June/July 2012 by TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

June/July 2012

Directions www.twinwest.com/directions

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.TM

Photo by Sandy Benson Photography

Investing in tomorrow’s leaders, today TwinWest Foundation Awards $50,500

page page 55

The State of the County is….Engaged—page 3

Connie Bakken’s Achievements Recognized at Luncheon—page 9

Entrepreneurs of the Year Announced—page 4

Profile: Representative Melissa Hortman—page 12

Wednesday, June 20, 2012, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Château at Medicine Lake, 10715 South Shore Drive, Medicine Lake $100 Suggested Contribution Let’s get back to the basics… Let’s bring the elections back to the “good old days” when a solid candidate stepped forward and was supported by their fellow community members. Let’s make our campaign dollars create a difference in the outcomes at the State Capitol. With the recent redistricting, every single House and Senate seat is up for grabs and the key will be to get involved early to fill those seats with pro-business legislators. And let’s go back to where it all started… the backyard! Chateau at Medicine Lake. Enjoy traditional BBQ food, refreshments, and yard games while relaxing to live music from the Tuxedo Band. PACnic Gold Sponsor: $1,000 & up PACnic Silver Sponsor: $500 - $999 PACnic Bronze Sponsor: $300 - $499 For more information contact: Judy Johnson, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce PAC, (763) 450-2226, judy@twinwest.com REGISTER NOW OR LEARN MORE!

President’s Message... The State of Hennepin County Is...Engaged TwinWest was pleased to co-host the annual State of the County Address by Hennepin County Board Chair Mike Opat on May 17 at the Plymouth Creek Center. In front of 175 residents, community stakeholders, and business leaders, Chair Opat provided some insight into the County budget and shared a vision for the future of the County. Chair Opat opened the speech with an honest statement relating to the event when he remarked that there hasn't been a State of the County event since 2009. ―There have been no speeches because given the state of the economy and federal and state budgets there wasn’t much I could say that was interesting enough to warrant an event like this. Like the rest of public-sector America…we have been hunkered down and focused on the basics,‖ according to Chair Opat, who then went on to talk optimistically about the County and its efforts to reform. A HopkinsPatch recap of Chair Opat’s talking points can be found here. You’ll find a Sun Newspapers/ECM, Inc. digest here. In addition Chair Opat’s full comments can be found here. Beyond an opportunity to host an interesting conversation about our County, the event was significant for TwinWest in our ongoing efforts to engage business leaders in local government and further develop elected officials’ appreciation for the economic significance of the western suburbs. I know we succeeded in driving business community participation in the event based on the turnout. And based on a thank you note I received from Chair Opat, we helped elected officials develop a deeper appreciation for suburban Hennepin County and the business community. Chair Opat wrote: ―TwinWest members are engaged and involved. You participate in the public discourse and not merely act as spectators. We are a very suburban County. Commissioners need to remember that and work harder to communicate what we do to the cities beyond Minneapolis.‖ Thank you for your support of the business community through TwinWest engagement, and thank you for being an active business constituent before our County government.

Bruce Nustad, president TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

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 Scott Seiler, SeilerSchindel, PLLC, as this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year, and John Sturgess, ADOGO Pet Hotel, as the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. Seiler and Sturgess join a long list of accomplished TwinWest members achieving this honor since we started formally applauding the spirit of entrepreneurs through this awards process 28 years ago. Congratulations to our winners and finalists! TwinWest recognized all its winners and finalists at the 2012 ―Re-think, Re-invest, Results‖ Small Business Awards Luncheon on May 24.

Entrepreneur of the Year Scott Seiler SeilerSchindel, PLLC

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year John Sturgess ADOGO Pet Hotel

Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

Small Business Awards Thank You Small Business Awards Luncheon Held May 24, Entrepreneurial Spirit Honored Thank you to our sponsors:

Special acknowledgements:

Gold Sponsors

Small Business Awards Luncheon Planning Committee Steve Wise—Chair, Cass Screw Machine Products Mike Anderson, QuarterTon Productions Nathan Brandenburg, Siegel Brill, P.A. Carolien Moors, Moors Coaching and Training Wayne Teig, CREST, LLC—Commercial Real Estate Strategies Eddie Ulrich, Fuzzy Duck Design

Silver Sponsors:

On May 24, TwinWest celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit through its annual Small Business Awards Luncheon. The event included an address by keynote speaker Ron Olson. 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 46 local high school seniors.

