January 2011
Meet TwinWest’s State Delegations Feature story page 9
32 Sen. Warren Limmer
33 Sen. Gen Olson
42 Sen. David Hann
43 Sen. Terri Bonoff
44 Sen. Ron Latz
45 Sen. Ann Rest
46 Sen. Linda Scheid
47 Sen. Benjamin Kruse
32B Rep. Kurt Zellers
33A Rep. Steve Smith
33B Rep. Connie Doepke
42A Rep. Kirk Stensrud
43A Rep. Sarah Anderson
43B Rep. John Benson
44A Rep. Steve Simon
44B Rep. Ryan Winkler
45A Rep. Sandra Peterson
45B Rep. Lyndon Carlson
46A Rep. Michael Nelson
46B Rep. Debra Hilstrom
47B Rep. Melissa Hortman
26th Annual TwinWest Gala: Riverboat Mavericks page 4 Avoiding claims for unused PTO 2010 TwinWest Events recap
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table of contents
from the president’s desk
2011: The Year of the Rabbit, and Optimistically Jobs If you follow the Chinese zodiac, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit. The rabbit represents the fourth of twelve zodiac symbols and is generally considered a lucky sign. According to tradition, the rabbit brings a year where you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. (Coincidently, 2010 was the Year of the Tiger—a fiery fighter.) From a business community perspective, I hope when we look back on 2011 we will be able to refer to it as the Year of Jobs. Economically, Minnesota’s November forecast gives us cause for concern, as well as reason to be optimistic. Here are a few of the highlights from the state’s Management and Budget department forecast, as released in early December:
State budget A $400 million surplus is predicted to round out the 2010-2011 biennium, followed by a difficult $6.2 billion projected state budget shortfall for 2012-2013. This deficit stands to impact services delivered by all levels of government and force us to debate spending and revenue relative to the state’s coffers. Economic growth Our economic recovery, from what is being called the Great Recession, is slower than expected, but this is fortunately not a signal of back-to-back recessions. Slow economic growth results in some positives for the business community and jobs, but fails to provide the momentum needed to fuel a swift economic recovery. Minnesota’s recovery Our recovery appears to be faster than the average across the U.S., capped by the fact that our unemployment rate is 2.5 percent lower than the average (7.1 percent in Minnesota versus 9.6 percent across the country). Our biggest employment gains have been in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, retail trade, and manufacturing, with an average of 5,500 private sector jobs added each month in 2010. Jobs in 2011 State job projections for 2011 are predicted to fall short of 2010 levels and may just keep pace with new people entering the workforce and basic population growth, totaling an estimated 2,000 new jobs a month in early 2011, raising to 4,000 new jobs a month in early 2012. In conversations with business owners through our business retention efforts at TwinWest, we hear a lot of optimism. Business owners feel like the economy and their related opportunities are improving. There is a broad sense that spending is on the rise. For true economic improvement in 2011, we need to see that spending and optimism result in investments—investments in the workforce, investments in equipment, and investments in research and development. see letter page 4
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 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dannette Coleman, Medica, Chair of the Board Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, Past Chair of the Board Greg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys, Chair-elect of the Board Nathan Agre, Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs, Treasurer Bruce Nustad, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, President DIRECTORS Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank Mike Corbin, General Mills Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park Annette Hruby, Costco - St. Louis Park Rick Kaufman, Owl Bookkeeping & CFO Services Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Ron Leino, Liberty Carton Co., an LDI Company Luke Litteken, CenterPoint Energy Pamela Muldoon, Next Stage Business Tim Raymond, Voyager Bank – Minnetonka Matt Schadow, Ameristar Agency, Inc. Mike Sowada, VISI Incorporated Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners Beth Ulrich, Fuzzy Duck Design
4 beCONNECTED
Network with over 2,300 TwinWest area businesses leaders in your community.
