June/July 2011 by TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

June/July 2011

Directions www.twinwest.com/directions

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.TM

TwinWest Foundation Awards $50,500 page 5

Photo courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

Government Shutdown—page 3

Profile: Rep. Kirk Stensrud —page 8

Entrepreneurs of the Year Announced—page 4

Before Signing on the Dotted Line—page 14

President’s Message Government Shutdown A deep stalemate exists between Minnesota‟s legislative majority and Governor Mark Dayton relative to dealing with the State of Minnesota‟s $5 billion dollar budget deficit. While TwinWest is hopeful that a solution can be crafted before the fiscal year-end deadline, based on lessons learned from an eight-day Minnesota government shutdown in 2005 we know that now is the time for businesses to begin thinking about the impact of a government shutdown on their employees, their customers, and their operations. To help business owners understand how a partial or full government shutdown might impact them, TwinWest is posting information and resources on our Website. In fact, if you visit www.twinwest.com/shutdown right now, you‟ll find a selection of articles about the politics surrounding a shutdown as well as preparations by State agency heads. Governor Dayton ordered State agencies to prepare for a shutdown at a meeting on May 25 and the agencies notified vendors, contractors, and grant recipients late in the month that barring a budget solution by July 1, payments will likely stop. The State has not yet released a definitive shutdown plan, but as soon as they are available we‟ll post them to www.twinwest.com/shutdown. Even if businesses don‟t do work for the State directly, there are many tentacles to a State government shutdown. TwinWest encourages you to keep up on the latest developments and how they impact your business at www.twinwest.com/shutdown.

Bruce Nustad, president Link | www.twinwest.com/shutdown TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2011

Entrepreneurs of the Year Meet the Entrepreneur of the Year and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year After an exhaustive process including nominations from the general membership, an application, a small group interview, and a panel interview, the TwinWest Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Taskforce selected Cindy Leines, C.E.L., as this year‟s Entrepreneur of the Year, and Ann Sangpan, Check Engine Express, as the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. Cindy and Ann join a long list of accomplished TwinWest members achieving this honor since we started formally applauding the spirit of entrepreneurs through this awards process 27 years ago. Congratulations to our winners and finalists! The Chamber recognized all its winner and finalists at the 2011 “Journeys of Curiosity” Small Business Awards Luncheon on May 24.

Entrepreneur of the Year Cindy Leines, co-owner

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

C.E.L., Plymouth

Ann Sangpan, co-founder & CFO Check Engine Express, Minnetonka

TwinWest‟s Entrepreneur of the Year is a member entrepreneur who has established and maintained a successful business of $100 million or less in annual revenue, and is five or more years old.

The title of Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year goes to a member entrepreneur who has established a company of $100 million or less in annual revenue, is less than five years old and more than one year old, and displays excellent growth potential.

Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography on location at Cooper Irish Pub & Restaurant

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2011

Foundation Awards $50,500 Businesses in Your Backyard Invest $50,500 in Local Student Scholarships by Matt Schadow, TwinWest Foundation Board Chair In today‟s global economy, it‟s very easy to become preoccupied by happenings in far off places. I reflected on this in May when I presented scholarships to college-bound area high school students on behalf of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation at several area high school scholarship presentation ceremonies. This spring the TwinWest Foundation announced $50,500 in scholarship funding for high school seniors in our area. Later this fall, the TwinWest Foundation will fund at least $25,000 in additional scholarships through its Career Path Scholarship Program for area adult learners seeking to enhance their workforce skills. In addition to the benefits these scholarships provide to the students, it‟s also significant to consider the sources of the scholarship funding. All of the money used to help these

students realize their educational goals comes from local businesses right here in the western Twin Cities area. Many of these businesses you patronize, drive by, or maybe even work at. Some are businesses that are very visible in the community. Some are rarely household names. All are local businesses that support the Foundation because they believe in our mission; they seek to empower tomorrow‟s business and community leaders today. Since its inception in 1982, the TwinWest Foundation has offered over $900,000 in scholarships and community grants, making it the oldest and largest chamber of commerce foundation in Minnesota. All of this is possible because the local businesses that support the TwinWest Foundation have always maintained their community perspective. They realize that it‟s important to give something back to the people they do business with every day.