Bronze Sponsors:

In Kind Sponsors: Fuzzy Duck Design, Design Gleason Printing, Printing Master Communications, Video Paeonia Floral, Floral Quality Resource Group, Inc., Awards Sandy Benson Photography, Photography Sign-A-Rama, Signage Star Tribune, Media Swank Audio Visuals, Audio Visual

Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Task Force Scott Plum—Chair, Minnesota Sales Institute Cindy Leines—Vice Chair, C.E.L. Kelly Basham, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group Tom Heller, Soulo Communications Joe Reilly, Payroll Control Systems Ann Sangpan, Check Engine Express Nick Schmitz, Muzak Nominations Task Force Sarah Kaelberer—Chair, Business & Estate Advisers, Inc. Shawn Gardner, Signature Bank Jeffry Wosje, Bremer Bank—Plymouth Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Foundation Scholarships... TwinWest Foundation Awards $50,500 to High School Students By TwinWest Foundation Board Chair Lisa McDaniel Thirty years ago a start-up chamber of commerce foundation had a vision. The vision was to invest in tomorrow’s leaders, today. Three decades later, that vision has put the the largest and oldest chamber foundation in Minnesota on the brink of donating $1 million in educational scholarships and community grants in 2012. Each year the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board of Directors, along with our funding partners, directly see the impact our scholarships have on our community when we participate in Twinwest’s annual Small Business Awards Luncheon , including a pre-event scholarship reception. At these events, the TwinWest Foundation awarded $50,500 in scholarship funding to 46 outstanding high school seniors from the western Twin Cities. Among the scholarship recipients was this year’s Legacy Scholarship recipient, Ejeb Dema from Wayzata High School.

At the Small Business Awards Luncheon Ejeb addressed attendees, stating, ―I get to fulfill a dream of being the first member of my family to attend college.‖ Ejeb will be attending the University of Notre Dame this fall. Helping fulfill the educational dreams of students in our communities is made possible by the endless volunteers, board members, and generous local business donors. TwinWest’s members realize the importance of giving back to our community and in return the impact the community has on their businesses each day. Foundation board member and business donor Tim Raymond, Voyager Bank, says this about the Foundation scholarship program: ―As a long standing member of the TwinWest Chamber, we are proud to support the Twin West Foundation. Our contribution to the Foundation is one way Voyager Bank is able to give back to the communities we serve.‖

For a list of the local businesses that are funding scholarships through the TwinWest Foundation see page 6 of this issue of Directions magazine. Thank you to all of our members for your continuous support to the Twinwest Foundation. You have made the dreams of so many possible and the vision of the Foundation a reality. Lisa McDaniel is chair of the Board of Directors for the Twinwest Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Vice President at Minnwest Bank. Link | TwinWest Foundation

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

Foundation Scholarships TwinWest Foundation Awards $50,500 to local High School Students Thanks to the generosity of the business community in the western Twin Cities area, the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced 46 college scholarships totaling $50,500 to graduating high school seniors in May. Award winners represent high school seniors from Benilde-St. 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. Twin West Foundation Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000.

“Helping fulfill the educational dreams of students in our communities is made possible by the endless volunteers, board members, and generous local business donors.” - Lisa McDaniel, TwinWest Foundation Board Chair

2012 Foundation High School Scholarship Recipients and Major Donors

Anchor Bank Kelly Schiro, $1,000, Wayzata

Legacy Scholarship Ejeb Dema, $5,000, Wayzata High School

Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs Allison Grove, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Armstrong