5 F EATURED EVENT 26th Annual TwinWest Gala: Riverboat Mavericks
6 MEMBER PROFILE
Northland Inn - A member in the news Member Orientation photos
7 $UCCESS TWINWEST 8 PROFILES 9 FEATURE STORY Avoiding claims for unused PTO
Senator Linda Scheid, District 46
Meet TwinWest’s state and local delegations
EVENTS & 10 PROGRAM DETAILS
Make plans to attend TwinWest’s events in January, including: Member Orientation; Member Talk; Network Connections Networking Group; Power Partners Networking; Perspective Member Forum; Legislative Breakfast; Business Showcase; Overtime, etc.
11 CHAMBER NEWS 2009-2010 13 CIRCLE AWARDS 2010 TwinWest Event Recap
2010 TwinWest Event Recap
MEMBERS - NEW & 14 RENEWING
TwinWest encourages all of our members to conduct business with one another
TwinWest Staff Bruce Nustad, President Judy Johnson, Director of Government Affairs Jacqui Sauter, Regional Sales Director Chris Kirwan, Director of Member & Community Engagement Dan Thorp, Administrative Assistant Loretta Kenney-Lillejord, Owl Bookkeeping & CFO Services, Accounting Victoria Marley, Signature Events Representative
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
January 2011
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beConnected text
Network with over 2,300 TwinWest area businesses leaders in your community. When you choose the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce as your business organization, you are joining 900 other businesses and 3,000 business leaders who make up the voice of business in the 10 cities within our footprint and beyond. As the Chamber continues to grow, so do the benefits available to our members.
Examples: Business Showcases and Overtimes Exclusive Networking Groiups 100+ Networking Events including 4 Social Events such as the TwinWest Gala Business to Business Expos Member Orientation Peer Education Groups Legislative Breakfast Emerging Leaders
Join TwinWest now and recieve a complimentary one-time use membership list, perfect for connecting with businesses in your area. For more information on membership or to discuss your opportunities within TwinWest, visit www.twinwest.com/beConnected or contact us at (763) 450-2220 or info@twinwest.com.
“Last year, 30 percent of our business came from TwinWest members. We received it from advertising in the TwinWest Directions magazine, the TwinWest Membership Directory and Business Resource Guide, and networking at a variety of TwinWest events.� - Steve McCulloch, Linsk Flowers
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TwinWest Directions
letter from page 3 TwinWest stands ready to carry on our tradition of actively building the business community. As we begin 2011, we continue our efforts through the Grow Minnesota! business retention program to understand what impedes job growth, to advocate solutions to our elected officials via our Business Agenda, to improve educational opportunities through our Business Education Partnership program with area schools and the TwinWest Foundation scholarship programs, and to drive business locally through predictable networking events. Today, it is as important as ever that the business community create opportunity resulting in jobs. TwinWest is proud to work for you and your business as Minnesota moves toward economic recovery in 2011. On New Years Eve, I invite you to join me in raising a glass to the Year of the Rabbit, and optimistically the Year of Jobs. Sincerely,
Bruce Nustad President
featured event
26th Annual TwinWest Gala: Riverboat Mavericks
Try your luck and have some old-fashioned fun and excitement at the 26th Annual TwinWest Gala: Riverboat Mavericks. This year’s Gala departs on an entertaining journey of great games, tasty treats, and fantastic door prizes. Join us to play black jack, roulette, and craps. The event also includes a live and silent auction, featuring the “Wall of Wine,” back by popular demand. Get a taste of some sweet and savory selections offered by many local restaurants and caterers. All members, guests, friends and families are invited and encouraged to attend the Gala—we hope to see you there!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR 26th Annual TwinWest Gala Friday, March 11, 2011 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place - St. Louis Park Purchase your tickets by January 15, 2011 to save $10 each. Tickets are $75 including tax through January 15; $85 including tax beginning January 16. Purchase 10 tickets and receive two free! Visit www.twinwest.com/gala or call (763) 450-2220.