As a small thank you, I ask that you consider patronizing these and other businesses the next time you have the opportunity. After all, we each have the power to influence our community and our local economy, no matter what is going on halfway around the world. Matt Schadow is chair of the Board of Directors for the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and vice president of AmeriStar Agency, Inc.

Link | TwinWest Foundation

For a list of the local businesses that are funding scholarships through the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation please visit www.twinwest.com/foundation, or see page 6 of this issue of Directions.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2011

Foundation Scholarships... TwinWest Foundation Awards over $50,000 to High School Students Thanks to the generosity of the business community in the western Twin Cities area, the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced 45 college scholarships totaling $50,500 to graduating high school seniors in May. Award winners represent high school seniors from BenildeSt. Margaret's School, Chesterton Academy, Hopkins High School, Minnetonka High School, Providence Academy, RobbinsdaleArmstrong High School, RobbinsdaleCooper High School, St. Louis Park High School, and Wayzata High School. TwinWest Foundation Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000.

2011 Foundation High School Scholarship Recipients and Major Donors:

“The TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation is excited to continue our support of local high school graduates who are pursuing further education at the university and college level. We are proud to be a part of a business community that „walks the walk‟ when it comes to investing in the education of tomorrow‟s leaders," says Matt Schadow of the Ameristar Agency, chair of the TwinWest Chamber Foundation's Board of Directors.

Data Recognition Corporation Alia Abboud, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Yu Li, $1,000, Wayzata Sam Cady, $1,000, Wayzata

Legacy Scholarship Kelsey Reid, $5,000, St. Louis Park Designated Scholarships Citizens Independent Bank Savannah Persaud, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Luke Peterson , $1,000, Wayzata Anna O‟Reilly, $1,000, Hopkins Lyndsay Gusek, $1,000, RobbinsdaleArmstrong

Liberty Diversified International Kaoxue Vang, $1,000, Hopkins Ami Yamamoto, $1,000, Hopkins Hannah Haynes, $1,000, Providence Academy Julie Lai, $1,000, Wayzata Jenna Blake, $1,000, Wayzata

North Memorial Health Care / WestHealth Kelley Chen, $1,000, Wayzata Bo Sun , $1,500, Wayzata Voyager Bank Bennett Kenzie, $1,500, Benilde-St. Margaret‟s Christine Liesener, $1,000, Minnetonka Partner Scholarships Alerus Financial Jack Fitzgerald Murphy, Jr., $1,000, Providence Academy Anchor Bank Lauren Urke, $1,000, Wayzata Best & Flanagan LLP Steven Swenson, $1,000, Providence Academy Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs Laura Studer, $1,000, Minnetonka Cass Screw Machine Products Matthew Carney, $1,000, Benilde-St. Margaret‟s Continued on next page…

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2011

...Foundation Scholarships Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd. Arielle Mueller, $1,000, Wayzata LarsonAllen LLP Mark Dierauer, $1,500, Hopkins Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP Bethany Rahja , $1,000, Wayzata Pearle Vision Alea Florin, $1,000, Chesterton Academy TDS Sydney Nolan, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Xcel Energy Rory Williams , $1,000, Minnetonka

TwinWest Foundation Partner Scholarships Katherine Batman, $1,000, Wayzata Paige Blazei, $1,000, Wayzata Anisha Chada, $1,000, Wayzata Melissa Diamond, $1,000, Wayzata Caroline Doherty, $1,000, Minnetonka Michelle Egger, $1,000, Wayzata Mark Harries, $1,000, Wayzata Stephanie Hohbein, $1,000, Wayzata Hannah Marshall, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Abigail Raney, $1,000, Hopkins Katelynn Richman, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Danielle Roberts, $1,000, Wayzata Amber Schmidt, $1,000, Wayzata Sarah Stuart, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Armstrong Michelle Tran, $1,000, Wayzata Erika Weimer, $1,000, Wayzata Kelsey Wiebusch, $1,000, Providence Academy