Designated Scholarships

Cass Screw Machine Products Nicole Sauer, $1,000, Benilde-St. Margaret’s

Allina Hospitals & Clinics Maria Interrante, $1,500, Minnetonka Timothy Isdahl, $1000, Wayzata Citizens Independent Bank Ashley Fellows, $1,000, Wayzata Michael Fishman, $1,000, Hopkins Soraya Laouad, $1,000, St. Louis Park Elizabeth Preuss, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Liberty Diversified International Ian Jaeger, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Armstrong Jazmyn Lee, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Marek Zorawski, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Partner Scholarships Alerus Financial Ishmam Ahmed, $1,000, Wayzata

CliftonLarsonAllen Shelbie Generous, $1,000, Hopkins Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd. Hannah Pearson, $1,000, Hopkins North Memorial Health Care Ruby Lunzer, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Quality Resource Group Jacob Kautzky, $1,000, Wayzata TDS Jack Deutsch, $1,000, Hopkins Voyager Bank Cassie Anderson,$1,000, Minnetonka Evan Blomgren, $1,000, Minnetonka Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels Kevin Knapp, $1,000, Minnetonka Continued on next page…

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

...Foundation Scholarships Continued from previous page... TwinWest Foundation Partner Scholarships Esther Ajayi, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Emily Bathe, $1,000, Wayzata John Bruer, $1,000, Wayzata Maylynn Chang, $1,000, St. Louis Park Elise Fester, $1,000, Minnetonka

Abigail McQuillan $1,000, Wayzata Anthony Miller, $1,000, Minnetonka Sarah Sham, $1,000, Wayzata Kathleen Speak, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Armstrong Matthew Wilson, $1,000, Wayzata Robert Sutherland, $1,000, Benilde-St. Margaretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Link | TwinWest Foundation

Andrew Glover, $1,000, Hopkins

Hannah Weber, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Armstrong

Andrew Harrison, $1,000, Wayzata

Matthew Wilson, $1,000, Wayzata

Anna Hjerpe, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Armstrong

Rachel Zeman, $1,000, Minnetonka

Tanzim Hossain, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Cooper Duligur Ibeling, $1,000, Wayzata Richard Jennis, $1,000, Minnetonka Ryan Killion, $1,000, Providence Hannah Korman, $1,000, Chesterton Megan Langer, $1,000, Wayzata

Wenshi Zhang, $1,000, Robbinsdale-Armstrong Thank you to these individuals for serving on the Scholarship Selection Committee Amy Larson, Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd. Matt Schadow, AmeriStar Agency, Inc. Bruce Nustad, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Carina Lofgren, $1,000, Wayzata

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2012

Small Business Awards Photos

Emcee Frank Vascellaro, WCCO 4 News

Keynote Speaker Ron Olson, CMF Holdings

Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist Steve Solbrack

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist Jason Alvey

Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2012

Achievement Award TwinWest Recognizes Citizens Independent Bank’s Connie Bakken At the May Small Business Awards Luncheon, TwinWest Board Chair Greg Korstad recognized Connie Bakken for her many achievements. Bakken is chair of the board at Citizens Independent Bank. In presenting the award, Korstad commented that Bakken began her third career with the purchase of Citizens Bank at age 56 in 1980. At that time, Citizens had two locations and assets of $44 million. Today, there are four offices and assets exceed $304 million. Korstad presented Bakken the 2012 TwinWest Chair’s Award for her entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to community, and success in business.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

Success TwinWest... Member Article | Politics in the Workplace: How to Control the Chatter By Michelle Beck-Howard Senior Human Resources Specialist, Insperity With presidential campaigns now in high gear and millions of Americans weighing the merits of each candidate, the months leading up to the November general election should see plenty of intense political discourse. And that political buzz likely will be commonplace around the proverbial water cooler. A survey by the American Management Association conducted during the last presidential election showed that 39 percent of employees are comfortable sharing their political views in the workplace. However, not everyone appreciates a co-worker’s outspokenness. The same study also found that 35 percent of workers avoid political talk on the job. Many employers tolerate calm, casual office chatter about politics, but what happens when the conversation becomes uncomfortable or worse, heated? Executives must then walk a fine line

between ensuring respectful behavior and being mindful of First Amendment protections. Common sense and common courtesy must rule when creating a strategy to handle political discussions and activities at work. The first step is to establish a clear policy outlining what political activities are permitted and then communicate the guidelines to the entire workforce. In Minnesota, companies should keep in mind that state statutes place some restrictions on in-office campaigning and soliciting of funds for a specific candidate. Refer to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website – www.sos.state.mn.us – for details. Once a policy is developed, make sure supervisors understand how the election season may impact the workplace and how to deal with any conflicts. But beware: Managers should not inquire about an employee’s political affiliation. A worker’s political choices also should not be the basis for disciplinary action or termination.