Sponsorship Opportunities! Gala sponsorship investments range from $250 to $5,000. For more information, contact Victoria Marley at (763) 450-2227 or victoria@twinwest.com.
January 2011
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member profile
Northland Inn - A member in the news Member name: David Anderson Business name: Northland Inn In business since: 1989 Number of employees: 130 Location: Brooklyn Park
Why does your business belong to the TwinWest Chamber? The TwinWest Chamber is an excellent source of both vendors and customers. We try to use local merchants and services whenever possible. We want to grow the local community so that the local community can help us grow.
What is your main service/product? We are an executive conference center with an all-suite hotel attached. The Northland Inn has 33,000 square feet of meeting space, with 231 two-and three-room suites. Every suite has a separate living and bedroom, with a two-person whirlpool tub. What makes you stand out from your competition? Service. For over 20 years the Northland Inn has been known for its customer service and the quality of its people. It doesn’t matter whether you have a 10 person board meeting or an 800 person sales conference, our team members will take care of you.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
What’s your company’s most significant recent accomplishment? We have had several notable events recently, including a gubernatorial debate, Minnesota Teacher of the Year Awards, and the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. We have also recently been sold to Fidelity Investments. They are scheduled to do a $12-$14 million renovation over the next 12 months. The renovation will be done in small stages so as not to disrupt business.
Member Orientation Derick White Photos is TwinWest’s TwinWest members are actively involved in our January volunteer events and programs. Whether our members are networking, developing plans for TwinWest superstar! 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.
December Member Orientation. From left to right: Bryan Frandrup - Highland Bank; Dan DeMuth Performance in Motion; Matt Marek - Minnesota School of Business; Tom Bengtson - NFR Communications
We are happy to announce that TwinWest’s first Volunteer Superstar of 2011 is Derick White of Business Efficacy. With over 18 years of experience in marketing and sales management, Derick has amassed an impressive list of contacts in the local business community. Derick is always willing to leverage his connections to make introductions and forge valuable partnerships throughout the TwinWest service area and beyond. From recruiting new members to the Chamber to developing and strengthening existing business relationships within our membership, Derick has been a great ambassador for TwinWest. Thank you Derick for all you have done and all you continue to do.
David Anderson danderson@northlandinn.com 7025 Northland Drive North Minneapolis, MN 55428 (763) 536-3329 www.northlandinn.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.
TwinWest Foundation 2011 High School Scholarship applications available
The TwinWest Foundation is dedicated to helping students realize their educational dreams. Each year TwinWest Foundation scholarships are granted to graduating high school students from TwinWest member school districts and private schools. Students are evaluated based on their academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, community service, work history, and financial need. Typical college scholarships range from $500 to $1,500. The Foundation’s Legacy Scholarship, ranging from $5,000 to $7,500, is awarded each year to one outstanding high school senior who exemplifies positive leadership attributes and is a wellrounded student role model. Scholarship awards are announced in April each year. Applications are available now and are due at 5:00 p.m. on January 28, 2011. Go online to www.twinwest.com/foundation to download an application.
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TwinWest Directions
$uccess TwinWest
Avoiding claims for unused PTO While most employers choose to provide vacation or paid time off (“PTO”) as a benefit to their employees, many do not have adequate policies to address the payment of unused PTO when employment ends. PTO constitutes wages under Minnesota law, meaning that employees are entitled to payment for all unused PTO after discharge, unless the employer sets conditions upon how and whether to compensate employees for unused PTO. An employer who grants PTO and fails to pay it out to an employee upon discharge without having limited the employee’s right to the PTO could face a claim under Minnesota’s Wage Act. Employers have a number of options to avoid claims for unpaid PTO. An employer can simply choose to pay all accrued PTO upon termination without exception. This is the safest and most conservative option. If an employer chooses to grant PTO but wants to reserve the right not to pay accrued PTO upon termination (if, for example, the employee is terminated for cause or fails to give notice), it may do so by clearly stating in the employee handbook that PTO will not be earned or paid in those situations.