Link | TwinWest Foundation

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2011

Profile

Minnesota Representative Kirk Stensrud (R), District 42A Year Elected: 2010 Term: First District: 42A Eden Prairie/Minnetonka Contact: 651.296.3964 Home: Eden Prairie Education: B.A., Business, Bethel University, 1984 Family: Wife, Wendy; Children, Trent, Scott, Mari Committees: Commerce and Regulatory Reform, State Government Finance, Jobs and Economic Development Finance What specific bills or initiatives have you been working on this session? My top priority has been authoring and supporting proposals to help our state run more efficiently. I proposed an audit for our self-insured health plan to save $10-20 million per year. I authored a bill to reduce duplicative middle management of assistant commissioners and deputy commissioners. I offered a bill to combine the duplicate post offices we have here on the basement level of the Capitol. Another bill required our State to do an audit of dependents of our Medical insurance plan. This has never been done, but private enterprise does it all the time. No major employer in the Twin Cities would hesitate at all to make these moves in order to streamline processes and save time and money. We must do this in state government, too. What has been most surprising to you as a newly elected legislator? Each week I have been surprised by some of the ways our government spends money - both good and bad. I have been deeply troubled by some of the wasteful ways we spend tax dollars, yet then I

turn around and find some very good programs that serve us well and by encouraging business development or provide other worthy roles. We need more of the good spending and less of the bad. What has been the most challenging issue for you and/or your caucus this session and why? Getting up to speed with the budget and understanding where our financing comes from has been a challenge. Serving on the state government finance committee has allowed me to gain great perspective. Also, there is a significant cultural difference in working with government employees and bureaucracies. My experience in private business has shown that we should try to be nimble and respond quickly to opportunities and threats as we face them. What's one strength or strategy you gained in a past job that you've been able to apply to your role as a legislator? I bring a new set of business-owner eyes to the process in St. Paul, which provides a valuable perspective. Lifelong politicians and public employees sometimes lose focus of what it takes to be fiscally responsible in order to live within our budgetary means. I will continue stressing the importance of being open to innovation so we can continue providing essential services to the citizens of our state.

tightened their belts and have adjusted to living with no increases in their family budgets. Hundreds of business owners have done this and it is time for government to acknowledge fiscal reality. Why is the business community important to you? I have spent my entire professional career selling to commercial customers, either in health care or in my current window-cleaning business. Success in our business community directly impacts our economy and, in turn, each of our households. As our business owners succeed or fail, so does our state succeed or fail. What is your favorite Minnesota activity or landmark and why? I have enjoyed the outdoors frequently during deer hunting season, both bow hunting and gun. It is great to get out in the woods and enjoy the quiet and see all the greatness of our MN outdoors. What is something from your past or present that people would be surprised to know about you?

What outcomes or successes would you like to see after your first session in the Minnesota House?

I twice played one of the 12 brothers in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. I can sing along with the entire production!

We can end our legislative session without spending more money than we have in our revenue projections. People across our district have

Link | Rep. Rick Stensrudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legislative Biography

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2011

Small Business Awards Thanks “Journeys of Curiosity” Small Business Awards Luncheon Held May 24 On May 24, TwinWest celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit through its annual Small Business Awards Luncheon. The event included an address by keynote speaker Irish restaurant entrepreneur Kieran Folliard. WCCO‟s Frank Vascellaro returned as the event‟s emcee. In addition, the event was preceded by a reception honoring this year‟s TwinWest Foundation scholarship recipients. The Foundation awarded $50,500 in scholarships to 45 local high school seniors. Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

In-kind Sponsors

Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs Cass Screw Machine Products Cummings, Keegan & Co., P.L.L.P. DS&B, Ltd. Duke Realty Corp. Executive Suites of Minnesota Financial Concepts, Inc. LarsonAllen LLP Larson Records Management Liberty Diversified International Next Stage Business Radio Network Opportunity Partners Voyager Bank Xcel Energy

Swank Audio Visuals - Audio Visual Quality Resource Group - Awards Fuzzy Duck Design - Design Gleason Printing Inc. - Print Master Communications - Video Sign-A-Rama - Signage Paeonia Floral - Floral Star Tribune - Media

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2011

Small Business Awards Photos

Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2011

Get Ready for the Golf Classic TwinWest Golf Classic Set for August 1 at Golden Valley Golf & Country Club Network in a HOLE new way by joining us for the 26th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic! Savvy business people know one of the best ways to cultivate contacts is on the golf course. Register a full foursome or register individually to meet three new people.