Continued on next page...

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

...Success TwinWest Member Article | Politics in the workplace: How to Control the Chatter Continued from previous page… Additional tips for managing politics in the office include: - Political activities should not disrupt business operations. Consider limiting any discussion that focuses on politics to the lunch hour and other breaks. - Employees should respect a colleague’s views and never attack these political beliefs. - Quickly investigate complaints, focusing only on the behavior and not on the political opinions being expressed.

- Avoid taking an official stance on a particular candidate or political issue. Doing so could alienate customers or employees who do not share the same ideology. Political discussion is likely to take place this election year in workplaces small and large. Employers must support diversity and respect all views, while enforcing policies fairly and equally.

Michelle Beck-Howard is a senior human resources specialist for Insperity (NYSE: NSP), a trusted advisor to America’s best businesses for more than 25 years. Insperity provides an array of human resources and business solutions designed to help improve business performance. For more information, call (800) 465-3800 or visit www.insperity.com.

- Never assume that employees who might support the same candidate also share similar views on all issues. Candidates are weighing in on many volatile issues and voters often do not agree with a political party’s entire platform. - Consider banning political gear in public spaces and for employees who have direct contact with clients and vendors. TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

Profile... State Representative Melissa Hortman, District 47B (DFL) Year Elected: 2004 Term: 4th District: 47B, if elected, new seat will be 36B Contact Information: (651) 296-4280 rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn Legislative Assistant: Mary Faust Home: Brooklyn Park Education: BA, Boston University, JD, University of MN Family: Spouse Mark, two children, one friendly dog Committees/organizations: Taxes, Civil Law, Redistricting What sparked your interest in public service? Being a Girl Scout, we recited the Girl Scout Promise and the Girl Scout Law at every meeting. The Girl Scout Promise requires a girl to try to serve God and her country, and the Girl Scout Law requires that we make the world a better place. What are the biggest issues facing your district and how are you working to address them at the legislature? The north metro has lagged badly behind

the south metro in terms of major highway infrastructure and transit options. Since 2005, we have moved forward by leaps and bounds. Because of the increase in transportation funding in 2008 that I co-authored, Highway 10 has a third lane, the Devil’s Triangle reconstruction is complete and we were in position to use federal funds to extend Highway 610 to County road 81. In addition, my class of new legislators in 2005 brought the votes needed to pass the Northstar Commuter Rail proposal, and Northstar is now operational and serving the north metro area. With these major transportation issues addressed, we are in an excellent position for growth in economic development. What should the Governor and legislature do to help stimulate the economy, support job growth, and increase Minnesota’s economic competitiveness? We must continue to invest in transportation infrastructure so that workers, goods and services can move freely. We must work aggressively to

end the achievement gap and increase the number of college graduates so that the children and young adults of Minnesota are prepared to be productive and successful when they reach adulthood. Continued on next page...

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

Profile... State Representative Melissa Hortman, District 47B (DFL) Continued from previous page…