Where a PTO policy is contained in an employee handbook, an employer should include a clear disclaimer stating that the handbook itself is not a contract. Earlier this year, a Minnesota court held a handbook disclaimer precluded the formation of a contract for PTO and prevented an employee from recovering unused PTO. Although a PTO policy contained in a handbook with a disclaimer should protect employers from claims in most cases, problems could still arise if PTO is found to have been promised to employees not withstanding the disclaimer. An alternative is to enter an agreement with employees –separate from the handbook –setting conditions for earning and accruing PTO during employment and payment of PTO upon discharge. Such a contract should not create other obligations for the employer or alter the at-will employment status of its employees.
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profiles
Profiles: Senator Linda Scheid District 46 I will work for education reforms at the K-12 level as well as more accountability and affordability in higher education. Minnesota employers need all of our students to succeed to increase our competitive edge in the market place.
What notable accomplishment are you most proud of while serving as a State Legislator?
Name: Linda Scheid Year Elected: to the House 1976, re-elected 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990; elected to the Senate 1996, re-elected 2000, 2002, 2006, 2010 Term: 5th District/Cities: District 46, consisting of southern half of Brooklyn Park and all of Brooklyn Center Contact: www.senate.mn/lindascheid or (651) 296-8869 Home: Brooklyn Park: 6625 81st Ave. N. 55445 Education: BA: Coe College, JD: William Mitchell College of Law Family: 2 sons, 1 granddaughter How would you characterize the upcoming 2011 session given the difficult budget deficits facing the state? Really tough. Campaign rhetoric aside, there is no single solution. Just raising taxes on high incomes doesn’t get us the answer. Just cutting is not tolerable. Saying we won’t spend more than last year sounds good, but where will you cut after you have more people in nursing homes or prison, higher medical costs, and serious increases in the cost of higher education? I think the answer lies in some of “all of the above”.
What specific bills or initiatives will you work on this session as it relates to jobs and economic growth? I support tax policy that encourages job creation. I have long supported lowering (ultimately eliminating) the corporate income tax. I do think we ought to consider extension of the sales tax to clothing, but that may not go far.
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TwinWest Directions
1). Tort reform, especially joint and several liability. 2). Property tax reform for C-I (commercial and industrial). 3). Many election and campaign finance reforms including the ban on fundraising during a legislative session (soliciting or accepting contributions from PACs or lobbyists). 4). Legislation that enables cancer patients to have access to oral chemotherapy by improving its affordability. 5). North Memorial Hospital in Maple Grove.
Where do you sense there is the best opportunity for bi-partisanship during the 2011 session? Mark Dayton and the two new leaders of the legislature, Representative Kurt Zellers and Senator Amy Koch, all are committed to a strong, well-governed Minnesota. We surely need them to find ways to work together. Similarly legislators will need to do the same. And if we do, there will be an opportunity.
What advice do you have for TwinWest members to make an impact on the legislative process? Don’t give up on us and always feel free to share your ideas and concerns. As I see it, TwinWest members have shown other civic organizations how to make an impact – tort reform and the gas tax come to mind.
What is your favorite local or state landmark and why? My favorite landmark is the aerial lift bridge in Duluth, because it is unique but also because it symbolizes the city itself. I love Duluth!
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you from your past or present? While serving in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia in the 60’s I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for the first time, then again in 1987.