Title Sponsor:

For more information on the 26th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic, contact Victoria Marley at 763.450.2227, or victoria@twinwest.com. Sponsorships, including our popular hole sponsorships, are now available. TwinWest 26th Annual Golf Classic Monday, August 1, 2011 Golden Valley Golf and Country Club 7001 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427 www.twinwest.com/golf tel. 763.450.2220

Corporate Sponsors:

Link | 26th Annual Golf Classic Registration

Corporate and hole sponsorships available. Contact Victoria Marley at 763.450.2227, or victoria@twinwest.com. Link | E-mail Victoria Marley

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2011

Members Welcome New Members Accounting Resource Group 601 Carlson Parkway Suite 1100 Minnetonka, MN 55305 Linda Gasch ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING AT&T 4300 Market Pointe Drive Suite 350 Bloomington, MN 55435 Bob Bass TELECOMMUNICATIONS Bachman's - Plymouth 10050 6th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55441 Cheryl DeJarlais FLORISTS RETAIL STORE WHOLESALERS Brown College 5951 Earle Brown Drive Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 Karol Baumeister SCHOOLS & COLLEGES

Cambridge Properties Midwest 320 Edgewood Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427 David Dahl REAL ESTATE-COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE-RESIDENTIAL Chiro Center, The 4926 42nd Avenue North Robbinsdale, MN 55422 John Allenburg CHIROPRACTORS Comfort Keepers 1405 North Lilac Drive Suite 113 Golden Valley, MN 55422 Sue Peterson HOME HEALTH SERVICES Doyle Hance, LLC Two Carlson Parkway Suite 230 Plymouth, MN 55447 Drake Metzger ATTORNEYS Hedberg Interiors, Inc. 715 Florida Avenue Suite 204 Minneapolis, MN 55426 Ken Hedberg REMODELING CONTRACTORS

James Anderson Agency American Family Insurance 1730 South Plymouth Road Suite 307 Minnetonka, MN 55305 Lindsey Manhart INSURANCE Sales Results Fast 711 Hennepin Avenue Suite 312 Minneapolis, MN 55403 Richard Garvey TRAINING PROGRAMS COACH-PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL LIFE CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL Touchstone Testing dba Any Lab Test Now 3025 Harbor Lane Suite 101 Plymouth, MN 55447 Bill Loe HEALTH CARE MEDICAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Transwestern 706 2nd Avenue South 100 Baker Building Minneapolis, MN 55402 Duane Poppe REAL ESTATE-COMMERCIAL

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Tremendous Transformations P.O. Box 27862 Golden Valley, MN 55427 Mark Carlson CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL HEALTH & FITNESS PRODUCTS/CENTERS

Chamber Champions Thank you to this champions for referring new members to TwinWest. Bill Beard, The Beard Group Dan Goldman, Twin Realty Investment Co. Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Greg Rye, R & R Business Development Company Bob Schlichte, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinkley Chris Tiedeman, Weber Johnson Public Affairs Beth Ulrich, Fuzzy Duck Design Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Jeff Wosje, Center National Bank 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.