As it relates to a bonding bill this session, did you support it? Why or why not? I supported the bonding bill mainly because it invested in maintaining and improving our higher education infrastructure. There was also funding for local roads and bridges. Minnesota has one of the lowest debt per capita ratios in the entire country—in order to remain competitive, we must maintain and improve our infrastructure. Failing to support a responsible bonding bill for the state’s assets is like letting the roof or capital equipment of a business deteriorate and failing to replace them. Ultimately, such failures to invest are counterproductive. Given recent problematic state budget deficits and volatile revenue, does the state have a spending problem? A revenue problem? Or both? The state primarily has a revenue problem related to the recession. As incomes fell for individuals and

corporations, the state saw a sharp decline in tax collections. Like any household or business, we must constantly re-evaluate each spending decision to make certain we are getting the best value and that the spending is providing a return on investment. Over time, we have to prune away line items in the budget that no longer provide the taxpayer an adequate return on investment. What advice do you have for the business community as it relates to making an impact on next year’s legislative session? Local chambers of commerce can be either influential drivers of opinion at the Capitol or viewed as a subsidiary of a political party. I encourage you to be independent, thoughtful and nonpartisan. When business leaders have a complaint about state government, legislators are most able to respond with a legislative solution (when necessary) if business leaders can provide timely, specific and detailed information about the problem and the

suggested solution. Any good decision— whether in business or government—has to be based on solid information. I also encourage you to think about ways in which the business community can serve the state as corporate citizens. One example would be to connect with the Minnesota Department of Education and adopt a local school. What is your favorite pastime or leisure activity? Spending time with my children. Link | Rep. Melissa Hortman’s profile

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

2012 TwinWest Golf Classic 27th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic | August 20 Make plans now! Join us for the 27th Annual Golf Classic on August 20 at the Medina Golf and Country Club. This event is a great way to spend the day out of the office networking and enjoying the summer weather. Attend alone and be placed in a foursome to meet new business contacts, or arrange your own group of coworkers, clients, or friends for a fun-filled afternoon on the greens. Members and nonmembers are welcome to participate.

Title Sponsor:

Corporate Sponsors:

TwinWest 27th Annual Golf Classic Monday, August 20, 2012 Medina Golf & Country Club 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start; 4:00 p.m. Par 3 Shotgun Start Corporate and hole sponsorships are available. Contact Victoria Marley at 763.450.2227, or victoria@twinwest.com. To register, contact TwinWest at 763.450.2220. Link | Register online

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2012

Members...

Welcome New Members & Member Orientation Photos All in One Accounting 4120 Lexington Way Eagan, MN 55123 Brian Bagley

Baja Sol 10100 6th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55441 DeeDee Liu

FINANCIAL ADVISORS ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING

RESTAURANTS

AND Law Offices, PLLC 3380 Annapolis Lane, Suite B-200 Plymouth, MN 55446 Amber Koth LEGAL SERVICES

Bay Creek Dental 1495 County Road 101 North, Suite 2 Plymouth, MN 55447 Paul Boettner DDS DENTISTS

Burnet Title 5151 Edina Industrial Boulevard Edina, MN 55439 Diane Scherer

Cornerstone Auto Resource 3901 Vinewood Lane Plymouth, MN 55441 Jiten Trivedi

REAL ESTATECOMMERCIAL & INVESTMENT INSURANCE

AUTOMOBILE DEALERS

DestinationXL 1501 Plymouth Road Minnetonak, MN 55305 Johnna Beckmann

Home Depot - Plymouth 1705 Annapolis Lane Plymouth MN 55441 Travis Longacre RETAIL STORE

Member Orientation sponsor:

RETAIL STORE

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 “It’s All About Relationships”

From left to right: Barry Shiff -Hamernick Decorating Center; Kim Hood - Bay Creek Dental; Chand Noah - Farmers Insurance Group

From left to right: Travis Langacre - Home Depot St. Louis Park; Joessa Austin - Aagesen Chiropractic Clinic; Joe Lucker - Home Depot- Plymouth

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 June 6 or July 11

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

...Members

Renewing Members

25+ Years____________________________ Business & Estate Advisers, Inc. General Office Products Golden Valley Golf and Country Club NAPCO International LLC City of New Hope Wayzata Public Schools 21-25 Years__________________________ Peg’s Countryside Café & Catering The Foursome Fine Apparel and Shoes 16-20 Years__________________________ A.C. Carlson Coldwell Banker Burnet - Wayzata Crystal Shopping Center Hampton Inn Minneapolis-Minnetonka J&F Reddy Rents NAIOP Partnership Resources, Inc. Payroll Control Systems Steven Thal The Beard Group

