND CEO

603 EAST LAKE STREET SUITE 213 WAYZATA, MN 55391 952-476-8392 OFFICE 612-581-7608 CELL GREGRYE@AOL.COM

Left to right: John Septer - Messerli & Kramer, P.A.; Lisa Desotelle -Wipfli, LLP; Lance Weigel - Aagesen Chiropractic Clinic; Rachelle Martini - SERVPRO of Minnetonka

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

“It’s All About Relationships”

Directions—February 2012

Members

Renewing Members

25+ Years_____________________ CenturyLink Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company Luther Hopkins Honda Minneapolis Mart Taher, Inc. 21-25 Years___________________ AmeriStar Agency, Inc. Data Recognition YMCA-Ridgedale 16-20 Years___________________ Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park 1-15 Years___________________ Cummings Keegan & Co., P.L.L.P Fuzzy Duck Design The Tegra Group WorkAbilities 6-10 Years____________________ Buffalo Wild Wings Cass Screw Machine Products Edinburgh USA eQuality—Pathway to Potential Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems—Twin Cities Shoppes at Arbor Lakes Paychex Sam's Club

1-5 Years_____________________ Alerus Financial Ameresco, Inc. Brunberg Blatt & Co. Choice Psychotherapy, Ltd. Cleveland Maher, LLC. DS&B, Ltd. Hart Law Office HealthSource of Plymouth Homeward Bound, Inc. M&I Bank– Wayzata Minneapolis Die Casting, LLC Money Mailer Minneapolis West New Concepts Management Group, Inc. Pulte Homes Sicora, Inc. Star Tribune Media Company United Health Group Weber Johnson Public Affairs

Chuck Slocum, February Volunteer Superstar! TwinWest is proud to recognize Chuck Slocum, The Williston Group, as our February Volunteer Superstar. Chuck is a longtime champion of TwinWest and has been very active in the Chamber’s public policy initiatives. Slocum brings guests to our legislative breakfasts and is a mainstay at most policy development meetings. Readers of TwinWest’s ―In Touch‖ government affairs e-mail also recognize Slocum as a regular contributor. Finally, Slocum has never been afraid to go the extra mile and engage our elected representatives on TwinWest’s behalf. Thank you Chuck!

Chamber Champion Thank you to this champion for referring a new member to TwinWest: Greg Rye, R & R Business Development Company If you know someone whose business would benefit from membership, contact TwinWest’s Jacqui Sauter at (763) 450-2228, or jacqui@twinwest.com. When your new member joins we’ll issue you $35 in TwinWest credit.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—February 2012

Snapshots

Link | www.twinwest.com/photos

Legislative Breakfast Session Preview

Overtime at State Farm Insurance —Tracy Taylor Agency

St. Louis Park Business Council Meeting

Emerging Leaders Luncheon with Brad Rixmann TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—February 2012

February Calendar... Wednesday, February 1 Member Orientation| link 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend.

Monday, February 6 Power Partners Networking|link 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required.

Each month TwinWest offers an opportunity for new members and new employees of existing members to learn about their opportunities with the chamber and how to maximize your membership.

Power Partners is a networking program that helps members exchange business leads.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane, just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road. TwinWest is on the right.

Tuesday, February 7 New Hope State of the City|link 7:30a.m. - 9:00 a.m. New Hope City Hall 4401 Xylon Avenue North, New Hope Investment: Free to attend

Thursday, February 2 St. Louis Park Business Council | link 7:30– 9:00 a.m. Wolfe Lake Professional Center 5000 36th Street, St. Louis Park Investment: No cost to attend. The St. Louis Park Business Council is for business and civic leaders who want to have a voice in local government and grassroots issues. This monthly event is great for businesses looking to get active in their local community. To get there: Take Highway 100 to Highway 7. Turn left on Highway 7. Turn right on Belt Line Boulevard. Citizens Independent Bank is located in the Wolfe Lake Professional Center.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road.

You are invited to the 2012 New Hope State of the City Address presented by Mayor Kathi Hemken and City Manager Kirk McDonald at the New Hope City Hall. Hear about the plans for the City and upcoming initiatives. Coffee and rolls will be served. To get there: Take 169 to the County Road 9 East/ Rockford Road exit. Take County Road 9 East to Xylon Avenue North. Take a left on Xolyn Avenue and the City Hall will be on your left hand side.

Friday, February 10 TwinWest Legislative Breakfast I Met Council Chair Susan Haigh|link 7:30—9:00 a.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis – Park Place, 1500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park Investment: $30 for members. This month’s breakfast features Metropolitan Council Chair Susan Haigh as our keynote speaker. Haigh was appointed chair of the Metropolitan Council by Governor Mark Dayton in January 2011. To get there: From I-394 take the Park Place/Xenia exit. Go south on Park Place Boulevard, and then turn right on 16th.