Do you know any innovative, hardworking, TwinWestmember small business entrepreneurs? Now’s the time to turn the spotlight on them! The Small Business Awards Taskforce is currently soliciting nominations for our 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year awards. These awards give much-deserved attention to those who take the risk of starting and running business enterprises. All candidates must be TwinWest members for at least one year by the end of May 2011. An Entrepreneur of the Year candidate must have established and maintained a successful business with $100 million or less in annual revenue, which is five or more years old. An Emerging Entrepreneur must have established a company with $100 million or less in annual revenue, which is less than five years old and more than one year old and displays excellent growth potential. Nomination deadline is January 14, 2011. Submit nominations to Chris Kirwan at chris@twinwest. com. For additional details about these awards and who is eligible, please visit www.twinwest.com/ awards.
feature story
Meet TwinWest’s state and local delegations TwinWest prides itself on establishing and maintaining good relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials. TwinWest is a strong advocate for businesses, and we look to not only represent your interests, but to bridge the gap between the business community and elected officials and provide opportunities for direct dialogue. Read more for a recap of local election contests in the TwinWest area, as well as an updated listing of your elected representatives.
Minnesota House TwinWest area members of the House: District 32B: Kurt Zellers (R) District 33A: Steve Smith (R) District 33B: Connie Doepke (R) District 42A: Kirk Stensrud (R) District 43A: Sarah Anderson (R) District 43B: John Benson (D) District 44A: Steve Simon (D) District 44B: Ryan Winkler (D) District 45A: Sandra Peterson (D) District 45B: Lyndon Carlson (D) District 46A: Michael Nelson (D) District 46B: Debra Hilstrom (D) District 47B: Melissa Hortman (D)
Minnesota State TwinWest area members of the Senate: District 32: Warren Limmer (R) District 33: Gen Olson (R) District 42: David Hann (R) District 43: Terri Bonoff (D) District 44: Ron Latz (R) District 45: Ann Rest (D) District 46: Linda Scheid (D) District 47: Benjamin Kruse (R)
Local Elections Several TwinWest communities and school districts held local elections on November 3, 2010. Following is a list of all cities’ leaders: Hennepin County District 1: Commissioner Mike Opat, County Board Chair District 2: Commissioner Mark Stenglein, County Board Vice Chair District 3: Commissioner Gail Dorfman District 4: Commissioners Peter McLaughlin District 5: Commissioner Randy Johnson District 6: Commissioner Janis (Jan) Callison District 7: Commissioner Jeff R. Johnson
Brooklyn Center Mayor: Tim Willson City Council: Kay Lasman, Tim Roche, Dan Ryan, Mark Yelich Brooklyn Park Mayor: Steve Lampi City Council: Peter Crema, Rich Gates, Dean Heng, Jeff Lunde, Jeanette Meyer, Mike Trepanier Crystal Mayor: ReNae Bowman City Council: David Anderson, Garry Grimes, Mark Hoffmann, Janet Moore, Laurie Ann Moore, Joseph Selton Golden Valley Mayor: Linda Loomis City Council: Mike Freiberg, Paula Pentel, DeDe Scanlon, and Bob Shaffer Hopkins Mayor: Gene Maxwell City Council: Kristi Halverson, Bruce Rowan, Rick Brausen, and Cheryl Youakim Medicine Lake Mayor: Mary Anne Young City Council: Gary Holter, Scott Marks, Ron Tomczik, Jack Garber
Minnetonka Mayor: Terry Schneider City Council: Dick Allendorf, Bob Ellingson, Amber Greves, Tony Wagner, Brad Wiersum, and James Hiller New Hope: Mayor: Kathi Hemken City Council: John Elder, Andy Hoffe, Eric Lammle, Daniel Stauner Plymouth Mayor: Kelli Slavik City Council: Tim Bildsoe, Ginny Black, Judy Johnson (TwinWest director of government affairs), Kathleen Murdock, Bob Stein, Jim Willis St. Louis Park Mayor: Jeff Jacobs City Council: Paul Omodt, Phil Finkelstein, Anne Mavity, Julia Ross, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, John Basill, Loran Paprocki, and C. Paul Carver The TwinWest Chamber looks forward to working with all of these elected officials to meet the challenges the business community faces. Although state and local governments will have to deal with some daunting issues, we are confident we can work together with these experienced and skilled officials to protect and enhance business interests in 2011. January 2011
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event & program details
January 2011 5
Member Orientation 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend. NOTE NEW LOCATION.