11-15 Years__________________________ ENTEGEE Engineering Technical Group Hays Companies Randy’s Environmental Services Arlys Stadum 6-10 Years__________________________ All Systems Installation, Inc. Faelon Partners, Ltd. Financial Concepts, Inc. GolfTEC Graham Jewlers Payroll Post LLC Venture Bank Viking Trophies

1-5 Years___________________________ Any Lab Test Now Bachman’s - Plymouth Lawrence Parkhurst, P.A. Metro Dentalcare Midland Family Chiropractic NBS Technologies Nexpro Personnel Services Next Stage Media Open to Business Prairie Sky Tax Service Pro Staff Salon Adagio Synergy Graphics Inc. The Four Firkins Trillium Woods University of Phoenix Venture Bank Wellington Management, Inc. WSB & Associates, Inc. WSI Internet Marketing

Chamber Champions | Thank you to these member for referring a new member to TwinWest: Steve Rush, Holiday Companies; Mike Collins, Cutting Edge Property Maintenance If you know someone whose business would benefit from membership, contact 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—June/July 2012

Snapshots

Link | www.twinwest.com/photos

St. Louis Park Business Council Meeting

Morning Networking at Citizens Independent Bank

May Legislative Breakfast with Tom Hauser

TwinWest Academy TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;June/July 2012

June/July Calendar... Monday, June 4 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. Click here for map.

Wednesday, June 6 DestinationXL Grand Opening | link 6:00—8:00 p.m. DestinationXL, 1501 Plymoluth Road, Minnetonka Investment: No cost to attend Join the TwinWest Ambassadors at DestinationXL for their grand opening. Enjoy shopping, beverages, appetizers, and networking. Click here for a map.

Wednesday, June 6 Member Orientation| link 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend. 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. Click here for map.

Thursday, June 7 St. Louis Park Business Council | link 7:30– 9:00 a.m. City of St. Louis Park Fire State 1 3750 Wooddale Avenue South, 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. For the June 7 meeting, the St. Louis Park Business Council is meeting at the City's new fire station. The group will be offered a tour at the conclusion of the meeting. Click here for map.

Friday, June 8 TwinWest Legislative Breakfast: Political Party Chairs | link 7:30—9:00 a.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis – Park Place, 1500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park Investment: $30 for members. Hear from three top state political party leaders about their take on: the upcoming 2012 elections including the entire legislature, due to redistricting. Will the GOP retain control of both the house and the Senate? Will the DFL regain control of one or both bodies? What are the issues most important to Minnesotans and the business community this year? Panelists include: Ken Martin-DFL Party Chair Pat Shortridge-GOP Party Chair Mark Jenkins-Independence Party Chair Click here for map.

Tuesday, June 12 Plymouth Business Council | link 7:30 a.m.—9:00 a.m. Grainger Industrial Supply, 2450 Annapolis Lane North, 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. For the June 12 meeting, the Plymouth Business Council will be meeting at Grainger Industrial Supply in Plymouth. The group will be offered a tour of the business at the conclusion of the meeting. Click here for map.

Thursday, June 14 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 and ticket, 900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis Investment: $30, includes ticket Please join the TwinWest Emerging Leaders to watch the Philadelphia Phillies 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. Click here for map to Solera.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

...June/July Calendar Monday, June 18 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. Click here for map. Tuesday, June 19 Araya Clean of Minneapolis Ribbon Cutting | link 11::30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Join the TwinWest Ambassadors for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Click here for a map.

Tuesday, June 19 Prospective Member Forum|link 3:30p.m.-4:30p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth If you are thinking about joining TwinWest come to the Perspective Member Forum to discuss the direct benefits TwinWest can have for your company. Current Members are welcome when accompanied by a prospective member. Click here for map

Wednesday, June 20 Government Affairs Committee Meeting | link 7:30—9:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No Cost to Attend. All members welcome

Thursday, June 28 Prosperwell Financial Ribbon Cutting | link 3::30 — 5:30 p.m. Prosperwell Financial, 15600 35th Avenue North, Suite 101, Plymouth

TwinWest’s Government Affairs Committee discusses issues impacting the business community in addition to recommending policies to the TwinWest Board of Directors.