Directions—June/July 2011

Members 100 Members in 100 Days; Community Benefit for Area Foodshelves The TwinWest Board of Directors announced in March that it is leading an effort to grow the Chamber by 100 Members in 100 Days. In addition to strengthening the business community and growing TwinWest, we will donate to area member foodshelves on behalf of the business community if we reach our new member goal by July 8. Contact TwinWest if you are interested in joining one of three organized membership teams, or participate on your own by introducing a prospective member to TwinWest. Our membership initiative to grow in today's increasingly confident economy and support our local foodshelves runs through July 8. Link | www.twinwest.com/100

Renewing Members 25+ years Berg Law Offices, P.A. Business & Estate Advisers, Inc. General Mills City of New Hope Qwest Communications Senator Ann Rest Waste Management Wayzata Public Schools 20 - 24 years The Foursome Hopkins Auto Body 15 - 19 years The Beard Group Continental Diamond Park Dental St. Louis Park Partnership Resources, Inc. Payroll Control Systems {c} Rush Creek Golf Club Ltd. 10 - 14 years Calhoun Beach Club KleinBank

10 - 14 years continued MN Insurance Group, Inc. Randy's Environmental Services 5 - 9 years All Systems Installation, Inc. Crown Marking, Inc. DeVry University - St. Louis Park GolfTEC New Horizon Academy - 6th 1 - 4 years Eric R. Nelson, CPA LLC Golden Valley Heating and Air Grainger Industrial Supply Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Humana MarketPOINT Lawrence Parkhurst, P.A. Master Communications Group NBS Technologies Page Productions Pro Staff Rockford Road Animal Hospital Synergy Graphics Inc. Wellington Management, Inc. WSB & Associates, Inc.

Bradley Hintze, Volunteer Superstar! TwinWest is thrilled to recognize Bradley Hintze of Larkin Hoffman Attorneys as our June 2011 Volunteer Superstar. Hintze has served as the chair of the Emerging Leaders program since early 2010 and under his leadership the program has experienced solid growth. Additionally, Hintze was also an enthusiastic volunteer for the TwinWest Gala Committee this past year. Thank you Brad for all that you do! TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2011

Success TwinWest

Before Signing on the Dotted Line, Consider These Five Things By Benjamin J. Court and Joshua A. Hasko, Messerli & Kramer, P.A. Contracts form the basis upon which all business transactions are premised. However, many times parties to a contract do not thoroughly review it prior to execution, do not understand what they are signing, or simply assume that any problems will be worked out. Here are five things to consider before signing any business contract. 1. What constitutes the contract? a. In order to create a binding contract, the parties must have a meeting of the minds. This means they need to share a common understanding as to what is being agreed to. b. To determine what is being agreed to, a party‟s subjective manifestations are irrelevant. Only its objective outward manifestations are considered. c. Generally, the contract‟s four corners determine what constitutes the agreement. Other communications or understandings not contained within the agreement are generally not part of the contract. d. Thus, be sure that all important terms are in the document. e. And remember to place all agreement modifications in writing and have both parties sign or acknowledge. 2. What am I getting and what do I have to do? a. Contracts are generally bilateral agreements, meaning both parties have do so something, whether to provide a service or product or pay for a service or product. These mutual promises are referred to as “consideration.” b. Ensure all performance provisions and payment terms are clear and understandable. c. Be sure you understand what you have to do and what you get in return.

Joshua A. Hasko

3. Who is bound by the contract? a. If the contract is between two businesses, ensure the person signing has authority to do so. b. Make sure the person signing does so on behalf of the company and not in their individual capacity. c. In Minnesota, individuals are generally not liable for his/her corporation‟s debts and errors in signing could unintentionally bind the individual for the corporation‟s liabilities. d. To secure a company‟s performance, consider negotiating for a personal (individual) guaranty. 4. How do I get out of it? a. Read the contract. It‟s term will likely govern. b. Some contracts for a specific term can be terminated only during a certain window, usually between 180 to 60 days before the term‟s end, and notice of termination must be delivered in writing. c. Unless terminated, contracts may contain automatic renewal clauses, meaning a five-year contract becomes a 10-year obligation unless properly terminated per the agreement‟s language. d. A contract may contain language requiring the payment of a fee to terminate it. These are generally referred to as liquidated damages clauses and they can make termination expensive. Be aware of the costs to cancel and the procedure for doing so. 5. What if there is a problem? a. Most importantly, read the contract and be aware of what rights and remedies are provided.