ROI: Learn how to make the most of your investment and get a jump start on networking. 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.
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St. Louis Park Business Council 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Wolfe Lake Professional Center 5000 36th Street, St. Louis Park No cost to attend.
ROI: Get involved in the St. Louis Park business community and hear updates from the city and schools.
Connect with success at TwinWest’s events and programs—your links to influential people, innovative ideas, and exclusive opportunities.
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TwinWest Legislative Breakfast: Session Preview 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place 1500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park (952) 542-8600 Investment: $30/members; $40/nonmembers
ROI: This event will feature our popular Session Preview. We will hear from legislative leaders on what the business community can expect during the 2011 session. Will budget solutions be reached early in session? Will the legislature support pro-jobs, probusiness community positions as we all work to move the state’s economy forward? What pitfalls await legislative leaders as they work to support positions within their respective parties and caucuses? You won’t want to miss out on this dynamic conversation from the legislative newsmakers, themselves!
Power Partners Networking 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Integra Telecom 6160 Golden Hills Drive, Golden Valley (763) 745-8000 Investment: $75/year
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ROI: Connect with success with TwinWest. Meet other members, exchange ideas and sales leads, and build relationships. Thank you to our Legislative Breakfast Sustaining Sponsor:
Thank you to our Legislative Breakfast Session Sponsors:
To get there: Go west on Highway 55, turn right on Fernbrook Lane. Take a right on Harbor Lane. Take a left on Empire Lane North.
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To get there: Take 394 to Xenia-Park Place exit. Go north on Park Place, continue on Xenia. Turn left onto Golden Hills Drive.
Network Connections Networking Group 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year
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Member Talk: For Members, By Members 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (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.
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TwinWest Directions
Crystal/New Hope Business Council 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Liberty Diversified International 5600 North Highway 169, New Hope (763) 536-6600 No cost to attend.
ROI: Get involved in the local business community and hear updates from cities and schools. Thank you to our January Legislative Breakfast Sponsors:
To get there: Take 169 to the 49th Avenue N exit and turn right. Turn left onto Independence Avenue N.
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ROI: Connect with other business professionals using innovative cutting-edge programs, tools and technologies to produce a positive networking outcome. 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.
Overtime at The Reserve Event Center 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The Reserve Event Center 3155 Empire Lane N., Plymouth (763) 559-4461 No cost to attend.
Thank you to our Legislative Breakfast Series Sponsor:
ROI: Exchange leads with a group of businesses that meets twice monthly.
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Emerging Leaders “On the Fast Track” Luncheon: Speed Networking 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location TBD (763) 450-2220 Investment: $25/members; $35 nonmembers
ROI: Network with fellow emerging leaders and share ideas and resources for professional development.
To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/Xenia exit. Travel south on Park Place and turn right on 16th Street.
To get there: Take Highway 100 to Highway 7. Turn left onto Highway 7. Turn right onto Belt Line Boulevard.
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Prospective Member Forum 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend.
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.
Network Connections Networking Group 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year
ROI: Connect with other business professionals using innovative cutting-edge programs, tools and technologies to produce a positive networking outcome. 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.
January events continued
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The Business Panel: World of Work Trends 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
 TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend.
ROI: Learn the four major trends impacting the attraction, hiring, and retention of the talent you need. Presented by Right Management. 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.
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Power Partners Networking 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year
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.
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Business Showcase at Minnesota School of Business 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Minnesota School of Business 1455 County Road 101 North, Plymouth
ROI: Connect with success with the TwinWest Chamber. Meet other members, exchange ideas and sales leads, and build relationships. To get there: Go west on US-12. Take the CR-101 N / Central Ave exit. Stay on CR-101 N.
2010 TwinWest events: a recap of a great year of members TwinWest is dedicated to providing members with beneficial events and programs that are structured to help members grow their business, increase their network and to develop and guide their professional careers.