Click here for a map.

Click here for map.

Wednesday, June 20 TwinWest Political Action Committee PACnic 2012 | link 5:30-7:30 p.m. Château at Medicine Lake, 10715 South Shore Drive, Medicine Lake Investment: $100 suggested donation Let’s bring the elections back to the ―good old days‖ when a solid candidate stepped forward and was supported by their fellow community members. Let’s make our campaign dollars create a difference in the outcomes at the State Capitol. Join the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee and the Minnesota Leadership Fund PAC for the 18th annual PACnic.

Join the TwinWest Ambassadors for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Monday, July 2 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. Click here for map.

Thursday, June 21 Crystal/New Hope Business Council Meeting | link 7:30-9:00 a.m. Liberty Diversified International 5600 North Highway 169, New Hope Investment: No Cost to Attend The Crystal/New Hope Business Council is for business and civic leaders who want to have a voice and make an impact on local government and grassroots issues. The Cities of Crystal and New Hope will give an update on city news, development projects, and upcoming events. Click here for map.

Wednesday, July 11 Member Orientation| link 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend. 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. Click here for map.

*Note this is a TwinWest Political Action Committee event. Click here for map.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

...June/July Calendar Thursday, July 12 Posers Photography Ribbon Cutting | link 4:00—5:00 p.m. Posers Photography, 7600 West 27th Street, Suite 235, St. Louis Park Join the TwinWest Ambassadors for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Click here for a map.

Monday, July 16 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.

Tuesday, July 17 Prospective Member Forum|link 3:30p.m.-4:30p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth If you are thinking about joining TwinWest come to the Perspective Member Forum to discuss the direct benefits TwinWest can have for your company. Current Members are welcome when accompanied by a prospective member. Click here for map.

Friday, July 27 Crystal/New Hope Business Council Golf Outing | link 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. New Hope Village Golf Course 8130 Bass Lake Road, New Hope Investment: $50 incl. tax for golf and bbq; $30 incl. tax for bbq only. 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.

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

Click here for map.

Power Partners is a networking program that helps members exchange business leads. Click here for map.

Note on July Events TwinWest’s Business Councils do not hold their regular meetings in July. In addition, the Government Affairs Committee does not meet in July. As a result, the following regular July meetings are not taking place: July 5, St. Louis Park Business Council July 10, Plymouth Business Council July 18, Government Affairs Committee July 19, Crystal/New Hope Business Council

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

Board & Leadership Welcome New Board Members

Seeking Board Nominations

The TwinWest Board of Directors recently filled two vacated Board seats. Congratulations to Todd Brewer, Hoigaard’s, Inc., and Bob Wessel, Payroll Control Systems, on their appointments to the TwinWest Board.

The Board Development Committees of both the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce and the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation are seeking Board of Director nominees. Chamber Board members serve up to two two-year terms beginning October 1. Foundation Board members serve up to two three-year terms beginning October 1. To nominate an individual, or for a copy of the board job description, contact Bruce Nustad at (763) 450-2222 or via e-mail at bruce@twinwest.com. Nominations are due June 15, 2012.

Todd Brewer, Hoigaard’s

Bob Wessel, Payroll Control Systems

[

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—June/July 2012

Board & Leadership TwinWest Board of Directors

TwinWest Staff

Executive Committee Greg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys, Chair Mike Sowada, Data Center Advisors, Chair-elect Dannette Coleman, Medica, Past Chair Nathan Agre, Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs, Treasurer Bruce Nustad, TwinWest, President

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

Directors Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank Todd Brewer, Hoigaard’s, Inc. Gordy Engel, The Foursome Fine Apparel and Shoes Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises Ron Leino, Liberty Carton, Co., an LDI Company Luke Litteken, CenterPoint Energy Pat Mascia, Duke Realty Corp. Lisa McDaniel, Minnwest Bank 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 Bob Wessel, Payroll Control Systems

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—June/July 2012