Benjamin J. Court

b. Some contracts require written notice of defaults and an opportunity to cure before other action can be taken. Follow the procedures in the contract. c. If you do not receive the services in the contract or payment in accordance with the agreement, document it. Put all explanations, notices and questions regarding performance or payment issues in writing and request that any response be in writing. This will be of great assistance should the matter eventually move into litigation. d. Consider whether the contract requires mediation or arbitration proceedings prior to or as a replacement for commencing a lawsuit. Mediation or arbitration can sometimes be more cost efficient, but the proceedings are generally more informal and can be taken advantage of by sophisticated parties or aggressive legal counsel. e. Also, consider whether the contract limits or requires a lawsuit to be commenced in a specific court, state, jurisdiction or venue. This could make litigation more expensive and difficult. f. Be aware of attorney‟s fees provisions. Generally, each side to a dispute pays their own fees, but Minnesota law allows for shifting by contract. This article does not constitute legal advice. We recommend consulting an attorney prior to entering into any business contract. Benjamin J. Court and Joshua A. Hasko are business litigators at Messerli & Kramer, P.A., a full-service law firm in Minneapolis, Plymouth and St. Paul.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2011

Member Orientation Thank you new members introduced to TwinWest at May’s Member Orientation 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. Member Orientation is a great opportunity to get to know your Chamber and better understand your involvement options. Left to right: Mark Globus, Global One Commercial; Alexandra About, Immo Systems; Brian Berglin, Comfort Keepers

Left to right: Rich Garvey, Sales Results Fast; Allan Giese, Sales Results Fast; Sue Peterson, Comfort Keepers; Tad Dunham, Minnesota School of Business - Brooklyn Center

To discuss specific membership opportunities, contact TwinWest‟s community and member engagement director, Chris Kirwan, at (763) 450-2223. Link | July Member Orientation Session: July 6 TwinWest’s Member Orientation sessions are sponsored by:

Left to right: Dave Dahl, Cambridge Properties Midwest; Lisa Paulson, Cambridge Properties Midwest; Duane Poppe, Transwestern

Left to right: David Pitts, Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP; Paul Boyum, Woody's Grille; Jacob Millner, JCRC; Dr. Rod Opferkew, Boulevard Chiropractic Clinic, P.A.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2011

Snapshots

Link | www.twinwest.com/photos

7th Annual Ethics in the Workplace Seminar

Overtime Expo at Northland Inn

Business Showcase at Success Computer Consulting

May Legislative Breakfast TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2011

June/July Calendar... Wednesday, June 1 Member Orientation | link 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: No cost to attend Find out about everything the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce has to offer and maximize your membership. 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. Thursday, June 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 Saint Louis Park Business Council is for business and civic leaders who want to have a voice in local government and grassroots issues. 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.

Thursday, June 2 Power Partners Networking | link 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required. Power Partners is a networking program that helps members exchange business leads and build relationships. 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. Friday, June 3 Network Connections Networking Group | link 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required. Network Connections meets twice a month (the first Friday and third Thursday of each month at the TwinWest office), but practices referral exchanges each and every day. 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.

Thursday, June 9 Member Talk: Preparing Your Business for Sucess Amid Change | link 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: No cost to attend. .

Tuesday, June 7 2011 PACnic: 8-10-12 Action! The Trilogy | link 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Showplace Icon Theatre, Lobby Lounge 1625 West End Boulevard (2nd Floor) St. Louis Park Host tel. (612) 568-0375 Investment: PAC contribution Call Judy Johnson for more information. (763) 450-2226 The TwinWest PAC is proud to support candidates from both political parties who best represent the interests of the business community. Join us for PACnic 2011 to help raise the funds needed to keep this production rolling and ensure that legislators who share your commitment to a strong private sector, and strong Minnesota economy, return to the Legislature. To get there: From I-394 take the Park Place/Xenia exit. Go south on Park Place Boulevard, and then turn left on 16th.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Join TwinWest for this session with Jim Jaeckels of URedefined. 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. Friday, June 10 Legislative Breakfast: Session Review with Tom Hauser | link 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place, 1500 Park Place Boulevard Host tel. (952) 542-8600 Investment: Members $30; Nonmembers $40. Panel features: Laura Brod of Lockridge Grindal Nauen; Darin Brotin of Tunheim Partners; Ben Golnik of Golnik Strategies; Matt Entenza of MN2020. To get there: From I-394 take the Park Place/Xenia exit. Go south on Park Place Boulevard, and then turn right on 16th.