Tuesday, February 14 Plymouth Business Council |link 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners 1605, County Road 101 N, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend. The Plymouth Business Council is for business and civic leaders who want to have a voice and make an impact on local government and grassroots issues. Come attend the Plymouth Business Council meeting to engage in conversations on timely topics with city, school, county, and state public officials while networking with local business leaders. Event partner: Plymouth Rotary. To get there: From Highway 55 going west, turn right on Northwest Boulevard before 494. Take a left onto Campus Drive. Wednesday, February 15 Government Affairs Meeting | link 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend. Discuss public policy issues impacting the business community. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane, just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—February 2012

...February Calendar Wednesday, February 15 Overtime at Buffalo Wild Wings |link 4:30-6:30 p.m. Buffalo Wild Wings 3505 Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend. Join Twin West and Buffalo Wild Wings as we host the February Overtime Event. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a right onto Vicksburg Lane. Please note that the February 16th Crystal /New Hope Business Council is cancelled for the month of February. Members are encouraged to attend the February 7 New Hope State of the City event.

Monday, February 20 Power Partners Networking|link 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required. Power Partners is a networking program that helps members exchange business leads. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road.

Tuesday, February 21 Prospective Member Forum | link 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend. TwinWest invites you to a one-hour forum to learn how to grow your network and improve the business climate through TwinWest. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road. Wednesday, February 22 Emerging Leaders Luncheon | link 11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m. Golden Valley Golf & Country Club 7001 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley Investment: $30 for members Join TwinWest's Emerging Leaders for the February monthly luncheon featuring University of Minnesota President Dr. Eric Kaler. Dr. Kaler will share his vision for the University of Minnesota and its place here in our community and on the national stage and talk about his experience so far as the 16th president in the University's history. To get there: Go east on Highway 55, turn left on to Winnetka Avenue North. Take a right onto Golden Valley Road.

Tuesday, February 28 Hopkins State of the City Address| link 5:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Main Street Hopkins, MN 55343 Investment: No Cost to Attend Join Mayor Gene Maxwell and City Manager Mike Morrison for the 2012 Hopkins State of the City Address. Be Expand your network, get involved in the city, and learn from Hopkins City Council members and staff as the discuss local issues and city initiatives of interest to you as a business owner or resident To get there: Take 169 to Excelsior Boulevard. Go west on Excelsior Boulevard. Turn Right onto 11th Avenue South and the Hopkins Center for the Arts will be on the left hand side.

Wednesday, February 29 Minnetonka State of the City Address| link 7:30a.am.-9:00a.m. Minnetonka Community Center Community Room 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard Minnetonka, MN 55345 Investment: No Cost to Attend You are invited to the 2012 Minnetonka State of the City Address presented by Mayor Terry Schneider. Hear about plans for the city and upcoming initiatives. Coffee and rolls will be served. To get there: Take 494 to the Minnetonka Boulevard exit. Go west on Minnetonka Boulevard . The Minnetonka Community Center will be on your right hand side.

Register for Events To register for any TwinWest event: Online | www.twinwest.com/events E-mail | info@twinwest.com Call | (763) 450-2220

Post Your Events Post your events for free on TwinWest’s online member and community event calendar. Link | www.twinwest.com/yourevent

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—February 2012

Board & Leadership TwinWest Board of Directors Executive Committee Greg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys, Chair Mike Sowada, Chair-elect Dannette Coleman, Medica, Past Chair Nathan Agre, Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs, Treasurer Bruce Nustad, TwinWest, President Directors Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank Gordy Engel, The Foursome Fine Apparel and Shoes Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park Rick Kaufman, Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises Ron Leino, Liberty Carton, Co., an LDI Company Luke Litteken, CenterPoint Energy Pat Mascia, Duke Realty Corp. Samantha Metcalf, LarsonAllen LLP Pamela Muldoon, Next Stage Media Group Bob Schlichte, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley Matt Thompson, US Bank Beth Ulrich, Fuzzy Duck Design

TwinWest Staff

Bruce Nustad, President Judy Johnson, Government Affairs Director Jacqui Sauter, Regional Sales Director Chris Kirwan, Member & Community Engagement Director Kristen George, Administrative Assistant Anne Haberman, Communications & Operations Director

TwinWest Partners Loretta Kenney-Lillejord, Owl Bookkeeping & CFO Services, Accounting Victoria Marley, Signature Events Representative

Contact Us TwinWest Chamber of Commerce 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 Phone | (763) 450-2220 Fax | (763) 450-2221 Link | www.twinwest.com

TwinWest Directions magazine is published electronically ten times a year by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth, MN 55441, phone (763) 450-2220. Annual subscription rate of $40 is included in a TwinWest membership investment. TwinWest serves the communities of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka, New Hope, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, and the surrounding areas.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions窶認ebruary 2012