2010 has been a year full of great events and we are proud to share a recap of photos! To see photos online from all of our events, go to twinwest.com and click on the Flickr link. more photos on page 12
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chamber news
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TwinWest Directions
chamber text news
2009-2010 Circle Awards Members and leadership from the business community make TwinWest an energetic organization committed to the growth of businesses and our communities. Thank you to these 2009-2010 Circle Awards Winners for their contributions enabling TwinWest top be relevant and influential. We appreciate our members.
GOLD CIRCLE OF DISTINCTION
SILVER CIRCLE OF DISTINCTION Data Recognition Corporation | Fuzzy Duck Design | General Mills | LarsonAllen LLP Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP The Business Bank | TwinWest Foundation Voyager Bank
BRONZE CIRCLE OF DISTINCTION Anchor Bank Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs BNC National Bank Caliber Development Corporation Cass Screw Machine Products Center National Bank Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. | M&I Bank Medica | Payroll Control Systems Politics in Minnesota/Capitol Report Qwest Communications | Swank Audio Visual U.S. Energy | Xcel Energy, Inc.
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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 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.
Backpack Tactics 5115 Excelsior Boulevard Suite 413 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Joel Barker ADVERTISING-DIRECT MAIL COMPUTERS-NETWORKING COMPUTERS-SOFTWARE SALES & SERVICE CUSTOMER SERVICE EVALUATION MARKETING WEB PAGE DESIGN Minnesota State University - Mankato @ 7700 France 7700 France Avenue South Suite 360 Edina, MN 55435 Ann Goebel SCHOOLS & COLLEGES NFR Communications, Inc. 7400 Metro Boulevard Suite 217 Edina, MN 55439 Tom Bengtson PUBLISHERS R & R Business Development Company 603 East Lake Street Suite 213 Wayzata, MN 55391 Greg Rye BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Rapid Refill 10100 Sixth Avenue North Suite 119 Plymouth, MN 55441 Cody Holton OFFICE SUPPLIES COMPUTERS-SUPPLIES & PARTS Ronald Esau 1230 Orono Oaks Drive Orono, MN 55356 Ron Esau INDIVIDUAL MEMBER
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TwinWest Directions
The Rouen Group 21 Oliver Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55405 Noah Rouen MARKETING PUBLIC RELATIONS Word of Maus 6024 Oakland Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 55417 Susan Maus ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL MARKETING WEB PAGE DESIGN WRITERS WSI Internet Marketing 160 Cygnet Place Orono, MN 55356 Paul DeBernardi MARKETING INTERNET PRODUCTS & SERVICES
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.
Cass Screw Machine Products DKS Systems ECM Publishers Health Partners BC Medical Clinic Solbrekk, Inc. The Tegra Group Tunheim Partners Village Park Apartments VISI Incorporated
1-4 Crown Marking, Inc. Gerand Engineering Company GSP Consulting Corporation H&R Block HealthSource of Plymouth Hennepin County, DOCCR ACF IND Marketing Midwest, Inc. - Media Planning Minneapolis Die Casting, LLC Mohawk Moving & Storage New Concepts Management Group Inc. Northland Inn Park Dental Ridgepark Parkers Lake Apartments PillowGram Rainbow Pest Experts Sign-A-Rama Soulo Communications The Whole Learning School
25+ City of Hopkins Rudy Luther Toyota Sylvan Learning Center Taher, Inc.
20-24 AmeriStar Agency, Inc.
15-19 Bodywise Therapeutic Massage Coldwell Banker Minnetonka Quality Resource Group
10-14 Finance and Commerce Marriott Minneapolis West Wessels Sherman YMCA - Northwest Branch
5-9 ACT Management, Inc. Anderson Builders Brookdale Honda
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. Greg Rye – R&R Business Development Company Gordy Engel – T he Foursome Fine Apparel and Shoes 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.
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. • 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-5 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
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