Directions—June/July 2011

...June/July Calendar Friday, June 10 Ribbon Cutting at Brown College Brooklyn Center Campus| link 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Brown College Brooklyn Center Campus, 5951 Earle Brown Drive Host tel. (763) 279-2400 Investment: No cost to attend. Celebrate the official opening of Brown College‟s new Brooklyn Center campus. Brown College is honored to be part of the community and would enjoy the opportunity to get to know area businesses and organizations. To get there: Take Highway 100 north and take the 57th Avenue exit toward John Martin Drive. Turn left on John Martin Drive and then turn right on Earle Brown Drive. Friday, June 10 Ribbon Cutting at The Willows— Plymouth | link 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The Willows, 14980 59th Avenue Plymouth Host tel. (952) 988-8210 Investment: No cost to attend. Join TwinWest‟s Ambassadors and help celebrate the opening of The Willows in Plymouth. The Willows is a posh single family community developed by Pulte Group. To get there: Take Highway 169 North to Bass Lake Road West. Turn left on Northwest Blvd. (CR-61). Turn right on CR-47. The Willows is ahead on your left.

Wednesday, June 15 Government Affairs Committee Meeting | link 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber of Commerce office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: No cost to attend. Discuss public policy issues impacting the business community. All members are welcome to participate. 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. Wednesday, June 15 TwinWest Evening at the Twins Game hosted by the Emerging Leaders | link 5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Meet up before the game for networking at Solera. 900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis Host tel. (612) 338-0062 Investment: $25 to attend. Please join the TwinWest Emerging Leaders to watch the Chicago White Sox take on the Twins at 7:10 p.m. Before the game, we will meet up at 5:30 p.m. at Solera for networking and happy hour. This is one of our most popular events and space is limited. To get there: Take 394 East to 12th Street exit. Turn right on 12th Street, then left on Hennepin Avenue. Turn left on 9th Street.

Thursday, June 16 Crystal/New Hope Business Council | link 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Liberty Diversified International, 5600 North Highway 169, New Hope Host tel. (763) 536-6600 Investment: No cost to attend. The Crystal/New Hope Business Council is for business and civic leaders who want to have a voice in local government and grassroots issues. To get there: Take Highway 169 North to the 49th Avenue North exit and turn right. Turn left on to Independence Avenue North. Thursday, June 16 Network Connections Networking Group | link 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required. Network Connections meets twice a month (the first Friday and third Thursday of each month at the TwinWest office), but practices referral exchanges each and every day. 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.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, June 16 Power Partners Networking | link 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required. Power Partners is a networking program that helps members exchange business leads, provides business advice and builds relationships. 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, June 21 TwinWest Prospective Member Forum: Your Questions Answered | link 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber of Commerce office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 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 your local chamber of commerce. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road.

Directions—June/July 2011

...June/July Calendar Wednesday, June 22 Overtime at Quest Development | link 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Plymouth City Center II, 15600 36th Avenue North, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 536-8300 Investment: No cost to attend. Join TwinWest and Quest Development for this months Overtime. Quest Development will host this event at their Plymouth City Center II location. To get there: Take highway 55 west to Plymouth Road. Go right on Plymouth Road, then turn left on 36th Avenue North. Friday, June 23 Ribbon Cutting Any Lab Test Now | link 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Any Lab Test Now 4345 Nathan Lane, Suite G Plymouth Host tel. (763) 746-3737 Investment: No cost to attend. Join the TwinWest Ambassadors as they help celebrate the opening of Any Lab Test Now in Plymouth. Learn about the Any Lab Test Now business model and meet your business neighbors. To get there: Take Highway 169 North to County Road 9/West Rockford Road. Go west on Roackford and take a right at Nathan Lane.

Wednesday, June 29 Business Showcase at Verizon Wireless - Ridgedale | link 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Verizon Wireless, 12401 Ridgedale Drive, Suite 1700 Minnetonka Host tel. (612) 590-5909 Investment: No cost to attend, includes light lunch. Network with area business leaders, enjoy a complimentary light lunch, and learn about TwinWest member Verizon Wireless - Ridgedale. A complimentary light lunch will be available. To get there: From I-394 take the Ridgedale Drive exit. Verizon Wireless is on the lower level of Ridgedale Center between JCPenney and Sears. Friday, July 1 Network Connections Networking Group | link 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required. Network Connections meets twice a month (the first Friday and third Thursday of each month at the TwinWest office), but practices referral exchanges each and every day.

Wednesday, July 6 Member Orientation | link 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: No cost to attend Find out about everything the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce has to offer and maximize your membership. 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.

Thursday, July 7 Power Partners Networking | link 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required.

Thursday, July 14 Member Talk: Topic To Be Announced | link 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Location to be announced. Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: No cost to attend. .

Topic and location to be announced. Tuesday, July 19 TwinWest Prospective Member Forum: Your Questions Answered | link 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber of Commerce office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 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 your local chamber of commerce. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road.

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

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.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2011

...June/July Calendar Wednesday, July 20 Government Affairs Committee Meeting | link 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber of Commerce office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: No cost to attend.

Thursday, July 21 Network Connections Networking Group | link 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required.

Thursday, July 21 Emerging Leaders Multi Chamber Networking Happy Hour | link 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Solera Cocina de Espana 900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis Host tel. (612) 338-0062 Investment: check twinwest.com for details.

Plan Ahead

Discuss public policy issues impacting the business community. All members are welcome to participate.

Network Connections meets twice a month (the first Friday and third Thursday of each month at the TwinWest office), but practices referral exchanges each and every day.

Come and network with young professionals throughout the Twin Cities area.

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

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. Wednesday, July 20 Overtime at Woodland Hill Winery | link 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Woodland Hill Winery 731 County Road 30, Delano Host tel. (763) 972-4000 Investment: No cost to attend. Our Overtimes are a free, easy, effective way to meet potential new customers while you build your network. Join TwinWest to enjoy food, fun and networking at Woodland Hill Winery. To get there: Take 394 West and continue on U.S. Highway 12 West. Turn left on Country Road 30.

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. Thursday, July 21 Power Partners Networking | link 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Host tel. (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required. Power Partners is a networking program that helps members exchange business leads and build relationships. 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.

To get there: Take 394 East to 12th Street exit. Turn right on 12th Street, then left on Hennepin Avenue. Turn left on 9th Street. Friday, July 29 Crystal/New Hope Business Council Golf Outing - 2011 | link 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. New Hope Village Golf Course 8130 Bass Lake Road, New Hope Host tel. (763) 531-5178 Investment: $50 incl. tax for golf and bbq; $30 incl. tax for bbq only.

26th Annual Golf Classic August 1 Golden Valley Golf and Country Club Link | more information

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

If you are looking for a casual, fun, community-oriented nine-hole golf event, look no further than Business Community Golf Outing sponsored by the Crystal/New Hope Business Council. To get there: Take 169 North and head east on Bass Lake Road.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2011

Board & Leadership TwinWest Board of Directors Executive Committee Dannette Coleman, Medica, Chair Greg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys, Chair-elect Nathan Agre, Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs, Treasurer Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, Past Chair Bruce Nustad, TwinWest, President Directors Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank Mike Corbin, General Mills Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park Annette Hruby, Costco Rick Kaufman, Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises Ron Leino, Liberty Carton, Co., an LDI Company Luke Litteken, CenterPoint Energy Samantha Metcalf, LarsonAllen LLP Pamela Muldoon, Next Stage Business/ Next Stage Business Radio Tim Raymond, Voyager Bank Matt Schadow, AmeriStar Agency, Inc. Bob Schlichte, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley Mike Sowada, VISI Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners 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 Jenna Reno, Interim Office Manager Keely Schaust, Interim Administrative Assistant

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 Partners

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

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

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2011